Chapter 11: All Roads Lead to Omega

Gefren Verni watched the Veridine footage from a small holoscreen broadcast from the briefing room table. Maius watched his Volus friend's reaction from a seat nearby. The Volus had been quiet taking it all in at first but as the footage neared the end he finally let how much it disturbed him show.

"Oh my..." said Gefren as he looked at the footage showing Kirrus' end. His claw hand moved to cover his helmeted mouth before static overtook the video. "Poor fellow...least he fell with honor defending the innocent."

"We can't confirm Kirrus' death but it seems likely." Maius said.

Gefren shook his head, "Bad business this is...a machine army, Commander Shepard missing, and now an entire sector of space possibly lost."

Maius nodded, "Yea, that's why the Council wants Shepard brought in. We need to know what we're dealing with. Shepard has to know something."

Gefren sighed, "A shame we have to be called in to forcefully retrieve that information from him. Perhaps Shepard will enlighten us as to why he's being so secretive. He always seemed like the upstanding sort to me, even if he was working with Cerberus."

"A lot of things about this doesn't make sense." Maius brought a claw to his chin, "I wouldn't doubt if Cerberus is looking into it too. Another possible complication..."

Gefren looked to his Turian friend with a heavy breath of exhalation at the task ahead, "Well, I must say we have quite a task on our hands! With the future of the galaxy possibly hanging in the balance on top of it all!"

Maius nodded, "Councilor Sparatus said that Shepard was forming a team and that you might know some people who could help. In the event that Shepard is compromised he may not go quietly."

Gefren brought up a claw hand to his suit's bulbous chin, "As a matter of fact I can think of a few, though it will take me some time for my feelers to track them down. It's been a few years since I last saw these people before I was assigned as your XO. Give me a day or so and I should be able to provide you with some dossiers."

Maius stood up from his chair, "Good, the sooner we get this mission over with the quicker we can get ready for when the real enemy shows up."

Gefren nodded, "Indeed! Now, if I may have your leave sir, I do need to get my things sorted down below."

Maius nodded in turn and let the Volus leave the briefing room. Suddenly a call rang on his Omni-Tool. He looked at who was calling and sighed. Maius let it ring for a moment before he tapped on the screen to open the line.

"Hey, sorry for making you wait I was in a meeting."

"Maius, they told me you're going away again...you were supposed to be done with this bullshit so we could actually spend some time together!" a female Turian voice said.

"I know, I'm sorry. It just kinda...came up and-"

"No! I'm not taking it anymore. We were supposed to celebrate our anniversary in a week and now I'm being told you could be gone for another three months."

"Nala, I told you when we started this relationship that things like this happen in my line of work!"

"I know! I thought I could handle this but...I miss you."

Maius sighed, "Look we can talk about this later, I'm sorry about doing this to you agai-"

"Maius...I can't."

"What?"

An awkward several seconds past before Nala continued, "I've been strong for you for the past two years. But now it seems like all you've been doing is getting deployed again and again. I know this is normal for our people in the military...but even then I know other Turians who fight with superiors in order to get free time for loved ones."

"Trust me I would fight for you bu-"

"But the mission is too important...yeah I've heard that so many times. I've had to do a lot of thinking on my own Maius and you know what I've realized? I can't do this anymore, I can't sit in our apartment going through the motions wondering whether or not you'll come home. This isn't what I want..."

"Nala, look I'll-"

"No! You've already decided for me what I need to do. You've made your decision. Your job is more important than me or anyone else. I thought I could handle it, but I can't and you have to live with that. I'm going back to my family's home Maius...goodbye."

"Nala wait!"

The call terminated and Maius just looked blankly at the screen for a moment before he fell back into his chair. He grimaced and put a claw to his face and stewed in his frustration for a while before he finally turned his Omni-Tool off. As he left the room he grumbled under his breath, "You better have a good explanation for this shit Shepard."

Veronakh gave a slight chuckle as he came out of his trance-like state. He sat on an elaborate ebony throne with green highlights and the mechanical lord looked out before him to the view ahead. The ebony wall split apart revealing the city skyline of Crick as Veronakh stood from his throne and approached the emerging 'window'. The green lights of Necron obelisks and spires gave the morning fog a greenish hue. People were still going about their daily routine but they were now far more wary. Traffic was seemingly flowing as it had previously though now instead of police, Necrontyr forces patrolled the streets. He saw multiple squads of the new auxiliaries in the square below and he queried internally for a review of their performance. Du'Maat responded promptly via data stream with numbers and figures scrolling down Veronakh's ocular sensors. The Necron Overlord took note of the auxiliaries performance in their new role and was pleased with the results. While the expected tithe was not yet complete Du'Maat's creations were performing well and had quelled several more riots with dissidents.

