"Samara really wanted to track down Morinth. She needed to kill her own daughter to prevent the tragedies that would follow if she lived. She had to put her duty above her own daughter."

Kacey walked into Afterlife with Samara in tow, avoiding the glances of the people dancing and drinking the night away. EDI had stated that it couldn't track Monrith due to the high daily death count of Omega, but suggested that Aria might know. Kacey wasn't keen to talk to the asari; she didn't trust her as far as she could throw her.

Aria gestured for Kacey to sit as she approached, "So, Shepard. What do you need?"

"An asari fugitive is hiding out here." Kacey said, "She's an Ardat-Yakshi. We need to find her."

Aria's eyes widened as she processed what Kacey had said, "I knew it. Nothing leaves a body quite so…empty…as an Ardat-Yakshi does."

"You haven't taken steps to kill her?" Samara asked.

"Why would I?" Aria replied selfishly, "She hasn't tried to seduce me. Her last victim was a young girl. Pretty thing. Lived in the tenements near here. That's where I'd start looking."

"I bet." Kacey mused, "Thanks,"

"Good luck finding her." Aria smirked, "Better luck catching her."

"What an asshole." Kacey muttered as she followed Samara out of Afterlife.

The walk to the tenements was a silent one; neither had much to say to the other. Kacey wasn't exactly sure what she had gotten herself into, but she knew that for as dangerous as it could be, she could handle it. If she could handle fighting Collectors and the Saren husk, then she could handle an Ardat-Yakshi.

She avoided the look of the crazed preacher as they walked past, trying to block out his crazy theories and mad rambling. Omega was full of nutcases, she knew that, but they were still pretty dangerous nutcases. Thankfully, the path to the tenements was quiet and empty, leaving only the sound of Samara's heels clicking against the metal to remain in the air. Once they had found the building they were looking for, Kacey knocked three times before the door opened and a middle aged woman beckoned them in.

"Are you here about my daughter?" The woman asked, "My Nef died a week ago, and no one seems to care. The medics say it was a brain haemorrhage, but that's not true. It was murder. Someone killed my Nef, my baby."

"I think she was murdered too." Kacey said in a comforting voice, "And I'm looking for her killer."

"Oh, Thank you!" The woman replied, fighting back tears, "It's so hard when no one believes you. I'm all alone now. Are you…one of Aria's people?"

"I'm here to help. Does it matter who sent me?" Kacey replied.

"No one else on this hellhole station gives a damn that my Nef is dead." The woman mused as she sat down, "If you can do something about it, I'll help you however I can."

"What kind of a girl was your daughter?" Kacey asked.

"My Nef had a fire inside her." The woman explained, "She was shy, but she was creative and driven, and…the best girl a mother could hope for."

"She was creative?" Samara questioned, "How so?"

"She was a sculptor. Several galleries were interested in her, said her work was fresh."

"Did Nef have a lot of friends?" Kacey inquired.

"Not a lot, no." The woman mused, "She was shy, spent most of her time off making her sculptures, not hanging out with friends. Something did change in the last few weeks, though. She started talking about an asari; Morinth. I didn't like her. She kept dragging Nef out to clubs, and I'm pretty sure she gave my daughter drugs."

"What kind of person was this, Morinth?" Kacey asked.

"I never met her, but Nef talked about her like she was a queen. You'd swear there was no one else alive when she talked about Morinth."

"That sounds familiar." Samara mused.

"We swear to you, Nef will rest easy soon." Kacey replied, "May I look around Nef's room?"

"I didn't want to disturb anything." The woman said, "Her clothes, her art, her sculptors. Everything is the way she left it. The way it will always be. My baby is gone. She's gone, and nothing will fix that."

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she could no longer hold back her tears. Kacey calmly comforted the woman as she wiped the tears from her face.

"Thank you." The woman sobbed, "I'm sorry. I just miss her so much."

"It's okay." Kacey replied in a comforting voice, "We've all suffered loss."

