XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

The noise of FTL engines sang as Shepard was going through some files. It's been a few months since the Cerberus raid, and they went mostly silent after three more. A week ago she even got a message from Mirage that the same thing happened after several of their own raids, and the trail went cold rather quickly. As she read her report out, she noticed Jondum come into her room. "Taking me back in after?"

"Not this time. You've been busy, a little too busy to effectively take in all the lessons you asked for. But you did ace the technical combat class, and you've gained much respect on Sur'kesh. The only thing you've yet to do for me to agree to send you out with full honors and passing... is to beat me once in hand to hand." Jondum grinned. "Out of ten rounds…"

It took a lot for Emily to control her facial expression upon hearing that. Wrex could say all he wanted about Salarians, Shepard knew Jondum could kick the tail off half the guys in N7 in hand to hand, including her brother. Jondum was deceptively strong and fast, matched with that Salarian intellect he was one tough man.

Still, excitement glowed in Emily's eyes; "I'm game."

The Salarian nodded; "I had a feeling you would be."

The training room on their current Cruiser was empty; the skeleton crew was safer for their current mission. As Emily got into her gear, Jondum stood ready. "Ten rounds, all you have to do is beat me once. You do, and then you pass my training. You start the session."

Almost as if sensing a good show, some of the crew not currently on duty were coming to watch, Garrus was already there lifting some weights to keep in shape. He stopped and got up close to watch. "This ought to be good..."

Emily grinned as she got into the ring. "How long until we dock?"

"Half an hour. Time runs out and you fail, unable to beat me once in all ten you fail. You fail; you continue your training under me." Jondum went into a stance and smirked.

Emily popped her neck before doing the same; "Can't overthink this, but can't reckless either." Her mind mentally going through scenarios. Her eyes stayed locked on her teacher before dashing forward.

Mandibles twitched from Garrus; "What do you have up your sleeve Shepard."

Having watched many Salarian spars, and getting her behind handed to her dozens of times, Shepard absorbed much about the techniques Jondum was using. She got right up next to him and dropped, kicking out at one of the feet planted in front of her, only for the Salarian to raise it and kick out at her. Cupping the ankle and grabbing at it tight, she lifted up and pushed herself forward, only to take a rotating knee to the chest and knocking her to the side as Jondum spun on a hand and regained his footing.

Not down yet, the Human Spectre game up again and jabbed forward three times, missing each as Jondum blocked each to the side, before launching a haymaker that passed in front of his nose. Rushing her as she spun to elbow his gut, he twisted an arm under that elbow and rose it up, catching her off guard before kicking forward and knocking her feet from under her as they flipped, causing her to slam face-first to the mat, and the nimble Jondum rolled back to his feet easily. "Round one, fail."

Growling, the dark-haired earthling got up. As the next five rounds went, she failed as Jondum caught her off guard with sudden catch and release movements, grappling her during every big strike. Huffing, she returned to her feet for the next round, Jondum shaking his wrist. "Five minutes. You're lasting longer."

Closing her eyes, Shepard regained her breathing. As soon as she let out a smooth breath was the moment she launched her next move. Keeping herself planted, she threw fist and elbow at her teacher, kicking at his legs to gain traction only to find him ready for anything. Playing it safer was working to her favor, but she knew she had to get out of it otherwise Jondum would switch tactics, which is what she knew he was teaching. As soon as she blocked his fierce snap kick to her shin, she jumped up and above his next kick whilst seeing him go in for the take down.

Using every piece of her strength, she tensed up her body and held her breathe, as soon as his elbow connected, she grabbed his head by the horns and planted herself. Heaving a hard exhale, she twisted her leg on his, causing his body to twist and fall enough to put his head where she wanted it, and slammed a knee into his head, causing him to fall to the ground behind him, sending her back on her ass as well. The entire ship was in shock seeing their greatest fighter lying flat on his back. Jondum was not out cold, but his head was throbbing.

A low grunt came the Salarian; "Well played Commander Shepard." Jondum rubbed his head.

Emily chuckled; "Be adaptive, as I think is a Salarian proverb." She muttered getting to her feet.

"Asari actually," Garrus spoke up from his spot.

All the crew observed as the Salarian Spectre rose to stand; "You're getting closer."

"Let's see how close," Emily kept on the pressure against her teacher.

Snap kicks landed against the human's arms and legs as she blocked before countering with heavy jabs and hooks, ducking under a slicing open-hand chop and backing off the Salarian's kick, which stepped on her knee as leverage to flip forward and kicked out at her chest. Without even thinking, Shepard planted herself forward and blocked the kick, though her arms hurt painfully from the strength of the kick. Launching back and landed on his feet, Jondum got back into stance, only for Shepard to come in and sweep kick him again.

Though he did back up to avoid it, he was surprised as soon as Shepard leaped forward against him, kicking at him with both feet, which he blocked down. As soon as she landed she was met with a fist to her face, which she ducked under and charged forward, causing Jondum to try and get back. Not one to just rush in an elbow, Shepard kept pace before barreling into Jondum's chest and blocking his knee, as he caught her sides and tried to kick at her from her reckless move.

Though reckless, the Human Spectre suddenly punched the knees of her teacher inward and then used her leverage to drop and then launch up, causing the Salarian to lose footing enough that her next move proved the end. She locked her legs up, her elbows crunching his arms and making him let go as her legs came around the back of his shoulders and neck, before lifting herself and slamming her head into his. Using the opposite force to gain momentum, she grabbed the floor, twisted and slammed Jondum to the ground hard, trapping an arm under her and the other was too far away as she kept legs around his head. "Yield!"

With that, a stunned silence engulfed the ship. Emily got off her teacher. A low chuckle came from Garrus as his partner helped Jondum up. "Well played Commander Shepard. You have won and succeeded."

That got a smiled from the N7 soldier as she extended her hand; "Thank you for the lessons."

"I enjoyed them, you are an excellent student."

Garrus looked the others on the ship; "You owe me fifty credits each." A few groans came from the crew.

As they were docking, the two were getting patched up for being a little too rough to just be normal. Jondum was staring straight ahead. "Are you sure that you want to do this? I have heard many disconcerting things about this... Initiative. And about the N7 you want to talk to. Alec has been preaching about AI in the way he wants to ignore galactic law."

"I believe AI can be reasoned with and cooperative, so did my brother." Turning her head and looking to her teacher. "Though I understand why we cannot just make them and trust we've programmed them correctly. Caution is always required, no matter who makes what... But Synthetic Life should never be seen as just another enemy. I believe we can coexist, one day, so I hope to see it in my lifetime."

"That was not my question."

Chuckling softly, Emily stood up. "I'm sure about seeing what all this is about. Besides, the Initiative is calling for every living being, be they human or Turian, even Batarian. So there will be others investigating and trying to figure out if it's the real deal, I just want to be one of the first."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Arcturus station, where the fifth alliance fleet commanded by Admiral Hackett resides. The station sat perfectly at the center close by several mass relays where the fleet and the SSV Aconcagua can be called when needed. Garrus whistled gazing out the window; "So Admiral Hackett lives here."

"Yup," Emily peered out beside the Turian; "Best place for the fifth fleet in case any emergency happens."

Jondum nodded in approval; "You humans are good at strategy, being so close to so many relays, it gives your fleet amazing reach."

"And timing, considering we're now being called in to help out with the mess with the Geth." She turned to Jondum Bau. "What do you plan on doing now, Bau?"

The Salarian looked around. "I've got a few things to look for and to talk to a few of your Admirals about your progress. After that, I'll be on my way and to my next mission."

The Turian sniper shook the Salarian's hand. "Thank you for allowing me passage with Shepard. It was... an experience, seeing how Salarian command is different."

"It was my pleasure to get to know both of you. I hope to see more of your exploits in the future." Bau shook the Turian's hand as the ship docked in one of the hangers of the station.

Exiting the craft they were met by Hackett himself who stood at attention; "Shepard, Vakarian. Spectre Jondum Bau correct?"

The Salarian nodded; "Yes, it is an honor to meet you, Admiral Hackett."

"Feeling is mutual; you three arrived just in time." He gestured for them to follow.

As they did, Shepard was wondering what this was about. As they walked, Hackett spoke up. "You wanted to talk to some of the ones making the higher decisions in the Initiative, and one is currently here. Formerly a part of our special ops, an N7, and one of the only three known humans to gain Biotics without dying as adults. He's currently here to collect some volunteers to take back to Earth for orientation about the prospects." He stopped and turned to them. "On the record, he's a brilliant soldier and we'll miss his expertise." With the silence and nod, they knew he wasn't about to publically tell the off-record stuff. "He's not seen his son yet, we're going to his station to intercept."

