Malcolm looked at Darion as he mentioned the explosives.<span style="color: Red">You're also still carrying your guns.</span>After Darion finished, the security chief nodded.<span style="color: Red">We'll have patrols through all connected areas. All you have to do is stay on the perimeter, don't interrupt the guests unless you've got a good reason to suspect them of something. You two will be joining a team of 30, most of whom will be situated up here and in the adjacent areas. We'll have constant video surveillance as well. We pick something up, we move on it.</span><br/><br/>Malcolm looked back at Vega, who was speaking with Ashana, nodding and smirking like he always did. He offered one hand to the elevator and the other he lightly placed at the small of the Asari's back. She nodded slightly and followed him into the elevator.<span style="color: Red">Vega will be arranging for personal security as well.</span>He looked back at Firas and Darion.<br/><br/><span style="color: Red">But, we're not going to assume this area to be his only entrance point. Vega suspects the assassin will move on one of two targets. Either him personally, or his closed network data cache. On the 89th floor we've set up a data cache in a conspicuous area. Anyone who hacks, or scans the networks will see it. Obviously, this cache is a decoy. If its accessed the entire wing will go into lock down. Once its locked down, nothing can get in or out. The assassin will be trapped.</span>Malcolm paused, and regarded Firas and Darion.<span style="color: Red">The actual data cache is on the 120th floor. For security reasons I can't tell you where, but it will have two guards fully armed and armored watching it at all times.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: Red">The elevator, can only be operated by Vega or one of a select few of my security staff. During the event, I will be stationed by the elevator. Alright, lets get you boys set up.</span>Malcolm smirked and nodded, giving Firas a smack on his shoulder.<br/><br/><br/>***<br/><br/><br/>The elevator opened and Ashana exited along side Vega. A security officer was standing by the elevator as they exited. The hall was large for personal accommodations. It had a balcony overlooking the entry. There were a few statues and water features.<span style="color: Blue">I'll grab you a drink.</span>Vega said and walked across the entry to a bar, which lit up as he approached.<br/><br/>Ashana let her gaze wander around, admiring the architecture. Everything about it was clean, like Bekenstein. It was so unlike Omega, so much its opposite. She would be naive if she ever thought that the polish was anything more than a facade. Ashana approached one of the statues. It was of a woman, bare above the waist. She looked to be made of water below, flowing into the statues base, emerging from a pool of water that rippled with the turbulence caused by water running down the statues from various places. The woman's hair was like water too, cascading into water behind her. Ashana understood the human's love of their hair. Unlike so many species, it was a tame thing, confined, but could be elegant if loved, and beautiful.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">A water nymph.</span>Vega said, a short distance away. Ashana looked over. He was likewise admiring the statue, two half filled small glasses in his hand.<br/><br/><span style="color: DarkOrchid">Exquisite.</span>Ashana said, crossing her arms.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">I suppose.</span><br/><br/>There was a silence between them for moment. Ashana continued to look at the statue.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">You know, you don't have to keep playing the game.</span>Vega said, looking at her. Ashana turned slowly to look at him.<span style="color: Blue">We both know what each other is. All my... riches and extravagance, my nonchalance... </span>he took  a few steps toward her.<span style="color: Blue">And you, the untouchable... beautiful killer. Calm, reserved. </span>He stood before her, and offered one of the glasses.<span style="color: Blue">Its all bullshit.</span><br/><br/>Ashana looked at him surprised.  She took the glass.<span style="color: Blue">You don't move like a brute, and you don't talk like one. Your friends, they're ex military types - all brooding and bullets, but not you.</span>Ashana took a sip from the glass, entertaining this Antoli's observations of her.<span style="color: Blue">The elegance you carry, the reserve buried under that beauty tells another story.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: DarkOrchid">And what story is that, Mr. Antoli?</span>Ashana asked with a  sly smile.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">Well, I could start with the obvious - your deadly as you are beautiful. You've killed for pleasure and fun, and that your good at it. But you know, I think you're better at something else.</span>Vega took a sip from his glass.<span style="color: Blue">Tomorrow night, during that party, there will be men and women with more money than they probably need. There will be dignitaries, military representatives, government officials... people that are so used to being surrounded by money that its marked them. And I think you'd fit in with them like you were born in their world.</span><br/><br/>Ashana took another sip from her glass, watching Vega closely.<span style="color: Blue">I need someone like you.