A/N

Hello one and all. Really really sorry for the delays in getting this next chapter done. Two and a half months! Real life, trying to pay the bills and a bad case of writers block. I hope you enjoy this next chapter and forgive me for the poor updating. I promise I will try and get chapter 10 out faster.

Reko-Luna: I know Asari are natural biotics. However it never made sense to me that all the Asari are all formidable biotics. Some will be incredibly formidable. Some will be very weak and most will be average. I always figured that Asari would be as a capable as using amps as the next species, although for them they might truly be amplifiers and not enablers like they are for humans. I read a few other fics that referred to Asari with amps and though why not. Thanks for the review and I hope you enjoyed reading it.

Subsider34: Thanks for another review glad you enjoyed it. I don't see why Aria has to be secretive about her daughter. On Omega very few people would be dumb enough to try and take advantage.

ElDani: I do like explosions. There will be more. Promise. Nat is a little bit of a bleeding heart but is rapidly becoming just more interested in bleeding! Glad you like Garrus introduction, and he will be around from time to time. There are undoubtedly combat sims around. Nat might try and find one to use but I'm not sure how easy they would be easy to find on Omega.

GreenRena: Sorry about the wait. Glad you enjoyed the last chapter and hope you enjoy this one as well. Keep on with the fan fiction you're English will keep on improving.

KhazintheDark: And after a quickupdate...I made you wait an age. Sorry about that. Hope you enjoy this chapter and I will get the next one out faster. With Asari being naturally biotic, I envision them being more or less talented. Some will be strong without, and really scary. Others only capable of throwing a warp with assistance from an amp. I dont think Asari amps would be the surgical gear that Humans need. After all Humans are not naturally biotic, so I'm sure Asari could get away with something less dramatic. Just a pet peeve of mine. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. I'm not 100% happy with this one but it's done. Next chapter on the way.

Archangel drops me off at a parking ledge just down from Afterlife, before his combat skimmer vanishes into the haze. There are plenty of people around as Omega's 'dayshift' is beginning but no one is coming anywhere near me as I walk the short distance to Aria's club, they're doing their best to keep the hell away from me. Not surprising since my armor's filthy after the night's battle. I'm covered in dirt, and dust as well as liberally splashed in the blood of Turian, Batarian and Human slavers. I stop for a second as I round the corner, there is still a queue at the entrance, a long line waiting for entrance past the bouncer. I shake my head in bemusement, I mean why the hells would you want to go clubbing now? Still as long as they're not getting in my way I don't give a shit, I just want to give Aria her update then crash out for a while at my apartment, I'm beat. I stomp towards the club muttering to myself about impatient Asari bitches and when the Turian bouncer moves to step in front of me I start to lose my temper.

"Don't." The bouncer stops short at my tone, angry and dangerous. I pop my visor up so he can see my face, as well as the fact that I'm tired and pissed off.

"It's Stern, and I have a report for Aria, now get out of my way." There's a moment of hesitation and I wonder if he's actually that dumb, or if Aria has decided it's time for another test. Then he steps back and lets me through. Good.

"Wise." I say curtly, and stomp past him. The Turian snorts angrily to himself as I pass but I don't care, he'll just take out his mood on the queue, and the doors close behind me to shut him off. The outer passage is fairly empty, a few small groups having conversation in the quieter area, and I pass them all by, the inner doors opening into Afterlife proper. I think the club might actually be slightly quieter than my last visit, but the bars are still open and busy, barely clothed Asari are still very distracting and there are still plenty of people drinking their cares away. I head across the floor, a path opening before me almost magically, and I reach the stairs to Aria's private area. I don't recognise the Batarian guarding the stairs, and his face is comical as he takes in my bloodied armor. I don't think he appreciates most of the blood being orange. I tell him Aria is expecting my report before he can start ranting and he quickly steps aside and waves me up the stairs. I shake my head at the lax security. Just because I said Aria was waiting for me doesn't mean I was telling the truth.

