A couple of you guys asked in the reviews about the whole Samara situation, why would Kryptonite be a problem for Superman at this point and there is no way Samara could even attempt to kill Superman. I feel like I should mention that just because Samara has a plan to attack Clark, it doesn't mean it would work.
She knows full well the odds are not in her favour and she will most likely die, but don't forget Samara was going to kill herself so she didn't have to kill her daughter in Mass Effect 3. She is that committed to the code. Just because she has a plan doesn't mean that it would work. Remember, this is just what she thinks would work, not that it will.
Clark sat on the command chair with the neural link on his head, he had to admit at first it did take some getting used to but after the couple of uses he's done now, it was far easier. Of course, it would be a couple more times before he has a complete understanding of this. For now though, it was more than enough. Genesis was flying through the void using the wormhole the ship made, the destination was close now.
It was a fair enough plan, the first thing they would do would be to drop out of the wormhole near the Geth station that Legion told him about which conveniently was on the way to Omega where he and Samara could quickly head in and find her daughter, what she wanted to do to Morinth... well, he had a very good idea of what she wante... no, it wasn't what she wanted but it was what she felt she needed to do. Either way, it was what she had to do. He would help her find Morinth but after that, what happened then would be up to her.
And from there they could head straight towards the collectors. Now Genesis didn't need to use the Omega-four relay like any other types of ships would. The Mass Relay that is completely unmapped due to every ship going through going missing soon after. The only ships to ever be seen passing through on the side that they could watch was the Collector ships. Genesis wasn't going to be using the Relay as it didn't need it in order to travel to the galactic core, but it would be safer to travel from there so they would be traveling in the same general path that other ships would use. That way they should be able to follow the path through all the Black Holes and Supernovas that make up the core.
It would be in a few minutes that they would drop out of warp space and back into real space. Before they did, Clark closed his eyes, and he was able to see every single aspect of his ship. He could see Joker and many of the Normandy crew being given a tour of the new Normandy by EDI in her new body. Clark wasn't surprised that the once shackled A.I wanted to make use of his nanotech and get a new body for herself. Though he wasn't sure how Joker would react, he wasn't complaining about this though, the pilot was a very happy camper with his now very attractive co-pilot.
The retrofits that he and Kelex made for the Normandy made the ship a far better one then Cerberus made. It was a quarter larger than it was before but it was also five times faster, had four times the firepower and could practically turn invisible if it wanted to. Not literally, he didn't give it the retroreflection panels, but it wouldn't be able to be detected on sensors. Of course it had a lot of new features like a war-room, command centre, a fully stocked out cargo hold that was set up with an armoury, more advanced medical station, an information achieves. The works. (N:A, this is now the Normandy from Mass Effect 3)
Most of the team had made their way on board, not to stay but he assumed for something to do. The only one's not onboard the new Normandy was Samara, who was still in meditation, no doubt trying to ready herself for whatever she has to do later. Mordin, who was in the lab working on something, his closed eyes squinted slightly and from his view as one of the cameras in the lab. A handful of small tabs opened up full of text and he was able to read the information that was formatted in such a way that it gave him the bullet points of it all.
'The Genophage?' He asked himself. Upon making a mental command to know more, all the equipment that Mordin has used so far gave him reports of what they had been used for in the last couple of hours. It seems that Mordin has changed his mind or has come to regret what he has done in his old age and is seeking to undo what he has done. Clark felt for him, he really did. But he could let this continue, it wouldn't end well in the long run. On the arm rests of his command chair, his fingers started to type away so quickly it would have been a blur to others. Without the scientist's knowledge, he started to make changes to the samples that were in his machines being tested.
Miranda was currently in his personal suite; she was still asleep. A small smile came onto his face as he watched her breath calmly from under the covers of the master bed, no doubt feeling unnatural levels of comfort that the mattress and cover provided. She hadn't slept for a while now and after another round a sex seemed to sap whatever energy she had left.
Turning away from her, he found Grunt. He hasn't had any interaction with the Krogan since coming onboard Genesis, as of the moment, he was in the battlefield simulation dome. It was a large section in one of the forward sections of the ship, near the blade like front of the ship. It seemed that the Krogan was enjoying himself and getting some extra training.
