- Chapter 14 -

Steve wheeled the three crates of cargo into the life support room. He was only half paying attention to the trolley. They pretty much ran themselves anyway. He wanted to be sure to arrange these crates as quickly as possible and get back to his shuttle diagnostics. They were having a bit of a breather right now. But if there was one thing he had learned since Shepard came aboard, they'd be in the thick of it soon enough. As if conjuring the woman from thin air, Steve turned to find Shepard braced against the wall, her eyes closed tightly. "Commander, I didn't see you there."

Shepard's eyes opened and she turned to look at him. Steve stared at Shepard a moment perplexed. When she had opened her eyes and faced him a deep sadness had been clear in her green eyes. But with the blink of her eyes she was back to her old self, calm, cool and collected, the Shepard everyone knew. Even her tone had its usual monotone when she acknowledged him. But he knew what he had seen. He wondered what was eating at her. His protective instincts flared to life. It was a ridiculous notion really. He was feeling protective of Alexis Shepard. There wasn't another woman alive that needed less protection. Hell he'd bet there wasn't another being alive that could protect themselves better than their stalwart Commander. But he found he couldn't walk away either. Before she could move he approached. "You don't have to leave. Actually do you mind if I join you? My Commander says I should take a break every now and then," he said, a small smirk curving his lips. Shepard arched a curious brow but said nothing. Steve took that as acquiescence and settled himself across from her.

Steve glanced around the sparse sterile room. He wondered what could have brought her here. This room was used mostly for storage. Few people came in here that he knew, and certainly never the Commander. It was possible she had wanted to be alone. But if that were the case wouldn't her cabin serve better? He faced her again as his curiosity continued to bubble. "I was just delivering supplies and was surprised to find you in here. Don't think I've ever seen anyone else in here before."

Shepard glanced around the room then settled her gaze on the table beside him. "This was the room one of my old crew used." Steve's brows rose. "Thane Krios," she answered his unasked question. Steve's brows rose further. He'd heard the name. "Isn't he the guy who was stabbed trying to save the Salarian councilor?" Steve hadn't seen the fight but James had. James had told him the Drell had come out of nowhere to save the councilor. James had been very animated when he retold the story, which meant he had been impressed by this Thane Krios. It was all rather surprising to Steve. He knew James was a pugilist at heart. He'd rather solve everything with fisticuffs. But he would not stop talking about this particular fight. James had said both men were evenly matched, if their moves and counter moves were any indication. James had gone on to say that he had seen plenty of fights in his time, but few if any, had ever looked so perfect. He had said the two opponents had danced around each other, neither able to gain the upper hand. That was until the Cerberus assassin ran the Drell through. Steve hadn't realized the man had been one of the old crew.

The mention of the Drell and his wound seemed to stir something in Shepard. He would have missed it had he not been staring straight at her. Steve schooled his features to remain blank. He wondered at her reaction. Had she been close to this Thane Krios? James had mentioned Shepard reacting oddly. James said she had seemed more intense. Steve had dismissed the comment as silly. After all, Shepard had always seemed intense to him. Her reaction now though was definitely odd. He suddenly felt the need to ask. He didn't know why, he just knew it was the right thing to do. "Is he going to be okay?" Steve watched as Shepard's jaw hardened. He wondered if she would answer. Had he pushed too far with the simple question? But she hadn't budged. Except for the small tick in her jaw, she had yet to move. He watched her eyes slide past him to the table. "Thane is dying," she answered finally.

Steve blinked at her comment. It wasn't what she said that surprised him. It was how she had said it. The Commander sounded - angry. He wasn't sure how to respond so he offered her the only thing he could think of, platitudes. "I'm sorry."

Shepard for her part remained stoic. Her behavior intrigued Steve. So one of her old crew was dying? Shepard had lost people under her command before, by her own orders in some cases. Why did this particular individual's death anger her? Steve ran over all the detailes in his head again, finding her in this room, her odd reactions to the mention of Thane, James's account of her behavior. Was it possible Shepard hated this guy and was angry he wasn't dead yet? Steve dismissed the thought. If she had wanted the man dead, Steve had no doubt Shepard would have put a bullet between the Drell's eyes by now. But clearly she had some sort of attachment to Thane. So if it wasn't hate then could it possibly be...

