Overlord Effect

by oblivon2991

With the arrival of the Shinigami and his enforcer came hardship. With hardship came equality. With careful planning came advancement. With advancement, the civilization thrived. And when a fantasy based civilization met an another one? What's then? What happens when the Sorcerer Kingdom met the galactic community? The Reapers? (AU with a lot of OC'S! Beware! XD) HIATUS until fn.

8. EASY come, EASY Go!

Thank you for reading my fanfic!

My mother language is not English, so please be patient about the grammatical issues.

I don't own the Overlord(オーバーロードŌbārōdo?) novel or anime series created by Kugane Maruyama.

I don't own the Mass Effect trilogy, and Andromeda developed by the Bioware game studios.

Please review it I know I will make mistakes what I will intend to correct and try to learn from my mistakes and improve myself.

This story made by the request of sandmanwtf4.

Thank you for reading this notification!

Please enjoy the story!

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Anto Korragan. Aria T'Loak's personal henchman and favorite bodyguard had a bad day. He was concerned about the things happened lately and the news he heard. It did not help either he had to escort this creepy human girl with silver hair and wings back to Aria.

Usually, he was a happy, cherry Batarian bodyguard. He loved his job, after all, throwing out the trash through the airlock of Omega was always made him smile.

First, his boss is the most merciless self-proclaimed pirate queen of all the Omega Nebula. With a vast information network and an extensive criminal network under her command. She who managed to force to bend knee even the Asari Councilor and the three most prominent mercenary companies in the galaxy. The Blue Suns. The Eclipse and the Blood Pack.

The one who dared to openly threat the Illusive Man and even the Shadow Broker and get out alive from the situation. Usually sending back their agents' head to them an almost daily base.

Aria rarely played with her opponents, usually, after she received the information she needed from them, she merely discarded their bodies. Always making sure they will not come back from the afterlife threatening the sensitive power structure of Omega. Hell, often she even sent assassins after their relatives if she suspected they might be a threat.

Secondly. Aria actually treated well who served her and not caused trouble. Under the hardy hide of the ruler. She was the most compassionate person you may meet. She rarely asked, but ordered Anto and many of her subordinates to look out for the denizens of Omega, help them out, gave them money and protection if needed in her subtle way. Not treating like trash who does not deserve such treatment.

Omega was a horrible place, yes, it was a trash dump compared to the Citadel, Illium or similar luxurious sites, yes. Most people lived miserably, yes. But I ask you… would you fare better keeping up the order and the balance one of the main sources of criminal activity in the terminus system only by your iron will and infamous reputation?

I think not… because of her, order ensures in some way. The criminals and the sadistic mercenaries of the station most of the time keep their sticky hands from the civilians. Keep their nose out from her territory. Kept their space. Give her their tribute.

Kept her rule. The only rule you needed to keep in the station. It was a simple but powerful rule.

'Don't… fuck… with Aria.' anyone who dared to trespass this rule usually meets their end. Sooner or later. Usually sooner.

She was ruthless, precise and a cold-blooded businesswoman. Yes, but once, she was compassionate and caring in her rough way, anyone who proved their worth to her and flocked under her wings was safe and taken care of.

This is why Anto and many others feared her. This is why he and many others respected her. This is why they said if Aria ever gets assassinated or replaced in the power structure of Omega. Chaos will ensue, if that happens, a long bloody war inevitable between the factions ruled under her rule. A war that may even threaten the stability of the already unstable Terminus Systems, a gang war that may even spread towards the Council inner systems.

But let's not run forward so harshly. Anto just remembered the arrival of this strange person he just escorting.

A slender, luxurious ship entered the system. Bearing no identification paintings, broadcasting no ID. It was just there. Visible on the short-range sensors but broadcasting no ID as said.

Made from some kind of unknown, dark-colored metal. The ship slowly approached the docking clamps of Omega. The defensive turrets immediately locked the small ship.

Despite the criminal activity in the humongous station, even there was a control tower that controlled the flow of traffic. The ship that approached the station, cannot be longer than twenty-five meters, a simple, luxurious, private transporting vessel with only an automaton co-pilot present outside of the captain of the small craft.

A beautiful woman seemingly around her seventeens sat beside her co-pilot. Long freely hanging silver hair, one upturned bang in the middle of her forehead gave her a distinct yet unique look. Her eyes big, almost too big. Brightly shining in an almost illuminant blue light. Still, this characteristic just made her childish, adorable features more apparent, giving her a unique, delicate beauty.

Wearing a typical military uniform that resembles of the ones a military officer wore back in the 1940th Germany. A Waffenrock (military coat) supplemented with standard officer pants colored deep gray, on her feet a knee reaching black jackboot. On her head a peaked cap with a symbol. An unknown symbol with an unknown meaning symbolizing a pentagram with a cut at the half sun in ht middle of it.

Around it, unknown runes glowing in a red light outlined black.

Inscribed under the symbol the text. 'E.A.S.Y.' with the same color pattern.

"Unknown ship, identify yourself, or you will be shoot down," warned her a batarian through the radio.

Smiling she pushed a few buttons on her interface and answered. "Tower this is the Praevaricator. Request permit for docking. Sending the permit."

After a momentary silence, the dispatcher answered and confirmed the identification. "Use the fourth docking bay. No sudden move or you will be full of holes."

She chuckled. "Don't worry. I am here only to business."

"I only warned…" with that. The dispatcher disconnected and the ship named Praevaricator landed in docking bay four.

Standing up she turned to her co-pilot. Stretching her black feathered angelic wings behind her back, she turned to her co-pilot. "Take care of the ship. Will ya?" pointing at the automaton she asked.

The automaton just nodded. The girl sheathed her pistol and her futuristic, steampunk-looking musket looking weapon across her back. Then headed towards the sturdy door that separated the ship from the outer world.

Stepping out the welcoming committee already waited for her. Three bulky looking krogans holding shotguns, and of course, several Vorchas. It seems the nearby Blood Pack henchman noticed her luxurious ship and wanted to collect the protection free from the innocent looking pilot.

Stepping forward one of the krogan in blood red armor, wearing the insignia of the Blood Pack on his shoulder, (That was a white half skull crushed from upward by a clenched fist.) pointed at her.

"You there!" the krogan pointed at her. "This territory belongs to the Blood Pack. You need to pay the protection and the parking fee if you want to park here." the krogan voice was harsh. Entirely normal for his kind.

The girl squinted her left eye slightly, raising her right brow. Then looked around. Then turned back to the man who threatened her. "Sorry, I did not know. How much is it exactly?"

The krogan nodded. "Twenty thousand credit, per person."

"That much?" the girl chuckled. Closed her blue eyes then bowed her head. "Very well…"

Walking closer to the krogan, she wanted to pay the fee, when the creature speaks once again. "Plus one hundred thousand credit for the ship and…" looked at her. Inspecting her weapons. "And you need to pass down your weapons."

She sighed. "I am sorry… but I have to disappoint you. I neither have that much money in my person, neither willing to part away from my prized tools of work."

The two krogans and the dozen vorcha growled behind the bulky creature who is most likely the leader of the small group. "What are you implying? Little girl? Do you really think you…" he pointed at the girl who barely weighed one hundred and fifty centimeters. He pointed directly to her forehead.

The krogan stopped momentarily. Hesitated for a moment, maybe it is not such a good idea messing with this creepy human with creepy wings. "I don't know who are you… but everyone had to pay the fee. No matter the race. But seeing your ship and your weapons. You must be filthy rich."

"Do you really think so?" she lowered her eyelids. Glancing back at her black ship. "This is just a simple ship…" then turned back towards the krogan brute. The krogan nodded with a crossed arm under his chest.

"If you do not do so. We will be forced to take away the money or everything of equal value in your possession. Even sell you off in the batarian slave market. I am sure pretty humans like you fetch a good price. Also, you are underage, Batarians like to play with underage humans, and being you are some kind of mutant with those wings. I would be not surprised if one of that crazy scientist out in the market would buy you as a personal pet. How does that sound? I head batarians treat little girls like you roughly."

With a sly expression, the porcelain-skinned girl slightly tilted her head. "Do you really think so?" she asked with a mild amusement in her tone. "Interesting…" nodding her head satisfactory she continued with closed eyes. "If you excuse me, I have business to attend, please find someone else to play. My employer could get rather annoyed when her business is delayed." she waved them away like flies, then she walked aside from the krogan and the still dumbfounded vorchas whose stretching their head in disbelief.

Showing a smug expression with the raised chin. She held the leather strap with her thumb, the leather strap that held her prized musket on her back.

The leading krogan grunted angrily and raised his Katana type shotgun. "Stop!" the girl only glanced back to him. Showing a bored expression. "Drop your weapons in an instant!"

She sighed and continued her stroll. The krogan boss had enough. Pulling the trigger, he released the grain sized slugs his weapon contained. His men followed custom. Hell broke loose, and soon hundreds and hundreds of grain-sized projectile headed towards the girl with the fragment of the speed of the light.

It only took one blink from the Blood Pack soldiers. But the small girl stood behind the biggest krogan. Holding her sidearm towards his head, pulling the trigger splattering the creature's head contents to the floor, leaving a fist-sized, smoldering hole in the middle of the leading krogan head.

The krogan twitched a few moments before fallen on the floor. Surprised the remained mercenaries turned towards her. With eyes of disbelief, they could not move for a moment.

