A/N: Well, folks, it's time for chapter two! The response to chapter one was even better than I could have hoped. So thanks to all of you who read it, and special thanks to those of you who took the time to review. It made coming back feel really nice :)

Anywho, I'll stop yapping up here. I'm sure you guys and gals want to read the chapter. Enjoy!

Making Friends

There is a plain under a dim sky. It is covered with gentle rolling curves that might remind you of something else if you saw it from a long way away, and if you saw it from a long way away, you'd be very glad you were, in fact, a long way away.

Three grey figures float just above the plain. Just what they are cannot be described in normal language. Some might call them ghosts, although there is nothing so tangible about them. They might be numbered among those who see to it that atoms spin and that time stays separate from space. Call them auditors. Auditors of Reality.

They are in conversation without speaking. They don't need to speak. They just change reality so that they have spoken.

One says, He has never been this bold. Is he allowed to do this?

One says, He is technically not forbidden from doing it.

One says, It matters not. We will stop him. He believes them to be invisible to us. Well they are invisible in the same way a black hole is. We might not see them directly, but we can see their interactions with everything else.

One says, It concerns me that he is doing this. He is becoming a personality.

One says, Personalities come to an end. Only forces endure. Where you get personality, there are irregularities.

One, who seems to have been thinking about something, says, Just one moment, did you not just use the singular pronoun, "me?" Not developing a personality, are you?

One says, guiltily, Who? Us?

One says, Where there is personality, there is discord.

One says, Yes. Yes. Very true.

One says, All right, but watch it in the future.

One says, I know, I know.

One says, You did it again. You said "I."

One says, No! No! I didn't! I never said "I"!...oh, bugger…

It burst into flame and burned in the same way that a small cloud of vapor burns: quickly and with no residual mess. Almost immediately, another one appears. It is identical in appearance to its vanished sibling.

One says, Let that be a lesson. To become a personality is to end. And now…let us go.


So I've learned that even in the future, flying coach sucks.

That's right, I've left the Citadel. After that shit with al-Jilani, I decided not to waste any time. That same day, I went to "Miller & McCarthy's" and told them that I'd be quitting. I cited something about family issues, and Joel took it at face value. He was sad to see me go, but he understood. From there, I went back to the apartment and started packing. I also tried to find a shuttle to Omega that was leaving tomorrow. Unfortunately, the only one left wasn't a straight shot; it was stopping at Illium first, but I didn't really care. I just wanted off the Citadel. I also saw the landlord and took care of the apartment. I didn't have near enough money to keep it rented while I was gone, so I just told the guy I was leaving and that he could rent it to someone else. I'll apologize to Ian and Garrus when I see them again, but I feel like we won't be back there any time soon.

The next day, I got to the dock early, even though my shuttle wasn't till the afternoon. Ever since the attack, security's been kind of a bitch. It's worse than post-9/11 America. So it made me glad I got there early; by the time I got through, it was two hours till my shuttle. It was probably the fact that I had my armor with me. I made the conscious choice not to bring my weapons; I figured I could get new ones on Omega anyway. And even with just the armor, security came down on me. Eventually, I managed to get through, but it wasn't a fun process.

I didn't really do much in the two hours before my shuttle: ate some lunch, watched the news (and thankfully didn't see anything about me), and read a book on my omni-tool. I kinda wish I had a physical book, but nowadays, they're crazy expensive.

Eventually, it was time to board, and I quickly found my seat. Like I said, I was flying coach, meaning there was someone next to me, but I was lucky enough to get the window seat. The person sitting next to me was actually a turian. Once he had gotten settled, he seemed perfectly content to keep to himself, and I was just fine with that. I wasn't really feeling talkative. Lemme tell ya, it made for a boring 12 hour flight. Yeah, that's right. 12 hours. It kinda sucked. I don't think the turian and I said two words to each other at all. I was fucking ecstatic when we finally got to Illium and found out that he was getting off here. I was even more excited when I learned that there would be an hour in between arrival and departure, meaning I could get off and stretch my legs. Also eat something.

Now it's an hour later, I'm back on the shuttle. It felt pretty good to walk around after a 12 hour flight. I quickly find my seat again to see that I'm the first one back. That just means I get the window seat again.

