Drell Assassin

December 16, 2185

Citadel - Zakera Ward - Commander Shepard - 0900 hours

Thane walked beside me, helping me carry a few crates on a dolly, while Grunt thumped close behind, looking around at the vibrant lights. We are on our way to Miranda's apartment to get settled in before we helped Thane out with his family problems. I looked back with an amused grin as I watched Grunt looking around, knowing this was his first time setting foot at the heart of galactic civilization. "What do you think so far, Grunt?" I asked once I pressed the button to call the elevator that would take us down to the customs depot.

"Too many lights and way too many of those squishy turians." Grunt huffed. "Can we find a bar and tear it apart?"

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "I'm afraid not. If you behave, maybe I'll buy you something." The Krogan sighed in disappointment but nodded nonetheless. Once our elevator ride arrived, we stepped in, and I thanked God that it was big enough to fit a Krogan and some extra cargo. I hate being squished in these things. I pressed level B2 and the elevator began a snail-crawling decent down to the depot. We stood silently, listening to that annoying elevator music for a few minutes before we heard a chime.

"In a recent poll based on the two former human Specters' recent interview with Khalisah Bint Sinan al-Jilani, many were pleased to see the reaction from former Spectre Alonso with many viewers saying that Miss al-Jilani, 'Had it coming to her'. We have reached the reporter from Westerlund News but has refused to comment on the incident."

I grinned once the Galaxy News report ended. Charlie will love that. The elevator door opened and we stepped out into a sea of people with their own luggage, passing through various scans and other checkpoints. This is going to take a while. I sighed and turned to look at Grunt and much to my relief saw him grinning, and then suddenly realizing that he must be in a daydreaming haze. I faced forward and puffed out my cheeks. I'd say there are at least five-hundred people here. Grunt could start a Krogan massacre at any moment. I punched Grunt's large bicep which snapped him out at whatever fantasy was going on his brain and said, "Behave." The Krogan growled but followed Thane and I until we were in line. Suddenly I regret leaving for Omega. I sighed after half an hour being in line and only moving a few yards. If I hadn't left, I could've still used my Spectre status to cut ahead of the line.

"This is boring!" Grunt protested and I turned to stare up at him in a glare. "Can I at least walk around?"

I rolled my eyes and extended my hand. "Give me your claymore." Hesitantly, Grunt complied and handed me his massive shotgun. I stumbled forward and fell, taking the shotgun with me. Why am I stuck babysitting Grunt? I growled as I sat on the floor in protest and with Grunt's claymore sitting on my lap.

"You are not enjoying this, are you?" Thane asked, a slight smile forming on one side of his lips.

"No." I stood up and huffed, "My day started great and it's just getting worse and worse."

"You know," Kasumi fizzles out of nowhere and this time, I'm just too upset to even jump in surprise, "You could've just asked for help."

"Yeah well, if I knew you were here, I would've ordered you to carry the damn shotgun."

Kasumi giggled and grabbed the Claymore from my grasp. "I follow Chuckle's orders, remember? We all do."

"Yeah well...bite me." So there we stand, for an hour and we are next in line to pass through the scanners when I see a familiar face. "Commander Bailey!"

The C-Sec agent notices me waving and comes over with a smile. "Commander Shepard, an odd place to find someone like you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You...didn't know?"

Great...if he tells me- "What?" I asked with a depressed sigh.

"Well, you're still part of the Alliance correct?"

I shrug my shoulders. "Technically, yes."

"Your line is over there." Bailey points to the far left line where I can see 'Alliance Checkpoint' in big letters and I frowned as I looked at the line.

It's empty.

"So this whole time, I could have avoided all of this?" I ask tiredly.

Bailey chuckles and rubs the back of his neck. "I'm afraid so, ma'am."

"Can I just get through and skip all of this? Please? I've got a Krogan that thinks is my son and an annoying little Japanese girl."

"Hey!" Kasumi playfully punches me in my arm, causing me to grin.

