A Cause to Fight For

Jasmine had stopped back by the hospital to check in on Ares and Charles after learning Ares' honey-bunny suffered a blood clot. Charles needed emergency surgery, but he was already back on the road to recovery. Damn did he look like shit, though. The skin of his face appeared waxy with a sickly pallor. Dark shadows ringed his eyes, sunken into their sockets. Each breath he took seemed to take great effort despite the oxygen mask pumping fresh air into his damaged lungs.

Ares didn't look a whole lot better himself, to be honest.

Grouchier than usual, gaze staying laser focused on his bondmate, the turian really didn't have much to say the entire time she was there. Questions about Charles' condition only agitated him further. Attempts to comfort him earned her grumpy rumbles and mandible flicks. The mere thought of speaking sympathetic words out loud triggered warning glares. Clearly, he just wanted to be left alone with Charles and his thoughts.

So, she'd decided to give him a quick debrief on their latest foray against Cerberus and then cut out while Charles slept. On her way to the door, she'd stopped to press a kiss to the side of Ares' head and gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. She'd told him to call her if he needed anything, but she highly doubted he would for anything short of an attack on the hospital itself.

Standing outside of the hospital, she thought about heading back to the apartment. If Thane and Theodus finished their memory exercises, then maybe she'd take the two of them out to lunch or something. She felt fairly certain she could coax Theodus out of Tiberius Towers if she promised to take him somewhere secluded and quiet.

She started walking, but instead of heading toward the taxi stand, she found herself veering off toward Armax Arsenal. They'd talked about doing more recruiting, and for whatever reason, the roguish turian who worked there came to mind. She definitely didn't know him or trust him enough to follow through with her own suggestion, but it didn't hurt to spend more time with him to see if he'd eventually be a good fit.

She spotted the man right away, leaning over the counter and talking to another turian about the pros and cons of an Avalanche II shotgun. Lingering by the door, she smiled and gave Razik a small wave when his gaze flicked to her location, and his mandibles flared. She waited around until the customer made up his mind and placed his order. As soon as he walked away, she stuck her hands in her pockets and made her way to the counter.

Razik fluttered his mandibles, mouth plate quirking in a smile. "Well now. Your armor's already been repaired and picked up, so to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Folding her shoulders in, she tipped her head a little to the side. "I was out and about, thought I'd see if you've had your lunch break yet?"

A deep, resonating hum filled the air as he looked her up and down for a second. "Are you buying?"

She chuckled and nodded. "That was the idea."

"Then no," he said with another hum and a smirk, "I haven't had my lunch break yet. Give me a few, and I'll clock out."

Snorting, she nodded and stepped away from the counter. She made her way back to the entrance and left the store, taking a seat on a bench set into the picture window. Leaning back against the glass, she crossed one leg over the other and let her mind drift. She felt so incredibly calm, heart lighter than it'd felt in months.

A smile tugged at her lips as she thought about why, exactly, she felt so good. A day spent being pampered and making love was exactly what she'd needed. And … talking about Karin. Christ, she loved Thane, and she was so, so lucky to have found him. He really was the best thing in her life—ever.

Rounding the corner, Razik sat down next to her and hummed. "Tannor's scent is all over you, but … I'm picking up hints of a turian, too."

Jasmine chuckled, turning her head to look at him. Catching the teasing glint to his eyes, she snorted and shook her head. "So rude."

He flicked a mandible and shrugged. "What can I say? I like to speak my mind." Smiling, he glanced away, scanning the crowd. "So, who is the turian I smell, and why is his scent so … anguished?"

"A friend," she said as she stood and turned to face him, "and someone he cares about is in the hospital." Jerking her head over her shoulder, she started toward the Citadel Rapid Transit stand. "Any restaurant preferences?"

Catching up to her, Razik waved a hand through the air before dropping it to his side. "You're paying, you decide."

