Red. Black. Orange. Explosions from either side, overwhelming his line of sight. As he turned round every corner, more and more explosions occurred, sending him flying feet away every so often. His back ached and his sides burned, like acid was making its way through his skin to the bone. His dark skin was near black from the ashes, and his lungs felt like exploding. Screams were deafening him, feminine and masculine alike. Feet moving as fast as they could, the Commander raced from the cockpit, he looked left and right. No one was in sight, yet the screaming wouldn't stop. He could see Collectors swarming in from the research lab and weapons unit. Where were Jacob and Mordin? What happened to everyone down below, in engineering?

"SHEPARD!"

The voice, although far away, was recognisable, but he didn't know where she was. Could he hear Samara from the engineering deck? She sounded like she was in pain, and in return it made his heart break. Before he could reach the elevators, the collectors had swarmed in from either side, shooting at him, but always missing. Despite this, his body was in pain. He felt like he was going to implode. The Normandy was basically breaking in half, and Paris wondered just how many Collector ships were outside. As he moved to jump over the controls to race through the map, he heard something familiar and terrifying. Seeker Swarms. They came through the shafts, piled together like one giant bug. He could hear them coming from all sorts of directions, and a Collector's laugh echoing throughout the Normandy. They must have breached the inter coms. He tried to run for the elevator before the swarm could get him, but somehow the controls had disappeared from his sides and a Collector Drone had grabbed him by the shoulder, pinning him down to his knees. Paris struggled, but his arms were weak and he could see the swarms coming for him.

"SHEPARD, PLEASE!"

Garrus. He could hear Garrus. In trouble. In pain.

"YOU CAN'T ABANDON US!"

Jack's voice was becoming faint, as if she were flying away through space, like a flower caught in the wind. Paris attempted to resist, gritting his teeth, but the seeker swarms were coming closer. They grouped around him, their tiny 'feet' making his skin crawl. He could feel dozens of stingers piercing his skin. Arms, legs, it didn't matter. They were everywhere. But instead of freezing him, they caused so much pain it was unbearable. Paris couldn't hold it in any longer. He thrashed his head back as he screamed, trying to get away from the Collector Drones, but it was too late. He could feel his body freezing and the swarms buzzing around him, blinding him, ready to take him away. The elevator door opened slowly and Tali rushed towards him, although no matter how quick she moved, she seemed to stay in one place.

"PARIS!"

Jumping up, Paris clung to the soft, royal blue sheets beneath him. Sweat ran down his jaw and he looked around desperately, slowly taking in his surroundings. The captain's quarters was spacious, but dark and it made him feel nervous.

"Lights on." he murmured, putting his knees to his chest. As his room filled with light, he let his eyes wander, checking the corners and the shadows. Arms cuddling his knees, he took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Those nightmares were recurring more and more often. Collectors burning the Normandy. His friends and loved ones there, but out of reach. Out of sight. Closing his eyes, he rested his forehead on his knees, staying silent. EDI appeared by the door, staying quiet for a moment before deciding to speak.

"Do you require anything, Paris?"

The use of his first name was odd, but he looked up at EDI, shaking his head. EDI waited, and Paris looked at her again.

"What time is it?"

"It is currently three oh five am."

Paris nodded and stood up, changing into a Cerberus shirt and pants. Sliding on his boots, he walked towards the elevator.

"You seem uneasy, Paris." EDI commented.

"Bad sleep." he explained, clasping his hands behind his back as the elevator moved down to the third level. It was odd to walk out the Normandy and, for once, have no one there. But he didn't need to worry about getting them back, they were all there in the crew's quarters, getting the rest they deserved. Sitting down at one of the mess tables, he clasped his dark hands together and stared at his fingers. His skin was rough, but he noticed something more worrying. It was very slight, but he could see it.

His arms were shaking. Clinging to his hands, he looked up, surprised to see Garrus standing there.

"Didn't mean to scare you." the Turian smiled, sitting down opposite Paris, "Rough sleep?"

"The nightmares are getting worse." he admitted, looking at his friend sadly, "Any suggestions?"

"I'm sure someone can help you in the Citadel." he recommended after some thought, "Maybe even Omega."