"I am not a filthy human… at least… not anymore." she mumbled with a spiteful tone, showing a disgusted expression. Then turned her attention towards the remained soldiers, she smirked. Charging towards the other krogan with her petite, delicate, white-gloved hand she grabbed the closest krogan sizable head, then plastered towards the ground with such force the whole head of the unlucky krogan burst into a bloody, gooey paste.

With three quick shots to the head from her sidearm, she disables seven vorcha. I said seven because the stupid alien's just remained in line behind each other. Allowing the three bullets to damage the ones standing behind each other. After all, the Blood Pack not used Vorchas as cannon fodder because of their intelligence. No, most of them were pretty stupid, they used them because of their rapid reproduction, they were cheap to hire, easily intimidated and of course because of their fast healing an immunity towards almost every disease.

The remained krogan and the five lower-ranked Blood Pack member tried to flee, but they were not a lucky bunch. The little maiden really was a sadist when it came to fighting, and she really hated impolite people, no matter the race.

Such thing, using her sidearm she merely shoots down four vorcha, then jumped before the remained krogan and the thin alien. The krogan, of course, used his blood rage, with a crazed glee behind its mask as his last remained option, the creature started to charge towards her. Hoping he can crush the small gunslinger.

But he was not lucky. With a sadistic grin, the girl unsheathed her prized musket with an incredible speed, carefully aimed towards the krogan and started to mumble. "Spatial coordinates ready, the magical chamber integrity is in an acceptable range." Her eyes flashed in an even intense light, magical runes appeared before her eyes and before the gun's muzzle, dancing around them like some kind of morbid palette, various characters appeared around the runes, characters no mortal could understand. Neither decode.

Gently placing her index finger on the trigger, she grinned. This is the favorite part of her work; she enjoyed every moment of it. "[Tracer Bullet], [Bullet Control]" pulling the trigger the magically charged projectile left the muzzle.

Dancing left and right, leaving a blue trace behind itself. For her inhuman eyes, and perception, the charging krogan seemed slow, so slow it headed towards her with slug's space, as it stuck in some kind of glue.

First, the projectile amputated the last remained vorcha's leg, making him unable to escape. Secondly, the bullet hit the krogan chest from the back, immediately pasteurizing away one of his heart. Coming out from the front of his chest.

But it did not stop the krogan, no… oh… why should it? A blood crazed krogan know no defeat when the red mist descends upon his vision. Not even when the loss is inevitable. (It also helped krogans had multiple hearths amongst many things.)

The inevitable that exactly happened a few meters later, when first the bullet shoot a hole one of his hands, severing it entirely from the body, then separating one of the krogan's legs from his body. Making him crumble to the ground. The weak kinetic shields long since depleted. The carapace armor was like paper for the magically charged projectile.

Falling towards the ground, the bullet pierced the krogan's hard carapace armor and skin a few times, making him look like an overused pinch cushion.

Despite this, the krogan still crawled, the girl must admit, these krogans are really impressive when it comes to survival, not surprising her employer want to make use of them.

Sighing she directed her magically charged bullet towards her open palm. Catching it, her palm smoldered for a few moments. She inspected her returned projectile, her lucky bullet. Usually, in her assassination missions, she only uses one bullet. If the target is tricky more. But her success rate is usually 100%. She was infatuated when it comes to precision after all.

Walking to the krogan, she stomped his last light of life out of him. Then turned to the suffering vorcha still trying to regenerate his legs. Yes, as said before, vorchas as well krogans has a really advanced and quick regeneration, capable of healing up from almost any injuries they suffered in mere moments. If the injury is severe, such as losing a limb, the regeneration may take a few days or even a month.

Crouching beside the trembling vorcha, she pushed her white-gloved finger in its still regenerating stump. "Gaaahhh. What do you want? Human? What you want from Kretch?"

Rolling her eyes, she whistled. "What a mess… you really leave such a mess?" she turned back towards the suffering alien. Pushing her finger deeper in his wounds.

"Gaahhh…"

"I want you to pass a message to your boss…" he requested.

"What? You allow me to leave?" asked the vorcha in a broken English. It cannot be helped, even with her translator it only translated so much. Being she did not born in Gown Prime just later transported there by that miserable existence tortured her since their first meeting. She did not have the natural ability to understand every spoken language. Thus she needed translator most of the time.

She sighed. "Open your ears… are you are listening?" she asked politely glaring at the vorcha before her. It cannot be helped, No matter how much time, she could not get used her slightly lisping voice.

When she was younger, it was a lot worse it only gets better slightly in time. Still, it remained with her like a curse all along under her more than one thousand years of existence.

"Pass the next message to the Blood Pack and every mercenary group you meet. If they challenge the Ambassador of the Eternal Darkness… they will have a bad time… E.A.S.Y. will come for them." she pushed her finger even more into his wounds.

"Gaaaahhh!" the alien screamed. "Yes! Yes! We pass the message! Just let us go."

"Crystal?" she tilted her head.

"Crystal! Crystal!" repeated the simple cannon fodder.

Nodding her head, she stood up. Dusting off her hands it was stainless. Fortunately, amongst many things, her clothes made to be stain proof and resize it selves when it needed.

Sheathing her musket behind her back, she grabbed the leather holder with her hands and started to walk towards the door that led out from the hanger. Whistling all along.

However, a few individuals already waited at her. Krogans, batarians, turians, and humans as well. Wearing the typical armor that Aria's personal security force used to wear.

They were quite numerous, their numbers counting around fifty or seventy. All are aiming their guns at her. Even the nearby security turrets activated and followed her every motion. "Stop!" the batarian shouted at her. Standing in the middle of the group.

They must be seen her little show through the cameras. Not as it matters, according to the information her employer provided her, these guys must be Aria's main security force. The person she just wanted to speak.

"Identify yourself!"

Raising her hand she smiled. "You can call me Tasha. I am looking for your employer. Aria T'Loak."

The batarian measured her. "If you move even an inch, my men will put you full of holes." he threatened her.

She only nodded as an answer.

Nodding towards one of his men. Aria personal bodyguard called Anto Korragan urged the Turian to jog to the girl, and check her with the scanner installed in his Omni tool.

"Anto, I get a weird reading from her." commented the Turian thug.

"Check her again!" ordered Anto.

The girl just smiled smugly. "You will find nothing, I am shielded against any kind of scan," she informed the henchman.

Anto grunted. "Hand over every weapon."

Sighing she nodded, she hated such kind of missions. Removing her prized musket from her back, an experimental piece of weapon, a state of the art if you asked her. A weapon she gets from her friend years back for her birthday.

Her simple looking sidearm that takes the form of a Luger Pistol adopted in the German Empire back in the year 1904 and was able to keep its position as an efficient, cheap and reliable sidearm in many countries until 2050.

And of course, her prized combat tomahawk and knife that lied in their sheaths around her waist. Not as she did not hide several more close ranged and a one shoot miniature pistol strapped under her sleeves.

She found herself situation before when she was armless and could use one or two knives or even a gun to escape from captivity. She did not like it, not at all being armless. She felt naked, she felt vulnerable without her weapons. Naturally, she could use tier based and another kind of magic. Still, relying on only magic was foolish according to her thinking.

Pointing at the weapons before her leg she said. "I want them back, all of it. If I recognize something is missing I will kick your ass…" she stated bluntly. Pushing forward her weapons with the toe of her jackboots.

"Search her," said Anto. Still pointing his gun at Tasha. The Turian did so. Despite his proficient search Tasha know precisely how to hide such things as weapons. She was searched before after all. If she manages to walk in in a government building that was full of magical and ordinary scanners without raising alarms.

She manages to fool a few alien without magic with less efficient scanners than theirs.

"She is clear…" stated the Turian.

Anto nodded. Then looked towards the girl. "Those weird wings on your backs too."

Glancing back she slightly moved them. "It would be rather painful taking them off." She stated sarcastically.

"I don't care…" state Anto.

Tasha shoots him a terrifyingly lazy glare. "For you…"

Anto backed for a moment, feeling some kind of pressure on his forehead.

"Fine… they can stay… but no funny business or we cut you in pieces."

"I would never dare." answered the girl seemingly sheepishly. Seemingly fooling everyone around her.

Anto grunted. He would never understand human females, sure, some of them looked good despite their lack of six eyes. Still, he preferred batarians and asari. Even when he found Tasha quite attractive.

Turning around, he made a circling hand motion. "On my side. One bad move and you are dead."

The silver-haired girl walked near the man, and they started their way. Only a few thugs remained with them, the others seemingly dispersed in the crowds of Omega. Carrying away her weapons somewhere. Not as it mattered, she placed a tracker on them. She will get them back once she finished with her objective.

Why her employer chosen her to fulfill such mission needed care and finesse with words, she never understands, the other work after this did not help either. How she hated missions like this. Of course, she was an excellent actress and negotiator, making a fool of the Imperials for years, using her childish charm to climb the Imperial Army ladder when she was still a simple human, inhabiting her other world, before that fool Being X tried to force belief at her by throwing her in an even stranger world. As a child soldier of course.

In the old times, when her life changed, when that Being X killed and kidnapped her previous body and soul, and forced her into a miserable existence in a wretched body of a little girl, just because she stated she would never believe the existence of a so-called god, just because she found even its theoretical existence nonsense. She kinda wanted to go back and have her revenge on the old man.

But after she meets a certain someone, spent time with her and with Being A, she learned to use her new existence for her own advantage. Accepting herself, life became easier, and she no longer wanted to go back.