Steve had to physically control his jaw from dropping. Commander Shepard was in love. She was in love with this Drell, Thane Krios, a man who was dying. Steve's chest tightened in sympathy. He knew what she was going through. It was a kind of pain he wouldn't wish on his worst enemy. He understood how excruciating this probably was for her and he wanted to help her as she had helped him. "I never got to meet him. Tell me about him," he asked, the words past his lips before he had a chance to swallow them. It was the kind of question you ask someone you were close to. They were Commander and subordinate. She didn't have to answer him. Hell most commanders would probably have reprimanded him for overstepping his bounds. He and Shepard weren't exactly close and really, if she wanted to talk to someone, she would probably choose one of her crew from the Normandy SR1. She had faced death with that crew. That type of experience tends to create a bond few other things ever could. But there was one thing he did share with her and he was hoping it was enough to get her to open up.

Steve watched as Shepard settled further into the cot. She continued to stare at the table but he knew she wasn't seeing the table. She was already lost in her memories. She was seeing something else other than the sterile metal furniture beside him. Finally her gaze shifted back to him. Steve waited expecting her to dismiss him, prepared for it. Instead she pulled her knees against her chest tighter and began, her tone level, without feeling. "Thane was already dying when he came aboard Normandy."

Steve's brow knit in confusion. "Why take him on as a crew member then?"

Shepard's lips thinned. "I didn't know when I went to recruit him. It wasn't until after we had stormed a tower to find him and I was able to speak with him that I found out. But by then I had seen what he was capable of and I had already decided

I needed him."

Steve's brows rose slightly at the obvious compliment. Upon their first meeting Shepard had assessed the man and had decided he was the man to join her crew. "He was that good?"

Shepard snorted softly at the question. "Better." Steve blinked at the single word. This man must be truly impressive. "When I was given Thane's dossier it said he was rumored to be the best in the galaxy. After that first encounter I was inclined to agree. Thane was like mist. One moment you were going about your business and the next he would appear before your eyes. His targets would catch a glimpse of his face a split second before they died."

"He would let them see his face before he killed them? Isn't that a little cold," Steve asked unable to hold back the question. He'd been in combat situations before. True he was usually behind the controls of the shuttle instead of dodging bullets. But he was pretty sure no one actually wanted to look their targets in the eye. It was hard enough taking life. Unless of course it was a Reaper or Cerberus. Steve was fairly certain he'd have no problem killing either. Shepard shrugged bringing Steve back to the conversation. "In some ways yes and in others no." Steve's brows shot up at her cryptic answer. Shepard's lips quirked ever so slightly. "Thane was trained from a young age to be an instrument of death. But he was also deeply spiritual and honorable. He was never underhanded with his kills. He did extensive recon and exploited any weakness available to his advantage. Thane was an expert sniper and biotic. He is deadly at any range but he always killed up close. His honor demanded that of him."

Steve absorbed all Shepard was saying. Clearly Shepard had deep respect and admiration for Thane. "That's why he chose to face the Cerberus assassin instead of just taking him out."

Shepard nodded, her mouth in a thin grim line, all humor gone. "He should have just taken the damned shot. He had clear line of sight. He could have killed the assassin. Instead the bastard got away and Thane got hurt."

"His honor code," Steve murmured softly. "Yeah," Shepard muttered. "So the first time I see him in over eight months, after thinking he was already dead, he shows up out of thin air, then promptly gets himself run through."

The volume of Shepard's tone hadn't changed but it was near impossible to miss the hardness it had taken. As her words sunk in one detail struck him. "You thought he was already dead?" Shepard's jaw began to twitch again. Steve wondered if perhaps

This time he had gone too far. But, though she was clearly agitated, she still hadn't moved. He hoped that was a good sign. A moment later she began again. "When I was being held at HQ I wasn't allowed communication with anyone. For six months the only person I ever saw was James."

"Ouch," Steve chided. He knew Shepard was being serious but he couldn't help it. It was the kind of playful relationship he had with James. He just couldn't pass up a chance to take a dig at the LT, small though it was. His playful Comment earned him a snort from Shepard though. Another good sign.