Paris raised an eyebrow at the second suggestion, but he didn't question Garrus. He looked down at his hands, interlocking his fingers to try and stop the shaking, but by the look Garrus was giving him, Paris knew he had already noticed.

"Jacob and I will come with you." he nodded, "Omega has Mordin's assistant, right? He'll be glad to help after you saved him."

Paris looked down at his hands, and then looked up at Garrus. He trusted his friend, and Garrus was merely genuinely concerned about his well being. A small smile snuck onto Paris' lips and he nodded, tightening his grip on his hands.

"Right. We'll check Omega first." he concluded, "EDI."

"Yes, Paris?"

"What was the name of Mordin's assistant again?" Paris asked, smirking confidently at Garrus as the pair got to their feet. There was a moment of silence as EDI processed and searched for the information.

"Daniel."

"Thank you very much. Tell Joker to head for Omega."

"Omega?" a curious female voice piped up, and the two men turned to see Tali approaching. She had obviously come up from the engines, "Why are we going there?"

"I just need to pick up some things. Maybe a few updates for armour." Paris sent her a pained smile. He could never tell what Tali was thinking, and it annoyed him. But part of him adored the mysteriousness. Tali walked over to the table, crossing her arms and raised her chin slightly.

"Oh really?" she said, her tone letting her disbelief come across clearly, "And who's going with you?"

"I am. And Jacob." Garrus interjected, and as Tali looked at him out of politeness, Paris hid his hands in the pockets of his trousers. Paris usually didn't approve of such a casual stance, but the shaking was getting too much, "It's more of a gentleman's day out, you see."

"Hm." Tali nodded, and for a moment Paris thought she was going to find a way to come with them. But instead she looked at Paris and he straightened up a little now that her attention was on him, and he could feel her smiling at him. It was much more comforting than seeing her body distorted in pain and anguish like in his dream.

"I would like you to pick up some things for me." she requested, "I shall write them down. If you just hand it to Marsh in the Omega Market, he'll know what they are."

"Of course, anything for you." Tali nodded and said good bye to them both and turned, obviously eager to gain some slumber. Paris hesitated, glancing at Garrus. The Turian looked at him and gestured for him to follow Tali, and Paris hurriedly did so.

"Tali, hold the elevator." Paris called, "We were just finishing up there."

Tali nodded and looked at him as he stepped in.

"Have you seen Gabriella and Kenneth?" she asked and Paris hesitated, shaking his head, and Tali nodded, "They must be resting, then."

"Tali." Paris began, and the Quarian looked at him curiously, frowning beneath her mask. Paris hesitated, wondering how to choose his words, "I… I've been having these nightmares. It's nerve wracking."

"Nightmares?" Tali repeated, "I didn't think you would be afraid of a few made up stories in your head."

"Heh." Paris nodded. He had a feeling Tali would take that route, "I know, but these… It feels so real. I don't know. It's affecting me."

Tali stepped forward, taking his hand. Her glove was surprisingly warm, and he let a small smile creep onto his face. Tali looked at him, tilting her head a little as she spoke.

"I'm here to help you." she stated, "If you want anything, then come to me. You don't need to keep that a secret… Don't be afraid to show a weakness, if that is what you can call it." she shrugged a little, and Paris' smile widened and he nodded firmly, giving her hand a grateful squeeze. The door opened and Tali took him into the engine room, where she picked up a data pad and began to write a list of what she needed. Paris looked round, hearing the almost silent hum of the engine. He could hear footsteps trampling around near by, and assumed it was Jack down below.

"Here." Tali turned, handing the data pad to Paris. The commander nodded, reading it over. He could never understand engineering mumbo-jumbo, and so would rely on Marsh in Omega to understand for him. He looked at Tali again, reaching up and stroking the cheek of her mask affectionately, and she put a hand over his, interlocking their fingers.

"When will you ever rest?" Paris asked, and Tali allowed a small laugh to escape, lowering his hand to his side and turning to the controls, although still spoke to him.

"When things are perfect for me." she answered, and Paris laughed and nodded. He said his sweet good byes and exited the engine room, gazing through the window for a moment to look at the cargo hold. He hesitated, rubbing his chin before walking to the elevator and allowed the doors to close before pressing the button for the captain's quarters. He could try again, now that he felt a huge weight of guilt lifted from his shoulders. At least until they reached Omega.

