And now for the final part of this lengthy chapter. And what better way to start this than with a little titillation?

Tonight was a test of endurance for Tu'uta Tangilanu. After Mosese whisked him away from the group, it was party central. Or at least that was what Mosese called going from one place to another without a plan in his head. They hit a few bars, toured stores, popped into a dance club, ate a buffet almost to bankruptcy and stopped anywhere Mosese could think of. At some point, it became clear that Tangilanu was simply there to accompany him for the ride.

Well, that and to be an object of attention. Everywhere they went, Mosese had to remind people that Tangilanu helped to find the Master Chief. The expected "oohs" and "aahs" they got were cute at first, but after the seventeenth time it was a nuisance. Even worse, Tangilanu's role in the rescue was changed the more inebriated Mosese got. At first he was just the technician who found Cortana and later he was the guy who opened the pod by himself. Which would have been impressive if it was true!

It was hard to stay angry with Mosese though. He had gone a great length to get to New Mombasa and it wasn't cheap either, even with Mosese's discount as a serviceman. Plus, Mosese wasn't actively trying to be self-focused or overeager. It was like a clumsy puppy, where they meant well despite being completely careless. And he knew Mosese did care for him as family, so that counted for something.

Though this recent stop was not exactly a family activity.

"Come on, fototehina," Mosese said just an octave too loud. He was very visibly tipsy after the last bar they stopped at. "Just one. I promise, just one and we can do whatever you want."

"You've been saying that all day," Tangilanu said frustrated.

"Psshh…no! …maybe. Still, I mean it. Just this one! I'll pay for it. It'll help ya…loosen up," Mosese said as he made a noodle motion with his arms.

Tangilanu sighed. He wasn't a prude, but strip clubs were not his favorite places to 'loosen up.' He could handle filth and sleeze. That came with his job. This was something else though. It was a desperate man who paid for something he could get for free.

"Please! I might not get to see you for a long time after today," Mosese said making a begging gesture. "You'll thank me later!"

Tangilanu sighed. He had no idea why he was entertaining this. "Just one. That's it."

Mosese beamed. "I love you, fototehina! You're the best!" He wrapped an arm around Tangilanu's neck as they entered the building. If the Mgalekolo bouncers weren't intimidating enough, the club's name, The Gutter, served as an ominous and ironic taunt!

The previously faint electronic music now blasted at full volume all around them. Smoke filled Tangilanu's lungs instantly, overpowering the other odious scents of the place. Customers of all races and genders occupied the various chairs and stools as they sought their individual or group entertainment. The 'workers' were predominantly human, though there were a fair share of Asari and even a Turian entertaining the customers. There were even holographic entertainers for the truly pathetic! High class this certainly was not.

"Whoo!" Tangilanu shouted as he soaked in the atmosphere. "Now this is a party. That dance club was shit compared to this." He was lying through his teeth to even think of saying that, but it was also rude to voice his actual thoughts in the establishment.

"I know! Bring on the titties!" Mosese said with drunk excitement.

A particularly sultry black woman approached the two of them and stroked under Tangilanu's chin. Of course! They always aim for the guy who doesn't want to be there. She was tall and slender, with that outfit he had seen the dancers at Chora's Den wear. To be fair, it looked good on her.

"Hey boys," she said with a distinctly Nigerian accent. "What brings you to our little club?"

"Celebrating!" Mosese answered quickly as he slipped his arm off of Tangilanu. "This man here found the Master Chief!"

"Oh?" She said with playful teasing. "Did he now?"

"Yes, ma'am! Pulled him out of the cyro pod himself!" Mosese said continuing with his recent story. "He said, 'You! You're coming with me!' And then up the Chief went. Don't believe me…look at the news."

"Well then," she said eyeing Tangilanu from head to toe with a pleased wink, "Big hero like him needs the special treatment."

"Don't you know it!" Mosese said as he opened an omni tool tab. "Give him a private show! Treat him nice! Bring another woman into it!" Mosese was having some trouble tapping the keys, but he managed to set things up for payment. He then turned to an Asari waitress carrying alcohol glasses. "I'll meet you later, cuz. My buzz is wearing off," he said before stumbling away.