"The only one of the three left alive, Ryder wasn't it? I wonder why he's in with the Initiative." Shepard hummed in thought as she tried to remember the little she knew about the name Ryder.

"If I read my history right, Alec Ryder was with Jon Grissom's task force," Jondum mentioned; "They were the first humans to use a mass relay."

Hackett gave a nod; "You are correct. He was one of the first N7 next to Kushina Uzumaki."

Now Emily remembered the Ryder name. And mentally winced. "Surprised they let Alec Ryder on here."

"His duties as a soldier of the Alliance weren't forgotten, not by me anyway. I allowed him on board, least I could do. Though not sure about this whole Initiative."

A few moments later they managed to get up to where the son was. Hackett led them to a small corner of the station. "Corporal Scott Ryder?"

One of the men in full armor turned, saw the Admiral, and walked up, saluting "Yes sir!"

"Your helmet son," Hackett mentioned, which brought the helmet off to show a young brown-haired man. "You look tired, shift going long?"

"Not at all, Sir. Nothing's been going on, more so I've been standing around doing nothing but watch. Sir. Uh, who's all here with you?"

Taking the queue, Shepard put a handout. "Emily Shepard. N7 operative and Spectre agent. This is Garrus, a friend of mine. And Jondum Bau, the best Salarian Spectre."

Shock etched on Scott's face before regaining composure and saluted; "Honor to meet you, ma'am. I also heard some of you Officer Vakarian." He looked at Jondum; "Never heard of you."

"That's a good thing."

Garrus chuckled; "Hopefully whatever you heard of me was good."

The Admiral gave Scott a look; "Where is Alec?"

"Uh, dad went to the mess hall, he figured it was the best place to look for folks who wish to join. That and reminiscing with some of the people here."

"Sound right." Hackett grunted before turning to Emily and Garrus; "Shepard you can take Vakarian to go meet Alec, Corporal Ryder go with them. I have some business with Spectre Bau."

Seeing the Salarian walk off with Hackett, Emily smiled. "Well, you heard him. Mess hall A, D, or H? Those are the closest to this side of the station."

"I believe he went to D, Ma'am." Getting the signal to follow as she walked, he kept up best he could. "Uh, pardon me for asking, but what's this all about?"

Choosing to keep the real mission secret, Shepard kept it short. "Short answer, classified. The formal answer I can speak of? We're here to see how the human side of the Initiative is going, and what exactly Garson needs to make their deadline, which recently went up sooner than expected."

"And we're here to talk to Alec about a couple of minor details about his... involvement," Garrus added as he was behind the Corporal.

The three made it to the Mess hall, and they came in to see Alec in the middle of a big speech. "You should know that this isn't some random ask, it's an opportunity of a lifetime. You can become even greater than you are now, make a future for yourself by building it on actual uninhabited, yet virtually paradise compared to our current situation. We've collected data that suggest the worlds we see in Andromeda are vacations all day long, but we can't get there without experts in many fields. And of course, we need adventurous spirits that would boldly go into the unknown! Explore the unexplored! That's our goal!"

The man proved to be one hell of an orator as he had quite a few soldiers gather around while he spoke. Scott sighed; "Dad always knew how to sway crowds."

How he spoke had gotten Garrus's attention; "You two close?"

The corporal scratched the back of his head; "My sister Sara is more than I am. Family stuff."

Patting the young man's side Garrus' eyes shone a look of understanding. He knew full well what that was like.

Emily cleared her throat loud enough to make every turn and quickly salute. Alec as well; "Commander Shepard! I wondered if I'd ever get to meet the famed hero of Elysium." The former N7 came over and extended his hand; "I met your brother several years ago, as well as knew his mother. They were damn good soldiers."

"Thank you," Emily gave a nod; "Mind if we speak within private?"

Garnering a nod Alec looked back to the crowd; "If any of you want to get a hold of me, I'll still be here for another hour or two."

Finding a quiet section of the station nearby, as Garrus handled talking to Scott a little bit away, the dark-haired hero crossed her arms. "Before we get to business, you said you've met my brother and his mother. Naruto's only ever seen you once, and he said his evaluation of you was... More along the lines of being way too ambitious to be safe, though you had good ideals. Reports are less than praiseworthy." Knowing her mission had to be kept secret, she still had one thing she could do to complete it, as well as find more information on Kushina. "I'm willing to let firsthand experience judge my views on you. I need some information, and you've asked for help with the Initiative on behalf of the big boss, Jian Garson. I'm not about to hop on and jump ship out of this galaxy, but if the Initiative is serious then it may be a worthwhile endeavor. Seeing as my word carries some weight if you can show me everything going on in the initiative and tell me about Kushina, depending on what that all entails, I'll endorse the Initiative myself and recommend several experts in fields I think you'll need. Deal?"

Alec was no idiot, he knew something was up, and the info dump she gave was nothing short of a sales pitch he knew very well how to give himself. However, knowing this woman to be honorable and even sympathetic to AI idealism, he knew he could trust her halfway. "Alright, Shepard. But on one condition." Getting her attention, he smirked. "As good as I am with technological advancement, I need a fresh pair of eyes and ideas. If you can help me finish designs for my ambitious projects, I'll even get you into the test Ark we have that is orbiting the moon."

Consider her interest peeked but kept her composure; "Alright, keep talking."

"The Initiative is exactly as Jian said. Colonization in the Andromeda galaxy."

Emily crossed her arms; "One hell of an endeavor. And to do all that while we are still exploring the Milky Way."

"True, there is a lot we still have not seen here. But there are those who have always wondered what is beyond the Milky Way. We have all seen and heard of those galaxies, but there are those like myself who have always felt the need to actually go there and see them with my own eyes. And by what I have seen, a lot of others see that too."

"And about the lifespans of us who may not be able to live through the thing normally? Cryogenics and stasis haven't been the most reliable yet. Heard they've made some headway but not enough to make any kind of argument on using it even for general use, let alone the kind of travel you're talking about."

"One of the many challenges we seek to fix before we leave." Alec huffed in amusement. "Nothing worth doing has ever been easy or without risk. We know the dangers; we let everyone know about those dangers. We may be hoping to get out of here in the next year or two, but we're not leaving until we've got most hiccups hammered out. Nothing about this journey is going to be perfect, but we'll make sure it's as safe as possible getting there. After that, whatever dangers we may face, we'll need the right people for phase one."

Shepard smiled a bit and sighed. "Alright. Well, you show me instead of telling me, then we'll see where that takes us. Gather your volunteers and get us in the ship back to earth, introduce me to Garson, and let's work on getting things sorted out." She shook his hand. "I'll be waiting with Garrus out here."

"Won't be but an hour, I'll finish my recruitment and we'll be on Earth in no time." He left to do just that as Scott walked up. "Show these two to the ship son, we'll meet your sister planet side tomorrow."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

An hour flew by fast with Emily and Garrus taking the shuttle with Alec to see the Ark Hyperion. Apparently, Jien was there and not on earth, which gave Alec the lead to skip Earth and call a shuttle for his daughter. Its construction was being based near to the moon, Emily and Garrus got a good look. "Well, you don't see that every day," The Turian offered.

More than one-and-a-half kilometers long and weighing 17 million metric tons, the ship was massive. Walking beside them Alec grinned; "Beautiful isn't it?"

"You don't build something like that cheaply," Emily commented.

Alec nodded; "You don't, Jien Garson poured a great deal of her money to pull this off."

Their ship docked to the port-station connected to the Hyperion. As the doors opened they were greeted by a woman with short black hair and Asian descent. The figurehead of the entire Initiative, Jien Garson extended out her hand; "Never thought I would get to meet two saviors of the Citadel. Welcome Commander Shepard, Officer Vakarian to the Hyperion Ark."

Shaking the hand offered, both greeted her sternly. "We are honored. How much of this thing is even done?" Shepard looked around at the rough interior of their docking station.

"Central mass, outer hull and a tenth of the interior structure. We're building it from the skeleton and outside inward, engines to the nose. Not much is walkable yet, but I can still show you around. Follow me." She turned top Aleca with a nod and they led the others forward.

Alec explained best he could, considering he was still technically new as well. "A few months back, Garson extended an offer. I refused at first; prospects seemed to show the project taking decades. Later, I get a face to face and she's showing me every projection I ever saw was incorrect. The Hyperion is the first of its kind, but there will be more just like it soon enough. Hyperion is the Human Ark; it'll have twenty thousand human colonists, with the best medical field experts, of any species, on board for when we hit Andromeda."

