Shepard's mouth swings open at the sight of what Afterlife has to hold. She's been to clubs, sure. But none quite like this. It drips sex. The asari dancers catch Jane's attention first. Their movements fluid with the music thrashing out of the speakers. The bass makes her chest vibrate in a pleasant manner, even through her armor. The red lights of the place make everything look almost fictional. There's lots of seating on this level and a decent sized bar.
The walk to Aria seemed more like she was floating. The dancers captivated her attention in a way that brings her back to her teenage years. Jane knew she was a different human when it came to love interests. She liked humans, sure. But the aliens sparked her attention the same but sometimes even more. At one of her camps she met an asari. Her skin was a darker shade of blue but her eyes were the most beautiful hue of pale blue. Her facial structure was to die for along with her body. She was also Jane's first love interest. Their relationship was vibrant in enthusiasm and intrigue. As the reminiscing came to an end, the group reached the top of the stairs and a guard scans Jane.
"Is there anything in particular you're looking for?"
"Can't be too careful with dead Spectres. That could be anyone wearing your face."
"They're clean, ma'am."
Shepard slowly moves in the Asari's direction and motions the Cerberus soldiers to stay back.
"I was told you were the person who could answer some of my questions."
"Depends on the questions."
"You run Omega?"
Aria begins to laugh, the sound rooting deep in her chest. She shakes her head and looks over the club.
"I am Omega."
Jane raises an eyebrow at her answer.
"But you need more. Everyone needs more something. And they all come to me. I'm the boss, CEO, queen if you're feeling dramatic. It doesn't matter. Omega has no title rule and only one rule."
The Asari sits down and crosses her legs.
"Don't FUCK with Aria."
"I like it, easer to remember."
"If you forget, someone will remind you."
Aria motions Shepard to sit on the sectional next to hers. A Little skeptical, Jane sits while Miranda and Jacob remain standing.
"So, what can I do for you?"
"I'm trying to track down Archangel."
"You and half of Omega. You want him dead, too?"
"Not exactly. I wanted to recruit him into my team."
"Really? Well, aren't you interesting? You're going to make some enemies teaming up with Archangel. That's assuming you can get to him. He's in a bit of trouble right now."
"What kind of trouble?"
"The local merc groups have joined forces to take him down. They've got him cornered, but it sounds like they're having trouble finishing him off. They've started hiring anyone with a gun to help them."
Jacob looks over to Miranda who has the same expression on her face.
"Sounds like that might be our ticket in."
"They're using a private room for recruiting…Just over there. I'm sure they'll sign you up."
"Thank you for helping me out. It's appreciated."
"Don't expect it too often."
Aria glances over at the group as they make their way over to the room she mentioned.
"Standard fee is 500 credits each. You get paid when the job's done. If you die, your friends don't collect your share. You'll need your own weapons and armor…looks like you've got that covered. Any questions?"
"Where exactly are we going?"
"Now that's one I can't answer. However, there's a transport hub around the corner that will take you to the base of operations. You'll be briefed on tactics there."
"Alright. Simple enough."
"Not getting killed won't be…Next!"
Miranda cocks a brow in Jane's direction but she does nothing more than shrugs while she walks out the door. The group makes their way past the captivating scenery of Omega and outside the club to see a batarian near the transport hub.
"I hope you're ready. Archangel's been annihilating you freelancers."
"Ready when you are."
"Get in."
The group piles into a vehicle with the mercenary behind the wheel. The car's speed accelerates, leaving Omega in a gentle blur of faded neon lights. They stay in complete silence, the only noise being the engine and Shepard's armor clanking together when she moves an inch. Time seemed to pass at an incredibly impossible rate by Jane's standards as they reach their destination. It looks as though it's an older industrial district, small enough to hold a base of operations for a small group. A wall stops their path and they all exit the vehicle promptly.
"It's about time they sent me someone who looks like they can actually fight. They tell you what you're up against?"
"The recruiter was a little vague."
"We wouldn't get many recruits if everyone knew the truth. Archangel's holed up in a building at the end of the boulevard over there. He's got a superior position, and the only way in is over a very exposed bridge. It's a killing ground. But he's getting tired, making mistakes. We'll catch him soon enough."
"You guys have a plan?"
"A small team is waiting to infiltrate his hideout, but we need to draw Archangel's fire to move in"
"And that's where we come in?"
"Exactly. You'll be on the distraction team. Head straight over the bridge and keep Archangel busy so the infiltration team and sneak in behind him."
Jacob's patience shows some wear and tear and he quietly huffs at the plan, showing his liking it.
"Sounds like a suicide mission to me."
"Pretty much. But you look like you're up for it. Head up and get to the third barricade. Talk to Sergeant Cathka. He'll tell you when to go in."
"Alright."
The merc walks towards his colleagues and they begin chatting. Miranda's face shows disbelief as Jane makes her way up the street. She does, however, have a better plan. She leads the group into a quiet corner to disperse the idea.
"Okay, we all know their plan isn't going to work. EDI, can you make out anything we can use to our advantage here?"
"The heavy mechs and gunship possess considerable fire power. Weakening them before leaving will improve your chances."
"Interesting…Do you know the location of them?"
"Giving you locations."
Their omni-tools light up with coordinates leading to the locations of the heavy mechs. A smile washes over the commander's face.
"Well I just love suprises, don't you two?"