At the top of the stairs Aria's guard watch tensely as I slowly relinquish my collection of weapons, the Claymore especially drawing some looks. Once my weapons are stored in the armory rack, the guard runs his scanner across me and the guards relax a little as he confirms I'm unarmed. Finally I get to make my report. Aria hasn't been paying attention but now she looks round as I walk up the steps to her sofa where she is relaxing, sipping a glass of Asari wine. I don't bother sitting down, and Aria doesn't offer a seat, her eyes widening slightly the only reaction to my gory state.

"Don't make a mess Stern."

"I won't, I was told you would want a report immediately, so here I am."

"You could have cleaned up." I shrug, I'm here now so why moan?

"I've been busy Aria."

"Yes, you have. My agents tell me you killed around 30 of the slavers. Their clan is going nuts wanting to know who is responsible."

"Yeah, they sent reinforcements and it got messy, otherwise it would have been 9. I didn't plan on the slaves being there."

"Yeah well don't expect me to ship any more slaves off Omega Stern."

"Only when I bargain with Asari huh?" I reply bleakly. She just nods at me grimly.

"Exactly, no one has a chance of stopping slavery on Omega Stern, but I won't tolerate Asari kids as slaves, you find any more and any other slaves you release at the same time I'll pick up the transport cost. Otherwise I won't get in the way if you release them and manage to ship them off Omega but the cost is on you Stern."

"Sound's fine to me Aria. Thanks for the comm code, he was a big help."

"Yeah well consider it a fair exchange. The Humans will be leaving in a little under 2 hours , and the Asari are safe until I relocate them. In future any arrangement you make with Archangel is between you and him Stern, you're job for me is bring me my money and that lousy fuck's head. Understood?"

"Perfectly."

"What are your plans now?"

"Now? I'm gonna get some sleep, don't expect anything else for a few cycles Aria."

"Don't keep me waiting Stern."

"I won't, this was just the first step, but next time they'll be waiting so I need to prepare."

Aria nods at me shrewdly.

"Archangel said you were a rookie, but that you did better on your own than some squads he'd worked with. If that's right then you'll be useful to me Stern. Get out of here, go rest up and take the time you need but don't forget I want my cut soon."

Dismissing me with a wave, Aria twists away to watch her domain again, drink in hand, and I turn and retrieve my weapons from her guards, then head for the exit. Time to go home and see how Serah is.

20 minutes later and I punch in the entry code for my apartment. The door hisses open and I stroll in, locking it again. There's a happy yell from Serah's room and my friend comes hurtling across and wraps me in a fierce hug.

"Nat! Welcome back! Are you okay? How did it go? The news system is reporting a big fight on 23. Was that you? I was so worried about you."

I'm slightly stunned by the energy of her welcome and gently disentangle myself from her arms.

"Whoa Serah. Wow you surprised me there, thanks for the welcome. I'm fine and I everything went well. On 23? Yeah I guess that was me, I took out the slavers at the auction mart and released a load of slaves as well."

"Wow Nat, come on grab a seat and I'll get you a drink then you can tell me all about it, I want to know everything."

"Everything?" I ask, sounding a bit bemused. She turns around in the kitchen and gives me a determined look.

"Of course. I'm a survivor, but I'm no fighter Nat, but I want to help you how I can. I can teach you about your biotics and meditation, but mostly I think it's important to be there for you to listen, and let you talk about stuff."

"Stuff? Like what Serah?" I'm a little confused now, all I want is out of my suit and a hot shower. Serah looks at me uncertainly like she's not sure how to say something.

"Ok Nat. You remember I was studying medicine?" I nod and she carries on. "Okay well one of the things we studied is how different species cope with being in warfare. It turns out that most of us don't do real well. Without proper care most soldiers involved in combat become traumatized over time. Apparently Humans are also familiar with the problem, and have tried to deal with it for centuries."

"Yeah I guess that's right Serah. Humans are real good at fighting wars but historically not so good at caring for their soldiers. There's a whole load of conditions Human doctors talk about. Is that why you want me to talk about taking out the slavers?"

"Yes."

"Um but I'm not Human any more Serah." It's weak but it's the only evasion that springs to mind. My blue friend looks pretty determined.

"You're not so different either Nat. Did you feed on any of the slavers you killed?"

