A/N: Thanks for Rae for her direction on some elements introduced in this chapter. If you have questions about certain things feel free to leave a PM or a review and I'll be happy to answer them. Enjoy!

Kyrie disconnected from her terminal and rubbed her temples. Calls with her mother were always pleasant, though some topics brought out her mother's aggressive side. She knew that her mother was just protective of her, especially after what happened to her first daughter. Kyrie never got to know her because she was much younger. Her mother only talked about her occasionally, and she didn't really learn much from those talks. She just needed to remind her mother occasionally that she was her own person, and was capable of taking care of herself. As she predicted, her mother flipped when she found out about the attack at Anarchy. She was even less thrilled when she found out about Aidan, but she was respectful. Kyrie could tell that her mother clearly didn't approve of her interest, though.

Sighing, Kyrie looked over to her omni-tool. She wanted to contact Aidan and see how he was doing, but she figured it was way too soon and decided to give him some space. Changing into more comfortable attire, she moved back to her couch and stretched out as she turned on the vid screen. No sooner had she gotten comfortable, the chime on her door rang. Shifting her head up, she cast a curious glance at the door. Who would be visiting me at this hour? It was late, and practically everyone was asleep. Moving to the door she opened it, and was completely surprised by who was standing in front of her.

"Hello, Kyrie. May I come in?" Councilor Tevos asked politely.

Kyrie stood shocked for several moments, then sprang into action and waved the Councilor in. "Please! Make yourself at home. I wasn't expecting you, I would have made myself more presentable." She was embarrassed to be wearing such unflattering clothes in front of the Tevos.

Tevos shook her head and laughed. "You are fine as you are, dear. Come sit with me."

Kyrie nodded and sat down next to her on the couch. Gathering her courage, she needed to know what was going on. "Excuse me if I sound rude, but why are you here?" she asked. She knew Tevos and her mother had been friends for a long time, but she didn't understand why she showed up personally to her apartment.

"I am keeping a promise I made to your mother, and looking after you," Tevos replied. "I heard about the attack, how are you doing?"

"I am fine, thank you," Kyrie replied. So that's why she's here. Should have figured she would find out.

"I see," Tevos replied. "Do you know who attacked you?" The look on her face promised much pain to whoever would harm Kyrie.

Kyrie shook her head, not wanting any more trouble. "It's been handled," she said.

Tevos raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"A human, Aidan, stepped in and stopped things before they physically hurt me," she replied. "I don't think they'll be bothering me again." Please don't ask me about him, she silently hoped. She already had to explain what happened with him to her mother, she didn't need to do the same with Tevos.

"Where would this Aidan be now? I would like to thank him for keeping you safe," Tevos said, noticing the weird look on Kyrie's face that suggested there was something she didn't want to talk about.

Kyrie shrugged her shoulders. "Probably heading back to his assignment. He left his contact info..." Shit. She cursed herself at her slip up. Now Tevos knew that there had been more than Aidan just saving her.

Tevos smiled at Kyrie's reaction. She had always been able to read her, just as she was able to read her mother. "I won't ask, because that is your business. I just want to pass along my thanks to the person who kept you from harm."

Kyrie sighed and went over to her omni-tool. "His name is Aidan Randal, and it says here that his post is on the SSV Normandy. You know the ship?" she asked. The Normandy sounded familiar to her, but she couldn't exactly place it.

Tevos stiffened slightly. So, a member of Shepard's crew had saved Kyrie. She wasn't familiar with the name at all, and she had reports on every crewmember that was serving on board that ship. She needed to talk to this Aidan immediately and find out what was going on. "Please forward me his contact information so I can extend my thanks," she said calmly.

Kyrie nodded and tapped a few buttons on her omni-tool. She bit her lip for a moment, then walked up to Tevos and sat down next to her again. "There's... something else," she said. Might as well tell her everything. "He and I... melded."

Tevos's expression remained mostly neutral, though her eyes widened at the news and her mind was silently running rampant. "Explain?" she asked calmly. Having an outburst would not be appropriate, and she needed to keep a calm head around Kyrie. She was extremely protective of Kyrie, having a large hand in raising her as a child.

