This came out so quickly because I planned Omega as one chapter, but really wanted to make the writing come alive. Instead of cramming it into one, I wrote it out thoroughly as two!

2185 Omega Station Markets

Shepard sighed as he reached out his hand to shake with the small thief's. She's definitely good at being hidden, though I'm not entirely sure how we'll utilize her talents. Can't hurt though to have the option, and it's not like I'm the one paying her. He spoke up after their shake. "Ms. Goto, pleased to meet you. First off, please keep this to yourself. I know eventually the crew will find out, but we'd prefer some privacy on the matter, clear?"

Kasumi grinned mischievously at the Spectre, and replied. "Of course! I'm still going to get the juicy details from her though. I can't believe I missed this!"

She's way too damn excited for her own good, though I have to admit it's slightly infectious. He couldn't help but grin lightly as he heard Tali whisper. "Keelah…"

After withholding his own chuckle, mostly to keep from embarrassing his girlfriend, he continued. "I'm sure you saw were we docked. Did Cerberus brief you on our mission?"

The sneaky woman nodded, her face resorting to a more serious expression rather quickly. "They gave me the short version. For now, you're still working on building up a team before you can hit them where it hurts. I'll get the details when I'm on board." She fidgeted slightly with nervous and continued. "I have my own mission too, and I need your help."

I figure that's how they got her to agree to such a dangerous mission. If it's anything like Zaeed's though, at least it'll be something I can get behind. He nodded at her statement. "Alright, make sure you inform Miranda. I'm sure you know, but just in case, she's the ship's XO. We've got a schedule for the next few days, and she can plan out when to best take on yours. If it's more time sensitive, we can figure something out. Sound like a plan?"

Her bubbly grin was back on, and the Spectre figured that was her neutral point. "Got it Shep. I'll go grab my things, see you on the ship!" Kasumi disappeared without further comment, causing Shepard to frown slightly.

This new crew is definitely a hodgepodge of personalities. Not sure if that's a bad thing or not yet, but at least it won't be boring in between missions. He glanced over at the silent quarian beside him, who seemed just as perplexed as he was. He finally commented after a long moment of silence. "Well, that was… interesting."

His comment shook her out of her stupor, and Tali spoke up. "That was embarrassing, John. I do not know how the crew will take it that you are with… well, a quarian." She really needs to work on her self-esteem, though after hearing about how her father treated her I can see why. He was the quintessential overbearing parent demanding perfection from her.

Shepard reached over, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her into a one-armed hug. "You're not just 'a quarian', and it doesn't matter what they will think Tali. I just figured you wanted to keep things private for now."

She leaned into him for a moment, and nodded slightly at his remark. "Thank you. Let's get going before anyone else interrupts us."

Shepard thought for a moment, before he put on his helmet to complete the imposing Blood Dragon armor set. She gave him an intrigued look, before he responded casually. "Might as well keep anyone else from recognizing me since we've already got our recruit. Let's go."

Shepard followed beside her, allowing Tali to lead the way. However, he quickly noticed she was far more adept at weaving between the crowded areas of Omega than he could ever hope to be. He kept having to pause to prevent himself from crashing into the various aliens who made this station their home. Tali seemed to flow right through them, only stopping occasionally to let the bulkier human catch up with her. Well, she did say the fleet is pretty crowded, not to mention I'm a hell of a lot bigger than she is. He mentally pitifully defended himself, while she just gave him an amused expression. He quickly grabbed one of her hands and squeezed it, causing Tali to tense for a moment at the public display of affection. As he predicted, however, none of the passing locals seemed to care whatsoever. He grinned for a moment, and decided to just hold on to her hand as a guide rope. What better time than now, besides, clearly nobody gives a damn as long as we're not bothering them.

After a few more minutes with his suited companion leading the way, they approached a small shop area off the more well-traversed path. To Shepard's slight surprise, a male quarian was behind the counter. He was using a torch on a piece of ship equipment that the Spectre had no hope of identifying.

Tali stepped up to the counter after releasing his hand, and spoke louder than normal. "Is this Kenn's Salvage?" Right, torches are loud especially up close.

The man looked up, and quickly turned off his device before approaching the two. "Hello fleet sister. Yes, my name is Kenn'Baal nar Dilveon. How may I be of service?"

