Shepard looked over the lake, visible from their suite, and slowly ran her fingers back through her long, russet tresses. The bubble of adrenaline inside her had deflated since she'd left Garrus and Kolyat at the C-sec offices to provide assistance and statements. They wanted to ensure Bogavat was convicted and put away. There had been no need for her or Thane to stay, their turian counterpart was happy to take care of the proceedings.

"Kolyat seems to be doing well here." Shepard's voice softened, "He wants to protect people. I respect that."

Thane neatly laid his jacket and vest along the arm of the loveseat, crossing the room towards her with casual steps. "It is difficult for me to see him - grown. He's nearly a man."

Touching up the curve of her spine, Thane drew Shepard back against him, her fingers over the arm around her waist.

"Maybe it would have always been hard." Shepard turned her cheek to see him in her periphery, and he kissed it. "Being able to see him as he was, the young boy."

"They are memories I cherish. But more then that, I am content to be given the opportunity to make more."

Shepard rocked on her feet, pulling Thane with her, and his hands slipped along her hips.

"You should be proud of him."

"I am. Even if he seems to take to Garrus more than me."

Shepard turned around, his hands fluid over her curves, and she chuckled before saying, "Garrus is an easy guy to get along with. As long as you can appreciate his sense of humour."

Thane murmured a reply, the sound rumbling in his throat, his eyes meeting hers before he tugged her waist. Hip to hip, Shepard couldn't help but smirk.

"Vigilante no more though. He wouldn't encourage someone to follow in his steps."

"You of all people should know you don't need to encourage someone to do it. There are fair shares who follow you, siha. Whether you bid it or not."

"What can I say, I'm just appealing like that." Shepard's voice carried a sultry undertone, and Thane almost shook his head as he partook of her lips. She spoke in the scant space between them, "Sorry for being too enticing?"

Touching the tip of his nose to hers, Thane's replied, "Don't be." He kissed her again, a lingering sentiment that was met by the need in his hands, pulling her close to him. His lungs strained for air, the reminder of his mortality surfacing.

Thane stepped into her, her feet moving till she was pressed against the glass. Forehead to forehead, he opened his eyes, and she was looking at him. "Siha..."

The subtle strain in his voice blinked Shepard from her joking, and her expression cleared, "What is it?"

"I know we do not speak of it much, " Thane dragged his fingers down over her cheek, tugging a patch of hair with it, the strands slipping away. He loved them. Shepard's hand came over his, holding it to her cheek, and she kissed into his palm. She waited so patiently, as always, and her eyes closed.

"When I am gone, would you look out for Kolyat? I do not know where he will end up... but you..." His chest constricted, and Thane found himself in the night before the Omega 4 relay.

It near overwhelms, and the soft expression on her face does nothing to help the intensity. Stepping into the sunshine after years in the dark, how can he do this to her? Shamed and frightened of his impending death, the blot that has been on the horizon for years. But now... now that she is close, the scent of her skin, it only makes him want life.

"Thane..."

Her eyes are on him again, a steadying hand on his cheek as he pulls out of his mind. A smile spreads on Shepard's lips, much to Thane's confusion.

"You should really visit people when I mention it."

Dark eyes flickering over her features, Thane sees the relaxation in her posture, the earnest smile on her lips, and the true happiness in the crease beside her eyes. What could it be, when finally he tries to speak of his death, that keeps the shadow from her door?

"Mordin?"

Sighing out, Shepard brushed her lips with Thane's, breathing, "Yes." Kissing him, she withdrew as he didn't respond. Leaning her head back against the glass, her expression softened. "He's working on a way to help you."

"You didn't need to ask -"

"I didn't ask him. It's something he started on his own, Thane." Shepard stroked her fingers down the reddened ridges along his neck, and Thane closed his eyes, pulling from it. She had grown too adept at touching him, and he didn't want to slip into false comfort.

"Work can take years. Why would you entertain this? We - we can't lie to ourselves." Thane pulled further, looking away as he concealed the tension in his limbs, the difficulty in his chest worsening.

"Mordin wouldn't have mentioned anything if he weren't close to taking his work live. I know him." Shepard's hands dropped, resting against the windowsill. "He got data on the work the Illuminated Primacy has been doing. It sounds like it involves weaves and implants, as he used information from my surgery after the Collector base."
Pacing towards the bed of the suite, Thane looked back at the mention of the hanar.

"He has connections." Pushing off the window, Shepard followed him, reading the tension in his poise where others would have missed it. "He's cured engineered plagues, and his work was what kept us safe from the Collectors." She traced her fingers over the pattern of stripes down his back, "He said it was something for me, before following up that it was purely altruistic of course - he wishes to help all drell."