A metallic voice from behind drew Veronakh's attention from his absorption of data, "Great One, I bring news from Solvatas."

"Ah, proceed Kor'Pharas. I am still processing Du'Maat's data at the moment." replied Veronakh still looking at the city skyline.

"The Thanatar reports that the operation continues, though complications may arise depending on certain factors at play. She asks whether to change tact or stay the course that you have set for her."

"She shall stay the course for now, but inform her that she is allowed to look for other avenues of egress, should the odds of failure increase beyond my established parameters."

"By your will Great One, though I also wish to discuss other matters with you once again."

"Allow me to finish my processes and then you may speak candidly Kor'Pharas."

Kor'Pharas eyes 'closed' while he contemplated what was on his mind. After a moment passed, Veronakh responded, "Proceed Praetorian."

Kor'Pharas ocular lenses opened again and he nodded in response, "Thank you Great One for humoring my request. I have grown concerned that some members of the court could be displaying further...instability."

Veronakh sighed, he knew exactly whom Kor'Pharas was referring to, "Xamutet again I presume?"

Kor'Pharas' eyes became slits as he began, "He has already failed several of your mission parameters regarding stewardship of the populace and is growing more...aggressive toward the servant population."

A metallic huff emitted from the Phaeron, "Yes...the recent dissident uprisings have been partially caused by his over reach in putting down dissenting opinions regarding us. It is why I have reassigned him to Decoris, however as I mentioned before I will censure him again should his actions become too egregious to ignore."

"You have, but I feel it would be best to deal with it sooner rather than later. While the law allows for such actions to be taken in the event of revolt, over zealousness towards the destruction of servants tends to create more unnecessary problems."

"Agreed and I can guess who the other problematic member of the court is..."

"I have been observing Du'Maat's behavior while he continues his...projects. The actions he has been exhibiting during his work have been rather unusual."

"His auxiliaries have satisfied my expectations, though I will admit his obsession over the one called Jack...makes me wonder. Especially considering his progress with her has been rather slow. He has been working on several other subjects all week, saying that he wants to refine the next stage of the conversion process."

"His aloof response makes me wonder Great One. Du'Maat's specialty is Ethermancy, yet these recent projects have revealed his talent with organic manipulation as well. One wonders what he was before his transference."

"He certainly takes passion in his work, like one of our artisans from the ancient days. Continue to watch him but I don't see anything to be too concerning yet."

"That is where I respectively disagree Great One. You know as well as I do, that a Necrontyr's obsession with organic flesh is not always something innocuous..."

Another metallic sigh emitted from the Phaeron, who then looked over his shoulder to his Praetorian, "Be that as it may...his skill is in high demand. After all he is our only Cryptek and he is making the most of his situation. It is only natural for a mind such as his would become obsessed and excited over learning the intricacies of a new methodology."

"He did mention to you that it had stirred something 'old' within him. Perhaps it is as he said and it is merely inquisitiveness on his part. Still I would advise caution, an outbreak of...'them' in our ranks would be rather inconvenient at this juncture."

"Quite." said Veronakh who returned to looking out the window. He understood Kor'Pharas concern and discreet language regarding the Flayed Ones. One of the C'tan's last 'gifts' to their people. Many Necron lords fear the Flayed Ones curse and would rather not have their sentience degrade into such insanity. While the possibility was there, at this point Du'Maat was impossible to replace, let alone quarantine.

Veronakh's eyes narrowed as he surveyed his domain, "The plan moves forward Kor'Pharas. While I understand your concerns, at the moment we do not have the means to be overtly cautious. All we can do for now is maintain course and continue."

"If such is your judgement Great One, then I will obey." bowed the Praetorian.

She found herself feeling a bed sheet...it was comforting. When trying to open her eyes she saw shifting images of warm colors. Like the wonderful sensation of those old trips of Red Sand taking her to a place of serenity. She was in a storage room with shadows of what may have been...people. Silhouettes of other humans she once knew years ago. Their names escaped her memory though. Only their shadows remained, a reminder of a time where for a brief moment she felt truly connected to something. Even if it was all bullshit and they were just a bunch of outcast drug addled crazies being led by an even bigger nut job. Still during that time, she was a part of something and that brought peace to her, if only temporarily.

"Interesting." hummed a metallic yet familiar voice.

The colors turned dark and foreboding. The light of the room turned to gray and a single green orb looked at her from the entryway. Jack's lucidity returned though she at first thought she was having a bad trip. Then the eye seemingly spoke to her again, "For all your insistence at isolation...you desire companionship."

