Two Years Later

Desert spice floating on the wind … sunset eyes staring through the scope. No fear. Anger. … How Dare You.

Thane woke from a light sleep. Memories were more powerful when recollected by an unconscious mind. This had been one of the more pleasant ones, especially since its creator had married him.

Irikah, his siha, stood on watch nearby. With her permission, Thane had used his extensive contacts list to ensure privacy for the last year. They could not run forever, both knew that. Deaths would be faked soon, including that of their son Kolyat. They would not leave him behind, even to allow him a chance at having a normal life. We are family. We will continue on. Together.

"They're coming."

Irikah's soft tone hissed above the usual range for most beings. Certain turians were capable of hearing it, but they had to be trained for years in musical traditions. Mercenaries and assassins typically did not undergo such training.

Yet it was the exceptions to the rule that caused problems in life. Know the rule, watch the exceptions. His earliest trainer had taught him that, a venerable drell, well over eighty cycles. He'd never known the trainers name, but the trainer had been the most flexible being he'd ever witnessed.

"Two minutes."

Thane silently rose. Like twin blades, he and his wife policed the room, removing the last traces of evidence. A strong pheromone tape would hide their scent long after they were gone, long after what they had come to do had been done.

Harsh thumps boomed against the thin door frame. Then Irikah hid in response while Thane turned sideways next to the curtained window, waiting.

A brief, silent explosion shattered the door, sending deadly metallic shards through the room. Most of them fell shy of Thane, but he stopped the rest with a pulsating barrier.

Two turians in black and white armor cautiously entered the room, aiming at the corners. Their weapons rotated slowly as they scanned the room. Behind them another three armored mercenaries stood watch.

Thane coughed softly, gaining the attention of the first pair. Half a second later, he found himself staring up the barrel of an assault rifle. Past the opening to eternity, he could see his own reflection on the mercenary's face plate.

"The Shadow Broker sends his regards," the rifle wielder spoke. Electronic distorters prevented Thane from identifying his species, but the physique indicated either batarian or a human.

He inclined his head politely, hands away from his side. "The Shadow Broker is well known for his thoroughness. I presume I left a trail?"

"The Shadow Broker wanted to speak with you." The soldiers' tone was cold, emotionless, like the Great Sea during winter.

"I see." Thane took a quiet step to one side, away from the window. "The nature of his message required forced entry? Sloppy workmanship."

"You move fast," there was grudging admiration in the assailant's voice, "you needed to be pinned down before you could do more damage."

"More?" An eye ridge rose, emphasizing Thane's skeptical tone. "My skills are worthy, yet I have barely begun to scratch at the surface of a network like the Shadow Brokers'."

In response, the second mercenary activated his omni-tool. It projected a darkened, static-filled screen. A darker figure, constantly changing shape came into focus.

"You underestimate yourself, drell." The voice was deeper than the mercenaries' voice, naturally deeper. "Within the past year, you have eliminated a dozen of my lieutenants, disrupted half of my operations on Illium, and nearly destroyed my infrastructure on Omega."

Thane bowed slightly, blinking the tertiary eyelids. "Opportunities have been rare. Aria was most displeased to learn how deeply her own network was compromised. Given her most … visceral reaction when she found out, I imagine her purge will join the station legends about her need for control."

He cocked his head to one side, "Yet even Illium was merely a proverbial drop in the bucket, as the humans say. A drop in the ocean of resources available to the Shadow Broker."

"No one else has managed to do as much harm as you," the shaded figure leaned forwards, "I have an offer. Work for me."

Thane froze, "Why should I do that?"

"Because if you do not, I will be forced to terminate your career. The Hanar train their operatives well, Thane Krios, fulfiller of the Compact. Your own record exemplifies everything for which an assassin should strive. Competence."

Faint clicking sounds emerged from the communicator, "To show you how much I desire this partnership, I have caused your records to be erased from every database in Council Space, including the Primacy. Work for me, Thane Krios."

Thane counted down the seconds in his head. "The measure of an individual cannot always be told by his actions," he replied softly. "I have seen the consequences of your actions … actions of greed. Of power. You seek to use my skill to further your goals. Had you contacted me before I'd awakened, I would have agreed. Now, I must decline."

"A pity." The distorted voice genuinely appeared to consider the situation a loss. "I am sorry I could not change your mind."

The countdown ran down in seconds now. Thane bowed deeply to the Shadow Broker. "I regret this as well. Good-bye, Shadow Broker."

As he bowed, the timer ran out. Throughout the room, a series of flash-bang grenades went off, followed by multiple smoke grenades. Cursing sounds came from the smoke, the mercenaries electronics baffled by the flashing EMP's

Thane leaped upwards, taking advantage of the confusion. Irikah seized his hands, pulling him into the vent easily.

Behind her, Kolyat pushed at another vent, dropping heavy objects into the room below.

"Shoot to kill, don't let them escape!" growled a distorted voice below. It wasn't as deep as the Shadow Broker's, which meant presumably that the mercenaries now had free range.

Thane followed his family free of the vent. Just ahead of the fireball.

A/N: Updated 9/16/2014