Has the Normandy always been this dull?

Averil pursed her lips, looking around the CIC with her critical, ever-glowing eyes. Crew members passed her in a flurry, all stopping to salute or give her a nod or a hello, which she promptly ignored. The people there were mostly Cerberus...and that meant she didn't like them. There was only one Cerberus individual on the ship that she could tolerate: Jacob Taylor. But he was boring, and even he was starting to wear her almost non-existent patience thin. He seemed to think that it was perfectly alright to just say whatever he thought about the people they recruited—mainly the assassin, Thane Krios. Now, normally, she would ignore comments Jacob made, but he always made sure to remind Thane that he didn't trust him, and could actually be quite rude. Being rude and brutally honest was her job. And besides, Averil was actually starting to like the drell. He was always so calm, which was what she expected of an assassin, but he was also kind. He never responded to Jacob or anybody with a rude tone...his words could sting if he wished, but his tone remained the same. She almost envied his self-control, and admired his skill. No doubt, he was one of the best fighters she'd ever seen.

Averil pushed herself away from her position against the wall. Nothing interesting was happening on the CIC deck, as usual. She was bored out of her mind, and Audrey was busy doing who-knows-what—conducting deeper research on their remaining dossiers, maybe, or chatting with Garrus in the forward batteries. She seemed to enjoy spending time with the battered turian, judging from how often she went down to check up on him. Audrey didn't seem to get bored very easily anymore...maybe it was because she had an alien to chat with. Averil needed an alien to chat with... Her lips formed a small smirk. And who better to reach out to than the one person on this ship (other than Audrey, Garrus, and Joker) she could actually stand to be around?


"Yo, Krios!" Averil barked out a slang greeting as she stepped through the door of Life Support. Thane looked over at her when she approached, as serene as ever.

"Shepard. Do you need something?" he asked her in his deep, vibrating voice. That voice of his actually gave her goosebumps sometimes.

"Not really," Averil said slowly, her smirk being replaced by a tiny frown. Socializing was far from her strong suit. How do people go about this on a regular basis? "Just thought you might...need some company?" Her voice rose at the end, making her statement seem like an uncertain question.

Thane looked mildly surprised. "Thank you, I would like that," he replied with a slight bow of his head. Averil nodded awkwardly and slipped into the chair in front of him. "Pardon me for saying so..." Thane tilted his head. "But you do not seem the type to make social calls."

"I'm not," Averil mumbled. Then hastily added, "But I am today! Just, uh...just this one, though. I think giving up my whole 'anti-social tough girl' thing for one person is enough for me." That got a small chuckle out of the stoic assassin. It made her feel more confident. Despite the way she acted, Averil was actually quite uncertain when it came to other people. Unless she was threatening them. Threats and violence...that, she could handle. But making casual, friendly conversation? That was a whole other ball game. "So, uh…" Averil lightly drummed her fingers on the table. Thane gave her a curious look, blinking his large black eyes. "Tell me about yourself, Krios."

"I didn't expect the rough Spectre Shepard to make small talk with me," Thane said with a small smile. "I'm afraid I'm not entirely prepared." His eyes sparkled with humor. He was joking with her...Averil didn't even know he could joke, with him being all serious and such all the time. It was obvious that he was trying to make her more comfortable. Part of her felt a bit indignant, but mostly she thought it was a sweet gesture. She usually responded to sweet gestures with sarcastic remarks, but she decided not to...just this once, she'd let it slide.

"First off…" Averil smirked. "Just call me Averil. 'Shepard' just gets confusing. Second...I wasn't exactly prepared when I walked in here either, bucko, so man up."

Thane gave another chuckle. "Yes, I suppose I should." He leaned forward, elbows on the table, and folded his hands together. "Shall I start with my childhood?" After a nod from Averil, he continued. "I was raised on the home planet of the hanar. When I turned six, my parents gave me to the hanar to be trained as an assassin…"

The rest of the evening was spent this way. Thane did most of the talking (which seemed, to Averil, to be out of character for a man like him), with Averil listening intently and asking questions every once in a while. He was actually quite interesting...normally, Averil would have absolutely no interest in listening to people's life stories, but Thane intrigued her. Her interest wasn't romantic, so don't be getting any ideas. He was the first drell she'd ever met, and the stories he told her were actually pretty amazing. Especially the story of how he met his wife...or, rather, his ex-wife. How she saw the laser of his sniper and stepped right in front of it, without hesitation, to save some stranger...she seemed like someone Averil could respect. And so did Thane. He was actually quite religious, not something one would expect from a man who killed for a living. The evening passed almost too quickly. Who knew talking to people could actually be enjoyable?

