Another Chapter out, this one a little faster than normal. Got a hit of inspiration! Hopefully I'll be able to get more chapters out this quickly in the future.

Want to thank those who reviewed the last chapter!

Apollo Wings: Thank you for your continuing support my friend! I'm glad that you are enjoying this story so far!

aDarkOne: Yeah, that one made me think too, and now I'm stuck theorizing on it. We'll just have to see if something happens in the future eh!

Reason for rating: Violence, language, sexual themes (its Omega people!)

"Normal Talking" ; 'POV Thoughts' ; "Talking in foreign language to POV" ; "Talking over intercom"


Chapter 8

"Hawke, wake up already."

A hard slap against the side of his head knocked Hawke out of the Fade and back into reality. Blinking his blurry eyes he tried to make sense of what was going on. He was sitting upright, his neck twisted at a pain angle. Dr. Chakwas, the source of his sudden rude awakening, was standing before him and Merrill was on lying on the bed next to him sleeping soundly.

'That's right,' he thought cracking his neck as he sat up right, the data pad he'd been reading from fell off his lap and onto the floor. 'We left Illium a day ago now and we're now heading for a place called Omega.' But seeing as how he had absolutely no skills that make him a benefit to daily ship functions he instead chose to spend his time with Merrill. The data pad was full of stories that had been given to him by Kasumi and he'd been killing time by reading out loud to the sleeping Merrill.

"I have no problem with you coming in here Hawke," Chakwas said tapping her foot on the ground. "But if you insist on drooling over all of my equipment then I will have Grunt drag you out of here."

Wait-what? He didn't drool…did he? "How is she?"

Leaving his side Chakwas moved around to the other side of Merrill's bed. "Her heart rate and blood pressure is back in acceptable ranges. Just waiting for her to wake up now. I must say, she is one tough woman."

Picking up the dropped data pad and placing it on a nearby cleared desk got up and walked over to Merrill's bed side. Picking up much smaller hand in his own he gently started rubbing small circles on the back of her hand with his thumb. "You don't have to stay around here all day Hawke. Go out and get something to eat already," Chakwas said going back to her station and taking a seat. "If there is any change in her condition I will send for you right away."

The rumbling of his stomach painfully reminded him of just how long it had truly been since he'd last ate anything. Giving her hand one last squeeze he made to take Chakwas up on her suggestion.

"…Hawke…"

Stopping in his tracks he spun around back to Merrill. Her eyes were fluttering opened and closed. "…Hawke…are you there?"

All thoughts of food were gone as he went back to her side, picking up her hand and rubbing the side of her face. "I'm here Merrill," he assured. "I'm here."

Merrill's large eyes moved around unfocusedly until they found him. "…Hawke. Where am I?"

"We're back on the Normandy ma vhenan, everything is alright." He assured.

Merrill looked confused for a moment, but then she started shaking. "No…no it isn't Hawke."

"What are you talking about Merrill?" He asked worried. "What happened ba-"

"It was him Hawke. He was there. The one who did this to us."

It suddenly felt like a qunari had struck him over the head. Maker, how he could fail her so. Helping he sit upright Merrill's eyes began to tear up. "The-the attack was set up by him Hawke. He, he wanted us again. Or me at least. You…he was going to kill you Hawke. He laughed about it. Laughed about how he was going to hurt us all over again." She was openly weeping by now. "I-I couldn't let him Hawke. I couldn't let him hurt you again! So I – so I – "

Placing his fingers across her lips he stopped her from saying anything else. "I know Merrill. And now so do the others."

Merrill's eyes widened. "Wait, Hawke you mean that they know about my, bloodmagic?"

Nodding he tried to give her his best reassuring smile. "I-I had to tell them about it ma vhenan. You took out an entire squad of highly trained soldiers, and I might have let it slip about what you can do. But don't worry," he assured her when her eyes became alive with fear. "They don't fear what you can do Merrill. They accept it."

Merrill's body started shivering as tears started swelling at the corners of her eyes. "Merrill," he cooed pulling her in to him. "I'm so sorry Merrill. If I had only been faster you wouldn't have been taken."

"No." Shaking her head against his shoulder she pushed off of him. "No Hawke. I-I'm strong. I can take care of myself too. I love you ma vhenan, but you can't stop everything bad from happening. I can take care of myself too."

Taking his seat again beside her, he noticed for the first time that they were now alone in the med bay. And somehow the windows separating the med bay from the mess area had darkened giving them privacy. "So, where are we going now Hawke?" Merrill asked shyly.

"Well, we've left Illium." And good riddance at that. "Shepard brought two more people on board. Thane, he's well…different. But he's a very nice man. And then there's also Samara, who reminds me of a cross between Aveline and the Arishok. And right now we're heading for a placed called Omega if I remember correctly. Not entirely sure what this place is. But going by Shepard's description it sounds like it's a small world designed around the Hanged Man."

Merrill's eyes lit up at the prospect. "Oohh. Sounds like fun!"