Tali while wanting to join the rest of the Normandy crew in the tour of the new ship. She was still at the same terminal in the hanger, trying to get as much information about Genesis as she could so she could better help her people when she returns to them. She wasn't getting anything too important, Kelex wouldn't let her get that but she was getting some stuff that could prove useful.
Legion was currently making his way across the bridge behind him, about to walk around the command chair. No doubt knowing that they were about to enter real space and destroy this station he was so worried about.
Just before he opened his eyes and addressed the Geth his... eyes? No, his mind was taken to the barracks of the ship. It took him longer than he thought it would to decide what he should call the barracks. A collection of large chambers scattered throughout the ship, their purpose was simple enough. They would be used as a means of storage for the Marauder combat units, looking inside one of them now, he could see rows and rows of units standing with their backs straight and de-atomizer weapons held ready. All across Genesis there was twenty thousand units in total with many more able to be built in a quickly.
For a ship like Genesis, twenty thousand was not that many humanoids so they didn't take up much space. There were also a couple of hangers based around the bottom of the ship's hull where all the worker drones are stored, while not as combat orientated as the Marauders but they were still able to fight if they had too. Of course since this ship was being built, there needed to be a lot of them. The worker drones numbered near a hundred thousand, since they were the smaller of his machines, they only took up the same amount of space as the Marauders despite having five times as more.
The reason for him checking on was just to make sure they would be ready. The attack on the Collector base would be the first time they would fight in a real battle and he was quite nervous, hoping that they would work out well.
But that wouldn't be a for another couple of hours when they get to their destination. For the Geth base, the ships weapons will do the trick. Of that he has no doubt and for Omega. Well, he had no intention of hiding from anyone, let alone the criminals of the Terminus systems. He had no doubt some of them might try something stupid, but the smarter large groups wouldn't dare. As for when they're on the station, he really didn't have the time to deal with Aria. He was sure that she and Samara could head in a deal with Morinth before word would spread of his arrival. Although Morinth might have either already killed someone or hunting another, in which case it really wasn't fair for him to take longer finding her because he couldn't be bothered to deal with a one night stand.
He opened his eyes and he looked out the front window, Legion was standing at the base of the steps that led to his chair. It wasn't facing him and he wasn't too surprised by that, the A.I didn't have a need to make idle conversation to end the silence.
Getting the small mental note at the back of his head, he complied and had the left exit it's FTL. He didn't know what they Geth sensors would tell them but they wouldn't have a chance to do anything about it time. The second the wormhole opened a signal was sent from the ship and it encompassed a large area. Jamming every type of transmission that could be sent from anywhere nearby, basically preventing any type of SOS from being sent.
As the bow of the ship made it through the tare in space, the ships sensors and camera's locked onto a nearby power signature that wasn't related to Genesis, at the halfway point of exiting the worm whole, the target was locked and the weapons were turning to the Geth station.
Clark briefly considered using the triple cannons, the four large cannon weapons at the back of the ship. Two on either side of the primary control tower. He called them the triple cannons because each one was three weapons. Four large domes that was on a rotator connected to the ship, on those domes was three separate cannons. What made them so special was they made use of the nanotech, those three canons used completely different types of ammunition.
One makes use of a large Rail gun that fires a two thousand tone slug at near half the speed of light, the second a large blast of plasma that when hits a target that is within a certain range, can be over ten thousand times hotter than a main sequence star. The final cannon was a scaled up de-atomizer, a weapon that when fired, shoots forward a green based blast of a lightning-like energy that destroys a targets atomic bonds, quite literally tearing the target apart atom by atom and molecule by molecule, when all is said and done, from a direct hit nothing would be left expect for some dust floating in space.
'Maybe a tad overkill' he thought to himself as he considered the idea of using them. For this target at the very least a broadside blitz would be the best choice of action here, he needed to test everything after all.
As the worm hole closed behind Genesis and the entire ship was free to act as it pleased, it didn't take a moment for the weapons to lock onto the space station. Feeling a mental tug in his mind, with a slight tilt of the head the protective blast shielding on the broadside cannons opened up and freed the weapons. His finger pressed one of the buttons and though no one else could, he was still able to feel the slightest of vibrations through the ground. The front window of the bridge glossed over and it was replaced by a camera feed that gave a decent view of the station.
