Mass Effect: Shadow Work (Omega)

[Johnnysaurus Rex]

The atmosphere was palpable. In Afterlife it was like somebody was painting a picture for you. True, they were using liquefied garbage, phlegm, and some weird orange crap; but it was a work of art regardless. Bass pumping in your ears, perfumes and drinks almost taste-able as they were able to be smelled, and enough flashing lights and lasers to give a hanar a seizure. Everyone was enjoying the party. Everyone except Aria T'loak's wet work squad. Shane Clayton, Maero Rago, and Liatus Arktorre were lounging in a VIP room where the excitement was absent, but the luxury was in higher quantity.

Maero: "About that time?"

Shane: "Indeed it is," Shane rose from his chair and made his way to the bar. It was one of many seats all arranged around a single table with a holographic display, "Definitely time to start drinking."

Liatus shook his head slowly as the human began pouring a glass of whiskey and selecting a cigar. This had definitely been the most lavish room Aria set them up in for a briefing. Maybe it was the details of the mission that necessitated such lavishness. Any moment the rest of the team would be assembling and the mission would begin.

 

[Endling vas Precious]

'Are you troubled, Dare?'

Emilie looked up from where she was seated. It was the Jusitcar.

There was a long moment of silence before Dare said anything. She was preoccupied. She hadn't returned to Omega in over two months, she had been busy, taking care of things on Earth. Russia had not been kind to her. Dare felt like laughing.

'I have a lot on my mind.'

Dare met Ranya T'Kala six months ago on the Citadel. She was a tall, svelte Asari sporting flashy armor and exotic markings. Her voice was light and airy, like bells, and like most Justicars, Ranya followed the Code almost religiously. Dare couldn't remember the exact circumstances of their meeting, but they somehow became acquainted, and now she was seated in the Justicar's expensive ship, watching from the corner of her eye as a Drell lazily scanned over data pad in the cock pit.

'I'm still not convinced you're organic, hell, you could be some geth-human hybrid for all I care.'

Ekani had tried killing Dare three years ago. She failed miserably. Taking a considerable blow to her ego, Dare knew Ekani viewed her as an enemy: The hit that was never killed. She could care less. Although she was a decorated Eclipse merc, Ekani held grudges and never let them go. Dare was always curious about this, and she wasn't entirely pleased to learn she would be joining the Justicar and herself for the Wet Work mission.

'A Justicar and a giant suit of armor, I sure know how to--'

Before Ekani could finish, Dare removed her helmet and roughly threw it to the ground.

'Shut up already.'

Ranya handed her a glass of something blue. It was bubbly and tasted like some kind of fruit. The Justicar offered a glass to Ekani, but she declined, and Dare couldn't tell if she felt bad or if she was still sour.

'Docking in five minutes, Justicar T'kala.'

The ship's computer had a smooth metallic voice, something you'd expect from a fancy space craft. It reminded her old AI, Isis.

Omega was a glowing red core in the distance, it was always breath taking for some reason. Dare found herself yearning for the bass of Afterlife, the twisting, lithe frames of the dancers, and even stranger, Aria T'Loak's grimacing face.

----

After docking, Ranya and Ekani proceeded towards Afterlife. Dare stayed behind, finding herself wandering back to Kenn's Salvage. She hadn't seen him in a long time.

The Quarian was currently hunched over some piece of tech. The light from his welding torch was blinding, but he instantly put it down when he caught sight of her. Dare smiled.

'It's been a while.'

As gently as she could, Dare gave him a soft pat on the shoulder.

'Da.'

'Where have you been?'

'Earth. Russia more specifically. Had...business.'

'That's where you're from, right?'

Dare nodded and sat down on a stool behind the counter. She was surprised it didn't collapse under the weight of her rig.

----

The VIP room Aria had set up was certainly lavish. She recognized Shane, but the Batarian and the Turian were unfamiliar. Ekani had acquainted herself with the bar, and Ranya was inspecting her armor, standing perfectly straight and giving off an air of regalia.

Dare was perfectly comfortable with leaning against the wall. She would much rather observe than engage in small talk. It was one of her stronger points. She was glad for the suit.

'Not one for parties?'

'Never liked crowds.'

Ranya leaned against Dare. She raised an eyebrow. Not knowing of the gesture was playful or intentional, Dare stood perfectly still.

'I wonder when the others will arrive.'

 

[Phil]

"Can we really trust her?"