Smiling at her enthusiasm he snapped his fingers. "Oh, yeah. That's right there's one more thing." Holding his left arm out he concentrated for a moment, and the omni-tool Shepard had given him came to life surrounding his arm in an orange light.

Merrill's eyes went even wider as she tried to touch the lights. "This is…incredible Hawke," she whispered as her fingers passed through certain parts. "But…how does it work?"

"Truthfully, I have no idea," he laughed. "But Shepard promised to show us how to work them."

Her head tilted to the side. "Us?"

"You have one too Merrill," picking up her left arm he pointed to the small bracelet she'd failed to notice before.

Merrill brought her arm to within a few inches of her face eyeing the bracelet. "How does it…you know…glow?"

"Well, Hawk told me to focus in on the bracelet and think 'activate'. It seemed to work for me."

Merrill stared down at the bracelet her face contorting in concentration. "Hawke I don't – eek!" The omni-tool sprung to life on her arm nearly causing his little elf to tumble out of the bed.

Hawke couldn't help himself and started laughing. Merrill tried to look at him crossly, but she was failing miserably. "That's not funny Hawke!" But even as she tried to tell him off she too started laughing. Maker, it felt so good to laugh again.

Hopping up on the bed he pulled her in close as the two of them laughed and just took time to enjoy each other's company.


Omega was just the same as Shepard remembered it. A shit hole. This point was only further emphasized as they stepped foot off the Normandy only to have to dodge who preceded to empty the contents of his stomach nearly right on Shepard's boots. This incident was followed up by a rather stupid batarian who'd thought that it would be a good idea to try and hold up a group of heavily armed people. Zaeed had proceeded to show just how stupid this choice was as he broke the batarians arm, noise, and collapsed his knee all before kicking the would-be criminal in the head effectively shutting him up for good.

"God damn amateur's, can't size up a mark properly at all." Zaeed shook his head before leaning back and taking in a deep breath of air. "Ah, I did miss this place. Never a shortage of fights, work, or entertainment. Speaking of which, how long we going to be on this station anyway Shepard?"

"As long as it takes," Shepard responded honestly. "First of all we need to find this fugitive that Samara is hunting. And then we need to actually track her down."

Zaeed rolled his shoulders, one arm waving lazily towards Afterlife. "Well you know who you have to talk to then Shepard. No one can pass gas on this station without that bitch knowing about it. But as long as we're here, I think I might just divulge in a little entertainment myself."

The older mercenary was eyeing two very scantily clad asari standing outside of a building. "Alright," Shepard conceded knowing there was no way to stop Zaeed even if he wanted too. "Just don't bring anything back aboard the ship Zaeed."

Walking backwards to the two asari Zaeed raised both arms slightly. "No promises Shepard." Was all he said before turning back around and leaving.

"Stressful mission, different crew members have different means of relaxation. Never truly understood species want to pay for such relaxation from another. Too much risk of disease, plus credit cost is deterrent." Mordin gave a loud intake of breath. "I would like to check in on clinic and assistant Daniel, Shepard. Good kid, but young and naïve. Want to make sure Omega hasn't killed him yet."

Giving Mordin a quick nod the salarian doctor headed off towards his old clinic. That left Shepard with only Thane and Tali still in tow. Jack had seemingly disappeared as soon as they touched down, no doubt finding her own means of relaxation just like Zaeed. Garrus thought it best if he not show his face on Omega just quite yet as there was a good chance someone might recognize him. Grunt was…having some issues so instead of coming on the mission the krogan was instead taking his frustrations out on multiple training partners down in the cargo hold. The Cerberus crew, including Miranda and Jacob, had decided to stay on board for the time being and see how the ship was holding up to the repairs done on Illium. And per his recommendation Hawke and Merrill were still on board the ship. No need to throw those two too the proverbial sharks of Omega when they were still learning how to swim in the galaxy.

"I take it that by 'bitch', Zaeed is referring to Aria T'Loak." Thane stated evenly.

"How'd you guess?" Shepard asked.

Thane looked off towards Afterlife. "If there is one ruling body on Omega, it is her. I have accepted no less than four contracts from her in the past. But she is not one to give out favors without something in return."

"Do you have it Tali?"

"Yes," Tali began patting around her body. Finally she pulled a small data pad out from one of the many pockets on her suit. Although how the quarian's managed to put so many pockets on such skin tight suits, he would never know.

Taking the pad from her he handed it off to Thane allowing the drell to read its contents. "What do you think?" he asked. "Think this will garner her favor?"

Handing the data pad back to Tali, Thane nodded. "Yes, I believe that will garner her favor for you. It will bode ill for someone else however. But I appears that we will not have to wait to meet with her."

There was a batarian pushing his way through the street making a straight line for Shepard. He vaguely recognized him as, Bray, the same batarian who greeted him last time he was on Omega.

"And how's my cheery batarian welcoming committee today?" He asked once the batarian got close enough.

