Hey everyone is here the next update of this fanfic. Sorry i haven't been updating. Don't really have much time to write anymore with my job but i wont' abandon this fic. Hope you have been enjoying the read so far.

Enjoy

Chapter Twenty-One

Shifting Winds

The weather on Odessa was cloudy today. The sky had taken a grayish color promising oncoming rain. Given that the planet was starting to enter it's stormy season, it was a familiar sight to all of those that lived upon the Planet itself, however, the weather reflected the mood that had fallen upon the Jedi Council Chambers.

Jedi Shadow Tyrion stood in the room once more but this time, the man was present and not a hologram from a far-off world. His clothing was mostly made of leather, as well as his pants as he had his Omni-tool light up in the semi darkened room. A map of the galaxy was shown as many planets were lightened up.

"My Shadows managed to gain information on those worlds that Knight Solana had managed to glean from the Batarian ship," he said a frown upon his features, "We were right in thinking that they wanted to keep this quiet. Most of the planets here didn't have any defensive force at all. Mostly farmer worlds and small colonies outside of a larger influence. People seeking a simple life."

"They've targeted them because they're vulnerable," Master Jinn said a light sigh escaping his lips, "With no one to call for help if a crisis happened."

Tyrion nodded.

"Exactly," he said, "However, they were stopped in their carnage when they attacked the planet Highever. A mistake of their part for they were repelled by the Grey Wardens who were on the planet for a recruitment drive from what I managed to understand."

"King Alistair could be a good ally in this endeavor," Master Mahariel spoke out with a frown, "He despise slavery as much as the next person. I could ask him for his aid as well as the Wardens."

"That will be good," Master Kolte spoke out, his blue eyes narrowing lightly, "However despite the information we have we still don't know exactly where the Batarians had taken the people they've taken."

"Did the ones we have in custody reveal anything?" Master Ella asked.

"From the interrogation, we managed to gain the name of their group," Jedi Shadow Tyrion spoke out, "The Red Skulls. They're a big player in the Terminus from the information we put together. They specialize in slavery and smuggling."

"They might be someone that could tell us about that Masters," Solana Amell spoke out, a light frown upon her features.

"Who?"

"I've heard talk of someone called Aria T'Loak," Solana continued, "She run a space station called Omega in the Terminus System, and there is not something that happens there without her knowing about it."

"I know her," Tyrion said looking at the Knight beside him, "She's worked with Jedi before but that doesn't mean she isn't dangerous. They do call her a Pirate Queen after all."

Grand Master Carlyle let out a soft hum.

"Something is happening in the Terminus System," he spoke out, "Something that involves this sudden move by the slavers. I can feel it within the Force. Solana, you and your Padawan will travel to Omega and meet with the Pirate Queen. See what we can learn from her about what's happening there."

Solana nodded.

"Yes Master."

"Master Mahariel," Carlyle continued, "Travel to Denerim to get King Alistair's aid to deal with this new threat. I'm sure we might able to gain his aid as well as ships to help the taken slaves back to their homes."


Ellana looked out toward the station that hung not too far away from where they are. The Mabari had just come out of hyperspace not too far away from the station and from where she was seating, it didn't look like much. Omega in the distance was bathed in a red and orange glow has it hung there growing from the side of the asteroid it was built in like the many legs of a jellyfish with a massive long piece growing from the center of the asteroid. Rocks and stones floated around the station as it hung in space, like a giant sea creature in a sea of stars.

"This is Omega then," Ellana spoke out, not keeping the disbelief in her voice.

"Yes, it is," Her Master answered, "You will not find another den of wretched lives and villainy anywhere else in the galaxy."

"And this Aria is in charge of it?" Ellana asked her, glancing at her master wondering what type of person could be in charge of such a place.

"The Council believe that she may have information on what happened to the slavers that attacked Elvhenan," Solana told her.

Ellana frowned as she remembered the reason, they were here in the first place. Only a few days ago her master told her of the mission that they had been given. She had been working on finding information about the Terminus System over the time she was at the Temple, however they didn't have enough. Given the constant change of power that was present within the Terminus, information was scares and sometimes dated.

"Then let's hope she has the answers we seek," she spoke out.

Her Master hummed at her as they entered within the station's and soon enough they were landing upon a place that seems to be a port within the station itself as other ships were visible around them. Her Master powered their vessel down and started talking again.

