A Noveria . A small ice-covered planet, practically unsuitable for colonization, with amazingly beautiful skies, where the Horsehead nebula shimmers in all its splendor with a riot of colors. And as beautiful as space is, it's just as disgusting what's hiding in the planet's ice. Risk laboratories. Noveria is the territory of scientists, a place where you can conduct dangerous or prohibited research without being particularly afraid of the long arm of the Council.

"The Noverian Development Corporation runs this planet. To everyone." Nihlus vibrating voice in the silence of the briefing room sounded somehow particularly threatening, forcing the intelligent to listen carefully to the words of the Spectr. "The company owns laboratory buildings built all over the planet and rents them out, with little interest in what exactly these laboratories do. The equipment and protection of the complex from external and internal threats are entirely the responsibility of the tenant. Noveria is located outside the territory controlled by the Citadel Council, and the authority here belongs entirely to the NKR."

"In other words, are your credentials for Noveria invalid?" Kayden asked.

"Are valid." Nihlus grinned toothily. "However, we still have to find out how much the board of directors adheres to the agreement."

"That's why we won't be flashing our Spectr status." I informed this. "Nailus will most likely be recognized — he is a fairly well-known person, so there is no point in hiding his Spectr status. But I'd rather remain anonymous."

"The official purpose of the arrival is the visit of Dr. Liara T"Sonya to the matriarch of Benezia for personal matters." There was a rasp of steel in the Turian's voice. I'm just accompanying the doctor, and on Noveria SOLELY for personal reasons. The landing party: Liara, me, Tali, Irene, Rex and Garrus. Kayden and Ashley remain on high alert while we find out the details of the matriarch's visit at the station."

Ashley blinked in surprise and looked at me questioningly. I nodded. A smile spread across her face for a moment, but the sergeant quickly pulled herself together, listening attentively to my colleague.

"Garrus and Rex advance in full armor and with weapons. You are Liara's guard. Tali"Zora is a technical consultant. I am her escort. Irene..." Nihlus gurgled with a muffled laugh, "Liara's companion."

The faces of the fighters slowly stretched out as the meaning of what was said reached them. Liara turned a little pink and lowered her eyes.

"Nihlus will carry my weapons and armor. As the Spectr of the Citadel, he can carry anything and everywhere." I added.

Nihlus grinned and nodded.

"Our goal is to meet with Matriarch Benezia. How things will go next will be clear after this meeting, but get ready for the fight. And don't forget: there are extra ears and eyes everywhere in Hanshan Port. Literally. From the moment of disembarkation, no extraneous conversations. You have an hour and a half to pack." I finished. "Disperse."

My armor and weapons were already packed in a neutral case and were waiting in the ship's arsenal. While the fighters were gathering, I fell into Liara's gentle hands, and Asari, with a passion worthy of the best use, took care of my appearance, achieving the ideal she knew only.

The designated hour and a half has passed. The group gathered in the briefing room, as it was the most free. A roomy box with my armor and weapons was standing at Nihlus feet, Rex was lazily dozing, Tali was tapping something on her instrumentation, Garrus was conjuring over the visor, Kayden and Ashley were quietly whispering, but as soon as Liara and I entered, everyone stared at our couple. Shock, disbelief, admiration, and... um... yeah... I glanced at the elongated faces of the fighters, grabbed the embarrassed Liara by the elbow and walked to an empty chair. The dress I was wearing walking around the Citadel was the epitome of Puritanism compared to the one Liara chose for going to Noveria. A long, ankle-length, emerald-gold dress made of the thinnest and lightest fabric, outlining the body at the slightest movement, tightly clung to the figure. On the back there is a cutout to the coccyx, tightened by an interweaving of the finest golden chains, the neckline is almost to the waist... when I first saw this "dress", it seemed to me that it was held on the body only by gold chains and the will of the gods!

Matching gold high-heeled shoes. Dark red hair is pulled back into a high hairstyle. Light makeup in golden shades... On my wrists were wide bracelets of my personal shield, which provided me with protection and ensured that I would not get cold feet in these weightless rags! Liara looked much more modest in a simple dark dress made of shimmering purple starry fabric. Except that this very dress cost like a quarter of our ship!

