A/N

Hi all and welcome to the next chapter of A New Life With A Bite, first a word from our sponsor...aw crap don't got a sponsor, sigh.. Never mind, sorry it's been a little while but I hit a small patch of block, took me a few days to get the muse flowing again. As you may have noticed I rewrote the summary. Is it better or worse? To be honest the more I look at it the less I like it so it may get redone again.

Subsider34: I think Mordin is one of ME's best characters and I'm glad you approve. There's plenty to come, and don't worry I'm not killing off Mordin.

KhazintheDark: Thank for sticking with me. I loved bringing Mordin in because he give me so many possibilities.

Ironjaw: Glad you liked the chapter. I wonder what Shepherd reaction to a vampire would be? Which would be more fun to write paragon or renegade shep meeting Nat? Gonna think about that but it will be a while.

GreenRena: I'm trying to picture Aria's reaction to Nat biting someone in front of her. I think she'd be like, "That's far enough, you're spilling blood on my floor." while smirking and lifting an eyebrow. She wouldn't even get off her sofa.

Unity9: Getting archangel after her would be a mistake for Nat. I mean she's tough and fast, but that sniper rifle of his? Not gonna be healthy. I honestly hadn't considered the Garrus angle yet. I'll have a think and you never know what might happen. Thanks for the idea and the review, please keep them coming.

Brodur: Lots more dialogue in this chapter so I hope you approve. I'm glad you like the story so far, I hope it's a little bit different. Please give me more reviews and let me know what you think as it develops.

Pyrovortex: You're very right about Nat's biotics at the moment. She's all power and no finesse, but this chapter see the start of improving that. Hope you approve and thanks for taking the time to let me know what you thought. I always appreciate constructive criticism.

ElDani: I'm pleased you liked my Mordin, stand by for more and thanks for letting me know.

LoneWolfBlade: Thanks and I'll keep writing. Cheers for the review.

Kevin: I figured Mordin would go with the simplest explanation in the absence of evidence to the contrary, at least tentatively, and then he would start trying to test the theory to detruction. I think Nat can expect more tests in the future. Thanks for giving me your thoughts.

I'm really chuffed at the increasing number of reviews as well as people favouriting and following. Thank you everyone. I confess after I post a new chapter I am constantly checking to see how many view and reviews have happened. It's a real buzz for me and keeps my enthusiasm for writing high. I guess that makes me a review whore...so be it, I don't care, I'll take my addiction and keep writing. Thanks again. Enjoy the next bit.

Mordin has come back in the isolation ward, and I'm bored, and worse still restrained. The Salarian seems more curious than freaked out by my 'condition' but he still hasn't released me. He asks if I'm hungry still, I agree and am pleasantly surprised when he hooks up a container of purple blood to a drinking tube. I recognise the taste, Asari and don't hesitate to drink it down, feeling the energy flowing into me topping up my reserves. How much did he feed me while I was unconscious? I feel satisfied now, and this last meal is just a bonus. I'm not gonna turn it down, it tastes damn good and more energy is better, although having Mordin studying me intensely makes me feel a little weird.

"What you watching?"

"Understand retractable fangs for feeding but not using them now. Conscious or unconscious decision?"

"Huh...unconscious."

"Amazing adaptation for preying on Humans. Camouflaged to strike from concealment. Understandable that Humans fear your kind."

"As far as I know I'm not a kind Doc, I'm probably unique."

"Unique? Hmm possible yes, not likely though, Human tales of vampirism very prolific, where there's one there more, stories based on fact perhaps."

I look at the Salarian in disbelief.

"Hello? I woke up like this? I wasn't a vampire before."

"Yes? Statistically almost impossible that you are unique. If it happened once it happened again. May come across more like yourself now you are active, now know what to look for, plus if others nearby would probably take notice of feeding. Hidden society...would self regulate. Theory only but interesting...more likely than unique being."

"Ok, well I haven't come across another so far. Would be easier to find one if I wasn't restrained."

Mordin looks up from his datapad at my comment.

"Restraints deemed necessary from behaviour in alley. Fully healed, confident that no longer out of control. No testing of restraints so far, impressive self control. Will release soon. Have questions first."

"Uhhuh. A captive audience eh?"

