A/N
DING! Yoy have a new message at your private terminal...
Kyson's POV
"KYSON! " He was jolted back to the world of the living by a fist slamming into sternum causing him to jump up right and reach for his pistol.
"Fuckin' bitch tits!" he yelled as he grabbed his pistol form his night stand and began erratically panning the room.
"Kyson! It's just me put it down!" he heard Tali yell. He registered the noise and let his body go limp and fell backwards into the bed with the pistol still in hand and dangling off to the side.
"You were screaming in your sleep again…" she said as he closed his eyes trying to focus. He had no memories of his dreams and if it had anything to do with last night, he didn't want to.
"Who is Kevin?" she asked from his side. She sounded worried and he had no way out from answering her question. But it wasn't the time. He didn't want to deal with it right now.
"My brother. He's dead and that picture of him last night dug up some nasty shit. Sorry to worry you babe." He rolled over and placed a kiss on her visor before smiling softly and getting out of bed.
"Wanna talk about it?" she asked. He shook his head. He didn't.
"Nope. Not in the 'serious talk' kinda mood. Got three things to do today. One, upgrade my Mosin. Two, get completely packed. Three, figure out if I call Beni 'mum' as Ken would put it." He finished putting on clothes for the day and re holstered his pistol.
"I miss them. I wonder how Shepard is doing…" he heard her muse. He sighed and looked out his window at the rising sun and couldn't help but wonder himself. If they thought they had it rough, Shepard must be in political hell.
"He'll be alright. But we need to get back to the fleet and get them ready for the Reapers. If they go to war with the Geth…" he began his tone became grim as her turned to Tali. She nodded and got up out of the bed.
"I know…I don't know how but we will." She said quietly.
"Hey, come on. Let's not worry about it now. Let's just focus on food…I love food…" he grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the room and down the stairs.
"Why are you being so dodgy today?" she asked as he dragged her into the kitchen.
"Just don't want to be in a foul mood. So I won't. Hey Beni! I got a question for you!" He said excitedly. Beni spun around from the stove and shushed him.
"Quiet! You know your dad is a shit in the morning!" she said quickly under her breath. Kyson smiled and nodded as Tali shook her head and sat down at the table.
"Oops sorry…was just wondering, if you are with my dad now, what does that make you?" he smiled as Beni for the first time looked puzzled. But she recovered quickly and smirked at him.
"That depends on you hun, we are not bonded or married but I do plan to spend the rest of my days with Luke. So, yeah. Whatever you want I guess." She said. Kyson ran over to her and hugged her roughly and laughed.
"Ok mom! So what's for breakfast?" he laughed as Beni stuttered a bit before shoving him off.
"Sit the fuck down before I beat you boy it ain't ready yet!" she yelled but smiled the entire time causing him to laugh.
"An Asari soundin' like a hick from the hills! Dad's rubbin' off on ya Beni." He ducked quickly as she used her biotics to hurtle a wooden spoon at him which just missed his face and embedded into the plaster and lathing wall behind him.
"Good reaction time. Tali if you would be so kind as to grab some plates?" Beni asked kindly as he just glanced at the embedded spoon.
"Kyson, my turn for a question, if Tali weren't on the Normandy, who else did you find likable on the ship?" asked Beni with a wicked smile. Kyson shook his head.
"This is a damn set up…" he sighed. Beni nodded and Tali just giggled.
"Come on Kyson, I've always wondered!" Tali said as she set four plates on the kitchen counter.
"Fine, if you really must know, Jack. There you happy?" he heard a dish clang to the floor and saw both women just staring at him, but, they wanted to know.
"A…man? Kyson I didn't know you swung both…" Beni began not sure how to take in the news but Tali cut her off.
"Jack is a psychotic lunatic of a Human female! Her, really? But she is so different from me!" shouted Tali in disbelief. Beni apparently heard the female part and asked Tali to show a picture. After Beni glanced at Tali's Omni-tool her eyes opened wide with surprise.
"Her? She looks so angry…"said Beni.
"I know. Angry sex is awesome." He laughed as Beni formed a wicked grin on her face while Tali just looked stranded.
-Later that day-
They were set. They had the Kodiak fully loaded to serve as a make shift apartment and his more critical belongings were stowed away neatly as possible. He was in full armor once again but had his helmet off for the time being. He knew all too well that he would be imprisoned in it for a good while so he might as well enjoy the freedom while it lasted. Man, I can't even imagine being in a suit every day all day…I guess I'm going for the full immersion of the Quarian culture. Next thing I know I'm going to have to start speaking Kelish…I'm fucked. He looked up from the spot of ground next to the shuttle that he was kicking and saw Beni and his dad give Tali a group hug.