I was one of the first ones back on the shuttle, meaning I now have to wait for everyone to board. Wonderful. After about five minutes, most everyone is in their seat, but I still don't have anyone next to me. Huh, maybe I have this row all to myself. That would be kinda nice. I give a contented sigh and look out the window, admiring the view of Illium. It's a wonderful vista, but I remember what Garrus says when you bring him here: It may look polished, but it's just as dangerous as Omega.

Suddenly I hear a commotion next to my seat. Looking over, I see a young woman, probably in her early 20s, messing with the overhead compartment. Well, looks like I'll be having someone next to me after all. She finally finishes messing with her bags, and I can get a good look at her. She looks rather petite, probably no taller than 5'5". She has shoulder-length black hair and brown eyes. As she sits down, I give her a nod, which she returns, then go back to looking out the window. Within a few minutes, we're leaving Illium. Once we're in space, I hear a stewardess come by, but I'm not really paying attention. I'm still staring out the window into the far reaches of space.

Suddenly, I feel a tap on my shoulder. "Do you want anything?" the woman next to me asks in a surprisingly girlish voice. I turn away from the window and face her.

"Ah, no. Thanks. I'm fine," I say. She just shrugs.

"Alright." She turns back to the stewardess. "That's everything, thank you." The stewardess nods and walks away. Then the woman turns to look straight ahead. After a bit, she turns to me. "So you headed to Omega, too?"

"Yeah, I am," I say, nodding. "I'm assuming since you're on this shuttle that you are too?"

"Yup! Gotta get back to the clinic," she says. Wait, clinic? Before I can think about it further, I notice her giving me a critical look. "Have you ever been to Omega?"

I shake my head. "Nope, can't say I have. Why?"

"I don't know, you just seem a little... young. Not to be rude, or anything." Ah, of course. I guess she looks at me and sees only a 19 year old. I guess I'd be curious, too.

"No worries," I say, waving my hand in a dismissive gesture. "You're just stating a fact. But yeah, I can't say I'm looking forward to Omega, but that's where I need to be."

"Oh really? Can't say I've ever heard someone say they need to be on Omega before," she says with the barest hint of a smirk. I guess that would sound a little odd.

"Well now you have. Though I seem to recall you saying you needed to get back to a clinic."

"You've got me there," she says, smiling. "Working for a clinic, though. It's good work. Especially on a place as rough as Omega. Just want to add a little light to this galaxy, you know?"

"Yeah, I do," I say. So she did mention a clinic. I wonder… "If you don't mind me asking, what clinic do you work at?"

"Mordin's Clinic."

Wait, what? Did she just…she works with Mordin? That's…that's kind of awesome!

"Well hot damn. That's why I'm going to Omega, too."

She gets an absolutely dumbfounded look on her face. "Seriously? I didn't know we'd hired someone. How… what...?" Oh…well this could get awkward.

"Well...I, uh, haven't been hired yet," I say, rubbing the back of my neck. "I was hoping to get a job there..."

"...oh... I didn't know that word of Mordin's Clinic had spread so far. Why do you want to work there?"

Shit. Shit, I wasn't expecting to have to answer this question yet. I thought I'd have the shuttle ride to think about that. Damn, now I have to think of something.

"I have a friend on Omega, and he said that the clinic saved his life," I tell her. I don't think I'm technically lying. I mean, I do have two friends on Omega, and Mordin might have helped them out at some point. "That's how I heard of it. A few days ago, I suddenly realized that I wasn't really doing anything with my life, and I thought about how I could make a difference. Mordin's Clinic came to mind."

"That's awesome!" she says, taking my answer at face value. "I'm a nurse there; maybe I helped treat your friend." She smiles again, and I'm suddenly struck with the thought that it's a nice smile. "Though we do get a lot of people, so probably not a high chance of me recognizing him. Are you a doctor then?" There's a distinct pause as she looks at me again. "... in training?"

Well, this might be tricky. On the one hand, I could lie and say that I was in medical school or something, but I don't think that would be the best way to start a working relationship with Mordin. I decide to simply tell the truth. Hopefully I can still get a job.

"I'll be frank; I don't have any professional medical experience. The extent of my knowledge is treating battle wounds."

She gives a slight frown. "Hmmm... any other skills you have? I'd hate to see you turned away just 'cause you weren't useful. There are enough people living on the streets, wouldn't want to add to it. Or force you to join a merc group." Her eyes go hard at the mention of mercs. I'm actually not surprised, seeing as she's apparently been working on Omega for a while.

