Chapter 3

Shepard had one final favour to do for her crew, and that was to help Samara find and kill her own daughter. It was a heavy one, no doubt about that. When Samara had told Shepard about her three daughters' condition, she was appalled such a thing existed. She felt sorry for Samara, but knew that wasn't what she wanted. Strong women never accept pity well.

As soon as Samara had said she'd managed to track Morinth down, she had set a course for Omega. Although she wasn't looking forward to it, she knew she'd have to speak with Aria. Being an Asari herself, and the self-professed queen of Omega, she was bound to have some sort of lead on the Ardat Yakshi.

While Shepard was considering who should accompany her and Samara on Omega, Thane politely requested that he be apart of the squad.

"Nice timing," she said. "You sure do make my job easy, Thane." She joked.

Thane raised his left eye ridge questioningly.

"Never mind," she said with a smile. "Any special reason you want to come along? Because if it's site seeing you're after, I feel a should inform you that Omega is a shit-hole."

The corner of his mouth quirked and Shepard delighted in the fact that she amused him. "Considering my line of work, Shepard, you must realise that I have visited this 'shit-hole' before." The words, ironically, sounded alien on his tongue. She was not used to hearing anything close to a profanity from the refined drell. "Unfortunately, there is no call for assassins there. Residents tend to take that matter into their own hands," he said. "However, it is a good place to meet prosperous clients that do not wish to be recognised," he added, thoughtfully.

"Is that what you're doing then?" She asked, hints of worry creeping into her voice. "Looking for new employers?" Shepard feared that her odd behaviour had made him want to distance himself from such a crazy person.

For a moment Thane was visibly shocked that this was her immediate conclusion. "Of course not. I have signed a contract. I told you, my arm is yours." She still didn't looked convinced. He took a step towards her and held one of her hands in both of his. "You have given me a great gift in allowing me to be apart of this mission and to make amends for my actions. Why would you assume I would leave?"

She almost breathed a sigh of relief. Thank God. Then she considered how she would answer his question without giving away why she had thought he might want to leave. Her petty reasons felt incredibly selfish considering he was here to help her save humanity. Not to get in her knickers. "I... um... I thought maybe you were uncomfortable..." she said, staring up into his eyes, "...in your quarters." She added lamely.

Thane resisted the urge to laugh. He looked down at their hands and gave hers a squeeze. "I am not uncomfortable, Shepard," he said warmly. "Neither here, nor in my quarters."

Shepard had never felt his scaly skin before. The only time they had touched was on the battlefield where she was covered in chunky armour. Now though, her hand cradled in his, she couldn't help but feel she'd been missing out.

His scales were cool and rough; durable rather than calloused. She ran her thumb over the joining of his fused middle fingers. Strange... she thought. He seemed to reciprocate the curiosity by tracing the faint blue line of one of her veins on the back of her hand. Their hands were very different. His were larger compared to her dainty ones. Her nails were long and his were kept short. Hers were creamy white and his were mossy green.

"Shepard," Joker called out over the comms, making her jump. "We're about to dock at beautiful Omega again. Why don't we ever go anywhere nice?"

Shepard cleared her throat. "Thank you, Joker."

Thane had let go of her hand but still stood in front off her, unmoving. He had a peculiar expression on his face. She already missed the unusual fit of her soft skin against his skilled hands.

Shepard was unsure of what to say but she knew she couldn't just walk away again. "I guess we should go suit up and meet Samara at the docking bay. She's probably already waiting to leave," she said turning to leave.

"Understood, Commander," he replied. The formalities clashing with the curious encounter they'd just had.

As they went their separate ways, they each looked back in turn, missing each others glances. Shepard took a second to consider the craziness of her situation, and whether she really minded.

…...

"Look into my eyes and tell me you want me," Morinth purred as Shepard became lost in the deep abyss of her soulless, black eyes. "Tell me you'd kill for me. Anything I want..."

For a moment, she could feel it. Feel her senses tingle, she even entertained the idea that everything would be all right, if she just had right here and now with Morinth... No more constantly saving the day. No more Cerberus. Just pure, sweet pleasure...

Thankfully, the moment passed and Shepard regained control. She had already been captivated by one set of deep, black, alien eyes. Now all she saw in these, were the similarities to Thane's. Except his brought warmth and hope, and Morinth's only brought death.

At that moment, Samara entered the room and the rest went by in a blur of intensity. "Find peace in the embrace of the Goddess." Samara had offered with the final blow. And Shepard hoped that Morinth was at peace. After all, it wasn't her fault she was born with this disease.

