End Game – Chapter six

Tabitha smiled as she entered Bailey's office, "I hear congratulations are in order, Commander," walking purposefully to Bailey's desk extending her hand.

Commander Bailey stood up accepting the proffered hand in a firm handshake, "Not the way I wanted the promotion," his voice deep and gravely.

Both sat down as she continued, "I heard. Do you like the promotion?"

Bailey smiled ruefully, "The new job responsibilities are less than desirable. I am no politician. I am an old-fashioned beat cop. Black and white – good cops and bad guys. Now, I assist Ambassadors and support staffs, attend meetings and functions, and push paper most every day." He took his left hand running it through his close cropped graying hair, "The paperwork…" He sighed audibly, "Everything is shades of gray – no right and no wrong."

Bailey leaned back in his chair shaking his head, "My job might be a glorified babysitter, but yours…" He whistled, "Shepherd, I do not envy your new orders, having to get as many of the races on board in the counter-attack against the Reapers." Bailey smiled at the look which crossed Tabitha's face, "One of the perks of this position is knowing all the rumors, gossip, and 'classified' information. I heard you and Dr. T'Sonia found blueprints of a Prothean super weapon on Mars. Do you think this weapon will work against the Reapers? How come the Protheans did not use the weapon against the Reapers? The Protheans were far more advanced than any of our civilizations, even the Asari."

Tabitha leaned back in her chair before responding, "I did not want to leave Earth. It was one of the hardest things I have had to do." Bailey saw Tabitha's features harden, eyes glow a blue-green, the same as her biotics, iron determination in her voice, "The Reapers will pay. I will do whatever it takes."

Bailey was taken aback by the blue-green biotic aura surrounding Tabitha and his voice betrayed his apprehension, "You're glowing, Shepherd."

Tabitha relaxed, the biotic glow fading, "I apologize. Since I came in contact with the Prothean artifacts on Mars, my biotics have become more pronounced."

Bailey placed his arms on the desk leaning forward, excitement in his voice, "Is it true you found a live Prothean frozen like a popsicle?"

Tabitha laughed, "Yes. On Eden Prime. Cerberus found a Prothean statis pod. They could not decipher the code to open the pod, but Dr. T' Sonia and I were able to decipher the code and open the pod. His name is Javik and he is a soldier."

Bailey laughed, "Only you, Shepherd, could find a 50,000 year old live Prothean and get him to fight on your side." He gestured with his arms, "You know it's true. You got Cerberus agents to change sides and work with you. You assembled a team with one of the best thieves in the galaxy, ex-merc bounty hunter, genetically perfect test tube krogan, rogue C-SEC officer, Quarian, Geth, psychotic Biotic, mad Salarian scientist, Justicar, and one of the best assassins in the known universe, which you married." He pointed at her, "Come on, Shepherd. You even got me to give Krios's kid a job after he tried to assassinate…" Bailey put his right hand up to his temple, "What was his name. Makes no difference since you killed him. Good riddance, I say on that one. He was bad news, with a capital 'B'."

Tabitha waved her hand dismissively in front of her, "You make me out to be some kind of superhero," tiredly she stated, "I am no hero. I am just a soldier."

Bailey cursed, pounding a fist into the top of his desk, " %&*, you are. You listen and you observe. There is something special about you. Anderson saw it. The Citadel Council saw it. Even Udina saw it. You are a leader. You encourage, inspire, and rally. You give hope, when there seems to be no hope at all. If anyone can defeat the Reapers, it will be you."

Tabitha smiled, throwing her arms up in defeat, "Okay…fine…fine. Anyway, to answer your questions, the blueprints found on Mars are to some type of weapon, which the Protheans called, 'the Crucible.' The Protheans found the blueprints themselves, from an earlier race, but they did not have the resources left after fighting the Reapers for a couple hundred years to complete the weapon." Bailey saw Tabitha's eyes light up with an inner glow, her voice holding such conviction as she continued, "I believe this Crucible will work. These blueprints are millennia years old, but we have one advantage over the other races with the Reapers. The Reapers came through the Citadel first, taking out the central governing body or bodies. From the strategic position of the Citadel, the Reapers utilized all the local mass relays to travel effortlessly around the universe, dividing and conquering, destroying race after race. This time, the Reapers did not take out the Citadel. This time, we knew the Reapers were coming. This time, we have a chance." Tabitha looked down then back up, "A small chance, but a chance."

Bailey leaned back in his chair again smiling, "You convinced me, but I am not the one who needs to be convinced."

"I know," Tabitha sighed, running her right hand through her hair, "One of the main reasons I came to see you was about an altercation in the Wards earlier. Did the two C-SEC officers see you about it?"

"Yes. I am having the vid feeds analyzed. Good call. Your enemies see your potential, also. Cerberus is well known for its sleeper agents."