Jack gritted her teeth as she mentally tried to shut the voice out, "FUCK OFF!"

"Impossible. You are a part of a dynasty now. Something that at the moment, you cannot understand."

The orb drew closer and its light grew more intense forcing Jack's eyes to squint, "But you will...soon. Until then, continue to dream and show me what you are."

"You want to see what I am? I'm the bitch that's going to FUCK YOUR SHIT!"

In response blackness shot out from the entryway and enveloped her like a living fog. It smothered her, choked her lungs and stung her eyes. She tried to scream but her mouth wouldn't move. The fog bore her up and strung her up in tendrils of darkness. The green orb drew close in the blackness once more but her eyes were sealed. She could only hear the metallic voice say, "Be not afraid...for you will soon know a connection that will render all that you have experienced irrelevant. An existence that will need not the trappings of those you scorn. Let me help you to ascend..."

Though her mouth was muffled and her eyes bound by the dark tendrils, Jack muffled her response, "Go...fuck...your...self."

The orb withdrew, seemingly responding to her desire but replying, "I am eternally patient. When you are ready...I will help you to see what you can be."

The orb withdrew into the darkness, its light turning all to black and then Jack could not hear or see anymore.

Returning to reality, Du'Maat stepped back from Jack within his chamber. Like the other subjects before her she was held aloft by cables that bound into her tattooed flesh and head. Several tubes connected to her mouth and eyes, providing nourishment and multiple connections to her mind. He brought up a holographic read-out of her vitals and brain wave patterns. A sound emitted from him of slight annoyance as he was once again denied. Jack's mind was like a fortified prison of memories, she only let her guard down when put into a more subconscious dream-like state. But even then it was only bits and pieces intertwined with lucid dreaming. For him, an ascended being of logic, understanding what was the true memory versus fabricated reality was rather troublesome. Still, in the end it was necessary. A willing servant was far more capable than a broken one forced via mind shackle. Du'Maat wanted Jack to be far more than yet another automaton. She would be the first of a new line of Pariahs, ones that needed no instruction for every action. He wanted to retain her purity of essence within an everlasting frame, a feminine being of supreme destruction. One that retained her sentience, but bound herself willingly to the Phaeron.

The Cryptek's thoughts turned to the other subjects, perhaps he would start working on that human Marine again. He still hadn't broken the man's mind yet...

The Omega station hung in the void, its dim red lights displaying the beacon of activity that attracted the criminal element in the Terminus like insects to a warm flame. This time however, another kind of ship was on approach. A Turian Frigate, painted camouflage black was weaving through the asteroid field towards the station. On the CIC of the dark frigate, Turian crews in their species naval fatigues were doing their rounds. At the galaxy map, Maius Gravinius observed the ship's final approach when he received a call from his Volus comrade.

"Good news sir! Seems some of my dossiers have been confirmed to be on the station!"

"Good to hear Gefren, where are they?"

"Simply bring up your Omni-Tool and I'll show you."

The Turian Spectre did so, and was promptly given a dossier on a what appeared to be an Asari. She had dark violet lips and markings along with the usual light blue complexion of their race. She had orange eyes with reddish speckles in the iris and a warm smile that was quite attractive as well as disarming.

Gefren quickly chimed in, "Ah, Tel'Se Neran, four hundred and sixty seven and as beautiful as I remember her. Former Asari Commando gone soldier of fortune and a dancer in her down time. I hired her as part of a mercenary retinue during my times out in the Terminus. Seems shes laying low at Omega as one of the Afterlife club dancers. Though my source didn't know why she's here, I know she wouldn't do it on account of nefarious reasons."

"But shes a mercenary doesn't that come with the territory?" Maius asked.

Gefren seemed offended at the thought of that in regards to the Asari woman, "Even mercenaries can have standards sir. As far as I could tell her morals were still intact last I worked with her."

"Maybe something changed and shes done something she's not proud of. Mercenary work can get dirty."

Gefren's tone turned thoughtful, "Could be...I would hate to hear if that was the case. Still, I'd avoid that subject for now when you converse with her."

"I'll keep that in mind. Who else is here?"

The dossier now changed to that of a Drell. He had a clay brown complexion to his skin and he had a wary look in his dark black eyes.

"Kusko Shiat, Drell smuggler. A bit of a gruff fellow, but enough credits will keep him motivated till the job's done. His people's perfect memory makes smuggling for him quite lucrative. Had to employ his services on occasion to get vital supplies through otherwise tight security. Has a knack for Sniper Rifles and blending into crowds. People who have worked with him before think he was once an assassin at some point in his life. Kusko denies it of course and he gets quite irritated whenever someone brings it up."

