Aria T'Loak gazes into space from her private balcony in Afterlife. The music thumps away outside of her privacy field, customers, drinking, dancing and cavorting with the tell tale hard edged desperation that Omega produces. Her face is neutral as she turns back to her assistant, soaking up the report, mind whirring away like a precise analytical machine as she judges the other Asari. Pashya's humiliation at Stern's hands certainly deflated the woman's ego and she is doing her utmost to be efficient but invisible obviously aware that her status has been badly damaged.
Aria nods coolly to signal her understanding and Pashya hurries away to find another job to complete where only cycles ago she would have waited, self confident in her assumed status as Aria's assistant. Stern's bruising biotic encounter had definitely left scars. Aria idly wondered if Pashya would recover her normal swagger or not, it didn't matter as long as she did the job Aria required, and if her work suffered the Asari was easily replaceable. A smirk passed across her coldly beautiful features at the thought of having Stern conduct job interviews for her. That would be...fascinating. The mercenary was an interesting development for life on Omega. A mystery that just appeared from nowhere, and wasn't very forthcoming with answers. She had certainly managed to stir up the Batarian slavers with her raid, and Pashya's report of more violence at a slaver site, a Human female in full armor liberally spattered with the orange of Batarian blood seen leaving the scene certainly indicated that Stern was doing as she had been asked, and with a healthy degree of brutally violent enthusiasm, and without doubt at least some skill although not much experience apparently.
Assuming the Human...Aria pauses as she considers the very odd scan readings her guards had taken of Stern. Is she Human? Assuming Stern finishes her task successfully she and Aria will have another meeting, and Aria decides she would have the answers she wants in the most direct way possible, from Stern's mind. There are too many unanswered questions to take her on as an enforcer without delving into her mysteries. Especially her biotics. Pashya wasn't remotely in Aria's league as a biotic but she was no slouch either. Coming across a non Asari biotic strong enough to handle Pashya with such utter certainty and contempt, especially without an amp, had been a real surprise and Aria didn't like surprises. She was more curious than concerned, but she would definitely have answers.
Still the wannabe enforcer had won herself a deal of goodwill with Omega's Queen by releasing the Asari taken as slaves by the Batarians, plus some begrudging respect for her negotiating for the repatriation of the other released slaves off Omega. As much as she knew the slave trade was utterly unavoidable and vital to Omega, Aria loathed slavers and Stern's obvious loathing of the trade was interesting. She could be a useful asset. Taking another sip of her cocktail Aria ponders the released Asari slaves. They were now headed back into the Asari republics, all except the former commando who was hungering for payback against the Batarians. An old aquaintance from Aria's previous careers Furti T'Moorta had visited Aria earlier in the night cycle. After Stern's rescue she had sent her child back to Asari space to stay with family, before asking for the contact details of the Human who rescued her and advising Aria she was going to give the Batarians hell. Aria gave Furti the details as well as a warning the Batarians had at least a basic description of Stern's armor now. It would, Aria reflects, be an interesting partnership if Nat and Furti did work together. Her mind is distracted by the sight of an argument between 2 Turians and a Krogan erupting into violence down below her balcony, her team of bouncers moving swiftly to intervene. Omega's ruler watches intently, eyes missing nothing, mind whirring away.
It's 15 minutes since I staggered out of the base and I'm mildly surprised I'm still alive after my almighty cluster fuck of a raid. I haven't gone far. Barely a couple of minutes after I reached the darkness of the alleys the first slaver reinforcements started arriving and I was still too of balance to run far so I opted to go up. Most people forget about searching above them and right now I have to rely on that and hope for the best. I'm still deaf, so I have to rely on the VI to highlight potential threats on my HUD plus my sense of smell. At least I'm not still seeing stars from the damn flash bangs. Bastard slaver really got me good, I need to remember my enhanced senses can be used against me. Once I reached the darkness I jumped for the first maintenance gangway I saw, smashing clumsily into it with my screwed up balance but I held on and pulled myself up. Then with the suit's audio dampening active I hurried as best I could deeper into the maintenance network, taking every opportunity to climb higher away from my the scene of my fuck up. Once I spotted the first slavers down below I buried myself in the shadows and settled down to watch as I heal. Once I have my balance and hearing back I'll do my best to sneak away without picking more fights. I've had my fill for one night. I grin to myself at the unintentional pun on my new feeding habits, before turning my attention back to my HUD.
