MASS EFFECT ANDROMEDA SERIES II
CHAPTER 21
Over a year later….
The transport ship rocked, jarring Garrus from side to side as he held onto a ceiling clasp. The nervous side of him wanted to go check in with the ship's pilot to make sure they were not heading into their certain death. He held back the urge. The Volus merchant he booked passage with to Omega seemed like a frequent flyer so he gave himself comfort in knowing that. He stood by the vessel tiny slit of a window to see a bright glow coming from the starboard side. Their destination was coming into view, Omega. The large station appeared so ominous in the vast darkness of space and he felt his hand grasp the clasp tighter in a reflex. While they neared, he reflected back to what transpired on the Citadel when he returned from taking a break from Spectre training. The messages from Andromeda became less and less and finally without any responses, he decided to check in on things. Once again, C-Sec botched things up. Andromeda was missing and this time not on her own free will. No one was talking and it seemed like C-Sec pretty much left her for dead and swept the investigation under a rug. This angered him. He was disappointed in C-Sec handling before, which is why he quit to join Shepard, but now this made him loathe them more.
His personal own inquiry led him to where he was presently: On course to Omega, the one spot no one wanted to be unless you were a smuggler or a ruthless merc. He managed to learn that a ship that was marked to head to Noveria, actually switched destinations and made a flight path to Omega. The switch seemed odd to him and it left around the same timeline as Andromeda's disappearance. Clearly, she was no longer on the station. This was his only lead so he decided to follow.
As he felt the ship docking, he instinctively reached back to get his rifle, but to only find none. In fact, he had no armor on, but simply civilian clothes. Old habits die hard. He wasn't use to wearing casual clothes, but he figured coming to Omega in armor would attract the wrong crowd; especially from mercs and the pirate queen herself, Aria T'Loak. He always heard of Omega's number one rule and he planned not to break it as long as he could. He never heard of anyone doing the opposite and living to tell about it. Prior to leaving the Citadel, he reached out to an old friend of his, Sidonis. He needed someone to help him on his search. He simply could ask around for help, this wasn't going to be like the Citadel and the station was large and without C-Sec clearance, he really couldn't snoop around. The sound of the Volus approaching made him snap out of his thoughts. "We are here," The round alien said below him through its respirator.
"Thank you," Garrus handed him a credit chit. "Payment as agreed upon." The Volus watched him cautiously as he exited the ship. There were no officers on Omega to check you in or anyone to greet you. Then again, he could be wrong…a tan skinned Salarian hustled his way down the corridor in Garrus' direction. His round eyes seemed eager. He already knew what the amphibious alien was thinking, "fresh blood." He paused, on edge as the Salarian drew nearer.
"Welcome to Omega," The Salarian grinned big, his voice seeped with greed. "I haven't seen you before. My name is Fargut. I would be happy to show you around…for a small fee of course."
For a brief second, Garrus pondered to entertaining the idea to see what he could get for Andromeda's whereabouts, but then again, he didn't know what kind of ties this Salarian had. It seemed like he would do anything for money and if he asked the wrong question, Fargut could go back to the wrong person. "No, thank you. I know where I'm going," Garrus lied as he tried his best to act tough. He had to do this for right now on his own, well until Sidonis showed up.
Fargut rubbed his hands as he stuttered, "My price isn't that bad. Are you sure?" He began to follow Vakarian down the corridor, practically on his heels. Garrus tried his best to ignore him as he continued to walk, but could hear the Salarian's quick breathing practically on his back. He paused as he went out into the main area of the station that housed the club, Afterlife. Its huge display towered over the skyline behind it. Music pounded from within and a long line formed outside the club's doors. Garrus was never a club goer, but just the sheer magnitude of the lights and sound seemed tempting. "You like that?" Fargut asked eagerly. "That's Afterlife. I could get you in past the bouncer pretty fast. Just need some creds that's all and I- "
Garrus turned his head to see what caused the desperate Salarian to stop like he did and caught his gaze. To the side stood a Batarian leaned up against the wall with his arms crossed. The Batarian had a darker patch of color to the bottom of his face. He had some interest in Garrus' presence but most of his focus was on Fargut. A look of anger and displeasure was on his face. "Friend of yours?" Garrus asked casually.
"Moklan…I'm gone," Fargut stuttered as he quickly diverted to his left to head off away from their location.
Moklan took no more interest in Fargut and remained where he was. Bewildered, Garrus studied the Batarian. His arrival so far was very puzzlingly. Moklan caught his gaze, "What the hell you lookin' at?"
"Your friend was getting on my nerves. Thanks," Garrus politely spoke.
Moklan grunted, "If you have business then get on with it. Aria doesn't want any trouble, you got it?"
Garrus held up his hand, "Trust me. I'm not going anywhere near her. I need to pick up some merchandise and then I'll be gone." He turned to head towards the markets. His last encounter with Batarians didn't go so well and it seemed like so far, this one wasn't either. Hence without the gun fire of course.
Walking down to the lower markets, he came across one person he thought he would never encounter on a place like Omega. There behind the first vendor station was a young male Quarian. He was rummaging through a pile of scrap parts. He seemed to notice Garrus and got up quickly to address him. "Hello. I have a lot of salvaged tech if you are interested."
"A Quarian?" Garrus was still puzzled seeing him.
"My name is Kenn vas Qwib Qwib. I am here on my pilgrimage. I promise my merchandise is good quality. I know word has been going around the station that it isn't." Kenn's voice almost pleaded. There was definitely a look of distress upon him even if Garrus couldn't see his face through his helmet.
The mention of a pilgrimage made Garrus think about his old Quarian squad mate, Tali. He eagerly wanted to learn of Tali's whereabouts since they parted ways, but he had to refrain himself. He didn't know what spies lingered about in the shadows. It was hard to keep reminding himself that he had to suppress his old self while on board. "I-I'm sure you do," Garrus got caught off guard as he realized he was just staring without even talking. He moved over to the kiosk to browse through the catalog. "Any ammo?"
"Some. Depends on what type you are looking for."
Garrus silently nodded his head as he kept looking through. The stock wasn't too bad and he made a mental note to come back later once he met up with Sidonis. "You say your pilgrimage?"
"Yeah. I guess I was crazy enough to come here. I wanted to try something different to impress the Captain. I should have read up on this place better. I was not prepared. All my money was stolen and I'm trying to sell what I can. Harot apparently runs this place and he is making me sell my stuff higher so he can attract all the customers. When I tried to protest, a couple of Vorcha came to see me. They took some of my better goods and threatened me. I just want off this station."
Garrus shook his head solemnly as he heard the tale. The galaxy outside your home was never as welcoming as your own place. "I actually am on my way to meet up with someone. I'll come by later and get some items if that's okay with you?"
Disappointment struck the Quarian as he replied, "Oh okay. That will be fine. I'll be here. I practically sleep here."
Garrus moved to make his way back up the stairs, but paused. He turned to see Kenn continue on his work. "Keelah Se' Lai."
As he turned, he could hear Kenn call out after him, "How did you know that?"