BioWare owns what they own. So here's chapter four. It's longer than the others, I hope you all enjoy.

Edit: Fixed the dialogue.

Chapter Four: Where Archangel Fears To Tread

Omega, 2185, August 25th 6:07PM

I couldn't believe my eyes, there she was. Her bright, short, red hair was the first thing I recognised, it looked almost the same as the last day I saw her all those years ago. Her piercing green eyes were full of life as she talked amongst the two people following her.

I glanced at her little squad, there was a man dressed in a black and white uniform. He seemed to be a solider, from Cerberus I assumed since he did very little to hide the emblem on his chest. I then noticed the other person… and all I could really say about her was, hot.

Her long black hair, beautiful blue eyes, skin tight uniform, it was all enticing… until I noticed the same emblem just above her chest, Cerberus. It was weird to see Riley with Cerberus members after hearing about her attempts at taking down Cerberus operations.

I studied Riley; there was no sign of a Cerberus emblem, just the N7 one. What could she be doing with them? Or a better question was how this was even possible? She's supposed to be dead. Was her death faked so she could join Cerberus?

I sighed softly; it was giving me a headache. If I wanted answers I could just walk over and get them. I took a step forward then froze as I heard them mention Archangel. I quickly pulled my hood down over my face more and acted like I was minding my own business as I listened in.

"Okay, we just need to get to the transport depot," Riley said before opening her omni tool. She definitely sounded like the Riley I knew. I couldn't believe that I was actually considering the fact that Riley Shepard was alive after two years.

"We better go then, he won't have much time." That voice was so… angelic, and that accent was just well… sexy was an understatement. I looked up slightly, there was no doubt that voice came from the woman that was with Riley.

She closed her omni tool and all three of them started to make their way away from Afterlife. I watched carefully as they passed me, it was time to redefine my stealth abilities. I followed close behind as they led me to a transport depot. I stopped and waited a few feet back as they talked to some Batarian Blue Suns driver. He was going to take them there and if I didn't step up now there was no way I'd get in.

I took a deep breath as I walked up behind the group. "I'm with them," I said casually as I pulled my hood off and let my short black hair breathe. All four of them turned, but only one had a shocked expression plastered on their face.

"It can't be," Riley said as she focused on me.

"I was looking everywhere for you guys." I offered a small smile, which only confused Riley.

"What are y…?"

I swiftly walked between Riley and the woman in her group and put my arms around their shoulders. "As you can see, I'm with them," I said confidently, hoping they'd just go with it. The woman shrugged my arm off her and made a disgusted noise, but Riley didn't move.

"Is this true?" The Batarian asked as he tapped his datapad in annoyance.

I heard Riley softly sigh before answering. "Yes, it is," she agreed.

"Alright, wait here." He walked off towards the vehicle and Riley immediately removed my arm.

She gazed at me, her expression a little pissed off. "What are you doing here, Vex?"

I snorted. "Shouldn't I be asking you that? You're supposed to be dead."

"Who is this?" The woman questioned, clearly annoyed.

"I agree," the male member of their little group chimed in. They both watched me carefully, causing me to feel slightly uncomfortable.

"This is Vex Walker; I knew her back on Earth." Riley stated.

"Are surnames really necessary?" I asked as I folded my arms.

"We can't let her tag along, she'll jeopardise the mission," the woman commented as she looked at Riley.

"Hey, I wouldn't jeopardise anything, I just want to get to the Kima district then I'm gone."

All three of them looked at me suspiciously, but thankfully they didn't have time to argue. "Alright, let's get going," the Batarian said as he approached us. All four of us turned to him; I let out an unsteady breath. It wasn't going to be easy lying to Riley.

Omega, 2185, August 25th 6:31PM

We sat in the back of a vehicle as we were being taken to the Kima district. Riley sat next to me; her eyes were closed as she leant her head against the seat, visible scars could be seen on her face, but she looked peaceful.