"I've only heard rumors of this project in the Hierarchy. I'm guessing this is only a human endeavor?" Garrus was wondering, as something bugged him about the scope.

Hitting the main sector, they watched as Jien pulled up the specs of the ship so far, and the rough plans. "The blueprint is going to be for every Ark that follows. Seeing as this is a private project, it's hard to get global, or even galactic, funding for more than one. Mister Vakarian, I assure you I don't plan to have Humans be the only ones coming along on this ride. As Alec said, we have a mixed crew of species of specialists for when we enter our nearest neighboring Galaxy."

Nodding, the older man smiled. "This is my job, getting those specialists. As well as extending the offer forward to other races. Not an easy prospect, mind you. The Turian government is skeptical, the Asari look at it as too ambitious a project, Salarians are saying there's not enough data to justify the safety of their journey, and other races are giving me the low-key version of telling me to screw myself. At least right now. If we cannot prove it works from our own obstacles, they won't risk going into any plans that may potentially kill them too. After the Battle of the Citadel, we're filling in for the lost firepower there as is, making relations a little... Tense."

Well, not that it wasn't justified. This entire endeavor was one hell of a gamble for anyone. It would take one hell of a pitch to get the Turians involved. And Garrus knew his people would expect results. "I could try something if you're extending this out to all races. Least with my people, no promise if they will listen." Garrus shrugged.

Jien looked grateful; "We do, the Initiative is more than about humanity. It is about all races who want to go beyond the Milky Way. See more, even if we haven't seen all of this galaxy." She rubbed her arms; "But we have hit snags along the way."

"Between the Anti-A.I. sentiment and other matters. Things are slow for us," Alec admits.

"Considering your push for A.I., which is banned and after the Geth incident it's not exactly going to be unbanned just because you have other ideas, I can understand that." The dark-haired Spectre of the group crossed her arms. "So, the question becomes this. I've come here to find out more about what this entire Initiative has to offer, and help make things smoothly move forward, so what's the plan?"

Jien looked at Alec, and then to her arm as she opened an Omni-tool holographic image simulation. "The plan, if everything goes right, is this; we have two vessels building. The Hyperion, showing we can transfer many colonists at once. Then this one, the main hub for every race, and galactic politics. It's relatively straightforward, we send the hub first, and it'll fly off at a speed slightly faster than all the other ships being sent, so it reaches Andromeda a year earlier. During that year, the hub, which we will only be able to make half of, will then start exploring and building the other half of itself to be ready to accept the Arks that get sent with it. We're still figuring out if the Arks should go straight there, or try and find potential worlds; we're playing with very old imaging of the system."

"Rumors have it, there's someone who's been trying to make a super telescope, to be able to see outside into dark space further and get as accurate information as soon as possible. We're still trying to find out if the rumors are true, and if they are true we try and use this thing to get images of the planets in the system and their appearance right now. Currently, we're seeing thousands, tens of thousands, of years old planets. Who knows what Andromeda is like right this moment. If we can get more accurate information on the planets today, we can find out where the Arks can search when they get there."

"Yes, that's one plan after the fact." The Asian woman sighed. "But we cannot move without testing, and we've been unable to successfully test out our new FTL drive. The current prototypes have... mildly putting it, blown out."

That garnered Shepard and Vakarian's attention; "What's happened?" Questioned the Spectre

"Tainted Eezo," Alec groaned out; "It caused a mess with our engines to the point they blew."

The detective in Garrus stirred; "Deliberate?"

Jien shook her head; "We don't know. The repairs will take time, but we still need Eezo, but we need to know about the shipment sent to us and if they might try again."

Garrus was on full blast. "Tainted Eezo means black market and under the table purchases for cheap." In his head, he thought of the one case he had about it. "If you did buy from illegal sources, why?"

Taking a deep breath, Jien sighed heavily. "Because, the scope of the project means buying large amounts of Eezo for the journey, and because this is a private project, not a galactic one that's being supported by larger forces at work, large purchases would be troublesome for many day-to-day refuels and rebuilds of fleets everywhere. We can't just buy half the stock of every station to get these Arks off the ground, and we need to test these drive cores in every shape and size. We did business with someone from the Citadel after our plea for massive purchases was denied. We were sort of desperate to get the results so we could gain a few more investors and get this project spread wider than just one Ark. If you could find out what happened, and if we should find another source, then we would be grateful."

Emily tapped her chin; "Hmm..." She turned to Garrus; "What do you think?"

"Well, if I was still C-SEC I'd reported this." His mandible twitched; "But I can tell these are good people. So, how can we help?"

Jien was taken aback; "You want to help us?"

"I am no fan of the whole A.I. bit, but I can respect people with dreams. Even if they are crazy." The Turian quipped.

Emily gave a nod; "What do you need Jien?"

Speaking on her behalf, the older human man with them showed them the manifest. "We need to know the source of this tainted shipment and see if it was a one-off thing, or if it's a bigger problem. This will help you track it down, our contact on the Citadel who did the deal is in the Presidium, or what's still left of it from the Geth attack. I've got a few things I need to do, bring in my kids is one and trying to get more experts in will be another."

"Speaking of your kids, what's a girl got to do about getting a hello when coming aboard?" Behind them was a young woman with fatigues and a pistol on her hip. Seeing the Spectre in dark hair turn towards her, the young woman instantly saluted. "Sorry! Honored to meet you, Shepard. Uh, didn't know my biggest role model was aboard..."

A snort chuckle came from Garrus while a sigh escaped Alec; "Commander Shepard, Officer Vakarian; my daughter Sara. As you noticed I was a bit busy kiddo."

While her eyes much like Scott's matched their father's, Sara seemed to have gotten her mother's looks as she had a rich Indian skin tone with long brunette hair in a ponytail. Amusement still claimed the Turian; "I thought twins were identical?"

"Scott and I are fraternal twins," Sara clarified; "And I'm the oldest by a minute."

Jien glanced at Emily; "She loves reminding him of that." Having been around the twins she was used to their quirks.

"I never thought I'd get the reason I joined the Alliance... Besides dad too a little." Sara came overextending her hand with a carefree grin.

"Ouch," Alec deadpanned.

Well, at least she did not act like Conrad if nothing else. "Pleasure to meet you, Sara."

After the moment of introductions came to an end, Alec spoke up to his daughter. "Shepard here was just offering to give us a hand with something. Sorry if we have to cut things short for the moment, but she will be seeing us through some of the start-up work for the Initiative, so stick around and you'll maybe get to ask your big questions."

Not exactly one for being shoved aside from her goals, Sara crossed her arms. "Well, why can't I help? Might give me more time to ask those questions as I help them instead of stay here. Besides, until we actually GET to Andromeda, my skillset isn't useful."

Jien saw nothing wrong with it; "Wouldn't hurt."

"As much as I would, Sara needs to fully study the Pathfinder program we are working on. In case if something happens to me," Alec reasoned.

Sara faintly glared; "I hate it when you talk like that."

"But it is the truth, we don't really know what is in Andromeda. And anything can happen; from wildlife to sentient locals who are not friendly. Have to be prepared for anything, and you, Scott, and Cora are the three people I trust most to take over in case the worst happens."

Staring for a moment, a long wary sigh escaped Sara's lips; "I got it. But we're not losing you the first day there. That's an order mister."

"Yes ma'am," Alec chuckled.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Bidding farewells, Garrus and Emily go over all the information Jien and Alec gave them about the Tainted Eezo. "We're going to have to go to Omega. The only place you can get this much Eezo without the red tape," Garrus reasoned. "And most likely going to have to inform the boss of Omega we won't burn her station down in case of a fight."

Aria T'loak... Asari crime boss who has been ruling that station for decades.

"As much as I prefer Asari culture sometimes, there will always be individuals that go completely crazy. Aria's infamous in the Terminus Systems. Though only by name and reputation out here, whatever information we have is going to be short compared to the truth. We have to keep our guards up." As they got into the shuttle out, Emily started getting as much information from her Spectre rank as possible on Aria. "Know anyone on the way we can grab and help us?"

"Not off the top of my head. We're in this one alone." Though fate was tempted to prove him wrong, as someone came into the shuttle with them. "I know you... You're Hinata's cousin?"

Standing with a bag in hand, Neji smiled. "Yep. Heard you were aboard, Shepard. Mind if I tag along?"

Thinking for a moment; "Why are you here Neji?"

"You no doubt heard about the Initiative. Ino and I decided to try it."

Garrus had never seen Shepard look utter speechless before. Her mouth moved for a moment before finally speaking; "Why?"