Jasmine watched Razik as he picked at his food, cutting off a slice of slightly-more-cooked-than-Ares-liked-it meat before tossing it in his mouth. Also unlike Ares, Razik made a bit more of an attempt to actually taste his food. Rolling it in his mouth and chomping it between razor sharp teeth a few times, he tossed his head back to let it slide down his throat.

He glanced at her and flicked a mandible when he caught her staring. "Don't let my dashing good looks keep you from your meal." He rumbled, fluttering his mandibles and cut another piece of cralvendex.

She smiled and picked up her glass of tea, taking a sip before setting it back down again. "Can I ask you a question?"

"I believe you just did." He quirked a brow plate and shoved his fork into his mouth.

Choosing to not take the bait of his snark, she asked, "How do you deal with a civilian life after being a member of the Cabals?"

He swallowed and then chuckled, picking up his napkin to swipe at a smear of cralvendex blood on his mouth plates. "Hmm. Some days are easier than others, that's for sure."

"Do you ever miss it?" she asked, and he gave her a confused look and questioning trill. She smiled and waved a hand. "The Cabals? The action … battle?"

He seemed to think about it while he cut into his lunch again. "I don't miss the Cabals, but I do miss certain aspects of it, yes. There was something, hmm, fulfilling about taking out the garbage of the galaxy."

"I know what you mean." She nodded, stabbing her fork into her pasta with cream sauce. "You ever think about going back, or doing something else? Like being a merc or whatever?"

Humming, he watched her for a moment before flicking a mandible. "Why do I suddenly get the feeling I'm being … interviewed?"

She smiled, his quick wit hitting so close to the truth amusing her quite a bit. "Is that a yes or a no?"

Chuffing, he flared his mandibles and stared at her for a few seconds. When his attempt to wait her out didn't go as planned, he hummed and said, "I've considered it, yes. I suppose I just haven't found a cause—not covered in red tape—I'm interested in fighting for since leaving the Cabals."

She nodded, letting his words linger in the air for a couple of minutes as they both ate in silence. "How's work going? Still having issues with your employer?"

"You have no idea," he said with a chuff. He looked up at her and shook his head as he picked up his glass. "The Avalanche II I was talking to that customer about?" He took a swallow of his beer and set the glass back down. "It's not a bad weapon, but we carry far better ones, and for the prices we charge …. But, the owner insists we push the Avalanche series to boost sales. I got written up, again, for suggesting that instead of pushing a low-selling, high-cost weapon onto customers just to make more credits, we lower the cost and it'll draw in customers all on its own. In the end, more will sell. Yes, Armax won't make as much per unit, but as it is, they're making nothing per unit because they're not selling."

"Sounds reasonable. Why'd you get written up for that?" She arched an eyebrow, sensing there was something more to the story. Either that, or his boss really was just an asshole.

Giving her an agitated flick of his mandible, he shrugged and turned his attention back to his plate. "My choice of words could've been more, hm, diplomatic."

She snorted and grinned. "Uh huh. So, what did you actually say?"

"I don't remember, precisely." He waved his free hand and lifted his fork to his mouth. "Something along the lines of, 'Fine. Do things your way. You're the boss, after all. Even if only a complete idiot would think having an overstock of a product, sitting in inventory and collecting dust, is better than actually selling them instead.'"

"Wow." Eyes-widening, she set her fork down on the edge of her plate. "That was ballsy. I'm surprised you weren't just fired outright."

"I'm not so lucky." Shoulders hefting in an exaggerated sigh, he let out a soft, regretful sounding keen.

"If you hate it there so much, why not just quit? I'm sure you can find another job." Picking up her fork again, she stabbed her pasta and twirled her fork.

"Because I'll probably hate any other job just as much," he said with a shrug, "and my rent isn't going to pay itself."

"What do you want to do?" she asked.

"Honestly, I'm not entirely sure anymore." He stared out at the crowd a moment, appearing lost in thought. "Maybe I never was," he said, gaze drifting back to her.