Thane turned and glanced at Shepard, her expression lightened. Slipping her hand into his, the assassin's expression smoothed away, and Shepard stepped closer. He drew her hand to his lips.

"I don't wish to account for things I don't yet have. I have spent years preparing for my death... perhaps when I speak with the Professor, it will convince me more."

Watching his dark eyes, Shepard nodded and said, "I promise I'll look out for Kolyat, no matter what comes. As long as I'm able. No replacement, not a mother, but-"

Thane's lips mushed into hers, cutting away the rest of her words, and he let the shallow breath in him escape through his nose. Shepard smiled against the kiss.

"Thank you."

Their foreheads tilted together, a quiet breath seeped from Shepard, and her cheek slid across his, skin smooth and giving against his scaled firmness. Thane cradled her in his arms, smelling her, relishing their half-clad closeness.

"I'm still going to hope. No matter how long I- we have, I will cherish - "

"Siha..."

Shepard lifted her head, a melancholy smile on her closed lips as their eyes met, "Thane... I'm just taking a page from asari philosophy. In my line of work, I have to. Death is no stranger to me."

The drell tilted his head down to her bared shoulder, kissing a line up to beneath her ear, and Shepard's arms plucked at him, rising one foot onto her toes.

"I could die any day. You make me happy. And I'll take that where I can get it. So you should too. Anyone should."

Thane's hand snared in her clothing, a soft rumble in his throat, his words beyond human register. Their lips parted in an indulgent kiss, and he kept her pinned close to him.

"So how long do you have this place?"

Entangling his free hand in her hair, Thane replied against her jaw line, "Two nights."

"Wishful thinking on your part?"

Chuckling once, he said, "I have faith in the speed of political process."

Shepard laughed at that, though the sound melded into a soft gasp as he nipped into her neck. Her eyes fell closed, thumb tracing around the waist of his skin-tight trousers.

"I better contact the Normandy then. Let the crew know what time they have on shore." Shepard's head tilted back into Thane's waiting hand, his fingers pulling through her bun. Her voice grew breathy, thoughts more elusive, "Get my messages - ah!"

Thane's hand dragged around her side, and Shepard subtly squirmed. His other hand caught her shirt and pulled it up, tangling the white tank in her arms and hair, hampering her escape. Pressing her lips tight, Shepard trapped her laugh, channelling her will to steel herself from the sensation.

Being with a man who remembered everything perfectly also had its disadvantages.

She let herself be snared, though perhaps he came closer than any others to holding her. It was odd to be playful - they were rare, golden moments when her mind let her free from her burdens for a time.

"I have already spoken with Miss Chambers." Thane spoke matter-of-factly, his voice by her ear as she turned.

"Is that so?" Shepard asked, moving her arms what Thane would allow. Her shirt was tangled around her forearms, and he was using it to his advantage. Though she imagined it was more of a novelty than necessity.

A smile betrayed her as Thane's hand snaked around the slope of her waist, and Shepard jerked in his grasp. Closing her eyes, she breathed through her nose as his tongue flecked over her ear. Her abdomen tensed under his touch, skin seeming more sensitive with the attention. Another light touch made her twitch, and a muffled laugh was kept by her lips.

"I'm curious, siha, are you alright?"

Having faced dreams of galactic annihilation, scores of geth, and suicidal missions with determination and grace, replying without laughing should have been easy enough. Eyes still closed, Shepard centred her core, but as she spoke his hand skirted over her ribs and she squeaked, "Yes?"

Clearing her throat, she followed up much more coolly, "Why do you ask?"

"You seem... distressed."

Shepard smirked, eyes slits, and she looked out the window. She gave her left hand a tug to free it from the tangle of her shirt. Thane moved decisively to catch her arm, only to be met with the roll of her body to flow through the move.

Almost like a dance, they evaded each other with martial precision, the soft smack of deflected limbs the only sound, until his agility won over and he snagged her wrist. His knee positioned between her thighs, Thane used his body to pin her back against the wall, her hand slapping the cool glass of the window beside her. Her crumpled white tank top dropped to the floor

The near matching of her skills to his sent a thrill through him, and though tempted further, Thane evaded giving in to her allure just yet. Shepard snagged his bottom lip with her teeth in his distraction, and he tasted her. A quick breath gave him fuel to urge his hips against hers, and he linked her free hand with his, conjoined fingers creating a widened gap as he kept her from touching him.

Groaning at the lust he woke in her, Shepard's head fell back against the wall, lips quirked in a smirk as she breathed, "No one would imagine the games you play."

Her arms tensed, testing his grasp, and Thane chuckled richly, nose to nose with her before he found purchase in her neck and replied, "I am only just beginning."