"Losing Naruto hurt us all. But her more than most given how close they were even when they were kids," Neji cast his eyes downward; "I think she wants to get away from everything. So I decided to come along. Keep an eye on her."

"I see..." The weird thing was, she knew it was true. She could never bind the group together like her brother. "If only I had been there more... stronger for everyone instead of focus on this whole path with taking down Cerberus…" Getting out of her thoughts, she turned to the long-haired man. "So, you're giving up on N7?"

"Of course not. Technically I'll never be able to make the rank officially here if I leave, but I plan to learn every bit of the ropes from Alec. Though he's retired, he still holds rank and took on the apprenticeship for the program. You know from N4 onwards requires someone teaching you the advanced courses." As he sat, the ship started taking off. "Choosing to go this route seemed the best choice for me, whether Ino came or not. She's with the main hub though, essential psychological expert for the long ride there."

Garrus nodded; "Imagine they will need people like her, once they grasp what they have done."

Neji nodded; "So what can I do to help?"

"We're tracking the tainted eezo Jien Garson acquired." Emily transferred a copy of the information Neji's Omni-tool. "We're likely going to Omega."

"And if we don't get stopped, we should be there in half an hour, though since we are going in as hidden as possible, we'll likely be there in an hour, earliest." Garrus sat back and chose to rest up. "It'll be interesting to see what you can do."

Grabbing his bag, Neji started getting his gear out. "I'll get ready right now." It didn't take long as he got into a light suit. He slipped four different pistols, each a different make and model, around his body.

Seeing this got the Turian curious, but he kept silent as the three were going to the relay. Emily sat back as well. "Remember, keep our guards up and heads down."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Omega, the Terminus system equivalent of the Citadel. Formerly an enormous asteroid that was once mined by the Protheans. In the present-day, it is the central hub for criminal activity and organizations in the Omega Nebula. Coming out of their hyper jump, Shepard ship arrives near the station.

Gazing out the window the trio saw hundreds of defense turrets installed on floating rocks around the station; "Aria does not play around does she?" Neji question.

"No, this is her kingdom and Omega goes by her rules. Follow those and don't rock the boat as you humans say, your fine." Garrus remarked; "But screw her over and she does come down harsh."

Emily grunted; "Well she sounds pleasant."

Docking in, the three got off their ship and were greeted by a Batarian who was armed to the teeth. "Shepard, welcome to Omega. Aria is waiting to see you, wondering what brings an active Council Spectre here on her turf without warning."

"Pretty quick on the uptake, why grill me in the first place? I figure there are more dangerous customers here than just me."

"Aria makes it a point to keep eyes on everyone entering the system, not many can get past our identification scanners without at least something showing who they truly are. And sure, if the entire station wanted to hit an uproar of guns blazing against you then we'd sit back and watch. But as we do have rules here, you're involvement is a major concern, any Spectre who comes near this place gets the same treatment. Just be lucky you're being treated like a VIP. Aria won't wait too patiently, don't drag your feet too much." The Batarian turned and ignored even Garrus' attempt to ask what that all meant.

Neji rubbed his eyes. "I'm starting to feel like this will be even more of a hassle."

Emily glanced at Garrus; "Guess we don't keep her waiting."

The trio strolled towards the center of Omega, the dance club called Afterlife. "I get the feeling this is more than just a dance club," Neji spoke with discomfort from the loud music as they entered through the doors.

"Have the credits you get whatever your heart wants. Party, get drunk, have sex, make illegal business deals, and maybe kill one or two people before leaving," Garrus dryly remarked as they walked through the crowded entrance hall. The music grew progressively louder till they finally entered the main bar.

Having at least four or five floors going upwards, Afterlife was a massive bar with all manner of people of nearly every race doing whatever they pleased. Lights and steam blew around on the small stages where scantily clad Asari or female humans' dancers moved with the flow of the music.

"I spot about six looking at us," Garrus quipped

Emily snorted; "Make it eight."

"Aria is clever enough to mask her guards with the crowd," Neji addressed as they walked through the people.

Nearing the bar Emily spoke to the Krogan barkeep who directed them to where the queen of Omega awaited them. Walking around the bar they came to a flight of steps that led to a large and long seat. Sitting on its center with a posture that screamed authority, respect, and sensual-ness; with blue eyes glowing at the trio. Aria's blue lips curved upwards. Shore a revealing black suit with a white long-sleeved jacket which was opened, showing off her womanly figure proudly.

She leaned against her sofa with one leg over the other in a seductive manner. Around her were at least eight fully armed guards with enough firepower to start a small war.

"Commander Emily Shepard of the Alliance Navy and Council Spectre," Aria spoke in a sensual aggressive tone. "War Hero of Elysium and battle of the Citadel."

Stopping at the base of the steps Emily stood in front; "You're well informed."

"Well, when you run a multi-million credit operation like mine it is best to know who your enemies and friends are," Aria slowly stood.

"And where am I?"

The Asari chuckled as she slowly stepped down to them; "Depends on your business here. Has the council decided to come after little old me?"

"You're not on their radar at the moment," Garrus responded beside his partner.

"Well C-SEC would know wouldn't they Officer Vakarian?" Aria quipped at the Turian in a dry manner. She stopped at the final step now staring fully at Emily did the same. "So why are you here Shepard?"

Normally Shepard would get information out of thugs and criminals with a gun in hand, but being in the den meant needing to be civil. "I'm here trying to track down something for some new friends. They were shopping the under market and got some very tainted Eezo, which we tracked back around here. We're just trying to find out who'd sabotage our friends, and get the Eezo that was promised. If you could point us in the right direction, we'd be very grateful."

The Queen of Omega stood a moment before scoffing, laughing as she was amused by the nature of the request. "I see, you're here to do some investigating and catch the bad guys, though you seem to know not to go after me. Your reputation proceeds you, Commander, what makes you think I want such high profile debate on my station? You're not exactly subtle enough to escape any transgressions of any gangs running around outside this neutral ground. And not everyone here... would be willing to help you in aiding that Initiative in any way whatsoever."

Out of the trio, only Neji's eyes raised for a moment before controlling his gaze. Emily kept her neutral look to Aria; "How about this. If this group happens to be a thorn in your side we remove them and you have everything of theirs. Except for the Eezo."

"Trying to appeal to me through business?" Aria leaned forward with her face inches from the Spectre; "You're daring."

"If it gets me to my target and you get your share, we're both happy."

Quiet for a long minute the Asari slowly stood straight. "Then you're just in luck. The group you are after happens to be a rather large annoyance as of late. They're piss ants compared to me but they pack strong firepower. So these dogs do bite." Aria turned as she went up the stairs; "Talk to my guard beside you, he will give you their location." She spun around taking her seat; "I don't offer favors easily, especially to those I don't know. But let us see what you can do, and maybe I might start liking you."

Emily gave a nod before looking over to the Turian guard who typed on his Omni-tool; "Here."

In a second Shepard's device glowed; "thanks."

"Enjoy Omega Shepard," Aria smirked as the trio left.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

"Well that was about as pleasant as Krogan porn vids," Garrus grunted as they had left the club.

"You've watched that stuff?" Neji asked, weirded out but also curious.

That caught the Turian sniper off-guard, but he turned to the long-haired man. "Glimpses, stakeouts on some Krogan mercs who were wanted. They were watching as I watched their activities."

After leaving the club, Shepard stopped them. "Anyone notice we're going through somewhere that can easily be ambushed?" Bringing up the map for display, the party watched the pinpoint in the under-reaches of the station. It had a maze almost, and several corridors that were everywhere in the commercial districts. "Why do I feel like Aria wants us to fail?"

"Maybe because she wants everyone to fail? She's looking for profit and benefit. It's good for business if she takes a Spectre poking around out, and gain access to several places under rule of a rival gang." Garrus summarized as he looked through the map given. "But what we see isn't what it seems. There are several places we can go to be a lot more secure and do some recon."

Emily nodded; "Agreed, lets scout this place before we do anything."

"We will likely get into a firefight with whoever we will deal with," Neji remarked.

"Goes without saying," Emily tapped on her Omni-Tool; "Everyone all set?"

Garrus inspected his sniper rifle; "Whenever you are ready Shepard."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

With the location they sought in another part of the station the trio took a transport close to their destination.

Being one to curiously question human culture, Garrus, as they were on their way to the deeper parts of the station near the bottom tips of the station away from the inner rock areas, looked to Neji. "So, you're an N7 in training? What rank are you? Why are you called an N3?"