</span>Ashana raised an eyebrow.<span style="color: Blue">I need someone who can blend into that crowd, who can disappear into their social game.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: DarkOrchid">No...</span>Ashana chuckled and shook her head.<span style="color: DarkOrchid">No, you want a beautiful Asari woman on your arm. And you want me because I'm exquisite in that right.</span><br/><br/>Vega looked at her, his smile gone. Then he smirked and snorted in amusement.<span style="color: Blue">Well yeah, but I'd very much prefer if that beautiful Asari could save my life as well. And that's why you'll be on my arm, pretending to be a consort, or a dignitary - or really whatever you want to be. According to your buddies your a biotic, and I'd believe it. You're not wearing armor, you've only got the one sidearm, so you're confident in you're biotics... Which is also good because you won't have armor or a weapon tomorrow night.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: DarkOrchid">You don't think me walking around naked will attract too much attention?</span>Ashana asked, taking another sip. It was all just playing with words now, dodging and toying with Vega.<br/><br/>Vega smirked again, looking her up and down.<span style="color: Blue">Oh, I think you'll be attracting attention regardless.</span>Vega struck a key on his omni-tool.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">I know you don't want to spend the whole day with boring old me, so I've arranged for a tailor. Get you're evening ware sorted out, and enjoy yourself.</span>Vega turned and started away from her, toward the doors beyond the entry. Behind her, the elevator opened again and a well dressed older human stood waiting. Ashana guessed him to be the tailor.<br/><br/><span style="color: DarkOrchid">And if I'd like to see other parts of Bekenstein while I'm here...?</span>Ashana asked. Vega stopped and looked back at her.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">I'll arrange for a driver. They'll take you anywhere you want to go.</span><br/><br/><br/>***<br/><br/><br/>Cantenelli watched Sorv with a sharp eye.<span style="color: Blue">I'm afraid its not that simple. I would like to trust you and your comrades. I would. I would like to believe that you aren't mindless guns for hire, that you can collaborate and work with us, and that we can come to some mutual understanding. Until then, I'm afraid your gear will remain with us. You can go where you want in the ship, but remember that this ship is full of cameras that will be watching your every step.</span><br/><br/>Cantenelli turned away, then paused and looked back at Sorv.<span style="color: Blue">I will inform your crew that you're in better health. But I cannot permit you to speak with them. Not yet.</span>Cantenelli nodded for Sorv to leave.<br/><br/>Falkris stepped forward, and stopped Sorv.<span style="color: Red">My name is Falkris.</span>He introduced himself, speaking quietly despite the perpetual fire in his eyes.<span style="color: Red">I understand your concern, a prisoner as you are... for now, though, relax. We're trying to understand our options. I don't believe you or you're... <i>friends</i> pose any real threat to us. But I have been wrong before. Play nice. Speak with what little crew remains on our ship. If we have reason to abandon you and your other crew, then I will try to make sure you're escorted safely from the ship.</span>Falkris nodded to him then then motioned to the elevator.<br/><br/><br/>***<br/><br/><br/>Taseer looked at Kala and shook her head at first in amusement, then in answer to her question.<span style="color: Navy">No... I'm going to need to convince the captain to either dry dock us, or let us go down to the surface and shuttle up the components that we need. Hit the showers and relax.</span>Taseer sighed.<span style="color: Navy"> I'll be up to the crew quarters in a bit. I'll see if Mickey wants to start a card game or... something. I get the feeling we're going to be doing a lot of sitting around and waiting.</span>Taseer stared at the damage report screen and muttered,<span style="color: Navy">Stubborn old bastard...</span><br/><br/>Taseer kept running through the reports, reacquainting herself with the problems she had wanted to see fixed some time ago. It wasn't long before she closed the reports and let out a long sigh of frustration. It was pointless to even bother trying to figure out a controlled way of managing repairs. At least they had manged to get the thermal plates replaced on Illium - that would keep them flying for a while, but the rest of it... Taseer shook her head and headed for the showers.<br/><br/>The elevator opened on the crew deck and Taseer crossed to the semi-circular room that had previously held the crew's personal affects and clean uniforms. She had checked the area previously, but as expected, everything that had been stored in the small lockers was missing. Now though, she was looking for clothes, or at the very least a towel. Towels remained, but the eclipse uniforms were gone. If nothing else, the ship's lack of spare clothing would give her more leverage to get a shore party together for supplies. Taseer unzipped her uniform and stepped out of it, peeling it away from her sweat soaked skin in several tight fitting places. She dropped the engineer's uniform on the bench and exited the room, walking naked past the elevator and entering the showers.