I have the VI displaying imagery from the slaver's security systems, as well as an ongoing update on the status of their attempts to hack back through the firewalls my VI set up. The slavers are almost through and will regain control of their systems in a few minutes. What I really want is to make sure I can preserve my access to their wider network.
"VI will your probe into the slavers' data system be discovered when they break through the firewall?" I can't hear myself talk which is fucking weird and annoying. The VI responds by displaying scrolling text.
"Negative. Trojan probe and implanted security ID codes are embedded into the targeted primary secure database. Access will be retained and there will be no evidence of direct infiltration, although analysis of network traffic would give clues that their systems might have been compromised."
"Anything you can do to prevent that?" It occurs to me that I am referring to the VI as an entity itself but it does seem far smarter than anything I have encountered before. I snort. Like I have a huge amount of experience with advanced data systems.
"Analysing...recommend systemic destruction of local systems before firewall is compromised. This will deprive slavers of data for analysis."
"Will that include their security footage?"
"Correct. All local data systems can be actively targeted. User decision required...System firewall failure estimated in 98 seconds."
Well that doesn't need any thought.
"Do it VI, take down their whole local system." I grin, it's not as good as killing your enemies personally but they will definitely be pissed.
"Working."
The VI displays a progress bar, and a small window that displays a scrolling blizzard of machine code and reports that mean nothing to me. A little more than 40 seconds later the bar is full and the status reports stop scrolling.
"Security database eliminated...
Administration database eliminated...
Environmental database eliminated...
Comms database eliminated...
Hardware attack completed.
Forced server stack self destuction complete...
Forced network protocols and routing subsystems self destruction complete...
All intrusion and firewall software removed and trace deleted."
"So there is nothing left for them to find?"
"Correct user. The hacking attempt has been ceased as there is firewall in place, but there is no physical system remaining connected to access."
"Awesome. Well done VI." I shake my head as I realised I just complimented a machine, but hell there is no way in hell I could have done any of that on my own. Awesome technology. There is a pause before the VI continues with its text scrolling.
"This unit is programmed to assist the user to achieve maximum efficiency with use of Crisis Suit systems and and maximise user survival. There is no need for praise."
"Yeah I know that I guess, but I know I could not have done any of that myself using the intrusion chip manually so how did you do it?"
"Suit VI incorporates adaptive core technology. Analysis and integration of upgraded intrusion technology allows VI to utilise systems fully."
"Huh, well all I know is that for a VI you seem very intelligent."
"This unit is not self aware, however included adaptive core allows system efficiency management in response to user requirements and actions."
"That means what exactly?"
"This suit VI is a learning system, and adding additional capabilities allows the system to learn more, and function with increased efficiency."
"So can you become self aware?"
"Negative. There is no you. This unit is not an individual."
"Yeah okay I get that, but I can't keep calling you VI it feels weird and I don't want to be called user all the time. My name is Nat and I want you to call me that."
"Working...designating user as Nat. Do you wish to change suit VI designation?"
"Yes, change your designation to Lexa."
"Confirmed. Suit VI will respond to Lexa in addition to VI."
"Lexa you said you can learn and adapt for increased efficiency, does that mean can it be transferred to other armour if necessary?"
"My system core can be transferred if required."
"Okay, good to know."
I have Lexa show me the last of the footage taken from the slaver security system. It shows a small throng of heavily armed slavers descending on the ruined auction mart. I ask for a count and Lexa identifies 24 separate targets before the footage ends, reminding me that much of the facility is out of view as well. The number of slavers is enough that I have no intention of moving for now.
I watch from the shadows as almost 30m down below the small figures of groups of slavers search the alley ways. With Lexa's help I manage to plot my location, and work out that I am actually a full 2 levels above the slavers in my current position. The slaver search parties use torches in the alleys but they never even get close to picking out up my position. Lexa keeps monitoring their communications passively, her enhanced EW systems hacking their wireless communication security easily. In a window on my HUD she displays the text of various conversations letting me get an idea of my enemies' mood.
The slavers' commander is enraged by my attack, but his men are far more reluctant to actually find me for all their anger. The commander communicates with his boss that the auction site is a bloodbath, the systems are destroyed and unrecoverable. He also mentions that they found a body that wasn't totally destroyed by the explosions in the barracks, and that it appears to have been mauled. I curse as I realise I haven't destroyed the evidence of my feeding properly. Will they realise what they have? What it means? Shit, shit, shit. Finally their HQ orders the reinforcements to return to base, taking the body for examination, and leaving a token guard until they can decide whether to repair the site. The local commander orders his men to fall back, and I watch again as small groups of slavers move through the alley below me.
