Oaths
He was the unseen, the silent was the protector, the shining lance.
Together, they will fight.
Right and wrong are more often shades of gray than black and white.
Can they change the fate of the galaxy?
Can they save each other?
"The Council is made up of idiots," Shepard announced. She stalked in through the airlock like she was ready to walk through it if it didn't open fast enough for her. Miranda followed in a similar temper.
Their return through the Omega 4 Relay had taken its toll on the Normandy and its crew. They had barely limped back to Omega before the entire life support system gave out. Shepard's foresight had saved them as Aria's command had garnered them reliable contractors for reasonable prices. Still, a large portion of Shepard's hoarded funds had gone into simply making the ship spaceworthy enough to reach the Citadel. Fortunately, Shepard also had her Spectre funding to fall back on, and several years of back pay had added to their post mission funds.
Thane looked up from where he was contemplating the letter he'd just received. He had just been passing through the CIC when a message had arrived for him and he'd paused, taking one of the empty station chairs as he read the message. It was from Kolyat, agreeing to meet with him in the afternoon for a short lunch. Did that mean he had accepted Thane's role in the last ten years? He hoped to soon find out.
But first, Shepard looked like she was about to combust from irritation if she didn't get a chance to vent.
"I take it the meeting didn't go well?" he asked mildly.
"If you call justifying my existence to a bunch of blind, pig-headed morons with superiority complexes 'going well' then it went just fine. Otherwise, no, it did not go very well." Shepard scrubbed at her face in frustration. "I think the asari and salarian councilors would listen to reason if that dratted turian didn't keep twisting what I say. Anderson's trying to help as much as he can, but he's completely outvoted."
They were beginning to draw a small crowd as Kelly, Matthews and Hadley gathered around. Even Joker was interested enough to turn in his chair and watch.
"Shepard and I tried to convince them. We gave them scans, exterior camera footage, even the technology upgrades that we found. They finally agreed that taking out the Collector Base was the best call, but they still don't believe us about the Reapers. Blind, ignorant fools," Miranda bit out.
"You didn't tell them you were with Cerberus, did you Miranda?" Kelly asked.
Miranda shot her a dark look. "Give me more credit than that, Miss Chambers. First of all, I'm not that stupid. They would immediately discount anything that came from a Cerberus operative. Second of all, I resigned. As far as anyone here is concerned, I am a Normandy crew member, no more, no less."
"Siha, if you were able to sway the asari Councilor, you would have at the least another voice at your side, is that correct?"
"Yeah...what did you have in mind?"
"Perhaps Samara should join you in your next meeting. A Justicar's word is unquestionable, and she has witnessed the threats you speak of with her own eyes."
Shepard's eyes widened and she smacked herself on the forehead. "Why didn't I think of that? Thane, you're handsome and a genius. I wonder...does Mordin have any influence with the salarian councilor? He was STG, but I don't know if they have any political influence."
"It wouldn't hurt to ask him. I believe he takes a break near this time while his cell cultures grow."
"Hmmm I believe I'll do that. If I could get some leverage with both of those so-smooth Councilors, the turian would be outvoted. Hah!" She grabbed his head and gave him a wet smack on the lips before striding off in a much better mood, to the accompaniment of various whistles and cheers from the crew. After their rescue, the other members of the Normandy complement seemed to look on Shepard as their personal angel as well; every one of them seemed ready to do anything and everything she asked of them. Thane hoped that it would be enough to hold her heart together if he was not able to.
The place clearly catered to those with a security bent. Large mirrors extended across the back and sides of the restaurant. What windows it had were small and made of shatter proof glass. Even the air vents were small and welded to the walls. A dozen tables were spaced well apart throughout the small dining area. As it was the middle of the afternoon shift, the dining area was mostly deserted. A tired looking turian was having a drink at the polished bar and two humans were having a low-voiced conversation near the door. Kolyat was seated near the rear of the locale, facing one of the floor length side mirrors, ceding the better vantage point to Thane.
Although Kolyat could not have missed seeing his approach, he did not speak until Thane had settled into the opposite chair.
"Father."
"Hello, Kolyat."
"So, you're back to the scene of our crimes. You're looking pretty healthy for a suicidal old man."
"That is one of the things I wanted to speak to you about," Thane started.