"I found myself drawn to him... interested in him. He said some things that I didn't believe, so I wanted him to show me so I could believe them," she said. Seeing a disapproving look on Tevos' face, she continued. "He was also suffering greatly. I could physically see the amount of hurt he carried with him, and I wanted to help him with that. It was the least I could have done to repay him for saving me."

While she didn't like it, Tevos had to admire Kyrie's resolve and good will. Smiling she placed a hand on her shoulder and gently kissed Kyrie's crest. "Very well. You have a heart of gold, Kyrie. Thank you for seeing me, and for the information. I am glad you are all right, but I must get back to my chambers. I have business to attend to."

Kyrie nodded, standing as Tevos rose from the couch. "You took it much better than my mother did," Kyrie commented.

Tevos laughed slightly, with a hint of sadness woven in. "That is because I am not your mother," she said. Turning and leaving, her expression turned to a frown. She had a few choice words for this human who had melded with Kyrie.

Shepard walked through the Normandy, inspecting how the ship was running with a skeleton crew. While she had placed the crew on leave, the ship still needed to have a rotation. After making sure that everyone who was supposed to be on leave was actually off the ship, she headed to her cabin. She thought back to her date the previous night with Liara, a huge grin on her face. She felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated, though she doubted that it would last. Sooner rather than later, they would have to go off and start hunting Saren again. She honestly just wished that she didn't have to deal with this shit anymore.

Almost as if on cue to ruin her day, Joker's voice blasted through the speakers. "Admiral Hackett on the line for you, Commander."

Sighing, Shepard sat at her desk and kicked up her boots on a nearby chair. "Patch him through, Joker. I'll take this call in my cabin."

There was a slight pause before Hackett's voice came through the speakers. "Shepard. How's the shore leave?"

"Was going pretty good," Shepard said sadly. "I'm sure that this is going to cut leave short, though."

"We lost contact with a recon team on Edolus. As a favor to Admiral Kahoku, I'd like you to look into it."

"How long have they been out of contact, sir?" It was pretty standard for recon teams not to check in for long periods of time, depending on the nature of their assignment.

"Too long, Shepard. We'd like you to look into this immediately."

Shepard was eager to get back into action, but at the same time she was really enjoying being on leave. "I'll call the crew back. They won't be happy, but we should be off the Citadel in five hours."

"Good. Keep me posted. Hackett out."

Shepard cursed and pressed the comms. "Joker, leave is over. I want everyone back here in four hours, we're heading to Edolus."

"Aye-aye Shepard. Oh, Councilor Tevos called earlier. She wants you to contact her at your soonest convenience," Joker said, trying to sound as political as possible.

Shepard laughed at the impression and got up from her chair. "I'll take it in the comm room, Joker." Walking up the stairs and entering the comm room, she was surprised when Tevos was already on the line looking rather agitated. Normally Shepard liked to mess with the Council, but she figured she'd let it slide this time and see what the asari wanted.

"Shepard, I hope I am not disturbing you," Tevos said.

Shepard laughed internally. "No, someone else already did that. What can I do for you, Councilor?"

Tevos' expression turned serious and her posture straightened. "Do you have a crew member by the name of 'Aidan Randal', per chance?"

Why would she be asking about him? How does she know? As far as Shepard knew, neither Hackett or Anderson had told the Council about Aidan's presence aboard the Normandy. For now, Shepard would play this cool and figure out what the Councilor was playing at. "Why are you asking, Councilor? I thought I was given permission to run my ship and use my own crew."

"I merely wish to speak with him. Whatever reasons you have for keeping his presence secret, I do not wish to know, nor do I care."

Shepard was instantly suspicious of what Tevos wanted. Why would she want to speak to Aidan when she just found out about him? He should have been nothing to her, just another person serving on the Normandy. Why all the interest? Shepard couldn't wrap her head around it. "I'm not sure what you're getting at, Councilor. Why do you need to speak with him?"

Tevos was growing impatient, but knew that Shepard was just trying to protect her own. Rather than try and dance around the subject, she thought it would be best to just let the truth out. "Apparently, he helped stop an attack on someone who I practically consider my daughter. I would like to offer my personal thanks."

Shepard wasn't expecting that, and wore a surprised look on her face. "He should be checking in within a couple of hours. I'll have him contact you once he's on board. We're heading out in five hours."