It's 4 hours later and I breathe a sigh of immense relief. My balance is finally almost back to normal and my hearing is returning. I stand and stretch, feeling the clicks as my spine pops in relief from staying still for hours. With no enemies around I engage the suits LIDAR system to help navigate the darkness and pad away through Omega's maintenance system. First stop find somewhere to clean the worst of the gore off my armor.
35 minutes later I breeze through the security system of a run down hab block and Lexa has the building's basic security ignore my existence so there will be no electronic record of my passage. It's still a several hours until day cycle so no one is around as I soundlessly pad along a corridor to the middle of a trio of apartment the block's system says is uninhabited. 20 seconds with my omnitool and the the door slides open.
Lexa's husky voice sounds in my ear. I'm so glad I can hear again. "Nat why did you do that hack manually? I could have done the job much faster and with less risk of attracting attention?"
"I know, but I need practice to develop my skills, or if I lose access to you I will be helpless."
"Understood. Should I run tutorial programs for you if similar opportunities to develop skills arise?"
I pause in thought for a second.
"Lexa that's actually a damn good idea if the situation is not hostile. I'm also very surprised you suggested it. Are you sure you're not an AI?" I ask her, knowing it's weird to think of a VI as a her but I do anyway.
"100% certain Nat. My systems are not self aware. Addition of the infiltration chip has significantly increased my capacity overall, or intelligence. Analysis of the intrusion software has highlighted significant portions of my code that were sub optimal and would benefit from inclusion of the complex mathematics processes, and many other coding sections. In short I am more intelligent, but also smarter and this combined with your insistence that I respond in a more biological named fashion is promoting my heuristic learning functions to adapt. I am not responding to your query in a self aware fashion, but my system understands that you are more comfortable with personalising my functions. Without the additional hardware you provided this level of adaptability would have been impossible, but I am adapting to increased capacity, and analysis shows that helping you to develop your skills is highly desirable if my function of assisting and protecting my user is to be achieved."
Well color me stunned. Wow.
"Wow. Lexa I am blown away. I'd appreciate it if you would let me know if you come up with any more advancements you can make to your systems before you do so, but I am genuinely thrilled, and fascinated at your development. I look forward to seeing what happens next and if you have more suggestions l will be interested to hear them."
"Okay Nat."
I shake my head and after locking the apartment had for its bathroom. Thankfully I am alone, and nothing jumps out at me. The mirror shows my suit is liberally covered in gore. Disgusting. There's a sonic shower which surprises me until I realise water is precious on Omega and I only have a real water shower in my apartment as a luxury. I'd better appreciate it more. I don't bother stripping out of the suit, just jump in and start cleaning the gore off. You know the worst thing about blood? It coagulates. Dries, and becomes fucking hard to remove. It seems to take an age but slowly moving the sonic unit over my armoured body does get rid of the grime. Hopping out Lexa pops the helmet seals and I remove my armoured helm, and glance in the mirror. Shit. I have dried blood all over my neck where it's been streaming from my ears. Dried black rivers disappear under my armor, and my hair is matted and encrusted with dried blood. Looking in my helm it is covered in dried gore. My dried gore. I swallow and then reach for the sonic cleaner. Lexa confirms I wont damage any systems and I methodically begin cleaning the crap out of my helmet. I hadn't planned staying here long enough to shower myself, thinking it would wait until I get home, but my gore covered head and neck convinces me otherwise. Finishing the helm I place it on one side and then strip out of the armor, before stepping into the shower to clean myself up.
It's an hour before day cycle and finally I'm back at my apartment. My trip back was uneventful, once I was cleaned up, I made my way back to the maintenance gangways, and quickly made my way to an elevator to take me back to my own level, before walking calmly back home. At my doorway I punch in the access code and then give a sigh of relief as I walk in, only to almost freak as Serah tackles me.
"Goddess, where have you been Nat?!" Serah demands angrily.
"You know where Serah, I picked up some gear then took down a few slavers." Why am I sounding defensive? My friend's not amused, she's standing there glaring at me.
"Nat, I saw you last like 22 hours ago. There's rumors all over about an Asari or Human seen staggering away from the slave mart next to Ecktar's hours ago. Bodies and explosions all over, and no comm call from you. You go on at me not hiding in here, yet you're the one going and getting shot up! What the hell were you doing and why didn't you comm me?"
Serah's tirade runs down and suddenly she just looks relieved and tired, and I feel guilty for worrying her.
