A/N It's a new story. The idea came to me last night so I had start writing it before it left. All in all I'm very pleased with it. I realise I'm now writing two different stories at the same time. There will be updates from both. So just sit back and enjoy

Sleep is for the wasted. In Aria's mind sleep was a useless necessity; she of course didn't need it, the perks of being an Asari. If needs be she could stay up for several weeks at a time before she actually needed to sleep, a by product of the Asari metabolic rate. But unfortunately those that worked for her did need it, which therefore meant more staff, one night shift and one day shift, even more liabilities to be accounted for. They all added up, not everyone could be trusted of course. But then again what do you expect from the people of Omega. There were only a few people Aria trusted and that trust only lasted while the money was good. For those that betrayed that trust they would never be able to gain it back. If there's one thing the people of Omega knew it was this, you don't fuck with Aria and recently someone had broken that one rule.

It had all started a week earlier; rumours had been flowing about a new mercenary group that had set up shop somewhere on Omega. The name that followed these rumours was Cerberus. If there's one thing you do before you set up shop is you see Aria. If you don't have her support, shall we say, then you don't last long. In a click of her fingers you'll be leaving Omega out of an airlock. This was not the case with Cerberus, they came to see Aria. But the two headed dog always has ulterior motives, it came with offers of peace and this is where we join them.

"Aria will see you now human." The batarian guard roughly brought him into Arias private room in Afterlife. Never turning his back on the unknown quantity. If anything happened to Aria, not only would he not be paid but he might found himself without oxygen. Money is always worth someone's loyalty.

"About time" Declared the human. If there was one thing humans weren't known for then it was their patience. Being new to the galaxy they were seen as bullies, who expanded quickly and never let anything get in their way. The Relay 314 Incident had only made this ridiculous trait stronger. Within the private area of Afterlife Aria hid away, as the de facto ruler of Omega she controlled and commanded from the club. Her throne was that of a red leather couch; only the very privileged were allowed to sit on it. So far only one person has. She was rarely seen away from her couch, always sat on it looking over some new data, or addressing her employees.

"Welcome Petrovsky. Have you come to beg?" If Aria was guilty of one thing then it was definitely her abrupt nature. There's no point hiding what you really want behind words, it makes transactions twice as long and only wastes time.

"Cerberus does not beg and neither do I.We've been told that we need to see you." Contempt was clearly recognised within his voice, a xenophobe most likely. From the state of his uniform he believed in a strict regime, every crease had been removed and any stain that could have been there was gone. The white shined brilliantly and matched the gold of his medals.

"Cerberus will do exactly what I want it to do, if it wishes to remain on Omega. What is your purpose here?"

"Our purpose, what purpose does a mercenary group usually have? We only wish to join the fight, we are a purely human group who are willing to do anything for the right reasons."

"Hmmph, that'll get you somewhere I suppose. Show him out."

With that command the Batarian led the Petrovsky out of Afterlife leaving Aria to think over this new group. The prospect of another mercenary group of Omega wasn't promising. There was already three and each of them had it out for the other. The Blue Suns, a mix of Turians, Humans and Batarians seemed to be dominant at the moment, their numbers seemed to swell every week. They were operated mainly in the Skyllian verge as a private security organisation, but everybody knows they're really mercenaries. The next group are the Eclipse, more brains than brawn. Preferring to use stealth and more intelligent ways. They tend to have more cutting edge equipment and weaponry, plus the fact that practically every member is a biotic. Their members tend to be Asari, Human and even the occasionally Salarian. The final group are the Blood Pack. The most violent of the three groups, made up of Krogan and Vorcha. If all you need was brute force these would be the ones to go for.

Adding a fourth group to this could turn out in to a war between the mercenary groups. If they went of planet and settled there differences then everything would be fine, but Aria knew they would not. When it came to Omega they all wanted it for themselves, of course this would never be allowed.

"Bray, get in here."