Bailey blinks, "A Krogan that thinks is your kid?"

"Don't ask."

"Very well." Bailey nods, "Where are you heading?"

"The Sullust apartments down by the Wards."

"Come on, I'll take you there."

I breathed a sigh of relief and mouthed, 'Thank you' before I looked around for the extra cargo. "GRUNT! Get your ass over here!"

Liara... I sighed. I wish you were here to cheer me up. I miss you.

Meanwhile...

Illium - Liara's Office - Liara T'Soni

Shepard...

I put my datapad down on my desk, stood and turned to face the markets below me, watching people of all races scour around like children instead of preparing for the worst. I placed my arm over the glass window and my forehead against my arm and breathed heavily. So much work and our time is running out. Since my lover's last visit, I have been able to sort through some of the lies Nyxeris has given me through the last few months, thanks to Charlie's help. I smiled at that. Where would I be without those two silly humans. My smile fades once the thought came to my mind. Probably dead or worse, indoctrinated.

I shook my head. Don't think like that. Shepard saved me and the two commanders welcomed me with open arms. They didn't criticized me when other humans aboard the ship did. I have so much to be thankful for. I, however, gained friends during my time on the Normandy and...fell in love.

I looked up at the bright blue sky and closed my eyes and focused on Shepard's image...or at least the image of her when I was with her on the Normandy and more importantly, her shoulder length red hair and radiant green eyes. Goddess how much I miss her old hair. Hopefully it will be different the next time I see her. I had been saddened and disappointed when both of those features were gone when she visited me here on Illium.I sighed deeply. Don't be so foolish, T'Soni. Jane has far worse things to worry about than the color of her hair or eyes. I opened my eyes and lowered my arm and prayed to the Goddess to keep Shepard safe.

I winced my eyes shut once more and looked away from the window, knowing that Shepard is out there, putting her body in danger against the Collectors and other dangerous foes. I just hope Charlie is keeping her safe. I could only imagine what kind of challenges she is going through right now.

"In Galaxy News Today, Commander Shepard has been seen located on the Citadel..."

Hm? I looked up and saw Shepard standing in front of the local press, answering a few questions. "The Citadel..." I said out loud. I paced slowly back and forth, nibbling on my thumb until I stopped moments later. I smiled mischievously. I quickly close my terminals and head to the transit hub as quickly as possible.

The Citadel - Zakera Ward - Commander Alonso - 1500 hours

After settling into Miranda's apartment and getting into my armor, we traveled back up to the markets in Zakera Ward. We spoke to Bailey earlier saying that we could find Mouse around these parts. Mouse was kid who grew up poor on the Citadel and spent most of his times in the ventilation shafts. According to his file, he did a lot of odd jobs for those that were willing to pay. Bailey even said he carried a VI of me and sold them to whoever wanted one. I don't know if I should be flattered or weirded out.

"There he is." Thane nodded to a scrawny looking kid that was walking on his omni-tool while holding a datapad just outside The Dark Star club.

"Hey, are you Mouse?" I ask the kid who looks up at Thane and jumps.

"Krios? I-I thought you retired!" He looks at me with wide-eyed fascination. "Commander Shepard! H-hello. I'm...a big fan."

I smile slightly at that. "Hello. Listen, I think you can help us out."

"I don't know..." Mouse looks away and blushes.

"Come on," I lean down so our eyes meet. "Help us out and I might give you something." Mouse stiffens and looks between Thane and me and sees Grunt standing around. He gulps hard and nods. "Okay...What do you need?"

"Word around the station says that my son contacted you and is planning to kill someone." Thane questions. "I need to know where he is."

"Kolyat came to me with a holo of me and said you knew me. He was looking for work and I put him under your contact lists. Elias wanted to hire him."

"Elias Kelham?" Thane asked. Mouse nodded. Thane turned to me and said, "We should present this to the C-Sec officer."