Shepard answered herself on Neji's behalf on the technical stuff. "N7 is the highest rank of Special Operations, the training spans ranks one through six, and if you prove yourself in exceptional performance through the entire course you are given the final designation, N7. It is also the only rank that is shown on a uniform. Every other rank is there, but it's never visibly shown to anyone else. It's like leadership training, the higher the level of training the further you are along as an officer."

Nodding, Neji shrugged and continued. "And I only recently completed the third course. So, N3. But since I cannot advertise it, I am just Lieutenant Neji Hyuuga. Seeing as you know everyone, you can just call me Neji as everyone does."

Halfway there, Neji took out a pistol, and it was a very old iron pistol. Once again, their Turian team member was curious, as the man spun a cylinder in the middle of the revolver, making a smooth sound that rang gently in the buffered walls of their transport. Emily smiled. "You take that out when you're deep in thought, what's on your mind, Neji?"

A sigh escaped the man's lips; "Just trying to clear my head. Between this and Initiative just had a lot on my mind."

"You took one hell of a life choice leaving this galaxy for another one," Garrus quipped before gazing over at the man; "You know we will be long gone by the time you wake up once reaching Andromeda."

"I know, Ino knows as well. This wasn't a light-hearted decision." Neji nodded.

"And that is if the cryostasis even works. The amount of time under is going to be very dangerous. Years, decades, centuries... Lots of time for something to go wrong. I know Naruto's not around but... we'll miss you guys." Emily smiled sadly, as Neji smiled back, spinning the cylinder again.

Their transport stopped shy of their destination, the driver not going any further into, what he said, was Talon Territory. The Turian driver opened the doors and she spoke with a brief warning. "The Talons control the area between here and your marker, your best bet is to go down to the docking areas and find a way across to commercial without being seen. Good luck."

The trio hoped out and started down the streets. Knowing they were high profile, they had grabbed some robes to cover their features and armor and tried to keep a low profile as they kept apart and watching each other's backs. Garrus spotted some coordinated armored men walking around, but one had a sniper and it looked like the very model he wanted himself. "Nice, is that the newest Viper? Model 97B? Where does one get that kind of hardware without spending their left mandible?"

Emily rolled her eyes; "He won't need it after we're done."

"Fair point," Garrus mused.

"Looks like Talon have all manner of members. I see Human, Turian, Asari, Vorcha, and Krogan... This won't be easy." Neji stressed.

As they reached near the port, they were stopped by three of the gang, two Krogan, and a Human. "Haven't seen a group of humans with a Turian before. New to the area? Talon's don't like newcomers sneaking around in robes, especially this far into the market. Normally I rip them off, but I'm in a good mood, take them off and identify or we rough you up and force it out of you."

Emily looked between Garrus and Neji, "Well he asked politely." The C-SEC officer shrugged.

So much for the quiet route... Emily lifted the hood; "Commander Emily Shepard of the Alliance Navy and Council Spectres. Evening gentlemen."

"HOLY SH-" The human guard yelled as he and the Krogan drew their weapons, but were met with several shotgun shells from the human Spectre. Her shredder rounds tore into the guards like paper killing all three instantly.

"Think the rest heard that?" Garrus questioned.

The newfound riot of people around them would dictate they were heard, giving Emily no time to do anything but run. "Come on! Let's get to the commercial district in a hurry!" She was followed swiftly by the other two, all their robes falling as they grabbed their primary weapons.

The trio found some cover as several bullets rang out in their direction. "That got bad quickly." Neji quipped.

"Keeps your senses sharp as our old friend Wrex liked to say," Garrus remarked quickly, rising as the gunfire faded for a moment and took down several gang members via his sniper rifle.

Shepard ran ahead and gave them some cover to follow, as they made it to the docking area, Garrus peeked around for their way forward. Seeing the only way on foot was a maintenance shaft to a bridge, he groaned. "Not happening whilst under fire..." He returned to sniping some of the gang as Neji and their leader peeked as well. "Any ideas?" He said as he took out another head.

The Talons were still coming, and Neji saw that even more were rounding the outside walkways to get to them. "We need a plan, and we need it now!"

Pulling up the schematics given, the Spectre tried to figure out how they could get through the area. After a minute of failed findings, she looked around and glued her eyes on something dangerous. "Want a plan? I got one!"

Grabbing a grenade and running out, Shepard tossed it into the group, but it went off with a bright flash and disoriented everyone coming for them long enough for her to grab the docking console and hacked into it, programming it to swing in intervals with the rope of a crane hanging. "Time it and jump on! Garrus go!"

Knowing they needed to hurry, and having seen crazier plans before, the Turian quickly ran with intense speed before jumping right as the rope came towards him, grabbing on and swinging both feet hard until he jumped to the other side of the dock and landed on his ass, skidding a bit before turning and taking cover with his Sniper in hand.

With a reload and a sharp crack of the Sniper, Garrus started taking out those who were getting their senses back as Emily got Neji on the next swing, which just made it before having to take cover as well. As he turned he noticed he swung badly, and the rope was jiggling in all directions, causing the wing back to not fully extend. "Shit, DON'T JUMP!"

Too late. Shepard ran and with every ounce of momentum she could muster, as rifle fire was shooting into her shields, she ran in just the right way that her last step on the platform was planted right at the edge. Planting both feet and launching herself forward, she used her rifle to extend her reach and pressed the button to shrink the rifle down to storage size which caught the rope in its vice. As her swing came to its end, she activated the rifle to get to full size again and was sent flying to the platform, rolling onto her knee and side to skid along her back to reduce the impulse.

Garrus grunted as he took out an enemy; "Now you're showing off!"

His partner said nothing as she threw the rope to Neji who caught it and leaped near his team. "We got some breathing room." The usually calm man spoke in a heightened tone.

"Make it count people!" Emily exclaimed

"How's this for making it count?" Having needed to get their escape to go without much more thermal clip loss, Garrus was thinking to use the above cargo systems. He aimed at the rails and just as one box zipped past he shot the connector and the box fell, causing the contents, being liquid of some sort, to burst and spray on everyone, causing them to slip and stick together, causing them to wildly fight each other to get back to chasing them.

"Was told you rivaled Naruto with long shots like that, good to see it come in handy. Let's roll!" Neji refilled his pistols and the three ran and snuck into the commercial district, trying to find any place to hide or any person to help. Though they all knew this was Omega, counting on help was almost like counting on suicide.

Unbeknownst to the trio and Talon group. One lone figure kept to the shadows observing the battle since it began. The person's gaze never wavered from Emily and her team as they fought despite being overwhelmed. "Impressive bunch of kids," the figure spoke with a sultry feminine tone; "Better keep the schedule in order, and this bunch stays alive."

Two Asari swords in each of the figures' hands became visible for a moment along with a hooded masked face of a woman. Crimson eyes stared on for a moment before blinking and turned sapphire.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Emily huffed as she leaned against her cover beside Garrus and Neji; "How is your ammo?"

"Thankfully at five each gun. It'll get us to our goal, but the return may be a problem if we can't grab ammo from some of our enemies." Neji checked the heat from his pistols. "And I have seven shots left for one and five for the other."

Shepard recovered her breathing and started at the schematic. "We're getting closer. The one who's behind the Eezo shipment is close. Now that I think about it, Aria never did tell us who we were looking for... I'm starting to think it may be the leader of the Talons."

"Or their outsourced supply chain." The group had their guns up and pointed at the newest arrival, and it was a Quarian with their hands up, and covered in a robe himself. "Forgive me, but... Shepard, right? The Flotilla is singing your praises for fighting off the Geth forces, and for helping one of our own. You and your brother are turning into very friendly names."

"And just who might you be? And what do you mean by what you said earlier about an outsourced supply chain?" The investigator in the Turian was coming through,

"We don't have much time, you stirred the pot here... Come with me, I'll hide you and tell you everything, I swear."

Stepping up, Shepard frowned. "Name first, then we follow."

"Varta'Lhazri Vas Shellen. The Shellen is one of our live ships." Seeing the crew look to each other a moment, he noticed Emily disengage her weapon, causing them all to and he quickly opened his door. "In, to the left is another door to the basement. Hurry!"

The trio did not need to be told twice as they ran in and Varta'Lhazri closed the door behind them. Going through a short hallway they reach the second door the Quarian mentioned. Opening it led to stairs that went down to a large lit room with all manner of machines, firearms, and armor. As the trio entered Varta'Lhazri closed the door locking it. "You can relax here for a moment."

Garrus watched the Quarian walk passed them to a workbench and a stool he now sat on; "How did you know where we are." Varta'Lhazri pointed to a monitor system on the sidewall.