With her and Being A's help, she managed to defeat that vile thing. She managed to find peace. Thus, she works under her since that, as her right hand. Doing the dirty work, despite in old times she wanted to lay in the background and do paperwork, live a peaceful life. But… she found it quite dull after a while.

Given she long surpassed the time an average human would live, life became boring, and she wanted some thrill once more. She was not satisfied with the role of the right hand when her only task was to do the seemingly endless paperwork, command the soldiers, and train (torture) them and by just simply laying back intimidating those who needed intimidation and wanted to oppose E.A.S.Y. Their organization. She will never figure out how her employer and friend find out those titles. She most likely never will. She was precise, her creativity and imagination were not as was at hers, she was a salaryman before after all.

She wanted to do more, thus, after many long years of peace. After the stabilization of the Sorcerous Kingdom. She requested her first real mission after long years of absence. Tasha was back. And her thirst for blood stronger than ever.

And we already reached the point where we started. Anto and Tasha are walking through the bursting corridors of Omega.

The people eyed the unlikely duo and the several fully armored security personnel who escorted them. Seeing their armor, even the most daring purse snatcher retreated in the backstreets of Omega, searching for new prey to deprive them of their credits.

Tasha must admit, the streets of Omega almost resembled to lower Gown Prime crowded streets. The filthiest part of the planet where the organization called, E.A.S.Y. thrived and unsuspecting, gained followers day by day.

Still, the structure resembled, but Omega was a lot filthier than she first expected. At least the lower part of Gown prime time to time swept by the undead workers and the appointed automatons. But there, bodies on the streets, half rotten sick people and similar disgusting things. She was truly disgusted.

She found quite ironic that the station did not die out due to a mutated illness that spread through the station like some kind of plague. However, remembering the report that she read about the place not long ago, it almost happened in the near past. So, it was not surprising seeing the state of the station.

Who wants to live here anyway, it was a trash dump... no, living in a trash dump would be most likely more secure and healthier.

Walking towards the club called Afterlife. The outlook only slightly get better, however, not entirely, the crowd was still big, and a big line stood before the entrance of the seat of the self-proclaimed queen of Omega.

Only held back by the two krogan and the Elcor bouncer, holding himself straight with his gorilla-like fists.

Anto just nodded to them and headed towards the entrance with Tasha and the bodyguards following them. Reaching the door, it automatically opened before them. Almost making Tasha get a seizure due to the sudden blinking lights that were Afterlife's own.

Her heightened perception that she received when her friend reincarnated her, changing her race in the New World to have a better chance against Being X, did not help either. Her eyes and ears were a lot better than a normal human, being she was a Fallen Angel by race now. This is why she never visited such discos back in the Sorcerous Kingdom. Even after one thousand years, she can't get used to the stimulus that the flashing lights and loud noises gave her.

The only thing she could do is to clench her teeth, click her tongue and endure.

Reaching the inner part it did not get better, the lightning intensified and the bashing, lousy techno disco music made her ears rang even more. The only thing made her ease up a little bit was the sight of the Asari dancers that she found quite attractive with their seductive, snake-like dance around the poles.

After a short stair climbing, she was in Aria's private suite. Surrounded by her bodyguards, they tried to scan her. The Asari Pirate Queen still showed her back to Tasha, inspecting her Empire laying before her feet. Seemingly did not even recognizing Tasha's presence.

Watching the partying people underneath her. Watching over her domain ever vigilantly. The tension rises. But Tasha had experience; it was not her place to speak first. It was Aria's place.

"You caused quite a ruckus down there…" she said shortly. Not even bothering to measure her opponent. "Why are you here?" supporting her right elbow with her left forehand, she showed a pondering expression.

Tasha is showing a low expression answered. "My Employer is new in the galactic playfield. We want to business with you." she went straight through the path. Did not hesitated.

Aria turned her gaze slightly at her, measuring the girl only looked around seventeen years old. "Why me? There are plenty more people around in the galaxy."

"My employer heard you are honest. And she likes honest people."

Aria chuckled. Then sat down, crossing her leg before Tasha. "Honestly…" looking through the Fallen before her she can't do anything else just release a weak chuckle. "I don't know you are speaking seriously or just joking with me… honesty is the farthest thing from me," she explained with an amused expression.

"Is that so?" Tasha raised one of her brows. Glancing through the bodyguards who just checked their weapons.

"Strange… According to my employer's information network, your business is fair…" shoot back Tasha after a small pause.

"And who is this… mysterious 'employer' of yours? Huh?" leaning forward Aria made quotation marks with her finger. "The Illusive Man? The Shadow Broker? No… their agents usually are more deceptive than you. The Illuminati? You can choose." she offered.

A sly smile curled on Tasha's face. "I came from the E.A.S.Y."

Aria raised her brow. She never heard about the organization called E.A.S.Y. before. And she was a very informed woman. No secrets remained hidden from her gaze. Mainly in Omega.

In Omega, she was the all-knowing, all-seeing goddess. She is Omega as she used to say. No mystery remained hidden from her gaze. But this girl… this girl and this so-called 'E.A.S.Y.' was a mystery. Appearing from the nowhere, their scanners showed nothing. Her weapons were unknown. Her ships built from an unknown material. Her henchman just now scanning it, whispering in her ears the information they managed to decipher.

Also, Aria knows, despite Anto's thorough examination, the girl before her surely keeping a few more weapons in her possession. She would be a fool not to do so. Hell, Aria as well would do the same in her position. She did not blame her.

Aria hated mysteries. Mysteries can be exposed as a weakness. And she hated to being felt vulnerable. Like back then when she arrived in Omega. Only possessing the rags she wore.

She needed to play carefully. Maybe this so-called 'E.A.S.Y.' was the daughter organization of the Shadow Broker or the Cerberus. Created only to bring her down. Well, if they wanted to play. Let's play.

Tasha turned towards one of the lackeys. "Coffee, please. Black," she stated her order simply.

The henchman looked questioningly towards his boss who just rolled her eyes. Showing her dissatisfaction, the lackey left immediately fetching the ordered.

Leaning forward Aria folded her hand. "Interesting… I never heard about your organization. Care to tell me more about it? After all, if you want to business in my territory it is the least I know more about you."

Tasha nodded and started. "Of course, it is only natural." after taking a deep breath she started. "Back in our home. In the Sorcerous Kingdom, E.A.S.Y. is the biggest and strongest underworld organization. Providing services from mercenary work to spying more than a thousand years. Proud owner of the biggest underworld information network in the Sorcerous kingdom. If something is happening, we know about it. And we willing to trade. Our eyes and ears can be found everywhere, yet nowhere; we know everything that happened, happening and will happen in the near future. Working under the shadows, we are the Ambassadors of the Darkness. Doing what's necessary to upkeep our needs satisfactory."

Aria measured her, lading back on her cushion. Spreading her arms over the arms of the furniture. "Interesting, I heard about the new players entered the galactic stage. They caused quite stir."

Tasha nodded. Accepting the drink, the bodyguard fetched her. It was not bad. Not the quality she used to, but a lot better than she tasted back then. "Of course, the king loves the show of power. He always loved it."

Leaning forward Tasha showed a bright smile. Resting her chin on her folded hands. "I am surprised they are not here already. Banging your door, breaking it down."

Aria raised her brow once more. "Care to elaborate?"

Tasha nodded with closed eyes. "Of course…" leaving a momentary pause she continued. "You see… that Ainz Ooal Gown, the king of the Sorcerous Kingdom are famous for his sense of justice, his foresight, and his desire to eliminate every criminal activity that stained his kingdom. Of course, he is aware, despite his great power and vast resources, he can't do anything against the nature of living beings, their willingness of commit crime." sipping one more sip from her coffee and releasing a satisfying sight she continued.

"He is completely aware he will never be able to reach this goal without brainwashing and making everyone into his own, obedient, little puppets. Fortunately, he has morals." Tasha released a weak chuckle. Aria glared at her.

"Despite this, he spares no effort and resource to eliminate every criminal organization and the crime as an existent thing in his domain, the best way his resources and the people allow it."

"Your point?" asked Aria with a slight annoyance in her voice. She already knew all of this; no society could exist however perfect is without crime. It was the norm of things after all.

"My point is…" Waving her finger before herself, she pointed at Aria. "Our organization survived more than a thousand years under his rule. Organizations like yours, Cerberus and the Shadow Broker went and came easily over the years." Aria's eyes slightly flinched. She really wanted to shoot down this human. Sure she has fancy wings, fancy hair, and an attractive face. But she is still just a human; sure she can kill those stupid Blood Pack, a thing what many other can do.

But she can't stand a chance against her and her people. There is no way she can stand a chance against them. She was sure of that.

"But E.A.S.Y. is eternal. We survive where others fall, we thrive where others struggle, and we survived when many others crumbled under the weight of the Sorcerous King's hammer. After falling emerging, even more, stronger, sturdier, richer and even more elusive than ever before. We know their tactic. We know his drive. We know the most treasured secret of his, the thirteen and every other high ranked member of the Kingdom. We survive, we adapt, we thrive, we evolve, and in the end, we conquer." she explained.

Aria grunted. "Your point is? If you don't start to speak, I will throw you out!"

Tasha lowered her head humbly. "Please forgive me… I got excited. After all, it's not every day you can meet the famous queen of Omega."

Aria just rolled her eyes and grunted. Signing her displeasure. "Stop with the pleasantries."

