Notes:

Graal - Krogan double-barreled shotgun-class weapon that shoots large spikes; the oversized flechettes are designed to pierce Thresher Maw hide and create deep wound channels and massive blood loss

Kaffe - equatorial Thessian vine, the seeds of which are used to produce a non-alcoholic beverage of the same name, the taste described as a mix of coffee and chocolate; blends originating in Dassus are considered among the best (Source: CDN)

SMG - SubMachine Gun

Omega - The Landing

Enroute - Omega, Sahrabarik, Omega Nebula

Aria's eyes narrowed once again as she grumbled, "I was getting on with it, only you weren't exactly paying attention." She rolled her eyes in annoyance. "I hate repeating myself, but since my life depends on your actions, I'll do it. This time. Apparently, you're more of a visual person, so maybe pictures will help keep your attention." She pulled up information on her datapad and passed it to Shepard before continuing, "The plan is simple. I've amassed a fleet of merc ships; we're going to punch through the defensive perimeter, board the station and kick Cerberus off of Omega."

Aria stepped up to the central control room display and activated a file. The image of a Cerberus general popped into the air before them. "This is Oleg Petrovsky. He's the one who... ousted me. He's the Illusive Man's top military strategist and best kept secret... and why I need you. Once we get on the station, the battle will be a ground war." Aria's eyes riveted on Shepard as she continued, "And you're the best there is... so you're going to win it for me."

"I have no idea who he is or how he fights." Shepard studied the holographic image before her. "What have you got on him?"

"All you need to know is that he's a merciless bastard," Aria scowled in response. "He's precise and ruthless... and he'll stop at nothing to win."

Shepard immediately scoffed, "Not exactly sound tactical data to work from. Besides, a lot of people would say the same about you."

The commander was surprised when Aria actually smiled. "What can I say? I worked hard to take Omega and I worked hard to keep it, Shepard; I'll work even harder to get it back... and to make sure no one ever takes it from me again."

"I need intel, Aria." Shepard growled. "You want me to win this, I need to know the situation on the ground."

"Fine." Aria hated to confess she knew nothing of value, but had little choice. "Petrovsky's army is massive and the station is locked down... tight. The information stops there." She saw the scowl on the commander's face deepening and scoffed. "Goddess. Don't get your tits in a twist, Shepard. There are secrets to Omega that only a privileged few know; I'll get us in and you'll get us to where we need to be. From there, we'll have a base from which to collect the information we need... so we can plan our attack." Her face took on a feral grin. "And when Omega is mine again, I'll give you everything. I've got ships, mercs, eezo... all yours for the war."

Shepard nodded in acceptance. "So, what's the condition of your merc fleet?"

Aria toggled a switch on the central control panel and Petrovsky's image was replaced by an Asari. Aria queried abruptly, "Jarral. Status?"

"We're out-shipped four-to-one and most of our vessels are transports and freighters with limited firepower." Shepard was surprised that Aria put up with the tone of the mystery Asari's statement.

Aria was dismissive in her response. "We're not here to win a space battle, Jarral. We just need to break through their line."

Shepard's eyebrows rose. "Let me guess. You plan on going in first with this Cerberus Cruiser to infiltrate the enemy fleet... and then cause confusion in the back ranks as your fleet comes to join us."

"Await my orders, Jarral." Aria terminated the connection before turning to Shepard. "Close, but not quite. We'll position ourselves for a single, crippling blow. Then, while the rest of my forces join the fun, we'll use the diversion to make for a secret secure dock."

"So you're willing to let all of them get killed, just so you can get on the station?" Shepard's heart skipped, unsure if she could work with someone who would sacrifice an entire fleet so casually, no matter what Aria could bring to the fight against the Reapers.

"Of course not!" Aria growled, "We need to get aboard and disable the defenses as quickly as possible so the rest of the fleet can join us! That's your first task." She pulled up her omnitool and forwarded a schematic to Shepard. "This is where we land... and this is where we need to go. Once the defenses are down and the fleet starts coming in, we'll meet them at a secure bunker."