"The boss is a little paranoid."

Hearing that, Neji looked around at the arsenal. "And what are you supposed to be? Quarian's don't normally become criminal entities."

"Not one. I'm the kind of guy who's trading my skills for my people. Notice I said what my ship name was." He looked to Shepard. "Knowing a Quarian yourself, you know the distinction."

Seeing her companions look to her, even Garrus, the dark-haired woman sighed. "If you're telling us the truth, then your ship name means you're still Vas. Crew of. You're not banished to Omega, you're trading skills for what exactly?"

"Anything my manifesto requires. New ventilation systems, food, materials to fix breaches, or build rooms to standard. Anything the Fleet asks of me. Thing is, our ships date back to the uprising, obsolete components can no longer be purchased legally. Forced to buy them here, the black market and the like. My skills are in repairing weaponry, most of my orders come from the Talons right now, but there's been a surge with three other gangs, Blood Pack is getting very aggressive in this area."

"And your boss?" Neji had to ask.

"Hanar hired me to run the background to their stall. They take what I get done to the market, in exchange I get to live here and get the shopping list filled and sent back to the Flotilla. Enough about me... What brings you three to this area?" He grabbed a gauntlet to start finishing as he listened to them, his second nature as he stared at them with precise work being done on the gauntlet.

"Wait..." Garrus blinked while his mandibles twice; "The boss of the gang is a Hanar..."

The Quarian shrugged; "Omega has all kinds. And no he is utterly no fighter, but his guards are the muscle; two highly trained Drell. But back to my question."

Emily check her shotgun; "We were tracking tainted Eezo that was purchased from-"

"That weird Andromeda Initiative." Varta'Lhazri interrupted as he remembered nodding; "They paid literally half a fortune for it."

The looks he received told him they were suspecting him, he stood up, still working on the gauntlet. "Been here for twenty years on my mission, you don't survive Omega's gang areas without picking up how to keep your head low and your ear to the vine. A shipment that huge, with a payment like that given, it's hard not to notice. I'm going to guess you are wanting to talk to the one in charge of that operation, and either get the credits back or get the Eezo before it's tainted from their source. Right?"

"Got it in one. To be specific, get the promised shipment."

As the gauntlet powered up, the Quarian set it down in a box and grabbed a datapad. "You'll be walking into the heaviest fortification this side of Afterlife. I would not recommend it."

Their resident C-Sec officer stepped up. "We've handled worse. We're not leaving until we complete this assignment."

A moment of silence went by before Garrus received the datapad from Varta. "You'll need this. If you are serious, then this will get you past the storage facilities lock. Holds a code that will break their security for a minute and a half. I advise against it, but..." He looked to Shepard. "Knowing you, my advice will be ignored."

"Thanks for the warning though," Emily gave a nod.

"You and your crew did more for my people than anyone in years with Admiral Rael'Zorah's daughter. As far as I am concerned, you are a friend." He gestured towards a metal shelf; "If you need ammo take some."

Neji looked grateful; "We are in your debt."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

After leaving Varta and his basement, the group saw the area was crawling with gang members. Taking the silent approach they stuck to the shadows to reach their destination.

A moment of surveillance and checking around every corner, they met up at a level higher for advantage in case they found out. Marking the map of every placement, the team looked at their option. Neji hummed. "That is strange... Lighter guard than usual on the outside. This means..."

Seeing him grimace, Garrus was curious but Shepard sighed heavily and answered. "They either have this place ready to surround us inside, or they have more than enough guards inside. And seeing the amount of Vorcha, Krogan, even Batarian guards, we're seeing a lot of fighters. Too bad we don't have a Biotic on our side. So... The easiest entrance is the side, catch them off guard we can take them out quietly."

"A suggestion, Shepard?" Garrus was looking through his scope at the building. "Take the back entrance. It's got shipments preparing to leave, empty trucks to collect and source out."

"If we snatch the trucks, it would help..."

"Did you forget the goal? If we want to stay on the good side of Aria, we need to take out their commanding officer, and secure our Eezo." She grabbed her rifle. "This means, we fight through them and set up a defense. We hold their stock hostage, and take out the one in charge of this operation. We do that, we call in our ride to get the shipment and we have Aria's guys come to get their share."

Garrus adjusted his scope; "So the hard way."

"Pretty much."

"And I thought Naruto was the crazy one," Neji droned shaking his head.

"Without him, there's a void needing to be filled. Believe it or not, crazy is how we got things done." Shepard geared both her weapons and took one in each hand. "Garrus, you keep us cover till we get in, then round the other way to flank anyone trying to surround us. Neji, you take the back entrance and stop every truck from ever trying to leave. When we're inside all together we barricade and hold the position, making their only entry without tearing down walls to be the front entrance."

"Solid plan. Just say when." Neji got his higher power pistols out and started going around the perimeter until he was in position. Knowing the usual signal was the first shot fired.

Looking at her Turian friend, Emily smirked. "Was thinking after we get through this and find out more about the Initiative, we settle down for a few days. Try and get into contact with the others you know?"

"Last I checked, everyone was either too busy or contacting them required too much firepower. But it would be good to know how Wrex is, that Krogan madman grew on me." He kept an eye on the revolving patrols.

Sitting up and ready to jump, his commanding officer and friend nodded. "Does wonders when you laugh together. Take out the nearest guard to the side entrance, and then anyone on Neji's approach. Fire when ready."

A moment of silence, tension filling their bones as Garrus locked in on the side entrance. Seeing the Guard turn to stand at the door again, he fired and took the Vorcha's head clean off, signaling the start of their raid. Jumping over the railing, Shepard came in and ran for that entrance, Neji doing the same on his side for the back as Garrus popped a second head.

Into the clearing of the storage facility, the human Spectre unloaded her rifle into the Batarian with a shotgun trying to find where the sniper was before firing her shotgun slug into his chest, blowing him a new hole before sprinting into the side entrance, shotgun in both hands as she unloaded into two guards trying to get out to provide cover. With rapid-fire enabled, she overheated her shotgun and killed three of them before heading to switch to her rifle, ducking behind cover.

With the Guards surrounding her inside the facility, she grabbed a grenade. Looking over cover for a second, she saw Neji run in and toss an EMP grenade, knocking the trucks out and causing everyone's, even her own, shields to break. That gave the white-eyed man the chance to shoot and kill every guard in his sight, kill shots all as he ran behind his cover. As the effects of the EMP stopped, with auxiliary power turning back on and their shields rebooting, the two circled the facility and made sure no one else was alive.

Thankfully the inside was done, but a dozen outside guards managed to break through Garrus' cover, causing them to hide behind a crate that, surprisingly, they didn't want to shoot. "Get out from behind there, or we'll blast this whole place to rubble! I said NOW!"

Sighing, Neji reloaded his clips. "Sounds like a Krogan, could be wrong though."

They were, as Shepard looked and then was shocked. "Well, that's one Drell I never thought was possible. Heard they were all lean and mean, not hulking." Said Drell was a dark purple in skin color, with huge upper body mass and a giant claw hammer.

He slammed the hammer down on the ground. "You have thirty seconds before I come over there and smash some skulls!"

"Hey, how about you bring your boss over and we talk this out! Because I've got a few grenades here ready to blow this place up right this minute if you don't bring him out to explain himself!" Shepard was not kidding and waved a few Grenades. However, they were non-lethal grenades like shock and flash grenades more than anything.

The hulking Drell did not thankfully notice as he backed off; "Alright, alright! Just don't blow us to oblivion!" He peered to the gang; "However we are not just showing you the Boss until you and your team show yourselves."

"Well tough, we are waiting till he shows up," Emily quipped back.

Seeing how this would drag on, the Drell reluctantly complied as he told someone to get Boss Kirryn. After a long and uncomfortable ten minutes, the doors of the room opened as a Hanar floated into the room with another Drell who was blue in skin color holding an SMG with an Asari sword on his hip.

"This one is most annoyed," Kirryn remarked in their race's usual monotone; "It demands you reveal yourself after causing so much damage to its territory."

Emily glanced at Neji who nodded; "Alright, you guys shoot me these explosives will detonate."

Standing up, Shepard held up her arm with her Omni-Tool on, and the other with her shotgun ready. "You sold a rather large amount of Eezo to the Initiative. They want the promised quality because you gave them rotten garbage. You give us the good stuff as promised, we leave here without blowing up your profits. That's the deal."

"This one knows you are lying. How you believe you will leave here alive perplexes this one to no end, as you will not survive. It will not bow down to your demands without resistance."