Clearing her throat, Tasha continued. "What I want to say… we would like to business with you. We would like to share you a fruitful business relationship but knowing the Sorcerous King policy sooner or later they will come here…" she pointed to the floor. "With force if it's necessary. And then, no amount of influence will save you, not the Council, not your diplomatic immunity. Not even the gods. The Sorcerer King will have what he wants, and once he finished organizing his lines. He starts to march, and he starts to eliminate the annoyances that stand in his way."

"Are you threatening my Empire and me?" Aria asked in a cold tone, slightly raising her left brow. But her henchman already knows the wrath behind this cold tone. The threatening presence of that cold expression. The wrath that was the end of many unfortunate spies. The wrath even the Council feared.

Their trigger fingers itched, one nod and they will shoot. After gulping one more sip from her coffee, the carefree girl continued. "No… as I said… I only state facts. If you treat the facts as a threat. It only comes from your misinterpretation. I only brought a warning. A warning that may save you from an unfortunate fate."

The self-proclaimed queen used her best intimidation tone and face. Still, this girl did not even flinch. Just who she is? The pressure she exerted broke much tougher criminals before. How is she not fearing her? Is she insane? Fully armed people behind her back are waiting for just Aria's command to kill her. She is treating her with a cold demeanor. Is she aware of that she can't get out Alive without Aria's exact permission?

The only one was acted like this was that redhead Shepard. True, Aria only wanted made fun of her. She kinda found her heroic game amusing and used her as a tool to get rid of those pesky mercenaries gained too much ground in her territory.

"If you want a warrant our goodwill then state it, it will be done. Give an objective, and we will complete. State, and it will be done. Of course, free of charge." Tasha offered.

Aria huffed. "Fine, if you really want to business with me then kill the Pirate Warlord Drokmor Degg. That bastard is really bugging me. My nemesis for several hundred years."

Tasha showed a gentle smile and nodded. "It will be done…"

Aria showed an amused expression as raised her brow. "I would be surprised. That bastard even outplayed the Shadow Broker and me several times.

"Don't worry. E.A.S.Y. has its way…"

Standing up she reached under her jacket. Then placed a black, traditional looking business card on the desk before Aria. "Call us if you changed your mind or the authorities banging your door, and don't worry, if the task is done, we will contact you. I promise."

Inspecting the simple business card Aria raised her brow. "Anto… escort our guest to the V.I.P rooms. On my check."

Anto nodded. Aria nodded back and signed with her fingers to keep an eye on the girl.

Tasha turned back for a moment. "Oh… and a friendly warning. Free of charge of course."

"What is it?" barked Aria.

"Be aware Oleg Petrovsky. He can be your downfall…" turning back, Anto and Tasha left.

After a momentary pondering. The queen of Omega raised the card and inspected it. The basic color of the card was black. With four, blood-colored outlined letters separated by dots. The letters were also black.

On the card the next engraving. 'E.A.S.Y.' was readable. Underneath the four-letter the acronym meaning. 'Eternal Ambassador of Tsukuyomi.' Her translator updated recently. She could understand the writing. The only thing she could not understand the strange runes around the border.

Aside from this, an extranet availability was outlined in the back of the card.

Just who're these new people? What do they want? She needed information as fast as she can. She hated stumbling in the darkness; she hated being felt vulnerable.

Opening the contact list on her Omni tool, she started a call. "I have a work for you. Check me this number. Will ya?"

---

Scene Change: Some time later: Somewhere in the Omega Nebula:

Several cargoes, a business ship and five escort ship drifting through the space. The location is unknown. The objective is unknown.

In the system, a type K star accompanied with ten regular looking planets. Some of them bigger, some of them smaller than the regular ones. No garden world was present in the system. At least it is not visible or detectable by any kind of machinery.

On the edge of the system, a thin line of meteor belt settled, remained from the planet formation happened in the ancient times.

The ships bore the insignia of the Sorcerous Kingdom. With their bulky, almost one kilometer's length and quarter kilometer's width the ships considered quite large according to the customs of the Council's measurement.

But in the Sorcerous Kingdom, they were only class B, mid-sized vessels, most of the companies used to transport their goods. Escorted by five, demon class frigates from the old models and accompanied with a luxurious looking Superbia class, small, barely a hundred meters long business ship.

The five, outdated Demon Class frigates get the version number of 4.56343. And was replaced by newer, stronger and agiler models, with better shields and weapons approximately fifty years ago.

Now, the current scene would be completely normal. A few escort vessel is escorting cargo ships, transporting goods and the business attaché, heading towards to do business talks. Protecting them from a possible pirate attack. Anyone who is not familiar with the Sorcerous Kingdom brands and their security measurements would say this.

After all, the ships aside from the Sorcerous Kingdom's banner carried the brand mark of the most popular fizzy drink in the kingdom. The brand named Sylphid. As said, only one thing was amiss from the scene.

This old brand usually very cautious, some may say overcautious when it comes to the security of its wares and workers. Always escorting its ships with the most modern spacecraft's that carried fully equipped soldiers. Sometimes even requested help from the navy to help them out.

Usually, much more ships than we see in the current scene needed for a simple cargo escort to escort the vessels. Even if they are not visible under the massive concealment.

But strangely, not now... now there was only five outdated Demon class vessels and a business ship soaring through the infinite space of nothingness.

As the ships drifted through near a gas cloud, a bit far from the fifth planet of the system. Suddenly several proximity mines drifter towards the unsuspecting vessels. Under cover of the shadowing cosmic gas cloud.

There was no way they can be detected by casual scanners such as the ships those we seen in the scene.

As the ships slowly hummed through the clouds, suddenly with a big roar (that was in truth was not audible due to the vacuum nature of the space.) The miniature bombs with their only two and a half meters width and two meters length collided with the backside of the cargo ships.

Crippling two demon class frigates in the process immediately. Several other cargo ships crippled as well, being the blast radius reached them. Stumbled, the engineers and the freshly appeared automatic drone units tried to stabilize the state of the crippled ships and fix the damage that the explosion caused.

Just as the remained ship tried to use their tractor beams to haul out the crippled ships from the fog. They found themselves face to face four cruisers hitting the six hundred and fifty meters. Just the size of a Berlin-type cruiser according to the Alliance Navy measurements.

Led by a dreadnought approximately one kilometer long. Correctly fit the size of a Kilimanjaro type dreadnought.

Spotting the three remained demon type frigate. The ships immediately opened fire. Decimating the unfortunate spacecraft's even more. Making them unable to move and even defend themselves.

This event followed by a momentary silence, under the silence the attacking pirates most likely hailed the cargo ships and urged them to give up and get prepared for the boarding procedure.

What the staff did so voluntary. Everything went fine for the pirates, bearing the insignia of the Great Pirate Warlord. Drokmor Degg. The Warlord who gave a hard time even Aria T'Loak. The self-proclaimed pirate queen of Omega. A criminal mastermind. Also called heartless bitch by many of his enemies.

Drokmor Degg and Aria played their games since centuries. Struggled to catch each other off guard. Never succeeded. The veteran krogan elder Drokmor could never manage to infiltrate Aria's organization.

In return, Aria's spies and every assassin she sent after the veteran Pirate Warlord mercilessly tortured, twisted, then their remains sent back to Aria as an intimidation tactic. The tactic that logically never worked, but Degg enjoyed to send these little 'presents' to his longtime nemesis.

Although Degg used the services of mercenary organizations such as Blue Suns, Blood Pack or even the Eclipse and much more lesser mercenary groups he could hire to bolster his strength. He did not trust them. Not at all. In his old age he became paranoid, only trusted himself and his closest Lieutenants.

Thus he usually used these mercenary companies as cannon fodder.

Several UT-47 type Kodiak with gunship support approached the crippled ships, using the opened hangar they managed to dock without resistance.

The small, but reliable Kodiaks were quite sturdy, and their price was reasonable compared to other models. Only cost three million credits per model. Thus they were easily replaceable for the big companies and pirate groups such as Dregg's pirate band.

As they touched the ground, the ships started to vomit from themselves the hired thugs, Eclipse, Blood Pack and Blue Suns mercenaries wearing their epithet blue armor all kind and size stepped on the hard ground.

The Automaton workers worked in the packing area just watched them, the machines did not get slaughter order, thus remained completely neutral towards the newly arrived mercenaries. For now...

John Cooper, one of the high ranked member of Degg's company was also there, surrounded by his soldiers. Overseeing the work of the mercenaries, after all, his boss just could not let those pesky mercenaries snatch away anything significant without he knowing it.

Maybe these hirable thugs were reliable when it comes to fighting and did everything if you paid them enough without complaint. But their hands were dirty as a thief. When you looked away for a moment, they started to fill their pockets with the goods around them. Even when it is not authorized.

John did not like the situation, not at all. Everything went too smooth for his liking. Heading deeper and deeper towards the bridge, their forces did not encounter any resistance. The automaton workers did their work, fixing the problems and ordering the things around.

The strange was that they don't even encounter living crew, just these machines operated the ship.

Maybe the crew is on the bridge; John saw similar things before. Nowadays the loading work was the task of the machines, the mental work such as operating the ship fell to living beings. However, not always. He saw chases when ships drifted through space with only controlled with a VI.

Easy prey for pirates like himself. Too easy. What also bothered him how small security force accompanied the ships. Only five frigates for this kind of humongous cargo ships? Ridiculous. Degg's most likely know this. This is why he sent mostly mercenaries and him who was a long time survivor survived much similar escape.