So Tangilanu was getting a private show. Great…he could smell the bodily fluids already. One dance. That was all he promised Mosese and that was all he would get. Then they would get the hell out of there!

"Come this way, big hero," the black woman said as she took his hand and led him to a back room. They arrived at the booth and she motioned an Asari dancer to follow them. Once she arrived, the women activated a holographic curtain to block onlookers wanting a peep show.

Tangilanu didn't need to be told what to do. He had been to strip clubs before for bachelor parties and 'special events.' He lay on the couch and placed his arms up to ensure the 'no touching' rule was kept.

"Good man," the black woman said lowering the straps on their dressed to reveal their breasts. "Knows how to do things right. Now sit back and enjoy." The two women then began their routine, moving their bodies and caressing each other like strippers would.

Tangilanu found his eyes wandering around the room. They were decent looking enough for their profession, and he'd be lying if he didn't say they had nice…assets, but he suddenly registered how little fun he had been having today. Semi-nude ladies wouldn't improve that.

This did not escape the women's notice. "Something wrong, hero?" The black woman said still dancing with the Asari. "We not appealing you?"

"No. I mean, you're…appealing me just fine, I guess," he said still half paying attention.

"You can tell us what's on your mind," the Asari said as she moved her hands up and down the black woman's body. "We're good listeners."

This seemed like the least likely place he should have this discussion. He didn't have a lot of options though.

"Do you…?" He struggled thinking to say what he wanted. "Do either of you have siblings or cousins?"

"I have my brother and sister down in Lagos," the black woman said as she bent over with her rear facing him.

"I have some sisters on other planets," the Asari added stroking around the black woman's nipples. "I haven't seen them in a while."

"If only I was so lucky.." he mumbled.

The two women moved closer as they did some saucier dance moves. "Now why you say that?" The black woman said. "Family is real important."

He was finding it hard to focus with the Asari's exposed bust in his field of vision, but he continued. "I know. Hell, I'm Tongan. Family's as important to us as breathing. Some people just…I don't know..."

"Was that man you came with family?" The Asari said rubbing his leg.

"Yeah. My cousin," he replied as he felt a tingle from the black woman grinding lightly against him, distracting him slightly. "I…I haven't seen him in a while and he…he, uh, really made an effort to come see me," he said.

"Aw, that's sweet," the black woman said stroking his cheek.

"Yeah…but all we've been doing is-" His thought was cut off as he could feel the Asari stroke along his side. It tickled him the right way, but he forced himself to continue. "..j-just doing what he wants."

"Well, you've been going along with it," the black woman said dancing above him making thrusting motions towards his crotch. "It's not like you're suffering."

"True. And he's…uh, paid for everything…" he started still finding it hard to focus as his attention was drawn in to their routine. "I'm not ungrateful…"

"…but you feel like he hasn't been listening to you," the Asari continued his thought as she brought her leg on top of his for her dance move.

"…yeah," he said trying to not be aroused, which was proving harder than he thought. "My family's more doers than listeners. …uh, still, he's one of those guys. And, um…h-he steamrolls over people just by…by..by being him and people have to follow."

"Oh. We've all been there, hon," the black woman said as she stood up to continue her dance. "It's about give and take. He's happy to see you, but he should respect your wants too. And if you don't want to do something, tell him. You're a big boy, Mr. Hero. Don't let him push you around because he's so tall."

She had to add that part. It wasn't necessary. Mosese kept calling him fototehina all day and being called 'little brother' when he was technically older than Mosese was tiring. He wished his other cousin hadn't made that joke all those years ago.

"He'll listen if you speak up," the Asari said as they slowed down their dance. "At least if he is truly family."

After a few seconds, the two women stopped. Which was fine with Tangilanu because he was trying hard to keep the budding erection down.

"Time's up, hero," the black woman said as they both adjusted their dresses to cover their chests once more..

Tangilanu hopped to his feet and made his way out. Before he left though, the two women stopped him.

