Jupiter Brains All Over The Wall

Sorry for the wait. New job new stress.

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Kenn' Haal walked through the ward where he could purchase the convertors and tried to be more confident than he felt. It was strange being surrounded by living beings when he had been surrounded by synthetics for more than a week. It did not feel like the Centurions were judging him against the past of this race, unlike those in Citadel Space. He just needed to remember to keep his head down figuratively speaking and he would be alright. Quickly he made his way through the throngs of people and jogged down the final steps to the level he needed to be. The used transport depot was staffed by volus and he felt a little better.

“Good day, sir.” he greeted the first volus that noticed him. “I was the one who called about the convertors for an Ariedes V-25.”

The volus studied him but made no disparaging remarks since the convertors were not cheap and he had not tried to haggle the price down. To the volus that meant that Kenn was not going back to the Flotilla or that he was purchasing for someone else.

“Ah yes would.” the volus replied and punched in the order into the terminal in front of him. “Would you like delivered to your ship or will you have someone come to collect it?”

“Delivered please.” he answered smoothly. “To Matisuri Ward Dock 32, the Kobol.”

“Very good sir. Your purchase will arrive in one standard hour.”

Kenn nodded and finished the transaction with a few presses from his omni-tool. “I'll be there.”

“Have a pleasant day, sir.”

Kenn nodded and left the store making his way to the shuttle that would take him across the citadel to the dock where Morinth had leased the dock for the Kobol while they were on the station. It wasn't far from the hotel's area of the Presidium but as it was in the Wards it was much cheaper. His plan was to get there early and secure the Centurions on board and explain to them what was going to happen with the convertors he was buying. Then they would be out of sight for the delivery just in case the people delivering the product were jumpy. If he timed it right he would be back after Morinth had left for the day with the human male she brought back with her.

Layla had told him what Morinth was and how she operated. She also made it clear that the asari wouldn't give in to her baser instincts while in their company. That begged the question if asari could feel pleasure without “merging” with their chosen mate. If she cold then that would leave him in the clear for helping her dispose of the body. He shuddered at the thought of what Layla would do to Morinth if that happened.

The Kobol was tiny against the backdrop of the Citadel but he didn't mind it too much. His pace was leisurely as he made his way through the docks to the airtight gangway that led to the ship. He keyed in the password for the gangway and stepped inside. In hindsight he should have listened for the doors to close on the outer seal before opening the inner seals into the ship.

Something hard hit Kenn across his shoulders and he stumbled. Because of his helmet he did not see a massive, booted foot kick him on his side. The force of the hit caused him to slam into the wall and he tried to regain his breath and his footing.

“Your friend should learn not to bad mouth about people better than her.” a deep flanging voice hissed and he hit Kenn's helmet again.

The force of the impact made Kenn's forehead hit the visor and he saw sparks.

“Help.” He groaned into his helmet's comm hoping that someone, anyone could hear him. He barely heard the metal on metal sound of the Centurion's as they came to investigate the call from the quarian.

“Nice mechs,” another voice sounded off to his right. “Aria might like them as an “apology” gift.”

He could hear the Centurion's optics scan the turians beating him and then there was gunshots and groans as his assailants were struck by slugs from bleeding edge technology weapons. One of the Centurion's grabbed him by the shoulders and hauled him to his feet. Luckily for him none of the seals in his suit was broken and his helmet hadn't been cracked. The Centurion did not let him go.

“I think I can stand on my own.” he replied softly. “Thank you.”

He looked down at the two dead turians and then back to the Centurions. Blue blood was seeping onto the gangway deck and Kenn backed away from the spreading pool.

“Oh Keelah, what are we going to do with them?”

There was the sound booted feet running and Kenn froze. What would he say to the beings coming to investigate? The truth would probably work best Kenn could lie if he tried. Two humans in C-Sec gear appeared. They looked down at the turians and then at him and the Centurions.

“What happened here?” one of them asked.

Kenn's voice shook. “They tried to jump me but my employers mechs shot them before they could break through my suit.”

The officers came closer to the bodies and the silent one narrowed his eyes. “I recognize these two. Scum, both of them.”

“Who do you work for and where are they?”

“Her name is Layla Sextus and she was supposed to meet with Ambassador Udina this morning.” Kenn kept to the truth.

The officer who spoke first stepped away from the scene with his fingers to his head set. He was rapidly spouting off codes that Kenn didn't know. The other officer glanced over at his partner and then back to Kenn.

“We'll have someone go over the security footage. Did they say anything to you?”

“Um...'Your friend should learn not to bad mouth people better than her.' Is what I remember.” he replied.

The officer thought for a moment and then first officer came back into the group. “The station is already pulling footage and forensics will be here momentarily.” he turned to Kenn. “Sir, you'll have to come with us just in case their friends try and repay you.”

“I have a shipment of parts that I have to sign for,” Kenn replied sulkily. “In a few minutes.”

“This is a crime scene, sir and no one can enter a crime scene.”the officer replied. “You'll have to reschedule the delivery for another time. Now come along sir.”