He had no doubt that Legion was watching closely, even more so when the broadside fired at the target. Genesis had five collections of ten cannons that ran alongside both the broad and port sides of the ship. In a similar method of attack to the triple guns, each one fired a different type of round. The only difference being that each cannon was only made for one type instead of all three and a handful of cannons also made use of Mass Effect rounds as well.
When the middle most of the five cannon sets opened fire on the target. It created almost a multi coloured effect, as lines of white, purple and red travelled from Genesis towards the Geth station. As expected, there was no contest. The laser weaponry hit first, not surprising considering it travelled at the speed of light. Whatever shields the station had did not last for more than a moment as the station was hit with all ten cannons and the once well-designed station was quickly a smouldering wreck.
One attack and it was done.
It was a fairly large station but with ten different impacts scattered throughout its body. As the two looked through the camera feed and a handful of smaller screens opening up allowing them to see the data that was being collected, all the damage that was calculated, all the signals that were blocked, any and all attempted retaliations against them. There wasn't any.
Legion turned away from the screen and faced him "we are grateful for the intervention that has prevented this weapon from being used against us" it started as Clark gave the machine a nod "however we can still detect lingering power fluctuations, we would request that nothing be left standing in order to prevent the virus from being transferred to another location" it asked him.
"Don't worry, I promise nothing will be left over" Clark said back calmly as his left hand pushed a couple of buttons, that combined with his mental commands. The camera feed changed from one of the station to looking at the outer hull of the ship, Legion turned around and they both watched as another hatch opened and they both looked at a missile was fired from it "a powerful nuclear warhead" he explained to the Geth "it'll wipe out everything else, the only thing left standing when that hits is gonna be a couple pieces of metal" as he finished speaking, the large missile passed the half way point between Genesis and the Geth station. It wasn't even a minute before the camera feed was cut out by a powerful yellow flare "I hope this is to your satisfaction" he said rhetorically before the large thrusters on the ship lit up brighter and the ship was blasted forward by their power.
Aria sat back on her throne as her mind took in the music coming in from behind her. All around her, those that would be ready to do her bidding waited for her call, like the good little dogs that they were. Not that she could blame them of course, she made this station her kingdom and these where her subjects whether they liked it or not. She spent decades on this station, carving out her empire and through everything that she suffered and endured. She made a place in the galaxy that no-one could touch. Not even the Citadel Council would dare try and force their hands on her or Omega.
Not that they couldn't, Aria wasn't so foolish. She knew full well that her 'forces' were cut throats, mercs and criminals. They were not soldiers and it was very rare that you could find a merc that was worth the price they asked for but her power never came from strength but influence. The Terminus systems was a large section of the galaxy that operated largely independently from the council, that led to all the criminals and gangs setting up shop here. Of course, they could cause trouble for the larger galactic government but Aria stops that from happening. Omega is the central hub for the Terminus and it's hers. With that influence, she keeps the larger more problematic gangs in check and make sure they don't do anything stupid. In return for that, the council leaves her to govern herself without them getting in the way.
It was a fair trade and something she wasn't going to give up.
Though that didn't mean she didn't enjoy a very enlightening news broadcast that came from the Citadel itself a few hours ago. Oh, she did enjoy seeing him again. Aria made it no secret that Superman was on the station and even less so that she mated with him. Why should she? The hatred that was involved, the submission, the roughness, it was so hot. It might have just been the best she's ever had. Though that didn't stop the nagging feeling in the back her head that didn't leave her, why did she? Aria didn't know he was Superman until he left, so why was she so easy for him? It was a question that she did want to know the answer too but there was no way she would find out where he was. The man has successfully ran from the entire galaxy for nearly a century. She doubted anyone else could do that?
And then he came out into the open, she unconsciously rubbed her legs together at the memory of it. Seeing him so openly tell council that they can get out of his way or get stepped on, it caused her no small amount of arousal. Then there were the two things that caused her concern, she was well aware that it took time for things like news to be taken around the entire galaxy so she was behind many others, but when she was made aware of the files that were taken from the Shadow Broker himself that leaked the councils dirty little secrets.