There was something so raw and vulnerable in his eyes, something filled with pain and anger, though it didn't seem directed at her in the slightest. After a second, he cleared his throat and hummed, turning his attention back to eating. They focused on their meals. The atmosphere around them thickened with a deep, thoughtful silence neither of them seemed interested in breaking.

Finally, she took a sip of her tea and asked, "I'm going to the Arena tomorrow morning with some friends. Care to join us?"

"Hm." Putting down his glass, he propped his elbows on the table and leaned closer toward her, lacing his fingers together. "So, just to make sure we're on the same page here—that's how it's said, right?" He continued after she nodded, "You and your friends have been going out and picking fights with some big bad—judging by the state of you armor—and you're looking for someone else to join you. Fight for your cause." His green eyes narrowed, holding her pinned in place. "Maybe even 'die for the cause', and you're thinking I might just be the turian you're looking for. But, instead of just making your sale's pitch, you want to feel me out a little and let your associates do the same; see what I'm like in the field and decide whether or not I'm good enough, first. Maybe trustworthy enough. Sound about right?"

She held his gaze, refusing to back down despite the hint of embarrassment creeping in along her consciousness. Either she'd completely lost her touch, or he was too damn observant and intuitive for his own good. Maybe a mix of both. "So … does that mean you'll be there tomorrow, or …?"

Chuckling, he nodded his head as if she'd given him a straight answer after all. He leaned back and draped his forearm over an empty chair. "Yeah. I'll be there. What time?"

"I'll need to return to Kahje in a few weeks," Thane said as he sat plates on the table in front of Jasmine and Theodus. He returned to the kitchen and brought back two more, setting one in front of Avalina before taking a seat with his own.

"How long will you be on Kahje?" Avalina asked, picking up a fork.

"I'm not certain." Thane shook out his napkin and laid it in his lap. "My doctor will decide after a follow-up examination." He knew if he'd asked, Dr. Solus would likely be able to provide the treatments for him there on the Citadel, but he looked forward to his return to Enkindler's Pass—to Kolyat.

"I'll talk to Bossman." Jasmine reached over and settled a hand on his knee. "I want to go with you, and besides, with Nemos out of the game for the time being, we damn sure can't afford to strike anywhere without you."

Covering her hand with his own, he caressed her delicate fingers and smiled. "Indeed, I'd hoped you would join me. I'm sure Kolyat would love to see you again, as would Drali." He let out a soft chuckle. "You made quite the impression on my brother." Turning his attention to Theodus, he added, "I understand if you aren't comfortable with the idea, Cousin, but I would like to have you join us as well."

"I … will give it some consideration." Theodus dipped his head.

Thane knew it was the best concession the man could offer at the moment. He hoped Theodus would decide to go; he wanted Kolyat to meet Theodus, and he thought being around other drell accepting of his genetics might truly benefit his cousin. He wondered if it'd ever stop feeling so strange to think of Theodus as kin.

Thane returned the gesture and then patted Jasmine's hand before picking up his knife and fork. "Thank you."

Hand retreating from his leg, Jasmine grinned at Theodus. "Don't worry, Theo. If anyone gives you any shit, I'll break their nose for you."

"Siha!" Thane chuckled and shook his head. And yet, he was thrilled to see the old, familiar spark of mischief in her eyes and the easy smile on her face as she glanced at him.

Theodus laughed and winked at her. "I think I might like to see that, actually. At least with a few of those I grew up around."

"Perhaps you should spend some time learning from Thane and Jasmine so you might properly break their noses yourself," Avalina said, giving Theodus a coy smile when he looked at her with narrowed eyes.

"Pragia is a garden world, the vegetation there grows more rapidly than anything we've seen anywhere else. It was colonized by batarians a couple hundred years ago, and they introduced industrially-mutated plants which quickly grew out of control, taking over colonies in days." Raúl waved his hand dismissively, making it clear he thought the idea of aggressive, mutant plants to be irrelevant and only mentioned it to be thorough. Probably because Theodus was present. "The batarians abandoned the planet, and it's now home to pirates, smugglers, and apparently, Cerberus."