"You're not keeling over tomorrow, are you? It'd be kind of awkward."
"Not tomorrow, at least." His tone was faintly reproving. "The Normandy doctor merely informed me that my time in this world may be longer than expected. I'm to see some specialists tomorrow for a more thorough exam."
"So you had time to set up a medical appointment, but no time to tell me you were okay. You never change, Old Man."
Thane bowed his head, although in guilt or mild annoyance, he wasn't sure. Patience shouldn't be so difficult to come by for his son.
"Truthfully, Dr. Chakwas set up the appointment herself, and did not inform me of it until a few hours ago. I do apologize for the delay in my communications, however. Many of the Normandy's systems were damaged during our fight and I could not get a message through any sooner than I did." Thane shook his head. "It seems I am always apologizing to you for some act, or lack thereof, but I had hoped that we were progressing."
Kolyat leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. "Ten years ago, I would've given anything to get a letter from you. Ten months ago, I would have thrown it away as soon as I saw your name. Today, I'm meeting you for lunch. We are progressing. Don't ask for more than I'm ready to give." He picked up his menu and waved a server over to their table. After they placed their orders, he spoke again.
"Don't get me wrong, I've had a lot of time to think while I've been scrubbing floors and cleaning toilets. Whatever else is between us, you're my only living parent now. But you aren't very good at the father business, Old Man."
Thane tilted his head consideringly. He knew that he had much to make up for. Even this limited concession surprised him. He truly looked at Kolyat for the first time, seeing what was there instead of what he remembered. In the few months since he had seen his son, Kolyat had gained a maturity and strength that he had not expected. The anger and sullenness lining Kolyat's face had faded to a degree, replaced with expressions of determination. He looked like a man now.
"I hadn't expected to hear that, from you, Kolyat. You seem to have been through much yourself."
Kolyat shrugged with exaggerated casualness. "I told you that Bailey had me sitting in on interrogations, right? He fancied having someone around that could remember everything so he wouldn't have to take notes. But seeing how the other side lives-families ripped apart; anger leading to despair; petty fights ending in violence; loved ones lost never to be seen again-I want to be someone who stops problems, not someone who causes them. I wouldn't expect you to understand."
"On the contrary. You are dedicating yourself to a worthy cause and have good start on that goal. The messages I get from Bailey are always exemplary and full of praise. I only wish I had such a clear vision of opportunity when I was young. Perhaps our lives would have been different."
They both fell into contemplative silence as their food arrived. He didn't recognize the dish that Kolyat had ordered-it must have been something created recently-with various bits of vegetables and some slices that might have been vat-grown chicken or perhaps space-cow.
Thane thought about the decisions and actions that had led him to this point in time. While he wished that he had spent more time with his wife and son, he had truly only done what he'd thought was best at the time. Mistakes, even the ones that cut to the soul, were inevitable and could only be remedied by current actions. He took a bite of his own dish, a ramen-noodle selection that Shepard insisted was a delicacy on her old ship, and decided that he would never let her suggest his food for him again. Mistakes could indeed be unfortunate.
Thane waited until he'd managed to clear his mouth before carefully continuing the thread of his thoughts. "I can make no excuses for the things I've done in the past. I believe that most of them were for a good cause. For the ones that perhaps were not...A wise person once told me that guilt for the past never goes away, and that my atonement is to improve the moments I have remaining. I draw some measure of peace knowing you are finding your own path."
"You're still looking for peace, Old Man? For you or for me, this time?"
"For both of us, Kolyat. The galaxy is facing the greatest threat in fifty thousand years. All of our species are at risk. I will not let them harm you."
"And I suppose you're the only one who can stop them.'"
"Of course not. Shepard will stop them. She has already begun by gathering allies to herself. Our recent mission was both a rescue and a test of strength. We were able to surprise them and take back what was ours.
"Okay, I'll bite. What did you do?"
He described the course of their mission as briefly as he could, sketching in the details of the last few months up to their return through the Omega 4 relay. He told of the kidnapping of the crew by the Collectors and how they had destroyed their base in defiance of Cerberus and the Reapers. He could still hear Harbinger's last words-a taunt and a warning-as they fled the oncoming explosion. "And even now, she is fighting, with words instead of guns as her weapons, trying to convince the Council to give her the ability to save them," he finished his narrative.
