Chapter 19: Subterfuge

Only a few days had passed, but the Last Subjects were well on their way to being established on Omega. With the generous support of Lady Aria, they had been given access to a building for their headquarters down in the lower districts.

It was a two story warehouse, made of solid stone with few windows and only one door in the front. There was a loading dock on the left side of the building as well. There were no windows on the second level, although it appeared there was roof access via a door placed there.

Zaeed said to Krios, "What do you think?"

With the trained eye of an assassin, he said, "We need someone covering the alley. Having eyes on the roof would be smart." Thane considered all the possibilities before saying. "If we put up a digital display for some other company, that would provide natural cover and we could place a few embankments up there."

"Not to mention we'd make a little cash for the advertising itself," nodded the mercenary. "I like it."

Their biotic friend didn't say anything as she walked past them into the building. Jack looked around and saw there wasn't much there. They would need to bring in a construction crew to do some work.

She thought about who they might be working with, and realized there would be other biotics. Although Subject Zero had long since learned to do things on her own, if she was going to be the boss, she was going to train people to fight to win. Her second rule was now that she didn't rely on others. Her first rule was to survive.

As she looked upon the empty space, noting the two stairwells and the elevator systems already in place, she heard the Drell and her partner enter the place.

"How do you like our castle, princess?" asked the veteran with a wide grin on his face.

"I'll like it better when we put some fire breathing dragons in it," she said with a saucy expression. Now that she thought about it, fire systems would be a good idea to make sure there was a way to destroy everything should it fall into the wrong hands. Things had a way of going wrong.

Zaeed simply laughed at this comment, and said, "Whatever you like."

From their negotiations with the young doctor at the clinic, the first order of business would taking advantage of the new heavy weapons they obtained. As friends of Dr. Solus, Daniel thought their protection would be more than sufficient for the clinic, and he knew many patients were unsettled by having so much weaponry in the waiting room to the clinic.

Zaeed was thinking how he would keep the bargain, getting free supplies for his men, and being a good neighbor. One of the cardinal rules mercenaries learned is you never bring business to your home base if you can help it, because you need somewhere to live and somewhere to be safe when things went wrong. The Last Subjects would be good to Omega, and they would be fair.

A knock came at the door, unexpectedly, and Zaeed looked over to his companions. Almost no one should have known they were here, and he didn't like surprises. Jack slid behind a beam, ready to use her talents if necessary, and Thane was hiding in some shadow. He could feel them more than he could see them, but he walked to the door and asked, "Who's there?"

He heard the familiar voice of Grizz who said, "The Lady sent me to give you a token of her esteem and some news you might appreciate."

Zaeed opened the door to see the Turian standing there with a datapad. "About the last time we met, I didn't intend any disrespect, Mr. Massani."

Although he didn't reveal his feelings, Zaeed appreciated the acknowledgement and thought this was a beginning to the life he deserved, that had been stolen from him before.

"We're good, Grizz. Tell Aria the Last Subjects approve of this building, and we're getting ready to start operations."

The Turian nodded and walked away, leaving Zaeed to close the door and his companions to come out from their respective hiding locations. Curious about what she had sent, they looked at the datapad.

Z

I'm investing 25,000 in your operation so you can get your base up and running. If you go to any of the stores, tell them you're working for me and you'll get everything at cost.

I also wanted you to know the Blue Suns are hiring for some big operation. Their man has been recruiting mercenaries down at Afterlife, if you wanted to take a shot.

-A

While Krios and Jack seemed more focused on the startup credits and what they would need to purchase to begin building their base on Omega, Zaeed couldn't get past that last bit of news. He hated the Blue Suns with tireless passion, as a constant reminder of his failure and the one who got away. He knew it was an obsession, but if he could just locate Vido and see his demise, the veteran felt he could close the last chapter of his old life.

Jack interrupted his train of thought by asking "What do you think we should buy first, Zaeed?"

It was the right question, and he was thinking the best thing to do was to get some inventory that could be turned quickly so more capital would be available. "We probably need to buy some merchandise we could turn around quickly. We could start with some Red Sand before we get into the better stuff like Minagen or Hallex."

This caused the biotic to pause for a moment. She was very familiar with these drugs, having used them all before to test the limits of her own powers, but she didn't know if she wanted to deal in them or not. Out of curiosity, she asked, "Why drugs and not weapons?"

Krios answered her question, "Because dealing arms requires a lot more money, because others are already doing it, and because we would need established clients to make those deals happen. We have none of these things." His mechanical answer was very thorough.

Zaeed commented, "Couldn't have said it better myself, but I have an idea of how we could take a big step forward."