Tevos nodded in thanks. "I'll look forward to his call. Good luck, Shepard."

Aidan entered the Normandy with Ash, catching up on what they had done during shore leave. He had finally gotten his katanas back, and was very impressed with the work Ashley had done to them. She said that his rifle would take a couple more days to do, but she had all the necessary parts now to complete it. As the airlock opened to the interior of the Normandy, he was surprised to be greeted by Shepard.

Seeing that Shepard wanted to talk to Aidan, Ashley stepped on by. "I'll catch you later, Aidan," she called out.

"Yeah. Thanks for the work on my stuff." Turning his attention to Shepard, he straightened into a salute. "Is there an issue, ma'am?"

"Heard you got into a bit of a scuffle during leave," Shepard grinned. "Anything noteworthy happen?"

Aidan shook his head. He liked Shepard, but his business was exactly that: his business. "Nope. Just some turians roughing up a waitress. I handled it."

"Uhuh," Shepard said back. "Councilor Tevos is expecting a call from you. Head to the comm room, now."

Aidan cocked his head. He was told about the Council and how they were extremely busy people. Shepard knew about his fight, and the Councilor wanted to speak with him. Shit, did I fuck up? "Am I going to some space court or something for the fight?" he asked.

Shepard stared blankly at him for a split second before bursting out into laughter. Seeing that Aidan didn't look amused, she calmed herself down and tried to quiet her laughter. "No, as far as I know. Apparently, the Councilor knew the waitress you protected. Wanted to give her thanks."

"All right, I'll head there now." Walking to the comm room, Aidan couldn't help but feel confused. Kyrie hadn't mentioned anything about knowing the asari Councilor. From what he gathered, Councilor Tevos was very highly regarded and at the top rung of the social ladder. How did she know Kyrie? Entering the comm room, he found the call information was already put in, and he just had to hit the send button. He pressed the button and stood back, arms clasped behind him and standing tall. He was surprised when a virtual representation of Tevos appeared before him.

"Hello?" Councilor Tevos asked.

"Aidan Randal, calling you as ordered, ma'am," he said. He had no idea what the proper etiquette was for this situation, so he defaulted back to military.

"You seem nervous, Aidan," Tevos mentioned at the way he was looking back at her.

"It's... uhh... the first time I've ever spoken to a member of the Council," he replied. He didn't want to divulge the complete truth at this point, he wasn't sure how the asari would take it. For all he knew, he could be abducted and have more tests run on him.

"I see. I would like for this call to be as cordial as possible, if that is all right with you?" Tevos asked in an inviting tone.

Aidan nodded. Time to find out what's going on. "I was told by Commander Shepard that you wished to offer your thanks to me for protecting Kyrie earlier."

"Yes," Tevos responded. "I am very good friends with her mother, and have helped raise her since she was a baby." Tevos wore a sad smile and looked at something in her hands. "I wish she would stay out of trouble, but she is past the point in her life where I hold any true influence over her."

Aidan was completely surprised by what Tevos just told him. Not only did Tevos know Kyrie, but she helped bring her up as well. Perhaps this call wouldn't be all that bad, then. "You're welcome, ma'am. I hate to see idiots trying to have their way with people."

"From what I heard, you were very gallant," Tevos commented. Setting down whatever was in her hands, she focused all her attention onto Aidan. "I also heard that something went on... afterward. Care to explain?"

Shit. "How much do you know?" Aidan asked, figuring that Tevos was just testing him.

Tevos gave him a telling smile. "I am aware that Kyrie took you back to her apartment, and that there was a meld. She neglected to tell me what kind of meld she performed, though. I was hoping you could tell me?" she said in an almost threatening tone.

Lowering his head, Aidan let out a long sigh. "All I did was show her some memories, that's as far as it went. I'm... not exactly in a position right now to be having sexual relationships, if that is what you are implying." Aidan was already starting to not like this Councilor, but he quickly could tell that she was not a person to be trifled with.

"Hmmm," Tevos pondered. "I can tell quite easily what she feels for you. I cannot, however, read what you feel for her. If you have any serious interest in her, we will need to meet in person. If not, please leave her alone and spare her the pain of being toyed with."

Aidan nodded, though his expression grew grim. He didn't like the pressure this was putting on him, things were already hard enough before Tevos got involved. "That is... acceptable, ma'am. Is there anything else?"

