A/N: sorry for the long delay

italics indicate thought

P.S. I've been watching a lot of Generation kill lately. And come to the realization that Shepard's pirate ship is full of alpha type personalities. Much of the dialogue in this chapter reflects that.


They're old pirates and they're bold pirates. But theirs no old bold pirates.

-Anonymous


Chapter Start


"So... This is Omega." Zeto murmured in slight disgust as he, Shepard, and Alenko walked away from the docks. "I've taken less than twenty paces and already feel like I need to change my suit filters."

"Yeah, cleanliness isn't exactly next to godliness around here. It goes without saying Zeto, don't get a suit tear. You'd be deader than dead before we got you back to the Syren." Shepard hugged the wall to avoid stepping in an unknown pile of excrement. "I know right now you don't think she's much to look at, but trust me. Their's no safer place than Omega."

"Safe? This station is inhabited by the lowest lifeforms in the galaxy Captain. Safe isn't exactly the most appor-Keelah! Is that a dead body!?"

Blue eyes following Zeto's gaze.

"...It happens. Human by the looks of it... Maybe Batarian? What say you Kai?"

"Level of decomp and lack of a head makes it hard to tell. Definitely humanoid though."

Zeto was stunned by Shepards and Alenkos blasé manner. It was as if the humans were talking about something as insignificant as the weather. It was somewhat frightening. Then again the Quarian had to remind himself that these were no ordinary men. They were members of their species elite fighting corps. N7's. Soldiers of such caliber and lethality that they stood on par with even the mighty Council Spectres.

And Zeto'Sayya's crew had three of them.

So consumed with his own thoughts, Zeto didn't even notice he was being talked too.

"Look Zeto; can I call you Zeto?"

"What? Yes. Yes Captain, Zeto's fine."

Shepard nodded, "As I was saying, the reason Omega is the safest place in the galaxy is that its inhabitants are dishonest. And you can always trust a dishonest fellow to be dishonest."

"In fact it's the honest fellows you ought to be weary of." Kaidan added, "Cause you never know when they might do something... Unpredictable."

"I do not follow your steam powered locomotive thought patterns, Captain."

Shepard blinked a few times in confusion as he deciphered the statement. Furrowing his brows, "Train of thought Zeto. The adjective you're looking for is train."

"Apologies. Your species language and idioms are baffling at times. And sometimes just down right absurd."

"Don't worry, you'll pick it up eventually." Kaidan reassured, "All it takes is practice."

The pair of humans would have loved to converse with their newest shipmate longer, but an approaching Batarian cut their banter short. By the manner in which the four eyed alien conducted himself, it was evident he had come for them. The question is. Was he friend? Or was he foe?

Shepard had done more than his fair share to piss off the species. Yet he maintained hoped that he meant them no harm. As a 10,000 credit suit with minimal kinetic barriers was hardly proper battle attire.

Getting a trouble imminent feeling, Zeto moved off to the side out of the lines of fire and watched the aliens stop ten paces apart. For what seemed like an eternity they stared each other down. Zeto couldn't help but feel like he was witnessing an old western gunfight vid play out before his very eyes. It was kind of exciting.

Tense moments passed in silence as their eyes glared icy death.

The Batarian was the first to make a move.

Keelah, did he just smirk?

"Heh, welcome to Omega, Shepard... Aria's been expecting you."

The Batarians dual toned gravely voice chafed Shepard's eardrums obtusely. It was an unmistakable visceral sound that would forever remind him of Mindoir. And for the briefest of moments, Johnathan's mind flashed back to that clandestine day where he was powerless to save his parents from a cruel and undeserving fate... Gods how he hated Batarians.

Shepard and Alenko relaxed their postures.

"Here I thought I was being more subtle." John replied offhandedly as he locked those unpleasant memories away. After a pause, "And what do you mean Aria's expecting me?"

The Batarian crossed his arms and acted rather proudly, "We had your ship tagged the moment you entered the system. You should know better, nothing gets on Omega without Aria's knowledge."