"Which means we'll definitely need the medevac team if we find anyone alive in the facility." Isaac let out a soft sigh, nearly imperceptible, before pursing his lips and nodding his head. "I'll give them a call."

Thane didn't entirely understand Isaac's hesitation to make use of the medevac team his father provided, but he did understand why Isaac might wish it wasn't necessary. Whatever tension existed between Isaac and his father, Thane hoped that when Kolyat became an adult, he thought more fondly of Thane. Although, he knew he had much to do before Kolyat became an adult to make up for all of his time spent away.

"We've located what we believe to be the facility using satellite imaging. However, it doesn't appear to be in current use." Avalina turned a palm out as she spoke. "The structure itself is covered in vegetation, and we detected no movement inside or outside of the facility beyond local wildlife."

"Nothing at all?" Isaac arched an eyebrow, leaning forward on the couch to rest his elbows on his knees.

"No, nothing." Avalina shook her head.

Humming, Isaac scratched the stubble along his jaw and looked around the room. "I'll give the medevac team coordinates anyway, just in case."

"Perhaps it's for the best." Thane dipped his head when Isaac met his gaze.

"Yeah." Isaac nodded, gratitude filling his brown eyes for a moment.

"Forgive me if I'm missing the obvious," Theodus said, pausing to take a sip of his tea, "but if the place is out of commission, wouldn't our time be better spent on other locations?"

"We should still check it out." Jasmine shifted her weight to her other hip and crossed her arms over her chest. "Even if you're right and the place is shut down, there could still be info there we can use."

"Fair enough." Theodus took another sip of his tea before setting the cup down on the saucer in front of him.

Thane hoped they were correct. Investigating a closed facility would be quite a relief after the things they saw and the fights they encountered in the last two. Admittedly, there was more to it for him than simply wishing to avoid such terrible things. Jasmine finally seemed relaxed, seemed to find herself again. Perhaps it was selfish, but he wanted to see her high spirits last as long as possible.

Apparently sensing his gaze on her, she turned her head to look at him. The soft, soothing smile she saved for only him slipped into place. He returned her smile and let his gaze linger. He only wanted to savor her beauty for a moment, but memories of holding her against the wall while he entered her—not far at all from where she currently stood—bombard his mind. His frills flushed and a warmth stirred inside of him, forcing him to fight to banish the images and sensations before they consumed him completely. She smirked and scraped her teeth over her lip, a low, smoldering fire lighting her eyes as her gaze traveled over him.

Coughing gently into his fist, he averted his gaze only to find his cousin watching him. Brow ridge ticking up, a smile toyed with the corners of Theodus' mouth. Undoubtedly, he'd picked up on the shift in Thane's scent.

"If things do go well on Pragia," Isaac said, drawing Thane's attention back to him, "then we may have time to hit another active facility before the two of you take off." He glanced between Jasmine and Thane.

"The three of us," Theodus said.

"Indeed?" Thane raised his brow ridges, thoughts cooling further with his surprise. After their earlier conversation, he'd been almost certain Theodus would choose to decline the offer to join Thane and Jasmine on Kahje. It meant far more than he ever realized to have his cousin agree, to have his family grow in such a way.

Theodus tipped his head to the side and shrugged. "Why not? I'll have Jasmine there to make sure people stay in line."

"I don't even want to know what you mean by that," Isaac said, turning a palm out toward Theodus and earning him a grin, "but whatever. Okay, before the three of you take off."

"I will return home while they are away, as well," Avalina said from the barstool she sat on across the room.

"Will remain on Citadel," Dr. Solus said, speaking up for the first time in nearly an hour.

Isaac waved a hand. "You're welcome to stay on the ship, if you prefer."