Her two Cerberus lackeys sat across from us both as they talked quietly amongst each other. I gazed at the woman across from me, she was compelling in appearance, but from what I saw she wasn't exactly a nice person… yet why would I care about that?

"So, are you going to tell me why you really wanted to go with us?" Riley asked quietly from beside me, snapping me out of my creepy staring session. I gave her a sideways glance, she was still leaning her head back with her eyes closed.

I leant back in my seat. "There's nothing more to tell."

"Really now?" She raised an eyebrow.

I sighed quietly. "Those mercenary idiots are blocking the district, I live there and I want to go home… simple." I didn't exactly feel great lying to her, but it was the only way to stay out of trouble and keep her out of my way.

She opened her eyes and slightly turned her head to look at me. "You and I both know that's bullshit, Vex."

Fuck.

"And you would know that how? You haven't seen me in years."

"You think I don't know that's a sniper in your bag?"

"What makes you so sure?" I asked calmly in hopes to not draw attention from the people across from us.

"I've heard a little bit about you, Vex."

"Same goes for you, Madam Spectre."

"Vex, this is serious."

"I'm being serious, what have you heard?"

She sighed and turned more towards me before speaking quietly. "You've been a suspect in some sniper related killings on Earth and a few other planets."

I raised an eyebrow. "No convictions, no proof."

"You're just lucky I agreed to let you come with us."

I admit I felt a little guilty for not trusting her; she did let me tag along after all. I cleared my throat. "So, I have an important question."

"What is it?" She asked with a hint of sourness in her tone.

I thought about whether or not asking was a good idea at that point, but ultimately I decided it was. I tilted my head in the direction of the woman across from me. "Who's the hot chick?"

She gave me an annoyed sideways look. "I don't think that's any of your business."

I sighed and kept quiet from then on, I had already ruined things enough.

Omega, 2185, August 25th 7:13PM

We arrived at our destination shortly after, to which I instantly pulled my hood up over my face and broke off from Riley's group before anyone noticed. The way Riley's group talked, were they going to help Archangel? They said they had to hurry because he didn't have much time. I furrowed my brow at the thought of having to go against Riley.

I walked around the area for a while, the mercs really blocked most of the district up to get to Archangel. If anyone was going to kill him, it was going to be me though. I entered a room and saw Eclipse members sitting around a table.

I instantly stepped back out of the room. I knew some of the members from Eclipse because of… Nulan, I knew I had to play it cool and not draw attention to myself. I took a deep breath before opening the door again.

I casually strolled through the room until I heard Riley's voice just beyond the door I just entered. I instantly leant against a table that was across from the door, my back facing the door.

I heard Riley and company enter the room, soon followed by the sounds of Riley talking to Jaroth, the Eclipse leader. I just had to stand there and hope they wouldn't notice me.

It was then that I noticed a datapad on the table. There was no harm in just peaking. I quietly read the datapad and found one very interesting line. 'It's clear though that none of our organizations would be ready to move on Aria without the assistance of the other two.' Oh… Aria was going to kill someone.

I quickly opened my bag a little and shoved the datapad inside. I wasn't exactly snitching, I'm out for myself and helping Aria would help me. I waited as Riley and squad left through the door to my left as I was zipping my bag back up. I soon followed suit, staying well behind them.

They soon lead me to a small Blue Suns set up near the bridge to Archangel. I examined the area, I couldn't exactly snipe him from here, it was too easy to be caught by a merc, or worse… Archangel could easily get a shot in before me.

I watched as Riley talked to a Blue Suns mechanic before she joined some other bullet fodder at the bridge. If I was right, Riley would make it across without an issue.

Of course I was right, she ran across the bridge as the mercs dropped around her. With Archangel's skill, she should have been dead instantly, he just hit her with what looked like concussive rounds… I suppose it had to be believable. She entered the building on the other side of the bridge shortly after, which meant I had a few seconds before she'd reach him and hopefully distract him long enough for me to make it across.

