[Video | 002: Trade Negotiations]

[pepperspray]

[It certainly hasn't taken Pepper long to both find a desk and have it covered (neatly!) with papers. Although the backdrop is the overburdened hospital, and although her hair is back in the sort of no-nonsense ponytail that says there's been no time to properly wash it, she looks much more in her element: grave, precise and direct as she looks to the camera.]

The supply situation at the hospital is getting critical. We've managed to stretch things a few more days, but normal resupply rates won't keep pace with the demand in the wake of the fire. There's a settlement to the south of here where some trade has been conducted before.

Is anyone interested in a trade mission? Do you have any useful skills you can bring to bear for one? Travel is dangerous here, I've been told, so bodyguards as well as negotiators could have a role. You'll also need to be able to work with the local population -- this is a show they've been running a lot longer than we've been here.

Comments

[pepperspray]

Much appreciated. Commander Shepard, right?

[There are female military officers, and female commanders, in Pepper's time. It doesn't mean that there isn't a hint of feminist satisfaction edging her smile at seeing one obviously and unquestioningly calling some of the shots.]

I caught your post on the network, but I wasn't in a position to respond at the time. If there's anything I can help you with, let me know.

[femshep]

Just Shepard's fine.

[But yeah, you've got the right woman. Not that Shepard ever leaves much room for doubt.

As for the 'anything I can do' part, Shepard shakes her head:] Just keep up what you're doing. I've always been a better soldier than diplomat, anyway.

If you could, though, I'd appreciate if you took Liara T'Soni with you. She's got an eye for anthropology I haven't even seen in most humans, let alone from an asari. And just between you and me, too much longer without some sort of cross-culture study and she'll go some kind of stir-crazy. [The last bit has a note of affection, subtle but enough that the word 'crazy' here shouldn't be cause for worry. She's kidding, Liara, I swear.]

[pepperspray]

I admit that an alien academic is new ground for me. [Pepper dimples slightly as she says this, for all her tone is measured and thoughtful.] But intelligent and obsessed about knowledge in their field isn't. I've been speaking with Ms. T'soni, and she's definitely welcome.

[She pauses then, hesitant, before wondering] Is 'Ms' appropriate? I can handle honorifics for Earth cultures, but other planets are new ground.

[femshep]

'Miss' works fine. With all she's studied human culture, she'll take it as a term of respect either way. [On the one hand, asari are genderless, so 'miss' technically isn't correct. On the other hand, Liara's responded just fine to 'Miss T'Soni' in the past, so why complicate things for the 21st century folks?]

[pepperspray]

Thank you Co-- Shepard.

[Pepper shakes her head slightly at catching herself.]

I'll do my best to see that she gets ample opportunities for anthropology.

[femshep]

[Her lips curl just barely, the faint beginnings of a smile.]

Appreciated.

And good luck.

[relicrebellion]

If it would be simpler, your language's equivalent of my professional title would be 'doctor'. But the Commander is correct, I - and most of my people - will respond to 'Ms' in the spirit in which it is intended.

[pepperspray]

Good to know. Thank you, Dr. T'Soni. Is there anything unique to your species' requirements that you'll need to have for the trip?

[relicrebellion]

Fortunately, no. While asari require a higher intake of glucose than most humans, I have been among your people long enough to learn to compensate.

[pepperspray]

I've spent several years in the orbit of the sort of engineer who considers sugar to be a critical food group next to caffeine. I'm sure it will just seem like business as usual.

Now -- is there anything I can tell you about the trade mission in more detail?

[relicrebellion]

I did not realize there was any other sort.

[It's perfectly deadpan.]

There are a few details...

[This is an understatement. Birds of a feather.]