A/N: Enjoy...

Part two Start

Location: Omega, Afterlife

Reclining on her couch and letting her clubs rhythmic music dance through her head, Aria T'Loak hummed along with the pleasant tune as she read the communication from Shepard. He wasn't asking much; protection detail for someone named Oriana Goldstien, on Illium. It wouldn't be hard or very costly for her, most her organization was on the planet already, so she dispatched a commando surveillance team to watch over the human female. As she softly swirled a glass of Asari honey mead in her hand, she imagined all the ways she'd make him repay her for that favor.

On the cushion next to her was Captain Clint "Back Eye" Darragh, and although he hid it very well, she knew that this wasn't a social call. From the way his jaw was clenched and his teeth were grinding on the stem of his pretentious pipe, Aria knew he was anxious. Which never was a good sign. It took a lot to rile a man like him up.

Initially when he ascended the steps to her lounge asking for a private audience with the Queen of crime, she felt rather dismissive of the man. They weren't exactly chummy chummy best friends mind you, but they weren't blood feuding adversaries either. Clint held undeniable power on this station, power that was rightfully hers, and that made him dangerous.

Of course Aria, being who she was, tried to wrangle that power from his grasp a decade or so ago, but she suffered greatly in the attempt. It was a rare and costly blunder which took her years to recover from, and by then they had worked out an equitable business arrangement. As the humans liked to say, they broke bread. He wouldn't try to usurp her authority, and in return he would be given a seat with Patriarch in her council.

Now the Queen viewed the ageing one eyed pirate lord with a mixture of loathing, admiration, and dare she say... Respect.

"Prothean artifact you say... How interesting."

Clint raised an eyebrow at her seeming lack of seriousness, "My concerns are more with its owner, Aria. You and I both know a Spectre on this station is bad news for everyone, and I doubt Saren will be complacent in its theft." he took a deep drag from his pipe. With a heavy exhale, purple smoke wafted into the air. "Things could get bloody, Aria... Very bloody."

Aria gave him a sarcastic glance and raised a questioning hand, "And what would you have me do, hmm? Seize his ship and overthrow his captaincy?"

"You've done it before. Deposing a rouge captain is in the best interests of Omega."

"Yes, and as you recall we were spacing bodies for months afterwords. I'm still consolidating my gains from the power vacuum left by Archangel in the Kenzo district. Do you have any idea the consequences that would befall me if I were to make a move so hastily?"

"Hang the consequences, T'Loak! Opinions on this station change as frequently as the fucking solar winds... And this isn't like before," he lowered his voice to just above a whisper, "I secretly polled the other Captain's, Aria. And the majority agree that Balak is trouble for them and their crews."

She scoffed derisively, "The minions are just quivering in their boots cause they know new arrivals means less profits for them... Honestly, what do they take my patronage for?... Charity?" she took a sip of her wine and leisurely turned her gaze to the girls shaking their ass's on the stage, "They're just riled up cause they're gonna have to actually work for the coin in their pockets now."

Clint crossed his arms, "Aria, this is bigger than just simple jealously."

She sighed and looked at his one good eye. "I've got eighty five other captains in my fleet to worry about, Clint. All of whom come into my bar everyday bitching about prizes, wadges, consignment fees, and what have you... Balak is just one man. A tiny cog in a very very large machine."

"Saren is just one man." he stated not too friendly. "And a tiny wrench can still stall an engine."

Keeping tight control of her emotions she growled, "Then offer up a fucking solution that doesn't involve potentially causing a riot."

Darragh collapsed against his seat and sighed, "I understand the precariousness of the position I'm putting you in, Aria. But it needs to be done. Keeping him around is bad for all of us."

"As far as I can tell Balak's just like all the other piss-ant pirate wanna-be's that come here looking for fortune, glory, and adventure... Rest assured, plans are in the works to bring Balak into the fold."