As his companions listened, he said, "We could get ourselves some prime equipment off the Blue Suns if we go along with this process. I was thinking I could begin setting up operations here, while one of you could find out just what they are hiring everyone to do."

Massani continued saying, "Maybe we could recruit a few new people to help us, and maybe we can get some of their supplies. Whether we take what they have or destroy their stuff, their weakness will be our strength."

Jack liked the idea of making a splash as a little grin went across her face, but Thane asked, "Is it wise to draw such attention to ourselves so early in the operation?"

Zaeed said, "We know we don't have much time before all hell breaks loose," referring to the Reaper threat, "so we need to establish ourselves as credible quickly. Taking shots at the Suns is as good an idea as any." He stopped as he sought to build a compelling argument. "We've taken over their turf here, so we should also look to take over their clients."

Jack said, "I'll volunteer to go. You two know more about putting things together, but I bet I can get a few of the boys to follow me." She sparkled with her eyes.

Being the voice of reason, the Drell asked, "Are you sure you won't be recognized, with your distinctive tattoos and all?"

"I'm just a misunderstood outlaw on the run," she said, as she affected a demure helpless voice. "Boys always buy that."

Krios said nothing as Zaeed laughed, "The little brat could scare the pants off any man."

She looked at him scornfully which made the veteran laugh even more.

Thane said, "I too will join Jack. While she is busy working on recruitment, I'll see if I can't determine other information we can use, such as why they are hiring."

Both surprised and pleased by this offer, the mercenary leader said, "We could use some hard information. If they have infrastructure we could use, we need to learn. Finding a local source for Element Zero might be a good place to start."

Thane nodded and said, "What will you do?"

"I'm going to set up operations here, and I'll put everything in place for when you get back. I'll talk to Aria about setting up a supply line and see if she knows the local dealers."

"Let's do this," said Jack.

With each of the three now in agreement about what they would do next, they split apart to undertake their duties. While Zaeed began a more thorough inspection of the building in conversation with Thane, Jack went back to her apartment and changed into something more suggestive. She selected a body suit that flattered her features, but also provided effective armor for being so light and plenty of places for her to hide something.

About a half hour later, Thane arrived at her door wearing a loose fitting outfit that seemed to blend discretely into any background. There was something unique about the weave she decided, but he simply said, "Are you ready?"

Nodding, she took the lead and walked with him down into Afterlife. As the bar flickered in red and black, people huddled in different corners having their conversations. A few people danced, more drank, and one couple looked to be doing even more in a corner, but the rule was you didn't interfere.

As she walked through the room, Jack noticed that Aria's guards were watching, but saying nothing, as she sauntered up to the Blue Suns mercenary standing there. He was a Turian, someone she had not seen before, but he seemed to be looking for someone.

"I hear you're hiring," said Jack as she came close to the mercenary.

"And who told you that?" asked the man mirthlessly.

"I hear lots of things." She walked in front of him, trying to capture his attention, "But what are you looking for? My friend and I just got into town, and could use a fresh start somewhere else."

"The Blue Suns don't need any vagrants. If you're looking for a free meal, try elsewhere," he said as he spat with disdain.

"You don't," she said and she started to turn to walk away, and then she pushed him hard back into the wall using her biotic abilities, "but maybe you need what only I can offer."

The Turian fell to the ground, but then pulled himself up. He said, "Impressive. Maybe we could talk. What's your name?"

"My name's Linn," said Jack, thinking on the fly, "And my partner is Garm. I hold them in place and he guns them down."

"So you're a team?" asked the mercenary. "The Suns aren't really looking for more humans, but we can always use another biotic. Can you fight?"

With a sparkle in her eye, Jack said, "Try me, if you think you can."

"Not my call," said the trooper. "Go to Djinn's Lounge in the market district. Ask for Raekon. He makes the decisions for this trip."

Running her hand along his chin, Jack said, "Put in a kind word for us, will you?" Nodding to Thane, she then began walking away with the Drell in tow.

"That was easy enough," said the biotic as her confidence was brimming. Speaking in her normal voice, she said, "Men are all the same. Give them a cheap thrill and they love you."

Thane simply listened and said nothing. Jack smiled at him and said, "That's what I like about you, Krios. You don't say anything stupid."

They went to the lounge in question which appeared to be unoccupied, but the door was unlocked. Inside, there was a Volus sitting at a table by himself, reading over some datapad. When the two entered, he informed them, "The lounge is closed until tomorrow morning. Please come back then."

Jack said to him, "Is it closed for some new friends of Raekon?"

Looking up, the Volus said, "Is he expecting you?"