"Which is where?" Shepard studied the schematics as if her life depended on it... which it very likely did.

"Which is someplace I'll show you later... after we drop the defenses." Aria chuckled. "Relax, Shepard. We've been planning this for weeks. For now, sit back and let me steer."

Shepard frowned. "Not exactly the best start to our partnership, Aria."

Aria scowled in response and turned toward the forward view screen, speaking as she walked away from the commander. "How things begin isn't nearly as important as how they end, Shepard." When she arrived at her destination, she spoke firmly. "Bray, move through the relay. Signal the fleet to wait. They follow only on my command."

Initially, Aria's plan seemed to work; as they emerged from the relay, she directed Bray to head toward the Cerberus command ship. When challenged, Bray played a recording of a Captain Lentz... whom Aria had somehow coerced into providing his authentication codes. Shepard didn't want to know how the Pirate Queen... convinced... him or what happened to the man after he gave them up, so didn't ask. Aria had taken a deep breath in preparation as they approached the vessel; when they got within range, she commanded sharply, "Fire!", quickly followed by a command for Bray to signal the remaining fleet through the relay.

As her ships poured through the relay to join the battle, Aria spoke to Bray again. "They're through. Head straight for the station."

Bray was the model of calm efficiency as he entered the course change into the console. "We're being hailed by the General."

Aria glanced at the commander. "Want to meet your competition?"

"Absolutely." Shepard nodded sharply. "Should be informative."

Aria turned and moved quickly back to the central display, leaning casually on the rail. Shepard stayed put and watched from behind as a holo image of Petrovsky coalesced above its center.

"Aria." Petrovsky crossed his arms in disdain. "I knew it had to be you. You'll never make it. Call it off... Now."

Aria's face carried a smug expression. Her voice carried what could almost be characterized as amusement, had the circumstances not been so tense. "You're barking up the wrong tree, General, but maybe you can convince my partner..." She stepped aside, revealing Shepard as the commander took a step up to stand beside the Asari.

Petrovsky's voice sounded honestly intrigued as he responded. "Commander Shepard. I've heard great things about you."

"Certainly not from the Illusive Man." Shepard shrugged in dismissal. "I doubt he thinks of me that highly."

"You might be surprised..." Petrovsky's voice turned hard as he continued, "but I do my own research, Commander. A pity you abandoned Cerberus... though, we all sabotage ourselves in nefarious ways; perhaps deep down you fear success."

Shepard surprised Aria by chuckling. "Or perhaps I refuse to be a lapdog to a madman Hell-bent on being dictator to the galaxy."

Petrovsky's reaction to her laugh was hard to read. His eyes narrowed as his right hand came up to stroke his beard and he seemed to study the commander as he made his next statement. "Aria clearly thinks seeing you will unsettle me. Now it's my turn." His hand dropped and he scowled at the Asari. "I see you've gone to the trouble of upgrading that ship with Silaris armor. An exorbitant waste of time and money. While you've been... relaxing... at Purgatory, I've been upgrading Omega's outer defenses; my canons will cut through you with ease."

Shepard raised her eyebrows and glanced at Aria. "He sounds pretty confident."

Aria responded without even glancing at Shepard, and she sounded disgusted. "Yeah. He does."

Petrovsky sounded smug. "So, again. I say turn back."

"Let's see what you've got, Oleg." Aria growled, "End transmission."

Shepard crossed her arms and turned to her. "So what's next? He sounded like he's been expecting you... and prepared accordingly."

Once Petrovsky's image was gone, Aria laughed. "Don't worry, Shepard. It was never my plan to actually fight our way to the station. The armor is for show; it's not truly Silaris." She turned quickly. "Bray! Initiate the preset course. Everyone, brace for impact!" She looked back at Shepard, "Omega's cannons are the least of my concerns. The station's kinetic barrier will keep my ships from landing; What Petrovsky thinks to be armor plates are in reality disruptors... designed to take the barrier down on impact."