The worry in her chest was paramount, she didn't get to her position in the Terminus without a couple of back room deals. Aria didn't hesitate to throw many different rivels under the bus and leaked their whereabouts to the council so they could be taken down, leaving room for her to take over and create her own criminal empire. She feared what would happen if it was ever discovered but to her surprise, there was nothing.
No word of her was ever brought up, she looked through the files, had others look through as well. There was nothing. She didn't know if it was a fluke or not but she sure as shit wasn't going to complain about it.
Then there was the second thing that caused her the worry. The ship. By the goddess that thing was terrifying. Next to Superman himself, the ship was the biggest topic, how could it be so large? Travel at FTL without the use of the Mass Relay? Did it really use its own bulk to prevent the station from being sealed? While it wasn't public knowledge, her own contacts of the Citadel reached out and told her that the ship was able to wipe out the entire Citadel Defence fleet in a single attack and it's sized nearly surpassed the Citadel itself.
It was a really terrifying thing to consider, of course there was always the worry that it could be used against them, but Aria doubted it. Superman didn't kill them before when he was here and she doubted that he would have a reason to do so now. But all it would take is a couple of merc ships to do something stupid and they would all be in trouble, hence the worry.
Reaching down towards the table, she picked up her drink and took a sip. Trying to drown her worries away. But it would seem that it wouldn't be the case "Aria!" a voice called out to her. Some Salarian she couldn't place ran into her VIP box and immediately drew the attention of everyone present, and their weapons "woah woah" he raised his arms in panic before turning to face her as she looked down at him with narrowed eyes.
"Ish" she said remembering his name at the last moment "you better have a good reason for barging in here" she finished speaking a couple of weapons where clocked, mostly from the Krogan. Those guys were itching for a fight.
"It's here!" he shouted in fear to her with wide eyes "the ship that attacked the Citadel, the huge one! It just arrived in system and it's heading this way!" Aria's eyes widened at what was said before she was able to control herself.
"Bray" she said with a firm voice towards the Batarian who stood near the door with his arms crossed.
Upon hearing her speak, the four eyed alien quickly opened his Omni-Tool and started to talk to someone with his hand brought up to his ear. She couldn't hear what he was saying but based on the way his body shifted in place, she got her answer. Turning back to face her, he gave the leader of Omega a solid nod.
Confirming that Superman had returned to Omega.
"Heads up, the Eclipse, Blood pack and Blue Sons are on their way here" he told her, she let out a mental sigh. No doubt they were coming here to discuss together what they should do going forward.
"How many?" she asked with narrowed eyes, waving a hand which seemed to be enough for Ish to take the hint and piss off.
"Four of each, including the section commanders" he informed her.
'Well, that's controllable at least' she thought to herself.
In one of the many dark backstreets of Omega, there was a flash of white light. It disappeared just as quickly as it came and when it left, there were two individuals standing there waiting for a moment longer, attempting to get their bearings. Unlike Garrus and Thane both, Samara was able to keep her stomach under control though she was hunched over and breathing deeply for a couple moments longer "where are we?" she asked him as she was able to straighten herself up.
"About half a mile away from Afterlife" he told her as he started to walk forward "let's go" he said.
Following after him, Samara followed for a moment before speeding up and walking beside him, ignoring the way his trench coat fluttered onto her leg as they walked "I presume we are heading towards the Afterlife bar. Why?" she asked him as they moved.
"We only know that Morinth came to the station, not where she is now. It's unlikely she would have left to go somewhere else, this place is perfect for her" he started to explain "and there's only one person on this station who would be able to tell us what we need to know and do it without much given back" he explained.
"An Asari" Samara said back quickly enough, though it was clear as soon as she said it who he was talking about "Aria" she added.
"Exactly" he confirmed, trying his best to ignore the smells that were trying to fight their way into his nose. This place really was the pits. While for the most part everything stayed the same, people went about their lives, gangs and mercs did their work. They walked down the street were many different market stalls where being used, some for clothes, some for food, etc. Looking down a side alley, he could see the head of a human woman peeking out from behind the cover of a large air con unit, a little further back he could see a man, based on their movements and the moans he could hear, they were doing something specific.