Tabitha stood up, "I have a favor to ask, Commander."

Bailey stood up also, "Name it, Commander," smiling.

"I do not know how long I have before I have to leave for the battle again. I know Kolyat …"

Bailey raised a hand to stop Tabitha, "Say no more." He walked outside his office, "Krios," he stated in a loud commanding voice.

Kolyat had been talking with one of the Turian C-SEC officers waiting for Tabitha. Both turned their heads at the sound of Kolyat's name being yelled out by Commander Bailey. The Turian smirked, "What did you do to piss off the big-boss?"

A worried look crossed Kolyat's face, "I don't know." Quickly heading in the direction of Commander Bailey's office, "Yes, sir."

Bailey did not see Kolyat approach, he moved so fast, "Drell…" he thought to himself. As Kolyat stood in front of him, arms behind his back, "Just like his father." He kept his face passive as he spoke to the young man, "Krios, I have a new assignment for you. I am assigning you to guard Commander Shepherd-Krios during her stay here on the Citadel. She and your father were accosted earlier today. Your father's medical condition…"

Kolyat placed his arms at his sides bowing slightly keeping eye contact with Bailey, "I understand, Commander. Thank you for the honor and privilege of guarding Commander Shepherd-Krios."

As Tabitha and Kolyat were walking away from the Citadel Embassies area, Kolyat asked, "Why didn't you tell me that you and dad were accosted?"

Tabitha glanced at Kolyat as she headed in the direction of Huerta Memorial Hospital, "I understand Commander Bailey's concern, but your father took care of the situation. I will show you the vid footage from my omni-tool when we get back to the apartment."

Kolyat and Tabitha conversed casually as they took the elevator to the hospital. As Tabitha entered the main lobby area, she saw Dr. Chakwas and Dr. Michel. Dr. Chakwas smiled broadly seeing Tabitha. She moved toward Tabitha giving her a hug, "It is so good to see you, Tabitha. I have seen some of the footage of the Reaper's attack on Earth. Who all is with you? Is Admiral Anderson with you?"

"It is good to see you too, Doc. Anderson stayed on Earth to rally the troops. I am to rally the rest of the races to counter-attack the Reapers."

Dr. Chakwas stood back from Tabitha, "If anyone can get support, it will be you, Commander. You need me, Shepherd. I was with you taking on Saren and Sovereign. I was with you attacking the Collector Base. Who else knows your medical records better than I?"

Tabitha clapped Dr. Chakwas on the upper back with her right hand, "I couldn't do this without you. Grab your gear and go to Bay D-24. That is where the Normandy is docked."

Dr. Chakwas smiled broadly, "Aye, Aye, Commander." Her expression sobered as she continued, "I am sorry about LC Ashley."

Tabitha asked, "Do you know anything about the status of her condition?"

Dr. Chakwas replied turning to leave, "I do know she is stabilized. Dr. Lahari is the chief physician working her case."

Tabitha turned toward Kolyat, who had been silently observing, "I am going to check on one of my crew. She was injured on a mission before getting here. I will only be a few minutes."

She entered through the double doors she had been instructed by the Asari receptionist earlier in the day. A slender olive skinned man in his early thirties with black hair and eyes came forward, "Are you Commander Shepherd-Krios?"

Tabitha answered, "I am and I take it you are Dr. Lahari."

"Yes."

Tabitha inquired, "How is LC Ashley?"

Dr. Lahari replied, "Her condition is stable. She sustained a fractured skull with some swelling of the brain. We have her in an induced coma for the swelling to subside and her body to naturally heal. She should be conscious in two to three days. You can see her for a few minutes. Talk to her. A person's senses are still active while in a comatose condition. She will remember your conversation when she wakes up."

Dr. Lahari punched in a key code and the door slid open. Tabitha walked in. Ashley looked so pale lying in the hospital bed against the stark white bed sheets, the bruises along her face standing out even more. Tabitha stood at the side of the bed, her voice quiet, "Ashley, it was so good to see you again and have you on the team and a part of the crew. I really missed not having you on the Collector Base mission. I understand why you said what you did on Horizon. That is over and that is the past. Get better soon. I cannot take on the Reapers without your help. You wake up and get better soon. That is an order, LC. Do you hear me, Marine. Earth needs you. I need you."

Tabitha left and while walking past Kolyat, "You coming?"

Kolyat caught up easily with Tabitha as they headed toward the Presidium area. "I want to pick up something for tonight in the commons before heading to the apartment," stated Tabitha.

Kolyat asked, "What? Dad told me when I saw him over my lunch break that he had ordered a bunch of groceries since you ate everything in the 'frig except for the fresh fish and shell fish."