Kenn hunched his shoulders in defeat and sealed the airlock of the Kobol as he followed the C-Sec officers out of the docks and to their station a few meters away. Some people stared at him as she walked between him and he felt the slow tendril of shame coil in his body. Layla would probably understand what had happened and be rightfully mad at the people who did it. But who did she piss off and what did she say? He could vaguely remembering hearing one of the turians say a name but he couldn't quite tap it in. The officers kept quiet and only nodded a greeting to the officers that were on duty at the C-Sec office.

Thankfully they didn't place him in a holding cell but sat him in an interrogation room until Layla could retrieve him. He was still equipped with his omni-tool and dutifully changed the delivery to the next day and started playing a free to play extranet game. Time past quickly and when the doors opened to reveal a relieved looking Layla who came over and hugged him against her taller frame he returned the hug. The blonde haired Cylon pulled away but kept her hands on his shoulders. They barely registered the C-Sec officer behind her.

“Are you okay? Do you need to go see a doctor?” she asked.

Kenn patted her hands and slid out from them. “No, I'm fine. A little bruised but fine. They didn't break any of the seals.”

“There's one good thing. I've already talked to C-Sec and they're investigating the assault. I'm so sorry that this has happened to you.” Layla replied turned towards the door and the C-Sec. “You tell me as soon-”

“Of course ma'am.” the officer replied and stepped out of their way as they left the room and walked out of the station.

Morinth was waiting by a car and nodded when she saw him. They got into the car and did not speak until it was underway. “I've already talked to Donovan Hock to see what kind of pull Aria has and its fairly large.”

“I thought I heard one of the men mention Aria but I wasn't sure.”

“She's getting to be annoying.” Layla growled. “Do you think she'll try it again?”
Morinth snorted. “I doubt she even knew about it. Probably some lackey of hers trying to keep her honor.” she turned to Layla. “I forgot to tell you that we've been invited to a party at Donovan's estate on Bekenstein in a couple of days.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, it should interesting.” Morinth smiled. “We'll be staying at his compound for a few days.”

“I doubt I'll be able to stay.” Layla said succinctly. Until C-Sec found out who attacked Kenn or who ordered it she didn't trust the man Morinth had ensnared into her bed. For all she knew Donovan ordered the assault to push Morinth into doing something. She saw Morinth frown in the reflection of the glass.

“Just enjoy yourself for a little bit Layla, please?” Morinth sighed. “Your all business attitude is going to rub off on Kenn and I.”

Layla thought for a moment and looked to Kenn and then back to Morinth. “Is Kenn invited too?”

Morinth's brow furrowed. “I should hope so. What do you say, Kenn?”

The Quarian shook his head. “No, I-I wouldn't want to intrude on Mr. Hock's hospitality.”

“Well if you won't come with us I will make you a few spa appointments and you can have the run of the suite until Layla and I return.” Morinth replied with a smile. “You shall be pampered without any fear of infection and injury, I promise.”

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Anderson did not get back to her by the time Morinth and Donovan wee ready to leave the Citadel and head to a small planet in the Nebula called Bekenstein. Bekenstein looked like Caprica on steroids. Tall city-scapes littered the globe and sun that it orbited reflected in the silvery windows like facets on jewels. In front of her sat Morinth and Hock and behind her sat mercs in black and white armor. She had packed light, enough for a few days, including one of the dresses that Morinth picked out for the party.

She had been polite to Donovan when he spoke to her and took his condolences on Kenn's attack at face value...in front of Morinth. The fact that Morinth hadn't killed him spoke of something changing in Morinth.


Hock's estate was set into a ridge over one of the larger lakes and Layla bet that his compound extended into the ridge. They landed at what she could assume was the entrance and four men in matching livery came out with a handful of guards to greet them. One of the men took her bag and helped her out of the shuttle.

Hock nodded at her. “Jonathan will escort you to your room, It has a wonderful view of the lake and the city. The rest of the guests will be arriving for the party in a couple of hours. Please get some rest and I shall see you there.”

“Thank you.” Layla replied and waved Jonathan to get moving.

The man nodded and silently led her away from Morinth and Donovan and into the sleek abode. The way to her room was winding but the view from her room was fantastic. She slowly made her way onto the balcony while Jonathan hung her outfits up in a closet and put her toiletries in the en-suite bathroom. Her eyes closed and she felt the touch of a familiar hand rest on her shoulder. It squeezed lightly as she opened her eyes to see if it was really who she thought it was.

A crooked smile that caused shivers to run through her in anticipation. Blonde hair, dirtier than her platinum but lighter than her sisters' honey locks. Her second soul stood next to her in a pair of cargo pants and blue shirt and his feet were bare. From far away she heard the door shut indicating that Jonathan had left her to her own devices Something kept her from speaking, as if breaking the silence would dissipate the illusion next to her. He leaned forward and she could feel his breath on her cheek. Her chest hitched as a second hand slid over her stomach and settled over her belly button. The heat made her melt and she leaned into the touch. 

Suddenly the touches and heat was gone and she was alone, looking off onto the view. She took a breath and then another and checked the time. In what felt like only a few moments had really been a lot longer and her time limit for solitude had passed. Her changing felt like a ritual, her hands rearranging her dress just so as it fell over her curves pining her hair at a certain angle.