"So, what does she want?"

"Do I honestly look like I would have access to that level of information?"

"Since you brought it up you do rather look like the low level flunky type." John was just waiting for an excuse to kill him, "I bet when you're not running errand boy or shining shoes, the big strong males have you play hide and go suck beneath Afterlife's tables."

Kaidan saw the Batarian grind his teeth. No doubt wanting to retaliate for John's provocations. But he didn't. Apparently Aria T'Loak had trained her lap dogs well.

Balling his hands into fists, "She's a busy lady Shepard. You'd be wise to not make T'Loak wait."

Shrugging off the threat, "Tell the Queen that I'm not her cabana boy. She can't summon me like her other peons. If I want to see her, I'll do it when I'm damn good and ready."

"Whatever... It's your funeral." the Batarian said dismissively as he walked away. Probably going back to whatever dark hole he crawled out of.

Moving back beside them, Zeto asked, "Are you sure that was wise?"

"Don't worry Zeto, nothing bad's gonna happen." Kaidan reassured, "Trust me, I've seen this song and dance routine of theirs before. It's all just a dick measuring contest." grinning ear to ear like a Cheshire cat, "Speaking of which Johnny, just how much of a handicap must you have If you're losing to an Asari?"

"Laugh it up Canada. You'll be regretting it later."

"Promises promises."

"Ahem," Zeto fake coughed, "Not that I want to disrupt... Whatever this is. But are we going to see Aria?"

Shepard scratched the back of his head and sighed, "Yeah... We might as well... We were kinda heading there anyway."

A few minutes of walking and conversing later, the trio exited the docks. It wasn't much time after that they stepped out onto the main streets of glittering Omega.

If Zeto thought the station looked bad, it's people were definitely worse.

Irregardless of species, everyone seemed to have the same exhausted dead eye stare. Like they were on auto pilot, going through the motions necessary for survival. The drunk, the credit-less, the sick, and the decrepit spanned the dingy sidewalks and back-ally's, begging for scraps as they awaited deaths visit. The darkness permeating the aforementioned areas did it's best to conceal the true number of wretches from public view. Almost as if Omega herself was ashamed of the lowly state she'd fallen into.

The inhabitants had such disregard for their own home that many unabashedly defecated or urinated in the streets like savage beasts. The foul mixture of various fluids added traces of ammonia and general rancidity to the stations atmosphere. It was barely livable.

Granted there was a fair share of people who looked relatively normal, albeit a tad malnourished and disheveled. But that was nothing a trifle of good meals and hot showers couldn't fix. Fewer still were those that appeared to be very well off. But the haves were greatly overshadowed by the hordes of unwashed have not's living day to day.

"Teelah sah'ryn noszan breh'mire, sinee quan ato'll non'grilly."

"That sounded beautiful. Is it Keelish?" Kaidan asked

"Mm-Hmm," Zeto nodded, "roughly translated it means: Gently gazing into the mirror, I see what has been built in my own reflection... It's and old Quarian philosophy that says people are the mirror image of of their ships and vice-versa."

"Makes sense your species philosophy would be based around ship maintenance." Shepard commented as he waved off a prostitute. Ashley would love this. "Probably why the Migrant fleet has survived this long." If ships are mirror images of their crew... I wonder what my image will be?

"You are correct Captain. The sentiment ensures every ship of the fleet is operating at peak efficiency at all times. And how century old ships are running as smooth as the day they were constructed." Zeto heavily sighed. His synthesized voice carried a tinge of sadness, "With a station this size my species could easily double our current population." sighing again, "This place...So much wasted potential."

"Why do you think the Turians named it so?" Kaidan said as he eyed a pair of shifty humans hiding behind a dumpster. Flashing them the hilt of his pistol, they scurried away.

"They did?" Zeto adverted his eyes to avoid catching the hallex fueled gaze of an Asari.