"I saw the bras every now and again for debrief. But mostly it was just James. So I had no way of knowing what was going on. When I got out I had Edi begin searching. Every place we docked she linked and searched. It took weeks but she was finally able to find a few things, one was a letter from Thane. It was marked for delivery upon his death."

Steve gulped back the lump in his throat. It was funny that he was getting chocked up at what she was saying. Shepard on the other hand was as dry as the Sahara in her recitation. But he could hear something there. He knew she was hurting. He had no idea how he knew, he just did. This was not easy for her. He gulped again. "When did you get the letter?" Shepard let out a long slow breath. "After the mission to rescue Werx's missing scouts." Steve blinked shocked. That had been at least three weeks ago and she had been searching for him for at least twice that long. Good God, no wonder she was pissed. "Where the hell has he been all this time," Steve growled, feeling his own anger rise.

Shepard raised a brow at his outburst. Steve gulped, thinking that he had definitely pushed too far this time. But she surprised him again, not only by answering but by what she said. "Thane was on Kahje trying to uncover the plot against his home planet in order to protect his wife's family."

Steve was confused by the comment. His wife's family? Then his rage snapped. Had the bastard made Shepard fall in love with him all the while having a wife safely tucked away one some distant planet? Honestly, Steve didn't care how impressive or spiritual the guy was supposed to be. He had officially landed himself on Steve's shit list. Steve gulped back the rage - again. "How did he end up on the Citadel?"

"His investigation led him there. It had all been a psychotic plot by a Hanar diplomat." Steve's brow knit in confusion. How could she possibly know that? "Council Spector and I uncovered the plot and took care of the Hanar before it could do any real harm," Shepard answered. Steve snorted amused. Of course she had. It would seem she was always exactly where she needed to be at the precise time she needed to be there. "So now Thane is on the Citadel recovering. Where will he go from there?

Steve saw a shadow cloud Shepard's gaze. She blinked and it was gone. "I don't really know," she answered letting her legs drop to the floor. She pushed away from the cot and stood. "I should get back to CIC and you should get back to the shuttle bay. I'm sure you've been missed by now."

"If you mean Mr. Vega, he needs to be alone every once and a while. Teaches him to appreciate me more."

Shepard snored and moved off, Steve following close behind. She stopped at the door and turned to face him. "Thanks for the ear Steve. I appreciate it."

Steve did all in his power not to blush. "Anytime Shepard," he answered.

Shepard inclined her head, turned and left the room. Steve turned and glanced around the room again. He knew Shepard had deep feelings for the Drell but he honestly hoped to never meet the man. He was pretty sure it would not be a pleasant experience for either of them. Clinching his jaw in agitation he too left the life support room.

- Chapter 15 -

Alexis sat staring at her monitor. It had been a few hellish days. They had gotten an urgent message about some scientists who were trapped on a planet. Alexis had immediately plotted course. Scientists were in high demand right now, what with the building of the Crucible in full swing. And any scientists would be helpful. Alexis and the team had arrived at the secret base to discover it under attack by Cerberus. That alone had been reason enough to get involved. She had been mildly surprised to find the scientists in question had also been Cerberus, or rather Cerberus defectors. This particular group of scientists had become suspicious of the Illusive Man's questionable projects and had decided they couldn't stay with Cerberus any longer. Easier said than done, no one leaves Cerberus. Though they had successfully fled, the Illusive Man had tracked them down.

The team had landed to find Jacob Taylor defending the facility. It had been good to see her old tactical officer. As it turned out, Jacob had been protecting this particular group even while they had been with Cerberus. He had fallen in love with one of the scientists. So when they decided they'd had enough of the Illusive Man's shadow projects, Jacob had offered his expertise and helped them escape.