His eyes glancing at the act for only a moment before he looked away, the two continued to move forward. Despite everything that was happening, Clark wasn't surprised that it was this place that didn't change. Though that didn't last long. As the two got closer to the more... governmental? Organized hub? Of the station, there was more of a panic in the air around them.
They could both see a lot of different merc gangs all running around in a panic. He could guess as to why "was it wise to not mask our presence?" Samara asked him "everyone will be on edge within the sight of Genesis" it wasn't the worst idea.
"I did consider the idea of using the retroreflection panels" he started before letting out a shrug "but I thought not to, a part of me is proud of her and do enjoy showing her off to everyone. Another reason being that I want people to know what I'm doing" the two stepped into the large balcony that gave way to the entrance to the club.
As expected, there was a large line in front of it. Full of people waiting for their turn in the overly expensive club. The large front doors, guarded by two Krogan and Elcor was in the front of the line. Bypassing the line and moving up to the door, the two guards moved towards him and stopped when the two reached the top of the stairs.
Like they would with anyone else, the Krogan came straight up into their facing while they attempted to intimidate them. Though with Clark present, the effect he had on the more instinctual species of the galaxy, such as the Asari and the Krogan, was present here as it was in the past. The two large lizard like guards quickly backed out and lowered their weapons. Walking forward without another word, the two started to make their way inside.
The music was playing the same as it always was, the dancers were on the polls and tables. People were enjoying both the music, drinks and atmosphere. Clark himself didn't care for it too much, it taking a lot more mental power than normal to keep his senses in check, he suspected that Samara was just as disinterested, though she would be enjoying it more then he would.
He walked up the steps to the VIP booth and while the guards at the stairs were not Krogan they were seemed to know who he was. The Batarian and Turian both quickly looked at each other before stepping back at letting them through.
There was a great deal more people here than last time and from what he could see, many of them were from one of the main merc gangs. On the far side he could see a collection of Krogan dressed in red, the Blood Pack. On the left just as they stepped inside, four Asari wearing the colours of the Eclipse stood by, they seemed on edge but as they saw him, their interests were immediately peaked. Just on the base of the steps that went up to Aria's little throne, the Blue sons stood and while their faces were covered by helmets. He could tell by their body language that they were just as on edge as everyone else.
"We can't have that ship here, it's bad for business" a voice called out, looking up at the stairs. Clark could make out one from each merc gang standing and talking to Aria "already, half of are shipments have been called off. It's not even been an hour" a female voice spoke and the Eclipse leader spoke, standing in the middle of the other two.
"Not to mention it's got everyone on edge, all it takes is one guy panicking and that thing will wipe us out" the Blue Sons leader.
"The cowards shall die" the red Krogan spoke a deep voice "let them, they shall be the distraction needed for the blood pack to sneak onboard. We'll take it from the inside!" he cheered like it was the smartest plan in the galaxy.
"Enough!" Aria snapped as she stood up "you all know who that ship belongs too. I don't care what your reasons are, if Kent wants that ship here than that's it. Get over it, unless of course you think he'll give a shit about the bad business" looking over the shoulder of the Eclipse leader. The self-proclaimed queen's eyes landed on Clark for just a moment before he looked away "I don't want to hear your shit. He'll leave when he wants too" she sat back down and calmed herself.
"I won't linger" Clark said loud enough for them all to hear him. The three leaders immediately turned to look at him with a different verity of expressions "I just have some business that I need to do and then I'll let you continue your..." he waved his hand for a moment, not knowing what the right word would be "work" he said.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" the Krogan laughed as he starred at him "perfect! The enemy has come to us" he was damn near cheerful at the sight, Clark tilted his head to the side. Not knowing how to best react to that, though it got a lot easier when the Krogan reached behind him to grab his weapon. Clark's eyes lit up with a red hue and before anyone else could react, a thin beam hit the top of the Krogans head and went downwards.