"She's given us no reason to not trust her."

Rick responded to Barrus. the two of them and Zeta were sitting at a table where most of the commoners were in Afterlife. Their weapons were left behind at the ship they used save for their side arms and whatever biotic and tech powers Rick and Barrus brought with them.

"It is good money, and we could use it."

"Precicely. If things go wrong, we count our losses and move on. Illum or Noveria may have other work if this goes wrong."

Rick said to Zeta. Aside from wearing their armored outfits, Barrus was the only one to not have his head or face concealed in anyway, for the human wore his umbra visor over his eyes and the quarian had her enviroment suit and mask like all her kind did. But he was the only one with something in his mouth as he took a hit of his own turian brand cigar. Both he and Zeta had their own drinks there as nothing sat infront of Rick, who never touched any of the stuff his companions took.

"Finish your drinks. Looks like others have arrived for the meeting, best not be the last."

Rick advised and no less then a minute did the turian and quarian finish their drinks as they followed the human away from the common area. Walking up some stairs, they made their way through the doors were others have already taken seats. Spotting some free seats, the three claimed them and took seats. Quickly scoping the others in the area, as did Barrus, Rick remained on guard as always and kept a close eye on Zeta despite both agreeing to keep things professional when they were on the job.

 

[Arm514ve]

Shawn Stepped out of the transport speeder that he took from the secluded dock that housed Shawn’s damaged frigate the SSV Alliance. He looked around and sighed as he walked towards Afterlife hearing the sound of the music coming through the doors, stopping a few steps away looking at the line.

--------------------------------
24 hours earlier……

“Captain are we really going to listen to this Aria! She’s a criminal and she’s practically holding the rest of you hostage.” Shawn said following the captain off the main lift and up the stairs up to the CIC of the SSV Alliance a Normandy class Frigate.

“Look sergeant I don’t like it either but she has the supplies we need and her stations the only thing keeping us breathing right now, and if all it takes for her to give us the supplies is to do a bit of wet work then so be it. Besides the rest of your team will stay behind to make sure the ship is safe in your absence… The decisions been made now thats the end of it gather your gear and get some rest tomorrows the big day.”

“Yes sir….”

--------------------------------

Shawn double checked his armor, the N7 logo shown proudly on it as he continued on passing the Elcore bouncer and the guard nodding him in as he entered the front of after life walking through the entrance area then through the last door leading into the main hall the music was blaring the red glow of the place was intense as well. He continued towards the private VIP room and entered, with a smile. “So am I late for the party?”

 

[direrat]

Nialla slid past the bouncer, the faded insignias of her past mercenary work and family crest enough to let her bypass the tediously long line in front of the club. Even without the armor and the surly, arrogant walk of a former Eclipse girl, she doubted the Elcor would have left her waiting for very long. Asari rarely had to wait for much outside of Parnitha, she mused. Blue tits and just the slightest swing to your hips and most species would be shoving their own grandmothers to the ground in an attempt to appease or impress.

The asari shouldered her way through a pair of Turian women, ignoring their growls as she made her way towards the private lounge. Truthfully, she still wasn't sure how felt about this whole thing. She wasn't important enough to merit first pick of freelance mercenaries and she hadn't made any powerful enemies as far as she was aware of. Aria's messenger had been vague and it had been a good decade since Nialla had seen a real fire fight or gotten her hands as dirty as they needed to be to be offered a job by the Matriarch of Omega. The majority of her time had been spent picking up odd jobs on Illium. They were tedious assignments, sure, but they paid well and at least in the business sector of mercenary work, she only had to worry about being in the shadow of two or three family members, not all seven. Nialla often wondered how her mother had been able to set aside time enough to become a well respected Commando when she'd been popping out daughters left and right.

She came to a stop in front of the lounge's entrance, a small frown tugging at her lips at the sight of a human man blocking the way as he attempted to show the gruff Turian guard his omnitool.

---

Salutatorian of his graduating class at University and one of the brightest Engineers his professors claimed to have taught, and Frank Holiday's modified omni had chosen that very moment to freeze up. "It's... Well, the screen is a little cracked, but you can see it, can't you? It's just... it'll project in a moment." He scratched at the back of his head and glanced behind him. Had there been that many guards to begin with? And had they all been so burly and... spiky headed? He swallowed and cast the Asari behind him an apologetic smile before turning his attention back to his wrist.