Alexis's initial encounter with Jacob had been an interesting one. Jacob had been more relaxed than he had ever been on the Normandy and that was taking into account the fact that the base had been under siege. Clearly Jacob's relationship with Dr. Brynn Cole had mellowed him. But it was his interaction with Kaidan that had been odd. Kaidan had been on high alert the moment he had realized it was Cerberus they were dealing with. He was still ever suspicious of the group. And even though he knew they had broken with Cerberus his suspicions had remained, especially toward Jacob. Alexis knew Kaidan had a deep distrust toward everything Cerberus. Hadn't her own exchanges with him been tainted by that same distrust? But this seemed to go deeper. It was almost like Kaidan resented the fact that Jacob had once been Alliance, then left to become Cerberus. Kaidan appeared to be very black and white on the issue. Alliance was good and Cerberus was bad. Everyone who fell into the grey area he reserved judgment. The only one Kaidan didn't paint with that brush was Garrus. Perhaps it was the fact that Kaidan and Garrus shared a lot of the same moral values.

Whatever the case had been, Kaidan had been able to stow his distrust long enough to get the job done. But there would definitely be no warmth between Kaidan and Jacob. By contrast Kiadan had been completely attentive to her. He had rarely left her side. That was until she had told the crew to head to the shuttle while she stayed to provide cover fire. Kiadan had outright refused. It was a first for them. When Alexis ordered the team to do something she expected them to do as she commanded. But she had ordered Kiadan away one too many times with disastrous results. He wasn't about to leave her again, he had growled. They were being overrun by Cerberus troops while waiting for Jacob to pilot the shuttle for their escape. It had hardly been the time to argue so she had allowed it. A fortunate thing as it turned out. A rifle shot intended for her got the generator beside her instead, exploding, sending her flying. It was Kaidan who had helped her up and into the shuttle. She had appreciated having him there. Should she have disciplined him for his insubordination? Probably. She should speak to him about it at the very least. But she found she didn't want to. She knew when it came right down to it, if she was firm with her order, Kiadan would obey regardless of his personal feelings.

And in all honestly she couldn't blame him. He had obeyed her order once to leave her behind and had then been forced to watch her die. She knew now that their friendship was strong, that his loyalty to her ran deep. She understood the difficulty he would be faced with if a situation like that ever came up again. Thankfully they were both soldiers and understood duty. She had no doubt he would follow her orders when the time came.

Alexis stared at the message on her terminal. It was the message she had been given by Edi, the one that had convinced her Thane was dead. It had been at least a week and a half since she left Thane on the Citadel and several days since her chat with Steve in the life support room. Yet the anger still simmered. It was an odd emotion to feel in connection with Thane. After all, hadn't she spent months mourning him? Yet now that he was alive, now that he was safe, she had chosen to leave him behind, unable to overcome the absolute fury she felt. But why was she so angry? Why was she still so angry? She couldn't explain it. Her fury had gone through the roof when he had put his life in danger. If something had happened to him she would have been devastated. Hadn't she felt herself die a little every day without him? It infuriated her that Thane had been so willing to throw away what little time they had together. That he had wasted so much of it already.

She scowled at the screen as the thought blossomed in her mind. Yes that was one of the reasons she was so angry. Thane hadn't been at the Citadel when she had gone for him. For months she had tried to convince the brass to let her go. She hadn't been able to leave HQ or even get a message out but when she had finally been freed she had gone for him and he hadn't been there. Oh no, Thane had chosen his own crusade on behalf of his dead wife. He had chosen Irikah over her and the knowledge cut deep. Thane had said she was his mate, that their bond was unique, magical. Yet when the time came he had chosen his Drell wife.

Alexis sat back in her chair, her arms crossed over her chest and stared at the terminal screen. So what was she supposed to do now? She had received a message from his doctor that Thane was well enough to travel. Should she go back and try to repair what was left of their relationship? Or should she send him a message telling him she couldn't go to him now because of the war? But how long could she keep that up? Until he died? That thought made her stomach clinch painfully. No, no matter how angry she was, how confused by it all she was, she was still in love with him. Did she honestly want to waste what was left of his life on her petty jealousy? Alexis growled angrily and sat up. She knew what she had to do. It was time to get to it.

- Chapter 16 -

Alexis made her way slowly through the hospital on her way to the elevators. She knew Thane had been moved to a more secure area on the fourth floor. Bailey had kept his promise and had Thane moved as soon as he had been able to. Thane had also been re-admitted under a false name for additional security. He was under guard though not heavily. Apparently Thane had been upset enough by the move and change of name.