It didn't take long for a Batarian to walk in, fully armoured with a heavy pistol strapped to his side and an assault rifle on his back. He was Aria's second in command, if she trusted anyone then it could be said that Bray was that man. He knew more about her operations than anybody else, not everything of course. No one could be trusted with everything, there's always a chance of betrayal even by those that seem loyal. For the most part though Bray was loyal, you can always expect a bit of disloyalty. Everybody skimmed from the profits not too much, but enough that Aria doesn't mind.

"I take it you were listening."

"Of course."

"What did you make of it?"

"Bull shit. I wouldn't trust him, not even with a Vorcha. Something about him doesn't ring true."

"I agree. Have him followed and keep the Cerberus base under watch. One more thing, bring the leaders of the Blue Suns, Eclipse and Blood Pack here. I need to have a word with them."

With a quick nod of his head Bray left, leaving Aria to her own devices. She didn't have anything else pressing to do, so she called for entertainment. What's the point in being Queen if you can't have some fun? As she waited she went over the meeting with Petrovsky in her head, Bray was right something didn't feel right and she just couldn't figure out what. As she was stuck in her thoughts her entertainment arrived, she'd had her eye on this new dancer in her club, a human of all creatures. She knew her name of course, she knew the name of everybody who worked for her, but at that moment she couldn't bring it to mind. There was just something about this human that made her go crazy. What was it about her? No one else on Omega had ever held Aria's attention as much as she did, but she was captivated by this human. Not even the money or power of Omega could hold her attention this much.

"Come here…Shepard." She may not have remembered at first glance but when it came down to it she always knew her name. Jane Shepard, just another human from Omega. Her parents lived in the slums; her father was a junkie permanently high on red sand and her mother was a merc. Joined the Eclipse when Jane was in her teens, she always came by to see Jane when she was on Omega and always made sure she was well cared for. On Jane's eighteenth birthday here mother came home for the last time. It appeared that the only reason she came home was for her, she had lost all hope in her husband along time ago. She came back that final time to give Jane her inheritance so to speak, enough money to afford her own place and move away from her father, enough to last her until she could make money for herself and then she was gone. Never heard from again. Sad really, but that's the way of life on Omega, you never know when it's your time to go. The only other thing that she left her was the family heirloom a necklace handed down the generations from mother to daughter, predating the discovery of the Mass Relays.

After her eighteenth she quickly took up her mother's advice and found somewhere in a nicer area, but not by much, but it was a place she could call her own. From there she quickly found herself a job at Afterlife. All it took was for her to dance for Aria. For anybody else who saw the audition they would say that Jane had two left feet and she did her dancing was terrible, but she wouldn't admit that. It was only Aria that saw something within that movement, something that grabbed her very soul. It was the only reason she was hired. Not allowed to dance for anyone but Aria, not even used as a prostitute, she remained pure. She served drinks behind the bar and she quickly became the best bartender in Afterlife. The people always came for more, she had the recognition she deserved, if you wanted the best. This only added to her charm for Aria, she brought in a lot of revenue for the club and entertainment for Aria.

On Aria's command Jane moved towards the seat that was offered to her. As she sat down Aria triggered a switch on the table in front which turned tinted the windows so no one could see in. It was these quiet moments with Shepard that Aria looked forward to, at least once a day she would permit herself to enjoy the company of this woman. As Jane sat down Aria placed an arm around the slender woman and pulled her close. Over the weeks that Jane had been working their they had become quite close, not close enough for Aria to fill her in on everything, but close enough that they share these moments together, where one is wrapped in the others arms. The moments didn't last long, but it was what they both needed. There were always interruptions, something always came up. It was in this moment that Aria came up with her plan of action; the only problem was that it would mean putting Jane in danger. That was the one thing, she wasn't sure she was prepared to do. She'd done it thousands of times before but Jane was different, Jane was hers.

"Jane, I want you to do something for me, but I don't think your going to like it."

"What is it Aria?"