I've been trying to convince Asari for half an hour that THIS is too much! Especially on NOVERIA! On this frozen cobblestone! The result is zero. Liara stuck her horn in, saying, "It's necessary." In the end, I managed to spin it up for clarification.

"Liara. We have half an hour before entering the Noveria security area." I said dryly. "And if you don't tell me why I have to look like... Anyway, I'm going to change into armor."

Regret flashed across the faces of the men of our squad. Liara blushed, but, thank all the gods, confessed:

"I'm a teenager by the standards of my race. For your age..." The Asari paused, calculating something, "About sixteen or eighteen years old. At this age, Asari are prone to impulsive actions, amorous, join dubious organizations, and often rush from one extreme to the other."

"How, for example, to bring a fancy mistress to a meeting with her mother?" I asked ironically.

"Yes. This is not the most... an original way of self-expression, although harmless."

"But why this particular dress? I'm going to die there!"

"But it does explain why Asari's companion is carrying a powerful combat model of a personal shield with a microclimate system. Besides, you look completely different from your pictures. To find out the Spectr of Advice in you... It's problematic."

You really can't argue with that. I didn't recognize myself in the mirror!

"Explanations are accepted. The Joker?"

"We're entering the security zone soon."

The joker did not disconnect the connection, and we perfectly heard the negotiations between the pilot and the dispatcher of the port of Hanshan:

"Control Room, this is the Normandy. Specify the vector and the berthing location."

There was a short pause and a distorted voice answered:

"Normandy, your arrival is not scheduled. Our defense system is tracking you. Name the destination of arrival."

"We have Dr. Liara T. Sony on board. She came to visit her mother, matriarch Benezia, on personal business."

The pause dragged on, but the expected answer came:

"Normandy, landing is allowed." pause, and data on the docking node and the landing vector. "Please keep in mind that we will identify your identities upon arrival. If your words are not confirmed, the ship will be requisitioned."

"Roger that. Normandy, over and out."

The connection with the dispatcher was interrupted, and the Joker's displeased voice muttered:

"Requisitioned... how so..."

The ship shuddered as the grapples went off and froze. We have arrived at Noveria.

"What are we sitting for, who are we waiting for? Let's move!"

I was walking out of the briefing room, safely hidden behind Rex's massive figure. I don't want the crew staring at me!

We underwent mandatory disinfection in the airlock, and I turned on the shields. The airlock swung open, and we stepped out into the hospitable... How fucking hospitable! Although the berthing areas on the real Noveria were closed from the weather, they were not heated at all, and the oak was simply terrible! I suppose if it weren't for the shield, a blue haze enveloping my figure, I would have rung in a minute! Liara, characteristically, turned pale to a delicate shade of blue and quickly turned on her shields.

An access vestibule led us to a large docking dock, divided into sections with one berthing platform in each. A long concrete platform with high metal railings led from the ship, which was suspended in its grapples. No extra boxes or other junk, just a bare strip of concrete, overhung by supports and lighting shades. Rex and Nihlus went first, followed by Liara and me, Garrus and Tali brought up the rear. After walking around the pier, we went out to a small security post. And, as expected, we were greeted by two human women and a Turian from the Hanshan Port security. The guards at the airlock didn't even move.

"That's enough!"

Maeko Matsuo, a short brunette in light armor, raised her hand, ordering them to stop. Our procession stopped obediently. Rex shifted slightly to the left, allowing Liara to step forward. Asari's fingers squeezed my forearm with unladylike force.

"Something happened?" Liara's soft, gentle voice echoed through the huge hangar.

"I hope not." the blonde with the shotgun in her hands replied dryly, looking at me with slight contempt in her eyes. I lowered my eyes in embarrassment, so as not to see the quietly boiling rage.

Whatever her name is... Kyra... I forgot my last name.

"You've arrived off schedule. Show me your documents."

"You first." Nihlus cold, rasping voice made his kinsman flinch and grip the assault rifle tighter.

"We are the law here! Show respect!"

The brunette interrupted Kyra by raising her hand in a well-known gesture of silence.

"I am Captain Maeko Matsuo, Elanus Risk Control Service."

"Liara T"Sony." Azari introduced herself. "Nihlus Kraik. My guards and escort. Information about our identities was transmitted to you from the ship."

We need confirmation! In addition, the carrying of weapons is prohibited on Noveria. Sergeant Stirling, take their weapons."

