I'm so sorry that it has taken so long to update. Things have been... things. I won't go on about what has been going on but I do hope I can get back on track with updating. Hope you guys enjoy. Thank you all for sticking with me and, of course, thank you for reading/following/favoriting and reviewing. Love you guys and gals.

Chapter 44

"Jane, are you sure it is a good idea to bring Grunt on this mission?" Garrus asked. "He's fresh out of the tank and going to be walking around asari districts."

"I know, Garrus, but I can't have him hide out down there. He said that he is looking for a fight. If we are to find the assassin, I'm pretty sure fighting is going to find us on the way," she paused. Running a hand over his armored chest, she looked up at him, "Trust me."

He sighed, "I always will," he pressed his head to hers. "Should we go pick him up?"

"Yeah, he doesn't know his way around the ship just yet," she smiled and sneaked a kiss before they left her room. They stood closer than a normal pair would in the elevator but didn't think about how it would look. They made it down to the engineering level without any interruptions. Entering the room, Jane and Garrus stood in the door as Grunt stood with his back to them. "Everything okay, Grunt?"

He turned, slamming his fist into his chest, "This armor fits odd."

"We can get you a new one if you need it," Jane offered.

"No. It's fine," he said in a clipped tone. "Let's go."

Jane nodded and headed out the door; Garrus was next to her but a half step behind with Grunt completing the triangle behind them. The elevator ride was silent and when they exited into the CIC the usual chatter fell silent. Everyone tried to resume their work though they couldn't help but steal glances at the krogan none of them had seen yet. Kelly watched in awed fascination; she couldn't wait to try and talk to him. The group briefly stopped in to see Jacob for Grunt to get his weapons. Jane expected the decision to take longer but he grabbed his choices confidently. She wondered if he might make some changes down the line. Making their way to the airlock, Joker was silent as well, only giving a nod to the team.

Motioning for Garrus and Grunt to wait, she went into the cockpit with Joker. Watching their decent, she stood in fascination as they flew through the city. "It's beautiful."

"I don't know, it's like a lot of other advanced cities." He laughed at her glare. "Just teasing. It is pretty cool." He took the ship in to the docking area, landing it perfectly. He waited as the walkway connected to the ship, "Airlock is ready for you guys."

"Thank you, Joker. See you when we bring back our new teammates."

"Yeah, an assassin and a Justicar. What could go wrong?"

Jane tapped his chair as she turned to leave. She kept an eye on Grunt as they stood in the airlock, waiting for it to release them. Although he seemed apathetic, she could tell he was taking everything in around him. Making his first memories that were his own. Finally, the door opened and they walked down the hallway. Three figures turned the corner, walking directly towards them. Shepard started to worry they would be facing opposition because of their Cerberus affiliation.

"Welcome to Nos Astra, Commander Shepard. We've been instructed to waive all docking and administration fees for your visit. My name is Careena. If you need information about the area, it would be my pleasure to assist you."

This is uncommonly nice, Jane thought. "Who instructed you to waive the fees?"

"The order came from Liara T'soni, who paid all fees on your behalf," she brought up her omni-tool, sending away the mechs. "She also asked that I direct you to speak with her at your convenience. She's near the trading floor."

"Liara's here? What is she doing?"

"Liara is one of Nos Astra's most respected information brokers. Nos Astra is based upon trade. Information is valuable currency and Liara has done quite well. As I said, you'll find her near the Trading floor. She is looking forward to seeing you."

Jane looked over her shoulder at Garrus, hopeful and fearful. "Tell me more about Nos Astra."

After getting all of her questions answered, Jane waited until Careena had left before turning back to Garrus. She placed her hands on her hips and took a deep breath, "She wants to see me, Garrus. She actually wants to see me."

He placed a hand on her shoulder, unsure how much affection to show her in front of Grunt, "It will be good to see her again."

"Yeah," she smiled. "We'll go there first." He touched his hand and as he removed it she still held on, giving it a light squeeze as he returned it. She looked at Grunt who seemed to not be paying attention to them.