"And we are going to survive the crash, right?" Shepard found it hard to believe even Aria was that crazy.

"Probably." Aria turned to Shepard with a wolfish grin. "And, if not, it won't matter anyway, will it?"

Citadel, Widow System, Apien Crest

Specialist Samantha Traynor was strolling along the wide avenue near the penthouse apartment in which she was spending, along with a few of the Normandy's ground team, some well-deserved downtime from the constant trips through the relays to get from one stinking Hellhole of a planet or moon to another. She was accompanied by Asari vanguard Riana Iregos; together, the pair was shopping for food, especially those items needed by the two Asari on the team, to stock both the apartment's cupboards and those of the Normandy.

This area of the Citadel boasted a number of 'Asari exclusive' shops; Traynor was keeping Riana busy answering questions about almost everything she saw on display in the windows of the shops lining the avenue. There were small boutiques featuring some of the most stylish gowns and dresses she had ever seen; there were other storefronts carrying everything a commando could possibly need for personal protection. Leathers and armor plating of every possible color and weight, weapons from most of the major manufacturers, high-end omnitools, and even some weapons that were deceptively disguised as everyday objects, meant to be used in clandestine operations.

It was all endlessly fascinating to Samantha, who hardly ever got to leave the Normandy for any length of time; it didn't hurt that her 'tour' guide happened to be the person for whom she had fallen head-over-heels in love. Her fascination with all things Asari quickly grew as she spotted one object in a store featuring an eclectic mix of Asari and Human household and kitchen items. She rapidly devised a scheme that would allow her to look without Riana tagging along – she told Riana to go into the Asari warfare store to look around while she looked in the housewares store, telling her she'd meet her in twenty-five minutes right where they were standing.

Riana surprised her by readily agreeing to the arrangement, as she really wanted to shop for additional medium armor to augment her commando leathers. As soon as she left to walk back to the Asari Armory shop, Traynor walked into the housewares store and strolled straight to the object that had caught her eye. The Asari shopkeeper came over to talk to her, saying, "We don't see very many Humans in our store, so welcome. I am owner and sole proprietor, Simuil T'Dela… how may I assist you today?"

Traynor glanced at the clerk as she indicated the object that had caught her eye. "Would it be possible for me to see how this operates? A… friend… on board my ship recently introduced me to Kaffe, and expressed unhappiness at not having a proper press. I do not know what is required to make a good cup of the beverage, although the cup she made for me tasted very good. I understand the best beverages start with a good press, so…?"

Fortunately for Traynor, this Asari wasn't a 'customer be damned, profits over everything' type; she genuinely cared that her customers purchased exactly what they needed. "You serve on a ship? And I would guess this 'friend' you speak of is an Asari, yes?"

Traynor blushed slightly as she nodded and said as much as she dared. "Our jobs take us pretty far afield, Ms T'Dela, and we seldom put in to port for any length of time, so whatever I buy will need to be very good quality." Traynor looked down at the floor for a moment before looking back up and adding, "This is the first chance I've had to do any real shopping since… the beginning of the Reaper invasion.

"That is most interesting, Ms…?"

"…Traynor – Samantha Traynor."

"I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, Ms Traynor. So, you wish to make Kaffe from the dried seeds, then. It would taste quite different from what your friend served you, I am sure. Making Kaffe from pre-processed seeds is certainly quicker and easier, but the loss in fresh flavor can certainly be tasted by those with discerning palates. Whole seeds retain their flavor for much longer than pre-processed… you can store a five or six month supply on a space-going vessel without having to worry the flavor will diminish over time. Powdered Kaffe seeds have been exposed to an atmosphere, however briefly, during processing; they lose flavor quite rapidly, even in an airtight package. Best not keep them more than two months or so if you want to really savor the taste."

