The security guard behind the force field window looked to John, who in turn shrugged when he too noticed the scanner going a bit nuts.  "It's your call, Spectre."<br/><br/>"Let her pass, I trust her."  John replied, smiling in Michelle's direction as the door was opened before them so everyone could pass through without incident.  Shakar wouldn't get the time of day from John, feeling the same unease that Michelle and the others surely got off of her.  The hallway had a couple of different side doors and elevators before them, and also a transport terminal for the use of visiting tourists and the like, the sky ways available for those that didn't wish to work all over the Citadel.  The guard behind the station nodded for them to proceed as a couple of Turians held out a small bundle of electronic credit chits for the diplomats to use as they saw fit.  "Don't lose those.  If you want to open an account, you may as we pass by the Financial District on our way out of the Tower, but we might need to hurry along since the Council is expecting us."  John said, leading the way through the Presidium after another elevator ride down through C-Sec, walking through the park like enclosure that was the Presidium, and then another ride up to the top of the Citadel Tower.  The meeting place still held its old charm, but it had a few more seats available for the representatives that held court in these hallowed halls.<br/><br/>http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090823204536/masseffect/images/4/46/CitadelCouncilChambers.png (http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090823204536/masseffect/images/4/46/CitadelCouncilChambers.png)<br/><br/>The walk up the stairs was slow going, but John enjoyed the view all the same as diplomats from other races and planets as well as men and women from the Alliance Military hustled about, taking care of business of varying importance.  One such commander approached John and saluted him before heading on, heading back down to the Presidium where they had just come from.<br/><br/>http://www.supercheats.com/guides/files/guid/mass-effect/m2-citadelcouncil.jpg (http://www.supercheats.com/guides/files/guid/mass-effect/m2-citadelcouncil.jpg)  (The three I'll be NPCing the most.)<br/><br/>The Asari Matriarch spoke up first, flanked by a Salarian and a Turian, John could never remember their names even though they were the true voice behind the seventeen Council members that stood behind them.  Elcor, Hanar, Drell, human, Krogan even, they were all here.  "Zarathel, we see your mission was a success.  It is good to see you home.  It seems we might have a bigger crowd than was officially anticipated.  We have your reports and the reports of the crew, you have done well bringing them safely here.  Welcome, one and all to the Citadel and to the meeting we called of our galactic neighbors."<br/><br/>"Thank you, it is good to be back.  Other than a few issues with the local Vorcha and attacks by Blood Pack mercs, we got here without any problems from Omega."  John replied, knowing they knew all this already, but it was necessary all the same in case questions came up later.<br/><br/>The Turian spoke next, always being the military arm of the Council since it had been founded.  "Yes, it's unfortunate you couldn't have prevented an attack in the first place, but you handled yourself well, as did your companions if these reports are to be believed.  Diplomat Avelo, was it?  How can it be you are still alive after suffering a shot to the head?  Anyone else would not be here if such a wound was given to them."<br/><br/>"What I want to know is, just how powerful you are Empress Michelle of the Atlantican Empire.  Your ability, whatever it is, is on par with some of our most powerful L5 biotics, perhaps more so."  The Salarian asked/commented next, being ever curious since most Salarians were always either scientists or part of the Salarian Special Task Group, assassins and spies of the most lethal caliber.  "Before we get this meeting underway officially, I wish to learn more if I can of your abilities, nothing more nothing less."<br/><br/>"There will be plenty of time for all of your questions later, for now, let us proceed with what we have set out to do."  The Matriarch interrupted, smiling despite the slow start.  Hover chairs had been brought in for the party to use as they wished, and the three heads of the current government nodded as one before opening the floor to the ones before them.  "Let us start with what you hope to gain and tell us about your homes so we can get a better understanding of what we might be able to accomplish together, if we can reach an understanding before these meetings are over."<br/><br/>((Still need Ironwolf yet and Idachan.  Ironwolf, no divinity crap please lol.  They don't buy that kind of thing, even if you and yours do.  Ok, shall we skim through this or do the whole meeting?))