Bray stopped a few paces short of Shepard and his crew. He gave both Tali and Thane a quick look over before coming back to him. "Aria wants to see you Shepard. I'm to take you too her. Now."

"Aww, and I wanted to stop for souvenirs this time." Shepard mumbled gaining a laugh from Tali.

Bray wasn't amused; he simply turned tail and started walking away. "Come with me. Now."

Following Bray, the batarian led them through the entrance and throngs of people within Afterlife and towards Aria's private lounge. Shepard kept a close eye on each guard they passed. He and Aria may have left on pleasant terms the last time they met, but only a dead fool would truly let their guard down around the Queen of Omega.

Just as they were reaching the end of ramp they were met by a krogan that could've made even Wrex look small. As they came to within arms-reach of one another the krogan made a grab for the rifle on his back. "I'll take that from you-" The barrel of Shepards Paladin was pressed firmly against the krogan's jaw shutting him up.

Shepard met the krogan's surprised look without blinking. This wasn't the first time he'd faced down an over eager krogan. "Over your dead corpse krogan."

At least half a dozen weapons were immediately drawn and pointed at him just as Thane and Tali drew their own weapons. "Put down your weapons!" Bray started physically pushing many of his men's weapons down. "Shepard has clearance from Aria and her immunity. He is not to be touched."

The sounds of weapons folding filled the hall, but the krogan didn't move and neither did Shepard's pistol. "Brek," Bray stood between the human and krogan and forcibly separated them. "Do you want Aria to learn that you threatened one of her guests? Huh?" The krogan gave both Shepard and Bray one last hateful glance before stalking away.

Waiting for the krogan to be out of view Shepard folded his Paladin and placed it back on his hip. "Sorry about that Shepard," Bray said motioning for them to continue. "Brek is new and more than a little eager to prove himself."

"Just so long as it doesn't happen again." He said following Bray. "I would hate to have to kill such a capable soldier as him." On Omega there was only one thing that mattered, strength. If you should any weakness this place would swallow you hole.

Finally arriving at Aria's private lounge it took a lot of control to keep his face straight. Aria was sitting on her couch as normal, but unlike last time she wasn't alone. Two women, one asari and one human, were dancing on either side of her. Although to call it dancing would generous. The two nearly naked women seemed to be trying to outdo one another as to who could put the most skin against Aria.

Aria seemed to be immensely enjoying their attention as she didn't make the two leave her even as he and his crew walked up towards her. "Shepard, if it isn't my favorite Spectre back to pay me a visit. Perhaps I can offer you some entertainment in repayment for curing that plague and getting that annoying Archangel off my station."

A quick snap of her blue fingers later and another asari woman, this one dressed just as skimpy as the two on Aria, came up to him and started running her hands over his armor. "Not interested," the woman was persistent, that was for sure. As well as more than likely high on Red Sand. It took Tali, perhaps using a little more force than necessary, to get the woman off of him.

Aria's grin faded only slightly before she turned her attention back on the two girls grinding against her. "Ah, the Paragon Shepard. Always holding so tight to your morals. Mark my words Shepard, one day I will find your vice. But for now seeing as how I can't tempt you with such a delicious offering perhaps you could tell me why a reinstated Spectre would come to my humble abode?"

Nodding to Tali she walked forward pulling a small data pad out from one of the many pockets on her suit. "Last time we we're here we came across some information you might be interested in." He explained as Tali handed off the data pad to Aria before stepping back to his side.

Aria gave the offering a quick look before roughly pushing the two girls off of her making both tumble to the floor in a pile. Aria had gone from calm and relaxed to looking absolutely pissed faster than a mass effect jump. "Get Vrog in here now!"

Bray tried to catch what she'd read on the data pad. "Aria what is-"

The Queen of Omega glowed blue as her biotic's came to life sending a ball of biotic energy across the room slamming into the Bray and knocking him against a wall so hard he spit blood. Her voice was dripping with venom as she spoke to the injured batarian. "Drag that piece of shit you call a brother out from whatever whore's legs he's between and bring him here now!"

Making a wise choice the Bray hastily got to his feet and made a mad dash out of her sight.

When Aria turned back to him however all hostility was gone from her face. "Now Shepard, while I appreciate this bit of info you've given me. I highly doubt that you did so out of the goodness in your heart." March back past him she took her seat again. A snap of her fingers later and the two girls were back at her side, not dancing but instead just sitting next to her. "Have a seat and tell me what it is you want."

Taking up the couch beside her with Thane and Tali taking up a seat next to him. "We're here hunting for a fugitive."

Aria threw her head back and laughed. "Haha. Take your fucking pick Shepard. This whole damn station is full of them."

"The fugitive that we're looking for is an Ardat-Yakshi."

Aria's head dropped back against the back of her couch. "I fucking knew it."

This got his attention. "You knew it? You mean you know who we're looking for?"