I nod and turn to face Mouse with a smile. "Thank you, Mouse. Oh and I heard you had a Shepard VI?"

"Yeah...I created one when you disappeared. I made one to keep me company. I have one on me if you want a copy!" Mouse smiled.

"I'd like one." I smiled back when Mouse gave me a round circular disk that was about one inch thick. "I'll take a look at it once this whole thing is finished." I approached Mouse and gave him a tender kiss on his cheek. "Thank you for your help, Mouse." With a goodbye wink, I left Mouse speechless. Heh, score another one for me.

"Commander Bailey." I pursed my lips, "I got a name. Elias Kelham."

"Shit...Look, I uhh... Kelham and I have an agreement. He buys tickets to the C-Sec Charity Ball and I leave him alone."

I huff and cross my arms over my chest. "So, you aren't going to help me?"

"I'll help you, sure. I'll get my men to bring him in and you'll get to interrogate him if you wish. I can't get involved with that part."

My face lights up at the news. "Alright! Bring him in."

"Mom, I'm hungry." Grunt approaches me as Bailey looks at me with a grin.

"That's why you have Aunt Kasumi to take care of you while mommy is working, Grunt." I wink at Kasumi who glares at me.

"It's Aunty Kasumi to you." Her face lights up and looks at Grunt. "Come on, I'll take you...uhh...somewhere."

"Have fun you two!" I yell out, laughing while Thane and I wait for the C-Sec agents pick up this Kelham guy.

"Thoughts on how we interrogate Kelham?" Thane crosses his arms as he leans back against the wall.

"Hmm. You talk to him. Appeal to his self interests. I'll knock him around for a bit if he doesn't cooperate."

Thane contemplates before nodding. "Very well. I'll pretend to be on his side."

Thirty minutes later...

We walk inside Interrogation Room One, finding a very confused Kelham strapped to a chair. "Who the hell are you two?" He asks before I stalk behind him while Thane walks in front.

"You ordered a hit on someone. You're going to tell me who, now start talking."

Kelham turns his head to face me and growls, "The only person I am talking to, sweetheart, is my advocate."

Sweetheart huh? "Here's how it works, bonehead. I ask a question. You answer it. You speak when you are spoken to. Are we clear?"

"Who the fuck do you think you are?"

I feel my blood boil so I slap him hard across his right cheek. "Mr. Kelham I don't think you are paying attention."

Despite being bitch-slapped, he huffs a laugh, showing a toothy grin. "You just handed me your job. Hit me again and I'll take your fucking money too."

"Just tell us what we need to know." Thane mediates. "My associate can get very impatient."

"And who are you frog boy? Her little sidekick?" Elias scoffs. "Hit me again, you slut. Give me a reason to hurt you when I get outta here." I smirk in return. I clench my fists and punch him once more on his right cheek and because I didn't like him, I punched him again on his right ribs. Elias grunts and spits out blood. "Do you know what I'll do to you? You fucking bitch! I'll make you pay."

"I'd love to see you try." I stand proudly.

"Commander." Thane walks to the far end of the room. Oh...I'm pushing it too hard. I frown and follow him.

"Sorry." I said softly. "I was having a little too much fun...No wonder Charlie likes man-handling thugs." I sighed. He always gets all the fun. "I'll ease off-"

"Are we done here? I've got shit to do!"

Ah screw it. I run back and pull my pistol from my hip and point it at his crotch. "I'm done being patient. Give me a name or I'll cut your balls off and feed it to my Krogan that is probably still hungry, roaming around the wards!"

Elias gasps and stares at me with fears in his eyes and finally he gives in. "Joram! Joram Talid! Turian in the 800 blocks!"

I back off and holster my gun and look down at Elias victoriously as he heaves heavily. "There...was that so hard?" I clench my fists one last time and knock him out cold with an uppercut. "That's for bad-mouthing a lady!" I turn to face Thane who nods in compliance. We step out and tell Bailey about the Turian and in return gives us a sky car so I can take us to the 800 blocks.