"Sorry to interrupt, Shepard," EDI's voice came through their radios, "Customs records indicate a Justicar named Samara is visiting this port. Your former teammate, Liara T'soni, may have more information. Her office overlooks the trading floor. You may wish to speak with her regarding the whereabouts of Thane Krios, the assassin on your dossier, as well."

"Thank you, EDI," Jane replied moving down the hallway, looking over to the side wishing she could slow down and take in the view. She moved past the trade kiosks, making note of seeing what requisitions she could get a hold of later.

"Excuse me! Excuse me! Are you Commander Shepard?" When Shepard had approached the asari continued, "You're Commander Shepard? I saw your… I guess you would say your aura. I'd recognize you anywhere." She looked around herself, "I was asked to give you a message if I saw you. It's from a friend you made on Noveria."

The asari didn't look familiar to her at all, "I met a lot of people on Noveria. Can you be more specific?"

"I believe the message itself should make it clear." She stepped forward and her eyes rolled back into her head, "Shepard. We hide. We burrow. We build. But we know that you seek those who soured the songs of our mothers. When the time comes, our voice will join with yours. And our crescendo will burn the darkness clean. Thank you, Shepard. The Rachni will sing again. Because of you."

"How did you possess another asari?!" Shepard demanded, her anger more directed at herself for letting the Rachni get to this point because of her. Jane grabbed the asari, "You can't just take over people's minds like that."

"Peace, Shepard," the asari came back to her senses and Shepard released her, "the Rachni queen does not control my thoughts. That was merely the message I was asked to deliver. I encountered her on an uncharted world. She saved my life. More than that, she gave me a purpose. They are an amazing people, Shepard. The galaxy owes you a great debt for giving them a second chance."

Jane suddenly felt very sheepish. She stayed for a while longer, asking questions about the asari's encounter with the Rachni. In the back, Grunt turned to Garrus.

"She let a Rachni queen on the loose?"

Garrus was about to ask how Grunt even knew about the Rachni before he realized the imprinted memories would have probably taken care of that ; that would take a while to get used to, "It's a little more complicated than that, but yes. The queen was asking for forgiveness for her people. She promised to lead them into a new age."

The krogan grunted in response.

Garrus kept an eye on Grunt but listened to the Asari's story. It was moving and he only hoped the Rachni were making the positive movements she was describing. The words 'mind-control stuck out to him and he listened closer.

"… It doesn't really translate. Anyway, she believes you are fighting the ones who did that and she promises to help."

"She thinks that the Reapers caused The Rachni War?"

"I can't say for sure. But she was certain that her ancestors were forced into war against their will. Her people aren't naturally aggressive. If they made war, it was not of their own doing."

Jane's head was filled with new thoughts, but ones that she couldn't focus on at the moment, "Thank you for giving me that information. I'm glad my friend from Noveria is doing well."

"Be well, Commander Shepard. You will not see me again."

The Asari walked away, leaving the group concerned and a little dazed. Jane didn't say anything before heading out again, her team following closely behind. They could barely make it through the area before they were stopped again.

"Holy crap, Shepard? I thought you were dead!"

Jane paused to see who had said her name. She looked familiar, but Jane wasn't able to place her right away. Cautiously, Jane approached her.

"Shepard? The news said you were dead. What happened? No… wait, probably classified. Forget I asked. You'd just have to lie. It's been a couple of years. I'm Gianna Parasini. Noveria internal affairs. You helped me nail administrator Anoleis."

"Happy to help. What happened to Anoleis?"

"He made the one mistake Noveria won't tolerate, taking their money. He's doing a few years in white collar prison. More importantly, he won't work in the field again. Sit down, if I remember right, I owe you a beer."

Jane didn't really want to delay in seeing Liara but it seemed rude to decline the offer. Sitting down she only managed to answer one question before Gianna started to seem a little shifty.

