Location: Freighter Sad Panda, Inbound Omega Station, Omega Nebula
August 2183
Lasiira murmured unhappily as Sebastian shifted under the covers beside her. She immediately moved closer and draped her arm over his chest. A slight shiver ran through her body as she curled around him.
Too cold without you, came the sleepy admonishment as she once again rested her head on his shoulder.
Sebastian absently stroked her crest as his mind went over all the events of the past twenty four hours. It had been a lot to take in and he had not handled it well.
Terribly, in fact. At least he now had a plan. And, with that in mind, he could finally sleep.
The strident trumpet sounds of the Reveille had Sebastian instantly jumping out of bed on instinct, and Lasiira let out an undignified squawk as she almost fell off the other side.
"We're awake! We're awake!" Sebastian yelled as he struggled to throw on his uniform. Lasiira had finally managed to untangle herself from the blankets and, cursing away in Asari, began to dress as well. As the annoying bugling finally ceased, Sebastian took a moment to appreciate the reflections of the dim light as it rippled across her skin.
"Seriously?" Lasiira sighed in a teasing tone as she turned and shook her rear suggestively while pulling up her jumpsuit. "Easy tiger. I'm sure there'll be time later."
"Uhm, hi guys," the hesitant voice of Jaaid came over the comms, "I just want it on the record that the whole wakeup call was, like, totally not my idea? But, since you're up now, it's all good, right?" With no answer apparently forthcoming she forged onwards. "We've docked on Omega and Holdrek has disembarked to meet his contact. The rest of the crew are assembling in the Cargo Hold."
"Sure," Sebastian replied, trying his best to keep his voice neutral. "Cargo Hold it is."
The others were all waiting when Sebastian and Lasiira arrived. Exchanging quick glances, the girls all sidled away to the far end of the bay, leaving Erik standing alone.
The Marine raised an eyebrow as Heffi made some strange gestures with her fingers in their direction and Lasiira responded in kind. She shook her head at his question and smiled as she gave him a small kiss on the cheek.
"Go," she nodded towards Erik. "We'll stay out of it."
Steeling himself, Sebastian walked forward, aware that all eyes were on him. He stopped before Erik, his father, who had an almost equally apprehensive look but was hiding it well as he leaned back in a classic parade rest stance, arms crossed over his chest.
They both stood, regarding each other warily, before Erik finally relented and waved a hand in surrender, "Fine, I'll start. I didn't mean for this to happen. Any of it. I watched you from a distance and kept tabs on you but it-I, well," he stopped, words failing.
"I know," sighed Sebastian, picking up as his father began to flounder. "I know you wouldn't have completely abandoned us; abandoned me. It took some time to realize that and I had no right to judge you because of it. Someone who was very close to me once taught me that," he smirked as he looked over at the group of girls who were doing a rather poor performance of trying not to pay attention to them.
Sebastian continued, "It's going to take some time but I'm ready for it. If-if you are, t-to start again?" he finished lamely, hand rubbing the back of his neck before he realized what he was doing and brought it down again. Erik laughed as he approached him and clapped his shoulder.
"You got that from Hannah," he sighed wistfully as Sebastian's hand covered his. "Gods, I've missed her. And Marcus. And you Sebastian. I've missed you so much."
"I know, Dad," Sebastian shuffled closer and they slowly, awkwardly embraced each other in a hug that gradually became stronger. "What I said earlier? Forget it. Don't-please don't, leave me again?"
Erik gripped the back of his son's head, eyes bright with unshed tears.
"Never Sebastian. Never again."
A huffing chuckle came from the ramp as Holdrek clambered up it.
"Well it's about time," he crowed, "and this time no one can accuse me of meddling or withholding information!"
Erik raised an eyebrow and looked like he was about to say something but the Krogan silenced him with a glare and a stern finger.
"Don't even start, you!" He growled.
The Mercenary laughed at the other's puzzled expressions.
"You heard the Krogan," he shrugged, "not even going to start."
"That's what I thought," Holdrek huffed as he pointed out past the cargo ramp. "So my companions, are we ready? Welcome to Omega. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy."