"I know what it means to lose a daughter." Samara added, "I will avenge her."

"And you say that you're not good at comforting people." Kaidan mused.

"Yeah, yeah I know." Kacey replied, "I just get a little nervous when doing it with strangers or acquaintances."

"Is that right?"

"Yeah. It is."

"Thank you." The woman replied, "Please, if it helps you find her killer, look through her things."

"We will be respectful." Samara mused.

Kacey then headed to Nef's room; it was small and cramped. A small bed tucked into a corner with a small desk on the other side. Kacey took a quick glance at the room before finding a device on Nef's bed, with three recordings still left on it. As Samara continued to look around the room, Kacey played the first audio diary on the device and Nef's voice spoke through the speakers.

"Hey, diary. Cycle 34, orbit 671. There's a lot to talk about! I dropped Jaruut's name, and they let me into the VIP room at Afterlife. I was sure everyone was staring at me. Then the most beautiful asari starts dancing near me. She moves like water; form and volume but shifting, changing. I'm in a trance. Then I'm dancing with her. Later, we went for skewers, and I'm supposed to see her again tomorrow."

Kacey wasn't sure what to make of it; normally she would've chalked it up to adolescence hormones but considering what Morinth was, she wasn't so sure. Maybe that was what the asari was counting on.

"Cycle 36, orbit 671. Am I a freak? Morinth is a girl like me, and she's definitely not human. Just…when we dance, and the Hallex is flowing through me…The way she looks at me—with a hunger, a longing…No one's ever looked at me like that. We kissed tonight."

"Cycle 42, orbit 67. She's going to take me to her apartment tonight. Whatever happens, I want to be with her forever. She can sell my pieces. We can live somewhere glamorous, like the woman in Vaenia, that vid Morinth likes. How did this happen to me? I'm just dumb trash from Omega."

"This is Morinth's work." Samara explained, "She is attracted to artists and creators. Someone with a spark, slightly isolated from their peers. She impresses with sophistication and sex appeal. Then she strikes. The hunt interests her as much as the conquest."

"So she's the perfect predator." Kacey mused, "Anyone who's successfully hunted sapient beings for four hundred years warrants caution."

Samara nodded, "Morinth speaks to you on many levels. Her body tells yours that she'll bring unimaginable ecstasy. Her scent evokes emotions long hidden. Her eyes promise you things you were always scared to ask of another. Her voice whispers to you after she is done speaking."

"Like I said, perfect predator." Kacey mused, "Or how every teenager describes their first crush."

"Speaking from experience, Kacey?" Kaidan smirked.

"Haha, maybe I am, maybe I'm not." Kacey mused, "Maybe it was how I described my first crush…or maybe it was how I'd describe you."

"Is that right? I'm flattered." Kaidan smiled, "And maybe I think that way about you."

"Flatterer." Kacey smirked.

"Storming her den would be a mistake, she will have a hundred escape routes planned." Samara explained, "She will go to ground and disappear for fifty years or more. This is the closest I've ever been."

"So we have to lure her out."

"Excatly! Shepard, you read my mind."

"So, what's the plan?"

"Afterlife's VIP section seems to be her preferred hunting ground." Samara said, "You must go there alone and unarmed."

"Me? Alone?" Kacey questioned, "Samara, I don't know how to say this lightly, but I don't think I'm your daughter's type, not to mention I'm not into women."

"You are an artist on the battlefield. You have the vital spark that attracts her. Your power will draw her in." Samara explained, "You do not need to be…romantically involved, you just have to flirt and get close. Do not worry about her harming you. I will be in the shadows, watching. You will never be alone, this I swear. But you must be discreet. Morinth is cagey."

"Okay, okay. I'll do it." Kacey mused, "I have done crazier things and—"

Something cracked underneath her feet; Kacey lifted her foot and found a datapad underneath her. A recording then started to play, cracking and hissing as it started.

