<div align="center">(https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210128/2dbbbdb83f81e86eb7c97538c683a9ea.png)</div><br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/1er8pWl.jpg)</div>Standing this high up within the Presidium Tower, even the buzz of commuter cars and the population of thirteen million failed to penetrate the walls and irritate the ears within. But the constant flow and agitation of life could still be seen moving below, streaks of color reminiscent of insects in a swarm. The turian councilor Laiel Sparatus (https://imgur.com/unTX8vd) stood with a nagging impatience in his chest, yet his outer countenance reflected back to him with placidity and calm.<br/><br/>Both hands were folded behind his back, a habitual ‘parade rest’ he picked up while serving his time as Fleet Admiral with the Turian Hierarchy. In private, he allowed a finger to tap against the belly of his wrist before it was quickly stilled into submission. A few seconds of leaked frustration before all evidence was buried once again.<br/><br/>They would be arriving soon. Every individual out of the crew consisting of thirty-one have been briefed on their mission, but only this small fraction gathering here, now, would be informed on its true purpose. After time and deliberation, he and the rest of the council put together their list of who that should be. Those on that list were currently being escorted by representatives to these very chambers, where Laiel would take no joy in expressing the severity of their situation and its urgency.<br/><br/>But there is always a crisis in some form or another, isn't there? It's just wise to keep those instances secret so that everyone else might continue on with their lives, feeling as if everything was safe and in control.<br/><br/>The councilor, Penin, would have been a better fit for this role of the informer. It was unfortunate that the Salarian was needed elsewhere in order to oversee the last minute details regarding the preparations of the ship. No military cruiser bearing the markings of a Council species was permitted in the Terminus systems, but a research and exploration vessel could pass with little political consequence. The<em>Kalanhai</em>had only recently finished with its retrofits and was adapted to suit their needs for success. It was probably best for everyone if the reason<em>why</em>such a vessel was put together in such a short amount of time was never asked.<br/><br/>Laiel turned away from his reflection to face the room. It’s plush furnishings and ambient lighting could easily make one forget that they were floating in the middle of space, only meters away from a cold vacuum. Parties were hosted here, sometimes assassinations, but for today’s purpose, it would have to act as a conference room to ensure the security of the message he needed to deliver.<br/><br/>If he had more time, the turian would have happily crossed over to the bar and poured himself a stiff drink. But already the chamber doors were opening, and those asked to join this private audience were lead inside by their escort.<br/><br/>“Take a seat,” came the turian’s instruction, nodding his head in greeting to everyone as they filed in. “We'll begin soon.”<br/>