"Either acceptable." Dr. Solus blinked twice and then said, "Will work on device to clear vegetation on Pragia."

"How much time do you need?" Isaac asked.

Dr. Solus blinked again and smiled. "Resources readily available on Citadel. Simple matter. Less than a day."

Bobbing his head, Isaac said, "Cool. Let me know what everything costs, and I'll make sure you have what you need." He took a moment to look around at everyone before his gaze settled on Jasmine, whose attention remained fixed on Thane. "Alright everyone, let's get out of Sunshine's hair for the night. We'll head to Pragia in a couple of days."

Jasmine stayed where she was as the apartment cleared out, as did Thane. His gaze never left hers, soaking in the sultry, hungry look on her face. When the door closed behind Raúl, she pushed off the wall and walked slowly over to the couch, hips swaying with each step. He tracked her every movement, desire for her building its way to a roaring fire once more. Bringing a leg up, she pressed her knee into the cushion next to his thigh and straddled his lap. He moved his hands to her hips, pulling her in closer, and tipped his head back to welcome her kiss.

Thane stood next to Raúl as they changed back to live ammo. The arena was beginning to become a pleasant part of the group's routine between missions. Of course it helped them learn to work together as a team, but it also encouraged bonding. Admittedly, it surprised him to learn the turian from Armax Arsenal would be joining them on that particular day. It didn't bother him, however, and it didn't really seem to bother anyone else.

Raúl was the slowest to warm to Razik—likely only because Ares wasn't with them. Undoubtedly, Razik's presence would've made Ares paranoid and edgy. Nevertheless, by the end of the final round, Razik and Raúl fought side by side without pause.

Isaac certainly appeared to enjoy the man's company, though it very easily might be a ploy to put Razik at ease and better get to know him. Then again, so might Razik's behavior be a ruse. Jasmine told Thane about the way Razik accurately surmised her intentions without batting an eye, as she'd said. It'd unnerved her, but she'd moved past it easily enough, showing no indication of unease around Razik.

He certainly carried a particular charm, to which not even Thane seemed immune.

Jasmine expressed certainty about the turian's willingness to join them if they gave him a cause to fight for, one with merit. He'd certainly make a good addition to the team, and Thane highly doubted the turian would consider their fight against Cerberus to be unworthy. Still, it was already discussed, and everyone agreed to keep their secrets to themselves for the time being.

No decision would be made about Razik right away. Trust needed to be built, likely on both sides, before they extended an invitation. So, he wouldn't be joining them on Pragia. Yet, if Thane's intuition proved accurate, the turian would soon have a cot aboard the Iliad.

Jasmine stepped out of the changing stall, skin still glowing with a light sheen of sweat, and flashed a smile at him as she moved over to the shelf and started changing out her ammo. "Hey," she said, glancing over at him, "I'm going to hop in the shower when we get back to the apartment, but then I have an errand to run for Nemos. When I get back, why don't we go grab something to eat and find something entertaining to do. Movie? Museum? Something?"

"Whatever you'd like, siha." He smiled at her as he holstered his pistol. "Or would you prefer I decide?"

"You decide." Pressing up on her toes, she leaned in and gave him a quick kiss before whispering against his lips, "I love you."

"And I you." He kissed her again. "Always."

Jasmine pressed the buzzer and waited, leaning against the doorframe. She'd told Ares she'd check in on Talik, and she'd called the kid to give him a heads up so he'd answer the door. Eezo, Charles' Alaskan Malamute pup, barked and snuffled around on the other side of the door. Talik's muffled voice shooed her away before the door slid open.

Glancing up at Jasmine, the young turian's mandibles flared and fluttered. He looked tired and worried, but he gave her a soft smile. "Hi, Jasmine. Ares said it was okay to let you inside." He stepped back out of the way of the door and scooped the dog up into his arms.