Tali continued. "Hello Kenn, I am Tali'Zorah vas Neema. We are looking for a T6-FBA coupling for our ship. Would you happen to have one?"

Shepard stood at counter, and noticed the quarian's eyes widened. Kenn then looked at him, before turning back to Tali. The Spectre watched with amusement as the male quarian stumbled over his words. "Keelah… Tali'Zorah… at my shop? And…is that…. Commander Shepard?" So, Tali is just as well-known among her people as I am to humanity.

Shepard answered for himself. "Yes, though I'd prefer if you kept that information quiet Kenn. We're trying to keep a low profile."

Kenn faced him, and nodded nervously. "Yes… of course. Sorry… and you said T6-FBA couplings? I have a set in storage. They tested as fully functional when I separated them from the housing."

Tali moved towards the terminal and responded. "Okay, I would still like to see them before we purchase them if that is alright." She typed into it for a moment before exclaiming with surprise. "Five hundred credits? Kenn, why are you pricing these components so high?" Shit I would have just bought the damn things without a second thought. Wonder how much I overpaid for the clothes I bought last time I was here.

Kenn looked at his feet, away from her demanding gaze, before he sadly admitted. "When I arrived, within a few days someone stole my credits. I foolishly purchased nutrient paste without using an encrypted channel. So, I set up shop here to make enough money to leave the station. Harrot has a few mercenaries, and threatened me unless I raised my prices to prevent being competition towards his merchandise."

Ruthless capitalism on Omega, unsurprising. As much as I'd like to just put whoever Harrot is in their place, it's really not worth it if I can avoid it. Shepard decided to add his own question. "Where are you planning to go once you're off Omega?"

The male quarian looked at him for a moment, before sighing. "I do not know, anywhere except here would be preferable. I thought Omega would be a good place to make some money in salvage, but I should have listened to recent pilgrims who had returned."

Hmm… I think I know a place he could get an honest job. The Spectre retorted. "You know, Terra Nova has an asteroid mining operation that could use skilled technicians. I know one of the leads a few years ago said they had hired quarians in the past, and if I'm not mistaken, human space is relatively welcoming to pilgrims who want to work compared to others."

Tali brightened at his remark. "You are right, and Simon Atwell might still be in charge." Damn she's got a great memory. I just remembered his name was Simon, but didn't even remember he told us his last name.

Kenn also perked up slightly at the idea. "That sounds like a much better idea than my first thought, which was the Citadel."

As much as I'd like to offer a ride, I don't think I'll have the time. Shepard continued. "How much does a ticket off this station cost?"

Kenn turned back to his previous nervous self, shuffling his feet awkwardly. "A ticket from here to the Citadel is usually around a thousand credits. I don't know how much it would be to this Terra Nova, but I assume it will be more since it is less traveled to."

That seems a little steep, but then again, he's likely looking at the safer companies this time around, and for good reason. Shepard thought for a moment, and spoke up after taking off his helmet. "Well, we'll help out and take those couplings off your hands. Mind grabbing them so Tali can check them out? I'll get a message ready for you saying I sent you, should help you get a solid job." The pilgrim nodded once, before scurrying off to get the aforementioned part. Shepard looked at his omnitool and started a recording. "Hello, Commander Shepard speaking. The individual presenting this is a talented mechanic, and I guided him towards Terra Nova for an honest job while on his pilgrimage. If there's currently no openings on the colony, I would consider it a personal favor if you helped him find one on another safe settlement. Thank you for your time and consideration, Shepard out."

He closed his tool, and a three fingered hand quickly rested on his forearm. He followed the arm to its owner, and saw Tali looking at him with her head tilted slightly, a clear smile. She quietly remarked. "Thank you, John."