Shaking her head Aria started running a hand along the human dancer next to her. "Not personally. But recently there have been several murders on Omega. While this is not outside the norm, there was something…of about how they died. Nothing leaves a body quite so…empty…as an Ardat-Yakshi does."

"So, you know what you have an Ardat-Yakshi on your station…and you haven't tried to catch her?" Tali asked still keeping an eye on the dancer who tried to feel him up.

"Why would I?" Aria asked shrugging. "She hasn't broken the one rule of Omega. Don't fuck with Aria. But I've kept taps on her victims. The last was – hang on a moment."

Aria's person guards had returned dragging a fairly battered looking batarian with them. "This will have to wait a moment Shepard, business and all." Picking up the data pad she threw it across the room hitting the wounded batarian between his eyes. "What does that say Vrog?"

The wounded batarian started desperately scrolling through the data pad, his four eyes becoming increasingly large with each sentence he read. "Aria I-"

"I placed you in charge of keeping an eye on those three merc groups didn't I Vrog?" Aria's voice was like ice as she stood up. "How is it that a Spectre was the one who had to bring me information about the gang's plotting a coup instead of the very man in placed to prevent such a thing?"

Vrog started looking around nervously trying to find any support. "Please Aria my sources didn't te-"

"Perhaps you were too busy with your dalliances to do your job properly." Kneeling down in front of him she daftly circled his face with one of her hands. "Perhaps we should see to it that you are not so…tempted to forgo your work again." Standing from the batarian she snapped to one of her guards. "Take him in the room over and feminize him. No need to disturb our guest."

Realization quickly dawned on the batarian as to what his punishment would be and the four eyed alien started pleading in vain as two krogan's picked him and dragged him out of the room.

Dropping back down in her seat Aria put one arm around each of her dancers. "Now, where were we Shepard?"

Trying very hard to suppress the shudder threatening to run though him he managed to keep his voice steady. "You were just about to tell me about the Ardat-Yakshi's latest victim."

"Ah yes." One of the dancers placed a cigarette between her lips and lit it for her. "Her latest victim was a young girl. Pretty little thing. Lived in the tenements near here. My associate will give you the address you for her home. I believe her mother will still be around. If you're going to find her. That's where I would start looking."

Getting up from his seat he was about to shake Aria's hand…but it was full at the moment. "Thanks for the help Aria."

Aria gave him a wicked smile as the asari dancer started nuzzling into her neck. "Good luck finding her. Better luck catching her. And please, try not to destroy anything in the process." Giving her a quick nod he turned around to leave before she called out to him again. "And Shepard. Don't be a stranger. I can think of many uses for a Spectre in my association."

"Think I'll pass on that," he mumbled walking away from Aria with Tali and Thane close behind.


The search of the latest victim's house proved to be extremely fruitful. The mother of the victim had been more than eager to help them once Shepard announced that he was a Spectre. She gave them full access to anything they needed. The girl's room was full of art, both sculptures and paintings. She also had a diary log, the past the few days all revolved around the same theme. An asari that she met named Morinth had apparently taken a liking to her. Having Tali make a copy of all the logs they left, promising the mother that they would bring her daughter's killer to justice.

And now they were back aboard the Normandy and Samara was looking over everything they were able to find out about what happened to the young girl. Everyone who was still on the Normandy, namely Miranda, Jacob, Hawke, Merrill, Thane, Tali, and Garrus were in the room with them waiting for Samara to break the silence.

"She hasn't changed," Samara sighed closing the last video log. "She has always been attracted to artisit and creators. Someone with a spark that she craves. Someone innocent, shy, and beautiful. She impresses with sophistication and sex appeal. Find's what they have always craved from. Gets close to them, gets them to let their guard down. And then she strikes. The hunt interests her as much as the conquest."

"If you don't mind," Hawke interrupted. "I'm not even sure what we're after. You said she was a murderer, but exactly is an Ardat-Yakshi."

Samara looked at them curiously. Shepard had told her of Hawke's and Merrill's true origins, but he didn't know if she believed him or not. "To use human terms," she began, "an Ardat-Yakshi would be the equivalent to a succubus. She draws in her prey, mates with them, kills them, and takes their energy for her own. With each mating and killing she performs she becomes more powerful. Given another hundred years or hunting she could become the most powerful biotic in the known universe."

"It sounds like a Desire Demon." Merrill blurted out.

Everyone turned to Merrill making her curl in on herself slightly. "I-I mean…Hawke told you all about the spir-demons that plague Thedas. There are different kinds, each of which embody a different vice. A demon of desire will latch onto a person's inner most desire, feed it, and then use it to drain the victim of their life."

"That is…more accurate than you know." Samara admitted sighing. "Morinth will speak to her victim on many levels. Her body tells yours that she'll bring unimaginable ecstasy. Her scent evokes emotions long hidden. Her eyes promise you things you were always scared to ask of another. Her voice whispers to you after she is done speaking. Her mind will slowly overtake yours until you will do anything she wants. Kill, die, your very existence will hinge on her whim."

