End Game – Chapter Fifteen

As Thane, Tabitha, Feron, and Kolyat continued toward the docking port, Feron smiled, voice excited, "What a rush, Tabitha!"

Tabitha shook her head sighing in exasperation as she took Thane's hand in hers. Thane glanced over as Tabitha spoke softly, but heatedly, "I know the regs about PDA, but right now I don't give a damn."

Thane smiled slightly as he walked by her side, striding in step, holding her hand firmly. Kolyat noticed people's reaction as his mom and dad strode hand in hand purposefully toward the docking bay. Some xenophobes looked at his parents with disgust, but most humans and aliens alike cheered his parents as they passed.

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Ambassador Dominic Osoba was in a foul mood as he waited for the elevator to take him back to the Ambassadorial level. He had been trying to contact his son for days with no response. When he found out that part of his son's Alliance Company was on the Citadel, he tracked them to the club, "Purgatory." None of the soldiers would talk to him. He just wanted to know if his son was alive or dead. By the looks on the soldier's faces, he knew his son was dead, but why wouldn't they acknowledge him. He needed confirmation.

When the elevator doors opened, the Ambassador did not look up as he entered. A deep voice caused him to look up, "What floor, sir?" Startled, Dominic Osoba looked up seeing three male Drells and one human female. His mind on automatic, he responded, "Embassy level."

As the doors closed and the elevator started moving, his mind clicked, "Commander Shepherd-Krios. Commander Shepherd-Krios was in the elevator with him," he thought to himself. Quickly his right hand moved pressing the "stop" button on the elevator. Turning toward Tabitha, Dominic Osoba stated, "You're Commander Shepherd-Krios."

Tabitha looked at the man dressed in a business suit replying in a calm voice, "Yes, sir. How may I be able to assist you?"

It seemed like a weight was lifted off his heart as he replied, voice emotion filled, eyes tearing up, "My name is Dominic Osoba and my son is an Alliance soldier stationed at the base on planet Benning near the colony. I have not heard from him in over a week. Part of his Company is here and I tried to talk to them at the club, "Purgatory." None of the soldiers would look at me or talk to me. I just want to know if my son is alive or dead. I know you have much more important missions and …"

Tabitha placed a comforting hand on his arm, voice calm and steady, "Sir, I will do my best to find out the status of your son. What is his name?"

A tear slipped down his cheek as he replied, "My son…yes, I forgot to give you his name," voice breaking.

Kolyat watched in awe as Tabitha focused on the gentleman calming and helping him. Smiling to himself, he thought, "My father was correct. Tabitha was sent by the goddess Arashu. She is a warrior angel both defending and protecting people, no matter the race."

Tabitha raised her voice slightly but keeping the timbre calm and steady, "Sir, your son's name?"

Dominic Osoba looked at Tabitha, "His name is the same as mine. I am Senior and he is Junior."

Thane smiled inwardly, heart filling with pride and love for his Siha. She was a warrior, dedicated and strong but also an angel, loving and caring for others. He closed his eyes praying, "Arashu, thank you for my Siha. Thank you for granting me the strength to be her Kadar, to protect her as she protects others."

Tabitha moved her hand from Dominic Osoba's arm pressing the "start' button on the elevator, "Sir, please give the information where you can be reached to my son, Kolyat. He is a C-SEC officer. I do have to leave on an urgent mission, but I will find out about your son. I give you my word."

Tabitha put her hand out as Dominic Osoba grasped it firmly, "Thank you, Commander. I know it is not much, but I will pray for you, your ship the Normandy, and your family and crew."

As the elevator door opened, Tabitha held onto the Ambassador's hand, "Sir, you honor me with your prayers. Prayers are most important. Thank you."

Tabitha released the Ambassador's hand as he stepped out of the elevator pressing the "hold" button. Turning to Kolyat, "Son, please get the information from Mr. Osoba and forward it to my omni-tool." Pressing her forehead to his, she purred from her throat as she continued, "Be safe. We will contact you soon."

Lump formed in Kolyat's throat as he pressed his forehead first to Tabitha and then to Thane as Thane spoke, "Be safe, son and be strong for your Siha, Haida." Look of shock crossed Kolyat's features as the elevator doors closed.

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Liara T'Soni was waiting at the elevator when Thane, Tabitha, and Feron stepped off by the docking bay. Liara smiled, putting her hand out for Thane to grasp, "It is good to see you, Thane. By your outfit and backpack, I would say you are joining us on the Normandy."

Thane ghosted a smile taking the proffered hand bowing slightly looking at her as he brought the hand up to his lips feathering a kiss on the back before releasing it, "Yes, Doctor. I will be joining the crew to assist Tabitha in fighting the Reapers."

A faint tint of pink colored Liara's cheeks as Feron hissed in a tone only Thane and Tabitha could hear as he took Liara's arm leading her away from Thane and Tabitha toward the Normandy.

As Tabitha and Thane strode through the docking bay area toward the Normandy, she heard her name being called from behind her causing her to stop and turn toward the voice seeing a Turian approaching, "Commander Shepherd-Krios."

Tabitha replied, "Yes."

Thane stopped also turning to see the Turian stating, "My name is Captain Pathos Reevis of the 3rd Regiment of the 8th Brigade. I heard you were heading into Turian space."

Tabitha replied, "Yes, sir. I have been given a mission in Turian space."

"Good, I have a request. The banner for the 1st Regiment of the 8th Brigade is lost. If you come across it, please return it to myself here at the Citadel."

Tabitha saluted, "I will sir."

The Turian returned the salute, "Thank you for me and the Turian people. Good hunting."

As Tabitha turned toward back toward the Normandy, she replied over her shoulder, "If we do not stand and fight together, we will lose apart in this war."

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