"Nef. I'm sending you this hologram by the elcor artist Forta. His work is sublime — but don't stare at it too long, or you may go mad. I don't want anything bad to happen to you, love. Can't wait to hear what you think of Forta."

"That's Morinth." Samara mused.

"I'll keep that in mind." Kacey mused as they walked out of the tenement, "Well then, I better get my dancing shoes on."

…

Kacey felt uneasy; she didn't like walking through Omega without armour and a gun. Not in her casual clothes and without anything to defend herself with.

She owned very little to start with; she didn't have many clothes, particularly civilian clothes. And she certainly didn't get many opportunities to wear them either, as she typically travelled around in her military uniform. But she had to look the part, so she dressed for the occasion. Black combat boots, blue jeans, a navy blouse and a black leather jacket with a small N7 logo on the collar. It was as discreet as possible, and for Kacey's reassurance if nothing else, it was easy to move around in.

She quickly moved around the corner and headed directly towards Afterlife's VIP entrance, hoping to avoid any undesirables on the way. She could handle them in a fist fight, she didn't doubt that, but if they had a gun or biotics, she would be toast.

"What do you want?" The bouncer asked as Kacey approached.

"Someone told me the rest of Afterlife is nothing compared to this place." Kacey replied.

"Sounds like a smart person, who was it?"

"Jaruut."

"Go on in." The bouncer said, "Word to the wise; start a fight, we'll hurt you. Someone attacks you, it's okay to defend yourself."

"Noted." Kacey said as she entered.

She found Samara hiding by some of the large crates in the hallway. The justicar waved her over before Kacey could head into the club.

"You must go in alone." Samara explained, "Morinth will be watching. Like any predator, she is cautious. You must pique her interest enough that she will approach you. When you are face-to-face, subtly encourage her to invite you to her apartment. I'll follow discreetly and when you're alone, I'll spring the trap. Know this; until I get there, you are in great peril. She will be planning to inflict horrors on you. If you are not careful, you will want her to."

"I can assure you, I'm not into torture." Kacey mused, "So, how do I draw her out?"

"Courage or suicidal bravery could attract her." Samara mused, "Hurt someone in defence, and she will be excited; but pick a fight and she'll be bored. Show skill at working smoothly through a nightclub crowd. She will be intrigued. She'll want you the moment she sees you. The rest is just a matter of overpowering her caution. She admires strength, directness and vigour. Modesty, chivalry and meekness bore her. Violence excites her. You've killed, Shepard. She'll like that."

"Right, so I've got to act like a sociopath pretending to be a pained artist. Got it." Kacey mused.

"Shepard, we only get one chance at this." Samara said, "Any mistake, and Morinth will disappear. If you're the least bit unsure, come talk to me. I will wait here. And Shepard; thank you. I do not share this burden easily, and you are the only soul I can imagine sharing it with."

"I appreciate it, Samara." Kacey said before entering into the main club.

As Kacey entered the club, the music was thundering through the area; the beat intense and the rhythm catchy. Nightclubs weren't really Kacey's thing, and she felt out of place as she looked around the area, avoiding the bright, neon lights that occasionally flashed across her face. There were a lot of people dancing, and a few professional asari dancers on the poles. Many of the patrons were dancing the night away, drinks in hand, chatting and partying.

"Okay, time to lure out an asari serial killer." Kacey muttered, "No pressure, Kace. No pressure."

She walked around towards the bar, figuring it would be the best place to start. She passed a narrow hallway, where a young man jumped out in front of her, blocking her path.

"Hey, do you know where to get tickets for Expel 10?" The man asked, "I heard this amazing asari say they were her favourite band. I want…I just want whatever she wants. I got to find tickets! Expel 10 is playing tomorrow!"

"Sounds like your problem, not mine." Kacey replied curtly, before side-stepping to get around the man.

"Hey, lady!" He snapped, grabbing Kacey's arm before she slipped out of his reach, "I'm not done talking to you!"