Kenn came back from the storage area of his shop, holding a set of cylindrical devices in his hands. Thankfully, he handed them towards Tali, as he would have little knowledge on what exactly to look for. She opened her omnitool and scanned the devices as Shepard turned back to the young pilgrim and sent him the recording. "There, that should help you get situated once you're out of here." He glanced over at Tali, who after a few moments, met his gaze and nodded. "Okay, looks like we're set. I'll transfer the credits now." Shepard glanced at the five hundred credit number, and internally debated for a brief second. I know Tali said pilgrims need to make their own way on their pilgrimage, but am I really just going to let the kid stay here in this shithole? He's already been robbed once…and even after selling me this part, he's a long way from getting out of here. He made his decision, and added another zero to the number, totaling five thousand credits, before he sent over the payment. The pilgrim looked at his tool, and his eyes widened as he quickly looked back up towards Shepard. The Spectre preemptively spoke before the quarian could object. "Get off this station as soon as you can. You can thank me by helping out Terra Nova while you work towards getting a good pilgrimage gift." He smirked, and added. "And no, I'm not taking the credits back."

Kenn looked back down at his omnitool, and slowly looked at the two people in front of him. "Thank you… truly, I thought I would be stuck here for a long time. I will go to the colony you mentioned and do my duty to repay this gift of resources." He below the counter and handed Tali a small box to put the device in.

Tali decided to voice her thoughts as she carefully stored the power coupling. "It is a nice place Kenn, I think you will like it far more than this station. I recommend you visit the planet's gardens at least once."

The pilgrim clasped his hands together with clear excitement. "That does sound nice. I will book passage immediately." He relaxed for a moment, and softly added. "May the ancestors protect you through your travels and guide you to safety."

Tali gently picked up the box, and quickly responded. "Thank you, Kenn'Baal. I wish you luck on your pilgrimage. Keelah se'lai."

She turned from the shop as Shepard followed, musing about what just happened. I'm glad I helped him out. I know Tali said she got an additional year of military training from her father, I doubt all the pilgrims are as capable of defending themselves as she was. At least in Alliance space he'll be safe. Shepard spoke aloud after putting his helmet back on. "Why don't we check out the shop I had in mind? Just keep a tight grip on that box."

She looked up at him, and he saw the smirk on her glowing eyes as she replied. "Okay, but how many credits did you end up giving him?"

Shepard chuckled awkwardly, though he had a grin on his face. "Five thousand. I figure that should help give him a safety cushion just in case." He set the directions for their next stop, which was thankfully close by, as he continued. "I take it you had fun taking those pictures on the colony?" I wonder if they expanded the gardens since we last went there… Might be a nice place to take some time off when the opportunity presents itself.

He saw her nod in his periphery, and she cheerfully answered. "Of course, it was a beautiful planet, and those images were a memory I cherished." Her voice dropped in tone as she added. "Though for a while, they were too upsetting to enjoy looking at. They always reminded me of you, and how you were…gone."

I can imagine, especially knowing how she felt about me the same way I felt about her. He stopped his mind from jumping into hypotheticals if their positions had been reversed, and gently reassured. "I can't change the past Tali, but I'm here now. I'm sorry you had to experience that."

The quarian cleared her throat and shook her head. "I know... Can we talk about something else?"

Shepard caught the hint, and he also didn't want to go back into a conversation about darker times. "Sure, but one last thing. Can you send me the one we took together? I lost my copy." He left it at that instead of filling in the obvious reason why his omnitool was unavailable for recovering any data. She nodded, and cradled the box in her arm as she typed into her tool. The Spectre saw the shop he had searched, and made his way towards the clerk.

A batarian who sells krogan weapons? Interesting, but I guess out here in the Terminus anything goes. The batarian glanced up from his datapad at the armored figure approaching, though none of his four eyes seemed hesitant at the approaching heavily armed pair. The man glanced at Tali for a moment before resting his eyes on the human. "Name's Marsh, what can I do for you two?"

Shepard took the lead, and inquired. "I saw on the extranet you had some krogan weapons available, wanted to see your stock."

Marsh nodded, though he had a slight frown. "Took down those ads earlier today. The Blood Pack came in and bought them all."

Well shit, there goes my idea… maybe he's got something else though? I really am not a big fan of the Katana line. Sure, it's a great back up weapon in close quarters, but I know Tali prefers a shotgun in most situations. Shepard glowered for a moment, thankfully hidden with his helmet, before he cautiously perused. "Fair enough. Do you have anything else with similar stopping power?"