"Of course its just a rough translation to galactic common mind you. If I recall correctly, in Palavenese, Omega's designation is Jaral-Raelk." Shepard stared at Kaidan bewildered, "Which basically means: Destroyer of Promising Futures." finally noticing Shepard's eyes boring a holes through his skull, "What?"

"When the blood hell did you learn Turian?"

"I had a lot of free time on my hands John. Figured, why not pick up another language?...Could come in handy some day."

"Kai, I don't know if or whe-"

*ZzZzZzT* Oh damn sucker!... Just killed me some Vorcha trying to sneak aboard!...*ZzZzZzT*... Look at me Shepard, I'm a man now... Just like you... Cept I don't look like a fagot and talk all educated...*ZzZzZzT*

Shepard toggled his mic, "That's pretty rich coming from a whiskey-tango inbred cripple who'd break a hip if he attempted fornication." chuckling, "Is that all you wanted to report Joker? Or do you have something useful?"

*ZzZzZzt* Ouch Captain, that tongue must hurt the Major in bed...*ZzZzZzT*... But yeah, Okeer wants me to tell you that all of Hal 9000's preparations are complete and is ready to come online on your command...*ZzZzZzT*

Shepard smiled, "Thanks for the update Joker." ending the comm link, John pondered over when the best time would be to bring EDI online.

"I-Is Mr. Moreau always so... Disrespectful?"

Passing a line of humans outside a popular nightclub, Shepard replied, "It's all bullshit Zeto. Don't take anything said personally or seriously."

Kaidan smirked and understood that Jokers jab was the pilots loving attempt to get things back to the way they were. "Like you ain't some psycho cock crazed slut, John?"

"Man, fuck you boy toy. I know your mouth drools and asshole loosens at the thought of taking a big one." Shepard stated on instinct as he eyed a Batarian that had been looking at them sketchily... I knew I shouldn't have worn this suit... Noticing his Quarian crew mates uncomfortable body language. "Look Zeto, it's hard for outsiders to understand how us N7's really are."

As they walked, Zeto noticed how they were drawing the attention of the unsavory locals.

"We're all comrades in arms." Kaidan said as he let his biotics flare. Firing a low powered warp at a dumpster, the other two watched as a human dropped his knife and ran away. Earning a 'nice job' and pat on the shoulder from John, "And we're all Alpha males."

"We gotta constantly test each other." Shepard added, "It goes back to N-School. All we do is fight for position in the pack. All that training; martial arts, grappling, advance weaponry, tactics. Its all for practice... But, it's also for real. To achieve dominance over someone... We do the same thing mentally."

Zeto'Sayya noticed how the Captain's voice and posture relaxed as he spoke. An odd, serene aura flowed through him. Quite the contrast to their given surroundings.

"It's prison rules," Kaidan said as he took over explaining, "Jack probably understands that the best." this earned a nod from Shepard, "See Zeto, we probe for any weakness we can find; family, religion, race, brains, looks. Anything you have on someone, you wear it out... Besides, being an N7 ain't about words anyway, its about actions."

"It's about charging that mother fucking machine gun, when a mother fucker tells you to charge a machine gun." Shepard interrupted, "... Although I prefer a course of action that isn't so suicidal." John smiled dangerously as he leveled one of his pistols at the darkness and glared death. A moment later, "Lot of ballsy bottom feeders out tonight, eh Kai."

"No doubt. Probably think we're lost little lambs, fresh off the boat."

"Well, escorting lambs is a shepards job." John chuckled smugly. Before Kaidan could retort he looked to their Quarian, "Does our explanation help?"

"I guess... For now I'll chalk it up to Aliens being alien... But I am surprised that Mr. Moreau is an N7."

"He's not." John and Kaidan replied in unison.

John holstered his pistol, "It's just that Jokers been around N7's long enough and pulled our ass's out of the fire so many times that he's an honorary member." chuckling, "Don't worry Zeto, the jabs will be limited to human crew members." the Captain reassured, "Wouldn't want to make all you non-humans uncomfortable or uneasy."