"Of course. Fascinating research opportunity. Stupid to waste it."

I sigh, Mordin is being typically Mordin, intellectually ruthless. Still if he was gonna kill me he could have done it already, and I am totally satiated for the first time since I woke on this shithole, I can afford to play nice...for now.

"Ok Mordin, what did you want to know?"

"Many things but Serah confirmed biotics used, throw and strong barrier at least. Scan showed no amp fitted, organ at base of skull similar to eezo node, possibly source, needs more investigation. Biotic before becoming vampire?"

"Umm, no I woke up as a vampire and with biotics."

"No training?"

"Umm no, it just seemed kind of well obvious."

I wasn't expecting biotics to stump the Salarian but telling him this seemed to blow his mind. He stood stock still, blinking for almost 10 seconds before hurrying out of the lab. Where the hell did he go? A minute or so later he is back, but with company. The Asari in black and yellow armour from the alley is with him. She looks at me as Mordin finishes his conversation with her, then she waves him away and the scientist leaves the lab again before she approaches my bed.

"Hi, I'm Serah, it's good to see you awake. Thanks for saving my ass in the alley."

I flush as I get a chance to see her up close for the first time. Hot as hell like all Asari with flawless skin that is an azure colour. She's taller than most of her species, possibly a little taller than me even, and moves with the grace of a dancer, even in the armor that disguises her figure. Damn, I was gonna kill this? Gods what a waste that would have been. I shake myself from my thoughts realising I haven't replied.

"Umm hi, you're welcome I guess Serah. My name's Natalia, Nat to my friends."

"Well after seeing what you did in the alley I hope I can call you Nat." She grins at me, a mixture of friendly amusement and mischief that has me flushing again. I suddenly feel very embarrassed at the weird situation.

"Uh, yeah I guess I'd like that." I pause to try and work out what or how to continue the talk,and Serah smoothly fills the gap.

"So, is it okay if I ask a question?"

"Yes." Dreading this now.

"Was I gonna be on your dinner menu as well?" How can she ask me a question like that and not be raging? She looks calm, almost serene. Her calmness just makes me feel worse as I sigh and decide to answer truthfully. It's not like I could be in a worse situation really is it? Well other than her actively trying to kill me and for some reason that doesn't look likely.

"Honestly...if you'd been all alone...yeah I guess you would have been." I'm not looking at her. Feeling what?...shame? I dunno but this is the first time my new diet has fazed me.

"So why did you step in and help me with those bastards?"

"You were wounded, started climbing the ladder right below me. I could smell the blood, was on the edge of losing control from the hunger. You ignored their taunts just concentrated on getting away. I admired your determination to get up the ladder with one arm, then when you dropped to hang by your knees and opened fire...something clicked and I was involved. Your courage deserved to carry on. I guess you know the rest." I'm looking at her now and wondering why she's smiling. Serah recounts the alley from her perspective.

"I'd decided I was going to die fighting, force them to kill me rather than let them take me alive. I'm hanging there, firing at Okartog knowing it will just piss him off, wondering how long before the other Batarian blows me away when the alley lights up and this glowing figure falls past me to kick that Krogan fuckhead in the face. I had no idea who you were or why you were helping but I kept firing managing to miss you. You knocked Okartog on his ass and he was pissed! The Batarian you threw was out cold after he hit the wall, and then Okartog up and firing at you. Your shields! How did you learn to make them so strong? I know a few commandos whose are tough but I never saw anything like that. He charges you and hits the wall! I wanted to laugh but I figured I was still dead because without shields I was sure Okartog would kill you. Your fire did nothing to him and I heard your skull break when he rammed you into the wall, then there's this bang and the top of his head and hump blow off. I was getting weak from blood loss and you're down, then you crawled to the Batarian...and...and I almost freaked when I saw you feed on him. Then you fell unconscious and I managed to get down the ladder, commed Mordin and got him to bring us here. He was going to kill you before I told him you saved my life...the Batarian you fed on...I had Mordin incinerate the body so there's no evidence."

"Why?"

"You saved me, and almost died doing it. Mordin said you call yourself a vampire Nat?"

"Yeah, it's a Human word. I'm a monster out of myth and legend now." I can't help the bitter note in my voice, although it was my own choice that got me here, huh some choice.