Shepard found herself looking over the now mangled form of Morinth and considered the fragility of life. All of life's events seemed to intertwine and cause consequence for another. All across the galaxy, people needed saving. She thought of the mothers who had lost their child because of this incurable condition. She thought of Neff's mother and she thought of Samara.

Shepard couldn't imagine how Samara was feeling once the deed was done. Killing her bravest daughter was likely the hardest thing she could ever do. Now that it is done, where does someone go from that?

All Shepard knew was that Samara was ready to leave, and so was she. She may have been Commander Shepard, Saviour of the Citadel, but she still got scared.

…...

They headed back the Normandy in silence. Samara walked ahead, obviously eager to get back to her meditations, needed now more than ever.

Once they were out of the apartment blocks, Thane appeared by Shepard's side. She was acutely aware that she hadn't noticed when he'd joined them. She felt bad that he'd had to wait around outside, but also quite glad that he hadn't witnessed what she had.

As it turned out, Thane was hardly needed during their time on Omega. He had spent time with the grieving mother while Shepard and Samara searched Neff's room, trying to ease her pain with talk of oceans and the afterlife. This calmed the distraught women, if only for the time being.

The rest of the plan had been down to Samara. She knew what they were up against, after all. Unfortunately, this only included Shepard playing little more than bait. Something that displeased Thane immensely. He did not like the idea of risking their commanding officer's life. But he held his tongue.

Luckily, Shepard hadn't needed his assistance. Once it was all over, Thane had looked to her, expecting a smile now that the job was done. But the haunted look she gave him indicated otherwise. It was just another harrowing event that she had witnessed, added to a list of many. He wondered how she slept at night.

…...

When they arrived back on the Normandy, luckily there were relatively few Cerberus crew milling around. Nobody approached them or asked how the mission went. Shepard could only imagine the looks on their faces were keeping the crew at bay. She tried her best to readjust her features to that of an unperturbed commanding officer.

They reached the lift and the commander hit the button for crew deck. Although consoling words were hardly called for on this occasion, Shepard had to see to it that Samara got whatever she needed now. Whether that was time alone to reflect and meditate, or being released from her oath. She was a strong Justicar, but she was also a mother that had just lost her daughter. Shepard had to offer her a way out, whether she needed her here or not.

When the lift eventually arrived on the crew deck, Shepard suddenly felt nervous. Although she knew she had to say something to Samara, she had no idea how to breach the subject. She had never been a terribly comforting presence.

Samara exited first and headed for starboard observation while Shepard deliberated in the lift. As if sensing her hesitation, Thane gently pushed on her lower back, urging her out of the lift before the doors closed.

Shepard looked round to Thane, wishing he could do this for her. He always had a calming effect, he'd be much better suited for this job.

He gave her a small nod which was both encouraging and authoritative. "Go on," he seemed to be saying.

Shepard stood a little taller. Okay, she gave a firm nod. She would go and offer Samara her support, nerves be damned. And she would try not to think of Thane with a firm hand. Or a firm anything. He pushed her again. She was still in the lift.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm going," she mumbled and followed Samara into her make shift quarters.

Thane made sure Shepard went into Starboard Observation before entering Life Support with a small smirk. He had no idea working with a crew could be so much fun. He hadn't realised he missed the sociable aspect of work until he had experienced it. The Gods truly had blessed him with this mission. Although he was not sure that he deserved such a blessing, he would enjoy it for as long as he could.

…...

After her some what awkward talk with Samara, Shepard was feeling down. The events of the day had undoubtedly had an affect on her. Killing is something she was forced to get used to, but seeing death still left her feeling nauseous.

It may have been selfish, but she needed a pick-me-up after such a shitty day. Why did she have to deal with all of this? Why did people assume she was strong enough? Without hesitation she headed to Life Support for the already familiar calming effect of a green, drell assassin.

She was in no mood to knock so she just palmed the door and walked right in. She didn't know what she needed, but she knew he could give it to her.

Thane was stood with his back to the door, looking out over the drive core with his hands behind his back. He turned as the door opened, surprised by the sudden visit.

He watched her stride into the room with a bleak look on her face, her eyes downcast. He was about to greet her, but she continued into the room towards him and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face against his chest.

Shocked, a small gasp escaped his lips. She either didn't notice, or chose to ignore it. She was hugging him tightly, like she was clinging onto, well, her life support. He was silent, rendered speechless by the sudden affection. He looked down at the top of her head. She wasn't shaking so there were no tears, but she clearly needed comforting. Why she had come to him remained a mystery. Surely one of the female crew that she had become close to would have been a more suitable choice? He knew she was close with Tali and Kasumi.

Although he didn't understand it, she had come to him. And he had to act accordingly. In her hurry for affection, however, she had encased his arms in her hold. He eased his arms out of hers and held her close to him.