Zeto blinked, "Thanks... I guess."

Off in the distance the trio saw the glowing neon vid screens of Afterlife. Their ears picked up on the subtle vibrations of the pounding baseline, promising sex and good times for all those who could afford to play. For first timers the assault on the senses acted like a candle, drawing moths into its flame. An appropriate metaphor as countless numbers had perished in Afterlife's wake.

"Come on," John encouraged, "Lets go."


000


Resting comfortably in the eagles nest overlooking her club; a glass of Asari honey mead in one hand, and a data pad in the other. Aria T'Loak surveyed the patrons of her booming nightclub with a discerning eye. Untrained eyes; like that of her predecessor. Were easily distracted by the trap of writhing blue and purple sex on display, but not her. T'loak's blue grey eyes were squarely focused on the ship captains that routinely frequented her little slice of the galaxy.

Sipping her drink, Aria idly glanced at the data pad. Streaming across the screen was information regarding the status of her so called pirate fleet. Their quarterly profit reports, lucrative ship hauls, damage reports, crew loss's, Captain satisfaction rating, and the like. It was a sea of coded information that only the she could navigate. It ensured her continued reign of power.

A gunshot pulled Aria away from her thoughts. Standing up from her couch and gazing with impunity at the fool who dared disturb her tranquility, Aria shot Bray; her underling, a withering glare.

"I'll have my men handle it."

"No Bray. They already proved their incompetence once, I dare say it will be a while before they get another chance."

If their was one thing Aria hated more than a bad quarterly report, it was some dumb hick causing a disturbance in her club. Flanked by her Batarian guards, Bray and Anto. T'Loak descended the staircase to the main dance floor and strode to the source of the disturbance. The music lowered and crowds parted like the red sea before her.

Arriving and studying the scene before her, Aria saw a human clutching his bleeding forehead while another was nursing a gunshot wound to their shoulder.

"Gentlemen. Although I dare say the likes of you deserve such a lofty moniker. I'm sure you're familiar with Omega's rules?" It was a rhetorical question, everyone knew Omega's rules. "So since you can't shield yourselves in ignorance, pray tell!... What in the goddess loving fuck do you think you're doing in my club?"

The humans were frightened by the icy venom in Aria's eerily calm tone. And rightly so, as no one on Omega was as dangerous or deadly as the Queen. Finding voice, the pair tried to speak up and defend themselves, but were instantly silenced by T'Loak's raised hand.

"Patriarch! Who the fuck are these buffoons?" It was another rhetorical question. Aria knew everyone worth knowing on Omega.

The former battlemaster lumbered across the club to take Aria's side. "Captain Tarny and Captain Heath."

"Oh, so you're a pair of butt fucked bottom feeding Captains are you? Patriarch, what were their last months haul?"

Tapping a few commands into his pad, "Combined, the Zephyr and Damocles brought in 120 tonns of cargo. After fees, they brought in a profit of 7,600 credits."

"Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic." Aria sneered, "Your actions here make it abundantly clear why you're failing." the Queen pulled out her pistol and made the humans sweat for a little longer. After long tense moments she returned it to her hip, "Patriarch, dock their pay for damages and bill them for a round of drinks for everyone here."

The humans collectively sighed and smiled. Fear was quickly replaced with merriment.

"Let this be your final warning Captains. Either boost your profits or get the fuck off my station." turning to the DJ, "What the fuck you waiting for!? turn the music back up!"

The patrons cheered as Afterlife started to get back to normal.

"GO FUCK YOURSELF YOU PURPLE CUNT!"

Once again the club fell deathly silent. All eyes were on Aria as she stopped mid step and turned around. The look in her eyes chilled the room several degrees. With refined poise and deadly seduction, Aria's hips swayed alluringly; promising unholy pain, as she made her way to the drunken Turian fool who couldn't keep his mandibles shut.