The four of us step in and I hit the ignition and take off. I turn to Grunt who is sitting in the back seat and ask. "What did you eat?"

"I took him to this Japanese place down by the food courts." Kasumi answered.

"I ate Ramen noodles. They...tasted bland. I need meat." Grunt huffed.

I giggled inwardly as I drove up to the 800 blocks. Maybe taking him with me isn't so bad after all.

Citadel - 800 Blocks - Commander Shepard - 1700 hours

The group split up. Thane stuck to the shadows while I followed Joram and his Blood Pack bodyguard from the catwalks while Kasumi and Grunt stuck to the ground at a distance.

"Any sign of him?" Thane asked over the comms.

"He's taking to a few Salarian and Volus voters." I reply.

"Are you out of sight?"

"Of course!" I wave Thane off dismissively. "You should be thankful I'm not following him in a cardboard box."

"Cardboard box, Shep?" Kasumi asks, her interests piqued.

"Yeah..." I sighed sadly. "Long story short, I had to escape captivity with a henchmen's gun I stole and a cardboard box...he got left behind when the guards noticed a box hobbling around their complex..."

"You're joking right?"

"I never joke, Kasumi." I reply seriously.

"...Huh! I might try that sometime."

"Where is he now?" Thane queries again. Oh! I quickly catch up to the Turian politician and update Thane. "No sign of Kolyat?"

"No." Crap. "I'm going to lose him. Let me get into a better position." I walk through a series of doors, unable to find a good vantage point. I step into a grey room with boxes stacked up next to each other.

A maintenance worker looks back and approaches me. "Hey! Who are you?" He asks. "What are you doing back here?"

"What am I doing here?" I ask and point at him, saying, "What are you doing here?"

The man scratches his head and tilts his head to the side. "Huh?"

"Do you have any idea how dangerous it is here?" I yell.

"Dangerous?"

I point my thumb behind me, trying to keep myself from laughing and yell, "We're running out of time! Get out of here. Now! Before it blows!"

"Blow! Wh-What?"

"RUN!"

The man screams and runs past me as fast as his legs can take him. I chuckle as the door closes behind me. "I can't believe that actually worked!" I press on, passing through another door and I see Jordam and his bodyguard approaching some apartment complex...with Kolyat following close behind.

"Kolyat!" I yell and thankfully it catches his attention. However the victory is short-lived as I see Kolyat reach for his gun and points it at Jordam and his bodyguard. He pulls the trigger and takes down the merc and runs after the Turian who has fled into the apartments. By this time, I have already hopped down from the catwalks and match my squad in a sprint after Kolyat.

"He must not reach Talid." Thane urges as we step inside the room where we last saw Kolyat enter. Inside, we find Talid on his knees, facing us and Kolyat pointing a gun at the Turian's head. I took out my pistol and switched to concussive rounds.

"This...This is a joke right? Now? Now you show up?" Kolyat glares at his father.

"Put the gun down, Kolyat." I say softly. "You don't want to hurt him. C-Sec should be arriving any minute."

As if on cue, Bailey and other patrolmen arrive with their guns at the ready. "Drop the gun."

"Get out of my wat! I'm walking out and this Turian is coming with-"

I quickly dash forward and tackle Kolyat to the ground, disarming him and wrapping his arms behind his back. "Get Talid out of here."

Bailey nods to one of his patrolmen and holsters his gun. "Take Kolyat into custody."

"You...Why!" Kolyat seethes in anger.

"Your father doesn't have a lot of time. He's trying to fix things." I explain.

Kolyat turns to Thane and scoffs. "So you came here and ask for forgiveness? So you can die in peace or something?"

"Actually." Thane looks down on the ground and says softly, "I came to grant you peace." There was silence in the room as Thane thought of words to say to his son. "You're...You're angry because I wasn't there when your mother died."

Kolyat shakes his head in disgust. "You weren't there when she was alive! Why should you be there when she died?"