Despite the fact that Degg was krogan, he was not stupid. He would not survive more than a thousand years constant war and fight if he had no brain after all.

Reaching the door of the bridge, it automatically opened before them. As he expected, only a few piloting machine received them.

"Please… we don't want any problem." Raised its hand the machine.

Cooper felt something is not right. Something is very not right here, walking towards the machine he ordered it. "Machine, the ship is ours. Any resistance will be your end. Am I clear?"

"Of course Sir… but as you see… our ship is crippled; we cannot go further. We need to be towed and dock in a shipyard to complete the repairs. We don't have the neccesary materials in the ship to finish the maintenance." explained the machine.

John nodded. "I am aware of that. Don't worry about it."

"May I ask your objective: Your employer?" inquired the machine resembled the T100 models from the film called terminator.

"Not your fucking business…" answered the man vulgarly. Turning around, placing his fingers on his Cymba Cavity in his outer ear.

"Boss, we managed to capture the ships, my men already started to transport the goods back our ship, we come back later to scrap these things."

"What is in the crates?" asked Degg through the channel.

"Ahh…" Copper thought for a moment. But he kinda forgot to check it in the great rush. "Shit… I forgot about that," he mumbled. They are in the ships roughly an hour, and they already packed up and passed a few crates to their ships.

"I will order my men to do so…"

"You better…" warned him the rough sounding krogan from the other side of the channel.

Later checking it, strangely they found nothing interesting in the crates, only expensive looking hardware that their technicians could not make out anything and fizzy drinks. Tons and tons of fizzy drinks with all flavor and type under one brand. Sylphid.

A few of his men tasted it. And they liked it quite. As they said. 'The best drink they ever tasted.'

Being there were numerous crates, they distributed the crates evenly between the ships, they did not expect this big catch after all. They did not bring cargo ships with themselves, and being they crippled these ships.

Using these humongous vessels to transport goods was out of the question for a while. At least until they found a way to tow them out from the system and transport them into a safe zone.

He suddenly felt a crushing feeling on his wrist, grabbed by the automaton he spoke previously. "I am sorry Sir. But this is the end of the line. Activate protocol fifty-two."

The door sealed itself shut automatically, sealing away the bridge from the outer world. The so far peaceful automatons eyes turned red. Like ninja's jumping on poor, unsuspecting mercenaries, stabbing them with their tube-like appendages sprouted out from the upper portion of their arms. Draining them dry, leeching away their very essence.

The mercenaries, John Copper, and his men started to disappear, dry out into a husk. Meanwhile the machines started to get the shape of the mercenaries they killed. Gaining their features, memories, and armor. Crumbling them to dust at the end of the process.

It happened fast, in every ship, every invading mercenary was replaced by an automaton at the same time. Their number was overwhelming compared to the number of mercenaries and Degg's men occupying the ships after all. Like a morbid, calculative war machine, the soldiers stripped from their own will, flesh, blood, and essence. Replaced by a cold machine.

Prepared for their infiltration mission. The automatons grabbed the weapon on the ground and continued the operation. Substituting the deceased mercenaries, they proceeded like nothing happened, cleaning up the remains.

A few days later, everything settled. The waiting is over. The crates transported into Drokmor Degg main base. His citadel that settled on a toxic planet, that only the krogan and the vorcha could survive without any kind of breathing device.

Further crates also sent to his other bases around in the galaxy. The time come, drunk by the victories in the past day. His soldiers were busy with the party. Drinking Sylphid without stop.

Then suddenly, a big wave ran through the base. Disabling every security measurement. Every single crate opened, serving as teleportation pads to the invading forces.

The automatons hiding amidst the rank of mercenaries already started their work, brutally tearing apart every resisting mercenary, teleportation gates opened in the previously mentioned teleportation pads, where from many charging soldiers appeared. Bearing the insignia of the Iron Manticores. The toughest and one of the biggest mercenary band in the Sorcerous Kingdom

Led by their leader, an orc wearing bulky, enchanted armor, wielding a bulky force hammer in his grasp. The orc named Edmir Dun Zan. The leader of the Iron Manticores.

Most leaders would not participate in battles like him. But he enjoyed the thrill of the fight. He was addicted to it. And if his employer, this so-called 'Mithril' wanted to get these buggers from her back. He will get what he wants, after all, he paid them handsomely with information and the Sorcerous Kingdom's credits also called Momonga.

Of course, he was the one who needed to discuss the plan with his Lieutenants and figure out how to succeed in this kind of big operation. But he had help; they had the technology to do so and of course, his men who worked out the details was a genius. It was easy being these people had no idea how magic works and don't even used the basic teleportation wards that would prevent such infiltration.

His ships already in the key points, battling with the ships above the planet's atmosphere. It is only a time. But now… he will crush them. He will live out his battle thrill.

Wearing his enchanted armor colored dark grey with the tribal symbols of his people and the symbol of the Iron Manticores. He charged towards his first opponent. Raising his hammer the gravitation force it exerted supplemented with his enchanted strength pasted the poor Blood Pack krogan into a bloody mess.

Behind him the portals spit out the reinforcements, slowly but steadily overwhelming the local forces, decimating them completely.

Meanwhile in the control center of Drokmor Degg.

Drokmor had a bad day. And when he thought this day would be a problem less. He just finished his meal when the whole base started to roar, signing the intruder's presence.

Grabbing his biotic hammer, the Warlord headed out from his office. Sometime later, he tried to reach his lieutenants he stationed across the galaxy, but he barely gained a response.

The worst part was not this, but according to his computer, the attack happened all of his bases across the Galaxy at the same time. All around, he got incomprehensible reports about his own men attacking each other and an invading force appeared in the middle of his bases seemingly out from the thin air. Not speaking about his fleet is under attack by unknown ships, those slowly but steadily decimating them.

Turning against each other, tearing each other apart. All around he receives reports about the appearance of an unknown mercenary force in the middle of his base. Bearing an unknown insignia. Decimating his forces in this very moment. Only sparing those who surrender and drop their weapons.

Just to immediately get captured by those strange armored machines. This was bad, very bad. His Empire, all that he built under hundreds and hundreds of years of his Pirate career crumbling into dust under mere moments. Getting angry from the constant beeping of his Omni tool he disabled the function that downloaded his extranet emails from the extranet.

This was incomprehensible, unacceptable. A few of his Lieutenants even tried to assassinate him in the control room, and before he could crush them. They already sabotaged every system that was still operated somewhat.

How could such thing happen? Using his biotic and physical strength, the Warlord cut a wide path amidst his enemies and his former soldiers that seemingly turned against him.

Channeling his rage into biotic attacks. But their number seemed endless. If he killed one, if he gained a little bit foot ground and managed to regroup with his still loyal men, two new creature appeared and pushed them back.

There was no other way; he had to retreat and start again. He still had his money and contacts. He can start again.

Using his biotic attacks and Warhammer he cut through a path for himself, followed by a few of his still loyal men. The krogan warlord retreated.

Just to reaching the hangar be received by several fully armed unit, but not his men… no… his men kneeled over in the other side, overseen by several armed guards carrying some kind of strange rifles, pointing at their head.

In the middle of them Edmir Dun Zan. Holding his sizable Warhammer, resting on his shoulder, around them dozens and dozens of broken bodies of Drokmor's men.

"I see you found your way here…" raised his hand Edmir.

Drokmor gritted his teeth. "Coward! Using a dirty trick to defeat me?! Fight me you bastard!"

Edmir smirked his porcine features and his taller than average height made him terrifying in the eyes of Degg's men. His soldiers already get used to this and only chuckled on their leader's little intimidation game. Edmir's brown eyes shone, his braided white hair lazily hung the back of his scalp.

"I will take this dance…" he chuckled.

"Cap'n… are you sure?" asked playfully one of his man standing not far from him.

Edmir nodded. "Yes, I see in his eyes, we are both warriors. Warriors give each other the respect they deserve."

Turning back to Drokmor he spoke. "If you manage to defeat me. You and your men free to go. I promise."

"And if you defeat me?" asked Drokmor suspiciously.

Edmir smirked. "You and your men work for me." placing his sizable Warhammer across his shoulder Edmir grinned.

"Back off!" ordered the Warlord. His remained men backed off warily. They know this expression. No one can stop their boss when he is like this.

The two warriors started to circle each other, slowly measuring each other. "I commend you! No one ever managed to outsmart me before, but you will fall, like everyone else. Just give up! I promise you fast death."

"It is not I who outsmarted you; it is your man we outsmarted, after all, the more complex the machine, the easier it to break down." explained the orc leader.

"Hah! Fair point!" commented the krogan.

Charging towards each other the two warriors clashed. Under their feet the ground is trembling, cracking. Half a ton of meat, muscle, and armor, supplemented with a fifty-two-kilogram krogan biotic Warhammer.

Versus three hundred and fifty-two kilograms of enchanted armor and muscle and a fifty-kilogram hammer clashed.

The warriors clashed again and again. Never using their sidearm or their special powers. This was an honorable fight between two warriors. Drokmor already knows he lost his organization, the only thing that remained his krogan honor as the head of the Drokmor clan, and the leader of the pirate group Iron Jaw.

Clang! Clang! Clang! The two Warhammers clash echoed through the battlefield. The two bulky figure used their proficient weapon art to dodge, block, and jump away from a strike or even to strike towards each other.

No magic or technology was used in the fight. Only the skill of the two warriors measured in this battle.