"I'm fine Serah, my little raid was more complicated than I planned for, it took longer to get away than I expected, I had to hide out for a while. You look tired."
"Goddess Nat, of course I'm tired, I haven't slept, and I had a long shift at the clinic. You could at least have commed me."
"Sorry Serah, I guess I didn't think you would be so worried."
My Asari house mate scowls at me before looking at her feet.
"Nat you saved my life and you're my friend, of course I was worried. Just comm me next time okay."
I apologise again and give her a gentle hug, I don't want to hurt her with the armor, and finally she lets me out of the flat hallway. I tell her I'll get a shower and get changed, then come and tell her all about it. I know Serah will want to know everything that happened, she won't sleep until we've talked and after my last review with her I've learned that I will feel better as well. A comm call interrupts us. I look at the image of an Asari on my omnitool, hesitating a second before I recognize her face.
"You were at the slaver facility the other cycle, served as the last line of defence with my Mantis rifle."
"Correct Human. My name is Furti T'Moorta, Aria gave me your comm code."
"My name is Natalia Stern, feel free to call me Nat or Stern. Why do you have my comm code?"
"The first reason is to say thank you again Stern, my daughter is now off Omega and safe along with the other children."
"I assumed you would go with her?"
"She is going to stay with her father, and will be safe with him, he's a Krogan and a strong warrior, while I will stay here on Omega for now. The slavers threatened my family and killed friends I had known for hundreds of years, for that they have earned my retribution."
"You're going after them?"
"I am. From the age of 156 for almost 300 years I served as a commando for the Asari republics, before the call of my matron years became too strong. The Batarian scum will rue the day they chose my colony to attack, and my family to enslave." Her flat tone makes the promise seem a certainty.
"300 years as a commando? That...that is impressive. Aria has told you of my contract with her then?"
"She has and as our ends seem to be in sych I offer my assistance. I assure you I am more than capable of holding my own in combat."
"I've no doubt of that at all Furti. Truthfully I could certainly use your skills. Do you have access to equipment?"
"I believe I have everything I need Stern, I maintained supplies in many places just in case. We should meet to discuss plans."
"Agreed. Hmm if you need any more equipment go to Ecktar's Emporium, and tell him I sent you, he should be able to assist. I am putting together a small team and you can meet us at the Obsidian Orb Bar on level 24. 05:00 next day cycle should be soon enough. How would you describe your skill set?"
"I am comprehensively skilled in all areas, but biotics and long range are my specialities."
"Really? An interesting mix, I look forward to working with you. Feel free to comm me if you need anything before then."
"I will see you at the Orb, Stern."
The Asari signs off and her holographic image winks out of existence.
"Well it looks like you've just gained a sniper Nat." Serah comments from her position on the sofa across the lounge.
"It sounds like it Serah, an Asari commando, just how formidable are they?"
My friend gives a snort of laughter at my lack of knowledge, before waving an apology at my aggrieved expression.
"My mothers had a cadre of commandos Nat. They trained at our estates, served as her agents, as well as soldiers and guards. They were my biotics and combat instructors before I left home, although I only ever learned a fraction of what they knew. Commandos are truly, truly lethal, Nat. When the bitch sent her followers after me, if it had been them who caught up to me I would never have escaped. Many Asari serve as mercenaries in their Maiden years, thus you have the likes of Eclipse. It is an accepted method of young maidens expressing their wild side, like dancers. Some become very skilled, even feared, but in truth they are skilled thugs. Most will then return to the Asari republics at some point and return to a more normal life.
Commandos know only a life of warfare, it is their art form, and they do nothing except hone their mastery of their art. I know some of my mother's commandos served in many wars, eliminated whole squads of enemies alone. A squad of commandos has been known to turn whole conflicts. I will teach you all I know, but if you can persuade one like Furti to teach you then the only person who could surpass their learning would be a matriarch and almost certainly one who served as a commando herself. Until you are certain of her loyalty be very careful to keep you guard around Furti, Nat. Your raw biotics are very powerful, but Furti would take you apart in an instant. She will be a powerful ally but could become a lethal enemy if you are not careful."
I know Asari commandos have a terrifying reputation, but Serah actually knew and trained with them, so I guess I must trust her judgement. The day since my return has been spent relaxing. Serah managed to get some sleep after our review, and after she awoke we have had a meal and just layed around watching vids. Now she pushes herself out of the sofa and assumes a meditation pose in the centre of the floor, beckoning me across to join her.
"What we doing now?"