Leaning her hip on the table top much like the way one of her dancing girls would. Aria's playful manner betrayed the killing intensity of her aura. "Did you just tell me to go fuck myself?" Aria's tone was sing song and spookily jovial. Out of her peripheral vision she saw Shepard enter her club. "Because that's what it sounded like."

Whatever bravado or courage the brown plated Turian had instantly evaporated. His golden eyes shifted back and fourth fearful, like an animal being toyed with by a predator before meeting its untimely demise. Around him, people were already discussing how they were gonna divide up his valuables. Swallowing hard, "I uhh-"

"Patriarch, who is this Turian? I don't recognize him?" Aria knew that for a Captain on Omega, being known by her was a major compliment. Likewise, being unknown was an insult harsher than any words. It meant you were below nothing.

"Captain Crixus of the Lork'tor Ma'am."

"And tell me Patriarch, what were Crixus's last months profits?" Below her breath so only the Turian could hear. "You better pray to the spirits it's enough for me to ignore being called a cunt."

A few taps later and the Krogan chuckled, "12,800 tonns Aria. The fine silks they brought in from Oasis nabbed us a tidy profit of 75,000 credits."

"75,000...Hmm... Do you know what that makes you Captain Crixus?" Aria smiled as nearly all anger left her voice, "It makes you an earner. And let me tell you what happens when I get close to earners." leaning close, "My Azure gets wet." Crixus's eyes went wide as many around him laughed. Refilling the Turians glass, "So," dipping two fingers into the mug and lewdly licking them, "I'll take these two fingers... And I will go fuck myself."

As everyone began laughing heartily, the music and dancing resumed. Turning her head she caught Shepard's eye and gestured towards her VIP lounge. Receiving a nod from the human, Aria left the main floor.

Why do I get the feeling whatever she wants isn't going to be good? Shepard wondered, "Kai, Zeto... Why don't you two go get some drinks. I'll be back in a bit."

"Aye-aye Captain." Kaidan gently tugged Zeto's arm, "Come on Zeto, I recall Afterlife has a fine selection of dextro drinks."

[{0}]

Passing the bar on the way to Aria's lounge, Shepard noticed the odd sight of a Hanar. The only reason John's eyes picked it out from the background score of other patrons was that the pink jelly was an oddity outside citadel space. What with their proclivity for polite and proper grammar, one would think Omega would drive them insane.

Approaching the Vip section, Shepard stood still as Aria's guards ran their scans. They mumbled sentiments of "don't try anything funny" as their 'Tools picked up his pistols and sword. After getting the all clear, John ascended the stairs to stand before her. As he climbed higher he realized it had been four years since they last had each others company. A small knowing smile spread across Johns lips as memory's of times spent embracing eternity resurfaced.

In a way, Aria was the reason he'd became a pirate in the first place.

"Hold it."

Looking the Turian dead in the eyes, "Come on, this again? Really?" removing the hand from his shoulder, "I thought we were past this Aria?"

Waving off her guard, "One can never be too careful." Aria had a sly smirk, "Especially when in the presence of the legendary Butcher of Torfan."

"You know I hate that title." taking a seat on the couch besides Aria, Shepard adjusted his sword so he was comfortable, "You're looking as lovely and fierce as ever. I take it Omega's treating you kindly."

"Very kindly." sipping her wine, "You're not looking too bad yourself Shepard. That suit, its quite dashing." Aria felt heat bloom through her core; which she wrote off to the wine, as her eyes drank in the handsome sight before her.

"Thanks, Cerberus bought it."

"I'll send the Illusive man a thank you." Aria sighed. "This suits you much better than those Alliance dress blues." a silence passed between them, "Where are my manners? Would you care for a drink, Shepard? Brandy's your favorite if I recall. Afterlife has a wonderful selection of spirits."

"You know me so well, but wine would be lovely."

Ordering another glass of honey mead, "Wine?... You have changed haven't you?"

"Not as much as you'd think. I just have a greater appreciation for the finer things in life."