Damn she dropped that question in there cold. I remember the terror on the slaver's face as he worked out what I am, and realised his fate, then the sweetness of his life force as adrenaline surged in his blood. The shrieks as I incinerated him. He was a tasty snack but mostly I was glad he got to feel terror before he died. Human's are food now but did I go over the top? Maybe Serah has a point. I nod slowly.

"One Human. A rapist. I fed on him then used the incinerate Mordin gave me on him."

"Okay so you fed and then burned the body?" I suddenly realise I'm sitting down on the sofa and I'm not sure when I moved.

"Umm actually he was still alive when I started the burn."

I'm staring at the floor refusing to look at Serah, suddenly scared of what her expression will be. Gods I burned him from his feet up, I made it last as long as I could. When did I become that person? Is that because I'm a vampire, or was I always capable of cruelty like that? She sits beside me on the sofa and gives me a hug.

"Why did you do that?" The question is quiet but her tone isn't judgemental and the answer tumbles out of my mouth.

"He deserved it Serah. I had to listen to his gloating on their comms, bragging about the slaves he raped and which to have next. I...I wanted him to feel terror before he died in agony. And he did, he couldn't escape and I fed until he was conscious but helpless, then I burned him starting at his feet."

"How do you feel about that now?"

"I don't know? Ashamed? He deserved to die and I don't regret feeding on him. I didn't need it but he deserved to feel helpless and terrified. It tasted good. I could have just shot him in the head and then burned the body but I didn't. Wondering if I really am a monster now?"

"I don't think you're a monster." I look up and she's looking at me sympathetically.

"You don't?" Why not? Now I think about it I do.

"Combat brings out the best and worst in all of us Nat. This is why I want to talk through the raid, to help you deal with things. Those thoughts you're having about being a monster. Did you have them already, or just since I asked about it?"

I slowly admit that I had kind of briefly thought about it on the way home.

"Do you think it would have preyed on your mind?"

"Uh yeah Serah I think it would."

"So that one incident would have started traumatizing you, eating away at your mental health. I'm your friend Nat and I won't let you do that to yourself. You know what I think?"

"No?"

"I think that you took vengeance for his actions and personally I have no problem with you feeding on him and then killing him, he totally deserved that. You went too far burning him alive but you know that now, and extreme situations can bring extreme responses. You told me you have no training as a soldier, so that means you haven't been trained to obey the rules of war, taught discipline like soldiers are to prevent those kind of actions in combat. Without that training you are more vulnerable to your emotions getting the better of you in combat and you will need to be aware of it. Do you know how I know you're not a monster?"

I shake my head as she holds my gaze.

"You freed the slaves and then stayed and defended them when you didn't need to. Those aren't the actions of a monster. You may not be Human now Nat, but you still have your humanity."

"I...thanks Serah, I really needed that."

"Just remember that I believe in you to do the right thing when it matters Nat. You already have and that's the kind of person you are. Tell you what, get out of that armor and go shower, get clean and let the water help clear your head. When you're done, we can talk and go through everything together okay?"

"That sounds like an awesome idea Serah." My mind feels like a weight is off it, and you can consider me a convert to after action reviews for sure. The shower is calling me and I know it's going to be a long one but I'm not worried about talking about the raid any more. She gives me a brilliant grin and pulls me to my feet off the sofa, pushing me in the direction of the bathroom.

"Shower with the armor on first, get that shit off it, and I'll see you in a bit, I'm going to have a wash now you got gunk on me."

After a long, hot shower where I just relished the almost scalding water pounding the tension out of my muscles, cleaning away the grime, sweat, fear and anger of my raid, I got changed into a simple pair of sweats and comfy top then joined Serah to go over events. Was it fun? No. Useful? Yes, definitely, taking apart my actions and reactions, discussing my choices and logic, analysing my thoughts and emotions of my first large major action with Serah was weirdly cathartic for me, but her perspective on my choices was invaluable and soothed my soul, as much as I learned what better choices I could have made. In all honesty I learnt quite a lot, about what I need to learn, what equipment I need to acquire and about how my mind works, which was not something I ever really considered before. Having Serah helping me cope was a new experience, but one I decided I would treasure. Not being alone with the problems in your head is enormously strengthening. We talked for hours afterwards, just relaxing, chilling out, making plans for the next couple of cycles, shopping to get and training I need, as well as Serah's plans. Now that I was back she wanted to resume her job. Eventually we both decided that it was time for rest and retired to our rooms. I dropped on my bed and collapsed asleep almost immediately.