"It sounds like she uses 'Allure'," Merrill said deep in thought and then perked up once she realized she interrupted again. "Oh, Creator's I'm sorry I did it again."

"No, go on," Shepard encouraged. "We need every advantage we can get. This woman is predator whose hunted sapient beings for four hundred years; we need every advantage we can get."

Merrill started playing with her fingers. "Well, you see there is this bloodmagic technique known as 'Allure'. It – well Hawke can contest to it. He was once almost enthralled by the woman Idu-"

"Merrill!" Hawke interrupted. "No need to go into that please."

"Wait. I want to hear this one." Garrus was smirking as he watched Hawke squirm. "Please, what happened with this mystery woman."

"Not much to tell," Hawke sighed. "We went to question her about some disappearances. And well, she might've entrapped me. She nearly made me cut my own throat. The only reason I'm still alive is because Merrill was able to break through whatever she did."

Samara was now looking at Merrill critically. "Whatever she is, or what she may be compared to, we cannot let her get away from this planet."

"Well we know where she is likely to show up." Jacob shrugged. "Why don't we just lay in wait for her and then take her down as soon as she steps foot in the club."

"That would be a mistake." Samara quickly dismissed the idea. "She will have a hundred escape routes planned. If she senses any danger she will go to ground and disappear for fifty years or more. This is the closest I've ever been to catching her. We cannot act rashly and scare her off."

"I take it you have some sort of plan then?" Miranda asked.

Samara nodded. "Yes, we must bait her. Get her to after one of our own and trap her."

Silence fell across the roof. Be bait for a dangerous seductive murder. It wasn't surprising that no one spoke up. "Alright," Shepard sighed. "I'll do it. I'll be the bait."

Miranda and Tali turned sharply towards him, no doubt about to object, but Samara beat them all to the punch. "You are a logical choice Shepard. You can draw her out. You are an artist on the battlefield. You have the vital spark that attracts her. Your power can draw her in. But…I do not want to leave anything to chance."

She stopped talking and instead focused in on Merrill. Shepard caught on to her meaning almost immediately, and so did Hawke. "Wait. You can't seriously be thinking of sending Merrill out aft-"

"Merrill has the look of one who is innocent." Samara explained. "She is beautiful. Unique. Something Morinth will not be able to resist. And she can block out Morinth's abilities of seduction, which will be key to us cornering her. But she must do this alone."

Hawke looked like he was about to go into orbit. "You can't be serious. Send her after a known killer on her own? In a world that we har-"

"I can do it Hawke."

Merrill was standing tall, her head held high as she met Hawke's surprised look. "We've hunted bloodmages before Hawke," she seemed to be reminding him of something from the past. "I can do this Hawke. More so I want to do this. She needs to be stopped."

"Then it's settled," Shepard cut in before Hawke could object again. "Merrill and I will be the bait for Morinth. Once she approaches us we'll try to get her to lead us to an isolated area. Tali and Garrus will stay behind as tech support. Hawke, Thane, and Jacob I want the three of you to head to the Afterlife VIP section now as back up. But you are not to interfere with anything that goes on at the club."

"Hang on," Merrill left her spot beside Hawke and walked over to him. Placing hands on both sides of his head she closed her eyes. He could feel a slight…tingling along the back of his neck. "There," she breathed slightly breathless. "I've placed a barrier around your mind. I don't know what kind of magic she uses. But this should provide you some manner of protection from whatever she does."

"Thanks," he muttered not even entirely sure what she'd done.

Pushing up from her place Miranda walked around and took Merrill by the arm. "Come on." She said simply before pulling Merrill after her.

"Wh-where are we-"

"You're going to a club," Miranda said simply. "We have to make it so you draw everyone's attention. And I doubt you have the right cloths right now to do so."


Standing in the dark alley Merrill was trying very hard to concentrate on what was in front of her and not on what she was wearing. By the Creator's she'd never worn anything like this before. The tight fitting black dress Miranda had forced upon her seemed like it was little more than a long shirt ending little more than half way between her knees and her hips. She was also wearing long boots that came up to just below her knees and in an effort to hide her metal arm she wore gloves that went from the tips of her fingers nearly to her elbow. When she was wearing it all it brought back flashes to what Isabella would wear on a daily basis. Isabella had also teased her that she had to dress more 'sexy'. Perhaps this was what she meant by it.

"Are you going to be able to pull this off Merrill?"

Miranda was standing next to her eyeing her critically. Inwardly, Merrill flinched. First there was her tone. It was the same disapproving tone that both her Keeper and Aveline had. Miranda had made her objections quite clear on how she didn't think she could do this. But that tone just strengthened her resolve to do this. She had to prove to the crew that she was useful and not a burden.

The other reason she flinched was because well…she felt so inadequate standing next to the shemlen. Her tight red dressed hugged her sides tightly accenting her perfect figure. Creator's just standing next to her made Merrill feel so…plain. The woman had curves much like Isabella and knew how to flaunt them.