More than one thousand years of experience of constant warfare and bloodstained history, versus Edmir's training and more than a half-century of experience in the Sorcerous King's special unit. The Deathbringers.

The fight went back and on for almost a half an hour. Once Drokmor, once Edmir gained the upper hand. Seemingly both parties did their best. Not one of them could gain the upper hand.

When suddenly, after a fast counter Edmir kicked Drokmor's abdomen bringing him to knees. What followed a quick spin that disarmed the krogan warlord.

Gritting his teeth, Drokmor used his last breath to charge towards his opponent. Being as an experienced krogan, he could somewhat control his bloodrage. Using the last inch of adrenaline conducted rage he charged towards his opponent.

The last thing he remembered that Edmir quickly stepped aside and stumbled his leg under his feet. Turning him around and starting to pummel his face with his fists before passing out completely.

Breathing heavily Edmir stood up, just for this fight he removed his necklace that gave him infinite stamina. This krogan know how to battle, he will be a useful ally if he manages to convince him to join his band.

"Your orders boss?" asked one of his men. Offering his hand helping the heavily breathing orc up.

"Lock them in a sturdy cell…" turning to his man he said. "Separate them. We will take over the base. Search for hiding enemy and hidden traps. Fortify position. We don't want uninvited guests."

"Okay boss…" answered his men and jogged away. Just in the moment later the voices whispering in his ear the success of the operation. Everything went smooth, there was the resistance of course, but only a handful of his men died thanks to the thorough planning and the sabotage conducted days ago.

They even managed to take out the fleet floating above the planet with only losing two cruisers. Being his organization was a private military unit, he did not have the most modern technology that the USKN (Unified Sorcerous Kingdom Navy) used.

Thus, he had to settle with ships the law allowed to have to the private military organizations such as his. Not as the Iron Manticores don't have one-one from the newer models smuggled away by shady groups such as this so-called E.A.S.Y. Their new employer.

They have them; they just kept them in reserve under cover.

Calling his employer, he started his report. "Everything went in order. Anything else you need? Mithril-san?"

The employer smiled under the covering darkness that covered its face. His voice was distorted, but Edmir knows he or she was satisfied with the work they had done. "Good work Edmir-san. As expected." the person on the other side of the line nodded satisfied. "Tsukuyomi-sama will be satisfied with your progress. After checking everything in order, you will get the full payment. Until that, here is a little extra."

The computer on Edmir's wrist beeped. Signing he received the promised extra payment.

"Thanks…" he smirked.

"By the way… we have another assignment for you. Only for you. Of course, if you are interested."

"That depends on... What assignment needs my skills?" he asked carefully.

The mysterious employer chuckled. Edmir's device beeped again, receiving the details. "If you are really interested. Go to the coordinates in the message. Don't worry. You can decide to take up the assignment or not after you heard them out. Take your time, rest as much as you need. Organize your things. But they need an answer in ten days. Remember that."

Edmir nodded and the connection disconnected. Sighing he looked through the carnage just happened moments ago. Grabbing his Warhammer, placing on his back the magnetic clamps fixed it on him.

Walking towards his man doing their work he sighed. This will be a long day…

---

Scene Change: Unknown location:

The man floated. Floated in the seemingly infinite darkness, how where was he, he did not know. He only knows he was here for a long time. He did not feel his body. Neither where he was.

He hoped the spirits send him into the equivalent of the place called by the humans 'Hell' after what he had done. He betrayed his kind… no… in his desperation he betrayed everyone.

Even his friend and apprentice. Nihlus Kryik. He remembered the young, hopeful Turian who he mentored since his young age. He remembered his optimism; he remembered their friendly chats.

Then... years later, blinded by his own fear. Blinded by a false, misinterpreted message, he killed him. He shoots him in the back. He betrayed him. One of his best friends. He was blind, how could he did not see how it will end?

How he will not be able to see the same hope that Shepard saw before he betrayed everyone.

No... he had no choice. The threat was too real. There was no other way. Even if Shepard manages to stop the invasion, she will not be able to stop the storm. A speck of dust is not enough to stop the storm. It is just not enough. Even if she defeats Sovereign and manages to stop the Reapers first wave. They can't be stopped just like that. They are too strong. Their number is endless. They are merciless. They are just too advanced for them to be able to outsmart those machines. No one can stop them.

Still... if he had another chance, if he could go back, he would never allow himself to let desperation overwhelm him. He would find a way to at least slow the Reapers down. He would find a way to make everything right, to gain forgiveness for his past crimes. Even if it means he had to die, sacrifice himself just to gain even a second.

Even if it means he had to shoot down his past self. He pondered what he would do differently if he would live again, and he even planned everything out the best way possible. He had time after all if time even exists in this dark nonexistence he found himself after Shepard defeated that abomination Sovereign transformed his body.

Because after his suicide, he saw everything, he saw what he becomes; he saw Sovereign plans, he felt that utter disgust and desire to destroy that the machine felt towards the organic beings. He screamed, he tried to break out from the cell called his mind, but he was unable to break out. He was weak, he was just too small compared to that humongous abomination insinuated in his mind.

If he only... if he only... if he only had an another chance. He would make everything right.

"Do you wish to live again? Do you wish redemption?" whispered a female voice, it was beautiful, it was shooting, it was everything the humans called angelically.

After pondering a moment, he answered. "Yes, yes I wish to live again. I wish to make right what I managed to spoil. I wish for redemption."

"Then…" An angelic figure appeared before the Turian; her presence brought the so needed light in the infinite darkness surrounded the man. Ousted the dark presence surrounded him since the beginning. She wore a baggy gown; a hood shadowed her face. Still, her feminine proportions were clearly visible.

Behind her back two, white feathered wings sprouted. "Grab my hand, never weaver..." Stretching her delicate hands towards the Turian, she whispered. The Turian had doubt but grabbed her hand in the end. After all, he had no other choice, nothing to lose.

"Repeat after me… I… Saren Arterius…" she whispered.

Saren gulped and repeated. "I Saren Arterius…"

"Wish to walk amidst the living once more, live once more… to make my mistakes right."

Clicking his mandibles a few time, the pondering Saren repeated. "Wish to walk amidst the living once more, live once more… to make my mistakes right."

The Angel strengthened her grip. "Very well… then you will live, make your mistakes right… Saren Arterius… may the light guide your path… May the creator show you the way… May the Supreme Beings' light, show your destiny."

She started to pull him, Saren felt suffocated, like the great pressure trying to crush him. Like the darkness want to claim him once again. But strangely, once he felt relieved, oxygen started to fill his lungs once again, light surrounded him, banishing the ever closing darkness.

Struggling, looking at his side, seeing his previous missing arm that he substituted with a geth limb start to reform, even stronger than before. He felt tired, he felt he should die at any moment, but once he opened his eyes.

He gasped after the invigorating life essence of the oxygen reached his restored, replaced lungs once again. Opening his eyes for the first times since years the light was blinding; his vision needs a little time to adjust. The only thing he saw was blurry spots in his vision.

Feeling numb and tired like he was just an infant once again. Despite many Turian did not, he clearly remembered when he was born.

He knows it was weird, but he still remembered, and just now he felt himself just like that. Tired, barely seen or heard anything.

"Welcome back… Saren Arterius…" he heard the same female, angelic voice once again. "Welcome back amongst the living…"

His throat was dry, he needed to drink something. "Whe-Where I am?" he shuttered, barely audible.

"Shhh… rest now… everything will be clear once you woke up." shooed him the angel, Saren smiled and drifted back into the darkness. Since a long time, he slept, this darkness that descended in his eyes well received.

Saren did not know how much time passed since he blacked out. But in the end, opening his eyes, he found himself on an operating table.

The table underneath his metallic exoskeleton was hard. Collecting his strength, he raised himself from the table, just to realize his body only covered by a thin veil of turquoise colored material. The same clothes that the patients used to wear in the hospitals.

Standing up, he still needed to get used to his physical body, regain his balance. He was hungry; he would most likely devour a whole Varren if it were before him.

Inspecting his surrounding of his, he realized he was in some kind of morgue. Besides the operation table, several, evil looking operation tools and unknown devices monitoring his status.

Brushing his forehead, he asked himself what happened, where he is. But he just gets even more confused; the whole thing was not right. He supposed to be dead. But everything feels too real.

He needs to confirm it, clenching his fist, he hit his face as strong as he could, dislocating his jaw in the process.

Yes, the pain was there, he is indeed alive, dead people rarely feel pain. Looking around he discovered several rations of prepared dextro food. Dextro-fish, dextro-meat, and dextro-cheese. He even found some dextro-chocolate of the table not far from him.

He was not fond of the chocolate, but he knows it gave him the energy that he needed if he wanted to survive. Thus, after checking for poisons, he devoured them like no tomorrow. He was hungry, it was like he would not eat since years.

He was a veteran turian soldier who became Spectre after all. Checking after poisons were basic. The first thing they taught you in your Spectre training how to distinguish poisoned and nonpoisoned food. How to recognize it.

Who knows when you need to eat or drink unrecognizable food after your supplies run out in the field. Who knows how long you need to station there without extraction, who knows when they will save you, or the extraction even come and you are not on your own since the Council thinks you are dead.

Spectres were not accidentally the best of the best; they were survivors. They were who enter the battlefield first and left at last when needed. Leaving only bodies in their wake.

After devouring the food and drink prepared for him, Saren recognized a mirror before him. His face, his arm. His previous cybernetic implants are completely missing, his lost arm he replaced by a geth artificial arm now back once again... completely fine, flesh and blood. And despite his appearance was almost the same, he was younger at least thirty years.