A couple of hours into the day cycle and Serah and I are at Mordin's clinic. The Salarian was not happy when we arrived, telling Serah that he hadn't had enough time to locate anyone else hunting her. Serah just told him that was too bad, she was going stir crazy in my apartment, and was adamant she was staying for work. The hyper Salarian muttered to himself about crazy Asari as he stomped away to his lab, Serah following him a moment later after saying hello to the staff on reception, leaving me standing alone to debate my plans.

I'm armed and armoured just in case I come across any slavers, but my plan for the day cycle hopefully doesn't include violence. I've eaten already, downing a unit of Mordin's stock of Asari blood at the apartment, so I feel great, and I'm not worrying about the Hunger catching me out. After making sure that the reception have my comm code in case there are problems I say goodbye to Serah and Mordin and head out.

25 minutes later and I reach Wanderer's Wares again. Ranolt's open and alone in the shop and waves me in enthuiastically.

"Nat, welcome back, it's good to see you again!"

"Hi Ran, how you doing?"

"Good, good, I managed to sell some of the gear you brought me before so it's all good. What can I do for you?"

"I need your Quarian technical expertise Ran."

The trader cocks his head at me questioningly and I catch a glimpse of glowing eyes narrowing slightly behind his mask.

"Uhhuh. Okay Nat what am I doing and what's in it for me?"

I grin at him, it's good to know Ranolt has his priorities right. I fish out the cred chips I recovered from the slavers.

"Well I have these cred chips. My hack soft ware isn't much good but I know it's okay for getting through lightweight chip security. I figure that means there should be an interesting amount on these chips, as I can't break them. I want you to break the coding, supply me with the best hack program you've got for a novice and show me how to get the best out of it. In turn you get 10% of whatever is on here. Plus I have a load of other shopping to do."

My Quarian friend laughed in my face.

"10%! Hah, so I show you my tricks, give you the best tools available and then get 10% of nothing if you're wrong. No way Nat, I thought you were Human not a Volus."

"Ouch Ran that hurt. Okay what do you want?"

He looks at me then at the handful of cred chips obviously weighing up what might be on them. He wants in on my haul but doesn't want to be out of pocket. Given our surroundings he is probably wondering just who these were 'recovered' from, an d the potential consequences. It takes him almost a minute of thought to reply.

"Nat the kind of gear that can hack these chips isn't cheap. You're looking at 100k just for the basics."

"What!? Ran you trying to scam me?"

"No, no. Cred chips are pretty secure you know even the small denominations. Large amounts are kept on high security chips and they are are almost unbreakable. The level of coding you need is full blown intrusion software not your casual wireless omnitool hacker. The program itself only comes as a hard chip that installs in your omnitool not as code. It will break these chips no problem but it will also hack security systems, omnilocks, comms system, you name it. You're talking military grade, special ops gear and it costs. That you even have those chips means you can probably pay for the gear...once the chips are cracked. I don't even want to know where you got them, and I can't go out and source a cracking unit for you. Too easy to trace that kind of search which mean I will need to give you the one I have for myself...which I have tinkered with. It will take you an age to discover all the things it can do."

"Ran, what're you doing with that kind of gear?" I gently tease him. This is Omega after all.

"Don't ask me no questions Nat and I won't lie to you." I can hear the grin in his voice.

"Fair enough. So what's the deal then?"

"I'll show you you can't break these chips with normal gear Nat, then I will break them for you with my gear, and transfer the creds to you without the hardware for half the total. Or I give you my tricked out tech as well for 65%. Either way you agree to bail me out if someone comes after me for helping you out."

"No way Ran, 65% of my take? That's outrageous! You any idea what I went through to get those?"

"No, and I don't want to that's the point Nat. You're lucky I'm even able to supply at all, after breaking these I could have a target on my head for an age. I'll admit I'm curious what's on the chips, hell if you got lucky I could retire off this, but I could also end up dead. 50% split with the tech. That's the best."

"40%."

"45% with the tech and if my share is less than 150k you owe me the difference."