"You've been the best one all night," the black woman said placing a peck on his cheek. "Come back any time, hero."

The Asari was about to follow, but turned around and planted a huge kiss on his lips, shocking Tangilanu.

"Now I have a story to remember a hero with," she said as she walked away. "See you again, big guy."

Tangilanu stood their stunned watching them leave, shifting his leg to hide his bulge while he cooled down. Well…that was one of the more arousing experiences he had in a while. If only he didn't find this place so trashy.

As soon as he was…appropriate to walk out of the booth, he wandered out to the club's main floor. He found Mosese at the main bar acting particularly…more animated than usual. The several empty shot glasses nearby were most likely the reason why,

"My cousin is the bestest of the shooting people!" Mosese slurred to some woman who was clearly not listening to him. "He finds the Master Chief and they'll fight anything. He could make a thresher maw…" Mosese lost his train of thought before giggling.

Tangilanu should probably intervene. He walked over to Mosese's side and tapped his shoulder.

"Cousin!" His cousin slurred spinning around on his stool to face him. "Them pretty ladies with the big titties treat you nice?"

"…yes, Mosese," Tangilanu tried not to say too loud noticing some of the other patrons watching them.

"Yeah! My fototehina got himself a boobie rub. I need a boobie rub. Let's stay here ALL night!"

"I think we need to go, Mosese," Tangilanu said as he grabbed his arm.

"I think YOU need to go…," Mosese attempted to joke with titters pulling back his arm and standing up.

"Mosese, how much have you drank tonight?"

"Psh…I don't know," Mosese said stumbling as if on cue. "It's hall gooood though. I got the women and lots of drinking to make me-"

And that was all Mosese got to say before he tripped backwards and passed out on the floor with a loud thud, spooking several patrons and servers.

"It's ok!" Tangilanu said moving to Mosese's side. "He just had too much partying tonight." The crowd watched for a few seconds more before losing interest and resuming their activities.

A human bouncer came over to talk to Tangilanu, who intercepted the man before he could say anything. "I know, I know. We should leave." Tangilanu tapped at his omni tool and showed the written text to the bouncer. "That's the address to his hotel. Call an aircab to take him back. I'll cover the charges."

The bouncer opened his omni tool to copy the address and nodded. As much as Tangilanu felt guilty ditching Mosese, he wasn't about to waste the night dragging him around. He had a few places he wanted to visit and only an hour before they closed. He'd have to wait until tomorrow for the war history museum though.

He looked behind his shoulder as he left to see a couple bouncers lift Mosese out. On the way out, he bumped into someone coming in. He took a step back and realized that he recognized the person.

"Engelbrektsson?"

She registered whom she had bumped into as well. "Tu'uta?"

"What are you doing here?"

"What does it look like I'm doing here?"

He raised his eyebrows amused. "Didn't think this was your kind of place."

"They have male strippers here too. Not like I have much better to do."

He chuckled. "Save your money. I got some better ideas in mind."

"Oh? Not one of your museum trips, are they?"

"No!" He said mentally making a note to not take her there tomorrow. "Just some other stuff."

Two bouncers then walked between them dragging Mosese out as an aircab arrived.

"Is that Mosese?" Engelbrektsson said concerned.

"He'll be fine," Tangilanu said as he motioned her to follow. "Come on. We're burning moonlight."

Kyle sat on a bar stool alone. The bar was just as fancy as everywhere else in the hotel, though the emptiness and late hour into the night certainly added a creep factor. But Kyle wasn't tired enough to leave. Aside from a few games they played once they got back at the hotel, the rest of the evening had been uneventful. Now everyone else was asleep, so he'd have to handle this insomnia alone.

"Need a refill?" A Salarian bartender asked pointing to Kyle's glass.

"Why not?" Kyle said.

Kyle opened up his omni-tool and replayed Resolme's footage of opening the Chief's pod while the bartender took his glass. He still didn't fully appreciate how strange that event truly was. As much as he didn't want the Chief bothering his thoughts, he had to wonder what that guy was doing now. Kyle and the other soldiers got to return to a planet they knew and loved. The Chief was visiting a planet that was as foreign to him as if it was Illium. Kyle didn't envy that.