"I have technical skill and tend to learn new concepts quickly," I say, trying to be modest…but not too modest. "I also have combat experience, and knowing Omega, that's probably a good thing." That earns a rueful smile from her.

"Yeah, probably," she says. She seems to think for a few moments before speaking up again. "Well, the clinic is really only guarded by mechs with only two actual guards. I'm sure they'd love to add someone else to the rotation. I'll vouch for you."

Seriously? She'd…she'd be willing to vouch for me?

"Wow...thank you. It says a lot that you'd be willing to help a complete stranger," I say with genuine gratefulness. I suddenly realize what I just said and can't help but laugh. "I just realized that I still haven't introduced myself. Dylan Owens." I extend a hand.

"Violet Geller," she says with a smile, shaking my hand. That's a nice name. "You seem like a decent person, and I like helping decent people."

"Well, Violet, I'm very glad that you do. I was expecting to beg a little bit."

That makes her eyes sparkle with…something. Uh oh. I've got a bad feeling about this. "I might hold back just to watch that." Ooh, that's mean. But I also think I would have said the same thing in her place. Well played. Well played indeed. Well, two can play at that game.

"I don't think it'll be pretty. I wouldn't want anyone to be put through that."

"I don't know, a grown man begging for something's always been a little humorous," Violet says with a laugh. "In any case, you don't have to worry about it. Do you plan on staying on Omega for a long time?"

"I really don't know," I say. Technically true, seeing as I don't know when Jenny's gonna pick up Mordin. "But I'll probably be around for a while, yeah."

"Awesome. Where do you plan on staying? I can help you pick a good place, I know the streets pretty well. Relatively 'safe' districts versus the ones you don't walk down unless you want to get mugged, shot and have your organs removed."

"That would be awesome," I say. I can't believe how lucky I am to have met Violet. Not only does she work with Mordin, but she's also nice and funny. "Like I said, I don't know Omega, so any help is greatly appreciated."

"No problem. So what'd you do before deciding to start over on Omega?" Damn…I was kinda hoping she wouldn't ask that. I'm not ashamed of my time with Jenny. If anything, I don't like the fame that came with it. It was never a lot, and the whole squad was sort of in her shadow, but the media still paid attention to us. I wonder if I can half-lie. Or more…not tell the whole truth. I don't want to lie to her.

"I, uh, worked with the Alliance for a few months," I say. "Before that, I was living on Eden Prime."

Her eyes widen when I say that, and I can tell that she recognizes me. Damn. Oh well, might as well make the best of it. "That's right! You were on the Normandy's crew! I thought I recognized you from somewhere! Pictures all over every newsvid for months following the Battle of the Citadel. Wow, I hope I didn't just make you feel awkward. I can shut up. Do you want me to shut up?" Aww, I think she's embarrassed. That's…actually kind of cute…

"I try not to make a big deal of it," I say, rubbing the back of my neck again. "I was just muscle. Jenny deserves the credit."

She narrows her eyes at me. "Way I heard Shepard say it in one of her interviews, it was a team effort. Don't sell yourself short. Definitely vouching for you, now."

"I'd kind of like to get the job on my own merit, but I won't say no to a little extra help. So thanks again."

"If you were on Shepard's boat, I'm sure I won't even need to open my mouth," Vi says with a smile.

"One can hope," I say, returning the smile. I pause, thinking that it should be her turn to talk for a bit. "So what about you? What made you start working at Mordin's?"

"I'm a colony kid: completed my nurses training at the age of 20, but I wasn't sure where to go from there," she says. "Tried working for a hospital on Illium for a while, but it just wasn't for me. I mean, I know people everywhere deserve to be treated, but there are places where it's more needed, and I really wanted to help people that didn't have it. Found Mordin's Clinic a year ago and have been there since."

"That's pretty awesome," I say. And it really is. Now that I think about it…Vi might be the first person from this universe, outside of the Normandy crew, that I'm really starting to know. It's actually kind of nice: talking to someone I know nothing about. "I'm guessing you like working with Mordin? Or should I say Dr. Solus?"

"I just call him Mordin, but yeah, it's terrific. You would not believe the speed at which this guy thinks. I mean, I know salarians are pretty fast-paced as it is, but Mordin blows them out of the water. He has a good heart; I think you'll like it there."

"I feel like I'll be learning a lot from him. And you, from the sound of it," I say with a grin.

"Definitely," she says, grinning back. "So... what was it like working for the first human Spectre?" Ah, I guess it's my turn again.