I waited until the mercs started to set up another bunch of fodder and made my move. I jumped over the barricade and sprinted across the bridge, the faint sound of angry mercs sounded behind me as I ran.

I entered the building, instantly drawing my Carnifex. I could see stairs across an open area that could be seen from above, it was too risky. Luckily for me there was a less open way up around the edges of the building.

I ran across the edges until I reached the stairs. I looked up; no one was in view, so I continued up the stairs and down the hallway until I reached a closed door leading to where Archangel presumably was.

I opened the door quickly and held up my Carnifex. Riley was standing next to a Turian, who I could only assume was Archangel since the only other people in the room were Riley's squad.

"Just like old times, Shepard," the Turian said, almost cheerfully.

"What the fuck?" I said, causing everyone to turn and aim their weapons at me.

"Lower the gun," Riley demanded with a stern tone.

I grit my teeth, there was no way I could kill him and escape. Scratch that, there was no way I'd even be able to do anything in this situation. "Why are you helping him?"

Archangel grunted and turned his back to me as he took aim back over the bridge. "There's no time to deal with her, they'll be upon us soon."

He started shooting at something on the bridge as Riley made her way slowly towards me; her Cerberus friends still had me in their sights. "I'll explain everything; just help us clear this wave?" Riley asked as she looked me in the eyes.

I didn't have much of a choice, I wanted answers, and I wanted Archangel's head. I sighed and lowered my gun. "Fine, I'll take out the leaks."

Riley looked relieved and signaled for the male Cerberus solider to go with me. We left the room and he went straight for the stairs, I took a less direct approach and went to the balcony above the stairs. I entered the room across from the one Archangel was in and opened my bag to retrieve my Mantis.

I set up and aimed down at the doors of the building. I watched the Cerberus flunkey through my scope as he used the sofa in the room below me as cover. It still puzzled me why she would be with Cerberus. I was sure she hated them.

My thoughts were interrupted as I noticed a mech entering the building. Well, it was nice to see Eclipse contributing a little. I noticed the lackey get out of cover as he took aim, but I quickly shot the mech before he could. "Too slow!" I shouted, causing him to get back in cover and look up at me. His face was priceless as he gave me an angered glare.

We waited for a short time before we were convinced that the wave was done and headed back to the room. I glared at Archangel; the temptation to draw my gun and shoot him grew the longer I was in the room.

Riley turned to me as I set my Mantis down and crossed my arms. "Why are you here? And I want the truth this time," Riley demanded.

We both stared at each other, neither backing down. I knew I had no other choice but to play along. "I came to avenge a friend," I stated as I gazed at Archangel.

Riley followed my gaze then glared back at me, drawing her pistol shortly after and pointing it at me. "I can't let you kill Garrus, I'm sorry."

Wait… Garrus? Now that was a name I knew. "Ah, so that's the Turian C-Sec officer that helped you stop Saren?"

Before anyone could answer me, we heard a loud thud coming from the bridge. Riley rushed over to the balcony, instant dread swept over her face. "We're going to have to discuss this later, heavy mech incoming!"

The Cerberus lackeys ran off out of the room, leaving us three alone. I watched as both Archangel and Riley had their backs to me. I picked up my Mantis; a sudden urge to take Archangel out came over me as I saw how easy it would be.

I gripped my Mantis as I considered it. I took a deep breath and slowly let it out. I could probably make a break for it if I took the shot now, I probably wouldn't get a better opportunity. I held my Mantis up and stared at Archangel's back through my scope, taking another deep breath.

I slowly exhaled again as I lowered the Mantis. I internally cursed at myself as I walked over to the balcony and took aim at the heavy mech. He got lucky this time, there was too much risk.

I watched as Jaroth walked into scope. Was he really bold enough to come out himself? Suddenly he dropped to the ground; I looked beside me at Archangel. I should have known he wouldn't squander the chance to take out a big player like Jaroth.

We took out the heavy mech and the attacking Eclipse members with little to no difficulty. I checked my ammo; I only had six more shots. I grunted before withdrawing my Mantis and turning to Riley and Archangel.