"Then we all die here. You kill us, this place blows. You refuse, we fight until this place blows. You give in and we all survive. Choose now, because I won't give you much choice. One-shot to the head the moment I want you to die, faster than one can say jellyfish. You have ten seconds to choose..." Shepard looked at her Omni-Tool, it was Garrus messaging her. She smirked seeing his confirmation. "Hurry, big boy. What will it be?"

A moment of silence until the Drell growled. "We won't let you get away with this! You'll die-!" A tentacle raised to stop his speech.

"Calm Dranih, while you and your brother Telim can handle anything thrown at you. This one does not want to lose profits or territory to Aria."

The Drell with the SMG glanced up; "We can't just let them walk out of here Boss. The other gangs will see this as weakness and close in."

The Hanar swayed; "Very true Telim, we are at an impasse... Commander Emily Shepard, one of the two first human Spectres."

"So what will it be Kirryn?" Emily remarked back

"One does not simply let the opposition have their way. Omega is not like Council Space. This one... Declines, you shall not gain access to our mining facility." The Hanar floated backward.

"So be, it, you stupid JELLYFISH!" Shepard tossed a Grenade, making everyone jump back to get away from the explosion. Only it never came as it just popped smoke around the area the moment a shot was heard and a body thumped on the ground.

Activating a visor, Shepard sprinted forward and shoved her shotgun into the chest of one person and blowing them through before turning down another that bumped into her, causing the entire place to erupt into random gunfire as she could see through the smoke through her visor.

Neji, with a similar visor, went into action as he stood and threw another Smoke grenade and ran in to kill another couple of members. Over comms, Garrus spoke up. "Company, that Hanar is down but his gang is still piling in!"

"Let's grab our objective and take down as many as we can then get the hell out of here!" Emily yelled ducking from a punch from a Batarian. His four eyes grew as the barrel of her shotgun was under his chin. His head exploded as his body fell, Emily poured on the pressure to anyone getting in her way.

Easier said than done, as the trucks were only half loaded, which meant they had to multi-task. Neji started loading one box with Emily covering him as the smoke started to dissipate, however as soon as it did, they found themselves still in trouble, but only enough trouble as the two Drell would give them, as they, and about a handful of guards, were left.

Growling loudly, Dranih raises the claw hammer in the air. "You'll pay for that!" Before his foot was a dead Hanar, their leader was gone in the confusion with a single round through the body. "Kill them!"

One more bullet into the head of a Vorcha, and they knew the sniper was still at large, but their attention was divided once Shepard and Neji both ran into them, Neji tackling a Krogan and firing into his head through both eyes before Telim kicked him off and to the side.

Throwing her Shock grenade, the Spectre's incapacitation of the other guards went smoothly enough for her to focus on not getting hit by the very large hammer that nearly took her face off. "To slow!"

"Too COWARDLY!" The Drell yelled and charged, forcing Shepard to throw her entire body into dropping to the ground and into the legs of the Drell, her armor managing to absorb the impact as he fell forward. Though he used the handle of the hammer to catch himself and then step back up to his feet.

Turning, he saw a Shotgun coming in to bypass his shields, only to step back enough that the blast blew the shields away, giving him long enough to grab the gun and take it from the human woman and throw it away.

With the same hand, Dranih tried grabbing at the human but was in for a surprise as she grabbed the hammer and stepped on it to lift herself and dodging the grab only to grab his head and use her free leg to kick him straight into the chin, causing him to start flailing backward, trying to catch himself from falling.

In a slightly worse scenario, Neji ran behind some cover as Telim was firing his SMG's to full force, trying to keep the distance. "You'll need to do better than that!"

Grabbing a pistol from his hip, the N3 soldier flipped a switch and took a breath. "You asked for it... You know, Human history with guns is fascinating, always trying to find stopping power in exchange for rapid-fire. Precision shooting with a large caliber weapon. The bigger the power from a gun, the better. Thing is, today's military across the galactic scale is about different types of ammunition or which weapon has the right Mass Effect rail. I've been experimenting... Try this on for size, prototype overcharge!"

Turning over cover, Neji started getting hit by rapid-fire, but without a second to waste, he fired a single shot, his clip ejecting like a bat out of hell as the single-shot went through the SMG, causing it to explode. But it also kept going until it slammed through the Drell's shields and into his chest, just missing any vital organs but causing him to recoil and scream in surprise and pain.

A clear shot, nothing to stop the bullet, Garrus on the outside shot the Drell in the skull to finish him. "One left."

Dodging out of the way of the huge hammer, Shepard was still trying to get through the mass of muscle on the huge Drell, who just stopped midway to look and see his partner dead. "NO! Telim!... YOU WILL ALL PAY!" In his rage, however, he was met with a flipping heel kick into his jaw, snapping up at such an angle that his head bent back and cracked, killing him instantly.

As he fell, the hammer left his hand and slammed to the ground with a huge thump of a noise. With everything quiet, Neji and Shepard, looking towards each other, started loading the trucks with every bit of Eezo they could find, checking them all as Garrus helped fill the third truck as well. "We don't have much time... Called for Aria called out for our ship, we'll be out without a fuss."

What they did not see was a lone Vorcha hiding and watching. "Boss dead..." it whispered with a thought coming to him; "Everyone dead, so is I boss now?" In a moment he smiled; "I Boss now." He soon growled watching the trio take the eezo; "You don't take from the boss!"

Jumping at them with his claws out, he aimed for the head of the group, Shepard, who noticed the sound and turned with her shotgun I hand. Just as she fired into the things chest to kill it, it fell with its final strike, cutting with his claws at her. Even with her excellent reflexes, even Emily Shepard was unable to get away in time before it struck her, but what surprised them was this Vorcha has the sharpest claws they ever had the displeasure of seeing, cleaving her arm in three pieces from just below the shoulder, just above the plate armor.

Garrus quickly fired a dozen rounds into the corpse to make sure it was dead, but their leader leaned against the truck in pain holding her bleeding arm. "Shepard!"

It took everything for Emily not to scream out in pain as she hissed. Both men were quick to her side as they heard noises near the door; "Oh for fuck's sake!" Garrus cursed.

However, the trio froze as they heard wild gunfire and screaming which was followed by an explosion. "It's one damn human female with only swords! KILL HER-" Whoever yelled went silent as the door of the room shattered from a flying Krogan who was missing his head.

Slowly a woman adorned in black skintight leather with sleek armor pieces on the chest, shoulders, forearms, and shins walked inside. An ankle waistcoat went down to her ankles as her face was covered by a hood with a face mask. "Late for the party?" She quipped in a chipper tone.

In each hand were two Asari blades dripping with blood. And though her face was concealed, Garrus swore the woman was smiling.

"And you are?" The Turian officer questioned.

"You're back-up, no time for introductions though." She turned on her heels towards the door; "More friends are coming. So get her, get everything you wanted, and get the hell out of here!"

Neji shook his head; "Are you insane? You're taking on an entire gang!"

"I like to consider myself a functioning lunatic, but no more words!" As she said that a group of talon men stormed in; "So get going!"

Grunting in pain, Shepard powered through to get up. "I got one good arm, I drive one truck. Get our transport here and get the other two trucks out. NOW!"

Though neither of the male companions wanted to risk it, Shepard grabbed the Medi-gel and closed off the wound for the time being and walked off. "Shepard..." Garrus watched as she went around the truck.

"No time, we gotta go!" Neji pushed Garrus off to the other side and went for his own truck. The three got in and drove their Eezo out.

As they left, they watched the wild battle behind them from time to time through their rear views. Glimpses were all they could get as the woman flipped over one Turian, kicking another in the face as a human tried to shoot her from the side.

Jumping up and spinning, her hand glowing with Biotics, she pulled the human to her and stabbed into him, falling and sticking him like a pig on a roast to the ground before taking her sword out and biotically throwing him into a Krogan.

That gave the strange mystery woman the time to get in and cut both the reptile's arms clean off and kicking him backward. Though the kick was into her sword that she let go of and stabbed through all the Krogan's hearts in a single strike. Twisting with a biotic pull force, she had the blade fly at a Vorcha jumping at her.

As he was cut in half, the strange fighter lifted her hands in the air to pull a giant Singularity, pulling everyone around her in along with many large containers and object before blasting a large Warp field into the Singularity and causing the entire place to blow and glow with dark energy fields.