"Practice Nat, we have little time. Furti could be a blessing or a curse, and we must prepare in case of the worst."
"If you're this worried Serah maybe I should tell her I'm not interested?" Serah looks at me with an incredulous expression.
"Nat, if an Asari commando offers her help, you don't say no, she might wipe you from existence for the insult." Serah tells me flatly, and my nervousness increases.
"Well maybe I could comm Aria and ask her politely to..." I stop talking at Serah's bemused look.
"No?" Serah shakes her head emphatically and I see her point, turning down the commando that Aria pointed in my direction would not be the best plan would it? Shit.
"I'm gonna be stuck with her aren't I?"
"Yes Nat, in the Asari Republics there's an expression about riding Bathnor...an immensely powerful quadruped species that are apex predators...and rarely are trained as mounts, the problem once you are on is getting off almost invariably involves being killed by the mount."
"Huh...Humans have a similar story that involves the Bengal Tiger. I guess I understand what you mean. No choice we just have to do the best we can?"
"Correct Nat."
"Wonderful."
The rest of my day of relaxation is spent practicing biotics and mental mnemonics. I'm making fast progress and I can really notice the extra control in throwing and warping already. Serah has had me concentrating on using my biotics with the most control possible. For a friend she is really a bit if a sadist. After telling her about my experience with flashbangs, Serah decides that I need an incentive to focus my mind.
That's why I am only wearing jogging bottoms and an athletic top, sitting cross legged in our lounge, with a biotic shield around me and a trio of live flashbangs she has set to contact detonation, suspended in mid air before me. I'm sweating now with the effort, and Serah is calmly sitting at the kitchen bar wearing my helm to protect her sight and hearing when the flashbangs drop.
"Well done Nat, you just passed 53 minutes with your barrier active."
The barrier in question is the latest verison of my mental mnemonic for it, and is as strong as I can make it, a vivid cobalt sphere surrounding me that looks solid enough to touch. I'm working those mental muscles overtime, getting tired, while following Serah's instructions, moving the trio of explosives higher, lower, forward, back, side to side, swapping position in revolving sphere. We started with the barrier and then Serah told me to keep the shield up and catch the flashbang. With all of 3 seconds warning she threw the 1st one at my lap. That was 40 minutes ago. The 2nd dropped into play 20 minutes ago, and the 3rd 10 minutes later. I'm controlling them separately, obeying instructions and promising myself vengeance on my sadistic friend. Have to hand it to her though, pain is a get motivator and I know all too well how much pain the fucking things can cause.
I turn to look at her as I spot movement. She's holding a 4th flashbang. Fuck. That's gonna be too much, I've already gone further than I dreamed possible today. With a smirk my 'friend' activates the flashbang, moves behind the cover of the bar and then chucks the damn thing at me.
Aw crap. Time does that weird slow down thing and I reach for the incoming stun grenade with my mind, and it slips through my mental grip like it was covered with zero friction oil. Too tired to grab it. It's 3m away, and it's gonna hit my shield right in my lap. Frickin marvellous. The other trio of stun grenades is hovering just over 1.5m from my nose, and my barrier is radiating 1m around my centre. This is going to hurt. I'd say my life flashes before my eyes, but it would be more accurate to say it's the memory of my last flash bang detonation. As the incoming flashbang reaches 1.5m from my shield I have a minor epiphany. If I drop the other grenades I have 4 ear busting explosions to deal with instead of 1. Fuck. Determination surges through me and in a fraction of a second I follow instinct, and flex the mental muscles again. I retract my shield, pulling it as close to me as I can, reducing the surface area to protect with the energy sphere and strengthening the barrier. At the same time I grab hold of the floating trio with my mind, hold on as tight as I can and screw up my eyes.
There's a dull crump, and a white flash that dazzles me momentarily even through screwed up eyes...then nothing. Huh? Opening my eyes I'm stunned. I'm not deaf or blind, and the trio of grenades are still hanging in mid air. My barrier is still up even. The only sign of the flashbang detonation is the shockwave which has blown the crap out of a pile of datapads Serah had on the coffee table. They're strewn all over the floor. Serah is standing behind the bar, grinning and clapping.
"Well done Nat! I was hoping you'd manage to keep hold of those. That's very good control for someone with so little practice. Really well done!"
Serah hurries out and calmly plucks the flash bangs from the air deactivating them, and then popping them on the bar.
"You can let the barrier down now Nat, practice is over for now. Catch this, you must be hungry."