Pushing down her fears and doubts she drew herself up to her full height, which was still nearly a whole head shorter than the woman. "Yes…I can do this." She said steadier than she felt.

"Remember you're not alone in this Merrill." Tali's voice suddenly sounded in her ear. "We're all here with you."

That was another thing she had to focus on. Not touching her ear whenever she heard a voice in it. Onto of giving both her and Hawke an omni-tool, which Merrill was still trying to figure out how it worked, Shepard had insisted that each of them receive a…what did he call it? A sub…sub-de….dermin….a sub-dermal whatever. It was another small device that was implanted into their skin near their ears, and was somehow connected to their omni-tools. But now she could hear what everyone else was hearing…and what they were saying. She couldn't help but laugh a little at the thought. Less than a year ago if she heard voices in her head everyone would've thought that she was going insane…but now it was normal to hear voices in your head. Elgar'nan, she was never going to get use to this place.

"Thank you!" She said a little louder than perhaps necessary as next to her Miranda flinched slightly and brought her hand up to her ear.

"No need to talk so loud Merrill!" Even Tali's voice had a note of pain to it.

Oh Creator's, she messed up again. "Sorry."

"It's alright Merrill." Tali reassured her. "Just try to talk as if we're right next to you and we'll be able to hear you just fine."

Miranda was fixing her with a hard glare. Elgar'nan, why does almost every authority figure she meet seem to remind her of Keeper in one way or another. "Are you ready now?"

Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes and counted backwards from ten. It was a trick that Hawke had told her about in order to calm ones nerves. And it always worked. Reaching one she opened her eyes. "Yes."

Miranda's looked changed ever so slightly when she opened her eyes. Almost as if she was surprised by something. Looping one arm through her own Miranda led her down the alley towards a lone…what was Garrus again? Turian? "Alright then, let's do this."

Keeping up with Miranda's long strides was difficult for her, made only more so by the boots they'd forced her poor feet into. Why did shemlen always insist on wearing these awful things everywhere? Didn't they miss the feel of the warm ground beneath their feet? But…everything they walked on was metal she supposed. Perhaps it would be best to get use to these…boots.

The turian who was leaning against a seemingly dead end wall pushed himself off and stood in their path once they got close enough. "Can I help you ladies?" He said taking up more than an eye full of each of them.

"We've been told that this place makes the rest of Afterlife look a varren pit." Miranda told the man nonchalantly.

The turian didn't take his eyes off of her even as Miranda was speaking. She had to fight to not cringe under the man's gaze. He was looking at her like she was a piece of meat. And she didn't like it one bit. "Oh yeah, who told you that?" The turian asked finally taking his eyes off of her and letting them roam over Miranda.

Miranda seemed completely unaffected by his gaze. "Jaruut."

Moving away from the two of them he pressed on a section of the wall, opening a passage way that she couldn't see before. Music came flooding out of the open passage so loud she nearly covered her sensitive ears. "Have a fun night ladies," the turian motioned for them to enter. "And if you can't find any fun, remember me on your way out. I'll make sure the three of us have some good times."

Not quite catching his meaning she didn't have time to ask as Miranda had taken the opportunity to half pull half guide her down the dark passage. The further they went the louder the music got and Merrill could make out that the room beyond was bathed in a dark red light with spots of light moving all over the place. The music was…catchy though. Merrill found her body almost moving involuntarily to the beat of music as they walked.

Once they entered the large red room Merrill couldn't move. Dozens of people, most of whom were at least partially undressed, were rubbing up on one another in the center of the room. It took her a minute, but soon she could see a kind of pattern developing amongst the people. They were moving to the beat of the music. Was this…was this there dancing? It reminded her more of the times when she and Hawke would be in private and just about too – no! Don't think like that now Merrill! No blushing!

No matter how hard she tried though she could feel her face reddening at the sight of all those people dancing so…erotically. Isabella would love this place. She was sure.

"Everyone, this is Miranda. We're in."


Hawke was nursing his second glass of, whatever this stuff was, and trying very hard to concentrate on the task at hand. But that was proving beyond difficult as there was a nearly naked asari dancing on the table he, Jacob, and Thane had taken over. Maker…this was the kind of entertainment you could only find at the Blooming Rose, not a bar. More than once he had to concentrate on Merrill was the dancing woman got too close to him just in order to still think straight.

"Everyone, this is Miranda. We're in."

Taking his eyes off the dancing asari nearly on his lap he made a quick pass at the entrance to the club. And had to remind himself how to breathe. Merrill was standing arm in arm with Miranda in an outfit that could put even Isabella's to shame. Maker…she was utterly stunning. He was going to have to remind her to keep that particular outfit for maybe another time when they weren't out hunting a deadly murder.

