AN: So... I am slightly obsessed with Thane Krios. He's probably my favorite character ever. Augh. He's just amazing. I wrote this huge fic even though I haven't written anything in forever. Hopefully someone will enjoy it!

Chapter One: A Warm Welcome

"Here she is," Shepard announced, holding her weary arms out to proudly show off the Normandy to the newest member of the team. Getting through that tower had not been easy and she wanted nothing more than to lie down and sleep, despite her curiosity at the new member of her team.

The assassin nodded appreciatively. "Going through the Omega 4 relay will not be an easy task," he mused, repeating his earlier sentiment. "But if any ship is going to try, one such as this should be perfect for the job."

As the hatch opened for them, Thane extended his arm, indicating for her to enter first.

Karina raised her brow at his chivalry but entered regardless, ignoring Garrus's mandibles clicking in surprise.

"Both of you are needed in the conference room," EDI announced almost as soon as the hatch closed behind them.

Shepard frowned; she wasn't looking forward to another meeting with the Illusive Man. "Looks like you'll have another dramatic entrance," she joked as she led Thane to their requested destination. She absentmindedly tried to regulate a few messy strands of her reddish-brown hair, only to find that it was still matted with blood. Charming, she sighed, wondering with disgust exactly how long that had been there.

When they entered the conference room, the table had not been retracted into the floor, meaning she had escaped another encounter with the frighteningly uncaring man. Instead a frowning Jacob was firmly planted in front of them. Her head turned as Thane entered, unaware that he was walking right into an into another warm welcome from the Cerberus team. She frowned, readying herself for a nice dose of bigotry from the stern man. Why would you send Jacob to greet a new squad member? She wondered. Surely Kelly would be more personable. Hell, even Grunt would be an improvement. At least he tries to make jokes.

"I've heard impressive stories, Krios. Sounds like you'll be an asset to the team." The Cerberus agent crossed his arms before turning to Shepard to add, "That is, if you're comfortable having an assassin watch your back."

Before Karina could snap at him in annoyance, Thane replied, his voice ever calm. "I've accepted a contract. My arm is Shepard's."

"Uh-huh. Don't know about you, but I'm loyal to more than my next paycheck," Jacob shot back, thoroughly unconvinced.

"Obviously he is too. He's doing this mission gratis." She couldn't contain a small smirk as she watched a flicker of surprise cross the operative's face. "What's your concern?" She prodded, trying to keep her voice from sounding patronizing.

"I don't like mercenaries. An assassin is just a precise mercenary."

Karina visibly rolled her eyes. Who the hell likes mercenaries, anyway? She didn't know what it was exactly, but Jacob always managed to piss her off. Talking to him was like talking to a brick wall. A really rude brick wall that has problems but is too tough of a wall to admit it and so it just festers and he snaps at anyone trying to help and—she stopped herself before her metaphor became too confusing to even fathom. She realized Thane was speaking again.

"An assassin is a weapon. A weapon doesn't choose to kill. The one who wields it does."

Shepard tried nodding to him in understanding, hoping that Jacob hadn't permanently damaged relations between Cerberus and the drell. As much as she disliked it, she was stuck with Cerberus as a benefactor; wielding their prejudices as a background didn't exactly help her conversations with the non-human crew.

"Where shall I put my things?" Thane continued politely. "I'd prefer someplace dry, if anything is available."

A slight ping echoed as EDI popped up to help. "The area near the life support plant on the crew deck tends to be slightly more arid than the rest of the ship."

"Ah. An AI? My thanks," he answered, bowing slightly.

Unsure as to whether he was bowing to EDI or her, Shepard gave a slight nod regardless. If anyone questioned it, she could just say her neck hurt. Or she could just tell them to shut up. I really need a break from this saving the galaxy business. Or maybe I just need some damn coffee, she thought to herself as the assassin left the room.

"He seems quite civil," EDI noted before her hologram flickered out.

Shepard turned to face Jacob, reigning in her frustration with him so EDI wouldn't return to comment on how uncivil she was in comparison. "We need all the help we can get. He's not what I expected in an assassin. He may surprise you."

"Yeah. And he may not." Jacob threw the words at her like a pouting child before sauntering out of the conference. Room. Shepard wanted to throw something at him. Too bad Cerberus wasn't big on decoration. Maybe Jacob would look better with a potted plant broken over his fat head. Karina couldn't help but chuckle at that image.

After she'd had a short nap to restore her frazzled nerves, Karina stood in front of the door for Life Support, biting her lip. How was she supposed to welcome Thane properly after Jacob had been so hostile? Realizing that standing around like a stalker wasn't going to seem very welcoming either—well at least not in a positive way—she pressed the control panel and entered.

Thane was seated at the table, back straight, hands folded. He was the picture of calm. Karina tried to remember the last time she'd been that worry free. She instantly regretted it as her mind jumped back to the Citadel during those short months she'd spent with Kaidan, the two of them doing a terrible job of trying to appear professional around others when all they really wanted was to get back to their apartment and—she stopped herself abruptly.

"Do you need something?" Thane asked, not turning around.

Shepard reddened slightly, embarrassed that her relapse had taken up enough time to warrant Thane to speak first. "Got a minute to talk?" she ventured.

"Certainly," he answered, gesturing towards the seat across from him.

Shepard settled down and looked at the table a moment before starting. How exactly do you apologize for beliefs that aren't your own? She didn't agree with Cerberus; in fact she'd killed dozens of their ilk. Glancing up and seeing Thane's black eyes regarding her with expectancy, she recovered and tried smiling a bit. "Look, I uh, wanted to apologize for earlier. About Jacob, I mean."

"No need, Shepard. I understand that you do not share his views."

Karina cocked a brow at him. "You're right. I don't. But we just met a few hours ago."

"I doubt you would have allowed me to join your squad if you truly had such an issue with nonhumans. I do not see you bowing down to anyone easily."

Shepard smirked. "You got me there."

"Also I could not help but notice your peculiar expressions when Mr. Taylor was speaking. It gave me the distinct impression that given the choice you would not have recruited him."

"That obvious, huh?" When Thane only gave a slight smile and a nod, she laughed openly. "But really, the rest of the crew isn't so bad," Shepard insisted. She paused before admitting, "Well, Miranda's pretty catty too actually." Another pause. "I'm… not doing a very good job at welcoming you, am I?"

Thane shrugged, his smile intact despite her poor hospitality. "I have received harsher welcomes."

Karina smirked. "Given your line of work I'm not entirely surprised."

There you are! It's rare that I write actual game dialogue. It was interesting to try it out. Also, I apologize for any inconsistencies. This Shep went through some character changes (appearance, class, name) since I started a new playthrough. She's also a bit sassier :) I've got a crapload of chapters left to post, so let me know what you think!