It was only a moment before it was done. All the others present watched with morbid fascination as the once joyful expression changed to a neutral one. Then slowly, the once large Krogan split into two pieces and falling to the ground, there was very little in terms of blood as the beams cartelized the wounds while they made them. Despite the music, dancing and talking, everyone present was quiet. Their eyes slowly turning back to him "Anyone else?" he asked them. No-one said a word, even the other Blood Pack members "good, all of you leave. I need to speak with Aria for a moment"
The others all moved quickly, not staying for a moment longer than they needed too. He moved forward when he was able and sat down next to her, without asking of course. Aria looked like she wanted to say something about that but when their eyes met, two things happened. She was remained of exactly who he was and how good demanding something of him would do, the second was that she was one again enthralled by the aura he passively gave off, her legs rubbed together before she could stop herself "I wondered when you would return, you've been busy" she commented.
Clark sat down only a couple of feet away from her on the large couch, everyone around the VIP box looked tense and on edge, except for Samara who held the same cold indifference she always had "I apologies for interrupting" he started "but I had a favour that was called in. I believe you can help me" he added.
She smirked at the words "I'll be happy to provide assistance to Superman, of course under the condition that he would owe me one" she looked at him cautiously as she spoke about the payment she would want in exchange for information.
Clark let out a small sigh as he rolled his eyes "sure, but within reason" he added back calmly. Seeing the small nod in return from the leader of the station, she continued "we're here because a fugitive is hiding out on the station. An Ardat-Yakshi. Which is why I'm sure you can understand why my friend is here" he nodded towards Samara.
Aria looked at Samara for a moment before smirking and turning back to him "being around you for as long as she has, I'm sure friend is the right word" she smirked at the sarcastic comment, that even earned a small frown from the Justiciar. There was no doubt in his head that Aria knew what Samara was. Though looking back at Clark, a small frown came onto her face "I knew it though, nothing leaves a body quite so... empty as an Ardat-Yakshi does"
"You know she is here" Samara stepped forward a couple of feet until she was at the base of the steps "you haven't taken steps to kill her?" she asked with a note of hostility.
Aria let out a shrug at the question "why would I? She hasn't tried to seduce me. I believe her last victim was a young girl. Pretty thing. Lived in the tenements near here. That's where I'd start looking" she told them.
Getting the information they needed, Clark stood up without waiting for a moment "appreciate the help"
"Kent" Aria called after him before he could leave "as much as I love you visiting my humble station. Do me a favour and next time you do, leave that monster of yours a system or so away. It makes people nervous" she added before turning back to one of her underlings and snapped her fingers at her. No doubt ordering herself a drink.
Giving a small nod, the two turned to leave the club.
No words were spoken between the two as they walked down the streets of the station. There wasn't really a need too, they both knew what they needed to do in order to get what they wanted and since the two still have yet to have proper conversation, their silence was filled in by the many sounds of the station.
It didn't take them long to reach the tenants, or to find the room they were looking for. The door was locked but they didn't have time to wait, Clark walked up to it and used his Omni-tool to override the lock, it opened quickly. The two walked in and they both stopped when they saw an older woman sitting on the couch, she looked up upon their arrival but didn't seem overly concerned when seeing two strangers come into her home "are you here about my daughter?" she asked them with sunken eyes "my Nef died a week ago and no one seems to care. The medics said it was a brain haemorrhage, but that's not true. It was murder. Someone killed my Nef" she let out a chocked sob "my baby"
"That's why we're here" Clark said as he walked forward and kneeled down in front of the woman "we believe your daughter was in contact with a fugitive, an Asari. We think she is the one who killed your child"
When she heard his words, the woman started to cry slightly before getting down on her knees in front of him and wrapped him up in a tight hold "oh, thank you. It's so hard when no one believes you. I'm all alone now" pulling away from him, though still placing hands on his shoulders, she asked "are you... one of Aria's people"
A small smirk came onto his face when he heard that question, placing two hands under the womans arm pits, he lifted her off the ground as he rose. Both of them getting to their feet "she wishes" he added before gesturing to the couch, taking his point. She moved and sat down, Clark doing the same but Samara remained standing "all you need to know about me is that I'm very good at what I do"
She nodded at his words before wiping her eyes "the Asari you mentioned, are you talking about Morinth?" she asked him.
Upon hearing the name, Samara took a step forward "you know of her?" she asked calmly.
"I didn't like her" the mother confirmed "you kept dragging Nef out to clubs, and I'm pretty sure she gave my daughter drugs" she scowled.