"Hey… listen, I just remembered something. Gotta go. Talk to you later?" In a last call she said, "And, don't forget to drink your beer." And just as quickly as they had started talking, she was gone.

Grunt said in a low growling voice, "She didn't even give you a beer."

Sharing a look with her crew, she shrugged. As she reached for the glass, she saw something sitting under it.

Shepard. Had to leave. Target saw me. Couldn't break cover. Asari merchant smuggling schematics from Noveria. Can you talk her into showing you the good stuff?

Jane stood close to her team, "She needs help with a target. I'm going to take care of this before we meet Liara."

"Does anyone not know her?" Grunt asked Garrus as she started to walk away.

Garrus couldn't help but chuckle, "There aren't many who don't have some knowledge of her by this point. Her face has been plastered all across the galaxy for both the Alliance and the Council."

"She is a good choice in clan, but she isn't what a krogan would be."

Garrus looked at him, "That's not necessarily a bad thing."

Without prompting, Grunt explained himself, "A krogan leader would boast of their success. Force their name into the minds of others, making themselves a target. And they certainly wouldn't help others on a whim. Earning loyalty from even the smallest of individuals makes her stronger than any krogan."

For only being (technically) alive for a day, Grunt certainly had a mind of his own. It made Garrus wonder what Grunt was capable of becoming.

After finishing up with Gianna, Shepard tried to get her team to Liara's office quickly but kept running into issues, logging some away for later interaction. Finally, they made it to an administration desk which Jane was pretty sure belonged to Liara's office. She had barely stepped in front of the desk when she was greeted.

"Hello, Commander Shepard," the Asari stepped out from behind her desk. "Liara will be pleased to see you."

"You're Liara's assistant."

"Yes, Liara relies upon me to acquire useful intelligence. I don't have her network of contacts, but I supply her supplemental data. It's really an honor to work with her."

"What's Liara's reputation here on Illium?"

"She is greatly respected. In a few short years she's amassed a sizeable network of connections. She could have even more political power than she already wields if she weren't so focused on her personal goals. But I believe she should tell you about that. Not me."

"Thank you. I'll talk to you later."

"Of course, Commander," she smiled before sitting back down.

Jane turned around, her heart pounding in her chest as her fear crept up on her. As they entered the large room, she could hear Liara talking to someone. Rounding the corner, Jane could see the holographic image of a human man.

"I'll make it simple," Liara said, still not realizing she had company, "Either you pay me, or I'll flay you alive. With my mind!" The image winked out and in the sudden silence she heard boots behind her. "Shepard! Nyxeris, hold my calls!" She didn't wait for her assistant to be out of the room before giving her friend a hug.

Jane was relieved. Nothing had to be said or explained. Liara just accepted her.

"It's very good to see you," she said as she pulled away from Shepard. "Please, sit. And, Garrus! Oh, to see you again too! I feel like I should leave with you guys."

"Good to see you as well, Liara. This is Grunt," Garrus motioned at the krogan standing to the back of the room who only nodded.

"Nice to meet you, Grunt," she smiled.

Liara turned back to Jane, "It was so good to hear from my sources that you were alive."

"You have sources now?"

"A few… sources, contacts, even a little hired muscle. I've been working as an information broker. It's paid the bills since you… well…" she shrugged, "for the past two years. And now, you're back, gunning for the Collectors with Cerberus."

"If you know that then you know I could use your help."

"I can't, Shepard, I'm sorry. I have commitments here. Things I need to take care of."

"What kinds of things do you need to take care of? Are you in trouble?"

Liara filled Shepard in about the terminals she needed hacked. Jane's excitement at seeing her friend fell a little when all they seemed to be covering was business. She just wanted her friend back but, in a way, Liara seemed so grown up. Hiding behind her work, spending time on the Cerberus ship and with people who also seemed to be sheltering her from the reminder of her absence helped her forget. She didn't want people tiptoeing around her but she also had to stop feeling sorry for herself. After covering everything about what was needed with the hacking, Jane asked about her two dossiers.