The omni's projector flickered slightly, a dull, static orange screen blinking in and out of focus several times before it disappeared completely. Frank laughed nervously and slammed his palm against the panel inelegantly. "Come on, baby, don't let daddy down now," he murmured.

The Asari behind him snorted and side stepped them both to approach the doors. "Quit fooling around, this idiot is either supposed to be here or he's not." She disappeared inside the lounge without any argument from the Turian, but Frank remained behind, still wary about testing the man.

The Turian grinned slightly before sauntering a few feet from the door and resting back against the wall. Not wanting to wait until the bouncer could change his mind, Frank stumbled in after the Asari.

 

[Johnnysaurus Rex]

Looked like all the players were here. Shane knew some of them from reputation or from shared stories amongst him and his two friends. Dare he knew from experience. You didn't **** with Dare. Ranya was easily observable as a Justicar. Liatus couldn't help but question what the Hell she was doing here. His paranoia got the best of him and the Turian got up from his chair and moved to the Asari.

"Excuse me," he said. Not out of formality. He could give a damn about if he pissed anybody off here. Instead he said it just to remember her name exactly. He did value being right, "Ranya T'Kala was it? Justicar. What's a up-holder of the law doing here?"

Shane was starting on his second whiskey and Maero knew the meeting had a bit more time before the briefing was going to properly begin. The batarian moved over to what appeared to be another trio. This team was made up of a human, turian, and quarian. He made his way over and took a chair that was next to their couch.

"Evening," he chirped with a smile spreading across his face and his four eyes squinting a little. Something he was keen to do when smiling, "I'm Maero Rago. Pleasure to meet you!"

Shane put out his cigar and drank half of his whiskey. It was good and while he was here he would definitely drink on Aria's expense. She'd been good to him through the years he spent in his days outside of professional fighting. Well, he still was a professional fighter. Just people died now. Taking stock of who was all here Shane noticed the Drell at the bar. The mercenary raised his glass to her in toast and nodded.

"Shane Clayton."

 

[Endling vas Precious]

It wasn't easy to miss the Turian, now that he was walking towards her. Ranya smirked.

'I will admit it is rare to see a Justicar, especially on Omega, but I go where the Code commands.' She fluttered her pretty blue eyes and took a sip from her drink. 'It's also a good idea to have powerful combat biotics in the field too, wouldn't you agree?'

The tekana was especially strong. Ekani had never been one for traditional Drell drinks, but now was a good a time as any. A very well dressed man was walking towards her, holding a drink in one hand and a cigar in the other. He raised his drink, and she did the same.

'Ekani Soirk-Nikopolidis.' She smoothed the pliant leather of her uniform before returning her attention back to Shane. 'I'm guessing you're the leader of this fine group of people?' There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice, Ekani was tired and she wanted to get this stupid debriefing over with. She smiled at Shane.

Dare noticed the Quarian as soon as he entered the VIP room. She liked Quarians, there was no denying that. She opened her omnitool, browsing the extranet and various news sites, wondering when the damn debriefing would be taking place. Ranya looked preoccupied with a Turian, and Shane was talking with Ekani. Things were getting interesting.

 

[Phil]

"Barrus Denton."

Was the first to speak up when the Batarian Maero spoke to the trio that had entered. The Turian stood up to shake Maero's hand with his cigar now in his free hand when he was speaking. He was thankful that now everyone here was strictly business here and some seemed to enjoy the finer things of life that Omega presented.

"With me is the beautiful Zeta'Karla and the not so beautiful Rick Foreman."

Rick heard what Barrus was saying, followed by what sounded like Zeta laughing as she too introduced herself as Barrus was doing it. He had seen a few others entering, namely aliens or those in heave armor like the one individual was. "Dare" he swore was her name, or he; it was hard sometimes when the armor was so bulk. At first, Rick only gave Maero a single greeting nod, but did more then that as he broke his silence he had since entering the VIP area.

"Likewise. Are there anymore we are expecting?"

 

[Arm514ve]

No one seemed to take note of Shawn's presence so he just shrugged and pulled up a seat at the bar keeping to himself, 'Doesn't matter here to do a job not to make friends.' he thought to himself. though looking around figured it was an interesting bunch just to gather for a job a big group to he figured what ever the job was it was important to the queen bitch of Omega.