"David always suspected you had a vid," a voice behind him said.

Kyle quickly shut off his omni-tool and spun around to see Kim. She had some heavy bags under her eyes and was dressed in something between pajamas and clothes decent enough to be seen in public. Yet there she was up and awake.

"Why are you up so late?" Kyle asked.

"I could ask you the same," She said as she sat next to him. "I wasn't kidding when I said David talks in his sleep."

The bartender returned with a full glass of Kyle's drink of choice: water. He took a long sip.

"Nice," Kim said as she turned to the bartender. "I'll have the same."

"I don't like the taste of alcohol, if that's what you're wondering," Kyle said to her.

"I didn't doubt that," she said back.

Silence hung over them as Kyle's fingers drummed along the counter and the bartender brought Kim's drink. She took a sip and cleared her throat.

"You know…I was thinking a lot about grandpa," she said.

"Because of the whole 'families can be together forever' talk today?" He said with some snark.

"No," she said. "Because of you." Kyle raised an eyebrow as he turned to her. "I thought about how proud he'd be of you. On top of everything else, you brought the Master Chief back from the dead. I'm sure grandpa would have begged to be resurrected early to see it himself."

The two of them chuckled at that.

"Still…." She sighed taking another sip of water. "He never served in the ODST as long as you. Heck, even as long as dad. Not by much mind you, but at least they had a quit date in mind."

Kyle didn't say anything as he took another sip.

"Do you?" She inquired.

"…I 've got too many responsibilities to just quit," he defended. "The galaxy is a dangerous place and they need everyone's help."

"Kyle, even dad was married way before he was your age and he was still serving."

Great, he thought to himself. One of these talks again. "So what?" He said sternly. "Yeah, I'm in my forties and unmarried. I'm not the only guy."

"No, but I just…I don't understand it," Kim said back. "You know we all love having you around. The kids love hearing your stories and David has a heyday catching you up on everything. It's just…" She set her glass down. "The last thing we need the kids to see is you in-"

"That's not going to happen." Kyle interrupted predicting her answer.

"You don't know that," she said. "You knew when you joined that the ODST was suicidal."

"They've done a lot to ensure our safety since then."

"Who knows when that luck will run out? It's not like you're Spartans or Spectres. We don't need a dead war hero. I'd rather have my brother here so I can talk to him like old times."

Kyle set his drink down and sighed as he eyed his synthetic hand. "Those are old times for a reason."

Kim finished her drink glumly. "Where did those days go?"

"I really have no idea…" He said to himself more than to her.

"I've always wondered when we'll have another family reunion. Just all of us together under one roof again. That'd be nice."

"Hopefully the smoke alarm won't go off again like last time."

She chuckled. "We may have been overzealous putting all those candles on dad's cake."

"Just a little."

She stood up and began to walk away before stopping. "I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to offend you. I just…I worry about you. I want you to be happy." She walked out of the bar presumably to go back to bed.

Kyle wasn't exactly sure if he felt like an asshole or totally justified for anything they just talked about. Kim was always a good sister, but sometimes she could be a bit…he couldn't find the word for it. It did make him think though, which he was sure was her intention the entire time. Just another thing to think about and keep him awake.

Then he noticed that the bartender had been listening the whole time. "Do you want to talk about it?" The bartender asked.

"Does this look like the Cheers remake to you?" He said. "Get me more water."

Beckett sat down at the desk in her hotel room. The night was winding down and she felt beat. To be honest, she really enjoyed shore leave. Some people could get restless having this much down time after so many months in space, but she savored her time to unwind

And this shore leave was longer than usual due to the Chief's return, so she was making the most of it. She had shopped for the essentials. She found some good leisure items for downtime. She had seen the sights she needed to. She sorted some Earth business she needed to attend to. She phoned some friends she hadn't seen in ages. She had even found time for dinner by herself at a really nice restaurant. It was a good start for sure.