There was a titter from Heffi and Lasiira rolled her eyes as Sebastian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"That was another one of those historic movie quotes wasn't it? That's it. I've had it!" Shaking his head, the Marine stalked down the ramp and into Omega, his bemused companions watching him go.
"Sh-shouldn't we follow him?" Heffi began hesitantly. "I-I mean he said he hasn't been here before and he does kind of scream shiny."
Lasiira snorted and clapped the diminutive Quarian on the shoulder. "Best description ever, Heffi my dear. But, I'm waiting for the fireworks," she winked as the reflective mask cocked questioningly, "wait for it…"
From outside the ship came the clatter of something falling over, followed by an indignant yell.
"Stupid Human! That's my house!"
"Sorry sir! I didn't know the crate was your home, sir!"
"And now you're on my lawn! Get off my lawn!"
"Wait-what?"
Pistol fire followed by more crashing and banging.
"And now we go," laughed Lasiira as she jogged down the ramp, the rest of the crew chuckling as they followed her.
Several entertaining hours later
Sebastian arched his eyebrow as he stirred the 'ramen' in the bowl that bubbled in front of him. Erik's face was equally apprehensive before he finally shook his head and grabbed his son's arm.
"It's not worth it. I'm pretty sure that's not beef."
"And I'm beginning to think those aren't noodles either," agreed Sebastian as he stretched one out and eyed it dubiously.
Deciding he liked his life as is, the Marine pushed it away and swung his bar stool around to watch the constant stream of traffic pushing past the eatery. They were from all species and probably countless worlds but they all had one thing in common; a universal hopelessness hung in the air, almost as if it was circulating through the massive vents high above. Even after such a short time here, that feeling was already beginning to weigh on his mind. Life was cheap on Omega and no-one mattered.
He perked up as he saw the massive, hunched form of Holdrek pushing through the crowd with Heffi, Manda and Jahla following in his wake like pilot fish. The never ending tide took one look at his scowling face and either stopped in their tracks or pivoted away to give him a wide berth. Being a Krogan definitely had its benefits.
"He makes it seem effortless." Lasiira appeared at Sebastian's side, having flowed through the crowds without even causing a ripple. She spoke for Erik's benefit and gave the Merc a sly wink. "I see you prevailed on him not to eat that travesty of nature they're trying to pedal as soup. Thanks for saving him."
The Merc barked a short laugh and was about to reply but stopped as the Krogan beckoned to them.
"Found the sneaky pyjak," he rumbled. "Down in Kenzo District, the Blood Pack Slave Markets, we best be getting there before he catches wind of us."
Together, they all followed in Holdrek's wake as he headed for the lifts. One threatening growl from him to the impatiently waiting beings was all it took to guarantee a private ride. No matter how impatient you were, you did not intentionally piss off an already obviously irritated Krogan.
Once the lift began to descend, Holdrek turned to his companions.
"We are going to have to split you two up," he pointed at Lasiira and Sebastian, "and also spread out as much as possible. These may be the dregs of civilization, but they're smart. An obviously well armed group advancing into the markets is going to attract notice. This was once my world so here's what we're going to do. You all remember the plan?"
Hitting the All Stop on the lift, the Krogan began with Lasiira. Her helmet already concealed her facial features but Holdrek grinned toothily as he produced a couple quick dry spray cans from his pack and made a flamboyant design on half her chest and shoulder plate. He then made the same design on the opposite side of Erik's chest and shoulder. Turning to Manda he then did the same to her but much more extravagantly.
Deciding to add her own flair, the young ward let her hair down and let it flow across her back. Taking a bit of the paint, she carefully traced a few swirls on her cheek. Doing a small twirl before them before striking a haughty pose, she winked at them all and crooked a finger at both Erik and Lasiira.
"Come my oathbound," she commanded imperiously, "your bond lady commands you."
The Asari and Merc both looked at each other and shrugged, each taking position behind her, now looking to all like a spoiled Terminus Pirate Princess and her bodyguards-slash-play things.
Holdrek grunted approvingly before fixing his gaze on Heffi, "You may not like this," he rumbled apologetically, "but it will work. Don't worry, it's not powered."
The Quarian hissed softly as he pulled out a shock collar and leash but let him clasp it around her neck. He handed the strap to Sebastian and pointed to Jahla.