Clint couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I've seen their type before, Aria." he growled, "These men answer to no one. You can't reason with them, you can't bargain with them, you can't control them. All they understand is violence and bloodshed."

"Thank you for your concern, Clint. But I have this matter under control." Aria placed her glass down so hard that the rim cracked, making it clear to the pirate lord that the conversation was over. But Darragh was unfazed by the display.

"Then pray tell, whats your plan?"

"Simple, I've given his crew a test."

"What test?"

"In the hopes of moving past our previous transgressions," Aria gave a false demure smile, "I've dispatched the flight plan and location of a prize to Balak's quartermaster. I've given his crew explicit orders to seize the ship with minimal loss of life. If they fail to do so, then we'll talk again about deposing his Captaincy." curling her lips into a devilish smirk, "I've heard his XO is more agreeable... Perhaps Mr. Charn would be a suitable replacement."

"I don't like this." Clint shook his head, "What about Saren?"

Shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly, "If he comes, I'll point him in the direction of Balak, and he'll solve our problem for us."

"This is a dangerous game, Aria."

"Yes, and I've been playing it longer than you've been alive."

000

Location: Horizon Capital, Discovery.

As John heard the thunk of the ports docking clamps lock the Syren into place, he tugged on the hem of his dark brown leather jacket and eyed his entourage of human and alien crew members. He had to admit that they were certainly a motley bunch of collected misfits and scoundrels. A Krogan warlord, a tattooed convict, a statuesque beauty queen, a silver platted Turian with a penchant for vigilantism, and a powder blue Asari trying to make a name for herself as a mercenary. Yet despite their sorted and varied pasts, it seemed like it was destiny that had brought them together. Of course Shepard didn't believe in that sort of thing.

Glancing at Nyreen's attire, John let out a soft chuckle. "We got to get you some civilian clothing, Kandros."

Looking over her mat black cabal armor, "Why? Is their something wrong with this?"

"Nothings wrong with it. Unless of course you like dressing like you're invading Shanxi everyday."

She tsk'd her mandibles, "S.O.P for Turian soldiers is to dress as if you could go into combat at any moment, Shepard. It's practical and has saved my hide on many occasions... I'm actually surprised you humans don't take similar precautions, what with your being squishy and all." she glanced at Miranda and Jack.

"You just need to get some fashion sense, Ms. Kandros." commented Miranda, "Not every situation calls for battle attire. You'd be surprised how many doors a dress will open."

"If were talking about fashion sense than I'd look in a mirror, Cheerleader... Or does Cerberus really let you whore around in that outfit?"

"Really?" Miranda raised an eyebrow at Jack, "Can't be much worse than whoever butchered your hair. Is that actually a style? Or do you just douse yourself in gasoline and keep what doesn't burn off?"

"Keep talking bitch and I'll splatter that perfect ass of yours across a bulkhead!"

"As if a mistake like you could ever stand a chance against me."

"Ha ha ha ha!" Wrex laughed and slammed his fists together, "I like fighting besides females! Most krogan women have to stay home to try to reproduce."

Miranda cocked a hip and had a certain aura of superiority, "Sorry to disappoint, Wrex. But I'm not the stay-at-home kind."

"Didn't say I was disappointed. I could get used to killing with women around. Gives the fight a different flavor."

"No, you're the type that likes to fuck varren, and suck the Illusive Man's prick. " Jack snickered. "I bet you got to the top of Cerberus on your back."

Miranda scoffed, "I did no such thing!"

"Ohhh!" Jack cackled, "You were on your knees then!"

Shepard massaged his temples, "Jack, Miranda, play nice... Speaking of which." pulling out a predator pistol, he handed it over to his second in command. "If you're gonna go planet side, Miranda, you'll need a weapon. However you only got half a thermal clip so don't try anything foolish."

Taking the weapon in her hands, the brunette turned it over a few times before placing it on her belt, "You already got my co-operation, Shepard. These precautions aren't necessary. I'm not going anywhere."