I want to squeak with outrage at Ran's terms but thinking about it I have to admit it seems fair. With a sigh I hold out my hand to the Quarian to shake. He looks at me in bemusement before I realise e doesn't know the custom.

"It's a Human thing Ran, shake hands to seal the deal, also sometimes as a welcome and other stuff as well."

Ran pauses then shakes my hand. Deal.

"Well bargained and done Natalia Stern. Let me lock up and we can get sorted."

The Quarian hurries out from his counter and locks up the shop unit, so we can have some privacy before inviting me back through to his large work shop and store room. There are electronics, circuitry, pieces of weaponry and equipment all over and I gaze around fascinated. Ranolt is a bit of a pack rat, I think but obviously knows his way around his products. I find a spare stool and watch as he brings another omnitool over.

"Okay do you have your own cred chip Nat so I can show you the basic encryption?"

I pass it across a little hesitantly. Ran chuckles before explaining.

"Nat if we are doing this we do it properly. We will hack your chip as a tester but not transfer anything just to show you. Then I'll try and hack these chips with the basic hacking routines on this omnitool. Once that fails, we'll break the cred chips and get access. Then I will install the chip to your suit omnitool, show you how to operate it, split the creds as agreed, then use your new hack tech to re-encrypt a pair of the cred chips to have one each so we both have our creds secured. Then you can transfer your creds off your old hacked chip to the new secure chip and you are laughing. Agreed?"

"Huh. That sounds like a good plan Ran, I just hope it's a good pay day for us both."

"Human, you're friendly and I like you, but you better believe I think it will be worth it or there is no way on Rannoch's sacred shores I would do this. I may just take a transport to Illium or somewhere else to stay for a while once we are done."

"Yeah I understand Ran. No problem let's get on with it."

With that the Quarian starts blowing my mind with his expertise. He uses the standard omnitool and hacks my cred stick in seconds much to my dismay. Laughing again at my expression he reassures me he is good at this and the security I had on it was adequate for most needs. I just ruefully shake my head and watch as he tries the standard hacking program on the secure cred chips. Wow. I mean I guess it's a good thing but those chips are really solid. When he tells me it would take the omnitool over a month of continuous work to crack their first level of security I realise just how good they are. Convinced I watch as he brings up his omnitool and uses the intrusion chip.

Damn. It broke all 4 chips triple tier security levels in 174 seconds. Seeing that I realise that I am getting a good deal. We both watch in shock and then glee as the credits transfer. Ranolt bounces on his feet in delight as the totals come up. His share is...374, 624 creds. Mine is 457873. Frack me. I never dreamed the slavers would have this kind of money, but I guess it makes sense. If this is what they have lying around, then getting Aria's cut should be easy enough. It takes Ranolt 5 minutes to calm down enough to stop bouncing. A score this big is clearly major news for the Quarian.

"Ha! I can clear my debts! Get off rock and really make some money on Illium. Human this is the best day I've had in years. Probably since I left the Migrant Fleet for my pilgrimage. Okay a deal is a deal let's get your armor's omnitool upgraded. Jormangaud make good gear but this chip will make it a lot better."

Ranolt fusses with his omnitool for a minute before ejecting a chip from a hidden socket. 2 minutes later and he has the maintenance ports on my armor's omnitool open and is busy fitting the chip.

My suit's VI immediately registers the presence of the new hardware, and begins integrating the intrusion tech into its systems. 20 seconds later the VI tells me it has completed the process and the new hardware is ready to use. In addition it begins analysing its systems to determine which of its processes can now be upgraded. Wow it looks like breaking a cred chip is the tip of the iceberg of what this tech can do. Suddenly I don't think I need to do as much shopping as I thought. Ranolt's voice interrupts my thoughts.

"So Nat, the chip is fully installed and from a quick look I can tell you have just had a major improvement to your capabilities with ECM, hacking and systems intrusion as well as security tunnelling. I've given you all my tricks in that modded chip as well so I have sent you a file with how to get the best out of it. It's not gonna turn you into a combat engineer in a cycle but you'll hold your own. What other gear had you wanted to get?"