Bailey had been Alexis's first stop once they had docked. Her second would be Thane's attending, an old acquaintance, Dr. Michel. Alexis knew she was stalling. She knew she was doing the right thing by coming for Thane but she still hadn't banished the anger completely. It still bubbled within her. Sighing at her inner conflict, she exited the elevator on the fourth floor. She spotted Dr. Michel at the end of the visitor area and slowly made her way to her. Dr. Michel saw Alexis coming and dismissed the nurse she had been speaking with. "Dr. Michel," Alexis said in greeting as she stopped before the doctor. "Commander Shepard, it's good to see you."

Alexis stood in the doorway to Thane's room staring at him, rooted to the spot. Somehow, after speaking with Dr. Michel, she had made it here. But now that she was seeing him she couldn't seem to move. Thane had yet to see her, his back to her as he gazed out the large window to the garden beyond. She was stunned. There was just no way to explain what was happening to her. She, Alexis Shepard, was actually struck dumb.

Thane sensed her presence and turned to face her, recognition in his obsidian gaze. "Siha."

When the doors had slid open and Alexis had first seen him she had been numb. But now, now there wasn't an emotion that wasn't charging through her body, each trying desperately to beat out all others for supremacy. She was shocked, and happy, and confused, and curious, and ecstatic and angry. Upon hearing his pet name for her one emotion surged forward. Alexis snarled and stalked toward Thane, anger coursing through her, that emotion the clear winner. Her hands clinched at her sides. When she got close her right fist swung forward dealing Thane a blow across his jaw, stunning him for a moment. "You're cured," she growled, the fury still white hot. "How could you not tell me? I've spend months preparing for your death, fearing it. Since I've been free I've done all I could to find you, to be with you for as long as we may have had left. And all this time you've been in perfect health? Why Thane? Why would you not tell me?"

Thane rubbed his jaw. "You were still incarcerated with Professor Solis cured me," he replied matter-of-factly.

Alexis curled her lip in another snarl. "I've been out for moths," she bit out.

Thane let his hand drop from his jaw and faced her squarely. "I could not contact you. It was imperative I remain hidden."

Alexis felt her rage jump another notch. Ah yes, his all-important mission for his dead wife. She turned and stalked away from him before she did something irrational, like beat him to a pulp. She stopped and closed her eyes tightly, counting backwards slowly to calm herself. It wasn't working.

"I wanted to tell you when you were here last, but I knew things were not right between us. Our reunion was not all I had hoped it would be."

Alexis heard the remorse in his tone. It worked to sooth her temper some. She opened her eyes and tried to take a mental step back, to see the situation rationally. She had been desperate to save Thane before they parted. All those months without him she had ached for him, had wanted - no needed to be with him. Since being released she had been consumed with fear for his life, had feared that she might never see him again. But now, now he was cured and she was free and they were together. Wasn't this what she had been hoping for since she acknowledged she loved him? Alexis turned to face Thane. He stood tall, proud, but she could see the crease of worry on his brow. This had been exactly what she had been praying for, because she did love him. God help her she did. "I still wish you had told me. A small message from you would have been enough," she said sounding exhausted, feeling exhausted, all the anger and fight draining from her completely.

Thane saw her change and came to her in a blink. "Yes Siha, I see now that I should have said something," he said has he reached for her, gently cupping her face.

Alexis felt emotion clog her throat. She gulped it back. "You really are cured?"

Thane gave her a small smile. "Do you recall on the ship I told you I would have a grander wedding gift for you when next we saw one another?"

Alexis's brow shot up at the question. Of course she remembered. At the time she had thought there could be no greater gift than to find Thane alive when she was finally released. Thane gently caressed her face at her reaction. Yes he had said those words, but he couldn't have meant this. She shook her head disbelieving. "How could you know?"

Thane ran his thumbs along her cheeks, a whisper soft touch. His lips quirked ever so slightly, "because I would accept no less." Alexis eyed him still unconvinced. "I wanted this for you, for us. And I would do all in my power to see it through."