"If I get a whiff or even think you're trying anything bitch, you're all mine."

John rolled his eyes. "I will spray both of you with a squirt bottle!"

"You people are weird... Fun, but definitely weird." Elnora commented

Hearing footsteps behind him, John turned his head and saw Kelly, Tali, and Lia leisurely striding over. "Where are you three off to?"

"Girl time." Kelly sweetly giggled, "Horizons got some of the best outlet malls in the Traverse and I'll be dammed if I'm gonna pass up a shopping spree!"

Shepard chuckled, "Just be sure not to break the bank."

Kelly gave him a wink, "No promises."

Shepard noticed the red painted ridges of Nyreen's angular nose accordion several times as she sniffed the air like a predator feline. He shifted uncomfortably as her greenish yellow hued eyes stared intently at him, as if drilling holes into his head. "W-What? Is something on me?"

"It's nothing." she scratched the back of her tan-ish brown head, "Apologies. I noticed that your and Ms. Chambers scent is overlapping. I'm not that familiar with your species just yet. But if I had to put my talon on it I'd say your pheromones smell like fresh sex."

Kelly blushed deep crimson; nervously muttering "Okay goodbye." and grabbed both of the Quarians hands and practically sprinted down the gangway and off the ship.

Wrex chuckled, "Surprised it took you that long to pick it up, Kandros. I thought Turians were supposed to have a keen sense of smell."

Miranda shook her head in disgust, "What is wrong with you, Shepard? Ever heard of a shower?"

John narrowed his eyes at her.

"Awww, what's a matter princess? Smell of cum disagree with your lady like sensibilities?... You wouldn't last a day in prison."

"A warrior should never be ashamed of his own virile musk, Shepard. Especially when coated in the coital scent of a mated female." said Wrex proudly, giving them all the unwarranted Krogan viewpoint on the matter. "Lets other females know your dick works, and that at least someone else can stand to be around the Pyjak. Wear it like a badge of honor, Shepard."

John didn't know what to say and just collapsed his head into his hand. He waved pitifully at the door, "Just, just go."

000

Location: Omega, Blue Flag

Sitting at a table, Mr. Featherstone situated across from her with Sha'dee in his lap, Nyxeris gave a studiously gaze at the artwork on the datapad before her. On its electronic back-lit screen was what would be her ships new pirate flag. Like many others it had all the familiar pieces: a skull and crossbones, or a skeleton clutching a sword or gun in its hands with a red heart, or swords on the border with a symbol of death in the center. All rather standard and typical pirate banners really. But nothing unique.

Cocking her crest from side to side the violet Asari examined her colors from different angles, trying to see what their pray would see.

"What's a matter, don't like it?"

Nyxeris sweetly smiled at the platinum blonde haired human girl who'd created the piece, "No... No no no, it's quite good!" she hummed in appreciation, "... But, here's the thing. The crews sigil is a sacred thing. It must simultaneously strike fear into the hearts of hardened men, whilst inspiring and unifying all those who sail under it... ... ... It must be something," she took a deep breath, "approaching perfection."

"Any idea what direction that might be?" the girl replied sarcastically.

Shaking her head, "Darling I think we'll both know when we see it... Don't you?" her voice wavered momentarily.

The girl narrowed her gaze and stared at her employer for several long seconds, silently screaming at the Asari with her brown eyes before letting out an exasperated sigh. Forcefully taking the pad from Nyxeris's hands, she gave it a violent shake and the screen was cleared to a blank page.

"Charlotte." Nyxeris stated plainly, clearly not understanding the girls ire as she walked away.

Like most in the violet Asari's employ, Charlotte was a whore by trade. But as she had some skill with the quill, Nyxeris had commissioned her to create the Walrus's new banner in exchange for a few luxury items and a couple hundred credits. While that may seem like a hefty sum, it was far cheaper than going to one of the notable shops that did such work. They practically charged an arm and a leg for a such work, by the goddess it was criminal.