He checked himself multiple times, even used a few of the devices he recognized to check his state. But he was completely clear, no implants detectable in his body. True, he felt a little weaker, a little naked without his implants that gave him his strength. But also relieved being finally get rid of those squids' influence.

He did not feel the unknown presence in his brain anymore, those always whispering, dark voices that corrupted his mind. He was finally free!

But… it was too early to overjoy. He was still in a closed room, alone. He needed to figure out where he is. What year it is. He needed to earn his redemption.

Searching for long minutes, he found a survival knife in the room. It was not much, but more than nothing. He was proficient in close combat after all. His biotic amps as well worked just fine. Raising a few crates and throwing them to the wall proved that. He was not accidentally considered a prodigy in the Turian Cabal program. The military program where the few selected turian biotic were trained in the harshest, strict way.

He was still tired using his amps. He still did not get used to his body.

He checked the door before; he banged on it to let him out. No answer came. But he felt someone is watching him. It was just a feeling in the back of his skull, a so-called instinct, a sixth sense as the humans called. An ability he picked up over the years. Somehow he always knows when someone watched him. It was in his blood.

After waiting for hours, collecting his strength, eating the rations left behind, watching vigilantly, no one came. So, he decided it is the best to escape. He already spotted his route out from this cell. A loose ventilation shaft. He only hoped it would not lead into a deadly spinning fan that may cut him to pieces. He experienced such traps under his work, only thanks to his biotic he survived.

Using his muscled body, acrobatically he climbed up to the shaft, removed the cover, and started its long way. Half an hour passed, time to time glancing underneath him, through the grids of the ventilation shaft, seeing patrolling soldiers, carrying weapons, wearing armor, bearing an insignia entirely unknown for him.

The whole design of the place is completely alien to him. He did not know where he was, the only thing he knows the place he was imprisoned was isolated. Patrolled by mostly humanoid looking guards.

Carrying weapons and armor entirely unknown even to him who worked together with Sovereign and the geth who foolishly worshipped that thing. Saren used his biotic abilities to mask his presence. Yes, conceal himself. Most people only used their biotic amps for the offensive way. Pulling, throwing and warping out their enemies from existence.

But they can be used so much more creatively, defensively, supportively and with your biotic abilities, you can even cover your tracks.

He learned this under one of his mission with an Asari Spectre. A Spectre that previously served as a veteran Asari Commando. Commandos usually used guerilla tactic to reach their goals, namely hit and run tactic to slowly weaken then eliminate highly guarded targets. Although, they could stand on their own even in an open battle.

Saren did not want to admit it, but when he was younger, he was terrified even the thought of facing an Asari Commando in open battle. But now, he was experienced, he can stand on his own against them. Still, they were dangerous opponents, Benezia's Commandos proved that.

Using his biotic, he landed behind a crate. Slowing his descent to muffle the sound of his fall. Then waited, waited and watched. It took only a few minutes to an unsuspecting guard come into his direction.

He recognized that movement set, a human. He should kill it; his old self would kill it instantly. His old, younger self, hated humans more than anything else. But he was not the Saren he was before. Realizing his previous mistakes, he wanted to learn from them.

Thus he tried to knock the man unconscious, just to realize the man already recognized his presence. Turning suddenly around pointing his strange gun at him. "Freeze!"

Saren had no other choice. Using his momentum he rammed at the soldier's abdomen, stumbling him on the ground. The man's grip was secure; even Saren needed to struggle to get his weapon out from his grasp, multiple distinct strikes needed with the hilt of his knife to knock the man underneath himself unconscious

Pulling him behind the crate, he inspected the weapon closer. The design was similar, yet, entirely different. The basic parts he gets used to was here, but he did not recognize any inner part of it. Like it based an altogether different technology, using the usual weapon design he gets used to.

Removing the face covering helmet from the soldier, his eyes widened. Underneath him was a mech. Its red brimming eyes still stared him menacingly.

He brought his clawed hand closer, just to be suddenly grabbed by the automaton, almost crushing his wrist under the heavy pressure.

Groaning out of pain Saren grabbed his knife and stabbed the mech neck multiple times, cutting through the wires in its neck, smashing, cutting its neck until it separated entirely from its body.

Breathing heavily he stabbed his knife multiple times into the points where he suspected more processor could be found. He did not want to take a risk with this thing getting up once more than jumping on his back.

It was not specific, but you can't be cautious enough. Under his Spectre carrier, he saw mechs that were able to pull such thing as walking and functioning just fine without heads. The only reason why they were not used because of their high maintenance and manufacturing cost.

Raising the helmet, it immediately changed shape, taking the shape of an ordinary Turian helmet. Saren was startled at first, he did not understand how could such thing exist, but after realizing he had no other choice, he equipped it. The armor followed custom, perfectly fitting into his body. Hugging him around like a protective shell.

After hiding the body, the former Spectre continued his way. Sneaking around in the complex in the best of his ability.

There was an unnaturally high number of guards, giving him a hard time to sneak around. The hospital-like corridors that looked exactly alike did not help either. The only thing that made him able to navigate through them was the strange symbols he saw time to time on the walls. Strangely he understands them, they were numbers. It seems this complex used numbers to identify the position.

Reaching on the corner, both behind him and before him guards approached. He had no other choice, but acting normally, he saw guards resembling Turians meanwhile he sneaked around.

It was ruled, If you had no other choice, it is the best to act normally as possible and hopes the best. Thus he stood up and started to walk towards the door with a big number. Hoping the guard will simply ignore him.

Just as he left the patrolling man, the whole base started to beep in a deafening roar, the corridors turned red by the alarm lights lit up in the walls, looking at his forearm he saw a red light flashing on his armor.

Looking back at the guards, Saren recognized, only his armor flashed like a Christmas tree. "Shit… must be found the body and activated some kind of tracking mechanism…" he cursed under his breath. Being he did not have his Omni tool with him he can't check the armor thoroughly after tracking devices.

He did not expect this. "Freeze!" he heard the guard behind him pointing its weapon at his back.

Raising his hands he sighed, there is no other way. Slowly turning around, the guard approached him. But before the patrolman could even react, like a true gunslinger Saren reached for his sidearm. Pumping through the guard whatever munition the weapon used.

The guard collapsed, leaving a corpse with full of holes.

Raising his weapon the man called Saren Arterius was surprised, these weapons actually used energy-based projectiles. A feat, not even the most advanced Salarian scientist could achieve. Only Sovereign used such energy based weapon. He was confused; he was actually brought back by the Reapers? Or so much time passed the people managed to acquire such technology? No… it is not right… something is very not right.

Shaking his head he regained his bearing, no… there was no time like the present. He figures out later how it is possible.

Grabbing the carbine like the weapon he just dropped he started to charge towards the slowly closing door, barely managing to get past before it sealed itself shut.

As he charged, multiple guards jogged towards him in neat groups, barraging him, Saren knows if he stops he will be pinned down, if he will be pinned down he will be quickly encircled and overwhelmed. He needed to keep moving; he needed to find a way out.

Releasing precise, short bursts from his carbine, using his biotic amps and combat knife to cut through the enemy. He managed to evade them for a time seemed long hours, leaving them behind, using his Spectre training the best way to get out from this tight situation.

Door after door he left them behind, grabbing after new weapons when he needed it. His armor was quite sturdy, he gets shot multiple times, but he was still alive. It hurts of course, but at least he remained amongst the living.

He also recognized by wearing his armor he moved lighter, he tired slower, regained his stamina faster than usually.

Charging towards the biggest door he ever saw during his stay in the complex. He gritted his teeth and gave his last ditch of effort. Mowing down the few remained guards before him and his most likely gaining his ticket to freedom.

Then jumping forward, using his gained momentum sliding, turning to his back releasing a covering fire meanwhile barely slipped through the hole in the rapidly descending thick door and the ground.

Standing up breathing heavily he looked around. Saren found himself in a pitch white room, only a human sitting behind a white desk on a white chair, typing on his haptic interface.

Recognizing his arrived guest, he looked at Saren, smiled and folded his hand before himself. "I am glad you managed to pass the test. Saren Arterius-san… we feared your conditions might not allow you to finish it."

"Test?" Saren looked around suspiciously. "What kind of sick game this is? Where am I?!" he roared furiously. Completely confused.

"You are at the testing facility of the Benefactor. I must say… you are impressive; it is rare anyone manages to pass the test at his/her first try."

"Benefactor? What?" Saren was dumbfounded. He never heard about an organization called 'Benefactor'.

The man smiled slyly. "Don't worry; everything will come to light in time. Please follow me, after a good meal, rest and some proper clothes we will debrief you about your mission.

"What mission?"

"The mission that will give you your wished redemption. Saren-san. After all, we spared no resource to recover your remains and bring back you amongst the living. Not speaking about removing that nasty brainwashing from your mind was quite expensive."

Saren just nodded. If what he said is right. The Reapers are still a threat. In his current situation, he could not do anything else just to go with the man; he still did not trust him of course.

The man clapped his hand, and the room became dark and a white rectangle field appeared around Saren, his armor replaced by a dark skintight, virtual reality suit.

Saren huffed out of his surprise; it seems all of this was nothing more than a very lifelike simulation. Looking towards the still distancing man he followed him.

---

Scene Change. Gathering Chamber: Unknown location:

In a neatly arranged meeting room. Several people sat. Some of them in groups, mostly those who know each other from the old times, but there were also ones who sat alone or retreated in one of the corners.