 

[direrat]

Nialla frowned, eyes sliding directly to the Justicar and the armor. She wasn't sure what exactly Aria had assembled a team for, but if a Justicar and a bunch of Quarians were involved, it was likely something asinine and dangerous. She settled at the bar, leaning back against it and propping her arms up. The apathetic stance was a practiced one, something she had spent years perfecting as her mother paraded her more talented daughters before High Command and whatever Matriarch she had bamboozled into visiting their estate. Her mind, however, was uneasy. These are Aria's 'agents', she mused, lip twitching slightly as she looked everyone over again in detail. Some, like the human men to either side of her, looked like they couldn't hold a gun let alone perform a top secret mission.

---

Frank cleared his throat nervously and began to thank the Asari profusely before he realized she had already turned away and had no intention of speaking to him. He sighed and rubbed at his neck, wincing faintly at the over loud thrumming of the bass. Everyone in the VIP lounge appeared to be sectioned off- different groups forming small circles that he had no idea how to break. After several moments of simply staring blankly at the Quarians, he shuffled over to the human man sitting at the bar.

"This is strange, huh? All these people... Crazy..." he babbled, hesitantly pulling a stool up next to the gentleman.
Frank

 

[Johnnysaurus Rex]

Shane was going to make a smart comment about the Drell's name being a mouthful, but he was starting to get a little drunk from his stiff drinks and didn't want that to segway into flirting. Instead he chose to acknowledge the comment about his leadership role.

"As long as I am the best man for the job. My history seems to suggest I come back with everyone on my crew and I'd say that makes me a pretty effective leader. So I think I will claim to be that."

Shane looked away as he poured another drink. Of course he had never led a group this big and on a mission that would be this hazardous. He didn't dare say that or let it show. Shane knew he had Maero and Liatus' approval, but he wasn't sure how all these randoms would mesh. It was one thing to lead a team you were familiar with. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses, being able to gauge the situation while best utilizing the teams abilities, and keeping synergy up. Those were things Shane could easily do with people he worked with on a mission or two and even then it was maybe five at most. He tried not to worry as it wouldn't help him now.

--------------------------

"Can't believe the code would instruct you to waddle waist deep into us without throwing down some shockwaves or novas," Liatus turned around and went to find a seat. He looked over his shoulder to Ranya and narrowed his eyes, "I'll be watching you."

He didn't like this. Why didn't Aria trust for the three of them to run this op? They'd done similar jobs in the past on their own and with resounding success. Warlords? Neutralized. Objects of interest? Captured. Diplomats? Protected. Liatus' team had only successes on their dossier. Why add all these wildcards into the mix? They were just going to muck things up. At least there was another Turian here, but he seemed to be in with a Quarian and Human.

--------------------------

"Well, I'm sure it will be a pleasure to work with you," he accepted the handshake vigorously, "Of course it will never be directly. With this many people I will probably just be offering up a sniper support. Fine by me though! I enjoy a good view."

Maero did enjoy being removed from a fight. Ever since he signed up with slavers year back he had been introduced to enough sights to last him a lifetime. Unfortunately, a large part of his skill set did deal on site. Hacking, his slaver gear, and some medical training surprisingly were all most effective up close. He knew Shane would be taking that into account and trying to give him as much of a breather as possible. Shane was good like that.

----------------------------

"Alright!" Shane said loudly enough to overpower the chatter, "Get yourselves in a seat and we can get this started."

 

[Endling vas Precious]

[Hey guys, I'm going to pass on this post, I'll post the next time around I promise!]

 

[Phil]

Barrus couldn't help but let out a laugh at the sight of that. He had seen Batarian sniper rifles, and knowing this fellow, he could very well be a guardian angel for the team.

"Be sure to take pictures. Perhaps we'll compare notches when it's all over."

As Barrus made banter with the others and Zeta kept to her self, smiling every now and then as useless as it was for her mask on, Rick remained where he was. His head not moving, but keeping an eye on the others that had come into the fray. Two asari with one appearing to be a Justicar, another turian, a single drell aswell as the Batarian, an armored individual who was identified as female, and several humans including the one who seemed to be in charge. One he recognised from the docking area, a ship captain if he recalled correctly.

Then the one in charge made it clear that the time to mingle was over and it was time to get down to business. Zeta took the seat left of Rick as Barrus took the one to the right, adjusting it some so he was able to sit comfortably.

 

[Arm514ve]

Shawn turned from the bar as Shane called out that it was time for business. 'Finally' he thought, as he crossed his arms infront of him and leaned back on the bar waiting for the brief to start.

