Even thought Omega was a hellhole, I actually liked it there. For months I did odd jobs and spent my credits on what I wanted – an apartment by myself or alcohol. God forbid if my doctor found out I had a small drink of alcohol when I was back on the Citadel. No one cared here as long as I could pay.

I guess that's why I loved being a mercenary so much. The freedom of making your own decisions was basically a drug – and I was a willing addict.

Afterlife's music was so loud that Lauren couldn't hear herself think. She could feel every note in her bones while she drank at the bar, and she loved it. The turian bartender was more than happy to leave her alone with a bottle of Asari brandy and a glass at the far end of the bar, away from the hustle of the other patrons.

She brought the glass up to her lips and took a large gulp of the brandy, enjoying the burn as it went down her throat. After a few hours of fighting a few blue suns that had happened to stick their noses in her job, she was happy for the break. She was drumming her fingers on the bar in time with the music when the shuffled over to her, reaching under the bar near her to grab a mixer.

"Enjoying the brandy?" he asked.

She nodded, taking another gulp. "Sure as hell beats the shit my species makes." She scrunched her face up. "Beer reminds me of piss."

The turian's mandibles twitched in amusement. "So I've heard. Which reminds me, I've also heard that Aria is looking for a mercenary to do a tough job for her – apparently she's already gone through all her usual mercenaries and they've all turned her down."

Lauren put the glass down on the bar and raised the eyebrow. "You know what the catch is?" she asked him.

The turian shook his head. "No, I just keep hearing that no one will take the job. Apparently it borders on suicidal."

Lauren turned and looked at the upper level where the queen of Omega lounged about, her thoughts mulling in her head. Maybe it was the alcohol, but she was thinking about asking about this job Aria had. One of her lackeys near the stairs must know what the job is – and could probably fill her in on what Aria needed.

"You're thinking of doing it, aren't you?" the bartender asked.

She turned and looked at him, smiling. "You know me too well. Put this," she pointed at the bottle of brandy. "Where no one else can get it – if everything goes right I'll be back to buy it and take it home with me."

The turian nodded and stowed the bottle under the bar. "Alright – do me a favor and don't die. You're the only person here that I can tolerate – and the only person who'll buy the good stuff. I'd hate to see this stuff sit on a shelf."

Lauren chuckled. "No promises there. Wish me luck." And with that, she got off her seat and made a beeline for one of Aria's lackeys at the stairs. She heard the bartender mumble something about humans as she walked away, but she didn't really care. For the past few weeks he was the only person on the damn rock that she liked besides the man who sold her guns and ammunition.

Aria's lackey noticed her walking up long before she could see his face. He narrowed his four eyes at her, his arms crossed across his chest. "Can I help you sweetheart?" he asked.

Lauren rolled her eyes. "I heard Aria has a job that borders on suicidal. I'm interested."

The batarian looked her over. "She's looking for someone with a particular set of skills, and I don't think a short human female would have them."

Lauren knew what he was saying. She didn't exactly look like a mercenary – which is what Lauren used to her advantage. She held up a fist. "I'm a biotic and a former N7 commander for the alliance. I have all the skills I need."

The batarian seemed to consider it before turning to the side and putting a hand up to his head. "Hey boss, it's me. I've got one that might actually be able to take on the job you have and live. Says she's a biotic and a former N7 commander for the alliance." There was a minute of silence before he turned to look at her. "Here's the job." He held out a datapad. "Information's in there. Try not to die and we'll pay you for it."