"Paris, we have reached Omega. Jacob and Garrus are waiting for you at the main airlock." EDI's voice echoed in his head, and Paris grit his teeth before sitting up and nodding, rubbing his head.

"I'll be there in five." he stated, pushing himself to his feet and towards his armour.

"So, we're in then out?" Jacob asked as they walked onto the main entrance to Omega, looking at the crowded streets. The dank air and the mysterious but unpleasant smell invaded his nostrils, and Paris made a small face before looking round and walking along.

"Yep. But I have to get some things for Tali, too." Paris nodded, rubbing a hand with a nervous frown and walked for the Omega Market, Garrus glancing round with a small frown. He could hear a ruckus happening somewhere, but the noise died down and he turned his head to look at the assortment of items Marsh had for sale.

"Hey, Tali needs some of these." Paris asked, taking out the data pad and showing it to him. Marsh read it over and nodded, taking the pad as a reminder and began sorting the items out into a small pile. Paris straightened up, arching his back as he stretched.

"You feeling alright, Paris?" Jacob asked, "Your hands are shaking like crazy."

"I just need a few things from Mordin's old assistant, then I'll be fine." Paris reassured, "It's just a little thing."

Jacob sent Garrus a glance, and Garrus gave him a knowing look. Jacob nodded and looked round Omega curiously, hoping this wouldn't take too long. Omega was a filthy place, filled with conmen and killers. Paris looked at his friends, then back at Marsh.

"This is it. That'll be 76,000 credits." he said with a sly smirk. Paris frowned, nodding and giving over the credits with ease, and the Batarian looked almost disappointed.

"Have them transported to the Normandy." Paris said, and Marsh nodded. The spectre turned and looked at Garrus and Jacob, who nodded and the trio began to walk for the entrance that led to the clinic, but something got in their way; shots. Red hot bullets almost singed Jacob's suit, and they turned, removing their guns immediately, although Paris found himself fumbling and the last to have his gun out. A figure ran past them at an impressive speed, her dark fuchsia hair flying in the air behind her. Garrus watched her go, his eyes widening in realisation.

"Wait!" he called after her, and Paris snapped his head round at Garrus.

"You know her?" he asked, but just as he did, four men ran past them, shouting after the woman. Garrus nodded and raced after the figures, stopping once he was on level with them, and Jacob thrust a hand forward, sending one of them flying into the air and over the edge of the balcony. He screamed wildly, and the woman raced for one of the taxis.

"Stop!" Garrus shouted, but she paid no heed. Garrus grunted, aiming his sniper rifle and firing at one of the men chasing her, getting him in the shoulder blade. He fell forward onto one knee and turned, glaring at Garrus. Shepard raced onward, barrelling through a group of civilians and firing at them, but his shots missed and hit the taxi the woman was trying to get into. She snapped her head round, glaring at them and kicking back one man that got too close, cursing at them. She faltered for a second when she spotted Garrus running for her, but quickly closed the door and the car hovered into the air before flying off. A man turned, glaring before speaking into an ear piece and grabbed his wounded friend, fleeing into the Afterlife. Paris took in deep breaths, a sharp pain shooting through his chest. He leaned on a wall, and resorted to falling to one knee, resting his gun on the ground.

"Paris! Are you alright?" Jacob demanded, rushing to help his commander, "What's wrong? Are you wounded?"

"No, there's just… A pain in my chest." Paris admitted, gritting his teeth and closing his eyes. Jacob helped him to his feet, picking up his weapon and Garrus watched the taxi disappear into the distance before looking at Shepard, his face quickly changing from guilt to concern. He rushed over and Paris tried to haul himself up, Jacob taking his arm.

"Paris, we need to get you to Mordin's old assistant!" Jacob insisted, and Garrus nodded.

"Agreed, we'll have no more distractions. Come on!" he urged. He took the pistol from Jacob and Jacob put Paris's arm over his shoulders to take as much pressure off of the man as possible. Paris grit his teeth, another hand gripping his armour, trying to deal with the pain. His team mates led him down the steps, through the doors, round the corner, and through the next set of doors.