<br/><br/>As the door opened, Taseer saw Kala there already, hot water running over her. Taseer smirked to herself at the Human woman as she entered and activated the shower head next to Kala, standing under the downpour and closing her eyes, letting the water wash over her face and down her sturdy, strong body.<br/><br/><span style="color: Navy">Turian military ships don't have the same privacy sentiments that Human ships do.</span>She said and spat out some water. No dividers in the showers, and no gender separation. It didn't bother Taseer much. She had been raised around vulgarity, hanging out and learning from engineers on ship docks.<br/><br/><span style="color: Navy">I hope you've got an extra set of clothes. The ship apparently wasn't restocked with fresh clothing either. There's towels in room just opposite the elevator though, thank the goddess.</span>She said, giving Kala a side long look.<br/><br/>Taseer ran her hands across her skin, ridding it of the sweat. She tried to be thorough. Half assing a shower when she had to wear tight clothing constantly didn't often work out well. Once she was satisfied, she turned off the shower and crossed back across to the room in front of the elevator where can got a towels from the transparent bench  and dried herself, then wrapped it around herself. It had always seemed like an asinine design flaw to put the storage for the towels and uniforms so far from the shower, though it did keep them dry she supposed. Like so many other things that disappeared along with the old engineering crew, the dry-cases that could be mounted on the walls of the shower to keep the towels in had been taken too. Like all of the extraneous things in the ship at the time, they had been removed to make the overhaul easier.<br/><br/>She walked to the wall and pushed the comm.<span style="color: Navy">Captain, we need to have a talk about certain supplies that we need in order to continue operating this vessel.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">Later.</span>Cantenelli's voice responded.<br/><br/><span style="color: Navy">Alright. Mickey, we can't do any of this without said supplies so come down here and help us stave off boredom. I'll bring the cards.</span><br/><br/><br/>***<br/><br/><br/>Ashana trailed her fingers across the surface of the water. She breathed in the steam, the moisture and closed her eyes. She sat on the edge of the bathtub, enjoying the calm of it. She stood and undid the robe's soft silken belt about her waist and the fluffy white robe fell loosely open, revealing her naked blue skin beneath. She shrugged off the robe and delicately lifted a leg over the bathtub's side, submerging it in the warm water. Ashana let out a soft sigh as she lowered herself in, feeling the water cover her legs, her waist and belly, to lightly slosh against her breasts.<br/><br/>Ashana reclined in the tub and closed her eyes. It felt like years since she had a warm bath. She lay in the tub for several minutes, letting its warm waters embrace her and loosen the tension that had been building since she had left her little apartment on Omega not so long ago. If there was a paradise after death, Ashana imagined it would be much like that warm water.<br/><br/>She opened her eyes and looked left, out the panoramic window, to the oranges and purples of Bekenstein's setting sun. She smiled. For so many years she had wanted more than anything to see a star set upon a blue ocean.  Of all the vids she had watched of all the many planets and systems, nothing compared to seeing the event with her own eyes.<br/><br/>She smiled and settled deeper into the tub, until the water lapped at her neck. The threw a cursory glance to the left and the rest of the suite, a bed wide enough for three, and the black and silver dress laying neatly on its - all satin and silk. The tailor had done her job well. It felt like every inch of her had been measured. She had smirked during the process, being reminded of how many times so many others had, or had wanted to examine her so thoroughly.<br/><br/>She had turned many heads as she wandered the streets and shops of the city nearest Vega's tower. Other species weren't very common on Bekenstein, she noticed. It was called a Human industrial planet, but she had somehow expected that there would still be a certain amalgam of life, like she had seen everywhere else. The thought meant little to her as she explored. In that place she was something exotic, even among what other Asari she saw. She enjoyed the attention, the strange eyes exploring her. Then Vega offered to buy her a suite at any hotel she could find.<br/><br/>Ashana cupped her hands beneath the warm water and poured the clean water down over her head. It felt so good to be removed from it all; from Vega, from the ship, or Firas or Darion, from a crooked Omega smuggler... Ashana took a deep breathe, savoring the ambient aroma of the suite and the scented water. Somewhere along the adventure she had gotten herself caught up in, it had all stopped being fun. She had forgotten why she got into this business in the first place - the thrill, the excitement. Ashana stared up a the ceiling and the waving lines of light rippling across it from the sunset reflecting from her bathwater.<br/><br/>She thought back on her days as a dancer, the feeling it inspired, the stirring in her stomach... and other places. The sex that followed. It had been fun. She reveled in her ability to manipulate her partners, to play on their every wanton desire. She felt a warmth in her loins as she thought about it.