"There's a new mercenary group on Omega, which are up to no good. They're more than just a mercenary group and I'm not sure what. I'd like for you to join them and provide information on them for me."

"That sounds dangerous, I'm not sure I'm cut out for that."

"That you may not be Jane, but I can provide training for you and at least get you ready for them. I won't force you to do this Jane, but you're the only one I trust to do this for me."

"If you can give me the training I suppose I can give it a try. If you need me to do it, then it must be important. When do I start?"

"I'll let you know, I need to make a few arrangements first. I need to get started, you don't mind if I cut this short?"

"Not at all, let me know when I can help."

Before Jane could get of the couch Aria brought her in closer and planted her lips against Jane's, who willingly accepted Aria's touch. As Jane's tongue struck out against those purple lips Aria relented and allowed her tongue access to her mouth. It was Aria who pushed Jane onto her back and took the dominant seat. With their bodies crushing against the other, it didn't take both woman long to pick up a sweat. They carried on in this position for several moments, neither wanting to break contact first. But it was Aria who finally relented, picking herself up of the couch and standing straight up, she brought her hand down to Jane and helped her stand up. Once Jane was back on her feet they quickly embraced one final time before she left. Even after Jane had left Aria was stood transfixed to that spot, still trying to figure out what it was about the human that made her go so wild. She didn't stay with that topic for long, there was work to be done. She opened up her omni-tool and honed into the frequency that held Brays secure communicator. After several long seconds of silence he answered.

"Aria, I've managed to get the Blood Pack and the Blue Suns to your meeting."

"And the Eclipse?"

"They're proofing to be a bit difficult. They'll only speak to you."

"Patch me through to their comms Bray."

"Your patched in."

"Jona, what seems to be the problem?"

"I will not take orders from your underlings Aria. If you want me then you need ask yourself. Your lackeys will not suffice."

"Fine, you've heard what my lackey has to say I take it."

"Of course."

"Then you'll be here at the prescribed time."

"I'll be there."

"Good. Bray make your way back."

Jona Sederis, the founder of the Eclipse, always such a charmer. Wanted on nearly every planet in Citadel Space for nearly every crime possible. The Asari had everything she needed when she founded the Eclipse. The daughter of a Justicar she went under the same training as her mother, until the day she wanted to join a mercenary company instead. Which she did, some unknown company way out on Thessia, the first job she was sent on was a simple heist. When they found what they were looking for she turned on her comrades and took the prize for herself. After trading it in she formed the Eclipse and ever since then they've become one of the biggest mercenary groups out there. If it wasn't for the fact that they had made a home on Omega Aria would never had anything to do with them. The same could be true about the other merc groups, but Omega wouldn't be the same if they weren't there.

It took longer than Aria liked for Bray to reach the club, if it had been someone else they would have found themselves suddenly slamming into the wall, but she didn't have time for that. He made his way into Aria's private booth and presented himself. A satisfied look on his face that he had managed to do exactly what she had wanted. Little did he know that she was furious with him, not for just being late, but also for what she was about to say. She couldn't take it on herself, or even Jane, it would have to be Bray even if he didn't know why. She brought him forwards and activated a program on her omni-tool which would reach out to all the scanning and listening devices within her booth and silence them temporarily. She didn't want the Shadow Broker to find out what she was up to. When she was satisfied that they were all of she informed Bray of her idea.

"It'll work Bray, it'll have to. It's the only opportunity we have to find out what's happening."

"I'm just not sure the other merc groups will be happy about it. Once they find out about Cerberus they're going to unite and stamp at any opposition."

"We'll see to it that they don't. We'll need to get Jona on our side, if we can get her to see straight about this then she'll be able to convince the others. Plus I need her to do something for me."

The next day the merc leaders had gathered in Aria's private room, they were all nervous since the last time they had been together no doubt one of them was trying to kill the other. If it hadn't been for Aria summoning them they wouldn't have come at all, instead they would most likely have killed the messenger. Only Aria was seated the rest of them new their place.