"Pull up a data table on your omni tool and add a bunch of accounts. You're now a buyer and I'm your bodyguard. Sebastian, you're going to be handling your first 'purchase'. Be menacing, be assertive and don't back down. The only rule in Kenzo is survival of the fittest. The strong prey on the weak." His gaze shifted to encompass all of them. "We are looking for Ghro Xach'fer and that's all. Keep your wits about you. Life is cheap here. Remember, we only need eyes on him for now. Do. Not. Let him see you. Understood?" They all nodded and Holdrek clapped his fists together. "Good! Last thing! If you're recognized or something goes wrong, the code phrase is Domino."
With a final round of nods, he once again hit the lift button. "Welcome to Hell!" He laughed maniacally as the lift descended into a world of violence and carnage.
Heffi
She tried to remain silent and look as meek as possible as she followed meekly behind Sebastian. The leash felt tight around her throat and she swore she could feel a current running through it, even though she kept telling herself it was only her subconscious.
The whole market seemed like something out of her worst nightmares. Her bones thrummed with the jarring beat of the heavy electronic rhythm that came from the raised pedestals, each topped by lewdly grinding half naked bodies of all species. Slow moving chain gangs of pitiful and demoralized slaves were everywhere with the incessant rise and fall of the Auctioneers selling their lives away.
Calm! Her mind screamed as she jerked and twitched. You can do this! Stay. Calm.
Sebastian turned to her slightly, head cocked, and the Quarian could feel the concern radiating from him despite the lack of any outward emotion. A lifetime of living self-isolated in her own suit had taught her to watch the subtle signs. Heffi gave a slow nod, reassuring the Human.
She stayed focused on Sebastian's broad shoulders as he plodded along in front of her, head swiveling back and forth in a menacing manner. The Quarian didn't know him well enough to accurately judge his emotions but he seemed to exude a menacing air, enough that many others gave him a wide berth or purposely diverted to avoid him. Which was perfectly fine from her point of view.
A lecherous looking Turian lurched into her, hands pawing at her chest.
"Well aren't you a pretty thing," he slurred before blurrily looking at the collar. He swung towards Sebastian and pulled out a credit chip. "How much for the tamed suit rat? I'll give you ten percent over standard price on account of her 'assets'." His mandibles flared outwards in a wide smile. "Ha, that's a good one! Get it? Ass-ets?" The Turian's other hand went to try to grab a feel of her backside and she squirmed out of his grasp.
Sebastian's head cocked as he turned towards the offender, polarized visor betraying nothing as his pistol whipped out, striking the Turian in the temple. "Hands off the merchandise!" His voice was a barely audible growl over the chaotic background noise but the Turian nodded hurriedly as he staggered onlookers, hopefully expecting bloodshed, shook their heads and wandered away. The Marine shifted back to Heffi and he gave her a quick reassuring squeeze on her arm before grasping the chain again and tugging her forwards for appearances sake. They slowly pushed toward the center of the market. Sebastian's sturdy, menacing demeanor, combined with his overall size and body armor, did an admirable job of forcing others out of his way. Heffi followed, showing as much trepidation as she could in his wake.
Heffi's mood continued to deteriorate. What are we even doing here? Her subconscious vibrated so loudly it was like shouting. Her mind always seemed like it was running in overdrive, and even more so now, surrounded by hostile faces on every side. Sure, he may be a 'bad' Batarian, but aren't they generally all bad? And it's not like I'd know him even if I literally ran into him. They all kind of look the same with the whole four-eyes thing. She snorted in sardonic amusement. The irony of that thought, considering the rest of the 'civilized' galaxies opinion of her own species, was mildly depressing to say the least.
Lost in her own inner musings, she didn't see the same Turian from earlier brush up close to Sebastian's side. She was quickly dragged back to reality as the Marine stumbled and dropped to one knee, bright blood gushing from his side. Eyes bright and mandibles flared wide with adrenaline the Turian jerked on her chain as two others flanked her, grabbing her by the arms. "You're mine now pretty," he chortled. "Oh, the things I'm going to do to you. Wait, what's this?"
He stared blankly at the activation switch for the collar, blinking as he thumbed the control and nothing happened. He looked into her visor and she saw the realization dawn.
