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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Collector War	By : Veyron722skyhook Category: +M through R > Mass Effect Views: 6229 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or it's characters. They belong to Bioware and EA. No money/profit is made by me from this.

Chapter List
- 28
- 29
- 30
Hi there. Here's Thane's mission. Like Samara's, this one was much easier to do than the others since it didn't have gunfights. It also had plenty of bits that I had a lot of fun changing. The interrogation in this mission in-particular I think you will really like.
In addition to that, there's a bit more character development here and there, and I've even made a small new move now. Right at the end of this chapter is a conversation with Liara that's supposed to be in ME3. However, I have moved that into this story for a rather good reason, which I think some of you might have figured out. And then there are some who have asked, and I have told. I don't mind answering questions that give away story changes after all. I lie to hear feedback for them in advance. Trust me, it does really help.
Anyway, enough of my chit chat. On with the chapter!

Chapter 29
Sins of the Father
Dinner was ending up being a lot better than Austin had thought. The day was drawing to a close, but Uthenra was still on board. She'd been particularly keen to learn of Austin's relationship and had even said some very encouraging things. Though she had a lot of love for interspecies relationships, that didn't mean she didn't regret marrying Dell. She loved him dearly and she couldn't have asked for a better husband and daughter.
All that was at the table was just the Arturus', Austin, Liara, and also Urz who was tucking into his own meal just slightly further off. Despite Austin's concerns, Urz had been extremely well behaved and the Varren continued to impress. He was very well house trained, and he also had surprisingly good table manners, especially considering since the meal he was eating right now was a rather large piece of juicy meat. He wasn't making any mess at all.
X-5 had also managed to behave himself, despite his often childish maturity. Then again, it wasn't exactly the robot's fault. When Alpha Squad had first met him, he'd had a bit of a speech problem and spoke more like a drone soldier than an actual being. When he'd been struck by lightning however, he'd started actually acting human. He was very inexperienced with these feelings though and as a result, his personality was very similar to that of a child. Nowadays, he was a bit more grown up since by human standards he would around the age of 12 now. During his time on the Normandy however, he'd been spending a lot of time with Sill, who had taken a liking to the sometimes shy robot. According to what X-5 had last said, Sill was teaching him a few things that he could expect should his maturity eventually graduate to the teenager stage.
Some aspects did worry the squad however; his attitude towards killing was one of them. Though he possessed the personality of a child, he didn't have any objections to killing and still fought in battle very fiercely. When asked about this, X-5 had said that it may be that his combat protocols have a small personality of their own which takes over when they are activated, hence his fierce and aggressive fighting style.
Nevertheless, the robot had proved to be a fine friend and a valuable asset in battle. His sensitivity was also helpful to Alpha Squad in a way as it usually encouraged them to speak as they would around a child, rather than an actual adult and sometimes that did help their attitudes. It also made for more positive conversations as X-5 had once been rather frightened by a particularly violent argument between Kraan and Ventra many years ago. This had of course been long before Alpha Squad had slowly become friends and had learned to work together.
Everyone had mostly finished their meal by now and where mostly talking. Urz had also finished and was currently sat at Austin's side, and X-5 was also currently in his shut down state. He did often like to observe occasional adult conversations as a way of trying to make him more sociable and to also try and bolster his maturity.
"Where you always a teacher, Uthenra?" Austin asked as the ship's cook Rupert Gardner collected everyone's plates.
"Not at first. I didn't really start that until I married Dell. Before that, I was originally a simple study of human ways. It was part of the start of my training, as I wanted to learn more about this fascinating new race that had recently been found out about. That evolved slightly further when I met Dell."
"Hmmm, wasn't an easy one though." Said Dell.
"Indeed. I met him on the College steps and I knew it wasn't going to be easy. He was studying engineering and science, and I was studying human English literature." Uthenra smiled as she and her husband remembered their somewhat humours first meeting.
"That's right. I was trying to explain the theory of relativity, and Uthenra was trying to explain Tennyson." Dell chuckled.
At this, Uthenra couldn't' help but giggle.
"I still don't understand what he was talking about." Dell finished.
"Oh come on…" Uthenra laughed.
"I'm serious. Tennyson is more complicated that advanced science and engineering. It's like a Helldiver clashing with a Krogan." Said Dell.
"You studied Tennyson?" Austin asked, somewhat keen as he remembered that a really old friend of his loved that sort of thing.
"It was more a hobby than a study, but still." Said Uthenra.
"My friend Ashley Williams would definitely like you. She has a thing for a poetry."
"Your childhood Alliance friend? Interesting…" said Uthenra. "Have you two spoken since…? well, I think you get what I'm trying to ask."
"We've managed to sort it out. It did take a few talks and a fight with an insane Cerberus assassin, but we sorted it out in the end." Said Austin. "In fact, she's even started a relationship with one of my squad."
"An Alliance marine and a Helldiver? That's an interesting new combination." Said Uthenra. "Anyway, enough about us. What about you? I hear a bit of talk around your ship that you and Doctor T'soni are… intimate."
Surprisingly, Liara was ahead of Austin on answering that. Most likely, she knew Uthenra wouldn't approve. Perhaps the Arkane reminded her a lot of her mother who also wanted to try and help form alliances with other races, work out peaceful solutions."
"Austin and I are bond mates." She said.
Uthenra was surprised by this, but pleasantly so.
"Nice to hear. Is it more than that perhaps?" Uthenra asked.
"Well, there have been talks of marriage from what I've heard." Said Sill.
Both Austin and Liara simply remained silent and shrugged at one another.
"With all due respect, I feel that's a bit of a personal matter." Said Dell.
"Yes of course. Forgive me. Sometimes my curiosity can get the better of me." Uthenra apologised.
"It's alright. You're not the first ones to ask about it. For now, we're just taking it easy and making sure we're focused on stopping the Collectors. After that, we'll maybe try and focus more on the future of our relationship." Said Austin.
"Well then, I'd say that's worth drinking to. Wouldn't you agree?" Dell asked as he raised his glass. "To our future."
Everyone else did the same.
"To our future!"