"Never sailed with a captain as, particular, as you before." Mr. Featherstone stated as politely as he could while Sha'dee filled his glass with rum.

"We all have the same swords out their, we all have the same guns, but great art has felled empires, and their in lies the difference."

Featherstone shook his head and chuckled, "I... Don't understand what that means."

"No, but I do so not to worry." replied Nyxeris with a small smile, "While the rest of this stations gawks about the chaos of the day and contemplates the end of the world. We would do well to use this time to prepare, I would like to be the first crew back out in the black when all this smoke between Balak and Aria clears; with every detail accounted for." she tapped the table to hammer this point home to the human.

"While we're still on it we have details to sort out of much bigger in size than all that." Mr. Featherstone began listing off items on his fingers, "Stores ain't procured, articles ain't signed-"

Nyxeris gave a dismissive wave of her hand, "I've seen the draft articles and I'm fine with them as is."

"Yeah, but the crew ain't. They got some changes you and I ought to discus."

She smirked, "Ooh, changes."

"Yes-" Mr. Featherstone stopped mid-sentence as Xeltan approach their table.

"With feign curiosity: Are you two making any progress?"

"Slowly but surely, love." As the Elcor took a seat next to her, Nyxeris looked at the human. "I'm sorry, you were saying something about the articles?"

Featherstone smiled a yellow toothy smile at the Elcor, "It can wait... We ain't departing anytime soon. Excuse me." he got up and left.

Xeltan poured himself a drink and took a long sip, "I saw Darragh coming out of afterlife earlier. Suspiciously: I believe he talked to Aria about what to do with Balak. With worrying concern: Do you think he made a plea for her to usurp his captaincy?... He's stubborn but he ain't stupid. He knows what hell that will bring him."

Smirking, "I'd say Clint's terribly stupid when it comes to being stubborn. Given a choice between capitulation with Aria and survival, I don't imagine there to be much of a choice at all. He knows she'll never agree to that I assure you."

"With whimsy: The balance of power on this station is changing, Nyxeris... Do you think he'll make it?"

Nyxeris sighed, "I think Clint Darragh is something you and I both survived, what happens to him now is of little concern to me."

The Elcor let out a heavy grunt, "Confidently: We'll survive it, we always do. Don't we?"

The Asari looked at him and nodded.

000

Location: Horizon Capitol, Discovery.

As his crew waded through the crowded space port, John noticed how the other pedestrians cleared out of their way. Occasionally a security guard would toss them a shifty glance, clearly expecting them to cause trouble. The recent pirate attack probably reinforced whatever deep seated xenophobia some of them had. It didn't really bother Shepard all that much; wolves care little for the opinions of sheep. And the war hero had grown used to people staring at him over the years. The ones that looked like they're purposely avoiding you, those are the ones you gotta watch out for.

Raising an eyebrow at a man who was glaring menacingly at them; begging the fool to try something. John remembered a threat analysis report he had read a few years back, raising concerns that Horizon was becoming a growing hotbed for Cerberus activity. Among other things like social media profiles and extra-net search history, the brief cited a census report which stated that one out of ten colonists had affiliations to the Terra Firma party. A 17% increase from the previous year.

Seeing several dozen passengers sitting by a terminal, Elnora asked. "Is it always this crowded?"

"Not usually." John replied as he eyed a departure board. All the flights had "delayed" over their time slots. "Looks like nearly every transport off world has been grounded."

"Because of the attack?... But that happened awhile ago."

"The commercial vessels are just taking precautions." Miranda chimed in, "Their's probably loads of debris still floating around in orbit. Delaying flights until it can be cleared is better for business than several hundred wrongful death lawsuits."

Elnora shrugged her shoulders, "I guess that makes sense. So are we now stuck here as well?"

"Our ships more than capable of handling a few debris impacts." said Nyreen.