"Don't forget your cloak," she spoke out, "And keep yourself on guard. This is a haven for criminals after all."

Ellana gave her a look, but she nodded taking her cloak and quickly throwing it on along with the hood over her head. Her master did the same as they stepped out of the ramp that fell from the back of ship. The smell of the station caused Ellana to make a face as various odors floated toward her nose.

"Come on," her Master told her as the two of them walked upon the station leaving the ship behind them.

As they were walking, Ellana noticed the looks that they were getting from the few people that lingered nearby. She noticed a few elves among them along with Turians and some Batarians. Most of them were dressed in rags clothing while a few Batarians wore armors upon their bodies and their blasters visible for all to see around them and it made her wonder if they were part of a gang on Omega.

But then again, given what her Master told her about the place, she wouldn't be surprised if they were. The buildings within the area shared some resemblance with what she had seen on the Citadel, thought they were in far poorer conditions than the later. She can see broken windows in some of the towers and markings that were like blaster marks upon part of the walls.

"A charming place," she murmured to herself as they stepped into a long empty hallway.

"There is no law on this place," she said.

Ellana only hummed as they continued their trek.

"Do you know where we will find this self-proclaimed Pirate Queen?" she asked.

"Yes," Solana answered, "Tyrion shared the information with me before we left Odessa. She had worked with Jedi in the past before…mostly Shadows of course."

Ellana frowned, thinking to herself for a moment.

"The Shadows are the ones who worked in the underworld right?" she asked.

"More or less," was the answer she received.

Most Jedi were aware of the Shadows…thought no one really knows exactly what they actually do for the Order. Only the Jedi Council seems to be truly aware of the works that they do, thought when she was young, Ellana had heard many theories on what they do.

Then her attention was drawn forward, looking as two Batarians approached toward them wearing armors and holding their guns in hand. Ellana and Solana came to a stop as the two across them bared their way. She moved her hand toward the hilt of her saber, the movement hidden by the cloak she wore, and she centered herself, ready to draw her blade if it needs be.

"A problem, gentlemen?" her Master spoke out, her voice still calm, despite the situation.

"Aria wants to see you at the Afterlife…Jedi," the Batarian spoke out, his voice sounding as if he was gargling rocks in his throat.

Ellana tensed at the words of recognition, however a nudge from of the Force from her Master stilled her movements. It was like a touch against her skin, a subtle touch to calm her down.

"You know who we are?" Solana asked, her tone not betraying the light surprise she had felt.

"Had you tagged the moment you landed," the Batarian in front of them spoke, "You're not as subtle as you think."

"Well, then this works out well," Her Master spoke out, her tone light as if she was talking with an old friend, "Let's not keep her waiting."

The Batarian narrowed his four eyes at her, and with a growl he turned.

"Follow me Jedi."

Ellana couldn't help but hear the scoff in his tone. She wouldn't be surprised after all; Jedi doesn't really have a good reputation in the Terminus System. Many there like to call them dogs of the Citadel Council, despite the fact that the Citadel had their own private sects of soldiers in the Spectre.

The place they were led to had a large open area which gave a view of the station's many towers in the distance giving Ellana a perspective on how big Omega really was. It reminded her the first time she had been on the Citadel and how large it had seems back then. The building in front of them had a tower, a large holoscreen showed scantily clad Asari dancing to the rhythm of a song they couldn't hear. The large words of AFTERLIFE hung at the entrance.

It was where their Batarians escorts were leading them, Ellana saw. There was a line of people waiting at the entrance as they approached, but their escort barely stopped as they continued through the entrance and into the club proper. The music was playing loudly through the building. As Ellana glanced around herself, following her master she took notice of dancers, Asari most of them, she realized dressed in skimpy clothing, people seating at tables as the club was not as packed as she had thought. They were bartenders at their post as some sat there as well enjoying the many drinks being served. The smell of smoke alcohol was strong as well within the room.

"What the hell Modzack?"

Ellana returned her attention forward. They were standing at the bottom of a staircase with another Batarian standing guard there.

"They're Aria's guests, Aton."

Aton didn't look pleased, Ellana noticed but he didn't stop them as they climbed it up until they reached a small seating area. A couch was visible at the edge of a balcony giving a view out of the entire club below them. A table was situated there but what really drew attention was the lone figure standing with their back turned toward them.

It was an Asari, Ellana noticed, wearing a white jacket upon her form with both of her hands behind her back as she stood there like an unmoving statue. Her skin was a shade of darker blue which almost looked purple in the light of the club around them.