The bonkers Asari throws me a blood pack as I finally let my barrier down, then drain it hungrily.
"Serah, you're crazy. Totally nuts. You know that right?" She just sniggers at me.
"True but you just practised your barrier harder than you ever would have on your own."
"Huh. You have a point but you're still mad." I grumble at her.
"Rest for a bit Nat, then we can start again."
Groan.
Serah has me practising biotic techniques for almost 8 hours, into the night cycle, developing my ability to focus and concentrate. Afterwards we eat, then talk, looking over the data that Lexa's trojan probe has pulled from the slaver' systems. Planning and bouncing ideas off each other, discussing where Havnoc's strength and ferocity could be best used, where Furti's sniping would be lethal to our enemies, what extra equipment might be necessary. It turns out that Serah's life on the run has developed her native cunning into a tactical mind far better than mine, although it's not like I have a whole lot of training.
We both realise that Furti's commando expertise will probably produce far better planning but at least I won't have nothing to offer in the conversation at the Orb. Halfway through night cycle Serah gives me another hug and goes to crash out in her room. I slowly sip at another blood pack while pondering the schematics that Lexa displayed before me, trying to puzzle out safe routes for a small group, before taking the time to properly check and maintain my armor and weapons. I'm glad Serah's asleep for that, she doesn't need to see the dried blood lining the inside of my torso pieces.
Day cycle arrives, and we get ready. Serah is heading to the clinic for her shift. She is unamused at my insistence that she will not be part of this raid, wanting to be there as a medic. Reluctantly the Asari concedes that combat is not her forte, and is mollified by my pointing out her analysis and cunning has already helped me enormously. We leave the apartment and I walk her to the clinic, taking the time to find Mordin and give him his credits. The Salarian is very surprised at the rapid repayment for the suit and equipment, but in typical Salarian fashion takes all of 15 seconds to get over it, before refilling my suit reservoirs then waving me off with instructions to be careful.
It takes me just over 25 minutes to get down to the Obsidian Orb on level 24, giving me roughly an hour and a half to wait for Havnoc and Furti. The area is rough, but just inside Blue Suns territory. I don't have a beef with them so hopefully there won't be any trouble, and with a little luck random incidents should be minimal. The Suns have a rep for stamping out trouble in their areas with brutal simplicity. The Obsidian Orb sits in the middle of a small group of drink and drug dens, whore houses and flop houses plus an armoury and an equipment store.
Inside, the bar is way smaller than afterlife, but the music is almost as loud, but not the electro hip hop dance crap that Aria has playing to her crowd. Here the music is thumping drum beats and electric riffs. Awesome. The Orb is known as neutral territory, and has Blue Suns contracted to enforce that attitude. Fists and talons are okay, everyone expects the odd rumble to break out, but no weapons or the Blue Suns bouncers join the fight. They don't care if you have them, just no using them. The result is that apart from the occasional fire fight the Orb is a place for mercs to go hang out and relax amongst their peers, bullshit each other and talk shop. The walls of the bar are lined with a dozen enclosed semi circular booths large enough for 6, each with its own privacy field, while the middle of the room has tables spread around a raised catwalk for the dancers to entertain the punters. Walking in the place is half full, it's open 25 hours a day, and there's a healthy crowd of Turians, Batarians, a few Krogan, a handful of Humans and a smattering of Asari customers as well as the half naked Asari dancers, waitresses and bar staff. A decent light show highlights the strippers in the middle, but the outer booths are kept in the shadows. A quick word with one of the bar crew and I have a drink to tide me over while I wait, and get a booth for the privacy. Then I send a quick comm to Havnoc and Furti telling them I'll be in booth 7 when they arrive. I pick a spot on the left edge so I can see the Orb's entrance then settle down to watch the crowd and think.
With my shotgun on the bench beside me so it doesn't dig in my back and helmet stacked on the table, I'm nicely relaxed. Well when I say relaxed, the privacy field is on so I can talk with Lexa as I continue planning on my omnitool , and the VI is continually monitoring the bar for threats and weapons, while I keep a close eye on the bar. I finish my drink a Batarian spirit that is their equivalent of vodka, and order another through the booth's comm to the bar, a handy feature. A couple of minutes later and an Asari waitress brings my refill. I thank her, and set up a tab for the drinks then bring my omnitool's display back up when she has gone.