"The clinic has been expanded since your last visit, Paris." EDI explained through his radio, "It should be easier to get to it, now."

Paris merely groaned in pain, and Garrus led the way down the complex maze of apartments. Now that the plague was gone, the place seemed alive. People were standing by doors, talking heartily, while others walked around without a care in the world. Most, if not all, people stepped out of the way when they saw Paris coming, and they promptly arrived at the clinic. It was spacious; the colours had changed from red to a calming blue, and there were not so many patients anymore. A young looking Batarian walked out, glanced at them, then passed by without a word. Jacob watched him leave, then looked at one of the women at the reception.

"I need to see Daniel right away!"

"This clinic has appointments, sir, I-"

"We don't have time for appointments, this is Commander Shepard! He's sick!" Jacob persisted, narrowing his eyes, "Tell Daniel who's here and let us through!"

The woman paused, but pressed a button and spoke through an intercom to Daniel.

"Shepard?" the voice questioned, but his dithering tone changed to professional, "Bring him through immediately!"

"Just go ahead, to your left and-" the woman tried to instruct the trio, but Garrus led the way easily. Paris coughed, covering his mouth as he leaned on Jacob and Daniel turned on his heel, frowning at the sight of his saviour. Once so bold, so noble. He gestured to the bed and Jacob helped Paris up onto the edge, and Paris grit his teeth.

"What hurts, Shepard?"

"My chest and my head." Paris hissed, "It's like I'm being shot a hundred times over."

"Right. Hold your arms out." Daniel ordered and Paris put his arms out in front of him, his hands shaking like a leaf. Paris glanced at his team mates, but their faces were masked with concern rather than belittlement. He didn't know why he expected it; but Paris always felt he had in image to keep up with, even to his crew. Despite knowing most of them for months now, he still believed that he needed to be the big powerful leader they saw him as at the beginning.

"Hm. Your heart rate is through the roof." Daniel took him from his daydreams, and Paris locked his dark eyes on the doctor's, "The stress of all this, uh, saving civilization as you know it stuff has really gotten to you. It could be some sort of posttraumatic stress disorder. Have you had trouble sleeping?"

"Yes." Paris answered swiftly, "But what… About the pains?"

"I'm not sure about that." Daniel stroked his beard, "It might be something not connected to the disorder, but neither are probably helping each other. I don't want to give you any official diagnosis, because I mean… You're Commander Shepard! You're too strong to get that sort of thing."

Paris said nothing this time, staring at his hands as he slowly rested them on his lap. Eventually the commander nodded, but the doctor's last words infested his mind. This was why he hated showing weakness to anyone. This was why he didn't go to Mordin or anyone at the beginning, before it got worse. He was an idol, a saviour. If he looked weak, then no one would have somebody to rely on. He felt like he let his crew down. Garrus glanced at his commander and hesitated, putting his pistol down next to him and Paris looked down at it before quickly putting it away.

"Thanks." he muttered, and Daniel moved away to a large wall-sized closet of medication, perhaps, and began to tap a translucent pad that came up in front of him. Garrus nodded a little and Jacob watched Daniel with a frown.

"This shot should stop the shaking for now, but I can't prescribe anything for the pain. My reserves are down at the moment." Daniel said as he returned, "I have a friend in the Redka Ward, he can supply you with something to get rid of the nightmares and hopefully the pain. His name is Olkeer T'riy."

Paris looked at the large shot. He winced as Daniel injected it through his neck, and waited as the liquid disappeared completely into his veins before looking at the doctor.

"How soon will it work?" he asked, attempting to rid the pain with sheer determination now.

"A few minutes. It's all I can give you now." Daniel answered apologetically, and Paris just nodded and rolled his shoulders before forcing himself to his feet. Jacob stepped forward to help him, but Paris held up his hand and he stayed where he was. Paris stumbled, shoulders slightly hunched over, and he made it to the door of the hallway.

"Thanks, Daniel." he called over his shoulder, and Garrus and Jacob gave a polite nod before following after their friend. Daniel waved nervously, letting out a low sigh of disappointment to himself once they were out of sight.

Paris strolled back out onto the promenade, the musty air invading his lungs. He coughed a little, but waved it off and walked towards one of the nearest taxis, where an old human was sitting in the driver seat.