"Averil Shepard, please get your elusive butt up to the Captain's Quarters."

And that would be Audrey. She'd probably been looking for Averil for awhile...it wasn't surprising that she didn't think to look for her in the company of other people. Getting to her feet, Averil stretched until her back popped, then gave Thane a grin. "Well, that's my cue. Talk to ya later, Krios."

Thane nodded his head in a "farewell" gesture. "It has been a pleasure."

With that, Averil left Life Support, feeling quite satisfied with herself.


"Where the heck have you been?" Averil was greeted by a frustrated Audrey as soon as she stepped out of the elevator. Her hands were on her hips, lips pursed, looking like a mother about to reprimand her child.

"Don't get yer knickers in a twist," Averil replied casually with a wave of her hand. "I was down in Life Support with Krios."

Audrey blinked, surprise replacing the frustrated concern etched into her expression. "Oh. The assassin? Did he do something wrong?"

Averil rolled her eyes. Of course Audrey would think she'd only go in there to yell at him. "No, dummy. We were chatting."

"Whoa, wait." Audrey grinned. "You engaged in actual social interaction? With an actual person? And there was no violence involved?" She laughed and gave her a big bear hug. "My little sister's growing up so fast! I'm proud of you!"

"Shut up!" Averil blushed from embarrassment and pushed Audrey away. Audrey giggled and ruffled Averil's hair, making her huff.

"I knew you could make friends if you tried. Good for you, Avie."

"Don't treat me like a kid," Averil muttered. "I've always been capable of making friends, I just haven't found that many people in the universe that I don't hate."

Audrey rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "You talk tough, but you're a big softie." Averil looked insulted.

"I am not!"

"Are too!"

"Are not!"

"So you're gonna talk to him again, right?"

Averil folded her arms across her chest and turned her head away. "Probably…"

Audrey squealed. "This is so exciting! My anti-social little sister is actually learning how to make friends...this day should be made into a holiday or something."

"You are such a freak," Averil said, but there was a hint of a smile on her face.

"Yep. I'm where you got it from. Now, Garrus has something he want me to help him with. So...we're headed to the Citadel. We'll be there in a few days, so be sure to get anything you need while we're there."

Averil nodded. "Sure thing." She yawned. "I think it's about time I hit the sack...night, Aud."

"Goodnight Avie."


A Few Days Later

Averil walked through the door of Life Support, hands shoved into her pockets. Her cold expression softened slightly when she saw Thane, who she had begun growing fond of. But he wasn't in his normal seat...instead, he was pacing. That didn't look good.

"Shepard."

Averil pursed her lips at Thane's greeting. "I keep telling you, I don't mind if you call me Averil."

"Ah...yes. My apologies." Thane stopped pacing to stand in front of her. He seemed...anxious. Nervous, even. SInce when does Thane Krios get nervous? In the few days she'd been coming down to Life Support, not once had he broken his cool facade, except to smile or laugh. Something was off.

"Chambers said you needed to talk to me." Averil squinted slightly, like she was analyzing him. "What's on your mind, Krios?"

"I..." He paused, frowning. "I have told you much about myself in the short time you have been visiting me. But I...have not told you everything."

"Well, that's pretty much a given, isn't it? You're an assassin. All assassins have secrets."

"Quite true." He stared right into her eyes. "But this is important. I need..." Averil tilted her head, waiting. "I need your help."

"Oh, it's gotta be important if you're actually asking for something." She put her hands on her hips. "What is it, then? Spit it out."

"I have a son."

Averil recoiled at his immediate response. I wasn't expecting that! she thought. Clearing her throat, she forced a cool expression back onto her face. "...Come again?"