I watch as Havnoc arrives a little early, the big Krogan stomping through the entrance, taking a moment to survey the bar, snorting at the presence of the Krogan mercs in the opposite corner, and though he turns away quickly I know he is assessing the scene carefully. My Krogan friend is cunning as well as brutal in a fight. He heads to the bar and orders a Ryncol, then makes his way across to the booth, sliding in through the privacy field as I stand to meet him, an exchange of shoulder thumps in greeting.
"Stern! It's good to see you. You dealt with our neighbours thoroughly Nat. It looked like a good fight I wish I was there."
Havnoc slides in behind the circular table so he is facing the open side of the booth.
"Hey Havnoc, come on in. They're scum and deserve everything they got. I wish you had been there we could have had a real battle with the reinforcements the slavers sent. There were at least 30."
"More like 40 Nat, mostly just scum but some of them were their heavy hitters, well trained and equipped, it would have been a good fight. They swarmed all over the area like beetle on raksha shit looking for you but found nothing at all. Stayed a few hours and then slunk away with what was left of the bodies. Nobody got a good look at you but there were rumours flying around of an armored female covered in Batarian blood. No real description, but you scared the shit out of them that saw you. They said you were staggering and moving with difficulty, how did you get away?"
"Huh, got hit with a pair of flashbangs close and personal, so I was a bit off. I waited for the bastards to fuck off then just went home, via a stop to get cleaned up."
"Waited for...how? They were everywhere!"
"They didn't look up, I hid up in the maintenance gangways. Nice and dark 20m up, they never came close to me."
The big Krogan looks at me for a moment then just shakes his head with an evil toothy grin.
"Up. They always forget about up. Huh, well are you recovered?"
"I'm fine Havnoc, I was just a little stunned was all. Did you hear anything else?"
"Your raid certainly stirred their nest up. Batarians spilling out of their base at the docks and all of their depots have at least double guards now. You wanted their attention Stern, you definitely have it."
"Good, now they've split their forces it will make our job easier."
"Hitting the main base?" Havnoc's battered Krogan face is all teeth and hunger for battle as I nod at his question. "A glorious fight indeed Nat. Even with their forces reduced it will be a serious fight for us."
"Well we could possibly call on Archangel and his squad to help out with releasing the slaves, but that isn't the primary mission. We might also have a former Asari commando joining us, she will be here soon to talk and see if we can work together."
"Former commando? She working as a merc now or what?" Havnoc's tone is slightly disparaging, and I'm puzzled.
"Thought you'd be impressed to work with an Asari commando havnoc, they have a pretty formidable reputation?"
"Bah, some bit that got kicked out of service or broke faith should impress me? Plenty of Eclipse sisters claim they were commandos, evil bitches and some have skills but nothing to scare me."
I muse over his words for a moment then realize where the misunderstanding is.
"Havnoc, she isn't a merc, she's coming out of retirement for this."
"Retirement?"
"Yeah, said she finished her term of service and retired to have a family. Almost 300 years as a commando."
There's a pause and the Krogan cocks his head at me.
"Oh...actually that's a whole lot more impressive."
"Glad to hear it, hold on I think that might be her arriving now."
At the entrance a tall Asari stands talking quietly to the bouncer on the door. He waves her through and she glides through into the bar with predatory grace, taking in her surroundings then calmly walking towards our booth. Serah warned me that a commando is a truly deadly individual, and I only need to see this Asari move to know my friend was correct. Furti's body language screams lethal competence. She's about my height, her build is probably a little heavier, her skin colour a darker shade of blue than Serah, closer to a sea green, and now I'm not meeting her in a frantic slave pen, I realise her face and head tentacles bear several faded scars. With a grim expression and wearing a set of well worn unmarked combat leathers, she looks more than just competent.
She pauses outside the privacy field, and I stand and beckon her through, inviting her to a spot opposite me, as we shake hands.
"Welcome, it's good to see you again in better circumstances."
"And you Stern. Who's the Krogan?" Furti's tone is blunt but not hostile. Havnoc stands and the pair face off and take each others measure for a few seconds, before the Krogan gives a satisfied snort.
"Self confidence, and no fear. Experienced then. Good. I'm Urdnot Havnoc. You?"
"Furti T'Moorta former Major of the Republic's 421st Commando."
"421st Commando?" Havnoc grunts in surprise before turning to me, "She's one of their best Nat. Impressive that you survived your term Major." The scarred Asari dips her head to acknowledge the compliment, and then exchanges greeting thumps with the Krogan.
"Urdnot...that is a proud clan, renowned and skilled." Furti states as she and Havnoc take their seats again.
"You know clan Urdnot?" Havnoc asks curiously.