"We need to go to Redka Ward." Paris demanded, and the driver nodded and flicked his cigarette out of his fingers and onto the ground.

"Yes, sir!" the man nodded, sensing the serious tone of the man and Paris got into the back, Jacob getting comfy in the front. When Garrus closed the last door, the taxi hovered in the air and flew off into the polluted Omega. The radio, although being interrupted by static now and then, was playing an interesting song. Paris wasn't one for music and so he wasn't cultured in that sort of thing, but even he could tell this song was, for lack of a better word, cheesy. The lyrics on the other hand, were a bit too saucy for his taste.

Hold me, feel me, tie me up. I am your slave, do what you want. Hold me, touch me, you are my world, baby.

"Who is this?" Paris piped up, letting out a long breath as his chest tightened with every word. The driver took a quick glimpse at him before looking back ahead, avoiding collision with another car.

"Nadra N'Bushe! You never heard of her?" he said with a hoarse laugh, and Paris shook his head. Jacob glanced at the driver, then looked out the window. The lighting of Omega was changing from red to an odd violet.

"N'Bushe… Isn't that a politician name?" Jacob spoke up, "Jahidi N'Bushe. He's a humanitarian. Real big on the Illusive Man's work."

"Right, I heard about that." Garrus joined the conversation, "He became more popular while you were out of action, Shepard. Adopted a few kids to make it seem like he wasn't against other races. I think it was, uh, three Turians, one Quarian and one Asari, the one you're listening to now."

"He tried to smooth out his relations with other aliens to get more support. He got it, and now he's raising the oldest Turian to take his place."

The taxi driver glanced at Jacob curiously.

"Who are you guys?" he finally asked, "You seem to have a lot of knowledge about this sort of stuff."

"It was my job, really." Jacob answered simply, and the man nodded. Garrus smirked, leaning back and looking out the gritty window, down below. He seemed to drift out of the conversation, and Paris leaned forward.

"Where's Jahidi now?"

"Oh, he's still around, but he's sick." Jacob nodded, scratching his jaw with an idle expression, "Rumour has it he's too sick to continue, and that's why he started training his son early. Shame his wife died though. That was probably a few months before he started getting ill."

"Dying of a broken heart." the taxi driver mumbled, and Jacob looked at him before laughing and back outside, clearly putting the notion out of his mind. Paris let the idea mingle in his mind for a few more minutes, until the taxi came to a halt and slowly hovered to the ground. The dusty landing bay of Redka Ward was large and had three walled sides, looking out over Omega. It was much higher than the promenade in front of Afterlife. Lights hidden under translucent slabs on the ground made the whole area a dark crimson. The lit slabs trailed along through to a large area that seemed healthier than the entrance to Omega, in all sorts of ways. The air was clearer, the walls seemed to glow and there wasn't a sound when you walked. Or perhaps that was the shot taking an effect on Paris.

"Where do we go now?" Jacob asked, and Paris looked at him before looking ahead, "This place has thirty-three levels, it would take too long to check each one."

"Then let's find someone that knows." Garrus suggested, and the trio walked past a large slanted advertising wall. From above, there was a simulated light that was imitating real sunlight like on earth, and Paris winced as a ray hit him in the eye. They turned a corner, and came across a maze of food courts.

Small boxes of an array of colours sat opposite, next and diagonal to each other. Many people were shouting: at other food bars, at their customers, it didn't matter. They squeezed through some and found a kind looking human at one food bar. His apron was covered in red liquid, but Paris didn't have time to find it disconcerting.

"Excuse me!" he called over the sound of sizzling fish and other odd meals. The Batarian at the grill turned his head with a small mocking laugh, then looked back at the food. Paris huffed, "Hey! I'm talking to you!"

The human snapped his head up, glaring.

"Are you here to eat? Are you gonna sit down? No! Then get outta the way of hungry customers!"

"I just need to ask a question-"

"I don't have time to give you answers, go ask someone else! Hello, what can I get you?" the man waved them away and Jacob sighed.

"Omega was always known for its polite civilians." he muttered sarcastically, but Paris turned his head, hearing something over the cries of bar owners. At the edge of the market, a mere metre wall with silver railings holding anyone back from falling, a man in a Blue Suns uniform was holding a woman by the throat. She had obviously begun eating at the bar, as part of her was still wrapped around the stool she had just been sitting on, and her head was up past the railings, proving the Blue Suns' strength.