"I have a son," Thane repeated. He clasped his hands behind his back, the way he usually does when he stands. "He is around your age now..." He blinked. "I have always tried to keep my life a secret from him. I did not want him to get involved...I learned how dangerous it could get with Irikah. I hardly came home...and after her death, after I hunted down her killers, I couldn't face him. I left him with his aunt and uncle. It has been years since I saw him last..."

"And...?" Averil leaned forward, eager to know what it was Thane wanted to ask. Did he want to go visit his son? I can't imagine that would end well, since it's apparently been years since they saw each other.

"Kolyat has discovered my true identity." Thane closed his eyes. "He found a box that I had left for him, only to be opened after my death..." He stared at her again. "And now he has taken a job as a hitman on the Citadel."

"So, what?" Averil put her hands on her hips. "You want me to take you to the Citadel and stop him?"

"Precisely." His large eyes turned pleading. "This...would mean a lot to me, Averil."

She puffed out her cheeks. C'mon, no fair! There's no way I can say no to him when he looks at me like that. Damn, this whole 'friendship' thing must be making me soft. "Alright, alright, we'll go put the kid in time-out. We're gonna be docking at the Citadel shortly anyway. You and I can go look for Kolyat while Audrey and Garrus go...do whatever they gotta do."

Thane released a breath she hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Thank you. I am in your debt."

"Oi, don't thank me yet." Averil ran a hand through her dark hair. "We haven't even gotten started. Get ready to go, we'll be there in about half an hour."


Half an Hour Later

Averil, Audrey, Thane, and Garrus gathered together by the shuttle that took them from the Normandy. "Are you sure you want to split up?" Audrey asked worriedly. "We haven't gone on separate missions since we reunited on that Cerberus base."

Averil smirked. "Oh, quit yer worryin'. Last time I checked, I was perfectly capable of lookin' after myself. Besides, all we're doin' is findin' this Kolyat kid and draggin' him away from a life of crime. I doubt there'll be much fighting involved…" She trailed off, suddenly looking disappointed. "Damn…"

Audrey laughed. "You can find violence in a church, Avie. But I guess I can't keep an eye on you all the time." She put a hand on Thane's shoulder. "I'll leave it to you, Thane. Look after her for me." Thane nodded his consent.

"I will do my best."

"I'm not a kid anymore!" Averil huffed. "I'm a Spectre, and a damn good one at that! I don't need a babysitter."

"I know, I know." Audrey laughed. "I was only teasing you. Good luck, you two."

"Same to you." Averil looked at Garrus. "Since Aud said it to Krios, it's only fair I say it to you. Take care of her while you're doing your whole broody turian thing. Don't let anything bad happen to her, or you'll regret it."

Garrus gave a nervous chuckle. "Right...of course. You can count on me." Then he paused. "Wait. 'Broody turian thing'? I don't brood…"

"You are such a hypocrite," Audrey said to her sister. She gave her a hug. "See you soon. Try not to blow too much stuff up."

"No promises." Averil pulled away and nodded at Thane, before they both walked off through the security check. She looked over her shoulder, to see Audrey and Garrus talking softly to each other. She saw that look on Audrey's face again...the look she always had when she was talking to Garrus. Averil couldn't quite name it...and that bothered her. It definitely wasn't any look Averil'd had...not for a long time, anyway. Shaking her head, she turned back and looked straight ahead.

"We should speak to him." Thane pointed at Bailey. "He might know if a drell had passed through recently."

"Yeah, good idea." Averil squared her shoulders and approached Bailey's desk.

"Shepard. What can I do for you?"

Averil folded her arms across her chest. "My...associate needs help finding his son. Find out if anyone lookin' like him has come through here." She jerked her thumb in Thane's direction.

Bailey nodded. "Should be easy, we don't see many drell around here." He turned to his computer and started typing. "There we go. A drell came through here pretty recently… And he was talking to Mouse, interesting…"

"Mouse?" Thane wondered, his voice soft. He seemed intrigued, like he recognized the name.

Bailey looked up at him. "A petty criminal. Probably not the guy who hired your boy, but a messenger. He's a former duct rat, runs errands for anyone who'll pay."