"I am so sorry I can't talk more, but it's you, Shepard. I can't trust my own apartment. But I promise, we will talk soon," Liara got up from her desk and gave Jane another hug. Very quietly, she whispered, "Next time you see John, know that you both need each other." She waved at Garrus for him to come over to her, giving him a hug too, she touched the scarred side of his face, "You should be more careful, Garrus."

Although she didn't say it, he was pretty sure she had put together that he used to be Archangel. He grinned in response.

"See you soon, Liara." As they exited her office, Jane brought up her map, "We need to intercept our assassin first. Let's go get some information first to better approach him. I don't know if we can stop him or should… but we need him alive."

They left the shuttle, looking up at the towers, they each had their own thoughts about what they might be facing. Movement caught their attention. Salarians got up and began running, only to be shot down by mechs. "Let's go," Jane said with fierceness, determined to help the workers.

"Been looking forward to this!" Grunt said as the mechs turned on them.

They opened fire on the FENRIS units approaching them. Before those were dispatched, Grunt roared and charged forward, headbutting the LOKI mech so hard that it flew backwards and into the opening in the floor.

Garrus was already crouched over the salarian they had seen shot. He looked up to see Jane and shook his head. They heard a light groan and whimper to their side. Jane rushed over to the other worker, lying on his side and bleeding out.

"I can't feel my legs!" he rasped, "My chest is killing me…"

"Who did this to you? Why?" Jane leaned in front of him and began to apply medi-gel.

"We're just night workers. Nassana sent them after us. She sent the mercs to round us up but we didn't hear… they just started shooting."

"They just attacked you?"

"Yes, we were too slow. It was horrible… everyone… screaming. The mercs said there was no time. Nassana wanted us out of the way. Immediately… Then…" he began to cough up blood.

Grunt looked between his leaders and the stranger. He didn't understand why they were wasting their time with this Salarian. He still wanted to see Shepard in action with her fighting and right now she just looked like a bleeding heart.

"The medi-gel I gave you should ease the pain and keep you alive until help arrives."

"Thank you."

"Take your time," Jane said but he was already standing.

"I think I'm better. Find the other workers. Help them."

"I will. I need to get up to the penthouse. Any suggestions?"

"Take the service elevator to the upper floors. The bridge between the towers isn't finished but if you're careful… Watch out for the mercs… They're everywhere."

"Any idea how many mercs she's got?"

"A lot. Dozens of them were wandering around here all day. You'll find more the further up you go."

"Why would Nassana kill her own workers?"

"To her we're expendable. But… I didn't realize she was that ruthless. My friends… coworkers… slaughtered! Jumping off ledges to escape the dogs."

Garrus went over to the elevator and unlocked it.

Jane nodded to him and turned back to the Salarian, "I'll do what I can."

"Thank you," he limped away.

Jane smiled and nodded to him. When he was safely away, she pulled her pistol, "Let's go."

Many hallways and doors later, they entered into a side room that then opened into a bigger area. Jane was about to keep moving but held her hand up to stop her group when she started to pass under a vent and heard voices. She could hear Grunt start to say something but she turned around making a hand gesture across her neck to silence him.

"Hey, I think he went in here," a man's voice said, echoing down the vent to them.

Jane stepped back from the opening just in case he meant that location.

"Well, go get him," a woman snapped at the man.

"You go."

"Get your ass in there. Nassana's not paying you to stand around."

"Fine! But I – guh!"

Fighting echoed down to their location and suddenly a body dropped down the chute, bouncing on landing. Jane held her gun trained on the man as she tapped his food but he was clearly dead. Resuming their mission, they moved forward and heard more voices. They were soon met with opposition. Jane went behind cover as Garrus and Grunt went behind another set of crates. Before she could motion her plan, Grunt got up and charged in with a roar.