"Good one, Shepard. They barely touched me, and we took out Jaroth. I've been hunting him for months," Archangel said as he gave Riley a congratulatory pat on the shoulder.

"Yeah, just like how you were after Nulan," I said as I popped out the empty thermal clip from my Mantis.

Realisation came over Archangel's face as he looked at me. "That's what this is about?"

"Yeah, that's what this is about." I put another clip in my Mantis as I watched him carefully.

"So you must be that hitman, what was it again? Vex?"

We both took aim and held our snipers up in unison. Neither of us broke eye contact. Riley stormed over and stood between us. "Knock it off, both of you."

"He killed my friend," I said through gritted teeth.

"And you think killing him will fix that? Lower the weapon, Vex."

"Not unless he does."

Riley looked at Archangel and he sighed before lowering his gun. "Keep an eye on her, Shepard. I've been after her for months too."

"She wouldn't harm me," Riley said as I lowered my weapon. She was right, I wouldn't. We may butt heads from time to time, but she saved my life by telling me not to join that gang, and I owe her for that.

Archangel and I glared at each other for a few more seconds before he turned towards the balcony once again. "Let's see what they're up to now, shall we?"

The Cerberus members entered the room again as Archangel turned back to the group. "What's the situation?" Riley asked as she faced Archangel.

"They haven't crossed the bridge yet; they must be waiting for something," Archeangel explained, and as if on cue, we heard an explosion coming from the lower level of the building.

"What the hell was that?" The Cerberus woman asked.

"Damn it, they've breached the lower level. Well, they had to use their brains eventually. You'd better get down there, Shepard. I'll keep the bridge clear."

Riley nodded and turned to her squad. "Jacob, stay with Garrus."

"Yes, ma'am."

Riley then turned to me. "You're with me Vex. You too Miranda."

"Aye," this 'Miranda' said in agreement.

I looked at her and gave her a quick smirk. "So, Miranda is it?'

She gave me an unimpressed look before I suddenly felt Riley budge my shoulder with her elbow as she passed me. "Knock it off and let's get going."

Omega, 2185, August 25th 7:58PM

We stood between three areas. Our assignment was to close the security doors in all three areas. It didn't exactly sound that easy, especially since I had limited ammo to watch their backs.

Riley approached the door that was in front of us. "We'll get this one first, watch our backs Vex."

"You got it; just know I only have six shots." I aimed down the hallway in front of us, watching the door half way down the hallway carefully. Riley and Miranda made their way down towards the door controls. I took a deep breath; I had to wait until the last possible moment before using any ammo.

They activated the controls as the door in the hallway opened. Krogan and Vorcha filled my scope instantly… Blood Pack, I didn't think they'd be the masterminds behind this plan. Luckily for me they managed to hold them back long enough so I didn't have to waste any ammo.

The security door closed with a satisfying thud, I pulled up my Mantis so it wasn't pointing at anyone. "Good job, especially you," I said in a cheeky tone as I winked at Miranda.

"Is that really necessary?" She asked as she placed her hand on her hip.

"I like to think it was."

Riley walked over to the door to our right. "Could you two focus? We have a mission."

"Just watch our backs," Miranda said with a hint of annoyance before she followed Riley.

"Oh, I'm definitely watching your back." I heard her make another disgusted noise before Riley opened the door. We were instantly shot at by the Blood Pack members within the room.

"Get down!" Riley yelled as she took cover with Miranda.

I instantly got behind the wall next to the now open door. "Any time you want to make a break for the controls would be great, guys." I took a shot at one of the shooters that was further back, taking him out instantly. Riley took this opportunity to move up to a set of boxes closer to the door controls. I could suddenly hear the faint sounds of growls.

Just as I was about to warn them, a few varren ran into the room, but they were down too low to see over the boxes. Miranda moved up shortly after Riley took out another merc. I have to admit that I was watching Miranda a little more than Riley, but it was lucky I did.