"An Ardat-Yakshi doesn't need drugs to go after a victim" he muttered to himself but it was loud enough for the others to hear.
"No" Samara commented "but it would do a good job of lowering the targets inhibitions. Making them more suspectable to her advances"
"So, this Morinth did hurt my daughter?" the woman looked up at them in anger "is she the one that... that?" she stopped unable to say the word.
"I will bring justice to the one that did this" Samara said looking right into the woman's eyes.
"Not without more information" he added back calmly "can you tell us where Nef liked to hang out. Any spots she frequented?"
"She was always quiet" she started to explain "working here at home. Then, a few weeks ago, she started going out all the time, to the VIP area of that club down the street. I think you need a password or something to get in there. The change was so sudden, she just seemed... tried and distracted when she wasn't around Morinth"
"Can I have a look around her room?" Clark asked as he stood up from the couch and looked at one of the two doors in the room, though there was only one that was locked.
When he stood, the mother did the same thing, a worried look on her face "I didn't want to disturb anything. Her clothes, her art, her sculptures. Everything is the way she left it..."
"I won't touch anything" he said interrupting her "I just need to stand in there for a few minutes"
The woman looked confused at his words but when she saw the calm expression on his face, it seemed to convince her. She sniffed before nodding and standing up, heading over to the locked door. She opened up her Omni-Tool and the door opened. Making his way over, Clark nodded at her before stepping inside, Samara stayed outside with the mother.
The room was messy, though it was nothing he hasn't seen a thousand times before, the typical teenage style of room design. A bed, desk, wardrobe, nothing special. The only thing that really stood out was the stone sculpture that stood on the table, not that he was here to observe that. Standing in the middle of the room, he closed his eyes and started to take in deep breath in through his nose.
He hated this, no doubt about that. Doing everything he can up to this point to avoid it but there was no doing that now. He had to do this. It was good that the mother didn't did change anything or let anyone go in, that meant the scent of Nef stayed longer than it was meant to. Of course, no one else could do this, no one else had his a nose as powerful as his and even after a week on Omaga. The scent of the one still lingered. Much like a trained dog, he was able to turn his head and follow the scent like a trail through the air.
Stepping outside, he could see traces of the scent around the room but he could also see some of it heading towards the door, meaning it must have been from when she was last here before she left and never came back "It's going to be ok" he said loud enough for the mother to hear him "I've got her" he made his way out without a word.
Walking forward and following the scent, carefully as he could as he didn't want to lose the trail. Getting the scent in one room was one thing but following it through Omega was tricky. There was just so many different things that tried to worm their way up his nose, he could vagally hear Samara catch up to him and walk by his side.
To took longer than regular walking but soon enough they found their way through the streets and towards the VIP back room a very known club "she's in there" Clark said as he turned away to face Samara. Seeing the same indifference on her face that she always had, Clark walked over to the wall and she followed, giving them a moment to talk.
"What is it?" she asked him calmly "we cannot afford to delay, the more time we give her, the closer she is to another kill"
"I know" he said looking down for a moment "Samara, I'm going to say something and I want you to try and not get offended" he spoke and, on the words alone, she frowned slightly "I know this is your mission and I know you will do what you have too but I'm asking you not too. I'll do it" he added quickly when he realized she would have thought he said they abandoned the mission. He looked down and let out a sigh "Samara, let me do this on my own from here" he added.
The older Justiciar frowned upon hearing the request "I am more than capable of completing this mission, no matter how emotionally taxing it will be" her voice was strong, but he could hear the slight hint of pain in it.
"I know you can" he said looking up into her eyes "Samara you are one of strongest woman I've ever met, it why I fell for you so easily. It's also why I know that despite everything you say and do, your children are the most important things in your life" she took half a step back and crossed her arms, going into a more guarded stance "no parent should have to do this to their child, I know you can do it. But I don't think you should, let me do it. You can come after and see for your own eyes but let me be the one to end her"
The request was a sincere one, she knew that well enough. It was one of the reasons she never hated him despite all that. Her mind flashed back to her younger years, when Morinth was just a baby, holding her in her arms and singing her a goodnight story so she would sleep. Thinking about what she has become now makes her heart ache like only a parent would understand but she couldn't let that stop her "Clark, I have to be the one to do it" she told him with a steeled resolve.