"The doc said you weren't a vampire before?"

"No I wasn't."

"If you had been just Human could you have saved me? Would you have tried?"

I pause as I think about the answer, I know I can be a cold bitch at times but I do try and be decent. I realise that actually I would have tried to help her, I wouldn't have walked away from an assault, rape and murder.

"I would have tried Serah, but I think we would both have died."

"Or worse." She points out.

I shudder at the the thought and she leans across the bed and kisses me lightly on the forehead leaving me gaping in surprise.

"What?"

"That was for being a good person Nat. You're not a monster, it doesn't matter if you need blood, you have a good soul. Now we know blood packs can feed you Doc Solus can help you and I will if he won't."

"You will?" I ask her, bemused trying to work out what she means.

"Yes." Serah nods emphatically. "Humans may have lots of old scary myths but this is the 2184. Technology is a wonderful thing Nat. Mordin told me your fangs are like old hypodermic syringes that most species used to use. So we use blood packs if possible and if the worst comes to the worst then you feed off me. Take what you need and just patch me up with Medigel, the wound will be so small it will heal in minutes and the boost the stuff gives the body will generate new blood in hours. So don't worry about being a vampire, it's not a problem." Serah blithely waves away my fear, and newly felt shame.

I'm staring at her speechless, this beautiful and I realise young Asari who is offering to be my dinner if I need it. Is she just pragmatic? Blind to the danger I pose? It doesn't seem like her kindness balances right with my actions, why is she determined to help me?

"Umm Serah I'm really pleased that you don't hold my nature against me but don't you think offering to let me feed off you is a little extreme?" She looks at me for a long moment before laughing at my evident shock.

"Hah you're face is a picture. I'll bet you're wondering what kind of little Asari deviant you've come across." She chuckles as I start to protest that I said nothing about deviants, but she shushes me. "Stop worrying Nat and I'll explain, but first I'll take those restraints off as long as you promise me you're not gonna do anything stupid like running off." This girl has the conversation bouncing all over and I feel like a kid getting told off. I sheepishly promise to behave and 3 minutes later I'm sitting up on the bed thoroughly bemused at this strange turn of events and Serah has pulled a chair up wrong way around and is sitting with her elbows resting on the back.

"The Asari are an old race Nat, and we have our own myths and legends, some of which come to life. How we deal with them...well it's not good. I'm 146 years old and by our standards that means I am a child, barely out of schooling. My full name is Serah 'Kyrlatis and my First Mother is Matriarch Laetatia 'Kyrlatis. It's an old family and has some prestige on Thessia although not much real power these days, and she is an ambitious priestess. I have...2 sisters by mother's first life mate Cormut who was Turian. They are both in their 400s now well into their Matron stage. I never really knew them, just occasional visits. Cormut died almost 300 years ago now, and I'm told mother grieved for many years, had lovers but no more life mates until she met my Second Mother Alanis 'Camistaie. Their relationship caused controversy because Alanis is Asari also. It was decades before they decided to have me but they did, and I generally don't talk about my family with Asari because I am Pureblood. Many Asari consider me 2nd class Nat. I had a tough time as a youngster because of it. When I was 24 my Mothers decided to have another child inspite of knowing how hard my life was. They called her Skyliath and she was my best friend. We did everything together as we grew up 2 purebloods against everyone else. Eventually studying meant I was away on Ilium when Skyliath commed me to tell me of her growing relationship with her friend a Turian scientist called Jontith. He had a sense of humour she adored, was devilishly clever and worshipped the ground she walked on, and cared nothing about her birth. She told me they were going to weekend at our family villa in the Paradise Hills, and Jontith was going to be her first."

"Her first...lover?" I ask, wondering why Serah looked so sad, an itch at the back of my mind as something struggled to be remembered.

"Yes Nat, for Asari there is physical love, but without the melding of minds and spirits there is no true loving. Jontith was to be her first meld. I wished her a wonderful weekend and made her promise to tell me everything. 3 days later she commed me, crying, desperate, scared, telling me they were coming, she had no time, that she loved me and always would. The comm was still on as they arrived. I saw the door blow in and a team of commandos burst in. Skyliath fought them, and she was quite strong but still only a child at 120 and they overpowered and restrained her with ease.