"Why have you brought us here Aria?" Naturally it was the leader of the Blood Pack that spoke first. Krogan don't do very well when it comes diplomacy, as long as they get to kill they're fine.

"To talk, there's a new merc group on Omega. Cerberus."

"What do you know about them?" Jona always the thinker.

"So far only what I was told when they came to see me. Apparently there a new merc group made up of only humans. But I don't believe any of it, something didn't sit right about the man that came to see me, he was definitely hiding something."

"So what do you want us to do?"

"Nothing."

"You can't expect us to not do anything Aria, this new group needs to go, Omega belongs to us."

"Wrong Jona, I do expect you to do nothing as I've already got a plan in motion. And Omega is mine, don't you ever forget that."

"Fine, what's your plan?"

"I'm putting someone on the inside."

"You should just take the place by force and then ring the information out of them. Would be a lot quicker."

"No, we're doing it my way. Understood?"

It was Jona who accepted it first; once she capitulated the others soon fell. It just goes to show everyone accepted Jona's intelligence. If she knew it was the right thing to do then they couldn't not do the same.

"I'm glad you all agree, now go. Jona a minute."

"What now Aria?"

"I need you to give me something."

"What?"

"Hannah Shepard."

"Not possible, she's off world on a mission."

"I don't care, if she's not back here within three days then its game over for you. Just do it."

"Three days isn't enough time, she'll be here in five days. What do you want of her?"

"You don't need to know Jona, don't worry you'll get your usual fee. That's all."

And so she was dismissed. Aria had got everything she wanted from the meeting everybody else was left with nothing. It gave her five days to get everything sorted for Hannah's arrival. Due to the nature of what she would be doing she needed somewhere out of the way, where no one should be able to find her with of course two sleeping areas. The accommodation wouldn't be hard to find there's always somewhere on Omega for those who wish to hide and soundproofing was never really an issue. With the amount of gunfire already going on in the streets the sound of a gun range wasn't going to cause much havoc.

Five days later and Aria was sat in her private area waiting. She was in her element issuing orders all over the place, but secretly she was nervous. Today would be the day she sent Jane away. Naturally she'd see her every now and then whilst she was in training but when she finally joined Cerberus, it would be very limited. Only being able to see her when she came in to debrief. But she would manage she always did, just because a human was being sent into a dangerous situation wasn't a reason for the Queen of Omega to worry. The moment finally came when Hannah Shepard was seen coming into Afterlife. Her Eclipse armour on show and her rifle on her back she made her way straight to Aria. When she reached the private area she was stopped by Bray, no weapons were allowed inside and everyone had to be screened for bugs. It was custom and everyone accepted. Once inside she stood before Aria and waited.

"Hannah Shepard your reputation precedes you. Your ruthless determination to see the job done regardless of who stands in your way, whether it be friend or foe is legendary. Known to most as the Merc Queen. How was EdenPrime by the way? I hear it didn't go so well."

"None of your business. What do you want?"

"I have a job for you."

"Naturally."

"I trust Jona filled you in on Cerberus."

"Of course."

"Well then, what I need from you is to train someone, teach them how to fight, make sure they are battle ready. As quickly as possible."

"Who am I to teach?"

"Bray send her in."

The door opened and in walked Jane. She turned her head up towards the couch where Aria was sitting. At Aria's command she came up to the couch and took her place at Aria's side, still oblivious to who was standing in front of her. Before she could look at who was stood, Aria gently lifted Jane's head and placed her lips upon her. Anyone who was watching could see the emotions flying between the Queen and the Bartender.

"This is who I want you to train. I believe you're already acquainted. Jane say hello to your teacher."

As Jane finally looked up towards who was standing there, she had to blind several times. She couldn't place who was that was standing there, after all it had been several years since she'd seen her mother. Once the memories clicked into place, to say she was shocked would be an understatement.

"MOTHER!"