Garrus could see the frustration on her face as she stood up and tried to give their newest teammate cover. Jane sent out a singularity to pull in some of the mercs and was met with fire from the side. She could hear Garrus's rifle as he took care of those on the side. Scanning for Grunt she saw other mercs moving up behind him that he hadn't noticed. Surging her biotics, she charged into the fray, sending the one she collided with into a far wall. After taking off the head of a mech, Grunt turned to see Shepard behind him. She fired her pistol into one on her left, kneeling down to bioticly push the one on her right into the ceiling, and a leg sweep to a mech to finish it off with a single shot into its head.

Silence followed her last shot as it finished off the last of their opponents. Garrus made a sweep of the room, knowing a scolding was coming for Grunt.

"That was a good move, Shepard," he said as she stood up. But as she turned towards him, he could see the anger in her eyes.

She grabbed the collar of his armor, "You're new, Grunt, in more ways than one so I'm going to go easy on you but you will not rush into a fight. That is the fastest way to not only get yourself killed but your teammates killed as well. I will not tolerate insubordination. I will leave you on the ship if I must. I need the best to be a part of my team and I know you can be capable of that if you bother to open your ears and listen. Don't make me regret taking you out of that tank. Are we clear?"

Her forcefulness surprised him but what was more surprising was that he wasn't even feeling the desire to stand up to her. There was no question, she was his clan leader. "Understood."

"Good," Jane said, almost with a smile and released him.

Garrus came up next to her, "I'm having déjà vu."

"What do you mean?"

"You did almost exactly that to Wrex the first time he stepped out of line."

"Krogans, they're so cute," she laughed. Going over to a door, she bypassed the security on it and quickly pulled out her pistol, surprised at the welcome for her.

"Please! Don't kill us!" the Salarians huddled in the room. "We'll go. We'll go!"

"Hey, look," one said, "they're not Eclipse. You're here to help us… right?"

Jane holstered her weapon and heard Garrus and Grunt doing the same behind her, "That's one reason I'm here. Come on out, it's safe enough."

"Thank you. We are in your debt," the first bowed to her.

"Maybe you can help me. I'm looking for someone. Not a merc. He's on his own."

"Well, whoever sealed us in here."

"When he found us, I thought we were dead. But he just closed the door and locked us in."

Garrus spoke, "Locked you in? Sounds like our assassin was trying to keep them safe."

"Assassin?"

"Here for Nassana, I bet," one of the salarians said. "She's got it coming. Treat people like this, it always comes back to bite you in the ass."

"I need to get to Nassana's penthouse. What's the quickest way?"

"Cargo elevator is the only way up right now."

"They're still working up top. Watch your step, some of the walls aren't in and it's a long way down."

"Cold, too. I hate working up there."

At the comment, Jane couldn't help but smirk at Garrus, remembering teasing him about Noveria, for a second before turning back to the workers. She asked a few more questions about Nassana and the workers but they didn't know much about the assassin. After sending them towards safety, she and the team went to the elevator.

"We're a little exposed out here," Garrus said as the elevator approached their level.

"Take cover, we'll probably face some opposition. Grunt, left side. Garrus, center with me."

Just as they predicted, three mercs were in the elevator to greet them. Jane instructed Garrus to focus the one on the right as Grunt took the left while she worked on slowing the krogan until the other two were taken out. She could see the enemy krogan prepare to charge and sent a singularity behind him. The others were taken in and soon killed as they floated into the center but the krogan was pushing through. Jane swelled her biotic energy and sent a push into his chest, pushing him back into the singularity. His roar sounded just before her push met the singularity with the krogan between the two resulting in an explosion shaking the room.

Garrus threw his arm over Jane and pulled her under him to protect her from the shockwave. The crates rocked back, bumping into them. Everything was silent for a few seconds before they came out from cover.

"Holy shit…" Jane whispered. I'm getting too comfortable with my biotics, I need to slow down, she thought. Garrus's hand touched her shoulder, "I'm fine," she responded. And made her way to the elevator.