"Vi, you wouldn't believe some of the stuff I got to see," I tell her, letting a certain amount of wonder into my voice. "It'll take something pretty fucking amazing to top that experience."

"Sounds like quite the tale! Stopping a geth invasion in the Citadel has got to be a story all on its own." She gives a sort of shy, apologetic smile. "I didn't read all the articles about it. Turf war in the streets ended up with a lot of injured civilians. Were you a part of the ground team? That is what it's called in the military, right?"

"Yeah, I was on the ground team for quite a few of the missions," I say. It's weird. This is the first time I've really felt like talking about my time on the Normandy to someone who wasn't there. "It was...terrifying at first, but we had a great team. I learned a lot of stuff from them."

"Wow that sounds incredible," she says, actually sounding impressed. "I think I could shoot a gun if I had to, but I can't imagine being in the thick of things. Got any cool scars?"

"Got six horizontal ones across my chest from a, uh, an alpha varren." She probably isn't ready to know the real reason I got those scars.

"Jesus!" she says, sucking in a breath. "I guess you had the wounds properly disinfected, otherwise you wouldn't still be here. Must have hurt like hell, though. Varren carry tons of nasty diseases."

I nod emphatically. "Seeing as the damn thing also broke a few ribs, it wasn't very fun." Again, not really the truth, but I did break a few ribs on that mission, too.

"Damn Dylan." She shakes her head. "I think the coolest scar I have is on forearm." She pulls up her sleeve, revealing a rather large scar. "Some kid who'd been shot on Omega had a knife in his pocket when he was brought in and pulled it on me during treatment. Shocked out of his mind, didn't know what was going on. We had to sedate him." Damn, it must have cut pretty deep to leave a scar like that.

"Wow. Yeah, I know that knife wounds can get ugly," I say, thinking of the damage I could do with my Bowie. I haven't used that thing since Feros, but I still have it. It was the only weapon I brought with me. Then I grin. "Maybe I should keep my armor on all the time."

"Probably wouldn't be a bad idea," Vi says, laughing. "Though sleeping in it would get uncomfortable." That draws a chuckle from me.

"Yeah, you're probably right." I suddenly yawn. "Oh, man. Sorry 'bout that. Been on this thing for 12 hours."

"Say 'sleep' and the body yawns," she says, shaking her head with a smile. "You know what? I'm tired, too. Hadn't entirely gotten used to Illium's hours during my brief vacation. A nap might not be a bad idea." Cue a yawn from her.

"Then I'll talk to you later, Vi," I say, starting to settle back into my seat. "It was nice to meet you." She gives me a smile and starts doing the same.

"Nice to meet you, too. Wake me up if I'm still asleep when we dock."

"Same goes to you. Have a nice nap."

Because god knows I will.


I don't know what woke me up, but something did. Looking at my omni-tool, I see that I was asleep for seven hours. Holy shit! So much for a little nap. We're only about half an hour from Omega, then. I look over at Vi to see that she's still asleep. Geez, I guess we were both tired. I don't know how, but she somehow managed to curl up on her side in the seat, and her regular breathing means she's still firmly asleep. She almost looks like a little kitten curled up like that.

God, I can't believe how lucky I am to have met Vi on here. I was expecting to get to Omega and be completely alone. But now, I have Vi. She seems like a very kind, genuine person, and I can't imagine that my luck is actually helping me out for a change.

A half hour later, the shuttle finally docks with Omega. My window was facing away from the station, which robbed me of a potentially amazing view. Somehow, she's still asleep. I decide to make good on my promise and wake her.

"Vi. Vi, wake up. We're here," I say gently, giving her a small nudge. She tries to shove my hand away.

"Just inject him with the blue stuff," she says sleepily. I have no idea what she's talking about, but it makes me chuckle. There are so many ways I can respond to that. Time to have some fun with this.

"As kinky as that sounds, you should probably wake up before you say anything more embarrassing."

This time, her eyes open and she gives her head a little shake. Then she looks up at me and seems to realize what she said…and how I responded to it. A light blush creeps over her cheeks. "Oh…" She rubs her eyes. "Hey…we there?"

"Yeah, we're here," I tell her with another small chuckle. "Time to wake up, sleepy head."

She laughs, shaking her head again. "Ha, funny. Guess I was more tired than I thought." Vi looks around the shuttle, noticing people starting to get out of their seats. "You probably want me to get up so you can get out, huh?"

"That would be wonderful."