Everything about their embrace was entirely foreign to him. The only people he had ever been this close to were his family, but this was different. Most certainly different. Still in her casual wear from seducing Morinth, he could feel her fragile, human body, so soft and pliable. He could feel every one of her curves pressed against him, wonderful pressure applied to all the right places. He couldn't help comparing her body to that of a firmer, drell female body, although he knew he shouldn't. Internally scolding himself, he tried to focus on the small, distressed woman in his arms.

He lifted his hand to her hair, a phenomenon he had often wondered about. Gently, he stroked the golden tresses down her back. She had let her hair down to "add to the allure", before she entered Afterlife. It was silky soft, the natural curls reminding him of ripples in the ocean. It was definitely alluring. Finally he understood the appeal, which was unnerving.

She looked up at him now with an almost serene smile. She sighed and he felt her whole body relax against him. He hadn't realised how tense she had been, she was even softer now her muscles were loosened.

She let her arms fall to her sides and Thane instinctively withdrew his own and clasped his hands behind his back.

She let out a small, shy laugh. "I needed that," she said looking up at him. He realised she was actually quite short. Funny, he hadn't noticed until now, looking down into her grey-blue eyes. She looked so vulnerable it was difficult not to envelope her in another hug, just to protect her. For just a moment, Thane saw Shepard without her War Hero façade.

She seemed to be fidgeting now, unsure where to put herself. "May I?" She said, indicating towards the chair nearest the window.

"Of course," Thane replied, physically shaking his head slightly to clear the confusion.

She sat down and he sat opposite her, placing his hands on the table, and then on his lap, and then back onto the table.

"Stop," she said placing one hand on top of his. He could feel her looking at him. "I'm sorry about that," she said nodding towards where they had been stood together. "I just needed to know that there was still good in the world." He looked at her now. "It's been a hard day," she said with a sad smile, letting go of his hands.

"I understand." And he did. He understood the need to find good in the world, he just had different methods.

"So," she started, leaning back in the chair, keen to change the subject. "Sorry you didn't have much to do today."

Thane was glad of the change of topic. He felt he needed time to contemplate his feelings on what had occurred today before they spoke further of such deep issues.

"I had already spoken to Samara concerning her plans for the mission. I was aware I wouldn't be needed during the mission," he said, clasping his hands together on the desk.

"Oh," Shepard said, a little dumbly. "So, why did you want to come?"

Thane seemed uncomfortable for a moment. He chose his words carefully. "I wanted to be in the shadows. As a precaution, should anything have gone wrong," he said. "I was certain I would go unnoticed and Samara agreed with my method of safety surveillance."

"Oh," she said again. "Why didn't you just tell me that?"

"Samara thought it best you didn't know in case it altered your behaviour at all. Morinth could have noticed you acting strangely, it may have scared her off," he said not looking at her.

Hmm. "Okay," she said looking uncertain. Thane remained impassive. "Well, I should go," she said getting up.

"Wait," he said rather suddenly for his usually stoic countenance. She hovered, half way out of her chair, looking at him questioningly.

"Yes?" She said, unmoving.

"I enjoy the time we spend together, Shepard." She relaxed again. Standing fully, she pushed her chair under the table. "As friends," Thane added. Shepard's heart stopped.

For a full minute Shepard was frozen again. A mixture of feelings flooded her at once. She felt embarrassment in the pit of her stomach, confusion in her head, and rejection in her heart.

She cleared her throat. "Of course," she finally managed. "Anything else would be inappropriate, Sere Krios," she said, heading towards the door.

As she approached the door, however, she looked back. Thane was still sat at the table with his back to her. The sight hurt her more than it should as bitter disappointment washed over her.

"Bye Thane," she said in a small voice as she walked through the door and retreated to her cabin.

…...

Sat in her cabin, Shepard had, yet again, somewhat regained her composure. Once she had gotten back to her cabin, she got straight in the shower in an attempt to wash away the hurt. Through one stupid move, she had lost her one and only source of calm, peaceful retribution. She realised in the few weeks they had been on the same ship, she had become unnaturally dependent on his kind words. She shouldn't have let herself become vulnerable again. Look how it turned out last time.

She tried to put it all out of her mind by playing boss lady. That usually worked. All she needed was a mission. A mission that did not include Sere Krios what so ever.

Whilst looking over odd jobs that needed completing, she received a message from Aria T'Loak, self professed queen of Omega. The message was titled 'A Small Favour'. Shepard could already tell this was more of a demand than a favour. However, she didn't care. She would do Aria's dirty work if it would get that bloody assassin out of her head. Plus, it was always good to have someone like Aria on your good side. You never know when you may need to call in a 'favour' of your own.