He looked into her eyes for a moment before he let out a sigh then nodded "ok, find a hiding spot close by and I'll bring her out here. She'll be distracted by me enough for you take a shot" he told her and moved towards the door to the lounge. The guard tried to spot him but he gave him a look with red eyes lighting up and it was enough to tell him who he was.
The door opened and he made his way inside. Like many other clubs, the place was loud and it seemed to do everything it could to entice people. And there was a lot of people, so many in such a compacted space meant that the scent he had on Nef was gone. But that was ok, since according to the mother Nef only came here with Morinth, she would be here somewhere as well.
Knowing that it would just be a matter of time, he decided to make his way around every possible place in the lounge, the dance floor, the tables, booths, bars, all of it. It would be enough for every Asari to sense him and immediately want him for themselves. When that was done, he made his way up to the bar, a large circle designed one on the far wall. Finding a gap for him to stand in, he waited for the bartender to see and make his way over. Ordering a glass of the strong Krogan drink, many people looked at him like he was crazy.
Though there was one that was watching him with interest, on the other side of the bar. He made eye contact with an Asari, there weren't many noticeable features on her that made her stand out except for two things. The first being that she wore a tight-fitting black suit that looked like it could pass for armour. The second was the smell, when he made eye contact with her, he got a hint of Nef.
That was Morinth, and it seemed that his stroll around the place earlier worked as he seemed to have her complete attention as she looked at him. When barman gave him his drink, he kept eye contact with her and could she was surprised by his choice of beverage. Taking the glass, he downed the whole thing in one go, not coughing, her immediately throwing up, not that he would of course, he couldn't event taste the damn thing.
He licked his lips slightly before he plainly in view for her to see, reached out towards the man next to him and grabbed a pack of cigarettes from him. She smirked slightly when she saw that, then without a word, he turned and started to make his way outside.
She saw the invitation thankfully and made to follow him. He didn't turn around to look at her once, not wanting her to feel like she was in charge. He made out back outside, not surprised by how quickly he was able to get her. He didn't see Samara when he walked out, not that he thought he would, she was good at hiding when she wanted to be.
Standing up against the wall, he pulled one of the cigarettes not and into his mouth, using his Omni-tool to light one up and taking a puff. Morinth was walking towards him and stopped two or so feet away, he pulled up the back and offered her one. A small smirk appeared onto her face and she walked forward, with a lot more sway in her hips then she would normally do.
She instead reached forward and grabbed the one that was in his own mouth before putting it in her own and taking a puff. Clark looked at her with a cold indifference "so" she started as she looked him up and down "what's your stor..." that was as far as she got before her head jerked to the side as a round from a pistol made its way through her head.
Morinths body fell to the ground, her eyes wide open as it twitched slightly. A pool of blood forming around her head. Samara soon walked up to him as she looked down at the body of her daughter, the barrel of the pistol she used still smoking from the round she fried.
There was no emotion on her face, not that he expected there to be any. But just because it wasn't showing doesn't mean it wasn't there, he kicked himself up off the wall and stood next to the Justiciar, he slowly placed a hand on her shoulder and offered what support he could.
As Samara turned to look at him, the emotional state she was just in after killing her own child started to take effect. The emotional discipline she spent centuries trying to master started to crumble away leaving room for the effect of Clarks aura to take hold of her like it did when they first met. While her emotions were starting to come out more here than they have in a long while.
She didn't break down, she didn't launch herself at him, she didn't get on her knees and try to pleasure him. Samara took a deep breath before she moved forward and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder. Taking comfort in the way his arms held her close, like they did back when they first met.
For a moment, Samara allowed herself to ignore the code and simply be comforted by the one man who she is charged with killing when the Reapers were delt with.
Ok all. I'm sure some of you noticed this chapter came out later then the last. The reason being for a good couple of days I was either lying in bed or hugging the toilet. I had the flu so I was pretty much bed ridden. I still am to be honest but I'm good enough to write, though I haven't done a complete grammar check on this one so you'll have to forgive the mistakes.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and what happened. Only a couple more to go now, still haven't decided on what the next story's going to be but I'll figure it out. Let me know what you all thought in the reviews.
Next story update: Project Atlas