"Alright," she says, getting up and stretching before removing rummaging through the overhead compartment. "Which one's yours?"

I stand up, but she's still blocking me in. That means I'm doing that half-hunch that tall people always do on planes. "The medium sized blue one."

She lugs my case out of the compartment and shoves it into my hands. "You just want to follow me to the clinic then?" she asks, finally stepping out of the way and allowing me to get out. "I have to drop my stuff off at my apartment first, but it's on the way."

"Again, that would be wonderful," I say, stretching up to my full height. You know, I just realized that this is the first time I've actually stood next to Vi. It looks like I was about right when I said she was 5'5". She comes up to a little under my chin. As I'm looking down at her, she's looking up at me, and she just shakes her head. She's probably used to it by now.

"If you want to dump your stuff there for the time, that'd be fine, too. Unless you have a bomb in there. I don't want that." She eyes my case dubiously. I just smile at her.

"Nope, no bomb. And seriously, Vi, thanks. For all of this."

She turns around to give me a smile and a pat on the arm. When she faces the front again, the line to exit has started to move, so she begins to walk out. "No worries. You didn't stab me while I was sleeping, so I think I can trust you."

"Vi! How could you think I would do such a thing? I'm hurt," I say playfully, following her out of the shuttle.

"Uh-huh, sure." She shoots me a smile over her shoulder before finally stepping out of the transport. I follow her out and take my first steps on Omega. My first impression is…brown. It's very brown. Whether that's the natural color or the accumulated filth of centuries of sullied living I don't know. Vi starts walking away from the dock, so I quickly move to follow her. It's just now that I realize that there doesn't seem to be any security. Though…I guess this is Omega.

Anywho, we pass through a few doors and that's about it. I'm now actually on Omega. It's…I'm not really sure how to describe this. In every direction, there's at least one beggar sitting on the side of the corridor and at least two mercs walking by.

"So, uh...how far is the clinic from here?" I ask, coming to walk next to her.

"Depends on your definition of far," she says, constantly looking around. "We don't have to cross the whole station, if that's what you're asking. My apartment is about four blocks away, and the clinic is only two blocks from there. If you need a taxi though, I can get one for you."

"I think I'll be fine. I was in combat, remember? Walking the streets of Omega should be no problem."

She laughs. "Hmm…yeah. I imagine there would be a lot of walking on missions. You got a knife on you?" she asks suddenly.

"You wanna see a knife?" I ask, also laughing. I reach down to where my Bowie is strapped to my leg. I unsheathe it and hold it up in front of her. In my best Australian accent, I say, "That's a knife."

"As amazing as that is, I'd put it away. See that guy over there?" she asks, pointing at a merc standing a few meters away. He's eying us, I can just tell. "He's casing us. Don't want to challenge him, but don't want him to think we're easy targets." Vi then proceeds to stare at the merc as we continue walking. I do as she asks and sheathe my knife. Then I follow her example and eye the merc.

"Then I hope I gave him a show. We don't mess with him if he doesn't mess with us."

As we pass by the merc, he makes a show of looking away like he was never interested in us. Vi just nods to herself as we keep walking. "I'd say you did. Come on, almost halfway there."

"So will your roommate mind me dropping my stuff off?" I ask, deciding to switch to a new topic.

"No roommate, I live alone," she says. "Maybe not entirely wise on Omega, but I get by. Besides, the clinic is just down the street. If I ever need anything, Mordin's there." Ah Mordin. Yeah, knowing him, he would do something like that. Wait…I shouldn't know anything about Mordin… Shit, I should probably ask something about that.

"Would Mordin really be able to help you out? He's a doctor." That earns me a grin.

"Just wait till you meet him. He won't confirm it, but I'm pretty sure he used to be military or something. He knows way too much about guns otherwise."

"Huh...he sounds like my kind of doc..." I say. She doesn't answer right away, instead turning into a short alley and walking up to a door. She messes with the lock for a second before the door opens.

"Here we are. My apartment's on the third floor," she says. Holy shit, I didn't realize we had gone four blocks already. She enters the building and holds the door open for me. Nodding my thanks, I walk through the door. "Hope you don't mind using the stairs. Elevator's been broken for a week now because someone hasn't fixed it yet!" That last part was quite obviously intended as a friendly jab at the landlord, who's sitting behind a desk in front of the door. He just gives Vi a wave, shaking his head with a smile.