Grunt followed behind the pair, observing Shepard's actions with those they encountered. She wasn't ruthless, she was merciful even when she would have been justified in taking out the security. The man she spared, he would have pushed him off the ledge, and the Salarian that held a gun in her face, he would have shot without hesitation. Grunt couldn't understand why she was so soft with those around her, but then again, maybe that is what made her a leader many follow. She didn't need to be brutal to demand respect, she earned it.

"Are you the ones who shot the merc?" the salarian asked while kneeling over his brother.

"It wasn't me," Jane answered. "Your brother didn't do it?"

"No, Tellan was standing here with me."

"What happened, exactly?"

"The merc found us and shouted at us to move. We panicked. And he shouted more! I thought he was going to kill us, then… his head just exploded! Tellan picked up the mercs gun but we were too afraid to leave. Then you showed up."

"Perfect headshot with no collateral damage," Garrus mumbled to himself. "Very impressive."

Jane turned to him, "You jealous, Garrus?" He made his usual turian grin at her but didn't give her a response. Talking to the salarian a little more, they headed toward the bridge once they were making their way to the elevator. Approaching the bridge, Jane could hear the winds howling into the room as they went up the ramp. She turned back to her team, "If we can, I would like to do most of our fighting before going across the bridge."

Garrus reloaded his rifle, adding a nice effect, "No problem."

"I think I'll be heavy enough to not get taken off the bridge by the wind if you need someone closer," Grunt offered.

"Thanks, Grunt," Jane said, knowing he was making an effort, "but I would still like to be on the safe side. Let's just stay in cover as long as we can." She patted his shoulder when he nodded. "On my mark." They moved to the edge of the ramp and she held up her hand, counting down. Rushing out, Jane and Grunt took cover near the bridge without being seen and Garrus followed soon after and made the first shot, taking out one towards the back.

There were more mercs than they expected, leading to a long fight. Jane looked over to see Grunt forced to stay under cover with most of the gunfire aimed at him. She built up her biotics trying to get a singularity to draw in the enemies so they may be taken off the bridge. There was concern that it wasn't going to work or that she wouldn't be able to control what she manifested; ignoring those fears she stood enough to see and launched her biotics. After it left her, she felt a burning feeling tear through her. Shepard went back into cover, quietly suffering. Holding her arm, where the pain was worst she peeked over the edge to see what enemies were left.

Garrus came over her radio, "Everything okay?"

Pushing aside her pain, she went back to her gun. "Yeah," she snapped.

"We're down to just one," Garrus said. "I can't get a clear shot."

"I can't either," Grunt said. "I can go across."

It got eerily quiet in the few seconds Jane tried to decide. She tried to summon a biotic lift but now she couldn't even muster the strength. "I'll head out first, Grunt you can follow. Garrus, as soon as he sticks his head out, take the shot."

"Got it," the males responded in unison.

Checking where the target was, she began to move when it was seemd clear. Three steps onto the bridge, she felt the wind pick up and try to push her off towards the edge. Hunkering down, she slowed her pace to make more deliberate steps so she wouldn't lose her footing. She was just past the halfway point when she looked up and saw the mercenary pop his head up to line up a shot with a rocket. It was a quick movement, obvious that he was trying to just get his shot close enough and not perfect. He managed to pull the trigger at the same time Garrus shot.

The rocket landed a few feet in front of her; not enough to go through her shield but just enough to take her off her feet. She slammed onto her back. As she struggled to catch her breath and get back to her feet, the wind picked up taking her back to the ground and sending her towards the edge. The metal of her armor provided no traction on the bridge and scratched along the bridge. Her hands scrambled to grab a hold of something and found a wire that only went with her. Just as her feet and hips went over the edge, she felt a large hand grab her forearm. Looking up she saw Grunt holding her inches from her death.

The feeling of her legs dangling over nothingness left her breathless, "Thanks, Grunt."

"No sense in dying now, Shepard."

He easily hoisted her back to the bridge just as Garrus came up behind them. Garrus grabbed a hold of her elbow, pulling her closer to him. They made it to the other side of the bridge as a group.

"You need to be careful, Shepard," Garrus said, "You were close to looking like me." He obviously brought it up trying to dissolve some tension around her almost death.

She smirked and was about to say something before Grunt spoke.

"Is that your excuse, turian?"

The adrenaline was still coursing through her veins and Grunt's surprising joke only sent her into a fit of laughter. Jane looked up at Garrus as he released her arm and could feel his stare cutting into her. She knew that once they were alone, he was going to interrogate her. "Let's see if there are anymore surprises."

They went up the steps and approached the door. Surprisingly, it wasn't locked and as they entered, they saw three guards facing them and an asari staring out the window, her back turned to them. At their entrance, her head cocked to the side and she slowly turned. She paused, seeming to appear shocked, "Shepard… but, you're dead."

Jane smiled, "I got better."

"And now you're here to kill me."

Shepard looked around at the guards with their weapons pointed at her and heard her team bring out theirs. "You're really paranoid, aren't you?"

"Don't patronize me, Shepard."

"Charming as ever."

"I'm sure you find this all very ironic. First you take care of my sister and now you're here for me. Well, you made it this far. Now what?"

"Do you really think I'm here to kill you?"

"Do you have another reason for destroying my tower? Dessimating my security?"

"I'm just looking for someone."

"You expect me to believe that! Is it credits? Is that what you want? Just tell me your price. We can make this problem go away."

Jane heard a light thumping above them, "All the credits in the world won't make this problem go away, Nissana."

"Who the hell gave you the right to play god? I may not be perfect, but look at you. We both kill people for money. What's the difference?"

"You kill people because you think they're beneath you or in your way. I kill people because they leave me no choice."

A thud echoed above them but Nissana didn't seem to notice. "You've got a choice. You don't have to do this." Two of her guards pointed their weapons at the ceiling.

"I heard something," one of the guards said.

"Dammit… Check the other entrances!" She turned back to Shepard, "You! Stay put."

As she said it, Jane saw a figure drop from a duct. Nissana was still speaking when the assassin came up from behind a guard and snapped his neck, punched the throat of the next one and fired a shot into the third guard. She turned in shock and swung at him but he grabbed her hand and shoved a pistol into stomach. She looked down just in time to see him pull the trigger. She groaned as he gently set her onto the console behind her and crossed her arms over her chest.

Jane motioned for her team to lower their weapons but she didn't take her eyes off the drell.

He bowed his head and began his prayer.

"Impressive," Garrus said, "You certainly know how to make an entrance."

The drell didn't make any indication that he had heard them. Shepard stepped closer as he remained in prayer. "I was hoping to talk to you," she said.

"I apologize. But prayers for the wicked must not be forsaken."

"Do you really think she deserves it?"

"Not for her," he shook his head and looked up at the human, "for me. The nature of an individual can be difficult to discern from actions alone. Take you, for instance," he started to walk around the console, approaching them, "All this destruction, chaos. I was curious to see how far you'd go to find me. Well, here I am."

"How'd you know I was coming at all?" Jane asked.

As he was getting closer, Garrus tensed. This drell seemed to be highly skilled and he didn't like the stranger getting close to Jane.

"I didn't, not until you marched in the front door and started shooting," he walked by past her and stood between the turian and krogan. His eyes flicked to the turian resting his hand on his gun. "Nissana had become paranoid. You saw the strength of her guard force. She believed one of her sisters would kill her. You were a valuable distraction."

"You used me so you could kill her?"

"I needed a diversion. You needed to speak with me. You certainly fulfilled your end of the bargain," he turned to her. "What would you like to discuss?"

When they reached the Normandy, Grunt decided to go straight back down to his 'home' while Shepard, Garrus, and Thane went into the communication room with her. Garrus stepped around to the side and stood in the corner while Jane went to stand at the end of the table where Jacob was. The Cerberus operative stared at the turian for a moment then looked back to Shepard as if asking her approval to kick him out. When she turned back to the drell, ignoring his questioning glance, Jacob took that as a sign that Garrus was allowed in the room.