Yet the night was not done yet. There was one more call to make.

She opened up the desk's vid phone and typed in her desired number. It had been a while since she called them last and she wouldn't be able to see them anytime soon. The time difference between New Mombasa and London meant they should still be up, but she braced herself if they were busy.

After a few rings, an older woman answered. "Hello?"

"(Mother!)" Beckett said happily switching over to their native Sri Lankan tongue Tamil.

The woman's eyes widened with excitement and she beamed. "(Oh! My little soldier!)" She adjusted her own chair as she continued the conversation. "(I was wondering when you'd call.)"

"(Sorry about that,)" Beckett apologized. "(Busy day today.)"

"(I heard that you're in New Mombasa. That must be exciting.)"

Beckett was going to ask how she knew, but remembered that her fleet would have been mentioned in the news broadcasts talking about the Chief. "(Yes!)" She replied. "(I'm enjoying the sights too. How's London treating you?)"

"(Well it's not Kotte,)" her mother answered in reference to their hometown in Sri Lanka. "(But it suits us well.)"

That made Beckett smile, even though her next question was likely about to bring the mood down. "(How's dad?"

Her mother hesitated on that one. "(He's…he's fine. Better.)"

Beckett paused. Things must still be pretty sensitive if her mom would respond like that. "(Good…)" She said to tip toe across the subject.

"(He's asleep right now, but I know he'd be happy to see you,)" her mother said."(Let me get him.)"

"(No don't. If he's asleep, I'll call later-)"

"(Nonsense! It's not often he gets to see his daughter. I'll be right back.)" Her mother tapped a button on the vid screen and a hold icon appeared.

Beckett anticipated the talk. She didn't know how bad his condition had gotten since they last talked. No one could ever identify whatever the problem was to begin with. He had worked with energy technologies for many years trying to create more efficient energy output. He had tinkered with all kinds of elements and forms, including Sanghelli plasma technology and more recently element zero. She knew element zero in high exposures could cause cancerous tumors and certain kinds of plasma exposure could lead to Boren's Syndrome. The problem was that her father seemed to have both types of tumors and even more complications from unknown sources. The doctors have tried best to help him, even relocating her parents to London for high quality treatment. All Beckett could do was hope it amounted to something.

Her father appearing on the vid screen neither confirmed nor denied that sentiment. He was in bed with IV's and tubes poking into his frail body as he stirred awake. He looked thinner than before and his hair was falling out more rapidly. The way he lifted himself up in the bed showed that he still tried to act like he had the strength of ten men, but his coughs were those of a dying man. It made Beckett smile sadly.

"Well well," her father spoke in his very posh British accent. "Now this is a sight for sore eyes." Beckett rarely told people that she was mixed race, since you could hardly see any hint of her English genes. Her parents had met in Sri Lanka so many years ago and he fell in love with the country as much as he did with her mother. She knew that them being in England was not his first choice, but as long as her mother was there, he could endure it.

"Hi dad," she said weakly.

"Oh don't talk like I'm dead yet," her father said bluntly but playfully. "You know that doctor's estimates are always off."

Beckett's heart felt heavy as she pondered that. She didn't know he had gotten his life expectancy estimation.

"Aw, don't look so sad, honey," her father said noticing her concern. "I'm not going any sooner than I need to."

"I know…" She said. She eyed the wrinkles in his hands and face. They looked deeper than usual. He wasn't even THAT old.

"So I heard the big news," her father said. "You found the Master Chief!" He coughed harshly before continuing. "How did that happen?"

"A bunch of Turians found his ship and we found him," she said to put it briefly.

He chuckled softly. "So I lived long enough to see a real miracle. Now that's something."

Beckett leaned forward on the desk to the screen. "Dad…" She said with a crack of emotion. "I wish I could be with you right now."

"I do too, but you're doing a great service."

"Dad…"

"Sweetie…I don't want to hold you back. If you do get to see me, that will be good. But you're never too far away here," He said moving his frail, shaking hand to his heart.

Beckett could feel a tear roll down her cheek. It was so cheesy, but so sweet.