"So where is it exactly that we're going?" Elnora asked to no one in particular.

"A tavern called: The Father's Flask. It's practically the only place on Horizon that caters to both levo and dextro species." Shepard replied absentmindedly as he fiddled with some programs on his omni-tool. Finding EDI's directions to the tavern, he memorized the route through the colony and sighed. Despite what he had told his crew, John had a lot to accomplish and not much time to do it. "When we get there, first rounds on me."

"Hell yeah!" Jack pumped her fist into the air.

The convicts sentiments was shared by Wrex, and as John idly listened in on the banter of his gang, in the back of his mind he wondered just when the Illusive Man was gonna make his move. So far they had done well to keep him guessing: never staying in one port for very long, traveling only to heavily trafficked worlds, not publicizing flight plans until the vary last moment, and generally using every counter intelligence trick John knew to keep them below the radar. This wasn't to say that Shepard didn't have a plan, he had several actually, even some plans within plans, but rather he knew not to underestimate TIM. The man was a conniving, vindictive, sociopath who always saw the ends justifying the means.

Entering the Tavern about ten minutes later, Shepard raised an inquisitive eyebrow as the automatic door stayed open for a few seconds longer than usual. Thinking nothing of it, he turned a steely blue eye gaze to the bar counter and saw the long fringe spikes of a very familiar silver platted Turian.

Fucking knew it. For a Spectre you really are too predictable sometimes, Saren.

Sitting besides him was none other than his partner in crime, Nihlus Kryik. In a practically Pavlovian response, John felt his mouth salivate at the sight of his brown plates and caramel hued hide. Along with his white colony markings, Nihlus looked just like a piece of sexy sexy chocolate cake. And John wanted a piece. Too bad the lecherous Turian didn't swing in his particular direction. But that never stopped the Spectre from toying and teasing with John. Though he probably only did it because of how it riled up Saren.

Shepard put on a wide, friendly smile, and extended his arms outward, "Well if it isn't two of my favorite Spectre's! Friends!" striding over, he clasped Saren and Nihlus on the shoulder before throwing his arms around them. "I see you are in good health, what we drinking?"

Spirits! Saren's sub-harmonics rumbled discontent. And here he thought his luck couldn't get any worse, "Remove your arm from me human, or you will lose it."

His cold, baritone drawl sent a shiver down John's spine. Knowing the Spectre didn't make idle threats, he disentangled his arm from around his cowl. "Well, I see you're as cheerful as ever."

Nihlus's mandibles clicked in the Turian equivalent of a smirk, clearly enjoying this fortuitous turn of events. "You'll have to forgive his sunny disposition, Shepard. Saren's just acting like a sour puss cause he got bad news."

Mental note: in next sparring session, disable Kryik's ability to speak. Perhaps twist mandible. Saren ruse'd as he took a sip of his kava. And kill human waitress. She should be skinned for serving such swill.

"Sorry to hear that," Shepard replied and waved his crew off to go take a seat. "someone die?"

"Oh no, nothing so dire. Though he's remaining uncharacteristically silent on the matter... It's creepy."

The two of them shared a knowing look and John inwardly laughed as Kryik's sub-harmonics rumbled in a similar manner, sharing the sentiment.

Correction, break his mandible. Perhaps cut out his tongue. He doesn't need it to be a Spectre.

"So... What we drinking?"

"I think it's Kava..." Nihlus looked questioningly into at his cup, "Though it tastes like it's been filtered though one of your human jockstraps. Clearly they don't get many Turians around here."

Taking the cup from Saren's talons, earning him a withering death glare, John took a sip and stopped himself from nearly spraying the counter in a fine mist. "Fuck! This is the most disgusting shit I've ever tasted." grimacing as the insanely bitter taste lingered on his tongue like a bad joke. "It's like puke married poop and had the ceremony in my mouth."

Nihlus chuckled dryly, "You paint with words, Shepard."