"Awright hun. Don't you forget that your always welcome here and make sure my igit of a son comes back as well. He tends to lose track of space and time" said Luke as he looked up at Kyson who glanced away and crossed his arms. No, I just get busy…
"I'll try, but he can be stubborn. I think it's a pride issue…" Tali giggled slightly at the end and Kyson just groaned.
"Ok Ok Ok…I get it. Make this a more frequent thing. So mushy goodbye shit and all that. Beni, It's been a blast and thanks for the food." He said before walking into the shuttle and into the cockpit.
"Not very good with goodbyes is he?" Beni asked slightly put off.
"No, he's not. He…bye Beni, I can't wait to see you again and thank you both for your hospitality." She said before waving and walking off to the Kodiak.
"Any time! Be careful out there!" shouted Beni as Kyson fired up the thrusters. He was ready to start getting things done. They had their down time and it was back to the grind stone so to speak. But he was glad to get away from the memories again but he realized that he hadn't learned much. Am I just going to keep running away? He watched as the blue sky shifted to black as they left orbit and he aimed for the Charon Relay and back to the Migrant Fleet. For almost five years now I've been grasping for anything I can to shield me from myself…and every time I face something about me, I run.
Kyson just kept the shuttle on manual control as he continued to evaluate his inner workings. He always needed to fidget with something to get any progress done. He sighed as Mars began to grow in the window and he wondered why he had never visited but as his line of sight shifted, he saw Tali staring at him. Now this is where I need to make it count. I can't keep running from me cause no matter what she will follow. I won't be responsible for going off the deep end again only for her to try and bring me back. I will not go through that again! But, what am I running from now?
"Hey…" said Tali who was now at his side.
"Yeah?" he replied. He was trying his damdest to try and act distracted but it never worked.
"We have time now you know, what's wrong?" she asked. Tali kneeled down beside his chair trying to catch his gaze but he opened up a systems check panel and looked away.
"Just trying to figure out shit in my head and it's a grueling process…that's all." His deflection only brought up more things he was avoiding in his head. How was Shepard truly doing? Where the hell are Teagann and Garrus? Would they talk to him again? These were the first of many crippling questions he was trying to find answers to with just his mind as he started to spiral out of control.
"Kyson, it's been almost a standard hour and I can feel you beating yourself up from over here. What is it that's eating you up now?" said Tali in a more aggressive tone snapping him out of his trance. He decided to pick one of his larger worries that applied to right now.
"I got this Tali. I can't be going around and taking up time with life shattering revelations and deeply suppressed emotions tearing me up at all hours of the day…Thank you for asking though it's just…the things in my skull right now are for me to worry about." He said.
"You miss them don't you…?" Tali said sadly forcing him to look over. She was still watching him and now that she had his attention continued.
"I can see it you know. Without Garrus you seem…" she trailed off as she noticed a scowl darken his features. He didn't want to think about that right now and sure as hell was still pissed off.
"Let's just get back to the fleet." He said tersely right as they hit the Charon relay towards the Far Rim.
-Later that cycle-
"Good, you made it back early! How was the visit to Earth?" said Han'Gerral in a chipper mood as both Kyson and Tali stepped down from the shuttle. Kyson nodded to the Admiral while Tali just stood silently. Han picked up on the tension instantly but got rescued from Kyson.
"It was good sir. Had a wonderful time with Miss Zorah as always." He replied in a now fine mood himself.
"Good! I got a message from Luke telling me to keep an eye on you two. He didn't want his son and soon to be daughter in law to fall on ill times." Said Han who chuckled a bit when Tali spasmed in place.
"Keelah! Admiral I I…I can explain! I uh…I was going to say something but…" she stammered. Kyson couldn't help but feel bad for her. She probably thought she was about to get the boot off the fleet.
"Relax kid! Kyson and I already talked about it before you two left! Ha! It was the reason I let you go with him in the first place." said Han causing Tali to swing towards Kyson.
"You told him!?" she shouted causing other people to glance their way once again. He flinched slightly from the noise and nodded slowly.
"Yep well, he pulled me aside and asked really…" he began only for Han to interject.
"And I'm all for it. It's Luke's son after all. Now for two more issues. First, what happened at the Viper relay? Word has spread about the incident with Shepard…" Han asked. Kyson looked to Tali who was still in slight astonishment that an Admiral had 'Okayed' their relationship before recounting the story with Tali about the Incident. Han had listened quietly until the end before speaking up.
"So you're serious about this Reaper stuff. Hmmm, that can wait though." said Han while he stood brooding for a moment. Kyson could hear the cogs turning inside the Admiral's brain as the older Quarian paced back and forth.
