The Normandy was largely quiet since the vessel departed the Citadel. Kaidan could see why; Kacey wasn't in a very happy mood after being cornered by that reporter. He couldn't immediately check up on her, as Hackett had something to discuss with him, but once the call was over, he went over towards the lift, where Liara had just stepped out.

"Oh, hello Kaidan." Liara had said calmly.

"Hey, Liara." Kaidan said.

Before Liara could disappear, Kaidan stopped the asari.

"Liara, can I ask you something?" Kaidan asked.

"Of course." Liara replied.

"Why didn't you tell me you found Shepard's body?"

Liara hesitated. Kaidan looked at the asari as she took a deep breath.

"You weren't in the right state of mind, Kaidan." Liara said, "If you saw her like that…I…I didn't want you to see her like that. It was horrific."

"That was my choice to make, Liara." Kaidan replied, "Not yours."

"I know." Liara replied, "And I'm sure you know that Garrus agreed with you."

"Yeah, I know. And I know what you told him." Kaidan said, "I just wanted to hear it from you."

"I thought I was sparing you more pain, that's all." Liara replied, solemnly, "I didn't mean anything malicious by it. After I heard what happened on Horizon, I just wished that I told you after I handed over her body to Cerberus. Then maybe…" She trailed off.

"Don't worry about it, Liara." Kaidan said, "At least she's back, I can't complain about that."

"I suppose so." Liara mused, "I just hope you two can make up soon."

Liara left quickly and Kaidan couldn't help but smile.

'If she only knew.'

…

Kaidan arrived in the Captain's Cabin to find Kacey lying on the bed, staring at the skylight above. Her mood had certainly been soured by the incident with the reporter. Kaidan walked over towards the bed, and lied down next to Kacey. After several minutes of silence, Kacey spoke up.

"Do you think I'm doing the right thing?"

Kaidan looked over at Kacey, who was still staring at the stars on the other side of the skylight. He contemplated his answer before replying.

"I think so, yes." Kaidan replied, "You're doing all that you can, Kacey. That's all anyone can ask of you."

"It sure doesn't feel like it." Kacey said, "She's got a point; I'm running around the galaxy playing diplomat while people are dying."

"You're doing it to help Earth." Kaidan replied, "We need turian troops on Earth. We need the krogan. We don't stand a chance by ourselves; you said it yourself."

"You're right." Kacey sighed, "I just wish everyone could see that."

"I don't think everyone wants to believe it."

"True. I just wished I could have done more about it."

"You saved the Council twice. You stopped Valren from being killed by Kai Leng."

"I didn't though." Kacey replied, "Yeah I saved the Council, but Valren is only alive because of Thane."

"Thane?"

"He was the drell in the hospital." Kacey explained, "He was there at first because of his illness."

"He was ill?"

"Yeah." Kacey said, "Kepral's Syndrome. He unfortunately couldn't join us because of it. But he did do one last thing for me, though."

"Which was?"

"Looking after you." Kacey said, "He had asked why I was at the hospital, and I told him that your were there because you were hurt. He told me he would keep an eye on you in case any Cerberus or indoctrinated agents tried to hurt you."

"He did that?" Kaidan replied, "I didn't know."

"Probably for the best." Kacey replied, "Thane's reasoning was sound; Cerberus knew you. And they knew that hurting you would get to me. So, having one of the best assassins in the galaxy looking out for you put my mind at ease."

"I'm grateful to him for that."

"Yeah, he would've liked to hear that I imagine." Kacey said, "He's dead now."

"I saw his name on the memorial wall." Kaidan replied.

"Yeah, he was not what you'd expect from an assassin." Kacey said, "When we met on Illium..."

…

"Seryna?" Kacey asked as she approached the security desk.

"Who wants to know?" the asari asked.

"Name's Shepard." Kacey introduced herself, "Liara T'Soni said you might have information on Thane Krios."

The asari stood up, "Tana. Cover for me."

Seryna led Kacey, Garrus and Zaeed away from the counter.

"Yeah, I know who Thane Krios is. I might have passed him some information, but I didn't hire him." Seryna said, "What do you want to know?"

"Where is he?" Kacey asked.

Seryna scoffed, "I can tell you, but you won't stop him. When he contacted me, I checked up on him. The man never gives up on a job. I ran security for Nassana Dantius. Then I found out she was having people killed to cover up her dirty secrets. She fired me when I confronted her. Her loss. I might have been good enough to stop Thane from taking her down."

"If you worked there, you must have some idea what his opposition would be." Kacey said.

"Eclipse mercs." Seryna said, "High-tech killers. Undisciplined, but very well-equipped. They don't much care who they kill, as long as they're paid for it. Thane has quite the reception waiting for him. I told him all I knew. He didn't seem worried."

"Why does the name Nassana sound familiar?" Garrus mused.

"She was a representative on the Citadel a few years ago." Seryna clarified.

"She was the one who wanted me to kill her sister—the slaver." Kacey mused, "Do you remember now, Garrus?"

"Yeah I remember now." Garrus said.

"I thought that was just a rumour." Seryna said, "Well, you know what she's capable of then. She has even more power here in Nos Astra. She uses it to keep her friends in check and her enemies dead."

"So, where do I find Thane?"

"The Dantius Towers." Seryna answered, "Penthouse level of Tower One. There's a second tower, still under construction. If Thane is smart, he'll go in from there."

"It doesn't sound like Nassana's just going to let me in."

"She's as smart as she is paranoid. No one's getting in or out without a fight. I can get you in, but you'll only get one shot. You'd better be ready."

"You're just offering your help? No strings attached?" Kacey said.

"You're going to look for Thane. Nassana's mercenaries will try to stop you. At least you'll distract the guards. Take a little fire, give Thane a clear shot. I didn't hire him to kill Nassana, but I won't shed any tears when she gets what's coming to her."

"Let's go then."

"Good. I'm tired of this crap." Seryna replied, "We'll go tonight as soon as the shift workers clear out of Tower Two."