It seemed that Thane was next one the loyalty mission list. Kelly of course had reported this too him and he had ventured down to life support to speak with the Drell.
"Kelly told me you wanted to see me. Is something wrong?" Austin asked.
"You could say that. My morality has me… dwelling on other things." Thane replied.
The Drell stood up and walked over to the one of the weapon stand he'd set up.
"I had a family, once. I still have a son. His name is Kolyat. I haven't seen him for a very long time."
"How long has it been since you talked?" Austin asked.
"Ten years He showed me some of his schoolwork and asked if we could dance crazy. We did that when he was younger." said Thane.
"What about the rest of your family? Did something happen to them?" Austin asked.
"Oh, not all at once. Nothing dramatic. No sneaking out in the middle of the night. No final argument or slammed door. I just… did my job. I hunted and killed across the galaxy. "Away on business," my wife would tell people. I was always away on business." said Thane, a small hint of regret in his voice.
"You never mentioned this before. Why now?" said Austin.
"When my wife departed from her body, I—attended to that issue. I left Kolyat in the care of his aunts and uncles. I have not seen him or talked to him since." Thane replied.
"That's not the choice I expected. Why didn't you raise him yourself?" Austin asked.
"My body is blessed with the skill to take life. The Hanar honed them in me. I have a few others. I didn't want that life for Kolyat. I hoped he would find his own way. If he hated me, so be it. He would not have shared the path of sin. I used my contacts to trace Kolyat. He has become—disconnected. He does what his body wills." Thane replied.
"You'll have to explain that one to me." said Austin, slightly confused by what Thane had just said.
"Disconnected. The body is not our true self. The soul is. Body and soul work as one in a Whole Person. When the soul is weakened by despair or fear – when the body is ill or injured, the individual is disconnected. No longer Whole." Thane explained.
"What's wrong with him exactly? Is he hurt?" Austin asked.
"Something happened that should not have. He knows where I've been, what I've done. I don't know his reasons, but he has gone to the Citadel. He has taken a job as a hit man. I would your help to stop him. He is—This is not a path he should walk." said Thane.
"Well, on the plus side, you timed this well. We're still docked on the Citadel, so we can go right now if you wish." Austin suggested.
"Thank you, Shepard."