"Do you know where we can find him?" asked Averil. Bailey nodded.

"Mouse is usually upstairs, outside the Dark Star. He works outside a public comm terminal." He looked at Thane again. "Looks like your boy's running with the wrong crowd."

Thane nodded. "Yes. I agree."

"If Mouse can't get you in touch with your son directly, he'll know who can. I'll help you if you need it," the captain offered. Averil almost smiled. For an authoritative figure, Bailey wasn't that bad of a guy. She almost liked him...almost.

"Thanks, Captain. We'll come back if we need you." Making eye contact with Thane, she led him out of C-Sec HQ.

"You didn't tell him that Kolyat plans to assassinate someone," Thane stated, as though he were surprised.

Averil rolled her eyes. "He's a cop, Krios. Do you report your assassinations to the police?" Thane shook his head. "Then why would I report your son's?"

"You have a point." He bowed his head. "Thank you, Averil."

She felt heat rise to her cheeks. She wasn't used to being thanked directly...people usually thanked her sister, the nice one, the one they weren't scared shitless of. It felt nice being thanked. "Y-yeah. Sure. Whatever. Let's go find Mouse." Averil sauntered through the halls of the Citadel, as easily as if she were looking at a map. Soon enough, they reached the terminal Bailey said Mouse would be near. The man was indeed there, and Averil didn't hesitate to approach him. "Hey, kid. Are you Mouse?"

He put away the data pad he was holding, slowly turning around. "What do you—oh, shit!" His hands flew up when he saw Thane. "Krios! I thought you retired!" He looked at Averil, rubbing his eyes. "A-Averil Shepard? I thought you died…what do you want with me?"

Thane put his hand on Mouse's shoulder. "Be still, Mouse. You can change your pants in a moment." Averil struggled to hold back a laugh. Then, she stepped towards Mouse, all business.

"We don't have time for formalities. We were told you could point us to who hired Thane's son, so get pointing," she snapped. It always got on her nerves when people trailed off-topic when she was in the middle of something important.

"Th-the people I work for…look, I can't just answer questions for anybody!" Mouse cried. Thane grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, their faces only inches apart.

"But you can for me." He glared at the cowering human. "You gave another drell instructions for an assassination. Who's the target?" Averil smirked. She liked this side of Thane. The mean side. It was sexy.

"I-I dunno, I didn't ask. The people I work for—gah!" Mouse cried out when Averil's fist drove into his stomach. He fell to the ground, and she pressed the tip of her Omni-blade against his chest. Looks like Audrey was right...she could find violence anywhere.

"Tell us, or I'll be the last thing you ever see," she hissed.

"Th-Thane," Mouse stammered, "Help me!"

"Help ME, Mouse," Thane insisted. "My son is out there, in the dark!"

"Th-that's why I carried for him!" the young man said. "I thought you'd want me to! Please…"

"Explain," Averil growled, pressing the tip even harder against him. It dug through his clothes, just touching his skin.

"H-he came in, said he was looking for work," Mouse began. "I put the word out, used your old contacts," he said, looking up at Thane. "Elias wanted to hire him. Elias Kelham." The two interrogators looked at each other, and Averil put her blade away, allowing Mouse to pull himself to his feet.

"You just saved yourself a world of pain, kid," she snapped. Using that line almost made her smile. It had the desired effect. She could see the fear flash in his eyes, but his expression was weary.

"Yeah, right. When Kelham finds out what I've done, I won't live long. And I can't do anything about it but hide," Mouse groaned. He looked at Thane. "Krios, you got any kindness for me…put a bullet in Kelham before you go." With that, he walked away, clutching his stomach where Averil punched him.

Averil cracked her knuckles, feeling satisfied about getting a little of her constant pent-up rage out after days on sitting on the Normandy. "Let's head back to Bailey."


"Did you talk to Mouse?" Bailey asked right when they walked in. "Did you get the name of the guy he's workin' with?"

"Elias Kelham," Averil said, already irritated before Bailey even opened his mouth to respond.