Alexis closed her eyes letting herself slip into the moment completely. She felt Thane's voice vibrate along her nerve endings, his gentle fingers caressing her face, his heat seeping into her. Her eyes sprang open as it all sank in. It was like lightning a strik, lighting her from the inside out. "You're cured," she whispered.

Thane's soft caress stopped at her question. He stared at her intently. "Yes," he responded, the single word a guttural confirmation as he pulled her forward and laid claim to her mouth.

Alexis stood rooted to the spot. She couldn't move, couldn't think, couldn't even breath. This is how it should have been for them that first day. There should have been nothing more important than being together, finally together. Her body melted as ice in scalding water. She felt Thane wrap his arms around her, pulling her closer. Alexis groaned, Thane's essence exploded in her mouth causing all her nerve endings to react. She was on sensory overload. Her body tightened in need, her lungs seized as Thane stole her breath. Her heart ached at the feel of him. After so long without him, tasting him was sending her into the stratosphere. Alexis wrapped her arms around Thane bringing him in closer, wanting nothing more than to wrap herself around him and never let go.

Someone discreetly cleared their throat, breaking through the haze of desire quickly consuming her, him - them. Thane broke the kiss and stared into her eyes, his still clouded with desire, his breathing still ragged. His state mirrored her own. Finally his gaze shifted to her right.

"I did not mean to intrude."

Alexis gulped back the raging desire that coursed through her. She wanted Thane desperately. Her body raged with the need to have him. But they were in his hospital room, defiantly not somewhere private, not even remotely so. She gulped again and turned to greet Thane's visitor.

"Commander Shepard, I am pleased to see you safe. I have seen the news vids of your recent missions. They sounded quite dangerous," Kolyat said in greeting.

Alexis gave him a tight smile. "With the Reapers and Cerberus wreaking havoc across the galaxies there are few missions that aren't dangerous."

Kolyat nodded. "Indeed. My father mentioned your involvement in thwarting the attack on Kahje. I thank you Commander. My mother's brother is all I have left of her," he said but didn't continue.

Alexis glanced over to Thane, who stood by stoically, giving no reaction to what his son had just said. She wanted to believe Thane had gone on that mission for Kolyat. But when he had mentioned it he had said it was for Irikah. Thane was a man who said what he meant and meant what he said. Yes part of his reason had been his son but there was defiantly more to it. Alexis turned and inclined her head to Kolyat. "I'm glad I could help. I know what the Reapers are capable of. I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

Kolyat nodded. "My sympathies on your planet Commander," he replied solemnly. "Father and I visited. To know such a beautiful world now lay in ruin is difficult to accept even to those of us not native."

Alexis gulped the sudden surge of emotion at the statement. Yes Earth was under siege. Each day the war raged she lost a bit more of her beauty. Alexis felt sadness and remorse flood her. She quickly pushed the emotion aside, letting the rage take root once again. "Earth isn't lost yet." Kolyat blinked at the cold response. You could freeze the Sol sun with that tone. But his only outward reaction was to simply acknowledge her statement by a slight incline of the head. Alexis schooled her features to remain blank. She had quickly realized her response was uncalled for. It was hardly Kolyats fault the Reapers were laying waste to her world. He had simply been trying to offer condolences. And it wasn't like he was saying anything new. The fact was that Earth was beautiful and the Reapers were robbing it of its beauty. But Alexis wasn't about to apologize either. To be honest she didn't she could. The white hot fury she felt against the Reapers always burned within her, causing things like apologies to become something almost painful to do.

They were both saved the awkwardness when Thane stepped forward. "I am pleased you have come Kolyat. I will be leaving the Citadel and wished to say my goodbyes before my departure."

Kolyat turned to his father. "You return to the Normandy?"