Simuil waved a hand at the press Traynor was looking at, she said, "This press would certainly be adequate for your needs, but I am guessing you would like to have one that will not let you down by breaking in the middle of a trip." The Asari gently took Traynor by her upper arm and steered her to the rear of the small shop, where she opened a small cabinet and pulled out a rather elegant looking Kaffe press. "Now, this is a bit more expensive than the one that brought you into my shop, but if you are serving on a ship that's out of port for any length of time, you require something that will not breakdown under prolonged use. This one can even be operated manually, but its main power source is a fairly robust, yet compact, eezo cell and comes with a standard 100-year guarantee. Would you like me to demonstrate?"

"That would be wonderful, but I don't have much time." Traynor looked nervously at her chrono and out in front of the shop. "My friend is due back in a very few minutes, and I don't want her to see me looking at this." Sammi found herself blushing again as she turned back to Simuil and said, "Truth is, I'd… like to surprise her with this… as a gift. I've never seen one in use, so wouldn't be able to make an intelligent choice of what to buy her even with a demonstration. She did say blends originating in Dassus are considered among the best… she learned how to properly make Kaffe from a friend who was raised there."

"Well, they all operate in a similar manner, so issues of quality aside, I am sure that whichever one you purchase will be enjoyed equally well." The Asari placed a thumb under her chin, fingers curled in front as she thought about this Human and her friend. Traynor was totally unprepared when Simuil smiled and asked, "You're in love with her, aren't you?

Samantha had a difficult time answering as she coughed and nearly choked from surprise. Gasping for air, she asked, "Is it that bloody obvious?"

T'Dela chuckled as she responded, "Well, if you were not obvious before, your reaction to my question certainly confirms my suspicions. I'll make you a deal, Ms Traynor. I want you to have this press, so I'll give you a fifteen percent discount from the regular price. It will still cost you more than the first one you saw, but I think your… friend… will be impressed with your thoughtfulness."

Sammi thought for a moment before asking, "How about twenty percent? It is for a good cause. There are a couple of other Asari on the ship who would probably enjoy freshly made Kaffe once they are aware there's a way for it to be made.

It was T'Dela's turn to ponder for a few moments. She grinned at her customer as she replied, "You bargain as if you were instructed by a Volus. How about a seventeen percent discount? I don't think you could find a press of this quality for less money anywhere else on the Citadel; it would even be difficult to find on the homeworld."

"Done. Would it be possible for you to have it delivered to my lockbox? Here's the code number…," Sammi activated her omnitool, made two entries (one for the delivery location, the other to pay for her purchase), then brought her forearms up and held her hands out, palms up.

Simuil looked at her in surprise before gently laying her own hands on top of Samantha's. "I see you have been studying our ways, Ms Traynor… very good and, I must say, quite rare among Humans. I will have this press gift boxed and wrapped for you. It shall be delivered this very evening."

Traynor smiled. "I expect to learn a whole lot more concerning Asari culture before I am done. Can you tell me where one might purchase a supply of high-quality Kaffe seeds?"

Omega, Sahrabarik, Omega Nebula

Aria's plan had failed miserably; a number of her ships had been destroyed and, if Shepard hadn't insisted on sounding the evac and riding escape shuttles to the station, most of the crew on Aria's flag ship would have most likely been dead as well. As they crashed through the wall of the station, Aria grunted out, "Guess the asshole really did upgrade Omega's outer defenses."

"Of all the stupid, idiotic..." Shepard cut herself off as she pushed debris away so she could unhook the latch on her safety harness. Getting out of her seat in the escape pod, Shepard glared at Aria. "I sincerely hope the rest of your plan isn't as reckless as getting your entire damn ship destroyed, almost with us still aboard!" Shepard seethed with anger. Had she realized Aria had planned to crash the ship... and most likely knew about the upgraded canons that nearly killed them... she may have listened to Liara and never agreed to the mission; one ship being ripped apart beneath her feet above Alchera was more than enough. But, it was too late now and, by some grace of the Gods, they had actually made it to Omega.