"Kelham…ah, shit…" he muttered. Yep, she saw that one coming. He sighed. "Uh…look, this is awkward. Kelham and I have an…agreement. He doesn't cause too much trouble and 'buys tickets to the C-Sec Charity Ball from me'," He put air-quotes around those words, "In return…I ignore him."

"He bribes you," Averil said bluntly, annoyed by Bailey's sudden unwillingness to assist. "You were eager to help us before, Captain. Gonna go back on your word?"

Bailey sighed again. "No, I'll help. I'll get some of my people to bring him in, set him up in a private room. You can interrogate him yourself. I'll stay out of sight, and if I'm lucky, Kelham will believe I had nothing to do with it."

"Bring him in," Averil said hastily. "We might not have much time."

"I'll make it happen," he assured them. "Wait here." Bailey rose from his seat and walked away, leaving Thane and Averil wait anxiously. Thane most of all. Averil noticed him fidgeting, like he was trying to keep himself from starting to pace. She didn't blame him. If she was in his position, she would be just as anxious...probably.

About ten minutes later, two C-Sec officers came in, dragging a fancily-dressed man into the interrogation room. "We've got Kelham," Averil told an officer standing by the door. "Tell Bailey we're ready." He obeyed, going to get the captain. She glanced at Thane, and he gave her a small smile and a nod.

Moments later, Bailey approached them. "He's gonna expect me to get him outta this," he said.

"Not today, I think." Thane and Averil exchanged another glance.

Averil glanced towards the entrance of the C-Sec office, just as Kelham's lawyer approached the other officers. "His lawyer's here. Bailey, stall him. We'll take care of Kelham," she said. The captain nodded.

"Right. Work fast." The dark-haired woman turned to Thane as Bailey walked away.

"You be the 'good cop'," Averil said, before he had time to open his mouth. "I'm a lot more comfortable using violence anyway."

"Very well, I'll make him believe we do not want to hurt him. Let's hurry," Thane said, trusting her plan. He followed her into the interrogation room.

"Who the hell are—"

"Shut it!" Averil growled, stopping Kelham as he began his arrogant protest. She didn't have the patience for it. "We're not C-Sec, and Bailey can't save you. We need answers, and we need them now."

His eyes narrowed. "I'm not telling you anything."

Well, there was one sure-fire way to get a man like him to talk. Before he could react,Averil knuckles collided with his cheek bone. "You hired a drell to take someone out for you," she said through clenched teeth. "Who's the target?!"

Kelham spit blood onto the floor. "You think violence will get you what you need? I'll have my lawyer sue all of—ugh!" He sputtered when Averil's elbow dug into his stomach.

"We don't want to hurt you," Thane said calmly. "But I'm afraid we don't have much time. If you cooperate, my colleague will inflict no further harm upon you." For emphasis, Averil punched him in the mouth.

"Fine!" Kelham cried. "The target's name is Joram Talid. Got it?! He's a turian politician."

Thane nodded at Averil, and she backed off. "Thank you. You were most helpful." Averil shot Kelham a glare as they gracefully walked out of the room, past Kelham's pissed-off lawyer.

"That was fun," Averil said, cracking her knuckles. "We should interrogate people more often."

"Indeed," Thane chuckled. "Shall we go find Bailey once again? He might know who this Talid person is."

"That won't be necessary," Averil said with a small smirk. "I know the guy he's talkin' about, his whole 'tour of the Citadel' thing is posted everywhere. C'mon, we'll probably find him this way." She boldly took Thane by the wrist, and pulled him along with her. After a few minutes of navigating through the crowds, she spotted the turian politician a few feet away. She stopped, making Thane stop with her. "There he is." She nodded at Talid and his krogan bodyguard. "I'll go along the catwalks, see if I can spot Kolyat anywhere."

"What shall I do?" Thane asked.

"If anything bad happens, I'll need you to help me out…" She put a hand on her favorite drell's shoulder. "Be waitin' in the darkest corner with the best view." Thane gave a small, secretive smile. Averil smirked, then walked over to the door that led to the catwalks.

"Good luck," he called to her softly. Her smirk widened, and she gave him a small wave before the door closed behind her.