"I'll say." Aria hummed, "I trust the acquisition went swimmingly?"

"It did. Crews repainting it as we speak." Shepard said as he took a glass of wine from the Asari waitress, "But I wouldn't be here if it didn't." bringing the glass to his lips, he gave the red liquid a tentative sip. "This is rather good. Kinda sweet."

"As if I'd drink anything but the best?"

"Still... It's nothing compared to you." chuckling, he took another sip and sighed, "While I appreciate the civility, I'm sure you didn't call me up here to rehash old times... What is it you want Aria?"

"Is that anyway to speak to your meal ticket?" Aria shrugged her shoulders when Shepard's gaze wouldn't falter, "Fine. Since you want to cut to the chase, I need you and your crew to rescue a high value target here on Omega."

Relaxing into the couch, "Rescue? You're usually into the termination business. I take it then this asset isn't someone you can be seen connected to?" Aria's silence was all the confirmation he needed. "Not to go all mercenary on you, but whats in it for me?"

"Settling your debts Shepard. You're already indebted to me."

"Am I now?"

Raising a pad, "96,000 credits for the Syren's falsified serial number and Illium registration tags. 35,000 credits in bribes to get you certified standing in the Lagoon Trading Company. 10,000 credits for the paint your crew is using. 5,000 credits for resupply of food, water, and fuel. Including hazard pay and ancillary bribes, you owe me close to 200,000 credits. Need I go on?" smirking, Aria knew she had Shepard dead to rights, "But if you need more persuasion, maybe you should calculate how long your ship will last without Omega's protection? If need be I can even block the sale of any of your goods in the Terminus."

Scoffing, "Aria, if you did that, I would insight an uprising to overthrow you. Stating concerns that if you can do that to one captain, you can do it to any other in the fleet. Its rather poetic that fear would be the instrument of your downfall. Tell me hmm? How long would you last when everyone turns against you? How long would this station last without resupply?"

"I have an army, Shepard. You may be a war hero, but you're only one man."

"You have a band of thugs where as I have the most advanced ship ever created, Aria." taking another sip of wine, "I can hit you wherever and whenever I choose. To protect yourself you'll have to be everywhere, every time." sighing, "My families dead Aria, I have no kids or bond mate, my one living relative is a capable soldier in her own right and is bonded to a spectre... And I just betrayed they one thing in this galaxy I hold most dear. To fight me would be to fight an enemy with nothing to lose."

Silence fell upon them. Deep down they both rather enjoyed these little mental chess games. Half the time Aria came out on top, which then culminated with them settling the tie breaker in the bedroom. Something about death aroused the Asari far greater than any aphrodisiac could.

Aria sighed, "I missed this."

"Yeah... Me too, in a weird sort of way." finishing his glass of wine, "So whose the target?"

"Do gooder that goes by the name Archangel." passing John a pad, "She's been making a name for herself cleaning up the streets of Omega. What makes her unique from all the other wanna be's, is that she's actually good."

"Oh?" Shepard asked as he read the profile. No picture, no name, just an alias and a mission.

"Archangel's reputation started spreading among mercs when she killed the Talons CO." seeing Shepard's confusion at the name, "It's a small time Turian merc band. Popped up a few years back, made it's fortune off red sand distribution and protection. Since her crusade didn't discriminate between lowlifes, she's drawn the ire of the Blood pack, Blue suns, and Eclipse."

Shepard's eyes gleamed, "How you gonna get me in?"

"You might have luck going in with the mercs. They're using a private room for recruiting," Aria's head nodded to the scene below, "I hear they're taking anyone with gun. I'm sure you won't have any problems."

"Seems I don't have time to waste." Shepard replied as he stood and messaged James to swing by Afterlife with his and Alenko's armor.

"You've got all the time in the world. Archangel, not so much."

"I do this and were good?"

"Goddess no. We're far from good. But consider this a step in the right direction."


000


15 minutes later...

