Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 55

Milky Way/Omega Nebula/Sahabarik/Omega

Earth year: 2185 CE – September

"What's the plan Commander?" Mason asked as they stepped out of the airlock and onto Omega.

"Find and talk to Aria T'Loak." Kaidan replied, his gaze fixed on the Batarian headed their way.

"We're going to talk to her?" Zima gasped.

"Keep your voice down." Tanner hissed.

Kaidan groaned. "Yes, we don't have a choice. Besides, I've met her before."

"You..." Zima trailed off as the Batarian blocked their way.

"Commander Alenko." He greeted. "Aria wants to talk to you. She's curious what brings you here."

"I expected that." Kaidan replied.

"Hmph." The batarian grunted, surprised by Kaidan's calm. "She's waiting for you in Afterlife."

"Got it."

Kaidan squinted as they entered the club, taking a moment to adjust to the light. Bright red and orange neon pulsed in wall-length displays of simulated fire and feminine entertainment. Afterlife was an apt name for the place, though Kaidan thought the decor spoke more toward sin than tranquility. The glow was so intense it bathed everyone inside in a sickly shade of red.

"Think they used enough red in the decor?" Tanner griped, her teeth gritted in annoyance.

"Man, if we're here long, I'm going to leave with a headache." Mason agreed.

"Hasn't changed much since I was here last." Kaidan observed. "I'll speak to Aria alone. You two stick near the bar, but don't order anything. Until Aria knows why I'm hear, you can't trust the bartenders."

"She'd spike our drinks?" Mason cried in surprise.

"More like she won't stop anyone who might try." Kaidan clarified. "Watch him Lieutenant." He said, addressing Tanner as he made for Aria's booth.

"Aye, aye sir." Tanner confirmed. "Come on Chief, let's make ourselves a little less conspicuous."

----xxx----

"Commander Kaidan Alenko." Aria purred as Kaidan passed through her security detail. "Never thought I'd see you on my station again. Didn't I tell you not to come back?"

"You did. But things change."

"Sometimes." She agreed. "Have a seat. So Anderson heard about our plague."

"He did. But only because it was on the news."

Aria smiled, crossing her legs and sinking deeper into her seat. "Mmm. Yes I suppose it was. But it was cured. So I ask again, why are you here? If you're looking for who cured it, he's not here."

"No. I'm not here for that." He assured her. "Anderson..."

Aria interrupted. "But maybe you should be. Maybe you should know why he's not here. Maybe Anderson should know where he went and why."

"Ms. T'Loak..."

Aria laughed, her voice filled with amusement. "If you must talk to me, call me Aria."

Blushing, Kaidan cleared his throat. "Alright, Aria. You clearly have something you want to tell me. You didn't kill the one who cured the plague did you?"

"Nothing so dramatic." She said, waving her hand dismissively. "It was a salarian doctor. He left a human assistant in charge of his clinic when he left."