They come one by one, none of them arrived at once.

Most of these gathered special people have not the faintest idea why they are called here. They only know, they come here, passed the test, and promised a briefing later. They only know they are here for an extraordinary job. Nothing else.

Some of them already started a chat with each other. Trying to figure out what happened. Or simply catch up with each other for the memories of the old time. On the table several servings of food and drinks.

The double door opened slowly, and a man head peeked inside, then after a momentary hesitation stepped inside. Black hair, slightly tanned skin, average appearance, brown eyes.

Some of the inhabitants of the room turned their gaze towards him for a moment, some of them did not even recognized his presence or did not bother with it.

But one person, a Salarian with green skin and slender built stared at the man for long moments.

"Alenko? You here? How is this possible?" asked the Salarian in the room.

"Captain Kirrahe?" asked surprised Kaidan. "So they brought back you as well." Kaidan walked towards the former Captain and shook hands with him.

"Do you know what's going on? Where are we?" asked Kaidan, looking around the room suspiciously, his gaze stopped for momentary the person sitting in the corner, covered in dark clothes, similar to a Mexican poncho, underneath that, wearing a skintight leather suit. Similar the ones modern ninja's used to wear.

Kaidan just could not make more of the personal appearance, just the fact, under the hood the mysterious ninja had a silky silver hair, resting a long, strange looking sniper rifle on his/her shoulder. Sitting cross-legged in one of the corners, lowering his gaze towards the ground.

"I am as surprised as you Lieutenant, I woke up in a dense jungle with full of vicious beasts, after surviving for months I found my way out."

"I see…" Kaidan nodded.

"It comes to light everything was only a simulation, a training program, and in truth, only a day passed. They spoke me about some kind of time acceleration field I was trapped under the completion of that survival game. But I did not believe them at First, I still hardly believe all of this happening around us…" Kirrahe looked around. "Are we alive? Lieutenant? Or this is a simulation as well?"

Kaidan sighed did not know what to say. "Honestly… I don't know Captain… I floated in the darkness, then an angel pulled me back, offered me another chance, to help Shepard. I accepted it, and I found myself in Virmire once again, with a note to get out the blast radius before its too late."

Kirrahe hummed and nodded. "Strange…"

"What?" asked back Kaidan.

"About the angel… she appeared me as well. First, I found all of this impossible, but after walking around a day, being more comfortable all of this, all these new races, all these new strange technologies… I can't do anything just marvel these people…" turning his head back to Kaidan he asked. "By the way, Lieutenant, how long are you awake."

"Well, I came out from that simulation approximately one day ago, and all I did was eat and rest in my room."

Kirrahe nodded then leaned closer and whispered. "Do you know they have magic?"

Alenko released an amused chuckle. "Captain, don't be ridiculous… magic is only a fairy tale, don't you mix it up with some kind of strange biotic?"

"Maybe… I am not sure… when I asked about it they explained to me it is magic, I requested books about it, and those explained the same, even the basic principles of it."

"Yeah… sure…" Kaidan rolled his eyes. "By the way. Who are we waiting for?"

"I think two more people. At least, they said to me there would be at least a dozen of us. And looking around we did not reach that number yet..." as Kirrahe words left his mouth, the door opened. Revealing the person Kaidan and Kirrahe would never want to see again. No, they want to murder him over and over again.

"Saren?!" Kaidan's eyes widened. Reached for his sidearm and pointed at the Turian before him, Kirrahe did the same. "Tell me one good reason to let you live!?"

Saren wanted to apologize, he wanted to admit his guilt, and he would not be upset if they would kill him once again. He deserved it, after all, he knows it. But before he could open his mouth to apologize, a young voice stopped Kaidan and Kirrahe's action.

"Kirrahe-san, Kaidan-san… that's enough. We did not bring you back to be enemies once again…"

Behind Saren, two-person showed up. One taller, wearing a neatly arranged black business suit with a red tie. Delicate features, red eyes, and white hair, long elf ears, tanned caramel colored skin belonged to the taller person.

The other was a girl, beautiful, young face, her height around 150 cm, porcelain skin, one blue slit eyes, the other covered with an eye patch. Having long, silky blond hair that made up into a ponytail, flowing behind her back, reaching entirely into the middle of her back.

Wearing simple black pants, black zipped shirt and an open, leather overcoat reaching entirely to her knees. Her sidearm slightly visible underneath her coat. All of this supplemented her black colored, feathered angelic wings and a simple black belt.

"Please drop your weapons; we are here to discuss, not to fight." offered the short girl.

"This bastard killed millions!" barked Kaidan furiously, glaring at Saren.

"That may be. But now. He is here to help; please put your weapon down, Kaidan-san. It did not work anyway…"

Checking his weapon Kirrahe nodded. It was strange; he checked his sidearm before arrived in the room. It mechanically and technically worked just fine. Then how… "She is right Lieutenant; my weapon is useless."

Pointing his gun towards Saren, Kaidan pulled the trigger multiple times, just to realize those unpleasant clicks that the weapon released. Not the banging sound he expected.

The girl motioned towards the table. "Please sit down."

Aside from the person in the corner, everyone did so and took a seat near the table.

Taking a standing position near the end of the table she introduced herself. "Please let me introduce myself. My name is Tanya von Degurechaff. And you are here because of a mission. How you accept it or refuse it. Is up to you. But if you accept, you have a chance to gain whatever the upper ups agreed with you. Honestly, not my concern, I am only here to coordinate this mission and this ship

"Ship?" grunted the harsh looking krogan sitting on the left end of the table. "I walked in the garden, I walked outside, this can't be a ship."

Tanya slightly turned to the Krogan. "After the debrief finished Dr. Okeer, we will show you around more. I promise." the krogan doctor grinned and bowed his head.

Leaning on the table, she started. "As you know, my employer has a mission for you, a mission that may end with your ultimate death, but in the process, you can save the galaxy from an ancient threat, called Reapers."

Saren eyes widened, Kirrahe and Kaidan looked at each other dumbfounded.

"Hah! Fairy tales… but it sounds fun… count me in." chuckled the old Krogan warlord.

"Why we?" asked the silver-haired werewolf, wearing a duster jacket with many pockets.

Tanya crossed her hands behind her back. "In short. You are the best of the best, we selected you accordingly, only you managed to get through the simulations, collecting enough points, get out in time and survive the selection process…"

"What happened the others? Are they dead?" asked Kaidan.

Tanya stopped and measured the lieutenant. "No… of course not, they died in the simulation after all, not in real life. We just offered them a job according to the points they reached, or if they refused, we let them go after giving them a little compensation and modifying their memories. Our operation is secret after all; we don't want information leak along the path after all."

Saren, Kaidan, and Kirrahee gritted their teeth nervously. Great, messing with minds once again. The Reapers did the same.

"So what is the job?" asked the bulky orc mercenary, wearing his armor. If you don't already recognize him, he was also known as Edmir Dun Zan. The leader of the mercenary group, Iron Manticores. Edmir can't help but find similar characteristic in this girl that the person he meets before.

"As said, you will be the suicide squad; you will complete missions amidst dangerous circumstances other groups cannot possibly pull off. You could look at yourself as the new Avengers or the Punishers if you are more familiar with that series. Of course, if you know the comic series from Earth or the one in Gown Prime."

(The Punishers are the same comic series in Gown Prime as the Avengers series on Earth just with different characters, powers, and backstory.)

Kaidan nodded. "Yeah… I know the Avengers… however, I only know one Punisher." Kaidan mused. He remembered the times when he was a kid and read a lot of comic books back in Jump Zero. The place is also known as Gagaran Station. The station used to be the furthest human-made structure from Earth in the decades before the discovery of the Charon Relay.

"Any objection? It is time. Now or never? Who wants can still back off. There will be no punishment. We will leave orbit maximum in an hour." offered Tanya.

In the room, complete silence descended, only a huff can be heard that came from the person sitting on one of the corners.

Looking around, no one volunteered to back off. Showing a gentle smile, Tanya was satisfied. "Well then, let's start the true debrief… shall we?" looking at her dark elf attaché she nodded. The Dark Elf called Joe Black pushed a few buttons on his wrist, then Tanya turned back towards her new subordinates as the ground underneath them slightly started to shook before the compensators come to life.

"Ladies and Gentleman. I welcome you in the Avalon, home of the W.E.I.R.D.D."

---

From the next chapter:

A small ship arrived through the relay, bearing the character of a single geth hunter ship. Piloted by only one unit.

As reaching closer at the outer defenses, every turret turned in the small ship's direction following its path. The nearby patrol cruisers and hunter drones modified their way, if it needed, they could intercept the little ship.

"Delta three two, identify yourself." comes a robotic voice through a comm channel.

"We came to negotiate with the beings called 'Supreme Beings' by the entity called 'G.O.L.D.I.E.'. We wish peace, we wish to understand, and we want to cooperation on the side of our distant relatives."

Answered the geth unit. You may say, it was only one geth unit. But being the geths in truth just programs that run on platforms, in reality, this unit spoke through millions and millions of voices of his kind, expressed the intentions of millions of artificial beings that seeks understanding and peace.

---

A/N:

Well, that's for now.

In the next chapter: The first mission! What will happen? Will Kaidan and Kirrahe manage to reach conclusion?

Will they manage to forgive the past crimes?

You will see next time! :)

Until that!

Safe winds, Good speed!