It didn't take Vega long to reach Afterlife, and after using Aria's private apartment to change, Shepard and Alenko were ready for action. Like all soldiers, Vega fumed over not getting to see any action. But Shepard told him it was nothing personal, just that this mission needed tact rather than brute force, and that James would be on the roster for the next fire mission for sure. It seemed to quell the N7's spirit and he left, escorting Zeto'Sayya back to the ship. Aria said her pleasure girls would be more than happy to take care of him, but John knew the Queens tricks. There was no way the Captain was leaving behind one of the Syren's engineers for her girls to fish intel under the guise of embracing eternity.

Checking their weapons one last time, John and Kaidan reemerged from the apartment into the club scene and made their way over to the Merc recruiting station. As the assault on Archangels entrenched position had been going on for some time, the line had drastically thinned.

"You think it's already over?"

"Kai, I got a feeling that if it was over, they wouldn't still be here. Lets just get this over with." Walking up to the Batarian in blue suns armor, "I hear you're recruiting."

He looked the pair of humans over with his eyes. Extending a hand inward, "Why don't you step inside."

Passing down a trio of steps, Shepard came face to face with another Batarian. He didn't even bother looking up from his data screen as he spoke. "You'll get paid when the jobs done just like everyone else." a human female walked between Shepard and Kaidan, "Whose next?"

"Yo." Shepard waived

His four eyes fell upon the sword on Johns back, "Well, looks who thinks he's hot shit." sarcasm was rich in his gravely dual tones, "Why do all you humans think swords are useful in this day and age... If you ask me you're clearly overcompensating for something." John stared un-amused, "Wow not even a smile. So you're here to fight then?"

"Sure, if this is the place to go after Archangel."

"This is the place. Standard fee is 500 credits each, you get paid when the jobs done. If you die, your friends don't collect your share." his fingers tapped boringly on the screen, "You'll need your own weapons and armor- looks like you got that covered. And no, this does not make you a member of the Blue Suns, Eclipse, or Blood Pack. You are a freelancer, period. Any questions?"

"Yeah, why are the mercs working together to take down Archangel?" Kaidan asked. "Teamwork isn't exactly a word in your guys's vocabulary."

"Ya haven't been on Omega long huh." the Batarians voice was laced with humor, "She does everything she can to screw with us. Shipments go missing, operations are compromised, every month it gets worse. Tarek and the other boss's are tired of losing credits... And men."

Calling upon his honed intel gathering skills, Shepard asked, "Is he a heavy hitter? How many merc boss's are involved in this attack?"

"Yeah.. Tarek runs the Blue Suns, but all three boss's are overseeing the operation."

Shit! Maybe I should have brought Vega along after all. Not to mention a few Krogan. "So what's the plan? What do we do once we're there? How do we get to Archangel?"

wiping his forehead, "The Mercs will tell you when you get there. Last I heard they were putting the freelancers into scouting groups. They attack in waves to distract Archangel while we try to get past her defenses."

"Great Captain, I love being cannon fodder."

The Batarian scowled, "If you don't like it don't sign up... You know what human, just for that you're riding with the Hanar." gesturing to the sword on Johns back, "If you wanna do something useful, give that jelly a sharp poke. It'd solve a lot of my problems."

Shepard ignored the comment, "Seems like a lot of trouble for just one girl."

"She had a whole team, but we dealt with them. Now it's just one girl. But she's got the advantage, Its her base of operations and she knows we're coming. It's gonna be harder than chasing a varren out of a sewer pipe."

Rather interested in moving things along, Kaidan asked, "So where do we go?"

"Just head over to the transport depot outside the club. The Hanar should make it easy to spot. One of our boys will take it from there... Send in the next one!"

Turning around to exit, the doors opened to reveal a kid who couldn't be a cunt hair older than eighteen.

"Hey, is this where I sign up?"

Shepard couldn't help himself, "You look a little young for freelance work."