"Your mother...They killed her to get to me. It was my fault. After her body was given to the deep, I went to find the trigger men and ring leaders. I tortured them for a while, eventually killed them. When...I went back to see you, you were all grown up. I should have stayed with you."

"Hmph! I guess it's too bad you waited so long huh?" Tears began to fall down Kolyat's cheeks. Angry tears, hurting.

"I've taken a lot of bad things out of the world. You were the only good thing I could ever add to it."

"Hmmm." Bailey breaks the conversation, "This isn't something you should say in front of strangers."

I nod slowly and add. "I agree. Take them to the station so they could talk. I'm sure Thane can find his way back."

Thane turns to me and bows. "Thank you, Shepard."

"Anytime." I offer a smile. "Take all the time you need." I turn to face Grunt and Kasumi. "Let's go."

Citadel - Miranda's Apartment - Commander Shepard - 2000 hours

Thane returned about an hour ago and said that things were slowing fixing themselves and that he and his son would continue to talk frequently. He left shortly after, saying that he was going to Huerta Memorial so that he could find someplace that could accommodate his disease. I was about to head to bed when I heard a knock on the door. I got out of bed and zipped up my N7 hoodie as I walked towards the door. Once it opened, I stared wide-eyed, looking at the most beautiful asari I have ever seen.

"Liara?"

Liara smiled as she wore a white jumpsuit and a matching lab jacket that accentuated her delicious curves. "Hello, Shepard." I bit my lip as my eyes roamed up and down, causing her to blush. "Can I come in?"

I shook my head. "Not before I do this." I pounced on her, tackling her to the ground and fiercely connected my lips with hers. I closed my eyes and relished in the moment as my hands reached behind her neck, pulling her lips even closer as our tongues danced with heated desire and passion. A longing that could only be quenched by her. Her arms wrapped themselves around the small of my back, causing me to moan as I felt a tingling sensation flow through my stomach. Needing air, I pulled away and smiled at my love. "God, I've missed you so much."

Liara smiled and ran her finger delicately across my lips. "So have I." She leaned up and planted a quick kiss before smiling again. "Can I come in now?"

"We can't."

Liara frowned. "Why not?"

"I have two squadmates in there and one of them gossips. It wouldn't be good for us."

"Ah...Miss Goto, right?"

I tilted my head sideways. "How did you know?"

"I'm a very good information broker." Liara grinned and I chuckle in return.

"And the sexiest, may I add."

"Flatterer."

I shrug my shoulder and stand, offering her my help. "I try."

"Well, I didn't come here with my luggage to be shooed away. Any ideas?"

"There's a fancy hotel not too far from here."

"That could work." Liara nods. "Shall we? My skycab is just over there."

"I thought you'd never ask. Let me help with your luggage."

"Aren't you going to get some clothes too?" Liara asks as we begin walking to her cab.

A mischievous smile spreads through my lips as I pull her close with my free hand. "Who says I need clothes?"

"Goddess..."

"My name is Jane Shepard but you can call me that if you'd like." I tease.

Liara sighs dreamily. "This is going to be a long night, isn't it?" She asks once I place her luggage into her car.

I laugh and corner her, pushing her up against the cab's now-closed trunk. I lick my lips and look at her with a predatory smile. "Oh baby, you have no idea."

Aaaaand we'll stop there ;) for now. I missed writing Liara so I needed her back into my story. She'll be there for at least two more chapter so I can keep myself and other Liara fans happy :)

References to Citadel DLC, Star Wars and Metal Gear Solid.

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter at least.

Quick Citadel High update to those that are reading that story as well: I haven't forgotten about that story. I'm slowly writing out my chapters and trying to figure out the storylines for the future. Normally, I would've planned ahead but that story is mostly for giggles. Though, after writing some of the chapters I've published on here, I can see the potential it could have. I apologize to those readers.

Please leave a review, I'd appreciate it.

And as always, until next time :D