"And how do you propose to fight them? We have no idea of their true numbers." The turian councillor bridged a taloned hand over his brow. He couldn't believe he was entertaining her notions. "The losses experienced against Sovereign were unheard of. If he represents what a Reaper is, and I am not agreeing to that - but the logistics are of a scope beyond anything ever imagined."

"That's just it. It won't be like anything we've ever seen, on a scale unimagined." Anderson grew more animated, "Based on Shepard's testimony from Ilos, it sounded like they blotted out the sky." He sighed, "We need all the races to coordinate. The Council needs to be expanded to take them in to ensure their participation and aide."

The three holographs erupted into heated chatter, their words overriding each other in the small space.

" - preposterous -"

"Unprecedented and unfeasible -"

The asari lifted both her hands, expression a mask of calm. The other councillors hushed, their own faces twisted in displeasure. Standing in the private meeting room, Shepard unlinked her hands from behind her back. They had been speaking for almost three hours.

"As much as readying armies, research on relays and any form of believed Prothean/Reaper technology needs to be accelerated. If we cannot design our own relays or control them, we're as good as dead when the Reapers arrive. We'll be cut off from each other.

The salarian spoke, "Much of that research is under way. None of these challenges will resolve easily or quickly."

"We don't even know when they'll arrive, Commander." The asari added.

"If they will. I maintain my doubt."

"Don't be blind!" Anderson snapped, "The evidence is there, you can't ignore it anymore."

Clearing her throat, Shepard regained their attention. "We also have a great number of allies who will help. I'd like to think my crew and work are proof of the benefits of collaboration."

"Your proposals to ally with the krogan, rachni, and the geth are ridiculous."

Shepard closed her eyes. They ached. She could tell something was off with the cybernetics. "I'll bring you information from beyond the Veil. I have a member of the geth on my crew, as stated."

The turian councillor continued to glare at her while the asari said, "Any information you obtain would be of value. No doubt the Migrant Fleet looks forward to your investigations as well."

"Yes, ma'am."

Entering a few things on an unseen interface, the holo of the salarian looked to her, "We also have a key discovery that we need you to investigate, Shepard. One that directly relates to all of this."

Looking to the data on her omni-tool, Shepard listened as the councillor continued.

"In recent years, the came to light that the Great Rift Valley on Klendagon is no natural geologic feature - as I'm sure you may be aware - it is an impact crater from a mass acceleration weapon of destruction."

Shepard nodded, "Aye. The derelict Reaper detailed in my report is believed to have been disabled by the weapon."

"An STG crew have been tracking a number of proposed trajectories of where the weapon signature originated from."

"I thought there was no trace?"

"It may be the case, but such a weapon is worth tracking down if it does exist - lest it fall into unwanted hands. The Council would like you to rendezvous with the team. The field of probable locations has narrowed considerably, we are down to two - though they are in more remote regions of space."

"We hope you will act where we can't, "Anderson said, looking at her, "Much of what we've discussed today will take time to implement and approve."

Shepard nodded as the asari added, "However for now, we hope you'll inform us of anything you find. This meeting has run late, we still have to speak with your crew."

"Of course. I'll be in touch."

Back on the bridge outside the chamber, Shepard rubbed her fingers over her brow. Garrus, Mordin, Tali and Thane were waiting for her.

"Shepard - that must have been brutal."

She forced a grin, glancing at Garrus, "Just think, it'll be your turn soon."

"Lucky me! Thanks again for volunteering me."

"I'll speak with each of you later on the ship. I'd appreciate reports on what is said."

"Sure thing, Shepard." Tali nodded before heading to the door, first up in the Commander's wake.

Turning with Thane, Shepard strolled down into the main atrium of Citadel Tower in silence. They walked side-by-side beneath the blossoming trees, the area all but bare, save for a turian or two. Waiting by the transport, Shepard looked at Thane.

"Do the hanar have much of an army?"

Whether it surprised him or not, the mask of Thane's expression didn't flinch as he replied, "No, the unassembled military they have is large comprised of drell and trusted mercenary bands of other races."

Shepard crossed her arms, casually nodding. Her eyes were focused up the two sets of stairs that led to where Saren had died.

"Anderson asked me to rejoin the Alliance today. I think he knew my answer though." Her expression stayed unreadable, "I offered to help with anything they need, though. But this is bigger than any of us. I can't be limited in my capabilities."

"Oh?"

Shepard chuckled, "Even offered a promotion. Captain Shepard. I figured it'd just confuse people."

"Having the Alliance at your back might give you an advantage - and funding."

"I mentioned something like that. Anderson is going to contact the Alliance and see what he can come back with." Shepard's voice lightened, "A special commission or whatnot."