<br/><br/>Then there had been the kill... that first kill. She smirked as she thought back on it. She was so terrible at it then. She remembered the entire thing. From the Turian watching her dance in Afterlife, the one that had given all the right signs. Ashana was planning on drawing him in to propositioning her... and he had - he just didn't want her to sleep with him. It had seemed so dangerous and unknown what he asked of her. It had been so exciting. She remembered the Krogan gang lord. She remembered the other two Asari whores, and the human girl too. they had all screamed when, right in the middle of their fun Ashana had grabbed a discarded gun from the Krogan's clothes, and the fight that ensued when she missed - then the lucky shot, almost by accident as she was tumbling across the floor. The round had hit the Krogan squarely in the eye... then the guards burst in. They were dumbstruck by the scene. Four naked women, all wet and sweaty, and their dear Krogan boss dead in a heap of blood. Goddess what a mess that turned into...<br/><br/>But it had been fun. It had always been fun. The game was so exciting... the hunt, the way she learned to move - even how to direct the passions to place her in a position where she could make the kill... She had even shoved a man's face between her thighs before, just to unhinge his nerves, to throw him off guard and create an opening for her.<br/><br/>Ashana blinked. It had stopped being fun. She had never been in a gunfight, not a real one. Not like the warehouse. When the rocket exploded, she thought she was dead. Then Ren Kalga back stabbed them, short ended their deal... threatened them.. and she couldn't escape. She couldn't disappear into Omega anymore. Then came Shadow Brokers and assassins and pirates...<br/><br/>The Asari stared at the ceiling. She wished that she had never taken Kalga's offer. She could have found her way onto some other ship some other time - as a stow away even. All she had to do when discovered was fuck the captain a few times a week and she'd be safe. But she never did. She had romanticized the idea of leaving Omega for decades, dreaming of it, imagining voyages across the glittering stars, seeing exotic places, knowing the universe that had only been a window to her before. And that's what happened, but it had all become hollow. When they escaped Omega, it was exciting then, but every second felt like a battle after that. They were assaulted on all sides every waking moment... and Ashana was tired.<br/><br/>She stared out over the sunset again for what felt like hours, until the light had faded and the orange and purple sky became a fading blue. Ashana closed her eyes and sighed. Right now, it was just her and the water. And after that, she would sleep in silk sheets - sleep, like she hadn't in an eternity.<br/><br/><br/>**<br/>***<br/>****<br/>***<br/>**<br/><br/><br/>Ashana sat across from Vega, watching him. The Human rested his half full glass of amber alcohol on the arm of his chair while he watched the sun setting outside. The view wasn't as enjoyable as it had been the previous evening. The tension unwound the beauty of the scene. Ashana watched Vega closely.  His smirk was gone, and his nonchalant, relaxed demeanor with it. Even in the multi-million credit suit, his unease was clear. He stared at the sunset, lifting the glass to his lips once more and drinking down a measure.<br/><br/><span style="color: DarkOrchid">Its possible nothing will happen.</span>She said, making a hollow effort to calm his nerves.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">Well...</span>He said and the shadow of smirk crossed his lips as he lowered the glass back onto the chair's arm.<span style="color: Blue">If that's the case I'll just have to keep you around until it does.</span><br/><br/>Ashana smiled slightly.<span style="color: DarkOrchid">Well, Mr. Antoli, I'm afraid that even if our mutual interest doesn't arrive, I'll still be leaving after this part of yours.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">I don't suppose copious amounts of credits would convince you otherwise.</span>Vega joked, then looked back out the window. Ashana smiled slightly again, and looked down at her exposed leg.<br/><br/>After a long silence she spoke again.<span style="color: DarkOrchid">There's no need to worry. Firas and Darion are well trained. Between them and your security team, you don't have any reason to worry about your safety. If whoever this is does get close enough, I' make short work of them.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">I have no doubt of that.</span>Vega grinned and looked at her, sitting across from him, her legs crossed.<br/><br/><span style="color: Red">Security 1 to all positions, communications check.</span>Malcolm, the security chief's voice sounded over the tiny receiver in Ashana's ear. One by one the security team members all confirmed their comms. Ashana heard the reverb of Firas' voice among the responses, as well as Darion's.<br/><br/><span style="color: DarkOrchid">Ashana, loud and clear.</span>She responded once the security men were done.<br/><br/>Across from her Vega responded after her.<span style="color: Blue">Vega, I'm all good. How long till we expect our first arrivals?</span><br/><br/><span style="color: Red">1 hour, 20 minutes.