An alarmed sounded at her door and she opened it. The first thing she noticed was the familiar blue lipped smirk of her companion and the deep V of her black dress. It was slinky and shiny and hugged the asari like decadence to sin. The gleam in Morinth's eye made Layla redden and look down at her dress.

"You look edible." Morinth chuckled and pulled Layla out of her room and into the hallway and started away from the room."Most of the guests have shown up and they've all brought gifts for Donovan. One of them even brought him a solid gold statue of Saren Arcturius, the infamous rogue Spectre."

Layla chuckled. "Solid gold? That's sounds gaudy."

"Indeed but some of these people have no taste." Morinth hissed and they stepped quickly down the main stairs and into the crowd. 

They did not stop to introduce themselves to any of the guests but went straight for a set of stairs next to the glass wall that looked out over the landscape. The stairs led down to a hallway and they stopped in the middle facing the inner wall. With a few types of Morinth's omni-tool the wall shimmered and faded away to reveal a hidden room with a highly secured door and the statue of the turian Spectre. Layla frowned but didn't step inside.

"This is the entrance to Donovan's private vault where all of his priceless treasures are. He says that I'll get to see what he's hidden away in there soon." Morinth replied smugly. "Come on lets get you something to drink."

Donovan met them at the landing of a stairs with two flutes of champagne. Morinth smiled up at him and then tsked. "Let me get another glass of champagne. Why don't you introduce Layla to some of the handsome men in the room." she teased and left the two alone.

Donovan offered a flute to her and she took it with a smile. "Thank you. You have a lovely home."

Donovan nodded and offered her his arm. "It is beautiful, isn't it. Come let us introduce you as Morinth wishes." 

He guided over a lone man in a black tuxedo with black hair. "Mr. Gunn." he greeted and the man turned. "I'd like you to meet Layla Sextus. Layla this is Solomon Gunn, a very successful businessman in the Terminus systems."

Layla stiffened when she saw the man Donovan called Solomon Gunn. It was Shepard and all he was armed with was a pistol. She forced herself to smile at the man that had caused her so much heartbreak in such a short time. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Gunn."

"And you, Ms. Sextus. Is it Miss or is there a Mr. Sextus?" he asked. "It would be a shame to find a beautiful and find out she was alone."

Donovan and Layla chuckled and Layla flicked her gaze over Gunn's/Shepard's shoulder and saw Morinth take a glass from a passing waiter. "It is Ms. Sextus and if you would excuse me, gentlemen, I need to speak to someone." 

 It took a lot of concentration for Layla not to rush across the glossy stone floor to her blue skinned companion. She grabbed Morinth by the arm and dragged her into an alcove. The asari frowned but the look she received cut her off from making any remarks.

“What?” she asked.

“Shepard's here.” she answered softly.

Morinth's eyes widened. “Are you sure?”

“Positive but I don't think he's here for us.” she answered calmly. “There are any number of people he could be here for.”

“Including Donovan.” Morinth concluded. “Just when I got used to not killing my lovers someone is going to try and do it for me.”

Layla tapped a finger on her bottom lip.“Maybe not, we'll just have to wait and see.”

Morinth nodded and walked away, leaving Layla to make a move on Shepard if she saw fit. Her chance came when she spied him going down the steps towards the entrance of Hock's vault. She picked up a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and stalked down the stairs to confront the intrusive Spectre. The sharp rap on her stilettos alerted the man enough to stop talking.

“So Mr. Gunn.” Layla replied with a sensual quirk to her lips as she offered him a flute of champagne. “I have been quite intrigued by your operations.”

Shepard/Gunn smiled, rather charmingly and took the flute from her. “It's flattering to hear a beautiful woman has been intrigued by anything I do.”

They gave each other a tiny toast and both took a sip from their flutes. Layla flicked her gaze over at the wall that concealed the entrance of Hock's vault. “So are you going to tonight's little entertainment tonight? Mr. Hock has engaged a very nice nightclub for the entire night. Staying here would be very boring. Will I be seeing you there?”

If Shepard was half as intelligent as she thought she was then he would deduce rather quickly what she was wondering. Her part was easy enough to play, an attractive woman wondering how she could see more of you while keeping herself innocent of seeming forward. He studied her and took a deep breath as realization dawned on him. He finished the rest of the glass and stepped closer to her, she stood her ground as he slid his arms around her waist fingers tracing the small of her back. To anyone who looked into the secluded hall it would seem that they were two people becoming closer to one another. He brought his lips closer to her ear.

"I'm not here for you or Morinth," he replied. "but I'm going to let you interfere. I'll be good...for now."
He pulled away and lifted his flute to toast her again. Layla eyed him and finished off her champagne.

"Hope to see you there, Mr. Gunn." she replied and turned to walk back up the way she came.

As she went to take the first step her vision blurred and her head spun. She dropped her glass but she didn't hear it hit the ground. Blackness covered her and her legs buckled under her as she was swept into unconsciousness.

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