"Hey! I got us here, and the ship crashed into the station... exactly like it was supposed to." Aria climbed out of her own seat. "So, the kinetic barriers are disabled. Now, we need to get those damn cannons shut down... before they destroy the rest of my fleet."

Shepard grabbed her gear and docked all of her weapons except her Graal; that remained in her hands. "Easier said than done; I imagine there's a host of Cerberus waiting for us outside this pod. You'd better be damn well ready to fight the minute we open that door."

"Feisty. I like it." Aria winked at her and grinned. "I'm always ready, Shepard... for anything you might throw at me." Aria pulled her pistol and jammed in a thermal clip. "I got us here. The rest is up to you. You're the ground commander."

Shepard froze momentarily and gave her a hard stare. "I'll believe that when I see it."

"I didn't bring you along as eye candy, Shepard." Aria glared right back. "I told you I needed the best... and I don't plan on wasting your talents now that you're actually here. When we're fighting, you have lead."

"Alright then." Shepard reached up and punched the exit control. An explosive charge discharged loudly, launching the hatch cover of the escape pod out into the hangar into which they had crashed. Shepard grinned and shouted, "Let's see what you've got, T'Loak," just before she activated her personal shield and leapt out the door into the fray.

As she hit the ground, tucked and rolled, she heard Aria curse. Shepard snickered as she slammed a fist to the ground and launched a Nova Shockwave, toppling the four Cerberus who had come out to meet them. She immediately jumped up and charged the closest, crushing him against a wall before turning and spiking the next closest trooper with a shot from her Graal.

Aria and three mercs who had shared their pod had emerged by then and promptly cut down the remaining two Cerberus Troopers. As Shepard moved forward into cover behind a stack of crates, Aria slid in beside her. "I hope the other escape pods made it."

Shepard leaned out and launched a pull, yanking two newly arrived Troopers out from behind their cover; their lives were immediately cut short by Aria's mercs. "You and me both," Shepard growled. "Or this is going to be a mighty short war."

"I have assets remaining on Omega... and we still have the other ships, assuming you get the defenses down." Aria's voice carried a challenge.

"Don't you worry about that." Shepard continued to throw out pulls and lifts to make easy targets for the mercs while she and Aria conversed. "Ever worked with a Vanguard before?"

"Yes... and I watched footage of your tear through the Quarantine Zone when you were after Mordin Solus, so I'm ready to assist, Commander."

Shepard tossed out one last lift and glared at Aria. "You do know Mordin's dead, don't you? He died on Tuchanka." Her glare softened as she watched a shadow pass unexpectedly through Aria's eyes.

"Too bad. I liked him... even if he did talk too much." Aria seemed to shake herself. "I'm ready when you are, Shepard. Let's get moving."

Shepard launched herself out of cover and began calling out targets as if she was working with a group of trainees. She knew nothing of the mercs; she didn't know if they had any formal training or any live combat experience, so she didn't take any chances. For now, she knew Aria's focus would be on the battle and would have her back... at least until the retake of Omega was a given. After that, Shepard knew she'd have to be much more cautious.

They quickly cleared the hangar bay they had crash-landed in, losing one Vorcha and one Human merc from those who were in their escape pod. They still had two additional Asari, who apparently had commando training. As they moved toward the blast door controls, Shepard glanced their way. "I answer to Shepard or Commander. How about you?"

They glanced quickly to Aria for permission, who immediately growled, "I told you she commands the ground war. Hard for her to direct you if she doesn't know your fucking names."

The pale blue one of the pair spoke first. "Vura. Huntress."

The next, with a violet skin tone similar to Aria's, followed quickly, "Remmi. Huntress Adept."

Shepard's eyes narrowed. "Adept? Warps and Singularities?" With an answering nod, Shepard continued, "Ever work with a Vanguard?"

Remmi's eyes lit a bit brighter and, having instantly figured out where the commander was headed with her questioning, her voice carried a hint of excitement as she replied, "Yes, I have."