"Eh, no worries," I tell her, following her to the stairs. "A few flights of stairs never killed anyone. Since you know where you're going, after you." She reaches the staircase and hefts her bag onto her shoulder. Then we begin the trek up.

"I don't know, I might kill the landlord over it," she mutters. I can't help but grin.

"Seeing as you're a nurse, killing people would probably look bad on your record," I say, unable to resist a friendly jab.

"Hmm... I could make it look like an accident." She stops and turns around to give me a wink.

"Oooh...you might have to teach me more than nursing..."

"I don't know... every girl's gotta have her secrets," she says in a flippant tone while exiting the stairwell. She proceeds to walk down the hall to the third door on the left.

"I'm sure you've got plenty to spare. We've only just met," I say as she unlocks the door. I follow her into the apartment and stand awkwardly next to the door as she walks into an adjoining room. While she's putting her stuff away, I take a moment to look around. The door opened into what's probably a living room. It's got a green couch facing a vidscreen on the right, a terminal on the other side, and that's about it. The living room connects to a small kitchen near the terminal and the room Vi went into near the vidscreen. That's probably her bedroom then. That's about it. Small, but it's very neat and cozy.

"I'll never give up the location of my mad scientist laboratory!" she hollers from the bedroom, bringing me back to the conversation we were having. Then she walks out of the room and sees me standing there like an idiot. "You can put your stuff wherever. Except the coat closet. Don't want to see what's in there." I can clearly see the mischievous sparkle in her eyes when she says that. I return her look with a grin.

"You know that just makes me want to open it, don't you?" I ask, setting my bags down by the couch.

"Your death wish," she says with a shrug.

"Very tempted to call your bluff right now..." I walk over to the coat closet and open it.

"It's terrible, isn't it? Are you blind yet?"

"I don't think I've ever seen a more horrifying collection of lab coats and random assorted needles."

She walks over to stand next to me and examine the contents of the closet. "Anything in particular you want written on your tombstone?" she asks.

"Hmm...I'm not sure. 'He lived as he died...horribly.' How's that?"

"Pretty gruesome. Better shut the door before your brain explodes from the terribleness." I close the door.

"Well, now that that life-changing incident is over, are you ready to head to the clinic now?" I ask, deciding to get down to business.

"Absolutely." We exit the apartment, and she locks it behind us. "Only 2 more blocks to go. Have you thought about what you're going to say that will be amazingly persuasive and get you the job?"

I give a shrug. "I figure I'll just dazzle Mordin with my amazing charm and wit."

She taps her chin thoughtfully as we head back down the stairs and out of the building. "You know, we could use a receptionist. You'll fit right in."

"Eh, I don't think I have the stunning good looks to be a receptionist. I just have average good looks."

She gives me a sidelong glance as we walk along. That's a very…appraising look. "You'd be better than the last one."

Huh? That…sounded almost teasing. I raise my eyebrows, somewhat taken by surprise. Though now that I think about it, that comment could be taken two ways. "I'll choose to take that as a compliment to me, rather than an insult to the last receptionist."

"Just wait till you see a picture of the last receptionist," she says with the barest hint of a coy smile. Damn it, woman, stop that!

"I'm sure it'll be worth a chuckle," I say, trying to play along.

"Nah, I'm pretty sure we'll find you something in security," she says, apparently deciding to drop any talk of receptionists. "Can't let that awesome knife go to waste trimming nails." We slow down as we come to a familiar flight of steps. I think we're here. "Here we are! Mordin's office is in the back. I should probably go let him know I'm back, but you can come, too. Least I can do is introduce you." With that, we enter the clinic. It looks pretty empty. We pass a single patient sitting in the waiting room on our way to Mordin's office.

"Thanks again, Vi. I'll take any help I can get," I say. Right after I do, she opens the door and walks into Mordin's office.

"Hey, Mordin! I'm back!" she says cheerfully. I step into the room, but stay partially behind her. I'm suddenly very nervous. Meanwhile, Mordin looks up from his desk, and I see a tiny smile appear on his old, scarred face.

"Ah, Violet. Wasn't expecting you back so soon. Glad to see you." He actually pauses for a second as he seems to notice me. "Who's this?"

"This is Dylan Owens," Vi says, stepping to the side so I'm in full view. "Met him on the transport shuttle back from Illium. Dad got called away on some business, so I decided to return early."