</span><br/><br/>Vega didn't respond, just continued looking out the window. There was a diligence to his stare that Ashana had observed. It wasn't blank, but focused, resolute. Over the hours she had spent with the man, walking the party areas, examining his personal quarters, as well as the decoy data cache, she had watched his attitude change. He wasn't afraid like she had expected in someone like him. There was an element to him that she couldn't quite put her finger on, some part of this game that concerned him more than it should, and Ashana was no longer confident that it was his survival that he was concerned about.<br/><br/><br/>***<br/><br/><br/>The elevator opened and Cantenelli looked up from the holographic overlay of Vega's tower. He looked at Sorv as he exited the elevator along side Taseer and Kala. He regarded the Quarian for a moment before speaking up. Falkris' eyes lingered on Kala for a moment before returning to the hologram.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">The operation is about to begin. You've been... civil enough. If you'd like you can stay here while events unfold.</span>Vega nodded. Falkris stood beside him, watching the hologram closely. It was a real time feed with only 15 seconds delay being transmitted to the ship from Vega Tower's security net.<span style="color: Blue">As for the rest of you, for the time being we are on high alert. I'd rather we all be here and aware of the situation if something should happen.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: Red">This is Vega Tower to Sunspot. We have the first guest on arrival. Do you receive?</span>Malcolm's voice sounded over the bridge's comms.<br/><br/><span style="color: Cyan">This is Sunspot, receiving you.</span>Mickey responded from the cockpit. A moment later the little holographic sky-limo appeared on the edge of the display.<span style="color: Cyan">We have the first guest on approach.</span><br/><br/>Taseer watched the hologram and crossed her arms. After someone on the surface had managed to get Cantenelli to agree to assisting in the operation, the tension had been building. All day they had been establishing connections to Vega's security net and recalibrating the ship's sensors. Their job, as Taseer understood it, was to swoop in in case the assassin became assassins and brought gunships or other heavy weapons platforms into the fight. If they did, Then Kala would be getting to see what happens when the Acheron opened up on a target. Taseer hoped they would show.<br/><br/><br/>***<br/><br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">Ready?</span>Vega asked, looking across at Ashana in the elevator. She smirked. Vega nodded and smirked as well.<span style="color: Blue">Good.</span><br/><br/>The elevator opened and the melodies of the elevator were overtaken by the sound of dozens of voices all talking and laughing. Vega exited the elevator, and Ashana followed a few steps behind, her tailored, black evening dress accentuating her figure, hugging to her curves. The skirt fell just below her knees, but was split up to her left thigh, exposing one of her shapely legs. The cut at her bosom was low, exposing yet more of her silken blue skin. being sure to allow him to take center stage.<br/><br/>A server appeared from the crowd with a half full glass of amber liquid in it and gave it to Vega, who took it then raised his hand. A few moment passed as the voices all quieted down and the many faces and well dressed guests all turned and stood, giving their attention to Vega.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">For everyone that has been to one of these events in previous years, thank you for your business, and welcome back. It's a pleasure to see you again. For everyone new this year, welcome and thank you for generously accepting our invitation.</span>He paused.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">first I'd like to apologize for the change of scheduling. I understand that it was sudden, and I again apologize if its inconvenienced any other obligations you may have had... but what we do isn't always convenient.</span>Vega looked across the crowd seriously.<span style="color: Blue">In fact what we do isn't always pleasant. We are a group defined not by pleasure or leisure... we are defined by necessity; the necessity that we must face because we live in an imperfect universe. I work in an industry that I can truthfully say I hope doesn't exist in the future. I want to see a future where weapons of war are no longer needed. Where we can all sleep a easier.</span><br/><span style="color: Blue">But until that day comes... We will stand ready to fight off the coming darkness. So, here's to you.</span>He lifted his glass.<span style="color: Blue">Protectors of the Galaxy, and to your faithful vigil. We are forever in your debt.</span>Numerous other glasses raised as murmurs of agreement sounded and the room drank to the toast. Applause filled the room for a moment afterwards and Vega smiled.<span style="color: Blue">Enjoy the night.</span><br/><br/>Ashana joined in the applause then joined Vega,  draping her arm around his.<span style="color: DarkOrchid">Not bad.</span>She said to him, smiling and nodding to a Turian ambassador who was eying her. She was all smiles and nods, pleasant and appealing in every way, just as she was expected to be. The people in that party hall all knew one another as business, but Ashana was a thing of pleasure to their eyes, and she had to maintain that role - to be nothing more than a beautiful face and object of desire.