Using his biotics,he grabbed both cups and threw them into the trash. John's lips curled into a smirk, "Give me a sec, I'll be back with two properly prepared Kava's."

"~Ohh, now wont this be a welcomed treat!" Nihlus sub-harmonics keened approving anticipation as he glanced at his mentor, "Saren says you make the best Kava he's ever tasted, Shepard. Well, outside of Hierarchy space that is."

"~Oh he did, did he?" John smugly glanced at his former mentor.

Correction, kill both Kryik and Shepard... Slowly... Painfully.

Walking behind the bar he heard the waitress run over to him with an upturned hand, "I'm sorry sir, but this areas for employee's only."

"Yeah, I know." John replied as he easily pushed passed her and went up to the Kava maker.

"Sir, what are you doing?"

"Saving your life, sweetheart." Shepard tilted his head to the side as he examined the machine. It was an older model, not too dissimilar from the one Saren had aboard Sovereign. Over the six months he spent aboard that ship he became intimately familiar with its operation. His Kava was probably the only reason Saren didn't try to kill him.

"I'm gonna call security."

The blonde woman started to move but John caught her arm and pulled her close, "That won't be necessary, Love... You see that party over there at the booth? They're with me. So why don't you go take their orders and I'll be sure you get a big tip." looking deeply into her blue eyes he gave her a seductive wink. "Serve them well, and I'll give you more than the tip later."

She narrowed her gaze at his lewd remark and turned to walk away. As she did, Shepard gave her shapely buttocks a slap, copping himself a feel of the pillow soft flesh beneath her uniform. "Good girl."

She became flustered and slapped him hard across his face and walked away. He could have caught her hand and stopped her if he wanted, but why would he? "Feisty, I like that."

"You certainly have no shame."

"You're one to talk, Kryik." massaging his reddening cheek, "Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."

"Seriously? What's with you humans and your obsession with glass structures?"

Saren's sub-harmonics growled annoyance.

Shepard chuckled as he checked the filter and saw that it hadn't been changed in over a month. Removing it and throwing it away, he dumped the reservoir of what he guessed had to be week old Kava down the drain. Bathing his body in swirling eddies of biotic current, his skin tingled pleasantly as he constructed a small vibrating orb of dark energy and gave the silver espresso machine a quick mass field scrubbing. A minute later he tossed the now brown ball of energy into the sink and charged the steam canister on the side to cleanse the lines. Normally, the canister was used to heat and aerate the frothy foam injector, but it worked just as well for cleaning if their wasn't any mixture in the sugar tank.

"I heard you retired, human. Making your way as a barista now?" Saren stated in feign interest.

John raised his eyebrows as he changed the filter and placed a fresh cup of Kava beans into the grinder. "I'm touched, Saren. Didn't know you cared." activating the grinder, the machine purred as it ground the kidney shaped beans into a fine brown powder.

"I don't." Shepard flinched at the sudden icy infliction in his voice, "But the position is befitting for someone like you."

"Someone like me?" wait for it, wait for it, wait for it. The human mentally told himself as he prepared for whatever scathing remark was coming next.

"Yes, someone like you. A human... You belong on your knees, serving your Turian betters." the Spectre spread his mandibles wide in a gleeful, albeit menacing smile, "Like your sister. She's learned her place rather well as I recall. Don't you agree Kryik? Perhaps if we ask Vakarian nicely, he'll let us play with his little human pet?"

There it is! Shepard closed his eyes and inwardly sighed. "Well, I'm so glad to see you're at least trying to evolve." he mused sarcastically, "Notorious human hater: Saren Arterius, wanting to mate with a human. I wouldn't believe it if I didn't hear it with my own ears. I'm proud of you, Saren."