"Right, I wouldn't like someone trying to dig up dirt on me either. What's his location?"

"Last sighted at the Omega markets, more than likely working at one of the stores and possibly smuggling out what he can to make ends meet." Gefren explained.

Maius furrowed his plated brow, "The Asari mercenary maybe, but I don't know about this guy."

"He may be just a smuggler, but I have seen him work. He's got a good set of eyes on him and his Drell memory can give our team an edge in tracking. I wouldn't be surprised if the rumors of him being an ex-assassin are true."

"Well I'll at least give him a meeting and see if he's worth our time. So you said not all the dossiers are here. Where can we find them?"

"There's an information broker I know who said he would send someone to meet me on Omega in person. So I shall be coming along as well, just make sure to keep your distance. The agent in question is a bit paranoid and...anti-social."

"Does he have a name?"

"He does but again, he would prefer to keep that information on the need to know."

Maius groaned, "Fine, so is there anything else?"

Another pair of dossiers appeared, replacing the Drell on the Turian's holoscreen. This one surprisingly was of a Krogan and next to it was a female Quarian. Maius cocked an eyebrow, "You're kidding right? These two are who you are meeting this agent about?"

"No I am not kidding sir. I understand your people's misgivings to Krogan but this fellow was one of the best engineers you can get and at a reasonable price as well."

Maius shook his head annoyed at the idea, "Krogan engineer...no not going to happen on a Turian vessel!"

"Well he's been aboard such vessels before and he understands how to keep information on the need to know. He was formerly of clan Krusk before it was absorbed by another on Tuchanka. He's clanless now and therefore has allegiance to no one but himself. You know that carries quite a stigma in Krogan society. Hence why most either join pirate warbands, mercenaries, or become independent contractors. Nemar thankfully is one of the latter." Gefren argued.

Maius shook his head looking at the dossier. In his mind no matter how supposedly talented this Nemar was, a Krogan would only create more trouble particularly when it comes to command, "Maybe he'd listen to you but it would certainly create problems for me in the field. My species did sort of sterilize his race. That's going to come up eventually and frankly I don't need a potential loose cannon on my ship."

Gefren however was not letting it go, "Oh please sir! He is no loose cannon, in fact he's one of the most mellow Krogan I've been around. Give him a chance and he'll surprise you I promise! Above all else he's a professional and all about getting the job done. Nothing more nothing less!"

Maius tried to give his Volus friend a compromise, "Look, we'll look into the Quarian, but the Krogan isn't going to happen. Understand?"

Gefren sighed, "I understand. The Quarian is Miss Miya'Junan nar Raya. She is currently on Pilgrimage, the sacred coming of age for her people. She met with the Krogan Nemar on Omega back when the Krogan was having difficulty finding an assistant. Nemar won't admit it, but he's come to rely upon that Quarian since he understands that his size limits his options. While like all of her people Miya has a knack for machines, she prefers software than getting dirty with hardware."

"So shes a hacker?" Maius asked.

"A very good one too, though she still has room to polish her skills. It's also why shes trying to learn hardware maintenance from the Krogan but I understand it's quite difficult for her. Doesn't like getting dirty, much to Nemar's amusement." Gefren chuckled, possibly remembering something regarding that.

"Does she have any combat skills?" asked the Turian.

"Well...um...not as much as Nemar but she certainly has her people's capacity for stealth. Frontline fighting however may not be her forte."

Maius sighed once more, "Gefren, why are you wasting time going after a Krogan engineer and his civilian assistant? There are clearly better candidates who we could be looking at and-"

"Because sir, I hate to break it to you but we are going over budget." Gefren said now with a more serious tone.

"What?"

A holographic readout of Maius' account appeared over the dossier, "I was looking at our finances along with the *ahem* maintenance and logistics cost of our new vessel. While the Hierarchy paid for the ship they are not paying for fuel and ammunition. Not to mention the staff of the ship are also on YOUR payroll."

"What?!"

The Turian crew took a quick glance at their CO's outburst before quickly hurrying back to their duties. Maius, realizing he just made a scene stepped off from the galaxy map and headed towards the elevator. When he got in he punched in the B1 level, where the armory was located as well as the docking arm that would link to Omega.

Maius continued on the call with Gefren still perturbed at the news, "Why am I having to pay for all of this Gefren!?"

"While you have been making enough to make due we're treading water at this point. I also understand that you have put in several 'IOU's to the Hierarchy in the past. I presume someone in the bureaucracy figures that you can handle your own finances from now on. We can afford to pay for Tel'se and Kusko but after that we need to find support team members that we can afford. I figured you'd want at least your frontline members to be seasoned."