"Good. You're with me, then." Her eyes shifted to the Huntress. "Vura, you're Aria's second. Watch one another's backs and we'll work as pairs and leapfrog forward." She caught the odd looks, even from Aria and explained, "Leapfrog. Each team takes turns moving forward. When one team gets into the next cover, the rear team passes and makes more forward progress. It keeps us moving without exposing both teams at the same time. Got it?"

Shepard triggered the blast doors as Aria touched base with her fleet; the ships were holding their own against the Cerberus fleet, but were taking a pounding every time they got too close to the station. The upgraded cannons shredded any ship that drifted within range of the targeting system; they fared better the farther away they stayed. Aria directed the ground team to an elevator to the main part of the station; as they moved upward, Aria contacted Bray to get a status on the ground teams. "Affirmative, Aria. But only six pods made it. Various entry points."

"Rally them to you and head for the rendezvous hangar. Start prepping our ships to land." Aria's gaze shifted to Shepard. "Let's hustle. It won't take Bray long to get in position. We need those defenses down before my ships start moving in."

They progressed quickly to the next section and were met by numerous Troopers and Guardians. Aria had an impressive Flare; she had a lot of power and knew how to use it. Shepard hoped she didn't end up fighting her and her supporters solo when the battle for Omega was all over. At the same time, Remmi performed admirably and Shepard quickly found a rhythm with the young Adept. Between Aria's Flare and Shepard's Biotic Charge, the group moved forward quickly and Aria guided them to the next elevator, rising to the level that held the external defenses coordination controls.

Cerberus had anticipated their arrival and the resistance was much more robust. The defensive team now included Engineers, with operational turrets, in addition to the standard Troopers and a number of shielded Guardians. Aria's Flare proved invaluable against the turrets and Remmi and Shepard quickly dispatched the Engineers to ensure no new turrets were assembled. Aria sighed in relief. "Last one; the controls are just beyond this doorway."

Just then, Aria's comm squawked; it was Jarral. "Lost two more transports! Can't keep up evasive maneuvers much longer!"

Shepard was surprised when Aria's voice almost sounded... concerned... as she responded, "We're right outside the defense station! Hold tight!"

The commander recognized the growing urgency of the situation and looked at her small team. "Alright. Push in fast and hard. Spread out so we can catch whoever is in there in a crossfire. Take out any turrets first, Engineers second, then mop up whoever remains." Her eyes turned to T'Loak. "Aria, once in, your primary job is to get to those controls as soon as you can. Clear?"

Aria's eyes narrowed, unused to taking orders, but she stayed true to her word. Knowing the end goal was saving her ships, she nodded and responded crisply, "Understood, Shepard."

The moment the doors slid open, Aria launched a Flare, ripping one turret to pieces. The rest of the team quickly felled the Engineer next to it before a Guardian crossed directly in front of Shepard, focused completely on Aria as the Asari moved quickly into the room. Shepard's eyebrows knit in disbelief, unable to comprehend how he could completely ignore her, standing within a couple meters of his right side. With his shield and weapons fire directed toward the Asari, his entire side was completely open and vulnerable... so Shepard spiked him in the helmet with her Graal, in what was probably the easiest Guardian kill she had ever accomplished.

Remmi reached out with a singularity and yanked another into the air to be peppered by Vura, as Shepard focused on a second Engineer. She charged across the room and smashed into him, just as Aria dropped his shields with a powerful warp. Seizing the opportunity, Shepard simply slammed her fist to the ground, crushing his unprotected body with a powerful Nova shockwave that tossed him like a ragdoll across a console behind him.

"Clear!" Aria moved swiftly to the console at the front of the room and promptly disabled the upgraded cannons. "Jarral, defenses are down. Signal the surviving ships to converge on the rendezvous point." She then took a few steps around the console and looked out the forward viewport; her jaw was tight as she gritted her teeth. A number of her ships were nothing but space debris. As soon as she received confirmation from Jarral, she made her next call. "Bray? Status?"