Then...," Serah was trembling with emotion.

"Serah don't tell me this if it is so painful. I'm sorry to have brought this up.." She gives me a small grim smile and waves an acknowledgement.

"No Nat you need to understand, and it is best to just tell you. Once Skyliath was restrained I saw my First Mother enter the apartment accompanied by a trio of ranking priestesses. The trio told Skyliath she had been declared an abomination under order of the temple. That as Ardat Yakshi she was forbidden ever to meld again and would be taken to a distant monastery colony to live out her days in isolation and seclusion. Or she could expiate her mother's shame now and be released from life. Skyliath was pleading with them, asking them to tell her what had happened to her, what had happened at the villa to Jontith. The senior priestess demanded Skyliath answer with her choice and my sister looked at Laetatia. I saw her ask "Mother?". The bitch slapped her knocking her to the floor and declared she was disavowed as 'Kyrlatis, that she would expiate her shame herself. Then...then she drew her ceremonial blade and slit Skyliath's throat. She stood and watched my sister bleed to death, with hatred on her face and said nothing. No one even gave my sister the death rites and I saw it all. Once Skyliath was dead Laetatia declared herself shame free, and left with the other priestesses, ordering the commandos to remove the body and incinerate it, and clear up the evidence. I watched it all and they never knew."

Serah had burst into tears now and instinctively I swung myself off the bed and hugged her, offering what solace I could while I tried to get my head around her awful news. Ardat Yakshi? That had been what Samara's children had been in the game. Poor Serah. Her own mother killed her sister? It was monstrous and I realised why her comment about my having a good soul had been so heartfelt.

Serah dried her eyes and took a deep breath, and I realised she hadn't finished the tale yet.

"I was numb, couldn't believe what I had seen. Hours later Alanis called me, crying, hysterical, telling me she had just been told there had been a terrible accident, an explosion and fire at the villa had killed Skyliath and her friend, their bodies almost completely incinerated the fire was so hot. First Mother was on the comm as well, seemingly comforting Alanis, she even had tears on her cheeks and sniffled, pretending to be strong for Alanis who was breaking down completely. Alanis wanted me to leave my studies to come home and be with the family. I couldn't face her and the bitch in person. I think Alanis genuinely didn't know but I knew and I tried to refuse, saying it was too far, that the trip would take too long and that I could remember Skyliath at the Grand Temple on Ilium. Alanis was upset, devastated but I stood firm as she argued with me until the bitch ordered me home saying she would send family commandos to collect me if I refused."

"What did you say?" I ask in horrified fascination.

"That I would never return because someone needed to remember First Mother's shame. She knew straight away that I knew, and Alanis was looking at her confused, asking what I was talking about. That same hatred was on her face when I told her the comm had been on the whole time. Alanis is concerned now, she knows something isn't right, and she asks me what I'm talking about. First Mother reaches for the comm control but Alanis manages to shove her away knocking the bitch to the ground. I told Alanis I was sorry, that I loved her but I couldn't come home because the bitch killed my sister. The bitch is there wrestling for the comm control, yelling at me about being a disobedient whelp, that she would be obeyed, and I'm yelling back at her telling her to tell Alanis the truth about Skyliath who was pronounced Ardat Yakshi. Tell her how she killed her daughter with her priestess blade. T bitch freaked, yelling about how that abomination was no daughter of hers, that she was not to blame and had no shame. Alanis was looking at her in utterly bewildered horror, like she was seeing the bitch for the first time. I don't know what my Second Mother thought or did after. She looked at me, crying, and I know she lost everything at that moment. Then...then she told me to run, and fled from the room with the bitch still yelling. I turned the comm off."

"Run?" I'm confused, why should Serah run?

"It was late on Ilium and I got very drunk in my apartment waiting for the dawn. When we were on holiday at the villa, Sky and I would often watch the dawn together. It was our favourite time of day. In the morning I left for my regular exercise a 5km run. I was about a block away from home when I heard an explosion up ahead. I stopped and saw the smoke and flames were coming from my block. Then I realised they were actually coming from my apartment...it was totally destroyed...and the flats around and above were really badly damaged. I took my Second Mother's advice and ran."