"Right. Tali, you and I can discuss this later with the other Admirals but in the meantime, Kyson, I have someone who wants to speak with you." said Han. Kyson had no idea who he could be talking about. He only knew Kal, Tali, and only conversed with the other Admirals. Han turned to his left and motioned for a male Quarian to come over. Kyson had never seen him before but from behind the man came a familiar looking little blob suited Quarian. HEY! Ha! It's the little kid with the ball! I think…I can't tell…
The male and the child came over and stood next to Han quietly and turned to face him.
"Kyson, I did not force this just so you know…for the record. But this is Dorn'Hazt vas Qwib Qwib. He wanted to have a word about his son. Dorn…" The Admiral motioned to the man who thanked him and took a step forward.
"Hello Kyson Sorley vas Normandy, I'm Dorn'Hazt. I wish to apologize for my son's actions for kicking that ball of his into you. If you would please accept…" Dorn paused as the little Quarian at his feet ran up in front of him and waved at Kyson while looking up. Dorn seemed to freeze in place and tried to react and scoop up his son but Kyson had already kneeled down to meet the small boy.
"You got quite a strong kick there bub. Did your dad teach you that?" Kyson asked in an authoritative tone. Kyson caught a quick glance at Dorn who was tense and staring right at him.
"Uh huh." Said the small boy. Kyson smiled and put out his hand towards the small blob. The boy didn't flinch but Dorn did.
"My name is Kyson. What's yours?" he asked in a calm and friendly tone. He watched the small Quarians eyes grow wide with excitement before reaching out and poking his hand in curiosity and jumping back giggling.
"Jonah!" squeaked the boy causing Kyson to laugh.
"Well now Jonah! It's nice to meet you." He chuckled and stood up and offered his hand to Dorn who took it apprehensibly.
"Don't look so stressed Dorn; he's a little kid with a story to tell his friends when he's older. He was the brave one who hit the Human…" said Kyson with a hidden smirk. Dorn nodded and looked down at his son who was now turning circles in place amusing himself.
"Thank you Mr. Sorley. Well, I must be going. Much to be done and all." Said Dorn shakily before nodding to everyone but paused when he noticed Tali. He then quickly picked up Jonah who was making rocket ship noises and hurried away. Kyson had picked up the little moment and turned to Tali.
"Cute kid, anyways, where do you need me first sir?" asked Kyson while looking back to Han.
"Already got that lined up as a matter of fact. Reegar is about to go on a recon mission and I want you there with him and his team. I had a chat with Luke and asked if you were combat tested. Nice work with that gang by the way." said Han with a hint of respect.
"Thank you sir, I'm ready to go whenever you need me." Said Kyson.
"Good, you leave as soon as Kal and his team arrive down here. Grab you're weapons and be ready to move. Tali, if you would come with me we have much to go over." Said Han as he turned to leave, but Tali just stood still.
"You're sending him off without me?!" she shouted causing the Admiral to pause and turn slightly.
"Yes, I am. And that's an order. Kyson, good luck, Kal will brief you when he gets down here." Said Han. He then turned and began to walk off again.
"I guess I'll catch you later huh?" he asked Tali. She pulled him close and he could feel the emotions roiling inside her kudos to the bond.
"How the hell do you do it? Just…" she began. Kyson laughed as he hugged her briefly causing all of the Quarians in the area to stop once again and stare.
"I'll tell you when I get back. Apparently I'm going through a test it seems." He then nudged her away from him and she began to walk off slowly but kept glancing back until the crowd absorbed her.
Well, at least I won't have to be the one to explain all of that! Thanks Han! HAhahahahaha! Now it's time for a weapons check! Whoohoo! Kyson put on some music in his helmet before jumping back into the Kodiak and looking over his guns. (We can make the world stop: by The Glitch Mob) He only had to wait twenty or so minutes for Kal to show up with two other Quarian's in tow both of which looked mean as fuck.
"Kyson! Ready for a little action?" shouted Kal into the Kodiak causing Kyson to look out from the cockpit and smile.
"Hell yeah! I've been itchin for some action! Let's roll!" shouted Kyson. He had his board and weapons ready to go. He saw Kal in front followed by two other Quarians. One wore a burnt Orange suit and the other was green. He looked back to Kal and nodded.
"So, what's goin' down?" he asked casually as he hopped down from his shuttle.
"Got a distress signal from a ship that got high jacked by the Blue Suns, the Admirals figured that if we lent some assistance we might get a favor in turn." Said Kal. Kyson understood the idea but found it slightly fucked up. So, if there wasn't anything to gain in any way, they would leave the crew to die? Dick move….
"Right, so when we leaving?" he asked.
"Now, I figured we would use your shuttle." said Kal with a slight chuckle.