Much to his chagrin however, he was not the only one who noticed his beautiful elf. On one pass alone he counted no more than four men, one of them a turian even, and two women who had their eyes locked on Merrill as soon as she entered the door. It took all of his self-control not to get up right then and there and show everyone that she was spoken for. Maker…this was torture.

Turning back to the dancing woman in front of him, he caught Jacob smirking just outside of his peripheral vision. "What?" He muttered.

"Nothing," Jacob replied shaking his head as his omni-tool activated so he could tip the dancer again. "I think that he likes it Merrill. Hawke was damn near ready to jump out of his seat when you two walked in."

He looked over just in time to see Merrill trip slightly and go red faced. "Enough with the chatter Jacob!" Miranda's hissed. "From here on out we are on radio silence until Morinth makes contact. Out."


Shepard waited for fifteen minutes after the call came in from Miranda before he made his way towards the VIP section of Afterlife. The bouncer standing outside the door gave him no problems; all he had to do was mention the name Jaruut and the turian let him in. No, the problems began once he entered. A turian was standing just before the main club area holding a data pad and a long line of people waiting before him. Cutting pass everyone standing in line he made his way to the front. "Hold up." The turian looked down at his data pad. "We're over capacity right now. Leave your name, a hundred credit cover, and go to the back of the line."

This was a shake down if he'd ever seen one. Rearing back he knocked the turian flat on his ass and sending the data pad into the air. Catching the pad before it could hit the ground he typed in the words 'Fuck You', before dropping the device on the out cold turian. "There's my name asshole. Try a different scam next time."

"Well Shepard…that is certanetly one way to get noticed." Tali's voice came in over the com.

"You can see me?" He asked stopping just within the club. Miranda and Merrill were sitting by themselves in a back corner of the bar while Thane, Hawke, and Jacob were grouped together on the other side.

"EDI has tapped into the video surveillance of Afterlife. I have eyes on everything now."

"Alright, time to set the trap. Miranda time to go to work."

Miranda stood up from her seat, gave Merrill one last touch on the shoulder and walked away. 'Alright, first bait is set. Time to get noticed.'

Less than two steps into the club he was nearly run over by an over eager human. "Do you have any tickets for Expel 10?" The man was practically begging.

Crossing his arms he gave the man a stern look. "What's it to you?"

The man's eyes widened. "Please, you gotta give them to me. I'll pay you whatever you want! I met this incredible asari a last night…I just…I just can't get her out of my mind! I heard she loves the music of Expel 10. Please, if you got the tickets give them too me please!"

The man was basically crawling all over him. Giving him a none to light shove he put the man flat against the wall and then the floor. "Get lost," he growled raising a fist. "I already knocked that turian back there on his ass and won't hesitate to do so again."

Leaving the man on the ground he made his way further into the club. Around the back of the club he vaguely saw a human man approach Merrill. "Don't let him give you anything Merrill." Tali told the elf. "It will more than likely be spiked with something. Just keep denying him whatever he wants until he goes away."

To her credit Merrill did exactly what she was told. The man offered her a drink, to which she denied. Then he tried to sit down, to which she then gave some excuse which made him stand again. The man made a few more attempts, all of which she denied, before he finally seemed to think it was pointless and walked away in a huff.

"Don't be like that beautiful – I got more than enough creds for you. We'll go back to my place. I got simple tastes, for the most part.

A turian was trying, seemingly unsuccessfully, to pick up an asari dancer as he walked through the throngs of dancing people. "Back off asshole!" The asari cursed pushing the turian back. "I'm a dancer, not a hooker!"

This did nothing to deter the turian who only smiled at her reaction. "You got a mouth on you girl! I'll enjoy watching you put it to better use!"

Forcing his way between the two he forced the turian back. "The lady asked you to leave her alone. I advise you do so before you get hurt."

Sneering the turian stepped up to him. "What the hell? I'm just looking for a good time – this isn't your business anyway human. Why don't you stay back before you get hurt."

As with most big mouths, he was all talk and no action. The lazy jab he threw at Shepard gave the Spectre more than enough time to counter. Catching the arm mid-strike he stepped in twisting the arm to an unnatural angle which brought the turian down to his knees. "Ahh! You son of a-" A quick jab to his face shut the turian up and let him keep hold of the twisted arm with one hand.

"Now beg forgiveness from the nice lady." Shepard demanded of the kneeling turian.

The turian looked back and forth between him and the asari, but still didn't say anything. Putting more pressure on the arm he had the turian wincing in pain. "Alright! I'm sorry!"

Another quick jab to the face and more pressure on his arm had the turian nearly in tears. "Now this time mean it asshole."

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"

Letting go of the turian he gave him one last kick in the ass sending him towards the door. "Good, now get the hell out of here."

The asari was opening smiling as she watched the wounded turian try to gather what remained of his pride and walk out of the club. "Thanks for that," she said coming up to him and running a hand along the lapels of his suit. "When you get the chance, come and see me in the back. I'll give you a private show you won't forget. Free of charge." Caressing his face one last time she left him standing there and went back towards one of the raised platforms.

