Chapter 28: The Dantius Towers
Jack had a hard time sleeping that night even with Kal's warm, suited, body curled up against him. The knowledge that he may be half Turian didn't stress him out on it's own but, the fact he was somehow third in line to become the head of the Hierarchy did. Was it something he could just say no to? He didn't want to be in charge of any species and he was sure the Turians themselves wanted a Turian to lead them. The fact that his mother never told him the truth probably meant denying the position wasn't an option. At least he was third in line, hopefully the other Turians in line would have long, happy, productive lives with lots of children. Otherwise, they'd be dealing with a biotically enhanced teenager as the next person in line after him.
He managed to close his eyes and drift off to sleep but, after what felt like only a few seconds, he felt the ship slow down out of FTL. Jack glanced down to his omni tool and realized he actually slept for six hours. It definitely wasn't the best sleep he ever had but, it was enough to keep him going. They had arrived in the Tasale System on time. Even though Illium was in Council Space, the planet operated much more like Noveria than the Citadel. Businessmen and women ruled the planet and were more concerned with profit margins than security. He wasn't even sure if any of the Council races had an official military presence here, they would be safe for now.
Kal groaned deeply before rubbing his helmet, "How much did you let me have to drink..? I don't remember anything after opening the bottle."
Jack chuckled amused by the sound of a Quarian hangover, "A glass and a half if you must know. I didn't have to stop you thankfully, you just got really busy cuddling me."
Kal immediately sat up and stretched his arms, "That explains why I feel so stiff. Please tell me I didn't say anything truly embarrassing to Garrus or Saren?"
Jack gave him a smirk and had a teasing tone, "If you don't count telling Saren that our sex life is 'truly heavenly,' no, not at all."
Kal's helmet whipped around to face him like he had just been slapped, "Why in the hell did our sex life come up in a conversation with Saren?"
Jack sighed and got off the bed to get his armor on, "Saren...has a theory that my father is a Turian who just so happens to be third in line to the Turian Hierarchy."
Kal was watching him get dressed and didn't say anything for a few seconds, "That would explain a few things... What do you think about that possibility?"
He laughed putting on his chest plate, "Honestly? I'm terrified with the fact I could be a government leader for any species, let alone Turians.. I mean, I know Garrus isn't racist towards me but, he isn't the majority. I'm hoping he's just lying or doesn't know."
Kal walked right up to him and opened his mouthpiece to give a quick kiss, "I think you'd make a perfect leader, you know how to get things done. Knowing Saren though, I wouldn't worry about getting a call anytime soon. I have to go get Jack ready down in the hold."
His last sentence made him raise an eyebrow. Kal was planning on taking Zero with him while he helped Miranda? Not only did he know Miranda wouldn't like the idea, he himself had some reservations. Zero could pack a serious punch when the fighting started but, she wasn't exactly subtle. While he didn't know what Miranda had in mind for rescuing her sister, Jack assumed a degree of stealth was going to be necessary. Otherwise, Miranda could've hired a few Krogan mercenaries to do the job and not owe them anything.
Kal saw the look and shrugged, "I know it's not a good idea but, I'm not going to have Jack thinking I'm plotting with Cerberus behind her back. Besides, Oriana might recognize her too since they were both on Noveria."
Jack knew Kal was dug in on this and just smiled, "I love you both, just make sure you come back in one piece."
The elevator door closed leaving Jack some alone time before they docked. Since he still didn't know who The Illusive Man wanted him to hire here, he thought it would be a good idea to look at the dossier. An image of a green Drell flashed across his omni tool, his black eyes staring back at him in what seemed like was a criminal mug shot. The text under the image read, "Thane Krios, age: 55, height/weight: 6'2"/175lbs, known relationships with Cerberus personnel: classified." Jack immediately thought that last bit of information was curious, who in Cerberus could a Drell be related to? Feron? He was jumping to conclusions based on race and decided to keep reading, "Bio: Thane Krios has been an assassin for his entire adult life. 99.9% of his assignments were completed without incident. A master of hand-to-hand combat, far range sniper kills, and biotics, Thane is the perfect addition to the Normandy crew."
Jack felt like they had each of those skills covered amongst the current members of his team but, someone that could accomplish all three of those would certainly be useful to have around. Especially now considering Kai Leng was free and he doubted The Illusive Man put a tight leash on his activities. Unfortunately, the dossier didn't give any directions on how to find him. Did The Illusive Man just expect him to run around the planet until he found the Drell? Maybe it was just busy work until he discovered a way through the Omega-4 Relay.
When he arrived in the CIC, Vetra and Kasumi were apparently waiting for him at the airlock. He noticed both of them had weapons attached to their armor, were they expecting a fight? Jack hadn't asked them to come along with him, in fact he had been planning on going to find Thane alone. However, Vetra looked determined, maybe her sister was on Illium. He didn't have any leads to go on to find Thane so, helping Vetra would be a nice distraction. He did find it a little strange that Kasumi wanted to tag along. From his first impressions, he didn't think they were good enough friends to care about each others families.
Kasumi smiled to him, "Hey Shepard, mind if I record the both of you while we're out and about? I need raw footage to put together for my little project. I promise I won't get in the way."
Jack didn't answer her right away and instead looked at Vetra, "You ok with that? You look a little tense, is it about Sid?"
Vetra gave a quick nod and her tone was fearful, "I don't really have a choice Shepard. If what Kasumi's lead says is accurate, Sid's in a lot of trouble right now and I can't help her."
Without missing a beat, Kasumi added, "I think a wealthy businesswoman got her hands on the girl somehow and intends to traffic her. Liara will be able to confirm when we see her."