"Let's not talk about depressing things the whole time," he said. "I want to laugh and I want to see you laugh. These calls should be about being happy and sharing stories. I will listen to every single one."

Beckett smiled. This was very un-soldier like of her, but sometimes she needed these moments to feel human. "Naan unnai kathalikiren," she found herself saying in Tamil.

"And I love you too, sweetie" he replied.

They were silent for a while, savoring the moment. This is what made these calls worthwhile.

"So you met any handsome men on your ship?" Her father teased as he broke the silence. "You're not getting any younger."

Beckett laughed. That was just like him to say that…

The afternoon sun beat on Kyle's brow as he hugged the kids one last time. It had been a short visit, but he understood why they had to leave. David's work needed him back, especially with all the stuff that had arisen with the Chief's arrival. Kyle would just as likely get a call from Ralston or the brass for some kind of work too. One day was far too long to let an experienced officer like him get lazy.

"Come visit us soon," Sandra said as the kids released the embrace.

"I'll do my best," he said. It wasn't in his control, but he wouldn't dash their hopes with reality.

From behind the kids, David approached Kyle and gave him a quick but strong embrace. "Don't be a stranger, bud. Oh, and you promise right?"

"Yeah yeah! I'll have to talk to some people, but I'm sure you can get the rights to interview us for your documentary. Maybe the vid too."

"Yes!" He said pumping his arm. "You are the man! And hey, there's always that role in my other new extranet miniseries if you change your mind."

"I doubt I'm that good an actor," Kyle said humbly. "Besides, who'd want to watch a western these days?"

"I'm telling you, they're coming back. The galaxy has opened up and it is a terrific parallel for an age of exploration. Plus, it has cross species appeal."

"You said that about found footage films."

David scoffed. "I can be wrong sometimes."

Kyle chuckled. "I'll think about it."

David and the kids went to the vehicle as Kim came up and embraced Kyle. "Be safe."

He knew she was worrying about nothing, but after their little chat last night he decided not to make a fuss about it. "Always am," he replied. Quick and to the point. That's all they needed to say.

And with that, Kim and her family went home. Kyle took a moment to reflect on yesterday. Whatever qualms he may have had or hiccups that happened on the way, it didn't end up being a bad experience. It reminded him of that moment he looked out the Mt. Everest's window at Earth. He needed that day.

Still, Kim's words from last night bothered him. She thought he wasn't happy? Why wouldn't he be? Sure he wasn't exactly a ray of sunshine at church, but at least he wasn't snoring like other people were. Was she seeing something in him that he didn't?

He pushed that thought aside. She didn't know what she was talking about. It was probably just something from not seeing him for so long. Nothing more.

Though now he had a different problem on his hand: what the hell else was he supposed to do with his time?

…which was answered immediately with a call on his omni-tool.

"Nolan here," He answered.

"Enjoying your time away from us?" A familiar female voice inquired.

He smiled. "Oh, just the time of my life, Beckett."

"I know a lie when I hear it."

"No lies! Still, if you miss me so much, I can squeeze some time for all of you.."

"I'd hate to take you away from your busy schedule," she teased. "But whenever you are open, we're having lunch at a place nearby."

Kyle thought it over for exactly a second. "Sure. Just tell me where and when," He said making his way towards the sidewalk.

"You can honestly tell me if you're busy or not."

"I'm fine," he said. "I doubt I'll be hearing from CAPTAIN Ralston too soon anyway."

He smiled as he continued walking. Even if Ralston did call during their lunch, at least he will have spent some good leisure time with the group. Sometimes being apart from each other for a while was a good thing. He just hoped they had something more than Korean in mind for lunch…

So there you have it. I do plan to have more action in my upcoming chapters as Kyle and the squad actually do missions, but hopefully this has been a decent enough set-up to build off of. Disagree or have some suggestions? PM me or write a review on the chapter. I am always open.

And remember to check out the source story, The Last Spartan by DinoJake, to enjoy more goodness from this crossover universe.

Hope to get my next update up much sooner than three months!