Bray's gravelly voice came back without hesitation. "Rendezvous site secured. Hangar doors enabled. Will have them open soon."

"Get them open now," Aria growled. "My birds are coming in. Prep for reception."

As soon as Aria fell silent, Shepard walked to her side. "Alright. Task one complete. So, where exactly is this rendezvous point?"

"It's a bunker I established on D-deck for my... more sensitive operations." Aria turned, and Shepard caught movement out of the corner of her eye as the Asari continued, "It's utterly impenetrable... with its own secret hangar and dock. Independent power source, life support, munitions, everything you'll need."

Shepard had her Graal cradled comfortably in her left arm as they spoke; Aria barely had time to flinch as the commander drew her pistol in the blink of an eye and blasted a camera over the Asari's head. Having no idea how fast Shepard truly was, Aria realized if Shepard had been out to kill her, she'd have been bleeding out on the floor, gasping for breath as her life ran out along with her blood. Instead, she breathed a sigh of relief, covering her surprise by turning her head away from the bits of camera raining down upon her. "What the fuck are you doing, Shepard?" Aria impressed even herself at how level and calm her voice sounded.

Up in Afterlife, on Aria's observation deck, Petrovsky stared at a now blank screen. He turned slowly to one of his captains and directed him to deploy to D-deck. "Investigate and await further instructions." As the man hustled from the room, Petrovsky moved to a small table, upon which sat a chess set. His pieces were solid; the opponent's... holographic projections. He stared at the board for a few seconds before reaching down and moving a Bishop, taking out an opposing Rook. He sounded disgusted as he mumbled, "So it begins..." before turning back to his control console and selecting another surveillance camera feed to display.

Back in the defense systems control room, Shepard holstered her pistol. "That security camera was active. There's a good chance the general knows where we're headed. We need to move... Now."

Aria nodded briskly and passed the coordinates for the next destination to Shepard. As soon as the transmission was complete, she switched her omnitool back to communications mode. "Bray. Stay sharp! You might get visitors."

Shepard smirked when she heard Bray's sarcastic, one-word, reply, "Terrific."

They worked their way quickly along the route designated by Aria, running into several defensive positions along the way. Aria was in her element and had no regrets as she killed every Cerberus agent she could. "Bastards. Feels good to let loose against them!"

A portion of their journey was outside, in the artificial atmosphere under the Omega dome. The instant they stepped outside, Aria took a deep breath and sighed, "Ah, the Omega skyline. Now I feel like I'm back." The timbre of her voice suddenly changed to concern. "Strange. What are those things in the distance?"

"Some kind of force field." Shepard glanced her way. "And, I take it, they weren't here when you left."

"No. They weren't," Aria growled. "That's not good."

Shepard shrugged. "I'm sure it's not the only surprise Petrovsky's leaving for us. Let's move."

They continued along their way, fought through a few more Troopers and Guardians and found their way to the next elevator. As they approached, Shepard jerked her chin at a bit of graffiti. "Any clue what that is, or is it something else new? Looks like a gang tag."

"That's your fault," Aria growled. "After you took Archangel and wiped out the main mercenary groups, the Talons moved in and tried to set up shop. I guess they managed to get a foothold with Cerberus... They never did so while I was here."

"An organized resistance could be useful." Shepard was surprised by Aria's responding snarl.

"I don't think so, Shepard," Aria practically spat. "They're nothing but users and Red Sand runners. I'd be happier if Cerberus has wiped them out."

Their conversation took a turn as they moved back outside and saw another force field. A Vorcha was standing by it, staring through, and Shepard realized what was out there. "Shit. Advanced security mechs. Hope they're on our side."

Aria's eyes narrowed. "They're not." As she spoke, one engaged the Vorcha and shoved it into the force field. The Vorcha screamed in pain and simply... disintegrated.

Shepard's brow rose in surprise. "Okay... No touching the glowing red walls."

"I'll remember that, Shepard." Aria snorted in a suppressed laugh. "How about we kill the mechs?"