"What? Why would she do that to you?" I admit I was shocked, this poor girl's own mom tried to kill her?

"Huh, I guess she was just colder than I thought you know? I mean she was always distant, Alanis was much more affectionate than her, but I never expected anything like what happened to poor Skyliath."

"But,what happened? Did you run to the cops? How did you end up on Omega?" I've lots of questions now, as I'm still trying to comfort Serah. The Asari gave a teary snort of disgust and looked up at me.

"Cops? No, the bitch didn't just blow up almost everything I owned she destroyed my life. When I started running all I had on me was my gym gear and omnitool. I headed for a less savoury market district near the docks to hide while I worked out what to do. Within an hour the news services were reporting the deaths of 13 people in the block and labelling me as a terrorist wanted for the explosion. That's when I knew I was really screwed and needed a way off world as fast as possible.

Asari politics is rough not that I expected to be involved, but I was taught as a child that it was important to always have resources of your own that were secret. Taking that to heart saved me I think, I had a few thousand credits of my own hidden away, and I needed them, the bitch closed all the family credit lines to me, and my University disowned me a student as well. I managed to buy some armor, and a gun and headed for the Space Port. Getting passage to off Ilium was...nasty...but I managed it and I've been running ever since. That was over 2 years ago. I have an outstanding bounty on my head in Council space, and every so often some one manages to track me down. I escape and move on. Last time I ended up here on Omega, that was about 5 months ago."

"I...I don't know what to say...I thought I had a rough time."

Serah gives me a shaky chuckle. "Sorry about the emotional breakdown there... none of them actually managed to wound me before...I guess I'm still a bit freaked."

"You have every right to be fucking freaked! Even without my shit getting involved." I declare angrily. The Asari looks up with a smile at my indignation, and gives me a hug back.

"Thanks for caring, and for being just the way you are Nat, without it I'd be dead."

I shake my head at the irony of her comment, thinking that right now I'm actually glad I'm like this so I could help.

"So what are you going to do now Serah? If those were hunters then will there be more coming?"

"I don't know if there are more coming Nat and I don't honestly know what to do now. I tried to avoid Omega for as long as possible, but ended up here anyway. It's strange the skills you pick up when your running for your life, I've done various things in the last 2 years, mostly unpleasant but here I got lucky and met Dr Solus. My studies had been in medicine so I was able to convince the Doctor to give me a job as a nurse assistant. He's scary smart and I've learned more working with him so far than I learned in my studies, but I guess I'll need to leave, or his clinic could be in danger. I'm pretty certain he'll still help you with the blood packs though. Bastards I was just starting to feel settled again."

"What? No Serah, you shouldn't have to leave because your Mom's a psychotic bitch! Have you told Mordin your story? Maybe he can help you? Hell he's let me live because you wanted him to so he must like you."

"No of course I haven't told Doctor Solus my history! I hated lying to him but Goddess knows what he would do if he discovered I'm wanted as a terrorist! He might die of a heart attack or something, Salarians can be kind of jumpy."

"Yeah, but you're innocent Serah! It's your mother that's the nightmare not you."

There's a hiss from the end of the lab and Mordin trots in with his datapad, interrupting our chat. I almost face palm as he smirks, looking pleased with himself as he moves to the terminal before speaking, while we watch.

"Most unlikely would have heart attack, excellent physical condition."

"Huh?" Serah flushes dark blue in embarrassment. "You heard our conversation?"

"Always monitor isolation ward, pay more attention when new species involved. Interesting conversation, answered several questions."

"Questions." Serah repeats weakly, while I cover my mouth with my hand to hide a growing smirk.

"Personal history of employees not usually relevant but was curious Serah. Background given hurried and inconsistent. Still very young for Asari to be on Omega. Did background check before giving job. Terrorism allegations inconsistent with upbringing, educational achievements or stated aspirations of medicine. High grades at University...waste of talent and intellect as a nurse. Concluded allegations bogus. Didn't mention as private. Also kept under surveillance in case was wrong. Decided judgement was correct 4 weeks ago. Very promising student. Glad to see was right."

The Salarian grins widely at us both. Serah is open mouthed before her expression darkens with a scowl.