Not knowing the answer, she said, "We were sent here for an interview. Is he here?"

The Volus eyed them appreciatively and said, "You'll need to leave your weapons with me."

The biotic reached for her sidearm, and threw it onto the table. Thane put his assault rifle on the table, as well as a set of knives he kept on him. He had left his sniper rifle at home.

"Go on through," said the Volus. "He'll see you now."

The two walked through a door in the back of the lounge and through a hallway to a small room. Two guards stood outside the door, both Batarians. Looking at Jack, they growled slightly which she noticed. Although she hadn't followed the news closely, there were rumors of a war between the Batarians and Humans so she said, "Easy boys. I'm not here to fight you. I'm on my own side."

One of them grunted and said, "We'll see about that" as he opened the door.

Inside, there was a Batarian dressed in full armor.

"Raekon, I presume," said Jack as she took a seat at the desk before her. Thane chose to stand behind her rather than take the other offered seat, keeping an eye out for anything that happens.

"Linn and Garm, was it?" he asked. "You'll forgive me as I never heard of either of you before."

The Batarian eyed each of them critically, looking upon Jack with all four of his eyes at once. Most species found this an unsettling experience, but the girl had no problem tracing and tracking him, as he almost swore she was staring into him.

"Impressive arms," he said to start the conversation. "Those aren't cheap guns you are bringing, so I assume you've worked together before."

"We've done some things," admitted Jack. "But we could use a chance to keep low for a while if you catch my drift."

Raekon nodded as the story was one he commonly heard. Many criminals and people evading trouble of all kinds sought jobs with the Suns and other bands to get away. He was curious what they had done, precisely, but it was something he'd probably have to find out on his own.

"I heard you roughed up our recruiter down at Aria's" he said, referring to the incident where Jack showed her abilities.

"A demonstration, nothing more," she said coolly as she glanced at him. "Garm and I heard rumors you were looking for people good in a fight. He needed convincing."

Jack leaned forward toward the table and said, "My partner and I are good. If the pay is right, we can fight."

"You're a biotic," noted Raekon, thinking how the Suns could use some new biotics. Between the raid on their facility that almost took Vido's life, and attacks that had happened on many worlds, including now at Palaven, they were getting thin. "We have a special place for biotics."

"I like to work on my own," said Jack, "but we can see if you and I fit well together, and go from there." Her insinuations wouldn't work on the Batarian as well as others, but he could sense how she could use her powers to get what she wanted from others.

"Does your friend talk at all?" asked the Blue Suns leader.

She looked at him with a nod, and Thane said, "I prefer to speak with my bullets." Jack smiled at him and turned back to Raekon.

"So are we hired or what?" she asked. "We don't have all day to stay here, and if you don't want us, we'll go somewhere else."

It was clear the Batarian didn't like being rushed, and he wondered how much he didn't know about these two. The Drell was completely unfamiliar, but there was something oddly familiar about the human. He had seen that face somewhere, but couldn't place it.

That said, the mission orders coming from above had highest priority and he needed people to help. Knowing what they were, he thought it ironic to be bringing a human aboard, but to do otherwise would look even more suspicious. Besides, the Blue Suns had shown many times before their willingness to put aside species allegiances and their appreciation of their good working relationship with the Batarians.

"Okay, Linn. Here's the deal. We are going to be doing some hit and run attacks on some convoys. We'll be attacking merchant freighters supplying certain worlds out near the Terminus systems, so Omega will be our operating base."

Jack was a little surprised by what she heard as she wondered why the Suns would be doing something so risky, thinking there must be a big payday involved.

"What's the pay?" she asked, like a good mercenary.

"Your team will get 5,000 per attack plus 2% of the take," he began.

She laughed at him and said, "We're professionals. If you want me to fight, give me something I can grab onto."

"The Blue Suns pay…" began Raekon.

"What I ask," said Jack as she completed her sentence. My partner and I will pick from your crew, we get 10,000 per attack, each, and 10% of the take."

She looked at the Batarian and said, "Space attacks are risky. I've done them before, but lots can go wrong, and we get paid what we want, and we leave when we want, no questions asked."

Under other circumstances, Raekon would never agree to hire such an impudent whelp, but the orders were to make as many disruptions as possible. If she wanted to be tough, then he could be also. If this girl and her friend were so good, maybe he would send them to take on a better defended target. Whether they lived or died was immaterial to him.

"Agreed. You better be worth it," he said to the biotic.

"Trust me," Jack said, "I am."

Author's Note: I went back through earlier chapters and made a few minor revisions about place names based on your reviews. As always, I read every comment and appreciate your insights, suggestions, and corrections.