She didn't bother tailing Talid. If the kid was half as smart as his dad, he'd be waiting for Talid near his apartment...and she knew where all the apartments of all the 'important' people were. Time to set this 'Kolyat' guy straight. So, she walked as fast as she could through the catwalks, opening the storage door where the storage boy tried to stop her. Averil simply pushed past him and through the other door, despite his rather loud protests, continuing to walk until she could see the door Talid would most likely end up going through. Sure enough, Kolyat was there, leaning against a wall. Talid probably wouldn't be there for a little while, so now was her chance. Without thinking much about it, Averil leaped from the catwalks, landing on the ground with a thump. Kolyat didn't notice her—he was most likely caught up in his thoughts about the assassination he was planning on executing. Too bad for him, Averil had other plans. She put her fingers to her lips and let out a shrill whistle, immediately catching the teal drell's attention. "Yo, kid! I got somethin' to say to you!" she yelled.

He looked confused, and shook his head. Rolling her eyes, Averil strolled right up to him. And oh boy, did he looked nervous. He was practically trembling. This was the son of the great Thane Krios? Averil looked him up and down. Though...getting a closer look, he was pretty attractive. At least he was like his father in that aspect. "It's rude to ignore people," Averil drawled, putting a hand on her hip.

"Go away, lady," Kolyat muttered. "I have no business with you."

She raised an incredulous eyebrow. The nerve on this kid! "Oi, watch yer tone! And look at me when I'm talkin' to you!" She snapped her fingers in front of his face, drawing the attention of his wandering eyes.

"Look, I'm busy, okay?! Whatever you want to sell to me, I'm not interested."

Averil scowled. "Pardon?" She grabbed the collar of his shirt. "Do I look like a saleswoman to you, boy?" Kolyat blinked. "You better watch what you say." She shoved him back. "Now get this whole idiotic 'hitman' thing out of yer mind and come with me. It's time for a little family reunion."

"What…?" Kolyat frowned. "Who are you? And how do you know about…?"

"Averil Shepard," she replied quickly. "Spectre, one half of the duo that saved the Citadel. Impressive, I know. Now get yer ass in gear and follow me."

Kolyat folded his arms across his chest. "Why should I trust you? A woman who pops up out of nowhere and asks me to follow her? Do you think I'm stupid?"

"Yes," Averil said flatly. Kolyat glared at her. "If you didn't wanna know the answer, you shouldn't have asked," she said with a shrug. "You follow your instincts though, I like that. That'll keep you alive." She narrowed her eyes. "And so will doing as I say. You don't wanna piss me off."

"Oh, please." Kolyat rolled his eyes. "You're just a normal woman dressed up in some cheap armor to look intimidating. I bet you don't even know how to use a gun."

Averil didn't even hesitate. She kicked the young drell's feet right out from under him, surprising him enough to make him drop the pistol he had clutched in his hand. Before he had time to process what had just happened, she straddled his hips, pulling out her own pistol and pressing it under his chin. "Wanna bet, Lizard Boy?" she hissed. Kolyat was completely stunned. She didn't blame him, after all, she had gotten him on the ground in three seconds flat. "I know how to use a gun better than you ever will, Kolyat. And I wouldn't push my buttons if I were you." She put her elbow on his chest, resting her cheek on her hand and smirking down at him. She could feel his heart beating rapidly, and his cheeks looked darker, but she didn't know why. It didn't matter anyway.

"How do you know who I am?" Kolyat asked shakily.

She ignored his question. "Look, kid, you may be Thane's son, but I really don't mind roughin' you up a little. Got that?"

Kolyat's expression suddenly turned serious. "How do you know my father?" he asked slowly. Averil sighed and stood up. He was harmless without his gun. "Well?" He stepped towards her. "How do you know him? Tell me!"

"Kolyat."

A deep voice rumbled behind the dark-haired woman, and Kolyat's attention snapped to its owner…and he laid eyes on his father for the first time in years. "This…this is a joke," he said disbelievingly. "Now? Now you show up?!" He took a step towards Thane, pissed off, but he stopped when Averil stepped in front of his father, looking almost…protective. "You son of a bitch!" he growled, glaring venomously at Thane. Averil scowled.

"Watch your mouth!" she snapped. "Your dad's trying to reach out to you, brat! Try shutting up for a minute and listen!"