Jack remembered The Illusive Man saying Liara was on Illium but, he was surprised Kasumi said it so easily, "Liara, as in Liara T'Soni?"
EDI appeared next to the airlock door, "Yes, your former teammate Liara T'Soni may have more information. Her office overlooks the trading floor adjacent to this port. You may wish to speak with her regarding the whereabouts of Thane Krios, the assassin on your dossier, as well."
The airlock opened and Vetra took a deep breath, "Well, we're about to find out if my new identity holds water on a planet bounty hunters get work in."
Jack gave her a small smile to reassure her, "If it doesn't at least you'll make this 'shore leave' of ours more enjoyable."
He started to move forward but heard Kasumi say, "Killing a few bounty hunters would make way better footage on BadAss weekly instead of you two just walking around together."
From the moment the three of them walked out of the Normandy, Jack worried EDI had accidentally got the wrong coordinates and actually sent them to Thessia. Asari seemed to be the only species living on the planet besides the occasional Volus or Elcor. The tall buildings surrounding them were curved and twisted in seemingly impossible ways, a hallmark of Asari architecture. The only thing keeping him from actually checking his omni tool was all the financial trading equipment that was anywhere he looked. He was surprised that a terrorist group hadn't tried to attack this place. The amount of credits for the taking behind those console screens had to be astronomical.
To his mild surprise, EDI's coordinates were actually good, he was standing in front of an office labeled 'T'Soni.' He was a little hesitant to get her help because of what The Illusive Man said about her working for the Shadow Broker. The Broker didn't have any real morals and would sell information to the highest bidder no matter their affiliation or intent. However, Liara wouldn't purposely hurt him and he doubted she even could. The last time they saw each other, she was still trying to learn how to shoot at stationary targets.
He opened the door and Liara was sitting at her desk waiting for them, "Hello Jack, it's been a long time."
Jack smiled and walked into the office slowly, "You don't seem surprised to see me at all? Have I already made enough noise to hit the news?"
She laughed at the question and motioned for them to sit at the couch across from her table, "No, at least not the kind of noise people want to be spread around. I...sell information now to governments and any other interested parties."
Kasumi elbowed Vetra gently and whispered, "Told you so."
Vetra cleared her throat and her mandibles twitched, "Sorry, me and my friend here had a bet going about what you did for a living."
Liara gave the pair a look Jack couldn't immediately read, "I didn't know I was that exciting. I'll be sure to boast more often."
Jack jumped in when Vetra seemed to be a little spooked, "So, what's it like to have information valuable enough to sell to governments?"
Liara turned her gaze back to him, "It's paid the bills since you... well, for the past two years. And now your back, gunning for the Collectors with Cerberus."
Kasumi let out a whistle, "Oh your good, not as good as I am at stealing but, good."
Liara looked a little embarrassed and shrugged, "I am indeed a very good information broker. Now, what can I do for you Shepard?"
Jack shook his head and leaned back in his seat, "You didn't really answer my question, what's it like to have the job that you do?"
Liara kept a neutral tone not revealing anything, "The world of intrigue isn't that different from a dig site. I'm still looking for clues that want to be hidden. The only difference now is that the dead bodies still smell when I find them."
Vetra sat up straight as if she was preparing to hear bad news, "I'll cut right to chase because I'm sure you know who I am. My sister was-"
Liara interrupted her, "Taken from you on Omega I know. Aria T'Loak called me last week and asked if the Broker knew anything. All I know for certain is Erash wasn't working alone, another member of Archangel had to have actually taken Sidera. Other than that, the only other potential location I could think of is Henry Lawson's slave trade. There's a joint auction happening with Eclipse this evening at the Dantius Towers."
Jack had a million questions pop up that he wanted to ask but, the expression of utter defeat on Vetra's face was painful to see. The Turian wasn't stupid, entering the slave trade made it almost impossible she was going to be found alive. Who knows what kind of slavery she would be sold into, and if she had already been harmed. He did know that Vetra blamed herself for keeping Sidera so close to her on Omega. It had given one of the members of Archangel the opportunity to kidnap the girl for whatever reason.
Liara gave her a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry I couldn't be more help to you, the entire Lawson family is good at hiding information."
Vetra shrugged and looked down at her feet, "It's not your fault, I thought I was prepared for the possibility that I would never see her again. Thanks for the information."
Jack grabbed her shoulder gently, "We still have a chance, I always wanted to raid an illegal auction." He looked at Liara with a sad smile, "And I'm looking for a Drell assassin known as Thane Krios, any idea where he'd be tonight?"
Liara tapped her chin, "Given the fact that Nassana Dantius is attending the auction, I'd assume he'll be there. He's been cleaning house from his past. You might get lucky and he'll help you disrupt the entire operation."
Kasumi stood up, "Well then, I think that's our que to leave."
Jack nodded and stood but looked back at Liara, "I could use your help with the Collectors Liara. They're connected to the Protheans and the Reapers."
Liara shook her head obviously feeling uncomfortable, "I can't, Shepard. I'm sorry. I have commitments here. Things I need to take care of."
He raised his eyebrow at her, "The best Prothean expert I know saying no to the opportunity to look at more Prothean stuff? Are you in trouble or something?"
Liara didn't say anything for a few seconds, "No, no trouble. But it's been a long two years. I had things to do while you were gone. I have debts to repay. You should get going, the auction starts in a few hours."
He wanted to make sure Liara was ok but she was right, getting to the auction early would improve their chances. It was time he met Henry Lawson, and make sure he never sold another living being again.