As it was gone from the trio's view, they focused on their next step. And it did not take long for them to finish their drive. Their transport was in the dock, with some of the forces defending from the Talons from earlier. Thankfully they were clear and got the three trucks in and the transport started up. Though unseen, a shadow of a figure came into the closing cargo doors and hid in the way as the ship took off, their destination was back towards the Initiative.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Somehow Emily knew she could hear Naruto chiding her for doing such a rookie mistake. Dropping her guard for a millisecond in enemy territory. She was lucky all she lost was an arm. "I can just hear the grilling from Anderson coming," She quipped.

Currently, she laid on a medical bed of a room in a hospital on Luna. No way was Garrus having his partner looked at by some shifty doc in Omega. Thankfully the Medigel did the trick of sealing her wound stopping her bleeding. Enough that they left the Terminus and back to safer space. Aria had forward a message of thanks as well as a hefty sum of credits deposited into their accounts.

The moment they reached earth they went straight to the Luna colony and took Emily to their hospital.

"I think he'd be grateful you're still alive," Garrus spoke at his seat in her room. Ever the loyal friend he had not left her side since coming here days ago. Neji had departed to take the Eezo back to the Initiative to which Garson and Ryder both had come to visit her.

And who were still here as Jien leaned in from her chair; "From what Alec told me Captain Anderson sees you like his daughter."

"Either way, I feel like I should be disowned. The rotten mistake cost me an arm. It was my main arm too, so now I have to become a southpaw." Emily sighed as she lay down. "Looks like I'll be out for a decent bit until they fix my nerves, that's a month process till I can get a prosthetic."

"The Initiative is delving into some advancements in medical, we'll pass on some ideas to you." Jien smiled. "If that's alright. Least we can do for you helping correct this mess."

"Before that, we're still looking into who gave us the backup... Who was that woman? No one outside of the Initiative knew we were heading to Omega." Garrus looked at the two leaders of the group they helped. "Why was she?" As if on cue, the door opened to the hooded woman.

Save this time her hood was down as well as her mask. Showing the face of a beautiful woman with flawless tan skin with long raven-colored hair and the purest sapphire eyes. None in the room could determine how old she looked as she appeared utterly ageless. At best Emily guessed she could be in her early thirties "Well you're still breathing, that's good." Her ruby lips turned upwards. Her voice was both soft with a sultry tone.

Alec sighed; "Getting a call to her can be difficult at times." He gestured to the woman; "This is Lydia Raven."

Emily cocked a brow; "Raven?"

"Made it myself since I had no last name. Orphan life an all that," Lydia shrugged; "Nice to finally meet you, Emily Shepard."

How she moved, her posture, even how spoke felt predatory. Never mind the fact Garrus did not even hear her footsteps as she came in. "Alliance?"

"Nope..." The woman shook her head; "I walked a very darker path in life."

Alec leaned against the wall; "She was an assassin. Can't tell you how many times we crossed paths."

"Enough to make the impression."

Eyes on her at all times, Garrus crossed his arms as his mandibles twitched. "I guess we owe you thanks. You look human but move like nothing I have ever seen, Asari swords to boot. You are one dangerous woman."

Lydia gave a respectful nod; "Thank you officer Vakarian. Well-earned skills I put years of my life through hell to attain." Her face grew solemn; "And used for the wrong reasons."

Emily cocked her head; "Garrus tried to find any pictures of your description."

"You won't find any," Alec stated; "Lydia wasn't the type of assassin who sought status. She was a ghost who killed her target and vanished before you knew she was there. How I ran into was pure luck."

"No, it was luck that you didn't have a price on your head," Lydia droned before shaking her head. "I reached out to Alec explaining I wanted to change. Took some convincing."

Jien gave a wary look; "Still trying to convince myself."

"Hey, Sara likes me."

Alec deadpans; "Because I haven't told her you're full past to her yet."

"Considering I'm on the Pathfinder team you will have to get to that."

"Digressing... Thank you." Wincing as she got up out of bed, Shepard put her only arm out. "Pretty sure without you, we'd be limping back with more than a single arm lost."

Lydia extended her hand and shook Emily's; "You are a good person. This galaxy needs people like you and Garrus. And if Alec is offering anything for a new arm take it. Man is a clever as hell." They let go; "Well I better get back to the Hyperion." She gave a small bow to Emily and Garrus; "Good luck you two."

Turning Lydia gave a nod to Alec who returned it as she left the room; "We're damn lucky she had a change of heart."

"Question;" Garrus leaned from his chair; "Why does she use only swords?"

"She has Biotics as well. Best I have ever seen. I have wondered if she is like your brother Naruto. But she won't say," Alec grumped. "And she stated very loudly she utterly detests firearms. 'No real fun fighting someone when can't get up close.'"

Emily gave a curious look; "You sure she is on our side?"

Alec nodded; "I've seen eyes like hers before. Those are the eyes of someone who does want to do right for all the wrongs she did. But she'll do it her way. And I won't push her, convincing her to join the Pathfinder team was hard enough."

A beeping was heard right after that, causing Alec to get the monitor up. It was Jondum. "Hello. Sorry too abruptly get a call in, but I have some news... Shepard, whatever you did on Omega has gotten attention. There is a bounty on your head, the Terminus systems are going to be wanting you dead for that reward. I suggest you lay low outside of them, at least until the one who put the bounty up is gone."

"Shit... Thanks, Jondum. Sorry to have had you worry." Groaning as the call ended, she sat back down. "And Aria paid us for our work, so she didn't do it..."

Jien gave a concerned look to Shepard; "Do you need anything?"

"Focus on the initiative, just another hurdle I have to deal with," Emily grunted.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Garrus hated feeling restless, and even doing training at Spectre HQ was not helping as his mind lingered back to last week. Somehow Aria knew something like this would play out. The bounty on Emily's head being the most concerning part.

The nerve endings in Shepard's' arm were a mess thanks to the quick healing effects of the Medi-gel, so it was turning into a very painful process, but the dark-haired human woman grit through every bit of it, showing the Turian the meaning of resilience.

As he sat down outside the room, he was greeted by Jondum, who surprisingly came in person. "I see you've taken to back and forth sessions. Between your training and keeping an eye on your commanding officer. Sorry, I suppose that's a bit careless of me. She is your friend and ally, which is why you're so fixated on this incident. Some are suggesting you do not care for the training anymore."

Standing up, Garrus was unsure what to say officially, all he knew was his anxiety and stress were taking over. "If I hadn't been careless in our hurry, hell if any of us could have been on watch, we'd not have lost anything, even one finger or talon. I was lookout through the entire plan. Of course I feel fixated on her well-being! Look, Bau, I appreciate your concern, but I am just fine with my current plan of action... Even if Spectre training is seemingly useless to me right now."

"You have reports and files staggeringly high about how much action you prefer to preparation. Even your father has had things to say about your desire to skirt the law and cut the tape to drag the criminals off the streets. Spectre's may seem unapproachable, but even we have standards. You would fit right in given the training and time." Jondum put a hand on the shoulder pad of the man in front of him. "Walk with me."

Garrus was confused as he did, the two taking a moment of silence. "So what are you saying?"

"I am saying... Don't join us as a Spectre." Given the stop and gaping look, Bau smirked. "One thing the Spectre's do is they run solo. Usually, only use help as a distraction. Some have, and some still do, have a team. But their work is more efficient when they are truly connected as allies and friends. The reason Shepard is being talked about in such high regard is that she, and Naruto, had a team of friends that could handle any situation. Even during events that were suicidal, you all made it back alive every time. I suggest you do not become a Spectre... But learn to be an even greater force alongside Shepard. To do that, I have a mission for you."

Garrus was wondering where Bau was going with this; "A mission?"

"Deep cover, I can give the details. But your job shall be in Omega."

"You do realize it's been a week since we went, the bounty is still active."

"For Shepard, not for a one Garrus Vakarian. The bounty is your mission. You need to get to Omega and use any means necessary to find out whose targeting Shepard and take them out. You have free reign." Almost chuckling, the Salarian gave some credits to him. "You'll be able to do what you've desired for years. Omega's a playground of crime, and you want to make a difference by taking crime down. What better place to do that, than Omega? As long as you don't screw around in any way to make a negative impact on Aria, you'll be free from any real wrath on the station."

Garrus was silent as he thought for a moment.

Bau could see he got his attention; "While yes, trying to clean that place up would be nigh impossible. There are some people there who want something better. You could give them that."

"I'm not really the hero type."

"You give yourself far too little credit Vakarian." With that said, the Salarian Spectre walked off, leaving the Turian to his thoughts. Thoughts that were rattling in his skull about what his next move should be.

Looking at the door to Shepard's room, Garrus grit his jaw, Mandibles twitched and his fists clenched. "My next move, this choice… I have to make the right one. For everyone. For Shepard."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX