Hello! So, I realized that I forgot to put the songs in that inspired the 'moves' that Shepard had. It was kind of on purpose so all of you could fill in what you wanted but if you want to know: her solo stage song "Problem" by Natalia Kills and back room dance was "The Hills" by The Weeknd.

I won't draw this intro out so again, thank you all for sticking with me. Thank you for reading/following/favoriting and reviewing!

Chapter 40

Jane woke up and instantly regretted it. Her head was throbbing.What the hell happened last night? She thought. Pressing her face into the pillow she grumbled.

"Good morning."

She pulled her face out from the pillow and looked around herself: nothing. Looking down the bed she saw Garrus sitting on the couch. "Oh… hey… morning."

"There is some medication to help with the headache next to you."

Throwing her hand up, she smacked it around on the end table without looking and almost knocked over the water. After a little more searching, she found the pills and popped them in her mouth as she sat up and took a swallow of water.

"I have some breakfast for you too. I brought some levo but I don't know if it is appropriate breakfast food. I have some dextro too, but I doubt it will help."

Jane gingerly sat up. Her head was killing her but she had dealt with worse. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and as she tried to stand she realized how much of her body hurt. Whyyyy? She moaned in her head. What did I do in my sleep? Gently bringing herself to her feet, she paused before walking towards the couch. She sat on the other section of the L-shaped couch and watched Garrus. He seemed to be bothered by something. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah."

"It doesn't seem like it."

He looked at her and tried to manage a grin. "I'm fine." He motioned to the food. "Go ahead and eat if you want. Or maybe you shouldn't… I don't know."

She eyed the two foods. The levo was obviously some leftovers he had just found and brought up; she didn't blame him for not knowing the right human food. Looking at the dextro food, she reached out, took a piece, and ate it with barely any hesitation. It was delicious. "Mmm… Oh my god…"

"You don't have to fake it," Garrus actually did chuckle at her reaction.

"That wasn't fake…" she sighed. "How can I taste so much of it? Ugh, I don't even care." She took another piece.

Garrus watched her eat before leaning into his hand, his eyes landing on the table and soon glazing over.

"Garrus?"

"Hmm?"

"What happened last night?"

"What do you remember?"

"Not much… I remember reading my messages," they still stung, "and I think I went out for a walk on the Citadel. It's not really clear. I don't know how I got back here."

"I found you and brought you back."

"Somehow I don't believe you. At least that you aren't telling me everything."

"Let's not worry about that now."

She watched him. There was something very wrong. "Okay, what the hell did I do to offend you?"

"It's not you."

"Then what is it? Why won't you speak to me?" the rise in volume of her voice was started to aggravate her headache but she didn't care. This was Garrus.

"I am speaking to you."

"Cut the shit, Garrus. What's going on?"

"I was informed that Sidonis is on the Citadel. Okay?"

"Oh…" she said in a meek voice. "So… what did you find out?"

He let out a sigh. Now didn't seem like the time to unload this on her.

"I just want to help."

"I know," he mumbled. He stared into the table, "There's a specialist on the Citadel, name's Fade. He's an expert at helping people disappear. Sidonis was seen with him."

"What are you planning to do when you find him?"

"You humans have a saying: 'An eye for an eye. A life for a life.' He owes me ten lives. And I plan to collect."

Jane took a deep breath, "You sure that's how you want to play it?"

"I'm sure." He snapped his head to her and stood up, walking away from the couch, "I don't need you to agree with me."

"Okay, I'll help."

"Jane, I don't –"

She cut him off. "I don't care if you want to do this alone. I won't let you. I'll be there for you."

"I'm not sure you should be committing to a mission right now."

"I may not remember what happened last night but I can help," she stood up and made her way to be in front of him. "I know this won't be easy for you. You could use some back up."

He raised a hand and brushed some of her hair down, "I'd like your help." When he realized what he was doing and quickly dropping his hand. Garrus cleared his throat, "So, yeah, just let me know when you're ready. I've already arranged a meeting. We'll meet him in a warehouse near the Neon Markets down on Zakera Ward. Thanks, Jane."

"Jacob, can I talk to you for a minute?"

He looked up from his console, "This better not be business related, Miranda. I'm on leave."

"Exactly, so why are you working?"

"What do you want?"

She grit her teeth at the insubordination but knew she couldn't do anything about it. "It's an odd time for scheduling everyone leave, don't you think?"

Jacob watched her wander around, inspecting all the weapons and mods, "I guess? I mean, you can only push people so hard before they need some sort of break. Shepard is the same way."

"I don't understand."

"She's not a robot. Think about it, from the time she woke up it has been nonstop 'go do this', 'go do that', 'hey, did you know everyone has moved on from you?'" Jacob shook his head. "This isn't easy for her.

"What is that?" Miranda cocked her head at him. "Is that a crush I hear leaking through?"

"Don't be ridiculous."

"I don't think I am being ridiculous. If you believe the rumors, she could have her pick of any guy she wanted. You're no exception."

"Is there a point to this conversation?"

"Do you really think that Shepard is in a state to be in command?"

Jacob crossed his arms and glared at her, "You want to get the Illusive Man to put you in charge. Real classy, Lawson." He stepped closer to her, "All of us have something that we need to tie up before this suicide mission. You better hope Shepard is a big enough person to help you."

Kasumi stood cloaked and quiet in the corner as she watched the exchange. Of course he would have a thing for Shepard, she moped. It's silly to think I could grab his attention. I stay hidden ninety percent of my time on this ship. She stepped closer and hovered her hand next to his face. She quickly withdrew it as she heard Miranda exit. Sprinting out the open door, she turned sideways as they started to close on her.

The doors bounced back open, attracting Jacob's attention. He looked at them as they started to close again. "That was weird," he muttered but shook his head and went back to work.

John paced by the cockpit door. His hand was sore and bloody but he didn't care. None of it mattered. He had to speak to whoever was in charge on that ship. He had been foolish to think he had any sort of pull with Cerberus. First chance he got, he would rejoin Jane and help get her out of this mess. That is, if they ever let him see her again.

Finally, the door opened and it was the same man as before. John grabbed him by his shirt and threw him against the wall. "What the fuck was that?! Why am I not allowed to see Jane? What is the Illusive Man instructing you do?!"

"Mr. Shepard, you need to seek medical treatment."

"What is the plan! Where are we heading!" John demanded. He balled up his fist and planted it in the man's jaw. "Tell me!" He readied another punch until he felt the cold touch of metal to the back of his neck.

In a shaky voice the woman said, "Mr. Shepard, I need you to release my co-pilot."

Now that John had paused, he was more aware of the pain shooting through his hand. "You wouldn't shoot me."

"Maybe I will."

"But you won't. I doubt that will go over well with your boss."

She looked between John and her co-pilot. "We don't know what the plans are, just what we've been instructed to do."

"Then what are you supposed to be doing?"

"We are supposed to give you a day in Illium before taking you to the next location to assist the last recruit. Although now it looks like you will need to get your hands fixed before we hit our last location."

"Dammit, Cara," the other man said.

"Who's the last recruit?"

"We don't get that information until we are en route."

John glared at the two Cerberus members, "It had better be a good one. I'm tired of having my time wasted."

Jane hit the last piece of her armor, nudging it into place as she waited on the elevator. There were a lot of questions she had for Garrus, none she knew how to ask. On a lesser note was what had happened the night before. When she went to shower she had seen that she had red hair. Thankfully, whatever prompted her to dye it, she had enough sense to use the immediate wash-out formula so she was back to her blond. He was being so cryptic again, a side she was not a fan of. Overall, she didn't know what to do about Garrus. She didn't want him to lose himself to his hatred, but she wasn't sure what she could do to stop it. Stepping out, she made her way to the air lock where he was waiting. "You sure you didn't want to have someone else come?"

"Maybe if we had some of the old crew but I don't trust anyone on this ship enough to ask them to tag along. They can enjoy their day off," Garrus replied.

"Speaking of which!" Joker shouted from the cockpit and he hobbled to the doorway to look at them. "Why aren't you two taking a break?"

"Some unfinished business," Garrus said in a short tone. He looked at Jane and motioned to leave.

"See you later, Joker," she gave a weak smile.

"At least take tomorrow off."

She only gave a noncommittal nod before the doors shut. They made the trip in silence. Neither of them felt like dwelling on what was to come or what had happened the previous night.

"I think this is it coming up," Garrus said as they drew closer.

They walked in and saw two krogan standing at different points in the room. One looked to the other, and who nodded to someone out of sight. Jane and Garrus paused and waited for the newcomer to show his face. They waited, staring at eye level until they saw movement below them and a volus waddled out into view. Jane looked at Garrus who smirked at her.

"Fade?" she questioned. "You're not quite how I imagined you."

"Looks can be deceiving," he wheezed. The two krogan fell in behind him, one priming his weapon as he glared at them. "So, which one of you wants to disappear?"

"I'd rather see you make someone reappear," Garrus said.

"Ah…" a few rasping breaths came from his enviro-suit, "That's not the service we provide."

Garrus's hand hovered over his pistol. "Make an exception. Just this once."

"Dammit! Quick! Shoot them! Shoot them you lumbering mountains!" he turned when the krogans hadn't moved.

Jane saw Garrus pull his weapon but saw the exchange between the krogan. They didn't seem too bothered with rushing to help Fade… if he was Fade. Jane pulled her pistol when the krogan finally moved and aimed her gun at the volus.

"Why don't you two find somewhere else to skulk?" Garrus growled.

The krogan shared a look. One shrugged and began to walk away, the other following in his path. "Just like that?!" the volus threw his hands up. "You're not getting paid for this!" His rasping sounded heavier, "What's the point of hiring protection if they won't protect you?"

Jane holstered her weapon but Garrus kept his held in front of him. "We need to find a client of yours," she said as she stepped forward. "I suggest you cooperate."

"Wait!" he moaned, "I'm not the one you want to talk to. I'm not Fade!"

Jane looked at Garrus, "I knew it."

"Should've made a bet," he muttered. Garrus took the lead, stepping forward and kneeling down to the volus's level. "Well then maybe you'd like to tell us where to find him." When the volus didn't immediately answer, Garrus waved his gun as a reminder.

"Y – Ye – Yes! Of course! He's in the factory district. Works out of the old pre-fab foundry."

Garrus looked back at Jane, "I know the place."

"Ughhh… he's got a lot of mercs there," the volus added as he stepped away. "Blue Suns. Harkin thinks they're protecting him."

"How the hell did Harkin end up being the Fade?"

"Well, he got fired from C-Sec a while back. He used his knowledge of C-Sec and their systems to help a few people disappear. Then he made himself disappear. And 'Fade' was born. So to speak…"

"Can't say I'm surprised," Garrus said. "Interesting, but it changes nothing. We still need to find him before we can get to Sidonis."

"I'm looking forward to seeing Harkin again," Jane smirked.

"I'm sure he'll be excited to see both of us. If only John could join, it would be a trifecta. We'll need to go to the transit station. I can get us to him from there."

"So, I… uh…" the volus shifted his feet, "I can go?"

Garrus smirked, "Sure, but if we don't find Harkin, we'll be back for you." He pointed his gun at the volus for emphasis.

"Oh… good."

They waited until the volus was out of sight before turning their backs and leaving. Garrus spoke up, "We can take a cab to the entrance I know. Might be guarded though."

"Shouldn't be a problem," she smiled at him.

Again, it was a silent ride but the tension hadn't built yet. Jane could feel that Garrus was dwelling on his thoughts. She reached out and touched his hand. He squeezed it back before pulling away.

"It's uh… Just up here," he said as he lowered the cab.

They got out, checking their surrounding to see what security was in place but there were just the two Blue Sun guards at the door. As they started to approach, a human started to walk by and stopped, looking at them.

"Shepard?" he looked at his two guards. "Don't just stand there! Stop them! Stop them!" He took off, shutting the door behind him.

Fire lit in Garrus's eyes, "Run all you want, Harkin! We'll find you!" he shouted as he pulled out his gun.

Jane and Garrus didn't even bother to take cover. They stood in the center of the hallway and when the two guards stood up to fire at them, they were greeted with a bullet to the head. Moving forward, Garrus typed on the keypad to unlock the doors. As they entered into the warehouse, crates began to open, unleashing LOKI mechs. Before the mechs could even activate, they were destroyed.

It was a maze of crates that they had to move through, but they stuck close together. Working with only two people was dangerous. Rounding the corner, they met two more mechs. Jane used her biotics to throw the first into the other as Garrus finished them off with the rounds. She took a deep breath as she already started to feel the itch of her biotics. It was frustrating that they seemed to have subsided but now that she had activated them again, they were trying to claw their way back out.

"I'm going up," Jane said as she motioned up on the crates.

"I'll stay down here. Be safe."

After climbing up, Jane ducked behind makeshift cover and leaned out to get a better look. "Garrus!" she called to get his attention. When he looked, she motioned the numbers they were up against: two far right, one, one, two left. Jane summoned more biotic energy to her hands. She took a few deep breaths then spun out and threw a singularity over the mechs on the right and a pull on the ones on the left. Soon, they all began to float in her biotics, allowing Jane and Garrus to pick them off easily. More began to come out of a crate and Jane biotically charged into them. The explosion sent them back as she grabbed one and threw it to the ground, pulling her pistol on the other then sending a round through the one struggling to get up.

"Clear in this section!" Jane called out to Garrus as he ran up to her.

He put a hand on her shoulder and looked at her as if to ask if everything was okay. She only nodded in response.

More Blue Suns began to show up as they fought their way through. There were more at one time to fight but Jane and Garrus were both taking it as a good sign that they were getting close to Harkin. They crossed the bridge as it was still lowering and took out the first two Blue Sun members. The ground began to shake as a YMIR mech was dropped and stepped into view.

"This should be interesting," Garrus said as he worked at its shield

"We don't have time for this," Jane shook her head as she pulled out her grenade launcher. "Fire in the hole," she smirked as she fired two shots into the mech. The head lowered as sparks started to fly and it burst into shrapnel. Garrus put his arm over Jane as the flattened to the ground as pieces went everywhere, a few finding their way into some of the Blue Suns.

Coming to the end of the storage area, they entered what seemed to be a control room. "What the hell is Harkin up to?" Garrus mumbled.

Jane went forward and opened the window, "So Harkin's finally gone completely bad."

Leaning on the window ledge, he looked out over the factory, "He was always a pain in the ass. John and I always had to pick up the slack with him around. But I'm in no mood for his games. If he doesn't cooperate I'll beat him within an inch of his life."

She stared at him, worried. Placing a hand on his shoulder she stepped closer, "You seem to be getting a little edgy, Garrus."

Garrus wouldn't look at her, "Harkin may know why Sidonis wanted to disappear. If so, he knows why we're here and I don't want him tipping Sidonis off," he barely tilted his head towards her.

She kept her hand on his shoulder, her fingers running along the grooves and charred edges of his armor. Nodding, she let go of him and he turned his face away, studying the room. At the same time, they pulled their weapons and withdrew to cover; Jane behind the wall and Garrus ducked under the window.

"Did you see that?"

"I saw something."

He tilted his head up to look at her, "He's getting ready for us."

"So what are you going to do to Harkin if he won't cooperate?"

"He's a real criminal now, working for the Blue Suns. I should just shoot him on sight. But… I need him alive… so, I won't do any permanent damage. Just enough to loosen his tongue."

"You don't need to hurt him to get what you want."

"Don't worry, Harkin's a coward. He'll talk long before I can really hurt him."

"What do you think Harkin's got waiting for us in there?"

"Not sure. It looks like an industrial complex, heavy machinery. Could be anything." Garrus's eyes rolled up to the window, "Something's in there," he drawled. "Probably more Blue Suns. Harkin's kind of trapped himself in a corner. He must have something in store for us."

Jane kneeled down, hanging her head. She was pretty sure she knew the answer but had to ask again, "You still planning on killing Sidonis when we find him?"

He looked directly into her eyes and glanced away as he answered, "That's the plan." The more she asked him, the weaker his resolve became. She had a way of making him feel guilty about his choice. "It will be quick and painless. Unlike everyone he betrayed. He'll be spared the agony of a slow death. It's more than he deserves but as long as he's dead, I'll be satisfied."

"Garrus… do you really think killing Sidonis will make things right?"

"I know you don't like it, Jane. But I have to do this."

"Is there no other way?"

"Maybe…" he reluctantly said, "But this is personal. I'll pull the trigger and I'll live with the consequences. All I'm asking is that you help me find him."

Jane reluctantly nodded, "I just… I don't want you to do anything you'll regret."

He didn't say anything but nodded in return, "Let's go."

"Shepard," EDI's voice came over the radio, "I've patched into the warehouse scanners. The crates in the transport carriers are rigged to explode when dropped."

"Good to know," Jane responded as she looked up at the crates.

A hail of bullets began to rain down on her as she ran for a better position, Garrus right on her heels. Hiding at their cover, Garrus leaned over to get a quick look. "Two right now. You take the right, I'll take the left?"

"Sounds like a plan, but don't go stealing my kills."

These enemies were a little tougher, each of them having better armor or shields, or both, but they were no match for Garrus and Jane. They moved quickly, changing their positions, scaling crates and platforms for better angles. Getting through the first wave, they began to move over the different levels, trying to get to the end. Jane hoisted herself up over a high platform and when she stood, she met eyes with Harkin who stood in a control room, watching them through the window.

"Do you really think you can take me down, Shepard?" Harkin's voice echoed in the warehouse. At the same time, two YMIR Mechs were dropped onto the platform.

Garrus had hoisted himself up for a better position and ducked in time for a missile to hit a wall behind him. The resulting shockwave knocked him off his feet, causing him to tumble forward on the same level as the mechs. He rolled behind the closest cover, a few boxes stacked on each other.

"Garrus!" Jane screamed as she focused on the mech closest to him. "Up the ramp!" Impulse fueled her biotics as she stepped out from cover and threw up a shield from his location to hers. He was already moving; safely making his way as the mech rapid fired its weapon. Jane clapped her hands together and the shield wrapped itself around the mech crushing it. She was so focused on her target that she didn't see the other preparing a rocket.

"Jane!" Garrus shouted from his cover as he tried to draw the attention of the other mech. Abandoning his tactic, he ran towards her, tackling her to the ground as the rocket flew over them. He sat up, and pulled her with him behind cover. "Careful, you don't want to end up looking like me."

"I don't think you look too bad," she smiled and touched her hand to the damaged side of his face. Tapping the side of his face she rolled to the side to refocus on the second mech, the first aleady malfunctioning and shutting down. Garrus leaned out from the other side and they unloaded their weapons into the weak points of the mech until it shook, the wires frying as the robot exploded.

They ran for the control room and as Jane mounted the next platform a LOKI mech greeted her with its gun. "Are you fucking kidding me?!" she shouted and threw a shockwave up at her enemies. The biotic energy was fueled by her anger and knocked the enemies up into the air, throwing them against the wall and shattering.

They snuck around the side of the room, peering around the edge to see that Harkin wasn't even aware of his mechs having failed to kill them. Jane gestured to Garrus as if to say, "he seriously doesn't know we are right here?" Garrus only shrugged before motioning that he was going to move around to the other side. Jane nodded and waited until he was in position. Hearing the click on her radio, she knew Garrus was ready. Rounding the corner, Harkin looked up in fear as he backed away.

"You were close, but not close enou-ah!" He ran for the opposite door only to be greeted by the butt of Garrus gun. "Ah! Waaah!" he covered his face.

Garrus casually attached his gun to his back once again and grabbed Harkin by his collar, dragging him further into the room and slamming him against the wall. Placing his forearm across Harkin's chest, Garrus leaned in, "So, Fade. Couldn't make yourself disappear, huh?"

"Come on, Garrus, we can work this out. What do ya need?"

Garrus released him, stepping a few feet away and looked over his shoulder, "I'm looking for someone."

"Well," Harkin sneered. He rolled his neck and dusted off hands as if he were now the one in charge, "I guess we both have something the other one wants."

Jane watched as Garrus turned on Harkin again and kneed him in the stomach. Harkin went down, rolling onto his side before managing to prop himself up on his hands and knees. "We're not here to ask favors, Harkin."

"You don't say…" he said breathless.

"You helped a friend of mine disappear. I need to find him."

"I might need a little more information than that."

"His name was Sidonis. Turian. Came from – "

"I know who he is," Harkin snapped. "And I'm not telling you squat."

"Harkin, this doesn't have to be hard," Jane sighed.

"Screw you," he glared at Jane. "I don't give out client information. It's bad for business."

Garrus swiftly moved forward, grabbing Harkin by the back to bring his chest down as Garrus's knee came up, nailing him in the chest. Harkin bounced back into the wall and fell to the ground. Garrus casually placed his foot on the human's neck, "You know what else is bad for business. A broken neck!"

"Alright! Alright! Get off me!"

Jane could tell Garrus wasn't letting off despite Harkin's pleas. Touching the turian's shoulder, she lightly tugged him back. He released Harkin.

"Terminus really changed you. Huh, Garrus?" Harkin gasped between words.

"No. But Sidonis… opened my eyes. Now arrange a meeting."

Harkin stood and stared at them. When Garrus nodded to the side, Harkin gave in, "I'm going," he spat. He walked over to a console and typed in the contact information. When the screen lit up, he spoke "Yeah, it's me. There's a chance your identity may be compromised." There was a short pause, "That's why I'm calling. I'm sending an agent. Where do you want to meet?" Another pause. "Alright, he'll be there. Don't worry, I've got it covered."

As Harkin was making the call, Jane watched Garrus pull out his pistol and look it over. She glared at him as his eyes met hers and he nodded. She shook her head.

"It's all good. He wants to meet you infront of Orbital Lounge. Five, Citadel time. Sooo… if our business is done, I'll be going."

Garrus grabbed Harkin's shirt as he backed away. "I don't think so. You're a criminal now Harkin."

"So, what? You just gonna kill me? That's not your style, Garrus."

He held the human there for several moments before throwing him back, "Kill you. No. But I don't mind slowing you down a little." Garrus pulled his weapon and aimed for Harkin's legs.

Jane rushed forward, placing her hand under Garrus's and pointing it up so he shot the ceiling. He gave her a harsh look which she matched, "You don't need to shoot him." Garrus shrugged her off. "He won't be able to hide from C-Sec now."

He glared at her before turning his gaze on Harkin. "I guess it's your lucky day."

"Yeah, I hope we can do this again, real soon."

Garrus fought to control his anger. Checking over his shoulder he saw the Jane had turned her back and he lunged forward to headbutt Harkin, knocking him to the ground. He caught up to Jane and matched her pace. He could feel her wanting to say something. "I didn't shoot him."

"Come on, let's move."

"Sidonis better be there. Or I'm coming back to finish the job."

They continued to walk away and Harkin looked up to watch them. "Wait a second," he mumbled, "Red?" He started to cackle with a laugh.

Jane heard Garrus stop, prompting her to wait too. She looked back at the turian then the human. Garrus seemed to be frozen, trying to hide a mixture of hatred and dread and Harkin seemed to be smiling through the blood pouring down his face. "Are you talking to me?" Jane asked.

"Heh. Yeah, I think I am. Who knew that would be you up there. Wish I could have gotten a private session myself."

Jane looked at Garrus, "What is he talking about?"

"Nothing," Garrus walked back and kicked Harkin across the face, "the man's delusional."

Jane didn't take her eyes off of Garrus the entire ride to the location. How could she convince him not to kill Sidonis? She understood why he wanted to, but how could he guarantee that he wouldn't regret his choice later? The transport stopped and she finally had the will power to look away.

"Harkin's a bloody menace. We shouldn't have just let him go. He deserves to be punished."

"I'm getting a little worried about you, Garrus. You were pretty hard on Harkin."

"You don't think he deserved it?" he snapped.

"This is not like you," she quietly said as she looked away, staring out the window.

Garrus looked away from her, "What do you want from me, Shepard? What would you do if someone betrayed you?"

It was getting harder for her to keep hiding part of her past from him. Maybe she should just tell him… "I wouldn't let that change me."

"I would have said the same thing before it happened to me."

"It's not too late. You don't have to go through with this."

"Who's going to bring Sidonis to justice if I don't? Nobody else knows what he's done. Nobody else cares. I don't see any other options."

"Let me talk to him."

Garrus leaned back in the chair, "Talk all you want but it won't change my mind. I don't care what his reasons were. He screwed us, he deserves to die."

"God, Garrus, I understand what you're going through but do you really want to kill him?"

"I appreciate your concern, but I'm not you."

"This isn't you either."

"Really? I've always hated injustice. The thought that Sidonis could get away with this. Why should he go on living while ten good men lie in unmarked graves! I'm sorry, Shepard, words aren't going to solve this problem." He shook his head, unwilling to look at her. "I need to set up. I can get a clear shot from over there."

Jane sighed, "What do you need me to do?"

"Keep him talking and don't get in my way. I'll let you know when he's in my sights."

Jane rolled her eyes and looked away from him.

"Give me a signal so I know you're ready. Then I'll take the shot." He paused, doubt creeping into his mind. "You better go. He'll be here soon." Garrus got out of the transport without looking back so she couldn't try to delay him any longer. When the door shut, he couldn't resist looking at her. She seemed worried, sad, and a multitude of other emotions he was having trouble reading. He looked away taking his gun off his back and getting into position.

Jane took over the controls and pulled up to dock the car at the common entry level. Exiting the transport she sighed before turning and walking towards the center of the room.

"Jane, can you hear me?"

"Loud and clear."

Garrus brought Jane up in his scope using her as a point of reference before scanning the area. Human, human, asari… turian. He sat there, hunched over, looking insanely nervous. There was a moment when Garrus thought about putting a bullet through him right there. "Alright, there he is. Wave him over and keep him talking."

Jane stood patiently, waiting until Sidonis could feel her eyes on him. When he did, he jumped in the movement, matching eyes with her and she motioned for him to approach. Sidonis rubbed his hands on his legs and stood, slowly approaching while wringing his hands.

Garrus saw Sidonis approach Jane. His mandibles twitched from the tension he felt racking his body.

"Let's get this over with," Sidonis said.

"You're in my shot. Move to the side."

She stared at the turian in front of her. She wasn't going to move. "Listen, Sidonis. I'm here to help you."

Fear clearly grabbed him, "Don't say that name aloud!" he said in a hushed tone, looking around.

"I'm a friend of Garrus's. He wants you dead but I'm hoping that's not necessary."

"Garrus?! Is this some kind of joke?!"

"Dammit, Jane! If he moves, I'm taking the shot."

Jane looked to the side, wanting to turn to look back at Garrus but knew that she couldn't move or she would risk him killing Sidonis.

"You're not kidding… are you?" Sidonis shook his head when she didn't answer. "Screw this, I'm not sticking around here to find out. Tell Garrus I have my own problems."

"Don't move!"

"Get off me!" he threw her arm away.

"I'm the only thing standing between you and a hole in the head."

Sidonis stared at her, "Fuck," he lowered his head. "Look… I didn't want to do it. I didn't have a choice."

"Everyone has a choice," Garrus spat.

"They got to me. They said they'd kill me if I didn't help. I said no."

"Let me take the shot, Shepard, he's a damn coward."

"That's it? You were just trying to save yourself?" Jane saw him start to move and followed him to keep blocking the shot.

"I know what I did… I know they died because of me. I have to live with that. I wake up every night. Sick. Sweaty. Each of their faces staring at me. Accusing me. I'm already a dead man. I don't sleep. Food has no taste. Some days, I just want it to be over."

Garrus paused, "Just give me the chance."

"You gotta let it go, Garrus. He's already paying for his crime."

"Keep him right there."

"No, Garrus! Don't kill him!"

"I'm not going to shoot him. I'm going to speak to him face to face."

Jane stayed put, refusing to move in case Garrus was lying to her. She didn't think he would but there was still that chance that his anger was getting the best of him. But, seeing the shock in Sidonis's face told her that Garrus was right there with them. She felt a three fingered hand touch her side and pull her gently out of the way.

"Garrus…" Sidonis said in a shocked breath before meeting Garrus's fist with his face and crashing to the floor.

"You haven't paid enough! You still have your life!"

"Look at him, Garrus, he's not alive. There's nothing left to kill." Jane said, placing a hand on Garrus's arm in an attempt to hold him back.

"My men, they deserved better."

"I know they did!" Sidonis shouted back and struggled to his feet. "They tortured me. Cut through my plates and ripped them off but I would have gladly died keeping our secret."

"Then why didn't you!?"

"They threatened Melanis! What would you have done?! I tried to protect her and they still killed her!

Garrus paused.

"I know there's nothing I can say to make it right. Spirits… I curse myself everyday. But what would you have done for the one who you lost? The human?"

Garrus looked over at Jane who stared back at him.

"You never let us know how much it tore you up but we could still see it. I know my love for Melanis wasn't as strong as yours for who you lost but can't you relate a bit?" Sidonis shook, his subharmonics crying out. "Take whatever vengeance you want on me. I know I deserve it."

"Just. Go. Get out of here," Garrus said as he turned away from them and stormed off.

"He's giving you a second chance, Sidonis. Don't waste it," Jane said softly.

Sidonis looked past her at Garrus walking away, "I'll try, Garrus. I'll make it up to you, Melanis, the crew… somehow." He returned his attention to Jane, "Thank you, for talking to him."

Jane nodded, "Good luck."

As she started to walk away, Sidonis took one step before stopping. "Wait… Do… Do I know you?"

Shepard looked back at him, puzzled, "No. We've never met as far as I know."

"But… I've heard your you sing?"

She looked at him even more confused than before. How would he have heard her voice before this moment? Maybe on the Citadel vids? But even then, he would never have heard her sing. The only ones to hear that were her parents, John, Joker, and… Garrus. "Umm… I have to go. Take care." Jane caught up to her turian but she didn't dare say anything. She would let him say the first words.

It wasn't until they were in the transport that Garrus said anything to her, "I know you want to talk about this. But I don't. Not yet."

"I know it didn't go the way you planned, but I think it's for the best."

"I'm not so sure."

"Give it time."

He didn't respond. His emotions were battling within him and he didn't know if he could trust himself to speak. Sidonis's words stuck with him, about what he would do if Jane had been threatened. I would die first. But if they got to her and made you watch as they tortured her? He didn't want to think about it.