Adrenaline kicked in as she let her body go limp, drawing startled oaths from her would-be captors as they lost their grip. She lashed out with her foot and caught the ringleader in the crotch, a muted squeak was all he managed as he sank to the ground. Desperately she tried to scramble towards Sebastian and, almost as important, her Shotgun that was still securely fashioned to his back, but she was pulled away from behind.
"Spirits take you, stupid Quarian bitch!" One of the Turians dragged her back as the other helped their leader. "You're going to wish by your Ancestors graves that you hadn't done that when we're through with you!"
A circle slowly formed around them as more and more of the crowds became aware of the struggle. Bets began to be placed as she kicked wildly, trying to break free.
There was a blinding pulse and suddenly she was free, her captors sailing through the air, riding a rippling blue shockwave. Manda hissed as she crouched defensively over the prone Quarian, fists glowing with Biotic power. Lasiira had just as suddenly appeared beside the fallen Marine and now cradled Sebastian's head in her lap. Manda looked over and a strangled sob escaped her but she held her ground.
Erik stood over them all, his shotgun extended and revolving in a circle at the surrounding crowd. His icy-calm demeanor was rigid as his opaque visor took in the blood trail and slowly tracked it across the floor. The lone Turian instigator, his companions having wisely made themselves scarce, tried to push through the crowd who now, sensing even more blood, formed an impenetrable wall.
The shotgun barked once and the Turian's chest exploded. "Anyone else?" His harsh voice grated out over those assembled, strong in conviction and threat.
The crowd slowly began to disperse, the excitement over and no one willing to challenge an alert and prepared group like theirs. Manda and Heffi moved to stand protectively beside the Asari, all pretense gone now as the Quarian ripped the collar from her neck and hefted her shotgun. Lasiira had pulled off her lover's helmet and placed one hand on his pale cheek, the other massaging medigel into his wound. Her eyes glowed black as they retreated into each other's mind. Erik slowly bent and laid a hand on his son's shoulder. The Mercenary seemed as silent and steady as ever but, as he straightened up, Heffi saw the hand tremble before he balled it into a fist.
Sebastian sighed in relief as the medigel began to work its magic and looked up into Lasiira's eyes. One hand went to hers as it caressed his cheek and the other reached up, brushing a tear from her own. She pushed against his hand.
They were doing that thing again. The mental connection. Heffi could tell by the far off unfocused look in Sebastian's eyes.
To be that in tune with someone. To be so close.
She envied them.
"Never a doubt. I always knew it would be death by Snu Snu."
The offhand remark out of the blue took the Quarian by surprise.
"Snu Snu?"
Manda shook her head and groaned beside her, resting a hand on her shoulder as Lasiira helped Sebastian to his feet.
"We'll tell you when you're older kid."
Now that the fun seemed to be over, with no more chances of loss to life and limb, the last of the predators circling them had melted away. The group still stood together protectively, their cover somewhat blown at this point.
"W-well? What do we do now?" Her voice sounded timid, even to her, as she worked through the last tendrils of fear and adrenaline.
"I don't know about the rest of you but I'm tired of this cloak and dagger shit," Sebastian's eyes were hooded and his expression dark. "And I'm tired of this place. Fuck Omega! We need to clear with -"
He trailed off as the heavy boom of a shotgun blast rumbled over the din, followed by several more, and then the popping of rapid fire weapons. High pitched screams could be heard, and a general growing sense of panic and unease gripped those around them as the herd began to move away from the danger.
A single word, filled with a combination of adrenaline, determination and fear came over the comms as Jahla broke radio silence.
"Domino!"
I'm back!
Hope everyone is safe and healthy in what is sadly becoming the new normal.
Just get this bloody year over with already….
Fuck COVID and Fuck 2020!
It's been tough.
For everyone.
Onto the story.
I had some trouble deciding where to end this. It was sitting at close to 7k words and just seemed too unwieldy so I decided to end on somewhat of a cliffhanger. *Gasp* so evil!
Updates should be coming fairly frequently now at the rate of one every couple weeks. Big thanks to Kora Kendalls for review and editing!
Hope you enjoy and please rate and review!