"You knew about Ilium? Spied on me? Hey my grades were confidential, how did you get them?What would you have done if I was a terrorist?" Serah's tone moves from surprised to outraged and indignant then sick curiousity as the questions tumble from her mouth. I stay silent, thinking Mordin is so like his game character it's untrue. Typically Mordin Solus he quick fire rattles off answers to her questions.

"Yes. Followed history back to events on Ilium. Resourceful use of limited assets. Admire determination. Surprising in one so young. Not spied on. Not following around. Visual and electronic surveillance in clinic, examination of conduct and attitudes. Very satisfied with work ethic, morals and ability. Have extensive contacts. Easy to get hold of educational track and records.

Superior student. Glad not terrorist, would have been sad to eliminate you. Wasn't always Doctor. Ex STG." Mordin finishes his statement with an emphatic nod. Serah's eyes are huge as she takes in his words, looking at the Salarian like he has grown two more heads and is breathing fire. Mordin chuckles at her reaction, then turns serious again.

"Not to worry Serah, valued and trusted as employee. Even more as student. Will help. No need to leave clinic." His expression turns dark. "Anyone hunting you here will regret it. Mechs not only security resource. Story answered background questions. Sympathize for your loss. Ardat Yakshi rare condition in Asari. Will investigate further, make discreet enquiries about family and political situation. Will let you know what I find." He throws a casual wave and leaves the lab leaving us alone again.

"What just happened?" Serah asks, bewildered.

"I think that was us discovering that Doctor Solus is more than he seems, as well as he values you highly enough Serah that he's willing to help deal with bounty hunters for you, and that you don't need to throw away this latest restart in your life. I think you might also get some more answers about what happened on Thessia. Do you know any more about what went on?"

"Not much Nat. I haven't spoken to either Alanis or the bitch since I started running. I have tried to contact Alanis but never succeeded, I don't know if she's all right or not and I don't care how the bitch is." Serah shakes her head sadly.

"Can I ask a question? You don't have to answer but I'm not sure about something." I ask hesitantly, Serah just got calmed down and I don't want to upset her. Serah glances at me and then nods.

"What does Ardat Yakshi mean?" Serah winces slightly gives a tired smile.

"Yeah I didn't explain that yet. Okay Ardat Yakshi suffer from a condition that is undetectable by medical scans. Apparently it only happens to Purebloods. I wasn't able to do much research on the run, but weirdly it was covered briefly in my medical studies. In a way Nat, Arday Yakshi are the Asari version of Human's vampires. A simple translation of the name means 'Soul Stealer', and that's exactly what they do. When a sufferer initiates a deep meld for the first time, like Skyliath's, during the meld they consume the essence of the other person."

"Their essence?"

"What makes them...them. The soul if you will. All memory, knowledge, feeling is utterly consumed by the Ardat Yakshi, leaing behind a dead husk with a brain totally devoid of any neural activity. A pristine body that is simply empty. You consume blood Nat for life essence, without it you will eventually die. Simple predator and prey. Ardat Yakshi eat food like any normal Asari to power their bodies. My studies said that once they have truly melded once and the disease is awakened then any melding after that inevitably consumes the soul, and the process is incredibly addictive. So they face a choice. Meld and consume souls or do not. Yet for Asari, life without melding is almost incomprehensible. It means no true relationship, no children, no real sexual activity. That is why sufferer's are banished to isolation in distant monastic colonies. Those who choose to continue melding are hunted down, as they are incredibly dangerous. In consuming the souls of their victims they retain the knowledge and skills and can use them. A single Ardat Yakshi by choosing victims carefully can with only a few souls become incredibly lethal. Imagine Nat a young Ardat Yakshi who melds with a Matriarch for example, she could gain hundreds of years of experience in combat, biotics, politics, seduction etc in one go. It might take a while to integrate that knowledge but it is there and usable, but without the morals gained by learning over those years."

"Wow. That's...actually really scary. I'm way tougher and faster than a normal Human, and I regenerate as well but to absorb information through feeding? How would you stop someone like that?"

"Exactly Nat, single Ardat Yakshi have been known to consume thousands of souls for the addictive high they feel. The most common end for them is that they are hunted down by teams of specialist commandos or by elite hunters called Justicars. Usually it's messy. To be honest compared to Ardat Yakshi I feel that Vampires are understandable and I have no problem with helping you."