As Shepard continued to read, she spoke to the blue orb in the corner of her room: "EDI, could you ask the crew to gather in the briefing room, please?"

"Of course, Shepard," EDI chimed.

"Thanks," she said absent-mindedly. "This should be interesting..."

…...

"So, let me get this straight," Miranda said, hand on hip, attitude tingeing her words. "Ms T'Loak wants us to question someone that may or may not be conspiring to take her down?"

"That sounds about right, yes." Shepard said, her arms crossed over her chest. Her hair hung loose around her face, still slightly damp from the shower.

"And she knows we're currently on a suicide mission?" Miranda asked, incredulously.

"That's Aria for you," Shepard shrugged. "It seems like an easy way to earn a heap of eezo she's sitting on without scanning any bloody planets. I, for one, am sick of that job. So if someone wants to take over so we don't have to do this for Aria?"

Shepard surveyed the silent group.

"This is happening, isn't it?" Garrus said, crossing his arms.

"Yes," Shepard sighed. "I already have a headache. Why is it that I always get a headache in your company Miranda?"

"I just hope Aria's not more trouble than she's worth, Commander," Miranda clarified.

"Noted. Now please, people, tactics," Shepard said rubbing her temples.

Jacob took the datapad from Miranda. "It sounds like this guys smart. He'll know somethings up if we go at this all guns blazing," he said.

"Aria specified the meeting should happen in Afterlife as she expects he'll be there. There is a holo of the guy attached to the mail so we know who we're looking for," Shepard told the crew. "Non of her usual bunch can take care of it because he knows them all. We'll have to approach this shrewdly."

Garrus took the pad. "Looks like guns and armour are out of the question then." He said studying the mail. He let out a bark of laughter. "Listen: 'No band of merry men like usual, 'kay Shepard?' T'Loak's got a sense of humour. Who knew?"

Garrus handed the pad to Tali who breezed through the details and pointed something out to Kasumi. They appeared amused by something Aria had said and Shepard was worried she knew exactly which bit.

"It looks like Aria has sorted tactics for you Shep: 'Make it look like a date if you can manage that, you can at least pretend to be getting some, right?'" Kasumi read aloud to a chorus of muted laughter.

"Oh ha, my sides," Shepard said, deadpan.

"Aria is right though," Miranda said, regaining control of the situation. "If we can make this look like a regular evening, the target will have no need to get suspicious and has less chance of making a swift exit," she added, straight to business, as usual.

"Just a casual night inside, but someone should be watching the door. In case he does make a run for it, that is," Garrus offered.

"Of course. Now we just need to decide who should accompany Shepard inside the club," Miranda declared. "They should have experience with hand to hand combat, seen as there will be no armour or weaponry," she added.

"I can throw a pretty mean right hook?" Jacob offered, helpfully.

"Your fancy alliance not train any real fighting?" Zaeed sneered with a menacing grin.

"I'm a biotic, the alliance have separate training for us," Jacob answered defiantly. "When it comes to hand to hand combat, I have that advantage."

Zaeed scoffed. "Unless they're biotics are better..." Jack mocked, a blue aura appearing around her fist.

"As impressive as that would be Jacob," Miranda said, ignoring Jack. "I get the impression Aria doesn't want too much attention brought to this guy, so biotics are out." With that said, she threw Jack a distasteful look.

"We need someone who can make a clean kill with little or no sound using just their hands..." as Miranda said this, everyone slowly turned towards Thane who had remained as unnaturally silent as usual.

"I will accompany Shepard to Afterlife," he said simply, addressing Miranda only.

"Excellent," she said. "Your training should allow you to remain relatively unnoticed while you scan the area for the target." Miranda concluded, acutely aware of Jacob's frowning.

Shepard hadn't said anything for a while. As much as she thought Miranda was a pain in the arse, she was good at this sort of thing, and while it wasn't crucial to the Reaper mission, she was happy to let Miranda take the reigns and play commander. However, things had taken a turn for the worse as her anti-Thane plan was becoming redundant.

"That's decided then," Miranda summerised. "Commander Shepard and Sere Krios will be playing just another couple in Afterlife while watching the target and Garrus and Zaeed will watch the door and grab him if he tries to escape. Are we done here?" she asked Shepard.

"Yep. Thank you, Miranda," she replied, tersely.

"No problem, Commander," Miranda said over her shoulder as the crew made their way out of the debriefing room. "Be ready for Afterlife in approximately two hours."

Once everyone had left, Shepard sat on the floor and rested her elbow on her knee and propped her head up with her fist. "I hate my life."