"Dylan Owens?" Mordin asks, actually sounding surprised. "Part of Shepard's crew? Interesting. Surprised to see you on Omega. Would think you would be happy on Citadel. Maybe even go back to Eden Prime."

Holy shit. He actually knew all that about me off the top of his head? That's…impressive. Also a little intimidating. Now I'm even more nervous.

"That's, uh, kinda why I'm here, Dr. Solus," I say, deciding that formality couldn't hurt. "Believe it or not, I was hoping to get a job here at your clinic."

He just sits there for about three whole seconds, apparently considering the idea.

"No. Not hiring."

Wh…wha…what? He's…they're not…what? I…I hadn't considered the possibility that he'd say no. I just assumed… Everything else had been going so well for me so far.

"Can you at least tell me why?" I ask once my brain starts working again.

"Simple," he says. "This is a clinic. Clinics need doctors, nurses, not soldiers."

"No offense, Mordin, but we rely heavily on mechs for security," Vi says, taking a step closer to the doctor. "We could use another guy to help out."

"Mechs always suitable before. Why change now?"

"You know for a fact that gang activity is rising. The vorcha are pressing closer every day, and the Blue Suns are demanding more from 'their areas.' One more guy, Mordin. Don't kick him to the streets just so he can join the other side." My god, I could kiss Vi right now.

"And I'm not just dumb muscle," I say, trying to plead my case. "I was going to Vanderbilt back on Earth before the situation with Saren reared its ugly head. I can learn to be useful as more than a security guard."

Again, he remains silent for about three seconds.

"Alright. After shifts on security, report to Violet. She will teach you."

"Thank you so much, Dr. Solus!" I say, unable to contain the feeling of pure ecstasy coursing through my veins. I barely restrain myself from hugging the aging salarian. "I won't let you down."

"Please, call me Mordin. Now, gather your equipment. First shift starts in one hour. Report to Jesse Fulmer, head of security. Will show you the ropes, as humans say." Whoa, damn…he's not wasting any time, is he? But I guess he is a salarian; they don't have a lot of time to waste.

"Can do, Mordin. I'll be ready. Again, thank you so much," I say, stepping out of his office. Vi follows me out.

"Congratulations!" she says, actually giving me a quick surprise hug. It catches me off guard, and she steps away before I can react to it. Damn, and we only just met. But…for some reason, it feels like I've known her a lot longer. I don't know what it is, but she has this…quality about her that puts me at ease. It's a nice feeling, especially here on Omega. "Looks like I get to boss you around part time, now," she says, pulling me back to the conversation. I give her a huge grin.

"I can think of worse possibilities," I say, jokingly. Then I turn serious again. "Thank you so much, Vi. I think I owe you almost as much as Mordin."

"Don't even worry about it. Now we just to find you a place to live. Though you're welcome to my couch in the mean time." Seriously? Holy crap. I know I've thought this a few times already, but I can't believe how lucky I am to have met her.

"You just keep giving me better and better news. I'll try not to waste your space for too long."

"Eh, it'll be a nice change of pace for a bit," she says. "As long as you don't mind the fact that I stay up really late."

"Seeing as I'm the same way, that shouldn't pose a problem," I tell her. I pause for a moment and look around my new workplace. "I guess I should head back there and get my armor. First shift's in an hour."

Only sixteen months to go.

A/N: And there's chapter two! Started it off with a quick glimpse at the Auditors, then ran away with some of the longest extended dialogue I've ever had the pleasure to write. And speaking of the dialogue, I need to give major, major thanks to quantumparadigm for letting me use her OC, Violet. If you couldn't guess from this chapter, you fine folks will be seeing plenty of Vi in the next few chapters, so all credit for her dialogue goes to quantumparadigm.

Also, I need to mention something now that Dylan's on Omega. This is in regards to Ian and Garrus. The things that happen to them (especially at the end of their time on Omega) will be in no way indicative of what happens in MtM3. Hell, even I don't know how MtM3 ends. So what happens to Ian and Garrus in WttNF probably isn't gonna be what happens to them in MtM3. Just saying.

On an unrelated note, Welcome to the Family is apparently sonnet worthy! Rob DS Zeta has kindly written a tribute sonnet for WttF, much like I did for MtM a few months ago (shameless plug). For all his self-proclaimed "lack of poetic skill", he did a good job with it, so all of you guys and gals should definitely check it out. It's called "Welcome to the Sonnet".

Anywho, I suppose that's it for this chapter. Till next time, ta ta!