"Keelah Shepard. That was…whoa."

"You should see this Shepard. I swear our little quarian engineer is blushing underneath her helmet from that little dis – ouch!"

"Shut up Garrus! No one asked you. Anyone have eyes on our target yet?"

The table at which Thane, Hawke, and Jacob had been sitting was vacant and each man had made his way seemingly nonchalantly around the bar.

"No sign of her yet."

"Nothing."

"Nope."

Risking a glance to the back again he saw that Merrill was once again putting off another would be suitor, this time a turian. And once again she managed to put push off all attempts at seductions. She was really pulling this innocence card off well. But Morinth was taking the bait. He would have to step it up a bit.

Making his way over to the bar he waved the bar tender over. "What'll you have friend?"

The people standing next to the bar looked somewhat bored and off in their own world. Maybe he could turn that to his advantage. "Looks like a good crowd tonight, but they looked bored. Bored people don't really tend to spend much money."

This got the bartender's attention. "And I take you got an idea on how to fix that?"

He had him. "Put a round of drinks on the house, nothing to expensive but a free shot of something cheap for everyone. Show's that you appreciate everyone's business and will get them back to the bar. On top of that your rep improves and in the end you'll make more money by close."

The bartender looked like he was considering what he said. "Maybe worth a try once. But if this don't work it's all going on your tab." Singling to the DJ to turn the music down the bartender shouted over the music. "Listen up everyone! We love having you all here, so to keep this party going we're giving everyone a free round on the house!"

The music was barely back to half its original volume before nearly half of the club was stampeding towards the bar. Shepard just barely managed to duck out of the way before he was run over by a very intoxicated krogan. We'll, if that didn't get him noticed he didn't know what would.


From the shadows a lone set of eyes feasted on the scene of withering bodies before her. This club had proven to be an excellent hunting ground. There were so many here that could wet her appetite. She supposed that she should slow down slightly. But the bitch had been so close to her on Illium that she didn't have the time to hunt or to taste her victims. She would've hunted on board the ship, but that would've been a mistake. Too confined an area, too easy to lead back to her. So she waited for her chance to hunt on Omega. She was so starved by the time she got here that she immediately sought out and claimed her first within hours of getting off the ship.

That same night she met Nef. The innocent human girl had held her off for a few days. And the hunt for her had been nearly as exquisite as the young herself. But then Nef's mother had started yelling to everyone who'd listen that her daughter was murdered. This was not good for her. She would've gone to see to the mother, but she was far too old and too plain to bother with. Plus, no seemed to take her seriously anyway. But still, it would be in her best interest to lay low for a time.

At least that had been her original idea when she came to the club tonight. She would find another innocent and this time take her time with her hunt and seduction. But now…her mouth was nearly watering with delight. It was rare that she could one such individual who could make her body ache with want just by looking at them. Too find two in one night…she was nearly salivating on the floor.

The first was the human male. While not her normal choice for prey, this one was a hunter just like her. He was strong, manipulative. He had a strength to him she hadn't tasted in a century. He had an air of confidence about him that was only gained through the trials of fighting. As soon as he stepped foot into the club he had drawn attention to him just by being there. The men stepped wide of him while women flocked to him. He was strong too. Which he more than proved by knocking two turian's on their asses. And he was manipulative as well. Getting a free round of drinks, that took skill. And to top it all off, he wasn't hard on the eyes either. Hunting prey was fun, but hunting a hunter…that was pleasure few things could top.

And then there was the human female. It always amazed her just how genetically diverse the humans were. That was shy when they came on the galactic scene and had found a place amongst the star's many asari started grabbing up humans left and right. And this human proved just how diverse they could get. Pointed ears shown just out through the stands of her braided black hair. Her young nearly flawless face was covered by intricate markings that only seemed to add to her beauty. And she was timid, naïve. The friend she came with had abandoned her early in the night. And since her departure the petite human had turned down offer after offer, preferring instead to sit in the back and watch.

Oohh, decisions, decisions. She really shouldn't be going after either. But a chance like either of them could be gone or claimed the next day. She couldn't stand the thought of losing either. She would take at least one tonight and then when her thirst was quenched she would savor the hunt of the other. Yes…that is what she would do.

Stepping out from the darkness Morinth set her eyes on her prey. Yes…this would be a pleasure.


Another chapter down!I was going to try and do all of Omega in one shot, but things just started rolling especially towards the end. On the note of Aria, she's the Queen of Omega and she didn't get to that spot by being soft, a fact that I don't think was hit up enough within the games (I know its a minor part of the overall story, but I wanted to show how ruthless she was).

And now I'm leaving the next chapter up to you guys! Who will Morinth go after? Merrill, Shepard, or perhaps someone else? Leave me a review and let me know what you guys want to see! I'm leaning towards one character in particular, but I can go either way.

Hope that you all like the chapter! Drop me a line and let me know what you all think! See you in the next chatper!