"Aria, we've brought them," their escort, Modzack spoke out.

"Leave us."

Her tone was curt and wordlessly, the Batarian left them behind with Aria T'Loak. Noticing her Master removing her hood, Ellana did the same as the Pirate Queen turned to look at them. Her eyes, were a lighter blue than her skin and yet, the gaze was as piercing as it was curious.

"What brings the Jedi to Omega?" she asked, "There is always something that brings your kind here…"

"The Red Skulls," Solana said simply.

Aria's eyes narrowed.

"I see," she said walking toward her couch before taking a seat, "So they've caused enough trouble to draw your eyes. I knew I should have kept an eye on those assholes."

Ellana frowned.

"You worked with them?" she asked.

"In this line of work, you work with everyone," was Aria's answer, "They used to have a place here on the station however, they managed to break the one rule of Omega."

"Which is?"

A slight smirk appeared upon the asari's lips.

"Don't fuck with Aria."

"They've fallen out of favor with you then," Solana spoke out.

The Pirate Queen scoffed.

"Don't insult me Jedi," she said, "the Skulls were always a pain in the ass, however the best way to deal with them was to keep them on a leash like any rabid varen. When they broke my one rule, I kicked them off this station and made them remember why I am the Queen of this rock."

From her tone, it was most likely a bloody massacre, Ellana thought to herself.

Aria leaned backward.

"It's been some years since then and yet, recently they've been active again," she said, "As long as they didn't come on this station…I don't really care either way."

Solana frowned.

"We believe that something big is happening," she said, "The Skulls have attacked many worlds, and has taken many people as slaves. If what you are implying is true, then someone is behind them. We just need to know where they are."

Aria frowned.

"Words around is that they are working for someone," she said, "Don't know what however, the Skulls are creature of habits…and if they are this active, Kadara is where they will go. It's the one place where they'll make such a big payoff."

"Kadara?" Ellana said, "What's that?"

"It's a sulfur infested hellhole," Aria said, "I'm sure you'll have your hands full Jedi…now go."

There was nothing more to be said. Solana gave a light nod and walked away with Ellana following after her. They had a place at least.

"The Council will need to hear about this," Solana said.

Ellana nodded.

"You think she was being truthful?" she asked.

Solana hummed.

"I think that Aria will do anything to keep her power on Omega," she said, "And if giving us this information will keep her there then no lost for her."

Ellana frowned but didn't say anything as she and her Master pulled their hood back up and walked out of the Afterlife.


Odessa

Master Jinn and Master Carlyle were standing in front of a holo of Solana and her Padawan as the two were now revealing what they have learned from the Pirate Queen of Omega.

"Kadara," Master Carlyle hummed, "We have a destination then."

"Could her words be trusted Knight Amell?" Master Jinn asked.

"Yes, she didn't seem to be lying to us," Knight Amell answered, "Aria didn't seem to be a fan of the Skulls as she called them."

"Then, we must act on this information," the Jedi Grandmaster answered, "It's the only lead we have."

"What about Master Mahariel?" Knight Amell asked.

"She went to Denerim to speak with King Alistair," Master Jinn told them, "We received words from her just before you contacted us. She managed to rallied his help along with the Wardens. They will be your back-up on this mission as well. Another Jedi duo has been sent to meet you with those coordinates. Know this that Master Mahariel had been given charge of this mission. You will report to her."

"Yes Master, May the Force guide you."

"And you as well," Master Jinn spoke out.

The image winked out of existence. Master Carlyle turned away from the spot he was standing on making his way toward the direction of the window. The view of Odessa was something that always brought him peace but this time however, he couldn't help but feel the sudden shift within the Force.

A disturbance that had been growing more and more ever since Solana and Ellana returned from Elvhenan. Something is happening just beyond their senses. Something that they were missing.

And somehow, their actions were leading right into the middle of it.

"Something the matter Master Carlyle?"

He glanced at Jinn.

"A shift in the Force, I feel," he answered.

"A disturbance," Master Jinn said, his tone surprised.

Something like that hadn't happened in a long while and Master Carlyle could feel worry within himself. Somehow, he could tell that the future isn't going to be as peaceful as it had been.


Hope you have enjoyed the read.

AN: Kadara is a planet in Mass effect Andromeda.

Next Time: Kadara

Jacques0 out.

R&R