The batarian clerk thought for a moment, before asking. "I've got a few of your human Mattocks, but you've already got one of those." He glanced over at Tali who had her main weapon holstered at her hip, and added. "Or are you looking for a shotgun upgrade? That's a solid piece, even if it's a bit outdated."

Tali seemed ready to retort, but Shepard beat her to the punch. "You guessed right. I'm fine with my weapons for now, but I saw the Graal Spike Thrower which brought me here in the first place."

Marsh thought for a moment. "When the krogan design a shotgun to take out thresher maws, you know it's going to do some damage. Probably why it's illegal to use in Citadel space." He glanced around, noticing nobody else was in the vicinity. "I've got something you may be interested in. Haven't listed them yet, but they're hard to get outside of the Hegemony." He typed into his omnitool, and a local message request popped up in his and Tali's devices, which they both opened.

The AT-12 Raider, a shotgun used by the Hegemony's Special Intervention Unit? Hell of a kick, and pretty short range, but it's claim to fame is its stopping force. Looks like something Tali would like, and maybe she could improve a few of the downsides. He glanced down at her, and inquired. "So, what do you think Tali?"

Tali was perusing the technical data as she replied. "It's incredibly powerful, though I think it would take some practice to get used to it." She then looked up at him with a curious expression. "I think I would like it, though you do not have to buy me a new weapon John, the one I have functions just fine." She tensed up as she inadvertently used his first name in front of others.

Marsh, however, seemed to be either oblivious or didn't care about that fact. "The Sokolov was fine until 2184 when kinetic barriers improved, and now it takes a couple of shots to get through most of them. Most of the weapons with built in clips don't have the velocity it takes to get past them, so they have to brute force through the power supply."

So that's why the guns have eject-able thermal clips nowadays. The old models could last as long as the onboard fabricator could shave the small pellets, which usually was a few thousand rounds before replacing the supply. Now, you have to worry about that and the clips overheating until new technology improves the heat dissipating capabilities. He looked at Marsh, and decided for her. "How much are you pricing them, and how many do you have?"

The batarian shrugged. "I haven't decided yet on the price, but I've got two of them. Both are brand new, no modifications or firing outside of the factory."

I know a Mattock usually runs for about five grand in new condition, but higher tech gear runs more, so I'll start with a similar price. Shepard began the negotiation. "I'm interested in both, how about twelve thousand?" He saw Tali fidget slightly at his side, though she said nothing. Probably worried about me spending so many credits on her.

Marsh grunted, though he didn't seem displeased. "So, you're a real customer. These are top of the line, hit harder than even the Spike Thrower you were considering. Twenty thousand."

Hmm…I can afford it either way, but there's no reason to throw extra credits when I don't have to. Besides, he seems willing to negotiate. Shepard countered. "If it wasn't top of the line, I wouldn't be interested, but twenty is too high for two guns. Fifteen."

The batarian thought for a second, before answering. "Lowest I'll go is sixteen. They're worth every credit."

Eight grand a pop isn't cheap, but he's right considering the Batarian special forces use those. Plus, I doubt I'll get another chance to get their advanced technology. "Alright, sixteen thousand it is. Let's see them and I'll transfer the funds to a chit." Don't want a virtual trail to my omnitool though, especially with the Hegemony. Marsh turned to get the two weapons as Shepard reached into one of his armor's pockets, grabbing a blank credit chit. Always keep a couple of these on me just in case, glad they drilled that into my head during training.

Tali spoke up as he transferred the funds to the chit, her voice slightly amused. "I was not expecting to receive a small cannon today, John, but I appreciate it. I am excited to see how it fires."

He smirked, forgetting the helmet, though his voice carried the mood. "I've heard about this gun, though I've never fired one myself. I might have to take it to a range with you just to see why you're so set on your shotguns."

She teased back. "And is that your idea of a date?"

She just fluttered her eyes at me! Putting me on the spot? Well, that's actually not a half bad idea, though I'd have to plan something else too. Shepard was saved from response by the batarian placing the crate on the counter, before opening it up. Marsh decided to chime in with his own grin. "Firing one of these is more fun than going to a fancy restaurant, anyway."