Kolyat saw a heated smolder in the back of Tabitha's eyes, "Mom, I see that look and maybe, I should sleep somewhere else tonight. Remember, I have eidic memory and I do not want to have memories of my parents… you know."

Tabitha laughed, "You will not hear anything, Kiddos. I promise you. I just want to relax and I want to sleep without nightmares. I am picking up some popcorn to have while we are watching a movie and I am picking up some plum wine and sake from Earth, honey mead from the monastery on Lessus, and Asari wine from Thessia."

Kolyat asked, "You planning on getting drunk, tonight?"

"No, I do not plan on getting drunk. It would take far stronger stuff than that to get me drunk. I may pull a slight buzz and relax, but that is my plan."

When Tabitha and Kolyat entered the apartment, Thane was sitting in the middle of the bed, his legs crossed in a lotus position, in deep meditation. Tabitha walked over silently quietly shutting the bedroom door.

Turning to Kolyat, "I am going to fix dinner. Why don't you get changed into something more comfortable. If you want, you can help me fix dinner." As Kolyat changed, Tabitha placed the wine into the 'frig to get chilled, pulling out all the ingredients needed for the stir-fry.

Kolyat thinly sliced the fresh fish and diced up the shellfish. Tabitha thinly sliced some beef, chicken, and pork. Both sliced and diced several vegetables and part of a head of cabbage.

Thane came out of his meditative state feeling at peace. He breathed deeply expecting to smell the scent of his Siha, but instead, inhaled the fragrance of food. Smile ghosted across his features as he uncurled himself rising effortlessly from the bed. Opening the bedroom door, he saw his family, Tabitha and Kolyat, working together fixing dinner, laughing and joking with each other. Leaning against the open doorway, Thane let his senses take in everything, memorizing for the future.

Tabitha knew Thane was watching him. She could feel his gaze like fevered hands caressing her skin causing her to flush. Kolyat not realizing the exchange of electricity and emotions between the pair, called out, "Hey, dad." As Thane moved toward the table set for dinner, Kolyat continued, "Wha' cha' want to drink? Mom picked up some plum wine, sake, Asari wine, and mead."

Seeing the stir-fry, Thane replied, "Plum wine and sake are the appropriate beverages to have with a stir-fry, son." Picking up the bottles of plum wine and sake from the counter.

Kolyat responded, "How do you know?" As Thane lifted an eye ridge, Kolyat, stated, "I know. You had to learn the cultural nuances to blend in while studying your targets," his voice carrying an edge.

While pouring the plum wine and sake for everyone, Thane stated, "You are correct."

Tabitha placed a hand on Kolyat's upper arm, her voice calm and soothing, "Kolyat, we all have skeletons in our closets. Your father and I have a graveyard. Dinner is ready. Let's eat."

Kolyat looked at Tabitha then his father, his eyes and facial features softening, muscles relaxing, "You are correct," releasing the words in a sigh. As he walked past Tabitha, he placed a chaste kiss on her cheek, "Thanks."

On one side of the kitchen counter, Tabitha handed dishes to Thane and Kolyat who placed them on the table. Thane pulled out a chair for Tabitha to sit down. As Tabitha was sitting down, she rested one hand over top of his gently squeezing, "Have I told you lately how much I love you," her voice an octave lower and emotion filled.

Thane leaned down brushing his lips against hers as he squeezed her hand back. Before Tabitha could deepen the kiss, Kolyat spoke up, "Come on, you two. Dinner is on the table. You can have your desert later."

Thane chuckled deep in his chest, "I like the sound of that, Siha," he purred seductively, his voice sending both chills and heat up and down her spine. Tabitha could see the flames dancing in his eyes.

Reluctantly, Tabitha sat down, Thane pushing her chair up to the table. As Thane sat down, he looked over at Kolyat, "Son, would you like to say the prayer, this evening?"

A surprised look crossed Kolyat's face. "I would be honored, father." All three bowed their heads as Kolyat said a prayer of thanksgiving. Looking over the stir-fry, Thane smiled, "Tabitha, this meal looks great."

Tabitha laughed, "Thank you, but I want it to taste great, also. Let's eat. I'm hungry."

As dishes were passed and plates filled, Thane inquired, "Where all did you go, Siha? Your note just mentioned that you would be out for awhile."

Tabitha answered, "While heading to C-SEC to see Commander Bailey, I met Anto."

Thane raised an eye ridge, "Anto…as in Aria T'Loak's Lieutenant," surprise evident in his voice.

Tabitha smiled nodding her head, "Yes, I was surprised, also. Anto was coming to see me on behalf of Aria. She has set up shop in the Wards in a club she appropriated, Purgatory. She told me that Cerberus had betrayed her, taking over Omega. She offered the mercenary groups: Blue Suns, Eclipse, and Blood Pack for the fight against the Reapers. I said, 'yes'."

