English Bay Blues: A Mass Effect Prequel (Shenko)

Chapter 6

Earth/Canada/Vancouver, B.C./Alliance HQ

Earth Year: 2173 CE

As he stepped out of the cab, he shaded his eyes against bright afternoon sunlight, marvelling at the imposing yet elegant building before him that was the Vancouver address of Alliance Military HQ. Surrounded by lush gardens and fountains that sprayed water skyward, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at what he saw.

Humans may be newcomers to Council space but he was damn proud of humanity's ability to build awe-inspiring architecture. Having joined with the other races that populated the galaxy only a few short years ago, the Alliance had done much to improve their military standing. Looking to take their place as equals in the diversely populated galaxy, what they'd accomplished in such a short span of time was impressive.

Despite this, Kaidan knew humanity's drive to be seen as equals with Council races was going to be tough. His own first-hand experience with a turian had taught him that. He'd never hated Turians, just Vyrnus. But he'd learned that regardless of race or species, everyone was made of the same stuff. Vyrnus may have been turian but he was also a racist jerk. Different species, same emotional responses.

Shrugging off his thoughts, he headed to the entrance of the Alliance building where he was to provide testimony regarding last night's events. Alliance galactic relations were none of his concern anyway. He wasn't with the Alliance and had no plans to join them,ever.

Whatever the Alliance did or didn't do, Kaidan knew politics would sort it out - eventually. But from what he'd heard through the extranet, any plans the Alliance had to further their military or political standing was years away, maybe even decades. Meh, he thought absently as worked his way through the crowded lobby to the information desk, not my problem.

----xxx----

After grabbing an elevator to the third floor, he took a left down a long hallway and found himself in a rather pleasant waiting room.Tasteful leather furnishings and dark wood tables dotted the room. Several magazines were scattered within easy reach, some he noted featured articles on a variety of different species.

As he was about to take a seat, a door opened and Aryana stepped out wearing what appeared to Kaidan to be some sort of body armour. It was like nothing he'd ever seen before, since it left nothing to the imagination. At the same time, it gave the impression it contained some sort of enhanced barrier generator. He'd heard about armour enhanced barriers being used but had never seen one.

"Ah, Mr. Alenko," Aryana said, catching sight of him. "Glad you could make it on such short notice."

"Miss T'Pelo." He replied, stepping towards her.

"Please come in Mr. Alenko." Boomed the deep voice of a man from within the room Aryana had just left.

Kaidan complied, stepping into the room and taking the outstretched hand of the voice's owner in his. The man's dark features and intense blue-eyed stare was intimidating at first, his grip like a vice as he shook it in greeting.

Whoever he was Kaidan knew instinctively that this was not someone he ever wanted to get on the wrong side of. This guy meant business -whatever it might be.

"Pleasure to meet you Mr. Alenko." He said congenially,stepping back and taking his seat on the other side of a rather impressive desk. "I'm First Lieutenant Anderson of the Systems Alliance Navy."

"Sir." Kaidan replied, taking a seat opposite.

"Thank you for coming Alenko." Anderson continued,seamlessly dropping his formal title. "Spectre T'Pelo briefed me on last night's events. As I told the Spectre," he said as he glanced over Kaidan's shoulder to nod at Aryana. "The Alliance is new to Council regulations and as yet we haven't had time to add legal Spectre authority to our procedures involving crimes committed here on Earth. As a result, I need you to relay to me the same thing you told the Spectre so we can proceed with criminal charges."