Tevos shook her head. "That will be all, Aidan. Good luck on your mission," Tevos said, then the call disconnected.

Aidan stood in place for a moment, then lashed out and punched the nearest wall with as much force as he could muster. He heard a sickening crack and howled in pain, kicking out to a nearby chair. He picked up another chair and hurled it across the room, wincing as a lance of pain shot through his injured hand. Breathing heavy he collapsed into one of the chairs that remained upright, and nursed his damaged hand. "For once, can't I just fucking decide something in my life without any other opinions?" he said out loud to himself. His whole life had been directed by other people, whether he knew it or not. He just wished that for once he could go his own direction, on his own time. For now, a start would be a trip to the medbay. Getting up from the chair, he held his hand and mentally prepared himself for Chakwas's onslaught.

Shepard, Liara, Garrus, and Wrex stepped out of the Mako on Edolus. Shepard had intended on taking Aidan with her to give him more field experience with less stressful situations, but apparently Tevos had gotten under his skin enough for him to severely damage his hand.

While circling the planet, they had picked up on a distress signal coming from the planet's surface. Figuring that would be a place to start for the search, they landed the Mako a couple of klicks away from the beacon's origin. The drive had been relatively uneventful, and it was making Shepard nervous. She'd feel so much better if she'd get shot at. She'd take a monkey randomly firing off a pistol into the air over dead silence.

As the squad stepped out of the Mako, she looked around and what she surmised was what remained of the marines. Bodies were torn apart, debris was everywhere, and it looked like hell had passed through this small area. Looking to her squad, she motioned to several areas. "Fan out and see what you can find. If you get any dog-tags, pick them up and bring them to me. At least we can give their families some closure."

Walking over to an overturned Mako, Shepard took the dog-tags off a couple of marines that lay beside it. She grimaced at their wounds. Something had burned their skin down to the bone in some areas. She pocketed the tags and moved around to the other side of the Mako. She took one look around to check on her squad, then back at the Mako, and halted. Half of the armor was gone from the armored behemoth, and the Mako had a reputation of being damn near indestructible. "What the fuck..." she said out loud.

Looking around to check her squad once more, she couldn't see any sign of Wrex. She was about to call out when she felt a slight rumble under her feet.

"What the hell was that?" Garrus asked.

"Something tells me I do not wish to know," Liara chimed in, looking to Shepard with a very concerned expression on her face.

Shepard was about to call out for Wrex when she found herself being lifted up in his arms. "What the hell, Wrex! Put me down!"

"We have to go, Shepard," Wrex said, fear in his voice.

Shepard had never heard a krogan sound scared, and she couldn't even imagine Wrex being afraid of anything. The terror that was in his voice, though, sent chills down her spine. "What the fuck is going on, Wrex. Why are you so spooked?"

"We're standing right on top of a thresher maw nest," he said carefully, as if his very words could trigger an attack.

Eyes widening, she turned around in his arms and screamed to Liara and Garrus. "Get the fuck back to the Mako, now!" Her heart stopped when she felt a much stronger rumble, and something exploded out of the ground to her right. A thresher maw stood gaping at them, hissing and throwing acid.

Wrex bolted, Shepard over his shoulder, and made for the Mako. Liara and Garrus were right on his heels, hopping in and sealing the door behind them. "Get us the fuck out of here, Shepard!" Wrex yelled, shoving Shepard down into the driver's seat as he made his way to the main gun.

Shepard ignited the engine and began tearing away from the thresher maw behind them. She thought they were safe, until she felt another tremor and a second thresher maw erupted from the ground straight in front of them. She heard Liara let out a yell of terror, and she banked hard to the right, engaging the landing thrusters to narrowly avoid the second thresher. "How many god damn worms are here?" she yelled at nobody in particular.

Almost as if they were challenging her, another thresher maw bolted out of the ground off to their left. If there was only one, Shepard would bet that the Mako could take it on. However, it stood no chance against three of them. Her only chance was to run. Seeing that the three threshers were making an attempt to encircle her, she saw her only hope. Turning the Mako swiftly, she headed straight for a split in a nearby mountain, slamming her foot into the floor of the Mako. They were going to find out very soon if they were going to make it out of this alive.