The Citadel III
"Fascinating, could you tell me more about your culture?" Sampson asks, leaning forward with keen interest.
"Frankly, we elcor prefer the safety and familiarity of our own colonies to the confines of space travel. Our society is built on small tight-knit groups, though we are always welcoming to outsiders. Our government tends to be very stable. Our people are not very comfortable with sudden changes." Calyn explains.
"Thank you, Ambassador, it has been a pleasure speaking to you." Sampson says with a slight nodding bow before turning to leave.
"Sincere farewell. Good day to you, human. Enjoy your time on the Citadel." Calyn says bidding him farewell.
The team continues exploring the embassies, Sampson downloads a few diplomatic texts from the archives to the codex in his omni-tool before stumbling upon Executor Pallin's office.
"Commander Shepard. I didn't expect to see you here. Did Ambassador Udina send you?" Pallin asks briefly looking up from his computer.
"Have we met before?" Sampson asks in confusion.
"No. But I know you well enough. I'm Executor Pallin, head of C-Sec. It's my job to know when someone like you arrives on the Citadel. Was there something you needed, Commander?" Pallin asks giving his computer a cursory look.
"I get the feeling you're not to fond of humans?" Sapphire asks, butting into the conversation.
"No… I just don't trust your kind. Not yet. You humans are eager to take all the power you can get. And you're being given a lot. If the Council wants to make humanity their new favorite pet, that's their business. But I don't have to like it." Pallin says, giving Sapphire a dismissive look.
"Pfft, yeah right. The Council treats us like second-class citizens. We have to fight for everything we get." Sapphire shoots back.
"Good. Then fight for it. Earn it with everything you have. But don't expect the rest of the galaxy to just sit back and let you take it without contest. I'm a busy man, Commander. Are we done here?" Pallin tells Sapphire, leaving her in thought, before turning his attention back to Sampson.
"I actually have a few questions. What do you know about the Spectres?" Sampson asks.
"Hmph, they're the right hand of the Council, or so they like to be called. More like the underhanded side of the Council." Pallin says digressively.
"So you dislike them?" Sampson inquires.
"I can't abide any organization that considers itself above the law. Especially when it's left up to each individual Spectre to decide when and how to 'bend the rules'." Pallin explains.
"Sometimes you have you to bend the law to keep people safe." Sapphire argues.
"I've been with C-Sec for thirty years. I've never had to break the law to do my job. Not once." Pallin retorts.
"Yeah, right. You expect us to believe none of your officers are corrupt?" Ashley asks.
"There are over two hundred thousand C-Sec agents. Some of them are going to be bad. But we don't turn a blind yet to corruption like the Spectres do. We do our best to find and punish any officer who breaks the law. Spectres… They'll never come under that kind of scrutiny."
"The galaxy needs people like that, people who do the dirty jobs that keep the galaxy turning." Sapphire argues.
"And I agree with you, but they need to be held to a higher standard. They need to be accountable. Saren's out of control. We both know that. But because he's a Spectre, the Council doesn't want to do anything about it. Is that really the kind of person this galaxy needs?" Pallin points out leaving Sapphire at a loss for words.
"But, not all Spectres are like Saren." Sampson adds.
"True, but the potential is always there." Pallin concludes as he starts typing away at his computer.
"I guess so, mind telling me more about C-Sec." Sampson asks.
"C-Sec provides necessary police and security services throughout the Citadel. We're a civilian government agency, though many of our members have had military training. Of course, as the C-Sec representative to the Council. I spend most of my time liaising between the two." Pallin says with a dismissive shrug.
"Any thing you can share about the investigation into Saren?" Sampson asks.
"Sorry, Commander. I don't make a habit of giving out details about ongoing investigations." Pallin says while not even looking up from his computer.
"Understood. Thank you for your time. We'll be going now." Sampson says turning to leave.
"Goodbye, Commander." Pallin says with a dismissive wave.
The team wanders the Presidium gardens and walkways for a few minutes before stumbling upon the Consorts 'office'. Where a beautiful asari acts as the receptionist.
"Welcome. I am Nelyna. I don't recognize you as one of our expected as one of our clients today. Would you like me to see when the Consort will be able to meet with you?" Nelyna asks checking her appointment book.
"I can't just go in?" Sampson asks.
"Mm, I'm afraid not. Yeah, you must understand, there are many who seek the Consort's services. But if you wish to leave your name, she'll make every effort to meet with you." Nelyna explains.
"Do you mind telling me what exactly it is that the Consort does?" Sampson asks.
"It is… Difficult to explain. She is many things to many people, and something different for each. Some seek her for advice, some for entertainment, others still for pleasure. Most of the time, our clients won't realize what they were seeking until after she has provided it for them." Nelyna tries to explain but seems as if she herself can't quite articulate the depth of meeting with the Consort con provide.
"You make her sound like some kind of oracle." Sampson says intrigued.
"No, not in the usual sense. She is merely a woman. A woman with remarkable compassion and a generous spirit. I suggest you make an appointment and see for yourself." Nelyna suggests.
"I might do that, but what is it you do her Nelyna?" Sampson asks.