A varren came out from around the box to attack her. I quickly shot the varren and it dropped by her feet. "That's one Gorgeous! You owe me a drink!" She glared at me instantly, causing me to give her a smug smirk in return.

"Stay focused, Vex!" Riley ordered as she moved up again.

"I'm good, just hurry up!"

Miranda gave her enough cover to move up to the controls and she started to close the door. I watched carefully as the door shut, just in case. Riley eased up and backed away from the controls. I withdrew my sniper and watched as they both headed towards me.

"Good work, Vex," Riley said as she patted my shoulder on the way passed me.

"I try."

"A little too much if you ask me," Miranda said as she passed me soon after. I sighed, yeah… I have no chance with her.

We walked across to the last area. We opened the door to reveal a long hallway of half walls with two mercs in view. "Well… this should be fun." I smirked and pulled up my sniper, shooting one of the mercs. Riley and Miranda charged into the room, easily taking out the last merc.

"Seems to be a corner," Riley said as she jumped over the last half wall. However she instantly hit the deck as flames poured from around the corner above her. Miranda instantly got down behind the wall she was about to climb over.

"Hey Riley! I would stay down if I were you!" I shouted.

"Yeah, thanks for the tip!"

I smiled to myself, time to work my magic. I placed my Mantis on the ground and drew my Carnifex. I ran out and jumped the first half wall as Miranda climbed the half wall ahead of me. What was she thinking? Did she really think she could deal with this?

The flames stopped for a second as Miranda turned the corner; she shot at something as I jumped over the second half wall. I turned as I approached her, shooting the tank on the flame thrower. Flames started to burst from the weapon as I collided with Miranda, dragging her to the ground behind the half wall where Riley was.

We heard an explosion a few seconds later. All three of us looked over the half wall to see all the walls and floor burnt to a crisp and a Krogan heading towards us from beyond the door further down the hall.

"That could have gone better," Miranda said calmly. Riley sighed before getting up and climbing over the wall.

"That's two, at this rate you're going to get me drunk," I said smugly.

Miranda groaned. "Is that really the best you got?" She climbed over the half wall and followed Riley. I knew I shouldn't have been teasing her, but I was having too much fun.

Omega, 2185, August 25th 8:18PM

We finally got all the doors closed and made it back to the main room where we were met with more Blood Pack members. "Vex, take care of them. We'll help upstairs," Riley said as she and Miranda made their way upstairs.

I looked amongst the room; I could only see two Vorcha. I shot at one as I got behind the sofa, taking out his shield. I looked over the sofa and took another shot, killing him before he could hide.

I quickly scoped the area and couldn't see the second Vorcha. It was then that I noticed Archangel looking at me through his scope from the balcony. I glared at him as he shot his sniper once, but I didn't feel pain, I didn't feel anything. I then heard a thud behind me and turned to see a dead Vorcha. I looked back up at Archangel just in time to see him get tackled by a Krogan, not just any Krogan… that was Garm, the Blood Pack leader.

I groaned slightly before rushing up the stairs to… dare I say it, help Archangel. However I didn't have to, I entered the room to find Riley and Archangel finishing him off.

"We took out Garm and his Blood Pack. This day just gets better and better."

I walked over to them as I withdrew my Carnifex. "Yeah, but no doubt the Blue Suns would still want a go."

"She has a point," Riley pointed out.

"I'm surprised you took Garm out though, props," I stated as I crossed my arms.

Archangel looked astonished that I'd actually compliment him, but I could give credit where credit was due. "We could probably fight…," Archangel said more, but it fell on deaf ears as the rest of us were too busy staring at the airship that just appeared behind him. I pushed him down before all of us scattered and ran for cover. After he saved my arse, the least I owed him was getting out of here alive.

"Miranda, you need to overload it!" Riley called out over the airship's noise. Miranda nodded before briefly coming out of cover and frying the airship, to which Riley got out of cover and shot at it. I on the other hand took to trying to take out the foot soldiers that were entering the room.