She went inside and closed the door behind her before reaching out and scratching Eezo's head. Letting the dog lick her fingers a second, she then wiped her hand on her jeans. "Hey. How you holding up, kid?"

A weary sounding sigh slipped out of Talik as he turned and walked toward the living room. "Okay, I guess. How is Charles? Is he really going to be okay?"

Following after him, she sat down on the couch and braced her elbows on her knees. "Yeah, I think so. He looks like crap, but the doctors said he'll pull through."

"Do you think they'll still want me to stay when Charles comes home from the hospital?" Sitting down in a chair across from her, he released Eezo, letting the dog jump down from his lap and rush over to Jasmine.

She reached down, running her fingers through the soft fur of Eezo's head and back. "I wouldn't worry about it. I doubt Ares will expect you to leave. Hell, he could probably use the help taking care of Charles until he's back on his feet."

"How long will that be?" Mandibles falling still as he watched Jasmine, he let out a soft, curious trill.

"I really don't know." She shook her head and sat back on the couch. "I'm sorry." She let her gaze roam over him for a few seconds. "Ares said he'd ask Cammus to come stay with you for the time being if you want …."

He shook his head. "Cammus is alright, but …" He shrugged, mandibles fluttering. "… I don't know."

"He's a little too straight-laced?" She smirked and arched an eyebrow. "Too turian?"

He chuckled, posture relaxing a little as he nodded. "Yeah."

"Thought so." She sighed. She didn't really like the idea of leaving the kid there alone, despite the fact that not too long ago he lived on the Citadel streets, moving through the ducts with the other kids. At least out there, he wasn't alone. "You need anything?"

Talik shook his head. "Ares has accounts set up with shops to deliver food or anything else I need."

"Good," she said with a nod. "Good. Well, I'll be coming and going from the Citadel for the next few weeks. If something comes up, if you need anything, call me. I'll make sure it's taken care of, one way or another."

"Thanks, Jasmine." He smiled at her, and once again, she was blown away at how different he looked with his plates scrubbed clean and wearing clothes that actually fit.

She grinned and patted Eezo as she stood up again. "I've got to head out, come lock the door behind me."

"Fly over Cerberus facility, drop main device onto center of grounds." Mordin pointed at a button on the circular device sitting in the middle of the table of a cleared out storage room he'd claimed to set up a lab aboard the Iliad. "Will kill vegetation in few minutes."

"What will it do to us?" Isaac asked.

"Nothing." Mordin waved a hand and then picked up a box holding miniature versions of the thing on the table. "Devices target plant DNA only. Carry these on person incase needed for further exploration. Will clear much smaller radius, requires cooldown between uses."

"You're sure these things won't affect us at all?" Raúl raised an eyebrow.

Mordin slowly blinked and then stared at Raúl, giving Jasmine the impression the question left him confounded. "Plant DNA only," he said again, enunciating each word in a clear, monotone voice.

Jasmine snickered and then turned her head, looking over the room when Raúl threw a glare her direction. Sure, she and Raúl found some common ground and were getting along a lot better than when they first met, but she still took a twisted satisfaction in hearing him talked down to like a child. Or an idiot. Which Mordin, quite possibly, considered them all to be. The salarian was scary smart.

She'd spent some time talking with him the night before about his Incinerate and Cryoblast techniques. He'd spent twenty minutes alone, easy, just discussing the rapidness of a fire's ability to spread given various conditions. He took another thirty to lecture about how she could calculate the fire's potential reach to use to her advantage in battle. She understood maybe a third of what he talked about, and she knew she'd never try to calculate anything in the middle of battle aside from the variables affecting her sniper rifle's trajectory—and even that came more or less automatically for her anymore, one part training, one part gut feeling.

"Alright," Isaac said, "we'll arrive at Pragia midday tomorrow. Even if the facility is empty, the planet isn't. Everyone get your rest tonight, I need you all sharp tomorrow. Our presence may draw unwanted attention, so we need to be prepared to deal with anything."