"Reapers..." Kolyat said thoughtfully. "I haven't heard that term since the hanar told us their creation myths. And you're saying they're real? Do you have proof?"
Thane spread his hands in a helpless gesture. "Proof enough for any sane man. Scans, technology, and the testimony of my own eyes as well as the word of the woman who saved the Citadel from destruction. I would be glad to show you from Shepard's ship if you wish to see. They're coming, and we need to stop them."
"We," Kolyat echoed. "So you're leaving again?"
"Shepard has asked all of us to remain with her to stop the threat. I had planned on accompanying her. But if you need me, I will stay here instead."
"You...would stay? Even though duty and Shepard call? I can tell that you care for her more than you've wanted to say to me."
He was surprised that Kolyat had picked up on his emotions from the terse descriptions he'd given. Thane had been afraid of telling the other drell of his attachment to Shepard, fearing that the news might break the fragile bonds they had begun to form.
"I...Yes, I must admit that Shepard and I have become...close...since we last spoke. She is a remarkable woman. Many are drawn to her light and that chance has turned her to me is a miracle that I cannot describe. I hadn't thought I was quite so obvious in my admiration. Still, you are my son. You are the most important thing in my life. I can't make up for the years we've lost, but I can be here for you now. My assistance can be rendered from here instead."
"You're crazy, Old Man. You know that, don't you? The greatest threat in fifty thousand years, and you want to stay here with me?"
"I have not been so sane in ten years, Kolyat. What would be the point in saving the galaxy if I turn away from you again?"
"What would you even do? Not assassinate people, I hope!"
"Perhaps Bailey would allow me to work as a security consultant. There are still quite a few flaws that should be corrected."
"No." Kolyat looked horrified at the idea that Thane could suddenly be part of his chain of command. "No. I think having you here would be too much, far too soon." He gathered his composure, retreating into the stoic front he'd been wearing earlier. "No, you have your job. It's an important one. And I have my life to lead. Bailey thinks I might make Captain one day and be in charge of an entire Ward, or maybe the Citadel itself. If there's really something big coming, I can be an ally, too!"
"You aim high, Kolyat, just as you mother did. Are you certain that..."
"Gods, yes I'm sure. Please. Give Shepard my regards. Tell her you have my blessing or however humans say it...I think I need to get back to work now." Kolyat tapped out his payment on his omnitool but paused as he stood up. "Thanks for the gesture, Old Man. It does mean a lot to me that you're willing to stick around. But we've got our own lives now. Keep in touch. I'll see what I can do from here." With that, Kolyat dodged between some of the entering patrons and disappeared into the crowded hallways of the public Ward.
Thane waited a few more minutes before leaving his payment and heading back to the Normandy. The day had been full of surprises. He'd been willing to forsake his loyalty to Shepard in order to meet his neglected obligation to his son. That the offer had been turned down-he wasn't sure if he was relieved, proud, or disappointed. A mix of all three, perhaps. Kolyat had moved on. It was time for him to do so too.
When he returned to the ship, it was still early evening by the Citadel time that they were keeping. Most of the crew was likely down in the mess hall, or spending credits for a night out. The only people on the bridge were Joker, who seemed to live in his pilot's seat, and Kelly, who seemed to be waiting for him.
"Hey, there you are, Thane," Kelly called.
"Were you looking for me, Miss Chambers?"
She tsked under her breath. "How many times do I have to tell you to call me Kelly?"
He bowed mockingly to her, "At least once more, Miss Chambers, as always."
"I guess you still call the Commander 'Shepard,' though, so I suppose it'll never happen," Kelly said, shaking her head and laughing. "Anyway, Commander Shepard asked me to tell you that she'd be up in her cabin if you needed her." Kelly's expression turned to one of concern. "She looked pretty worn down, but she wouldn't say anything specific. Something about how the rest of us needed some worry-free time. You know how she watches out for us."
"Shepard has always put the well-being of others before her own." Thane bowed again, sincerely this time. "Thank you for informing me, Miss Chambers. I will go to see her presently."
When he arrived at Shepard's cabin, she was sitting on the edge of her bed with her elbows on her knees, rubbing her temples, an expression of pain on her face. He immediately knelt onto the bed behind her, nudging her fingers away so that he could manage the pressure points for her.