"It is encouraging they want to help."

"I suppose." Shepard adjusted her hardsuit, hands on her hips as she said, "As long as I make them look good?"

Thane extended an arm to encourage her into the transport first. Sitting inside, Shepard sighed, watching the tranquillity of the Tower whisk away. They were quiet a while.

"Have you spoke with Kolyat today?"

"Yes. The story broke in the news, it seems. He was... put off that you wouldn't allow him to join us in Bogavat's warehouse."

"The less he has to hold a gun, the better." Shepard crossed her arms, the lights of the Wards swooping over her face. "The coming years won't be pretty."

Thane watched her, almost smiling.

"What about the asari girl?"

"She is staying with him."

The phantom fled from Shepard's features, "Oh?"

"Nothing like that. I believe they are close - he looks out for her."

"I'll be sure to contact Captain Bailey."

"Thank you."

Shepard's omni-tool blipped, and she put a hand to her comm. Joker broke through, "Miranda has something urgent she wants to see you about, Commander. If you're done with the Council."

Noticing Thane's attention, Shepard said, "I'm needed on the Normandy."

Shepard held the coffee in both hands, savouring the rich smell that wafted up. It was perfect, the beans roasted but not burnt, and vacuum-sealed right after grinding. It was the best she could expect on a space cruiser. The door opened to Miranda's quarters, and Shepard's arm relaxed down with the mug as she smiled.

The woman rose from her desk as the Commander came in.

"You wanted to see me, Miranda?"

"I've found something, Shepard. Something I diverted so the rest of the crew wouldn't hear of it at all." There was distress marring her perfect features, "I didn't imagine you would want them to come across it."

Taking the data pad in her free hand, Shepard scanned down the message.

"This was sent to the Normandy?"

"Yes, and there's a DNA sequence encrypted in the message. It would be good to have Mordin verify it, but from what I know, and the rudimentary comparison I've done... it nearly matches your own."

Shepard put the coffee down on the edge of Miranda's desk as she read the message, leaving her fingers touching it as a wave of dizziness swept through. Her brother. There was a group professing to have one of her brothers and they were holding him for ransom.

"How is that possible?"

Hands dropping behind her, Miranda sighed and shook her head, "I don't know. I thought your family was killed."

"Most of them were." Shepard handed back the data pad, steeling herself as she donned her mask, rationalizing the situation. "My little brothers were taken by the batarians."

"I'm so sorry, Shepard. I can't imagine something like that happening to Oriana."

"It was a long time ago." Though time didn't change how clearly she remembered when her world fell apart.

The sound of her brothers crying gave them away, the smell of blood and burning. While encountering that particular combination more times than was healthy for the average psychological state, it was the first, and it mingled with all of her childhood's familiarity. The rich smell of fertilized fields, the fruiting trees out back, and her mother's perfume underlay it all.

Shepard's expression concealed her thoughts. She picked her coffee back up.

"They want to set up an exchange?"

"Seems so."

"Give the information to Joker to put in the ship's system. I don't want to disturb the crew's leave. They have till 0600 tomorrow morning."

Shepard turned away from the woman, coffee mug grasped tightly in one hand. With a brisk pace, she hurried through the mess. A few of the crew were still on the ship for a meal, and she offered them a quick grin.

Stopping in the corridor before the elevator, Shepard drank her coffee down to the sugary sludge at the bottom. Girding her thoughts, she turned on a heel and walked to Life Support. Thane was still on the Citadel, spending what time he could with Kolyat.

Meeting with the Council again had reinforced the brevity of the work she had done - and all that she had yet to do. Her time in the bright sunlight of life was dimming, and she needed to return to the mines.

And this.

Part of her wanted to go straight to her quarters and lock herself in, to dig up the vids and holos of her family that she hadn't looked at in years. There were precious few that had been recovered from her family home after the slaver raid. But the dominant, more rational side of her mind reinforced that this was probably a set up, a hoax, or some other sick ploy to try and take advantage of her. To bait her.

Shepard sat down on Thane's bunk, leaning back and staring blankly at the drive core opposite her. The room was dimly lit, the core powered down while they were in dock.

What if it was him though? How would she handle that? Her family was two lifetimes away. This was her life now.

Lying down, Shepard put her toes up on the corners of the small cot. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the familiar scent on the pillow. It was so subtle, but it calmed her.

Were it anyone else they were going to rescue, she could view it as a mission from a removed, logical standpoint. So that was what it must become.

Her omni-tool flickered to life, and she forwarded the message and genetic data to Mordin, asking him to get back to her ASAP.

The demands indicated they were holding someone hostage, and whether it was her brother or not, she would execute his rescue. Deep down though, a small light of hope winked on that it might be one of them.