Thane turned and faced Alexis. "If the Commander so wishes," Thane answered, never taking his gaze from hers. Alexis stifled a gulp. She knew what he was doing. Thane wasn't going to make assumptions about them or their relationship. He was essentially asking her if he could join her on the Normandy, if she wanted him there. Emotion continued to choke her. Things had been so amazing before they parted ways. How had it all gone so wrong so quickly? She didn't know. What she did know for certain was that they were never going to repair this rift between them if they remained apart. They needed to be together to work through this. And the simple fact was that she wanted him there, with her. She was about to answer when her comm beeped. She tapped a few controls on her omni-tool and immediately heard Edi's voice informing her the Turion Councilor wished to see her before she departed the Citadel. Alexis answered Edi, then deactivated her omni-tool. She faced both Drell males. "Normandy is docked at bay D-24. I will have Edi grant you clearance to board. As soon as I finish with the Councilor I will see you there." Thane inclined his head to her but did not reply. "I should go see the Councilor." She turned and faced Kolyat, her lapse from earlier causing a twinge of remorse. Thane and Kolyat were finally together after a long estrangement and now she was going to take Thane away, in a time so very uncertain. "Stay safe," she told him. "If you need anything contact Normandy," she added needing him to know that they would be there for him, both Thane and her.

"Thank you Commander," Kolyat responded with a slight bow.

Alexis gave him a tight smile then turned to Thane. "I'll see you on the ship soon."

Thane inclined his head. "Indeed."

With one last tight smile to Kolyat, Alexis turned and left the room.

- Chapter 17 -

Thane stood staring after Alexis, the recent events rattling around in his mind. All is not what it seems with his Siha. There was a marked difference in her demeanor, the evidence of which still somewhat ached in his jaw.

"I knew you had developed a relationship with the Commander. I had not realized it was an intimate one," Kolyat offered into the silence, bringing Thane out of his musings. Thane's thoughts immediately shifted to his son. He had known he would need to have this conversation with Kolyat eventually. He had wondered how his son would take the idea of Thane with another woman. He was about to find out. He turned to face Kolyat. "I am sorry if this is difficult for you. I never thought to love any other save Irikah. However..." Kolyat held up his hand to stop him. "There is no need to apologize father. Mother has been with the gods for many cycles. It is unfair that you spend the rest of your life loyal to her, especially now that you have been given a second chance."

"My second chance is because of Shepard. Had she not searched for the cure to Keplar's syndrome, it is unlikely Professor Solis would have found it."

Kolyat nodded. "Our people owe her a great debt for more than one reason."

Thane turned and stared at the double doors. "Indeed," he replied. He knew his tone was laced with the longing he felt for Alexis. He didn't care. He ached for her and he no longer cared who knew, though he was somewhat relieved Kolyat had taken the news so well. He had just reconnected with him. He would not have liked to be required to choose between his son and his Siha.

"I pray that someday I shall find a mate who loves me as deeply as Shepard loves you," Kolyat offered softly.

Thane turned to his son surprised. They were slowly getting to know each other again. Thane had not known Kolyat wanted a mate. He was also surprised that Kolyat would say Alexis was in love with him. He had always believed it though she had never said the words. Is that how others perceived them? Did that mean that she truly did love him? He didn't know, but there was nothing standing in their way now. Yes they were at war. But that would end eventually and then he and Alexis would finally be together as it was meant to be. And he would get her to say the words, to admit them out load if he had to tie her down and torture them out of her. An image of a vid he had seen floated through his mind. Oh yes, he would greatly like to tie Alexis down and have her at his complete mercy. But that was for another time. Thane reached out an arm and clasped Kolyat on the shoulder. "And you will my son," he answered. "Once this war is over you can return to Kahje to find a mate among our people."

Kolyat gave Thane a rare sheepish simle. Thane remembered the look from when Kolyat was just a boy. It warmed Thane's heart to share a moment like this with him again. "What is it," Thane asked. Kolyat had always worn that smile when he was up to mischief.

"Or perhaps I will return to Earth and find a mate like the Commander," Kolyat answered his smirk morphing into a grin.

Thane chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest. He marveled at the sensation. He didn't' think he had laughed like that since he was parted from Alexis and not for more than a decade before he met her. Thane felt the warmth spread through him. This was a good omen he thought. His relationship with his son was once again strong and he was about to board Normandy to be with his mate. Yes life was indeed good.

Thane patted Kolyat on the shoulder. "Perhaps you will at that," he replied his voice full of mirth.