"What, does he want my forgiveness? So he can die in peace or something?" Kolyat asked incredulously, throwing a hand in the air. Averil's eyes narrowed angrily. What an ungrateful bastard! she thought. He's only got one parent left! He'd have to be a complete moron if he actually wants to pick a fight with him! If my dad were still alive, I'd spend as much time with him as I could. But he's not, and Mom's busy with the Alliance... She pursed her lips. His mom may have died, but Kolyat should have been feeling very lucky. Besides, Thane's my friend...I think...and I'm not gonna just stand here while this idiot runs his mouth. Anger practically radiated off of Averil, both her and Kolyat's hands balled into fists, and they both looked about ready to kill each other before Thane stepped in.

"I came to grant you peace." Thane's head lowered. "You are angry because I wasn't there when your mother died," he said. It wasn't a question. And he looked completely ashamed.

"You weren't there when she was alive, why would you be there when she died?!" Kolyat scoffed, folding his arms across his chest. Averil raised her fist, but she restrained herself from hitting Kolyat when Thane looked at her sternly. She stepped back and let Thane take over, settling with just scowling at his son. If Thane hadn't interfered, Kolyat would most likely be unconscious, if not dead, by now. Kolyat's lucky his daddy's here to protect him, she thought bitterly.

"Your mother…" Thane looked down at the ground. "They killed her to get to me. It was my fault."

"What?" Kolyat's arms unfolded, looking at his father in surprise.

"After her body was given to the deep," Thane continued, brow furrowing. "I went to find them. The triggermen, the ringleaders…I hurt them. Eventually killed them. When I went back to see you, you were…older. I should have stayed with you."

Kolyat's eyes narrowed. "I guess it's too bad for me you waited so long, huh?" Thane looked genuinely sorry and ashamed, but Kolyat didn't seem in the mood to hear his apologies.

Thane paused, looking at his son with eyes full of guilt. "Kolyat, I've taken many bad things out of the world. You're the only good thing I ever added to it." Kolyat's brow furrowed as well, and he looked down at his feet, tears streaming silently down his face.

Averil shifted uncomfortably. Emotional scenes were...nowhere near her territory. How awkward… She cleared her throat. "We, uh...we probably shouldn't stay here. We should head back to the Normandy before the cops show up and ruin everything." She looked at Kolyat coldly. "That includes you, Lizard Boy."

The teal-scaled drell's brow rose incredulously. "You expect me to come with you? My neglecting father and a human woman I don't even know?"

"You're walkin' on thin ice, boy," Averil snarled, walking up to Kolyat and getting in his face. "I suggest you do as I say before the wall gets a new Kolyat-shaped dent." From the way her eyes glinted, both drell knew she would happily carry out her threat. But, unfortunately for him, Kolyat didn't seem to care.

"You don't scare me," Kolyat laughed, pushing Averil away from him.

Thane winced. Oh, he's askin' for it now, Averil thought. She was perfectly still for a moment, then she started cracking her knuckles. "Please, try not to put my son in the hospital," Thane sighed.

Averil pouted. "Fine. Only 'cause you said so." Kolyat took a step back, gulping. Now would be a good time for him to run, she thought with amusement. She activated her Tech Armor. "Krios, do me a favor and go hide behind that crate over there." Thane nodded and did as she instructed. "Nighty night, Lizard Boy," she sang, his eyes widening just before she detonated her armor. The blast wasn't nearly strong enough to be fatal, she made sure of that...but it was enough to knock him out cold. His body went limp, and he collapsed to the ground. Averil stretched. "Ah. Gotta love family reunions." She picked the unconcious young drell up and slung him over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes, just as Thane came to her side.

"I imagine he will be quite angry when he wakes up. He will most likely want off the ship immediately," he said quietly.

Averil grinned. "Too bad we'll already be deep into space by then." With that, she walked off towards the dock, whistling a merry tune.


It's Takara again! Sorry for the long wait, guys. And sorry for the lack of action in this chapter...Thane's loyalty mission doesn't have much, even with me twisting it to get Kolyat on board the Normandy. I hope you liked it, anyway! xoxo