<br/><br/>She watched the crowd, looking at every face as it came and went, laughing at jokes being told to her and Vega, entertaining the talk, and graciously accepting compliments. Vega did what he did. He played the room, chatting here and there, directing conversation toward financially beneficial topics. They were all here drinking wine and champagne, talking and laughing, but they were all of them after just one thing - cheaper merchandise.  The minutes passed as they talked and laughed with one guest after another, with discussion occasionally going straight to business while Vega explained his payment models and renting costs. There was a formality in the room that Ashana hadn't been too familiar with before. On Omega is was relaxed demeanor and veiled threats. Here, it was all smiles. The threats were buried in the twinkle in the eye, or a turn of the head. Ashana had never been in a room where the game was played by so many so well.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">Ashana, I'd like for you to meet Donovan Hock.</span>Vega introduced her to a man with short cut black hair, a hook nose and trimmed facial hair.<br/><br/>Ashana smiled broadly and offered her hand, which Donovan took and applied a light kiss to.<span style="color: DarkOrchid">A pleasure, Mr. Hock.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: DarkOrange">The pleasure is mine.</span>Donovan replied in a thick accent that was unfamiliar to Ashana. He lacked the eloquence of many of the other guests.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">Donovan is a dealer that we've contracted with on a few occasions. Quite successful, I might add.</span>Vega explained to her.<br/><br/><span style="color: DarkOrchid">Oh? What agencies and governments do you contract for, Mr. Hock?</span>Ashana asked with feigned interest.<br/><br/><span style="color: DarkOrange">None. I am independent, and so is my operation. I am a little surprised at your speech, Vega.</span>He said, turning his attention to Vega.<br/><br/>Vega smirked.<span style="color: Blue">Pure sentiment, of course...</span>Vega continued talking, but Ashana directed her attention back into the crowd, watching the faces, studying them while wearing a veil of interest.<br/><br/>She looked through the various races. It was a diverse crowd, to Vega's credit. Most of them seemed in place, here to socialize. From her position in the center of the crowd she couldn't see the outlying edges - who was keeping to the outskirts, examining the security. Though, one of the men in the crowd... a Batarian, seemed ever so slightly agitated. His four eyes darted to the balcony and the few visible security guards in black suits whenever he wasn't being looked at by his company. She glanced at Vega and Donovan who looked engaged in their conversation then turned her head slightly and muttered, activating her comm to the rest of the security.<span style="color: DarkOrchid">Twelve feet to my right... Batarian in green.</span>An older man, Human, with a frosting of grey hair looked up and saw her looking in his direction. She locked eyes with him and smiled, not willing to betray her true target.<br/><br/>The man excused himself from his company and approached Ashana and Vega. He cleared his throat prompting Vega dna Donovan to pause their conversation. Donovan looked annoyed, but Vega was as accommodating as ever.<span style="color: SeaGreen">Vega, I simply must steal away your enchanting company for a moment.</span><br/><br/>Vega glanced at Ashana, who returned his glance. They both knew that separating may be unwise, but for appearances his guests request must be entertained.<span style="color: Blue">Oh, of course. But don't keep her too long.</span>He said with a point, grin and wink.<br/><br/><span style="color: SeaGreen">Oh she'll be drawing the spotlight back to you before you know it.</span>The older man laughed and Vega chuckled and nodded, turning back to Donovan.<span style="color: SeaGreen">I can't abide all these people around. There's a seat just over there, if that's alright.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: DarkOrchid">Oh, of course.</span>Ashana said with a smile and draped her arm through his. As they were walking she looked up to the security guard nearest the balcony ahead of her. She gave them a meaningful look and slight gesture to Vega behind her.<br/><br/>As they exited the center of the room with all the guests on the floor, Ashana got a good look at the perimeter she was now entering. There were a few stragglers alone, watching the crowd and enjoying a drink, and a few standing away from the others talking privately.<br/><br/>Ashana joined the man on a black reclined sofa near the large window looking out over the gardens and industrial complex beyond. The men introduced himself as a colonel for the alliance. She entertained his panderings with smiles and nods, crossing her right leg over her left so that even more of her legs were exposed. She leaned to expose a little more of her cleavage. She kept her eyes on him, smirking, laughing and nodding as needed, but her focus remained on her peripherals, watching for sudden moves or lone guest trying to disappear down hallways.<br/><br/>All that she could do was play her part and wait.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>