"You take too much upon yourself, siha. When was the last time you took a meal or had some rest?"
She sighed lightly as she dropped her hands to her lap. "I think I ate something during their last conferring session. No one really gets any rest during these fights. I wish they'd open their eyes instead of blinding themselves to the danger that's coming. Oh, don't ever stop doing that."
He had moved his hands from her temple to her neck and was carefully massaging the bunched muscles along the base of her skull. She truly needed to relax before the tension began affecting her on a permanent basis. "Were Samara and Mordin able to assist you in session?"
"Well, the Council agreed that as a Spectre I have the right to investigate what I want, so they're 'allowing' me to continue my work. It's very gracious of them, of course. Samara had a private meeting with the asari Councilor-since she's a Justicar rather than a Spectre or Councilor she thought a one-on-one would be better-oof third vertebra a little to the left..."
He found the offending knot and smoothed it away before she continued.
"Anyway. The Councilor came back looking quite shocked and actually spoke up for giving us special funding and maybe incorporating the Normandy into a sort of Citadel defense fleet.
"Poor Mordin didn't seem to have as much luck. Either that or he got sidetracked. The last I saw of the salarian Councilor, he and Mordin were chattering about some of the tech we found."
"It seems like a good day's progress, yet you are still upset, siha," he tried to make his voice soothing to help her relax.
She shook her head tiredly. "It's just all this talking. Debate and concessions and endless haranguing over details. It makes me wish we were back on the Collector base, sometimes. At least we were actually doing something. Give me awful, life threatening danger over politics any day!"
Thane eyed her tense form critically. The painful tension in her body had begun to ease under his ministrations, but her last words were causing her muscles to clench in rebellion. "Forgive me, but I happen to prefer it when only your sanity is in danger, and not your body. And speaking of your body, it is nearly impossible to properly renew the spirit when the body is strung as tightly as yours is right now." He gestured for her to lie flat and face down on the bed. "If you will allow me to assist?"
She raised an eyebrow at him, her lips curved into a reluctant smile. "What kind of assistance did you have in mind? I have to warn you, I'm very tense."
He laughed. "My intentions are purer than you think. Merely lie down and I will show you."
He started with her shoulders, slowly kneading the bunched muscles. His fingers moved in a circular pattern down the ridges of her spine. His training had given him personal knowledge of the pressure points common to all vertebrates and he took joy in using it to heal rather than harm. Shepard sighed softly under his touch, gasping when he hit a particularly sensitive spot. He lingered over those areas, enjoying the low moans he was eliciting from her.
He let his hands slow their movements, become more caressing than massaging, gliding smoothly over the curves of her body. She exhaled once in contentment before her breathing steadied into a slow deep rhythm.
He tucked a sheet around her and smiled tenderly at her relaxed and sleeping form. "Goodnight, siha. Sleep well, and dream of wonderful things."
Thane intended to return to his room and research some of his Citadel contacts for ways to assist Shepard in her battle but he paused as he exited Shepard's cabin. There was someone else nearby and they weren't easily visible. They were cloaked or-
"Pssst, Thane! Over here!"
Recognizing the voice, he relaxed, but only slightly. He knew Shepard considered Kasumi a friend, but he could think of no reason why she would be hiding on the upper deck. He followed the sound of the whisper and was able to see the faint shimmer of Kasumi's form hidden under her Tactical Cloak.
"Why are you here, Kasumi?" he asked quietly with his eyes focused on her outline. He wasn't sure if it was the cloak confusing his senses, but she seemed to be hanging upside down from the ceiling pipes with her head level with his and her arms folded over her chest.
"Shushh, don't wake her up. Did you know Shep's birthday is next week? We should talk more about it later!" Kasumi pulled herself up and disappeared into the darkness above the cabin.
A/N: So. I most sincerely apologize for the tardiness and awkwardness of this update, it is at least three days overdue, but what with Kolyat hating me, it took longer than expected. The next few chapters should be more Shepard/Thane oriented ;) Some blatant movie quotes here, too, that I was watching while writing. Hearts to all!
Thanks again to Kiwibliss for the idea of Samara at the Council meeting and corrections to stupid mistakes(Your Fornax always brightens my day and makes me laugh) and LunaMax for proofing, and NSAS for everything!