"I've heard impressive stories Krios," Jacob said, folding his arms over his chest, "Sounds like you'll be an asset to the team. That is if you're comfortable having an assassin watch your back," he gave a pointed look at Shepard.

"I've accepted a contract," Thane said. He stood calmly, his hands folded behind his back. He nodded to Shepard, "My arm is Shepard's."

"Uh huh," Jacob nodded, "I don't know about you, but I'm loyal to more than my next paycheck."

"Obviously he is too. He is doing this mission gratus," Jane said to Jacob. "What's your concern?"

"I don't like mercenaries. An assassin is just a precise mercenary."

Thane didn't react to Jacob's accusation. "An assassin is a weapon. A weapon doesn't choose to kill. The one who wields it does." There was a slight pause before he decided to move on, "Where shall I put my things? I'd prefer someplace dry if anything is available."

EDI popped up above the conference table, "The area near the life support plant tends to be slightly more arid than the rest of the ship."

For the first time, Jane could see interest showing in Thane's features.

"Ah, AI. My thanks." He gave a bow to the room.

Shepard gave a slight head nod in return before he exited the room.

"He seems quite civil," EDI commented before blinking out.

Jane turned on Jacob, "We need all the help we can get. I know he's not what I expected in an assassin, he may surprise you."

"Yeah," Jacob scoffed, "and he may not." He marched out of the room giving a glance at Garrus who was still standing in the corner.

When the door shut, Garrus moved towards the table and leaned against it, "Who are you taking to get the Justicar?"

Jane closed the distance and stood next to him, fractions from touching him, "I was thinking you could be a part of the team… if you wanted."

"Wouldn't that show favoritism?"

"Maybe, but they can get over it," she turned to face him, standing incredibly close. "Do you not want to come?" she smirked.

He held in a laugh, "I would love to join you," he pressed his forehead to hers and slipped an arm on her waist. He pulled his head back to look at her, "but if we want to keep things quiet, it might be better if I stay behind… as much as that pains me to say it," he added with a growl.

"Alright, well, given what the Justicar code is, I'm not sure who to bring. It has been a while since I took Miranda. I want to take Jack on a team soon but I don't think Jack and the Justicar would get along, let alone her and Miranda. Maybe I should bring Jacob. I just don't know how I feel about a full Cerberus team."

"I would say take out our new assassin but he may have been next on the Justicar's list. You could go ahead with Miranda and Jacob. It may be Cerberus but they are good soldiers."

Jane nodded, "EDI, can you let them know?"

"Yes, Shepard. They said they will be ready and meet you in the air lock in twenty minutes."

"Thank you. Well, Garrus,you should head down to the main battery," she hooked two fingers into the collar of his armor and pulled him down to hover fractions from her lips, "We need to keep up appearances," she planted a light kiss on him.

"I will in a second. We need to talk."

"About what?" she asked, trying to seem oblivious.

"What happened with your biotics?"

She shrugged, "They were just my biotics. Not that different from what has been going on since I came back."

"It was different. It was stronger and then you stopped using them. It looked like it hurt you when you tried to use it on the bridge."

She stepped back from him, "Everything is fine. I just overexert myself."

"You have used more biotics before when you weren't in a good mentality. And if you are tired you shouldn't be going back out for the justicar." He could see that she was bothered by it as well and there was no sense in getting her to slow down; he knew that she couldn't. He pulled her back to him and pressed his forehead against her, "I almost lost you today, Jane."

She closed her eyes and relaxed into him, "I've always been in this danger. We are always in danger."

"I know…" He felt her move and kiss him on the mandible, "I didn't think I would react like this being in the field with you after…"

She chuckled, "It will take some adjusting for both of us."

"Can I see you tonight?"

"My place or yours?"

"Whichever you want."

"I'll let you know," she smiled and gave him another kiss. "I'm going to spend time with Joker until I leave again."

He watched as she went towards the door. Just before she left the room he said in a serious tone, "Be safe. I don't like when I can't watch your back."