"Look, you either come up to see Russ with the money, or you give him everything you have and then let him do what he wants!" he threatened, and the woman coughed.

"Isn't she the one from earlier on-" Jacob began, but Garrus was storming through the group of people already. Paris and Jacob quickly followed, attempting to catch up with their suddenly agitated friend.

"T-Tell Russ…" the woman let out a loud 'ack' as the man tightened his gloved grip around her neck, but she froze when her brown eyes met Garrus', and the man froze when Garrus' gun met his neck.

"Let her go." Garrus growled into his ear, keeping his eyes on the woman. The man snarled, letting go of the woman, and she jumped and quickly found herself back on her stool, gripping the edges of it. The man backed up, only to hit Paris in the chest. Paris glared at him, and he looked round at Garrus before leaving the area, disappearing into the hungry crowd.

"Well…" the woman said quietly, rubbing her red neck. Her dark fuchsia hair bounced over her shoulders, and she looked away for a moment. It was only now that Paris spotted Garrus glaring at the woman. She looked back at Garrus and pursed her purple painted lips, "Long time no see."

Garrus let out a low sigh.

"Yes. It's been a few years, hasn't it, Raegen." he nodded, and Paris blinked. But before he could question, the woman huffed and spun the straw of her drink slowly.

"It's Rae." she corrected, and looked at Paris and Jacob, "You're still travelling with Shepard?"

"Yes, and that's Jacob."

"We are right here." Jacob stated, and Garrus and Raegen looked at him.

The woman laughed a little and nodded, holding out a gloved hand. The glove was her sleeve of the black low-cut top she was wearing though, and the bottom was decorated by a half circle with a lilac triangular pattern. It was most likely on the back, too. The back of her hand was exposed through a triangular cut out on each hand. Over the top was a leather dark purple sleeveless jacket, the front designed to stay open, but at the bottom there were two buckles stretching over her waist to connect each side. Her tight trousers matched her top, but her knee length heeled boots matched her jacket. The area above the heels had a half circle design, with a lilac triangular pattern inside the half circle.

"It's nice to meet you, Jacob." she greeted, and he shook her hand. Paris did so next, and she sat back on the stool, leaning on the railings.

"How do you two know each other?" Paris asked, looking at Garrus, "You've never mentioned her before."

"Well, she's betrayed or disappointed me, so I didn't think there was a reason to." Garrus began, "We met while I was working with C-Sec. She broke the law, I went after her, and she was sent to court."

"I was used as a guinea pig for a new plan for convicts." Raegen continued, "A hundred or so of us were used. We were partnered with someone in C-Sec and had to work with them for however long we were sentenced. Just so happens, I got Garrus. We did a whole lot of good for the Citadel, but eventually we grew apart."

"Raegen got fired after an incident with a politician." Garrus chuckled, "I managed to keep my job."

Paris smirked. The woman's tone suggested the ordeal was dire the whole time, but the smirk spreading across her lips said otherwise.

"Let me introduce myself properly. Rae Keyes." she changed the subject, "And… Thanks. I guess. I did have the situation under control, though."

"You were nearly thrown off the edge." Jacob countered with a raised eyebrow, and Rae huffed, waving a hand.

"That's just what it looked like." she tutted, making Paris snicker a little.

"Well, Rae. Can you show us where Olkeer T'riy is?" he requested, and she let out an annoyed sigh. Garrus seemed to give her a look, and Raegen nodded and got to her feet.

"Sure." she answered finally, fixing the pistol at her side so it was in an easier place to reach. Suddenly she had a small, begging smile on her mouth, "But, uhm, I need some credits to pay for them meal."

"What?" Garrus snapped, but seemed to be getting some out for her as he hissed, "How did you plan on paying in the first place?"

"Well, people disappear from here all the time! It's a crowded place." Rae said off handily as she lead them through the crowd.

"You can't just do that, Rae. You need to get some money." Garrus huffed, quickly adding, "Legally."

Raegen merely lent him a chuckle in reply, settling on leading the trio in silence.