"My suit VI is telling me the same thing Ranolt, most of the ideas I had for stuff I needed the chip does. I did still want a system for audible sound dampening for use on the armor, as a stealth tool."

"Hmm, nope sorry that's not something I can provide. You're gonna need a real armorer for that Nat, you might find one on the lower levels but I don't know of one this high up."

"Yeah I figured that would be difficult to find. Oh well you've already solved most of my problems Ran, and made some good creds as well. Thanks for the help."

"Oh you're welcome Human, you have my comm codes and I have yours. Don't forget I'm calling you when someone comes after me, but I'll be on Illium so hopefully I won't see you again. Good luck Nat. Keelah Seelai."

"Good luck Ranolt."

The Quarian ushers me out of his store and locks it behind him as we both leave. I head for the lower levels and he heads to his apartment to start packing. I hope he gets off Omega safely, and decide I'll keep his comm code for the future. You never know when it will come in though I have to find some more equipment and hopefully some backup. I'm gonna visit my Krogan friend Urdnot Havnoc.

Ecktar's Emporium looked to be busy as normal. As I arrived in the square I watched a pair of Turians walk in after passing Havnoc's scrutiny on the door. The little market area seemed to be normal enough, various species conducting their business in small stalls dotted around, cooking smells laced through the stench of the damned slave mart I am walking past. A pair of Batarians glare at me from inside their gate. I doubt they recognise who I am, fully armed and armoured I'm just a female, and therefore on Omega most likely Asari, although possibly Human. Undoubtedly they would love to add me to their stock, but it looks like they haven't yet replaced the 6 Havnoc and I killed last time I was through here. From the lack of immediate reaction I'm guessing the Slaver clans don't have a good visual of me from the raid, so I should have an edge for a while yet.

I tell the suit VI to keep an eye on their comm channels and security systems and it starts filtering the traffic in the area with a speed that is phenomenal compared to its previous performance.

Havnoc watches as walk across. With my visor open he can see my face and more importantly catch my scent. The wide grin that stretches across his teeth filled maw tells me he recognises me as my huge friend steps forward with a friendly thump to my shoulder that could break bone if you were unlucky.

"Stern Natalia, well met." His voice booms out.

"Urdnot Havnoc. How are you my friend?" I thump my fist into his shoulder in return. His eyes widen at the force. Havnoc knows I'm not a normal human but not the extent of my differences. That thump was heavy enough that he really felt it but not enough to do damage.

"Well Nat, business is good so Ecktar is happy. I'm bored without a good fight but that can change easily. I didn't recognise you in that Jormangaud suit. You must be doing well. What do you need?"

"I'll tell you all about it inside. I need a good armorer for some upgrades to my suit, and some weapon mods."

The big Krogan nods his understanding.

"It will be a few minutes for Ecktar to finish with his customers then we can close for a while. I'm sure he will want to say hello."

"No problem Havnoc, I have plenty of time."

I lean against the railing outside the Emporium, chatting with Havnoc, and a short time later the Turians wander back out, one looking happy with his purchase an AR he is still preening over like a proud parent. I'm not very familiar with Turian body language but his friend looks bemused to me. I head in the store and Havnoc follows shutting and locking the door behind us as he calls out to Ecktar to come and see me. I reach the counter as Ecktar trots out from the store at the rear, the typical Salarian rapidity slightly comical.

"Ah Natalia Stern welcome back to Ecktar's Emporium. Glad to see you well. Look forward to more successful trading. Havnoc granted preferred customer status to give best deal possible. Hmm significantly better equipped than last visit. Much improved in short time. Havnoc stated very capable in fight. Progress suggests must be true. Must tell story."

I agree and give the odd pair a condensed version of my last few cycles on Omega, skipping my dietary peculiarities but not much else.

"Hmm working for Aria T'Loak? Attracted much attention since last visit." Ecktar comments.

"Hah so it was you that wiped out the slavers up tower? Heard that was a slaughter, you blew them to hell. Well done Nat, I wish I was there!" Havnoc laughed in approval and typical Krogan bloodlust. His reaction boosts my hope of leaving with backup.