As soon as the blonde took a step forward, Rex, Garrus, and Nihlus raised their weapons in unison.

"Don't even try!" The Krogan growled.

"No one will take MY weapon." Naylus calmly reported, staring intently into the eyes of the startled sergeant.

Maeko sighed wearily.

"We have the right to use force. Hand over your weapons! I'm counting to three... one... two..."

"Captain Matsuo! Stand down!" A nervous female voice came from the speakers. "Their identity has been confirmed! They have the right to bear arms!"

"On what grounds, Gianna!" Kyra literally spat it out.

"A member of the Council and two of his escorts have the right to carry weapons on the territory of Noveria!"

"The spectr?" Maeko blinked in surprise.

Nihlus lowered his powerful pistol and grinned a little maliciously.

"Nihlus Kraik. The spectr of the Council. I arrived on PERSONAL business." the grin grew wider, turning into a terrible snarl, and caustic sarcasm splashed in his voice. "I am accompanying the daughter of Matriarch Benezia. In order to avoid... similar conflicts."

"You can go ahead, Spectr. I hope we can avoid confrontation in the future." Maeko waved her hand, calling off the guards."

Behind me, with a barely audible hiss, Garrus's rifle went into non-combat position. Rex spat and returned the shotgun to its magnetic grips and picked up the suitcase with my weapons. Nihlus, grinning cheekily, grabbed Liara and me by the elbows and led us to the airlock, accompanied by the openly envious glances of the men from the dock security.

As I walked into the airlock, I gave Nihlus elbow a little tug. The Turian squinted at me, giving me the opportunity to create a channel without breaking into his brain.

""Escorting the matriarch's daughter, then?""

In response, a sly look and a sly smile.

""It's more believable that way. Who would believe that the Council's Spectr JUST decided to give a ride to an unknown Asari, even if it was the daughter of the matriarch.""

""Taking advantage of the position?"" a slight irony splashed through the mental channel.

""I have the right, by the way. The Council turns a blind eye to our minor sins while we do our direct work.""

""Can I do that too?""

""Yes."" The doors opened in front of us, letting us into a wide hall. ""The council is interested in you.""

""What do you mean?""

Nihlus sauntered forward, heading for the reception desk under the curious and openly envious gazes of the security guards.

""I know Sparatus and Tevos well. They looked at you with SUCH eyes that I frankly doubt that you will be stripped of your Spectr status, even despite your alleged death and future connection with Cerberus. Especially if you manage to get Saren back. My mentor is a protégé of Sparatus.""

""I didn't know. How do they motivate it?""

""How-how... as usual. He was following a direct order from the Council. I was on a mission. Who knows what they can come up with?""

""I hope so. Will Saren be punished the same way?""

""Do you doubt it?"" a slight irony splashed from Nihlus.

""Not really.""

The light blue scanning beams of the drones passed through our squad and the alarm immediately went off. The beautiful girl standing behind the counter was alarmed, clicked on the terminal. The siren's wail died down.

"I apologize. Weapon scanners." The dark-haired girl forced a smile. "I'm Gianna Parazini, Anoleis's assistant administrator. We apologize for the incident at the docking gate."

Nihlus looked at the shrunken girl with a cold, arrogant look and said:

"Very friendly! Did your security chief get off on the wrong foot? Or is she always so polite to guests?"

Gianna blushed to match her dress.

"She is very responsible about her work." The girl said apologetically. "My duties include helping those who arrive. Do you have any questions?"

Nihlus gave her a skeptical look, but still condescended to talk.

"Your security system is too powerful for a small port."

"The Board of Directors does everything possible to protect the privacy of our clients." The girl's answer clearly raised a question.

Nihlus chuckled and replied casually:

"I have come on a personal matter and I have little interest in the affairs of your clients."

"This... nice to hear."

Relief surged through his mind like a powerful wave. Nihlus saw Miss Parazini's condition perfectly and grinned. At that moment, he looked amazingly like his mentor, as I remembered him: cold, cruel, arrogant, domineering. Literally exuding contempt and disgust. The man standing next to me didn't even have a hint of the cheerful guy who had dragged us around the seedy places of the Lower City not so long ago. Liara's silent amazement clearly said that she had never seen SUCH a Nihlus.

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