"My mate is Krogan, I've fought with and against many of the clans including Urdnot." Furti replies with a grin.
"Hah! Then you will understand. How did you find the fight with Urdnot?"
The Asari grins and gives a deep chuckle. "Honestly I much prefer fighting with them than against them."
"Hmm I could say the same about the 421st." Havnoc rumbles with a laugh and both of my guests relax as they reach an easy understanding of each other. With all introductions safely concluded, we pause as a waitress arrives to take our drinks order, exchanging small talk for 2 minutes before the waitress returns with our drinks. I wish the Batarian vodka actually gave me a buzz, my enhanced metabolism deals with it far too easily, but it still tastes good as I enjoy a sip.
"So, what should I call you? Miss T'Moorta, your old rank, or Furti?"
"You've more than earned the right to call me by name Natalia Stern, and I am...retired. I haven't used my rank in several years, so please just call me Furti."
"Done, as long as you use Nat for me." I agree, happy to have the formality out of the way.
"Agreed. Thank you Nat. Urdnot Havnoc, I would be happy to have you call me Furti."
"Hah, I accept and you have my respect Asari, call me Havnoc." Havnoc rumbles and I am glad that my big friend obviously has respect for the Asari. It will make life much easier working together, although I remind myself to question Havnoc again at some point for more of what he knows about Asari Commandos.
"Right, let's get started. Furti, you said Aria told you what she hired me to do?"
"Yes, she says you are to get her Dtcharten bar Yeis' head and the credits he owes her."
"Correct. It's a job interview of sorts, plus giving Aria some entertainment. So far I've done well on my own but now I intend to really fuck with the slavers, and finish the job."
"How?" Furti asks.
"My attacks have forced the slavers to reinforce their facilities across the various levels. Their main base in the docks is weaker now and I intend to take full advantage."
"Even with your diversions, 3 is not good odds to take on a whole slaver base Nat. There will still be dozens of guards, as well as fixed defences. How do you intend to get in and out? Do you intend to try and release their prisoners as well? How do you expect to stop Yeis from escaping? You have too many objectives for such a small group." Furti puts me on the spot. Even though I know Havnoc is up for a good fight, he awaits my response with obvious interest. My friend is no interested in an early death than anyone else. Taking a deep breath I start laying out my plan.
"Easy...we cheat."
A/N
A huge apology for the long delay between posts. I hope this chunk keeps you going while I work on the next chapter. Thanks to everyone for their comments and demands for more. Please please keep up the reviews and let me know what you think. They give me a huge buzz and a major impetus for more writing.
Ozymandeous: Glad you liked the last chapter, hope you approve of this one. The bounty would definitely get bigger I guess, but I don't think Dtcharten bar Yeis will have enough time to worry about it. Major ass kicking next chapter.
Subsider34: Well she managed to get most of the evidence...witnesses are always inconvenient but she was too dazed at the time to worry about it. Hmm apologies about the grammar, I will try and do better.
Sphinxes: Definitely no sparkly vampires here. Nat is strong and will definitely have an edge on many, but she is vulnerable. I hope you bear with me. Please let me know what you think.
Eldani: In any area where there is a strong criminal element plus poverty there will always be someone willing to inform said criminals of large explosions etc at their sites in exchange for cash. Just relying on people being people to get the slavers on the scene. Nat is gonna find that vampirism has real complications. Not only does she need blood, but there is an urge to hunt. No matter how much help willing feeders might be she is always gonna have to hunt from time to time. As she comes to terms with her new circumstances she will get more control but that could take a while.
GreenRena: Glad you're still reading and enjoying. Nat will have problems. Units of blood can sate the hunger and need for life energy but only the fresh stuff sates the need to hunt.
Guest: Thanks for all your comments, glad you're enjoying it. What do you think of the latest chapter?
SporksRevenge: Nat and Shephard meeting could go wrong in soooo many ways. Should be fun although it will take a while yet. Please keep reading and reviewing. I will be carrying on but real life has been getting in the way of writing.
Firehart:Thanks for the great feedback!
Deathgeonous: Glad you are enjoying my slightly different take on vampires meet mass effect!
GreviousPridakArbiter: Plenty more to come let me know what you think.
To everyone else: I freely admit to being a review whore! They are major major reason why I write, I love feedback, regardless of if its good bad and indifferent. If my writing inspires you to love it, hate or constructively criticise, please let me know, I will try and respond individually although it might take a while as time to write is getting hard to find. Thanks again for everyone's support.