"Get your hand off me." Kacey replied sternly.

"My, my. You need to be taught a lesson!" The man said, pulling out a sharp blade, "Maybe a few severed vocal cords might be enough!"

Kacey rolled her eyes as she kicked the man and pulled her arm out of his grasp, before swiping the blade and chucking it down the hallway. She pinned him up against the wall, catching his attention.

"Come near me again, and I'll use that blade to sever your throat." Kacey snapped, "We clear?"

The man nodded, "Y-yes of course!"

"Good."

She let him go and headed towards the bar, keeping an eye out for any sign of Morinth. She cut across the dancefloor, and found a turian arguing with a dancer.

"Come on, baby. I can pay. I'm a good tipper too."

"I told you to stay away from me!"

"Playing hard to get? Give it up baby, I'm sold." The turian continued, "Don't be like that! I got creds. We'll go back to my place. I got simple tastes."

"Back off, asshole!" the dancer said, pushing the turian away, "I'm a dancer, not a hooker."

"You've got a mouth on you!" The turian said, getting too close to the dancer, "I'll enjoy watching you use it!"

"Samara did say Morinth liked those who are suicidally brave. And I am nothing if not the paragon of suicidal bravery."

Kacey found the bastard's remarks revolting; she turned on her heel and sharply said, "Hey, asshole! The lady asked you to leave her alone!"

"You want in on this transaction?" He said sleazily, "I don't care if it's you or this bitch, I just like good times! And you? You're pretty hot, might look better underneath those clothes!"

He approached her, trying to grab her collar but was stopped by the right hook Kacey planted on the turian's face. He scowled as he tried to hit her, but Kacey simply stepped aside and kicked him from behind. She threw a few more punches to be sure before tossing him aside like an unwanted doll.

"Good times are over." Kacey mused.

"Thanks for that." The dancer said, "Security was asleep."

She finally reached the bar, and was quick on the charm offensive, managing to get everyone in the room free drinks. Kacey chatted with the patrons at the bar, keeping things short and sweet before hitting the dancefloor. She was a shy dancer, but she figured after everything she had done in the night, what more could she lose?

"So, in the span of ten minutes, you were in two fights, got free alcohol for the entire club and danced on the dancefloor." Kaidan listed, "Yeah, that checks out."

"Am I that predictable?" Kacey laughed, "What can I say? I'm painfully consistent."

Kacey was too busy dancing in her own little world to notice the asari standing a little too close to her. She spun around, and found herself bumping into somebody.

"Hey, sorry." Kacey said.

"Don't be." The asari said calmly, "My name is Morinth. I've been watching you. You're the most interesting person in this place. I've got a booth over here in the shadows. Why don't you sit with me?"

"Sure." Kacey replied as she followed Morinth. The asari was dressed in a black jumpsuit which had several belts on it.

"Some nights I come here and there's no one interesting to talk to." Morinth said as they both sat in the booth, "Some nights, there's just one person. Tonight, it's you. Why is that?"

"I'm confident, direct." Kacey mused, "Perhaps it's because you and I want the same things."

"Do we?"

"You tell me." Kacey replied, turning up the charm, "What do you think about the music here?"

"Dark rhythms, violent pulses." Morinth mused, "It stirs something primitive in me. What about you?"

"You saw the way I was dancing. I like music that gets the adrenaline going, something that I can lose myself in."

"I can see you're a woman of strong opinions." Morinth said, "You know, there are ways to enhance it."

"What do you think of Hallex?"

"It slithers through my soul." Morinth smiled, "Seems like we share some interests."

"Know anything about art?" Kacey asked.

"It speaks to the darkest places in me." Morinth replied, "What about you?"

"I like the artist Forta." Kacey said.

Morinth's face lit up, "I didn't think anyone around here knew him. He's sublime. Art comes in many varieties. I've seen vids that were more powerful than a sculpture sitting in a gallery."

"Have you seen Vaenia?"