Advanced or not, the mechs posed little problem for a four-person team of their combined skills and talents. They were nothing compared to the kind of challenge Shepard feared the force fields would turn out to be. "Are we blocked?"

"Not this time, but they could prove to be a problem." Aria's response was tentative. "Come with me." Aria moved quickly to a door panel labeled Butler Supplies and triggered it, revealing a supply room. They stepped in, Shepard following her into what appeared to be a dead end.

"What are you doing?" Shepard glanced around, looking for a rear exit but seeing none.

Aria was fiddling with her omnitool and spoke quietly, "Letting you in on a secret." Something Shepard had assumed to be a supply cabinet suddenly opened to reveal a hatch, which Aria promptly opened. "Down the ladder, Shepard."

Shepard's boots hit the floor and she quickly stepped away from the ladder, turned and dropped to a crouch, her Graal pointed outward as Aria dropped down silently beside her. They scanned the tunnel before them and Shepard's improved eyesight picked out movement in the shadows. The muzzle of her Graal snapped over as she uttered, "Show yourself... or regret it."

A hooded humanoid figure walked slowly outward, arms hanging relaxed at her side as she spoke, "Spirits. Look who's back; Aria T'Loak."

Aria immediately recognized the voice and the barrel of her SMG moved to point at the floor. "Nyreen. What the hell are you doing here?"

The female Turian paced like a caged animal. "Playing cat and mouse, mostly; trying to stay alive. If it wasn't for these tunnels..."

"My tunnels." Aria interrupted, sounding angry and sarcastic at the same time. "I'm sure glad I showed them to you."

Shepard stepped forward to get a good look at the new arrival. She was rather tall, but slightly gaunt. Shepard figured that was due to being on the run and trying to evade Cerberus since the take-over. Nyreen continued, "If you hadn't, I'd be dead or locked up by now."

Shepard gave Aria a quick glance before speaking to the Turian. "You must be good friends, Aria doesn't trust easily."

"I don't know." Nyreen almost laughed. "Are we friends, Aria?"

The queen's eyes narrowed in challenge. "We go way back, but we don't have time to talk about that right now. We need to get to the bunker before Cerberus cuts us off and we can't."

Nyreen refused to be rushed into a decision; she cocked a hip and settled onto that leg as she crossed her arms. "You're right, Commander. Aria keeps to herself, doesn't really have what normal people call friends, and... keeps secrets better than anyone I know."

"Commander?" Shepard realized there was more to the Turian before her than met the eye. "You know Alliance ranks?"

In answer, she introduced herself properly. "Nyreen Kandros, ex-Turian Cabal, at your service."

"Cabal?" Shepard's estimation rose considerably. "Turian elite special ops... and you're a biotic."

The respect grew mutually as Kandros tipped her head to the commander. "Yes, Commander. I see I'm not the only one who knows the military structure of other races."

Aria growled, "If we're done making nice, we've got someplace to be, Shepard."

Shepard turned to Aria. "She's coming with us. She's survived this long and she's got military experience we can use. She should know the layout and strength of Petrovsky's forces." The commander's focus shifted to Nyreen as she continued, "Assuming you want to... and you're ready to put that gun to good use?"

Kandros glared at her. "You have no idea how ready."

As Shepard led the way forward, she also discovered Aria knew Kandros better than the Asari seemed willing to admit. Following the commander in trail, they engaged in sharp banter as they moved; both had a slight edge to their statements.

By the time they arrived at the bunker, all the surviving ships had arrived, Bray had lowered the blast doors and a defensive force sat outside, behind cover, guarding the entrance from Cerberus forces, solely for the purpose of getting Aria inside. Once the team of five arrived and battled their way through the rear ranks of surprised Cerberus troops, Bray extended the bridge, allowed them to cross to the bunker side and primed the bunker's external ground defense cannons. As soon as the cannons activated and began firing, Aria was on her comm. "Bunker team. Retract the bridge and lower the blast door. We're coming in!"