A small cannon was an understatement, holy shit. I need to make sure the kick doesn't break her arm before she takes one out on the field. Shepard chuckled after a moment of viewing the two shotguns, and handed Marsh the credit chit. "Exactly! Thanks for the sale, Marsh. I'll keep your shop in mind next time I'm on Omega."

The batarian checked the chit, and pocketed it after confirming the amount. "There's a few places nearby, if you're interested."

2185 Omega Station Docking, Normandy SR-2

The two walked into the Normandy side by side, with Shepard carrying the crated shotguns and Tali holding on to the smaller box with the couplings. As the decontamination protocol began, Tali pipped up. "As much as I want to work on the shotguns, I need to help them install this before we depart."

Fair point, it's always easier to install ship parts while we're docking. He responded. "Sure, I'd love to see what you do to them if you don't mind. I'm no ship engineer, but I've had years of experience with weapon modifications. Should I bring them to Mordin's lab for now? I'm assuming the geth shotguns are in there too."

Tali nodded, and confirmed. "Yes, that would be perfect, thank you." She then softly added. "And I would welcome your company even if you had no idea what you were doing."

Her sincere remark gave the Spectre a wide grin, and he leaned down to gently tap his helmet against her own. Maybe one day, there won't be a helmet in the way, at least for a little while. She tilted her head slightly as he pulled away, and Shepard happily replied. "Let me know when you're done then. Is your shoulder okay?"

She laughed weakly before rotating her right shoulder. "It is definitely sore. I will work on that though before I take it on a mission."

Guess the Cerberus upgrades were pretty solid, because mine feels fine. Reminds me of shooting the anti material snipers we practiced with in Rio de Janeiro. Even with a tripod and cushion, those things had some major kick. He chuckled in response as the decontamination sequence ended. "At least we had a chance to test them out. I'm glad Marsh was able to point us in the right direction, though I'm not surprised Omega has quite a few firing ranges."

The inner doors opened, revealing an empty pilot's seat. Joker must be sleeping in an actual pod instead of this chair, or grabbing a bite to eat. The human and quarian made their way towards the elevator, getting a few nods in recognition from the crew still on station. Wonder what they do while we're on dock? I know in the Alliance they'd go through simulated emergency situations. Might bring that up at some point.

Tali curiously asked as they entered the elevator. "So, what will you be doing until I am finished installing this?"

Good question, though I'm not entirely sure. Shepard casually answered. "Well, I've got to get out of this armor and rinse off first, then bring these to the lab. After that? I'm not sure, maybe check in with Mordin or see how Kasumi is settling in."

She giggled and pressed the elevator for the first floor before playfully stating. "The rounds you called them?"

He nudged her lightly, before joking right back. "It sure beats staying holed up in my cabin. Besides, how else was I going to talk to you? You rarely left the engine room!"

The elevator quickly arrived at its destination, and Tali continued. "You would do the same thing if we threw you into a warehouse of exotic weapons."

That's… a fair point. Fine. Shepard set the crate down outside of the lift, and set his helmet down on top of it. He turned to face Tali, and reached out to hold her free hand before responding. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Still, I'll see you soon, okay?" Damn, I spent hours with her, and I still don't really want to separate.

Tali tightened her grip on his hand for a moment before she affirmed. "Yes nehya, I will let you know as soon as it is done." She took a step back, pushed the button on the side, undoubtedly to deck four.

Shepard smiled as she returned it, though the doors closing made the moment rather brief. I didn't think that I'd be this attached so quickly, but then again, we were already close as friends on the old Normandy. She doesn't seem to mind at least. I wonder if it's a bit of the stress of the situation adding to it. When I'm with her, I feel far more relaxed, and she definitely cheers me up. Isn't that some of the goals of any relationship?

He grabbed his helmet, deciding to leave the crate in the corridor for now. As he stripped off the armor, which thankfully wasn't needed in the day's endeavors, his mind again brought her to his thoughts. It is a bit odd though, how buying special forces grade military weaponry, then firing them is my idea of a date. Maybe I should figure out something we can do during some shore leave? I don't mind the military life, and Tali's lived her whole life aboard ships. There's got to be something we can do, but this sure as hell isn't something I'm good at. I'll figure something out, though I might have to ask for some advice. He lightly laughed to himself at a passing thought as he entered the shower. Definitely not from Miranda, though.