Nihlus couldn't believe it when he heard his mentor's sub-harmonics let out an amused chirp. He sighed and let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. For a moment their he thought he was gonna have to duck for cover before bullets and biotics started flying. But then again, Shepard always did have a knack for keeping a level head around Saren. Nihlus figured John was the only human in existence his mentor and colleague, dare he say it, respected. But of course he could never come out and ask Saren this. That was a surefire way to end up taking a dirt nap, and as much as his curiosity had the tendency to get the better of him, Nihlus preferred to keep breathing.

Pouring three 20 ounce cups of Kava, Shepard added ten cubes of sugar to his own. "... And whats all this about you wanting me on my knees, Saren?" he poured a three count of Turian brandy into each cup, and said coquettishly. "I never knew you had such feelings for me."

Nihlus had to forcefully clamp down on his sub-harmonics lest he wanted to draw his mentors ire. No one talked to Saren so jovially and lived.

"You just want me for my Kava."

Taking the new cup in his hands, Saren took a sip and purred contentedness as the warmth and robust flavor spread across his palette. The waitress's pitiful attempt didn't even come close to this. Maybe I won't kill Shepard... Maybe I'll imprison him on Sovereign and force him to keep making me Kava... Probably gonna have to break his legs, but no matter.

Taking a sip as well, Nihlus's reaction was more audible. "Spirits Shepard! I think, I think I love you."

"Yeah yeah yeah, that's what they all say. Garrus was practically at my door day and night begging for a cup..." tilting his head, John smiled at the memory. "Though I think he was more interested in my sisters Kava."

Nihlus guffawed and nearly spit out his drink.

Taking a sip, John smiled at the warmth spreading through him. As it was dextro based, the drink naturally tasted more bitter on his human taste-buds, sort of like unsweetened lemonade, but that was what the sugar was for. Seeing the waitress approaching, he got back on the other side of the bar. "So what brought you two here?"

"Spectre business." Saren pointedly stated.

"Yeah, kinda figured out that much already. Care to elaborate?" in a singsong manner, "C'mon, I'll make you another cup of Kava."

"Pathetic, human. Do you really expect to bribe a council Spectre with Kava?"

Shepard deadpanned, "Yes."

"We were on a mission to destroy red sand facilities in the Traverse." Nihlus replied and heard Saren chirp hostility at him, "What? I wanted another cup."

As Shepard and Nihlus began to converse, Saren's body went stiff as his skin felt a static tingle. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath through his nose, his arm suddenly shot out, startling the others, and grasp'd something into the air.

"What the hell Sar-" John's words died in his throat as a female body shimmered into existence. "KASUMI!?"

"Hiya Shep." the thief strained to say as Saren's gloved hand constricted around her throat. "For my next impression, Jesse Owens!"

Showing an incredible amount of abdominal control, Kasumi swung her lower half up and around Saren's forearm, forcing him to take her full weight, and wrung herself free from his grasp. Falling to the ground as gracefully as a feline, she reactivated her tactical cloak and dashed off. John heard her disembodied voice giggle, "Catch me later." before the tavern door opened and closed for her invisible form.

"Well that was interesting." Nihlus chuckled, "Friend of your's I assume?"

Shepard sighed, "Yeah, it's uhh, it's complicated."

Saren growled, "She's lucky I didn't rip her throat out." and turned his attention back to his Kava as if nothing had happened.

000

Location: Omega, Blue Flag.

As Nyxeris drank from her private stock of honey mead and went over the books for the brothels profits, she was called away by Sha'dee to the whores room. Entering the rather decorative chamber she saw Mr. Featherstone turn on a light and reveal himself from the darkness. The whore quickly left them alone.

"What's this?"

The man strode over to the rooms table, "We need to talk about these articles, Nyxeris... And I thought it best if we could have the conversation just you and I."

The Asari shut the door and activated the lock, "Aaaalright, so lets have it with the articles."

"A few things." taking a seat, "Max."