"My favourite. The two actresses on it are so glamorous. So, what do you like to do?"

"Travel." Kacey replied, "I've travelled all over the galaxy."

"It changes you, doesn't it?"

"If you go to dangerous places, then yeah."

"Where you can see and do things most people can't imagine." Morinth mused, "When I travel, I find myself drawn to dark and dangerous places."

"Violent places?"

"Violence is the surest expression of power."

"If you're the strongest, you have the power."

"That's certainly true…among children."

"It's about the strength of will." Kacey continued, "Whoever wants it the most, is willing to do anything for it, has the power. "

"Do you want to get out of here?" Morinth asked, "My apartment is nearby, and I want you alone."

…

"As you can see, Morinth is a sociopath. She manipulates her victims, overpowers them, then kills them. Unfortunately for her, I'm not so easily manipulated."

Morinth's apartment was nicer than Kacey thought; it certainly wouldn't have looked out of place in the Citadel. And yet, Kacey's thoughts were more focused on avoiding death a second time. Morinth sat on the sofa, patting it so Kacey would sit down.

"I love clubs." Morinth said as Kacey sat the furthest away from Morinth on the sofa, "people, movement, heat. I can still hear the bass, like the drums of a great hunt, out for your blood. But here, it's muted—and you're safe. Is that what you want?"

"Safety's overrated." Kacey said, avoiding eye contact with Morinth, "After all, people tend to feel the safest right before they die."

"It's true, we're never safe." Morinth said, her voice becoming more seductive with each word, "I've never understood the fascination with safety. Some of us choose differently."

Morinth stood up and walked in front of Kacey, "Independance over submission. I think we share that, you and I."

Morinth sat on Kacey's lap, making the ruby haired commander uncomfortable; it was clear Morinth was trying to get into her head, and she wasn't going to let her.

"We've both killed many times, but that's where the similarities end." Kacey replied curtly.

"Why do you say that I've killed?" Morinth questioned, "What do you know? Let's stop playing games."

Morinth moved to sit next to her; and her eyes went black.

"Look into my eyes and tell me you want me. Tell me you'd kill for me. Anything I want."

The air began to feel heavy and something felt wrong, intoxicating. But Kacey was able to stop her seeping into her mind.

"If I'm able to survive two prothean beacons and the cipher, then I clearly have the willpower to resist her."

"I wouldn't count on it." Kacey said, "You're not even my type."

"But you…who are you? Oh no…" Morinth said, "I see what's going on. The bitch herself found a little helper."

At that moment, Samara walked through the front door, and used her biotics to launch Morinth into the window and pin her there.

"Mother." Morinth spat.

"Do not call me that!" Samara said firmly.

"I can't choose to stop being your daughter, Mother!"

"You made your choice long ago."

"What choice?!" Morinth shouted as she broke free of Samara's hold and began to attack her, "My only crime was being born with the gifts you gave me."

"Enough, Morinth!"

"I am the genetic destiny of the asari!" Morinth shouted, "But they are not ready to reveal this, so I must die."

"You are a disease to be purged, nothing more." Samara replied as they both were at a stalemate.

"I'm as strong as she is!" Morinth said, "Let me join you!"

"I'm already sworn to you, Shepard!" Samara said, "Let's finish this!"

"The Normandy already had enough crazies on board. I wasn't going to add another one."

"End of the line, Morinth!" Kacey said as she restrained Morinth.

"And they call me a monster!" Morinth shouted.

Samara launched Morinth back and said, "Find peace in the embrace of the goddess." Before killing Morinth with a single biotic punch. As blood spilled across the floor, Kacey gazed at the justicar with a concerned look.

"I am ready to leave this place and get on with my life." Samara said

"You want to talk about it?"

"What do you think I will say?" Samara replied, "What can I say? I just killed the bravest and smartest of my daughters. There are no words. I will try another time. For now, show mercy on a broken old warrior and let us leave."

"Very well." Kacey said, "Let's go."