"There are some on the ground floor," Archangel told us. Riley nodded and motioned for Jacob to follow her and they left the room to deal with the other mercs.

After some time, we noticed that the airship had vanished. Archangel stood up to have a quick look around when the airship reappeared. "Archangel!" Said a voice that originated from the airship. It shot at him, causing him to fall to the ground and slowly crawl into cover.

"Are you okay?!" I called from behind cover.

"I got this," he said before attempting to charge out of cover, but was soon met with a rocket to his face. He fell to the ground, unmoving.

Riley ran back into the room. "Garrus!" She yelled before seeing the airship and getting behind cover.

"Riley, we need to take it out."

"Got it," Riley said before pulling out a heavy looking launcher. She charged up the launcher and got out of cover to fire it at the airship, to which the airship exploded. Riley instantly ran over to Archangel as we took out the last of the mercs. "Garrus?" She asked calmly as she placed a hand on him, causing him to make gargled sounds. "Garrus! We're getting you out of here, Garrus. Just hold on. Radio Joker; make sure they're ready for us."

Miranda walked over and opened her omni tool. "He's in bad shape; we need to get him out of here."

Normandy, 2185, August 25th 10:03PM

I waited patiently on Riley's ship in some kind of CIC. After we got Archangel back to the ship, Riley told me to wait for her, she said she had an important offer for me. Whatever this offer was, Miranda and Jacob didn't look happy at all about it.

I sighed softly before I heard doors open. I turned to see Riley, out of uniform. She approached me and cleared her throat. "Do you know anything about human colony abductions?"

Well, that was a strange question. "Not much, just what I hear around, like Freedom's Progress?"

"Yeah, just like that."

I crossed my arms. "So what's this offer all about?"

She sighed. "I joined Cerberus to stop the abductions, I'm building a team. You did well today, I was thinking of recruiting you."

"And do you know what we'll be up against?

She was silent for a second. "Collectors."

I snorted. "Bullshit, they don't exist." She gave me a serious look. "There's no way they're real, Riles."

"Well they are. Now, this is a suicide mission, but if you live through it I'm sure Cerberus would pay you quite a bit of credits."

"So… you want me to work with Cerberus and risk my life for credits?"

She folded her hands behind her back. "You can decline."

I took a deep breath and slowly released it. "I'm in, but not just for the credits. I've been getting bored lately, plus my target is with you."

She gave me a stern look again. "That's between you and him, but you are not to cause trouble under my command. You're part of my crew now."

"Whoa, serious much? Fine, I'll be good. Just let me get some things sorted out on Omega."

She nodded. "That's fine; we have one last mission here. You have until we're done."

I mock saluted her. "Roger boss."

She gave me an amused smirk before walking back the way she came. I couldn't believe I agreed to join her and on a suicide mission nonetheless. I suppose it was okay, there was nothing left for me on Omega.

Omega, 2185, August 25th 10:24PM

I showed up at Afterlife and approached Aria's private box. Yet again, I was interrupted by her little Batarian bodyguard. "Really, Garka? We go through this every time. Don't you believe I'm no threat yet?"

He just gazed at me briefly before continuing the scan. "You can go through."

I sighed in frustration before continuing too Aria's couch. I sat down and leant back.

"Vex, what brings you here?" Aria asked in an uninterested manner.

I went through my bag and retrieved the datapad. "I'm leaving Omega, for a while at least. I decided to get you this parting gift." I handed her the datapad and she read it over, her expression getting more pissed as she read.

She threw the datapad at Garka's face. "How could you miss this?!" She beamed at him before turning back to me. "Thank you… Vex. You're departure will be sad indeed." She didn't sound that torn up over it, but I'll take what I can get.

I stood up. "It's been fun, Aria. Don't worry too much, you'll soon find that all three leaders are dead. Now, I better get going. See you around." I left the box and headed for the door. It was time to pack up and prepare for this… suicide mission.

I hope you all enjoyed the fourth chapter. Have a good day everyone.