 

[Endling vas Precious]

'Don't get too cocky, I haven't seen you in action yet.'

Ekani finished the rest of her drink and smirked at Shane. If she had to guess, she'd say he was a marine, or soldier, the type to lead the front line or control if from the back. He didn't seem like a biotic, he gave her the impression of someone who wouldn't think twice about using a combat knife on the battlefield. He looked away, fixing himself another drink and, most likely, thinking.

Ekani found only her reflection in the bottom of her glass. Sighing, she poured herself another. Her life with the Compact wasn't a good one, nor was it for any Drell, but she had enough combat experience behind her belt to make any job or hit easily attainable and doable. She nictated, old memories flashing like photographs in front of her eyes, but they were gone as soon as they had started.

'I look forward to working with you,' she turned to Shane. Her voice was dry. 'Let's hope this doesn't turn into a bloodbath, on our end of course.'

---------------

Ranya laughed.

'I go where the Code commands, though Shockwave and Nova, that's more the style of a Vanguard. Me? Control the ebb and flow of the battlefield, and you control the outcome.'

When he stated he'd be watching her, Ranya merely smiled. There was no denying the expected military tone of a Turian.

'I'm sure Aria has her motives. Besides, I should be the one watching you, it's the Vanguards who need the medi-gel.'

She winked before finishing the rest of her drink, her tone playful.

---------------

A part of her wanted to talk to Shane, to get to know the leader better, but as powerful as she was there was always the thought that she wouldn't come back. She couldn't argue with reality on the basis that things had a tendency to go wrong. She leaned against the wall, watching the group through the red lenses of her helmet. After a while, Shane had instructed everyone to take a seat. She remained standing.

 

[Johnnysaurus Rex]

Shane nodded to the Drell and the Turian grimaced.

Shane waited for a few minutes to let everyone settle in and order drinks for their meeting. Also because they were a man short. After about a quarter hour of awkwardness he sent a quick message to Anto, Aria's Batarian bodyguard, they were one short. A terse reply about how another should be procured shortly was what he got with a note about how Aria said to start the briefing.

Finishing his drink and taking another puff of his cigar Clayton stood and activated his Omni-Tool as it interfaced with the holographic display of the conference table. Soon shapes lit up and swirled, taking the shape of the universe as a standard stock image.

"Hello and on behalf of Aria T'loak I thank you all for making the trip out here," Clayton waved his hand and the universe turned into 3D busts of all who sat at the table with short bios, "Now I know who all of you are, but some of you may not know each other or myself."

"My name is Shane Clayton and I will be directing this job we are on and will be Aria's eyes and ears while conducting the operation. As such it'd be in your best interest to listen to me," Clayton could have included the part about how he had served as a merc and in the Alliance marines, but he didn't see that as entirely pertinent. Only in his first year did he introduce himself as Shane Clayton the EUCC pro. That only served to not impress aliens or get some humans to badger him for an autograph or picture.

"We have been hired by a client who wishes to remain anonymous and chosen for discretion. Aria was hired to consult and form the team and will be highly compensated for her involvement. As will we, in nine figure income," Shane let that last part sink in. Each contracted individual would be paid 300,000,000 credits upon completion of this job. Shane waved his hand again and now an image of a black container with a symbol on it visible.

"Our job is to track down this object and retrieve it. By no means are we to open the crate. From what the client tells us it is almost impossible to open anyway," Another wave and a picture of a Salarian was now visible, "This is Anao Giralt. Black market dealer who reportedly recently sold said object to an unknown buyer. First order of business tomorrow is to assault his HQ on Omega and make that buyer known."

"Questions?"

 

[Phil]

Rick said nothing. To him it sounded like a simple retrieval mission up until he realized what the payment was for each of them. That kind of money was almost hard to believe and knew whatever was in that box was on Aria's mind.

"Yeah, what's in the box?"

Barrus asked, taking a puff of his cigar. He sounded serious in his question, though he didn't really care if he found out or not. If anything, he was wanting to see just how Shane would react to the question.

 

[Arm514ve]

Shawn watched the image of the box and memorized it, then when the Salarian appeared on the screen studied and looked for any features that distinguished him from other Salrians a lot of the time they all looked the same to him.

"What defenses are we looking at, sight lines and entry points we looking at?" Shawn asked this was Omega and it was Aria's back yard, so they should have decent intel on the location.