"Fuck me..." Maius groaned as he put a talon to his face.

"I'm just saying at this point our own options are limited. Not to say we can't find others, but with time against us as well as our current budget...I'm sorry sir, there is only so much I can do. I can either spend more time looking for alternatives or we can find out where Nemar and his assistant are right now. While they may be considered civilians, I believe they have potential. You know me, Maius, I wouldn't suggest these people if I didn't think they were worth it in the long run." Gefren argued again.

Maius scrapped his talon's nails across his face slightly before returning it to his side. He gave an exasperated sigh, "Fine, we'll at least see the agent to find out where they are. But if they are somewhere thats too inhospitable or dangerous we'll find someone else."

"Very well sir." replied a satisfied Gefren.

As soon as Maius ended the call the elevator doors opened and there was Gefren turning off his own Omni-tool in the armory. Behind the Volus, weapons were stacked on shelves and displays for easy access with a Turian quartermaster standing at a counter cleaning one of them. At a table Gefren took one of the weapons from the counter and laid it out for his Turian compatriot. Walking over Maius took up the rifle from the table. It was the Hierarchy's standard issue Phaeston rifle although personalized to Maius' taste of dark urban camouflage. After checking his weapon Maius put it on his back and grabbed a Carnifex and a Tempest SMG from the weapons rack. Gefren also took two weapons for himself. An M-4 Shuriken and an M-5 Phalanx pistol.

Satisfied with their selection Maius nodded, "Alright Gefren, you know the drill."

Gefren returned Maius' nod and activated his Omni-Tool. A shimmering shield shrouded his frame before he looked at a holographic display, "Shield generator functioning optimally."

Maius did the same and a holographic red tech armor encased his suit. Maius took an eyepiece from one of the tables and put it on. Its holographic display was also red as its numbers trickled down over his left eye. Suddenly he clenched his fists and a biotic field washed over him. After maintaining the field for a moment he released his grip and exhaled.

Gefren finished working on his Omni-Tool and shut off his Overshield, "Hopefully you won't need to broadcast those biotics of yours too soon and we can be in and out relatively quickly."

"You can go ahead and hope Gefren. Considering my luck lately, we'll need to be ready for anything. Besides a part of me wouldn't mind to blow off some steam on some low-lives if they're dumb enough."

"Lets pray it doesn't come to that. Aria can be reasonable but I imagine her patience is at its limit with everything happening. We don't need to add to it, let's just be about our business and get out."

On that, a part of Maius quietly agreed.

The club Afterlife on the Omega station was becoming rowdier than usual. More and more people were taking to drink, kink, and drugs to help deal with the fact that something terrible could be coming to the Terminus. Aria T'Loak, the self-styled queen of Omega didn't mind it of course. It meant more business and people coming to the station to forget their troubles and spend credits. Sure it meant more assholes showing up but that's why you keep a well trained group of hired guns at your back. Aria was over looking the hustle and bustle of the dance floor and took note of yet another group of rowdy patrons. Mainly Batarians and Turians getting into yet another shoving match. She noted Anto moving through the crowd with a datapad in his hand. Meanwhile Grizz was moving down to the ground floor to break up the fighting and to clear a cordon for Anto to get through all the people. When Anto reached Aria she was still keeping an eye on the ground floor and held out her left hand asking, "So did we find our leak?"

"We did, here." Anto said as the Batarian handed over the pad. Aria brought it up and her frown made Anto step back a little, unsure if she was going to throw it at him. "Well, seems the universe is enforcing its own rule."

Aria turned around still looking at the pad before she looked ahead and spoke aloud, "Let no good deed go unpunished."

She then looked to Anto who was still wondering if he was going to get a pad thrown at his face. Instead she calmly handed the pad back to him but her eyes had a violent edge to them, "Have Grizz get our men and pay the boyfriend's home a visit. It's time to clean up some of the refuse around here."

Anto nodded and secretly was relieved, but he knew that this was probably only the beginning. More and more people were seeking refuge at the station due to Sigurd's Cradle going dark. Others needed a place to hold out till they figured where to head next, that meant a lot more traffic of people coming through. Control was getting harder to maintain and Aria knew it. It's why the Omega Queen was going to hit these conspiring assholes hard to remind them of the one rule on the station that no one should break.

Aria then turned to one of her other henchmen, a Batarian named Sanak, "Bring Niv'El to me...now." she said her calm voice betraying the rage boiling under the surface.

Sanak, sensing heads were going to roll, ran off to find Niv'El as fast as he could. Anto meanwhile got a message in his comm link, bringing a hand up to his ear. After a moment he got his boss' attention, "Maam, we got an inbound ship. Turian by the look of it, though we don't have its name or registration on file."

"More refugees or another group of mercenaries?" Aria asked.

"No idea, but its requesting permission to dock."

Aria wasn't in the mood for more trouble makers and her frown made it clear, "Have several of our ships come up along side and-"

"Wait...its sending a Spectre authorization code."

Aria cocked an eyebrow, "A Spectre is onboard?"

Anto nodded, "Seems like it boss."

Aria brought a hand up to her chin and thought for a moment before looking to Anto again, "Inform the vessel that it's clear to dock, but it will be escorted. Also tell them that their Spectre, whoever he or she is, will need to see me in person as soon as possible before they're allowed to do anything on my station. Obviously the Council is sending someone new my way. Wonder if they'll be like Shepard and remove some problems for me."

Anto nodded and brought his hand up to his comm link to relay Aria's order to the dockmaster. Aria then noticed Sanak bringing an Asari girl with him. He had the girl brought up the steps by the arm before throwing her down in front of Aria. The Asari girl looked to be of maiden age. She was in a dancer's outfit and had the usual blue skin tone of her race with purple stripes running along her neck and cheeks. She also had purple eyes and they were now looking at Aria with absolute terror on her face.

"You fucked up Nev'El." Aria calmly stated.

"Aria! Whatever it is you think I've done its not what you think!" Nev'El pleaded.

Aria gave a mocking bemused look in response, "Really? Not what I think? Anto go ahead and read off what you showed me."

Anto cleared his throat, bringing the pad up again before saying in a mocking voice, "Hey Nevi baby, want some of the score we were able to nick off the Omega Queen? says Grash Cordo. Oh shit, you actually did it!? Awesome! Nice to see you use my info to bring her down a peg for once, you said. Oh yeah! We got some Red Sand, some cool gear, and maybe even some toys we could have fun with! Smiley face from Grash. L-O-L that sounds so fun and so wrong, I totally want to get in on that, just give me a time babe, you said. Keep this up and maybe one of these days I'll be the king of this station. I'd totally make you the Goddess of Afterlife! Grash says, winking face. Oh you! I mean that's a bit of a stretch, I'll just settle on the good time tonight, you said, winky face, heart." Anto then brought down the pad.

Nev'El was just staring at Anto with a horrified expression. Aria then coughed to get her attention back, "Now...where am I getting it wrong Nev'El?"

The young Asari couldn't meet Aria's gaze, her face looking downcast at the floor, "Look at me!" Aria shouted emphasizing each word.

Nev'El clenched her hands into fists but she still wouldn't look at Aria. Aria then suddenly reached down and grabbed the young girl's face by the chin and cheeks, forcing her to look at the Omega Queen. Instead of fear that one would expect, the younger Asari was both crying and angry at the same time with clenched teeth and tearing eyes.

"If you were any other dancer I would have dropped you out the airlock for shit like this. I allowed you into my home, to work and make a life for yourself under my protection. I did this because your mother asked me to help you out of a bad situation you had gotten yourself into...and this is how you repay my generosity."

"Generosity!?" The younger Asari screamed out in anger before slapping away Aria's grip. This prompted Grizz and Anto to go for their weapons but Aria waved them off.

Nev'El continued while looking at the floor, "You call getting leered at by some of the worst customers, no tips, getting barely enough pay to get by with rent and you constantly flouting your bullshit with being the Queen of this place being generous!?"

Aria stood up again and crossed her arms with an almost bored expression. Nev'El by contrast now looked to Aria incensed and got herself up to her feet, "Yeah...I admit it...I fucking helped Grash hit your shipments and it felt good to make you squirm even if just a little. Goddess knows a lot of the others around her feel the same."

"Who else?" Aria asked simply.

"Fuck you I ain't saying shit! You probably already know anyway. For a place where you can do whatever you want you sure as shit don't have privacy."

"Of course you can do whatever you want." Aria said as she got closer to Nev'El her eyes never deviating from the young Asari, "As long as you follow the one rule of this place."

Aria was now face to face with the young girl, the Omega Queen bringing up her right hand's index finger to poke Nev'El in the chest with every word, "Don't. Fuck. With. Me!"

Then in one quick motion her right hand turned into a fist and she gut punched Nev'El causing her to keel over onto the floor. The wind knocked out of her, Nev'El coughed and gasped for breath. Aria shook her head at the young dancer on the ground, "You brought this shit on yourself Nev'El, same with your boyfriend. Matter of fact Grizz should be paying your human boy toy a visit with some of my boys right now."

Nev'El coughed and cried, "You...*cough*...fucking bitch! I just wanted... to have a little fun for once. To feel like life...*sob*.. wasn't giving me shit! Grash made me feel special! Like what I said mattered!"

Aria rolled her eyes, "Oh I'm sure he did. Hope you enjoyed feeling like a special little darling, because as of right now...you're done. I want you off my station by the end of the day. That gives you about..." Aria checked her Omni-Tool's clock, "Six hours to pack your shit and get the hell off my station. Otherwise...I'm going to throw you out the airlock regardless."

Nev'El slowly got back on her feet and then was promptly grabbed by Sanak causing her to yelp. As the Batarian took her away the young Asari cried out, "Fuck you Aria! I'll be back one day and then you'll be sorry!"

Aria shook her head one last time while looking at Nev'El getting taken away, "Come back in a few centuries and then give it your best shot...idiot." the last word she spoke quietly but Aria made sure she heard the rest.

Nev'El found the door to her apartment open and was flung to the ground by her Batarian escort.

"Remember what Aria said! You have less than six hours to pack your shit and go. Otherwise we'll come back for you and boot you out the airlock door." Sanak grimly said, closing the door behind him on the way out.

Nev'El slowly got to her feet again and looked over what meager possessions she had. She started getting her things together but soon broke down crying again. Falling to her knees she sobbed on the side of her bed before her door's chime went off. She ignored it and continued to sob before the chime went off again.

"Go away!" She cried out.

A buzzing sound was emitted before a voice spoke through a speaker by the door, "It's Sylvea dear! I had heard shooting from your boyfriend's place and then there was a gruff looking Batarian at your door! I got worried about you!"

That elder woman's voice was enough to get Nev'El to get up still with tears on her face to open her door. It was another Asari, though this one was clearly in the Matriarchal phase of her life. She had a blue complexion with beautiful emerald eyes. She also had green lines across her neck and gaunt face. She wore an elaborate dress colored blue with more emerald highlights that matched her eyes. Nev'El embraced the elder Asari and sobbed again, "I'm sorry Sylvea I messed up!"

"What do you mean dear?" the Matriarch asked.

"I did...sniffle*...I did a dumb thing and now Aria is kicking me off the station!" said Nev'El still sobbing.

"Oh no! Oh you poor thing!" consoled Sylvea as she returned the young Asari's embrace.

They held each other for a moment before a slight laugh came from Nev'El, "You're cold as always."

"A lack of air conditioning and these old bones tend to make one that way my dear." Sylvea said with a smile.

They separated and Nev'El let the elder Asari into her apartment. Sylvea turned and asked, "How long do you have?"

"Less than six hours now." Nev'El said as she wiped some of her tears away.

"Goodness...well I can certainly help you with getting your things together. Do you have any idea where you can go?"

Nev'El shook her head while grabbing a bag and taking clothes from her small dresser, "No...I guess I can book a shuttle to anywhere but...I have no idea where to go."

Sylvea looked thoughtful then grabbed a sea anemone decoration for Nev'El off the counter and brought it to the younger Asari's bag. "Well...I don't know if you're willing to take suggestions from an old Matriarch like myself."

"At this point I'll take anything Sylvea, you've been good to me this past week." said Nev'El, putting in another stack of her clothes in the bag on the bed.

"Oh why thank you dear, warms my old heart to hear that." the old Asari said, the back of her dress shimmering in the warm light of the apartment. She looked to Nev'El with a serious look on her face as she handed the young girl a datapad, "I may know some people who can help you...but I need to ask you a few things first."

"Um, sure?" said Nev'El now a little unsure while putting the datapad in the bag.

Sylvea continued giving her a serious look as she asked, "How do you feel about Aria?"

Nev'El looked questioningly at the Matriarch, "Uh...that's a weird thing to ask now don't you think?"

"I know its strange but I need to know." the old Asari continued, handing over yet another aquatic decoration of coral.

Nev'El's eyes looked downwards and she thought for a second before she huffed taking the decoration, "I think she's the worst. Always looking down on everybody, just...not caring about anyone. Some people say Aria is the only thing holding Omega together but I talk with the other dancers and customers who aren't total asshats. They're all scared, scared that one day they could say or do something that the Omega Queen deems problematic. She's no different from the rest of the gangs on the station. That bitch just happens to have the reigns at the moment...that's all."

Sylvea hummed and nodded, handing over the last of the ocean decor, "Indeed, the Queen of Omega is not one to take lightly. Nor is she one with noble intent. Simply holding onto her own power and keeping people if they are useful to her. Can't say I am fond of the woman or the methods she employs either."

Taking the sea decorations from the Matriarch, Nev'El shook her head, "Can't understand why my mother and her are friends. She said that Aria could keep me safe from...uh...sorry I can't say who right now."

"It's alright, I have a couple more questions if you don't mind." said the elderly Asari, the lights flickering somewhat in the apartment before returning to normal.

"Shoot." said the young Maiden putting in another stash of clothes in the bag.

Sylvea gave her young friend another serious look, "How far would you be willing to go...to stop Aria's reign on this station?"

"...What?" Nev'El was taken aback for a moment looking at the Matriarch, "Whoa Sylvea I mean...I know I hate Aria but I don't want to join some kind of revolution or-"

"Revolution isn't the objective. It is simply restoring order on a station that has been badly mismanaged for so long. I know powerful people that can make that happen Nev'El. One who can, not only bring down Aria but ensure that the suffering of the people on this station comes to an end. An end to the fear you and your friends have been feeling." said Sylvea putting a hand on Nev'El's own.

The young girl still wasn't wholly convinced, "I'm not sure Sylvea I mean...it sounds nice I guess to be part of something like that. To do some good for once but-"

"It's what happened to Grash isn't it?" the older woman asked.

"He and his friends are dead now because of what I did."

"What did you do?"

"I...I helped Grash..." Nev'El held back another bout of tears to try to say the words, "I helped him hit one of Aria's shipments."

The older Asari hummed and nodded again withdrawing her hand, "I see, well that explains the banishment. Surprised she let you live after something like that."

"Yes...it was dumb, I was only saved because my mom is a friend of hers. So I guess this is her way of being merciful. I know you told me I should follow my heart and at the time I guess...I just wanted to see the Queen Bitch get hers a little. I know its probably not what you meant."

Sylvea nodded, "Indeed, though there isn't much we can do about that now except move forward. You still haven't answered my earlier question dear. How far would you go to no longer be afraid of Aria?"

Nev'El closed her eyes in thought and took a breath after she put in the last pile of her clothes. The young Asari gave her own serious look to the Matriarch, "For what happened to Grash, my friends, and for what she's done...yeah...maybe I can do something. I don't know what but, it's better than just sitting her crying I guess."

Sylvea gave a smile, "Good to hear Nev'El. I know someone at the docks who can help you. He'll be a Batarian named Shirrik, simply show him this and he'll give you passage off the station. I'll join you soon after, but do not show that to anyone else...understand?"

Sylvea took out from her dress pocket a metallic object, like a medallion made of dull green metal. Within the center of it was a symbol Nev'El didn't recognize. It had a circle in the center with lines expanding from it, the line going downwards the longest of all. A half circle was connected by a line above the full circle in the middle. It reminded Nev'El of those human symbols a friend had showed her once in school... the name of them was on the tip of her tongue... was it an ankh?

Nev'El took the medallion and now looked unsure, "I understand but-"

"Nev'El, this is an opportunity. For you and other victims of Aria's cruelty. You can help put an end to it and help yourself in the process. It's not going to happen today, for now we just need to get you somewhere safe. I'll help you and you help my fellows in the long run. You trust me don't you dear?"

Nev'El looked at the medallion, her thumb rolling across the center of it. She then gripped it tight and looked to the elder Asari, "Yes, I trust you Sylvea. You've been so nice to me and helped me through some pretty awful days."

"Good, now go on, grab the rest of your things. I'll head home and make my own preparations."

The young girl got a change of clothes from her bag before asking, "Need help?"

Sylvea waved her off, "Oh no dear I can handle myself."

Nev'El grabbed what little remained of her belongings and took her change of clothes to the restroom. After a few minutes changing, Nev'El came out and was now sporting Asari casual wear with a dull orange jacket on to help with the cold on their floor of the station. Sylvea smiled and handed Nev'El her bag, "Here you are, now head to the docks and find Shirrik. He'll be a Batarian in black pilot fatigues, show only him that medallion I've given you."

Nev'El nodded, "Thank you Sylvea! I promise I'll make the most of this!"

Sylvea handed the young girl her bag and gave her a hug, "I have no doubt you will dear, now go."

The young Asari smiled back and quickly left the apartment, leaving Sylvea by herself. Her mannerism shifted and she stood up straighter than she had been before. The Matriarch then went to the restroom and looked at herself in the mirror. She gave a smile while musing at her own reflection, "Ah, this takes me back. Oh Nev'El...I have such plans for you."

She felt her cheek with her hand slowly still smiling before the lighting in the bathroom started to flicker. Then finally the light cut out leaving only two shining green eyes in the darkness. Sylvea started to laugh, a slow building laughter becoming a cackle that echoed through the room.