"Yeah, it was me. I got in no problem and then discovered a load of slaves. I kind of have a thing about slavery so I freed them and then had to stay and defend them until backup arrived to get them out. The slavers sent reinforcements but I rigged the eezo core of a hovtruck as a bomb. After that went off it wasn't that hard of a fight. Still if you do want in on the fight I'm not finished yet Havnoc. Aria wants the clan leader's head. He owes her near 2 million credits and I'm her collector. I don't explicitly have to kill them all but this is kind of a job interview and Aria wants a statement made so I could use the back up."

"Yesssss! You're krant Nat, I will gladly fight with you. We'll slaughter them all!" Havnoc is stomping the metal floor in anticipation of a glorious fight. His Salarian partner is quick to interject.

"Heavily outnumbered Havnoc. Putting business at risk of loss of partner...also possible repercussions from remaining slaver clans. Reward justify risk?"

"Phah Ecktar the fight will be glorious and I can slaughter Batarians! What more do I need?"

"Hmm, credits always welcome...salvage rights...additional reinforcements...intelligence on main slave base layout. Will think of more."

"Gah...curse it Ecktar, I swear you traders are more cut throat than any mercenary." Havnoc grumbled before turning to me. "I will be fighting with you regardless Nat, but my Salarian partner has a point about the risk to the business. Is there much reward to be had, and any chance of additional support?"

"I understand Havnoc. Aria wants bloodshed for her entertainment, Dtcharten bar Yeis's head and 2 million credits she is owed. So that's what she gets. I pulled almost 800k out of the safe in the last depot. There must be much more in the main base. We give Aria her cut and the rest is ours. I don't have other help at the moment but if I try and free more slaves then I have Archangel's comm code to help with extraction."

Both their jaws dropped at the measure of the infamous Archangel. Ecktar blinks rapidly as he processes the information for a second before managing to look resigned to Havnoc fighting, as well as slightly troubled. The Salarian beckons the Krogan to join him for a private chat. Havnoc follows Ecktar to the store room, unaware I can still clearly hear their conversation.

"Havnoc financial reward potentially...huge. Would be foolish not to take risk. Have no dispute with helping if agree that reward is for business. Regret not a fighter, only able to help with equipment but will cover cost of equipment. Agree?"

"Huh Ecktar ok you make sense, but if your contribution is equipment then make sure Nat is looked after. Understood?"

"Yes yes Havnoc. Human already well equipped but can see what other equipment she needs. You tell?"

"Yeah I got it."

The trading duo come back out the store room, and I pretend I don't know what they said.

"Did you sort things out Havnoc?"

"Yeah Nat, Ecktar wants to help as well in exchange for a share, and if anything happens to me he gets mine."

"Huh. Havnoc I know you can fight but the Salarian?"

"Not a fighter Human but will supply equipment." Ecktar interupts.

"What can you supply that is a fair trade Ecktar?" I shoot back, putting the Salarian trader on the spot in a musing tone to show I am considering it.

"What do you need?" The Salarian stutters, and besides him Havnoc shakes his head at the elementary mistake.

"A system that cancels out movement noise, and cancels sound energy when dropping from height and a tactical cloak." I reply flatly.

Ecktar gawps for a moment then visibly bites the urge to retort. I know tactical cloaks are expensive, after all if they were cheap everyone would have one but I don't even know if the sound cancelling gear is available, I'm just assuming someone must have thought of it. Hell if you can bend light waves how hard should sound waves be?

"Tactical cloak not possible Human," Ecktar starts before swivelling to Havnoc as the Krogan gives a deep huff of displeasure. "Havnoc only source of cloaks on Omega is Aria T'Loak and very expensive, 1.5 million creds per unit. Plus Jormangaud power system not sufficient. Can supply drop and motion dampener units though. Similar wave form theory involved, but much much easier to do. Still rare, not many choose to drop from a height, units beat sound not gravity. Suit power source easily sufficient for this purpose though. Will take 2 cycle to locate and source, expect cost 200 – 240k creds."

Havnoc gives a grunt of approval to his colleague and the Salarian looks relieved as he turns back to me.

"Satisfactory Human?"

"Anything else you can do for me Ecktar?" No point in not seeing how far Ecktar's enthusiasm to be involved will take him. The Salarian gives a little snort and the orange of his omnitool burst into life as his nimble claws fly across the controls. The shops scan unit flares into life again and pans over me. Wish he had warned me but I grin and bear it.