"Hey! I grew up on Omega. I know how to handle a gun."

The statement made Kaidan roll his eyes, "Yeah, you know enough to get yourself killed."

"I can handle myself." pulling out a gun, "Besides, I just spent 50 credits on this baby and I wanna use it."

Shepard and Alenko shared a knowing look. Moving as fast as lighting, Shepard grabbed the pistol and tore it from the kids hands. Smacking it a few times, sparks flew that highlighted its cheap construction. "Look kid, get you're money back and go home... You'll thank me someday."

Leaving the bewildered youth, Shepard and Kaidan made there way to the transport depo and spotted the Hanar. next to it was another Batarian in Blue Suns armor.

"Ha! So your the sorry saps riding with Blasto huh?... If you're ready, get in. The destination is already keyed into the transport."

"Thanks... I guess." Shepard replied as he realized just how heavily armed the Hanar was. On its armored back were two M-8 Avengers, two M-9 Tempests, and two M-5 Phalanx. "Jesus Christ... I guess it pays to have nine arms eh Alenko?"

"No kidding. The real question will be if it's any good with em."

"You needn't worry, this one is well versed in combat."

Stepping into the transport, Shepard was followed by Kaidan and their Hanar companion Blasto. Doors closing with a hiss of pressurization, the transport lifted off and sped towards the pre-programmed destination.

"If we're gonna be working together I guess we might as well introduce ourselves," Kaidan spoke as he extended a hand to the Hanar, "I'm Kaidan, and this is John."

"Hmmm," Blasto glowed a few shades of violet, "This one is pleased to make your acquaintances."

Kaidan shook the offered tentacle and motioned for John to do the same. Doing as his Major suggested, Shepard wondered just what the hell Kaidan was doing? The jelly was gonna end up dead anyway. Why makes friends?

"So Blasto, what brings you to Omega?"

"Employment."

"Uhh," Kaidan scratched the back of his head. He was hoping for more than one word answers, "Are you a Mercenary? Or part of a crew? I don't mean to offend, but you're kinda an oddity this far out of Citadel space."

Radiating red's and violets, "This one was once part of a crew. But this one was banned from future service after this one terminated it's solid brethren. Now this one accomplishes odd jobs for credits."

Shepard shifted in his seat so he had easy access to his guns, "Why did you kill your crew?"

"They partook in the child slave trade. This one told it's Captain this one would not allow such actions. They assumed because this one was Hanar, this one was harmless... They were mistaken. As are the Blue Suns, Eclipse, and Blood Pack are mistaken in trusting you."

In an instant everyone had guns on each other but no one was firing.

"Just so were clear Blasto, when Kai and I discuss this. And make no mistake there will be a discussion." Shepard smirked, "How is it you found us out?"

"This one noticed elevated skin temperatures indicative of deceit in your species when conversing with Blue Suns Mercenaries."

"You guys... You can detect that huh?"

"Whats the play Shepard?"

"I'm thinking Kai."

Blasto's body glowed numerous hues of pink, blue, and violet. "Inquiry? This one is curious. If by Shepard, does the human called Alenko refer to the Lion of Elysium?"

"Yeah that's me." Shepard replied, "The one and only."

Blasto's guns returned to his hide, "Sincerest apologies, this one did not recognize you earlier. This ones race has poor eyesight, compounded with Omega's minimum illumination... It makes observations difficult."

Holstering his side arms. "No problem." motioning for Kaidan to do the same, "Look Blasto, we're kinda on a rescue mission right n-"

"This one would be honored to help."

John gave Kaidan a glance and saw him shrug his shoulders and mouth, "Why not."

"Okay..." Shepard shifted uneasily, as he filled the Hanar in on the plan. And for the rest of the short trip, the pair of humans had to listen to Blasto's suppressed joyful hums and melodic singing.

God I need a vacation.


Part 1 end


A/N: Up next is the actual rescue of Archangel. If you're asking why I split these chapters up it's that it would be too long as a single.