Hello again my friends. I know, given my record it is pretty freaky for me to be getting chapters out is rapidly, don't worry I am not dying or anything, just disciplining myself. Anyway I hope you enjoy this chapter.
When the private shuttle, which Aria had arranged for the couple to use, arrived, they stepped and were greeted by a small squad of talon mercs. The talons had essentially taken on the role of law enforcement for Aria. After the Cerberus coop, they were the backbone of the restoration force. Though they were not exactly Aria's first choice for her forces, she didn't really have much choice.
The squad lead the duo through the crowded streets of the station toward Afterlife. Shepard looked around him at the new and cleaner structures and surfaces. After a minute he leaned over to Tali and whispered, "Is it just me, or does Omega look something relatively close to civilized?" Tali giggled at the comment and nodded as the couple entered Afterlife.
Shepard hadn't been to Omega since it was restored by Aria and her people. It looked almost exactly like it did when he first saw it all those years ago. Except somewhat cleaner. He remembered when he first met Aria...
Shepard walked up the stairs to the loft, Zaeed and Jack following close behind. As he approached the Asari figure standing at the top, he was stopped by a merc, who immediately proceeded to scan him.
"Stand Still" said the merc, leaving little argument room.
Shepard casually pulled his pistol from his hip and held it up. "If you're looking for weapons, you're not doing a very good job."
"Can't be too careful with dead Spectres. That could be anyone wearing your face." Said the Asari.
"I was told you were the person to talk to if I have questions." Shepard said, attempting to cut to the point.
"They're clean." the merc stepped aside as Shepard walked forward.
"Depends on the questions." Aria retorted.
"You run Omega?"
Aria chuckled, turning to look from the loft over the club. "I Am Omega."
Shepard was drawn from his thought as he and Tali arrived at the loft. There was now an arm chair in addition to Aria's couch. Once again, the room seemed cleaner.
What surprised Shepard was not really the arm chair, the cleanliness, or even the new Talon guards. It was seeing Aria laying on her back with her head resting in the lap of a Turian woman. The Turian was lightly tracing lines up and down the sides of the Asari's neck. Shepard stood there for a moment as the mercs left, not exactly sure about what to do. After a while he cleared his throat, which caused the Aria to look in his direction casually at first, then she frantically sat up and straightened her clothes as her Turian companion chuckled.
"I hope we aren't disturbing you. We can come back later if you like." Shepard said teasingly as Aria's face turned a deep purple.
"Shepard, if you don't shut up I will kick your ass right in front of your wife." Aria snarled, she was about to make another threat when the Turian slid her arm around the Asari's back, calming her slightly.
"Now Aria, cut him some slack. After all, he did save both our lives and help us get Omega back." The Turian said in a calm tone.
Aria abruptly stood. "It was not Omega when Cerberus was here. I am what makes this place Omega. I am the one who brings order to the chaos of this place." She rotated facing out, looking over the club. "I am-"
Nyreen stood and put her arm around the Asari's waist, raising her voice slightly louder than her companion's. "We are Omega."
Aria turned to her partner with a slightly annoyed look but her face softened unwillingly when their eyes met. She quickly shook it off and turned to her guests. "Alright... Fine. Welcome back to Omega Shepard and... Umm..." Aria trailed off, realizing she didn't know his wife's name.
"Admiral Tali'Zorah. We hope you will enjoy your stay here." Nyreen chimed in, trying to pull her girl from the fire. "Jack should be here soon to show you to where you will be staying."
The couple was sitting at a table in the club when Shepard was suddenly lifted out of his chair in a blue haze. Before he could react, he found himself flat on his back on the floor with Jack's boot in the center of his chest.
"There you are. I must say, you are disappointing me. Have you gone soft on me Shepard?" Jack said mockingly, chuckling a bit.
Shepard smirked and rolled, grabbing her boot and swinging her onto a nearby table. Before the biotic woman could get up Shepard grabbed her arms and pulled them up behind her back, pinning her down. "Soft? Nah, just thought I'd let you have a tiny bit of fun."
Shepard hoisted jack off the table back onto her feet, still holding her arms behind her back. The ex-con struggled a little and smiled, laughing. "You know, if you were anybody else, I would kick your ass so hard your daughter would feel it."
"Good to know you haven't gone soft either, Jack." Shepard released his former teammate and lightly smacked her on the back. "So, aren't you supposed to show us where we are staying, sugar puff?" Shepard said teasingly.
Jack's eyelid twitched a little, anger swelling up within her, then she snapped. "That's it Shepard!" she grabbed the ex-commander by the collar and lifted him into the air with a biotic fist. She stopped when she saw Tali's shotgun pointing in her face. "Ah hahahahahaha! Now this is just fucking hilarious!" Jack set Shepard down and put an arm around him and another around Tali. "Come on, I think you will like the place."
There you have it readers. I am still hoping someone will submit a picture for the cover contest. If you need another reminder of Sheela's looks then please refer to chapter 3. Anyway, please remember to leave a review.