She raised a hand and began to pace, "Let me stop you there. Yes, it's unorthodox to offer a whore a share of the profits, but this is clearly a special case. That particular Asari is a treasure trove of prostitutionial intelligence," sighing, "and believe me, if I could see a way to replace her, I would. But at the moment she is worth far far more to the crew than the share it costs to have her."

"I understand... But you must understand, that's not an easy thing to sell men... On a new ship, on a new crew, used to a certain way of doing things."

"Oh," Nyxeris's face morphed into disbelief, "are you saying you can't sell it?"

Mr. Featherstone raised a placating hand and nodded his head, "No, I might be able to." chuckling, "With a great deal of cajoling... The problem is, Max's share isn't the only item the men took issue with."

"Ahh, I see."

A few hours of intense and passionate arguing later, Nyxeris looked for Xeltan and found him a few blocks away at a restaurant that catered to his species. As she approached she found him eating from a bowl of wheat, and she could hear his massive pachyderm molars grinding the foodstuff into a finely granulated paste. He noticed her and gave her a ruffle of his facial skin flaps. He could tell something was up.

"With faint inquisitiveness: What's your problem?"

"The crew have elected to set sail. Small prize. Nearby. Probably not much by way of profit but ahh, an easy prize... To consummate our new arrangement."

"Honestly: Well that's good news ain't it?"

She nodded a few times, unsure how to deal with this.

"Stating the obvious: So again, what the fucks your problem?"

Taking a seat next to the male who shared her bed, Nyxeris positively hated herself for what she was about to do. "There was a complication with the finalizing of the articles; opposition from the crew, on two particular issues."

"Shit... Arrogantly: I knew this was gonna happen. It's the whore's share isn't it?"

"It is," she sadly chuckled, "the resistance to formalizing her interest in writing was the second of the two issue I find more troubling."

"What's that?"

"You." Nyxeris plainly stated, "It would appear that while the crew is willing or able to forgive, or forget my part in the massacre aboard the Treasure. They are aware that you were the prime mover behind it, and they are less willing to forgive, or forget it in your case." she saw a little light in Xeltan's eyes diminish.

"With nervous agitation: They don't want me nor the whore."

Her heart broke, "It was put to me that they will accept one or the other, but not both."

"Angrily: Fucking hell... With earnest desire: How are we going to get her to keep turning up those leads when she finds out she ain't getting a share?" Nyxeris stared long and hard at the Elcor, and found herself disgusted with everything she had become. His black eyes went wide and his skin flaps fluttered something fierce "Unbelieving: WHAT?!"

Nyxeris lowered her voice as if it would make the sting of the knife she was putting in his back any less egregious, "It's only temporary I assure you, Xeltan. Till I gain their trust, sooner or later I'll be able to make the case to them directly and you'll be back sailing with us like this never happened."

If Elcor could cry, Xeltan would. His voice trembled and broke as he spoke. "You chose her... Over me."

"They gave me a choice, but it was no choice. Had I gone the other way, they'd be stewing about how I put my relationship with you over securing their leads. And that would have cost me their trust, and then the Captaincy most assuredly soon there after." She placed a hand on his massive back and massaged, "This is what is best for both of us in the final analysis, Xeltan... WE will sail at the head of this crew, but it just requires this small sacrifice in the short term."

"With barely contained rage: I can't believe you, Nyxeris!" she tried to speak but he let out a mighty roar and his massive fist smashed the table to splinters, "I told you this would happen... I told you! And yet you still chose HER!"

If he stayed any longer he knew he would do something he would regret, so he stormed off at a speed most thought impossible for his species. Nyxeris called out to him but her words were drowned out by the maelstrom of thoughts racing through his mind. Xeltan never wanted anything more than to kill something. As Nyxeris stared at his backside she couldn't stop herself from dreading what was to come.

Part 2 end

A/N: As always, reviews and comments are more than welcome. They sort of feed me and supplement my desire to write. Aaaaand I lied... this is probably gonna be four or five parts instead of three. sorry.