"Hmm suit customized and upgraded already, good job as well. Weapons Human?"

"Grenades and explosives would be handy."

"Hmm good can supply no problem. Deal?"

I let the Salarian off lightly. "Deal"

"Good. Will arrange armor upgrade, suggest you and Havnoc search out additional reinforcements and additional intelligence if possible."

"Not a bad idea, I do have a great deal of data I downloaded from the Slavers' system but I haven't analysed it yet."

"Suggest would be good next action."

The conversation draws to a close and I agree to meet them next day cycle to get my armor upgrade.

Havnoc tells me he will see if he can find out any more about Yeis's slaver operations and I wave them both a good bye before heading back to Mordin's clinic. It's still early but I can spend the time until Serah finishes her shift looking over the data I stole earlier.

The clinic receptionist nods a welcome as I walk in, and I head to the isolation ward to borrow the terminal there, throwing Serah a wave as I see her in the corridor. I settle in quickly and start sifting through the stolen files. They're quite informative, records of slave shipments through the depot, and breakdowns of the slave by species, as well as dates of forthcoming shipments. Interesting stuff but not particularly earth shattering. I'm really looking for plans of the slavers facilities but no joy. Going through what I do have I examine the shipping manifests again. Hmm, the slavers had shipped a load of slaves from that depot to the main facility a few levels down only a couple of cycles before I hit them...and half of them were Asari. They were there but are they now? If I can prove it I might be able to get some more help out of Aria. After some thought I decide the best option I have is to take advantage of how close the slavers are to Ecktar's. I'm going to try and hack their system next cycle. I spend a couple of hours getting more familiar with the intrusion enhancements, a little surprised at how the suit VI has managed to tie the chip's functions into its systems. I wont need to manually use the chip, I can just tell the VI what I want and it will manage the task far more efficiently than I can. Finally Serah finishes her shift and sticks her head into the ward, prying me from my studies with a quick yell. She grabs her stuff and we head back to the flat, chatting about her day on the way.

"Did your shopping trip go well Nat?"

"Yes, I got some great new kit, and I've arranged an upgrade for my armor Serah. I have to go back to Ecktar's Emporium next day cycle so it can be fitted. Was everything okay here?"

"Umm, I think so. Carla said she thought some Turian might have been hanging around outside the safe zone but he moved away before she could be sure. I'm sure it was nothing, it's not like there aren't a million reasons someone might need to wait down there for a few minutes."

"Well sure there are lots of reasons Serah, so long as none of them involve hurting or kidnapping you, which is what Mordin and I are worried about."

"You worry too much Nat, it'll be fine." Serah protests.

"Well I think I'll comm Ecktar and tell him I need to postpone for a cycle or so." I reply as I reach for my comm controls, only to stop as my Asari friend glows and punctuates her words with biotically reinforced finger jabs to my suit's breast plate as she glares angrily at me.

"You will not! I am not some precious doll that will shatter. I looked after myself just fine before you came along Nat, and I can manage for a day or so without you on guard duty. You're my friend not a damned body guard. You will go and get the armor upgrade done and I will be fine. Understood?"

I shake my head in dismay. There will be no stopping her. In the short time I've known Serah I have already realised that she can be really stubborn if you push her too far and I guess I have. Or maybe Mordin has been on at her during her shift? I raise my hands in mock surrender.

"Okay, Okay. Goddess Serah I'm only trying to help."

"Oooohhh. I know. Sorry Nat. Mordin has been trying to convince me to take more time off almost all shift."

I give a quick laugh.

"I figured he must have wound you up a bit."

"A bit? I wish." Serah laughs as well and the anger goes out of her. We finish the trip home talking about anything else but without tension, and I agree I will go to Ecktar's as planned. I'm gonna worry about it but Serah is adamant. I manage to keep the conversation up as we walk, but I can tell from the annoyed then resigned glances she throws at me occasionally Serah knows I am paying more attention to our surroundings and the suit sensors than the chatter. We get back to our block and as Serah palms the bio lock I turn for a final look. Nothing. I hope it stays that way.