"Welcome to the Quarian Fleet Mr. Sorley! Thanks for the recourses Mr. Sorley; we're going to take your ship Mr. Sorley…Ha! Figures. Alright then let's roll chicks and dicks!" he whooped and hopped back into the Kodiak while the other three climbed in. Once everyone was secure he brought the shuttle up and waited for the docking doors to open. He heard soft steps behind him and saw the green suited female Quarian baring over him.
"I'm patching in the co-ordinates. We are headed to the Omega nebula and from there to the Arinlarkan system. All we know is that the ship registered as the MSV Strontium Mule was responding to a distress signal then went silent. Can you handle that Human?" said the female Quarian with a sneer. Kyson glanced at Kal who just stared ahead. Ok, fuck this bitch.
"Sure, no problem." He said in a polite and cheery tone.
"I'll let you know when we arrive and there is also free 'flying fucks' available in back. So, if you could kindly grab one, I might start listening to you. Good day, and enjoy your travels on Sorley Airlines!" he said in the perkiest flight attendant tone he could muster with a straight face .Joker you would be proud… Two things happened at once. He heard Kal curse while an arm came around from behind and clamped around his neck forcing him into the chair like a vise.
"Listen very carefully Human. I will not be spoken to in such a manner by filth like you, do you understand?" the female said coolly as he felt a slight tap on his helmet which was no doubt a pistol.
"NIA! STAND DOWN!" shouted Kal. Kyson now had a name that he could work with.
"Yeah Nia, what gives?" asked the third Quarian nervously. He sounded young by the way his voice seemed to crack and waver. He heard a slight snarl before the pressure around his neck was released.
"Kal, he needs to be put down. He has to be using Tali! No human would do otherwise! They are liars and cheats and not to be trusted!" she shouted at Kal but keeping the pistol against Kyson's head.
"Shut up and put the gun away Nia. If you weren't my sister I would shoot you myself right now." Said Kal while he took a step towards her but Nia stood her ground all the while Kyson just wanted to get going.
"But he's going to ruin Tali!" She shouted causing Kyson to grind his teeth. He had had enough. He stood up quickly and pivoted to face Nia straight on.
"Look, I don't know who you are, but I will NOT tolerate anything bad being said about Tali and myself! And trust me when I say that you better kill me with the first shot cause if not, I will kill every mother fucker in the galaxy to get to you…" he growled. This was supposed to be a simple rescue mission but before they even left, he had this shit to deal with. Nia just stood there with her finger flexing on the trigger.
"Wait, I remember you! You're the girl with the Human boyfriend back on Illium! HA!" said Kyson as he began to laugh at the irony of the situation. Nia lowered the gun astonished.
"How? What?" she asked befuddled. Kyson laughed to himself. He now could go for the strike and shut her up for the rest of the mission.
"Yeah, his name is Steven right? Yeah, I was the one who told him to play a song for you and dance with you. He left a data pad behind and it was his journal…you must be 'Queen bitch' of the Neema right?" he grinned like a jack-o-lantern when Nia began to quake with fury.
"Stop…it…now…" she growled with barely leashed rage but he pressed on.
"OH! Hitting a nerve? It should. Cause from what I read, he loves you…and all you ever did was shit on him. And let's see what else…oh, and he's an N7 operative? Did you know that?" he asked amused at the woman's now sagging shoulders.
"I guess not. So I guess you never knew that he wrote on about that despite you're bitch exterior, you were the only person he ever opened up to about how he was brought up as a Batarian slave? Nice moves. I bet you were just using him for something huh?" Kyson leaned against the pilot seat as he watched the now defeated Quarian woman. Good, she earned it. People need to learn not to get in my shit. It ends badly.
Nia backed against the one bulkhead and put a hand up to her visor. She looked lost and dazed and Kyson could just make out her crying softly.
"Y…you have no right to talk like that…" she stammered between sobs.
"Then don't assume to know my intensions." He replied. He watched as she tried to collect herself but she was failing at it and he rolled his eyes. Do I have to be Shepard now? Geeze… He walked over to the now quiet woman and held out a hand.
"I'm sorry, that was rougher than I intended." he said. Nia glared daggers at him and walked to the back of the ship without a word and nearly toppled over the young Quarian in the back who quickly shuffled into the cockpit while Kal shut the partition.
"What. Was. That?" said the young man looking between Kal and Kyson. Kyson looked over to Kal and shrugged his shoulders.
"Kyson, is it sound proof between here and the other compartment?" asked Kal.
"Yeah, why?" he replied worried slightly. But Kal just burst out laughing leaving Kyson and the other Quarian stumped.
"OH Keelah that was good! It's about time someone knocked her down a notch!" said Kal as he practically rolled into the co-pilot seat.
"Dude, I'm sorry for doing that…I wasn't about to have some girl with a grudge project her life problems onto me." said Kyson. Kal just kept chuckling as they waited for the all clear to launch.
Okhavefunbai!