A look of astonishment crossed Kolyat's features, condemnation etching his speech, "Tabitha, how could you. They are criminals, hired killers, and thugs."

Tabitha raised a hand, "This fight against the Reapers is going to need every person it can get. Blue Suns, Eclipse, and Blood Pack know how to fight. Your father and I have fought and killed enough of them over the years. Right now, I am going with the quote, 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.' Aria T' Loak is a true Matriarch in all aspects of society. She is manipulative, devious, and deadly, but very honorable. I respect her. I help her get the merc leaders under her control again and she will help the war effort. The merc groups do not follow rules and regulations like the military. Against Cerberus and the Reapers, that is what we need."

Thane nodded his head ever so slightly in agreement, which Tabitha saw and acknowledged with her eyes. Kolyat contemplated in silence what Tabitha had said while they ate and drank in quiet, each with his or her thoughts. As Tabitha was cleaning the table of dishes, Thane moved behind Tabitha wrapping his arms around her bringing her back up against his chest, his breath warm behind her ear, "That meal was wonderful, Siha. Thank you."

Tabitha leaned back against his chest, placing her hands over his arms squeezing, "Let me get these dishes into the dish washer so we can relax, spending quality time together watching a movie or two."

Thane fanned his warm breath behind her ear in a deep husky whisper, "What movies, Siha?"

With an audible sigh, Tabitha pulled out of Thane's embrace, "Ask your son. He chose the first movie and I chose the second."

Thane looked over at Kolyat who smiled, "It is an American classic from the early 21st Century. When I watched it, it reminded me of Tabitha and her crew on the Normandy taking on Collectors, Cerberus, Reapers, and the rest of the bad guys."

Thane smiled, "Intriguing."

Kolyat settled into a chair while Thane stretched out on the sofa, Tabitha lying down between his legs, her head on his chest. Kolyat activated the holo vid screen punching in the code to watch, "The Avengers." All three took a break half way through the movie. Thane and Kolyat pulled out the Asari wine and honey mead while Tabitha popped a big bowl of popcorn. While at the stove popping the popcorn, Kolyat asked Tabitha, "Like the movie, so far?"

Tabitha responded, "Yes. Which one of the characters reminds you of me?"

"Captain America, of course."

"And your father?"

"Tony Stark-Iron Man."

Thane inquired from his place on the couch, "How am I and the Tony Stark character alike?" His voice a bit defensive.

"Let's see…" Kolyat stated, face passive, smile showing through his eyes and his voice, "You both are very intelligent, wealthy, can work the ladies, loners, do not do well in teams…"

Thane spoke up, "I have never been promiscuous and I worked well on the Normandy with others."

Kolyat laughed, "Me thinks ye doth protest too much. Watch the movie and you will see."

Open bottles of wine and mead on the coffee table along with the big bowl of popcorn, smaller bowls of popcorn and glasses of wine or mead in hand, the movie was started again. When the movie ended, Tabitha stated, "I like that movie. I do not see myself as the Captain America character, though."

Kolyat countered, "But you are, mom. You are a natural leader. You rallied people to your cause when you fought Sovereign, Saren, and the geth. You gained the loyalty of varying characters, all with unique personalities; got them to fight as a team; and inspired them to go on a suicide mission, which you returned from successfully, with no deaths. I know you can do the impossible. If anyone can rally the different planets and races, it will be you."

Tabitha sat up, "I am no hero."

Thane wrapped his arms around her bringing her back against his chest on the sofa, "You are wrong, Siha, and Kolyat is correct. You are a leader. The people need a hero, rallying call. You are it, Commander Shepherd, hero of the Skyllian Blitz, savior of the Citadel, and defeater of Collectors. I stand with you, Siha. I may not be able to stand at your side and protect your back, but my prayers will be with you always."

Kolyat chimed in, "As are mine, mom."

Tabitha conceded, "I will think on what both of you have expressed. Enough on serious stuff tonight. I do not want to think. I want to relax." Lifting her empty glass for a refill, Kolyat filled it, asking, "What movie did you choose?"

"One of the Blasto movies"

Kolyat brow ridges shot up, "Blasto, really, mom," he exclaimed.

"Really." Answered Tabitha smirking.

All three were rolling with laughter by the middle of the movie, it was so funny. Toward the end of the movie, Tabitha's eyes started drooping and she fell asleep by the end of the movie. As Kolyat turned the vid off, "Dad, Tabitha is asleep."

Thane answered, "I know. Please lift her gently so I can move."

Kolyat gently sat Tabitha up while Thane twisted his body getting off the sofa, "Thank you."

Thane switched positions with Kolyat placing one arm behind her knees and the other arm around her upper back lifting her up into his arms carrying her to the bedroom, "Night, Kolyat."

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