"I guess I can understand that Serah, and thanks, it can't be easy talking about it."

Serah smiles at me. "It's okay Nat, you're my friend and now you understand why I can help you. Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Mordin told me you have no biotic amp weren't biotic before and you haven't had any biotic training at all. Is that right?"

"Uhh sure, that sounds right."

"Wow, that's amazing Nat!" Serah expression and body language change totally as she looks at me in fascination.

"It is? Using them just seemed natural."

"No no, you don't understand. Asari are a biotic species and we all have some degree of biotic power but we are taught biotic techniques and control from a early childhood. Meditation, visualisation training, mental memnomics. All that and it still usually takes months or even years to learn to focus our nervous system enough to actually use biotics. How soon after changing did you use your biotics?"

I think back to the ambush by 4 doomed Batarians.

"Not sure exactly, less than an hour."

"Less than an hour? What happened?"

I realise once I start telling the story of what happened I may as well keep talking and recount events until the alley, so I ask Serah to go get Mordin to save explaining things twice. I'm not really bothered by what Mordin thinks of me, and I know Serah has my back so once they're both seated I give them a blunt summary of what's happened to me since I woke up. It takes me the best part of an hour by the time I finish. Serah has been commenting on the amount of trouble I have managed to find in such a short time, and now just shakes her head. Mordin is looking at me thoughtfully before speaking rapidly throwing out comments and ideas.

"Remarkable, adapting well to changed circumstances in very little time. Combat effective despite no formal training, biotic strength clearly considerable but related to consumption of blood. Biotics are manipulation of dark energy. Feeding restores ability to power biotics. Implies blood contains dark energy and that you feed on dark energy. Fascinating, never heard of anything similar, must investigate further, would like to run detailed scans if willing. Discuss later. Instinctive use of biotics with considerable power suggests training will make you even more effective. Asari methods possibly not suitable but worth consideration to develop biotic skills. Will need to track how use of biotics affects hunger. Suggest make use of alternatives when possible although lack of formal training suggests biotics still necessary for combat. Try using less powerful modes of biotics. Singularities known to be very draining for Asari. Warp less so. Throws and pulls lower usage. Biotic shielding draining in intense combat. Supplement with better armour and shields. Upgraded equipment also good idea as working for Aria T'Loak dangerous job. Wisest course of action? Not able to say..too many variables but Queen of Omega powerful ally. Dangerous enemy also. Not wise to take job and not complete, best to secure position with Aria rapidly."

I nod at the Salarian. He makes sense and I already know I don't have unlimited time to hit the slavers. Serah isn't convinced however and rounds on the scientist.

"You want her to take on the Slaving Cartel with no armour, a kick ass shotgun and biotics she doesn't know how to really use? That's crazy Mordin."

"Not crazy Serah, necessary. Admit like idea of fewer slavers on Omega, but never said anything about not making preparations. Stupid to rush in unprepared. Can help with some equipment and supplies of blood. Tactical cloak very desirable but expensive and hard to get hold of with local resources. Possible Aria might supply but only after Natalia proves effectiveness. Doesn't solve problem. Will check contacts for available equipment. Regret cannot supply equipment for free Natalia, short term credit only. Financial resources somewhat lacking without STG support...inconvenient."

Mordin stops talking for a moment and I take the chance to step in before Serah can.

"I understand Mordin and I know I'll owe you bigtime. I appreciate you're getting involved in my situation."

"Happy to help Natalia, not without ulterior motives...no chance of continued study if you get killed. Would be tragic loss of research material. Plus want Serah safe and happy. Your friendship understandable...saved her life, and psychological similarities with sister's situation. Potentially powerful ally for my student. Will need to go out and make enquiries. Serah, suggest you discuss Asari visualisation and memnomic techniques with Natalia. Improve biotic efficiency. Rest if necessary. Use blood stocks sparingly please. Will leave clinic secure and closed for time being. Mechs in guard mode and coded to us 3. Back later."

With that the hyperactive amphibian scuttled out of the isolation ward without a backward glance, leaving Serah and I to go back to biotic school.

A/N

Next chapter...new equipment courtesy of a certain Salarian...plus time to go hunting slavers. See you soon.