"According to C-sec, a Drell recently passed through customs. The C-sec office may have more information." said EDI as Austin, Sarah and Thane departed the Normandy. In all the times Austin had been here since he came back from the dead, he'd been surprised how people didn't seem to notice him. Maybe it was because they were more used to seeing Helldiver here now. Or it could simply be that they weren't noting him because he didn't want them to. Helldivers where just somehow able to do that, pass unseen by most if they choose.
"Shepard. How can I help you?" Bailey asked.
"My associate is trying to find his son. We think a local criminal may have hired him." said Austin as Thane stood next to Bailey, keeping a calm expression. Sarah simply stood behind her brother.
"This should be easy. We don't see many Drell here." said Bailey as he typed away at his console. Within a few seconds, he found what he was looking for. "There we go. One of my men reported a Drell recently. And he was talking to Mouse. Interesting."
"Mouse?" Thane asked.
"A petty criminal. Probably not the guy who hired your boy, but a messenger. He's a former duct rat, runs errands for anyone who'll pay." Bailey explained.
"What sort of trouble has Mouse been getting himself into?" Austin asked, somewhat curious.
"Odd jobs for shitty people. Duct rates take whatever's available to get by. Data running. Fencing stolen goods. Selling illegal VI personalities. Actually, he was selling one of you." Bailey replied.
"Me?"
"Yeah. When you erased a file, it would say, "I delete data like you on the way to real errors. Buggy, though. It crashed every half hour. The error message was about how the galaxy was at stake, and you should fix the problem yourself." Bailey explained.
"That's pretty extreme, Austin." Sarah giggled.
"Laugh it up, Sarah." Austin smiled. "Anyway, where do we find Mouse?"
"Mouse is usually upstairs, outside the Dark Star. He works out of a public comm terminal. You should pick up a copy of the "Shepard VI" when you talk to him." said Bailey.
"I don't think so. I'm not allowing him to use my likeness without my permission. Surprised the Arkanes haven't tried to have him arrested for it." said Austin.
"A shame. Thought you'd like a VI of yourself." said Bailey, he then turned to Thane. "It sounds like your boy's running with the wrong crowd."
"Yes. I agree." Thane nodded.
"If Mouse can't get you in touch with your son directly, he'll know who can. I'll help you if you need it." said Bailey.
"You hardly know us that well, Bailey. Why are you going so far to help us?" Sarah asked.
"I've worked Zakera for two years. Every day, kids turn to crime because they've got no other choice. Because their parents don't care." Bailey replied "You're trying to save yours." he said to Thane.
"…He faces a dark path." Thane replied in agreement.
"We better hurry then." said Austin as he and the other two left.
"You didn't tell him that Kolyat plans to assassinate someone." said Thane once they were out of earshot.
"He's a cop. He'd try to stop Kolyat, and one of them could end up dead. We don't want that." said Austin.
"Yes, of course. Thank you, Shepard." said Thane.

While the rest of Zakera ward was very nice, Austin still felt he preferred the Presidium. That had a more... beautiful and peaceful feel to it. As the group tried to see where Mouse was, Sarah suddenly heard someone call the name Shepard. Austin heard it too. They both looked in the direction of the voice to see a rather unwelcome sight.
"Oh no. It's her again." Austin muttered as he quickly activated his cloak and vanished from sight.
"Didn't think you were scared of reporters." Sarah joked.
"Not scared, avoiding unwanted attention is the more appropriate phrase." said Austin as he the reporter walked up to Sarah. Mercifully, she hadn't seen Austin.
"Khalisah bint Sinan al-Jilani, Westerland News." she said as he held out her hand, only for Sarah to not shake it and simply cross her arms.
"Do I know you?" the N7 marine asked.
"I tried to interview your brother 3 years ago, when he first became a Spectre. He outright refused to be interviewed, made a lot of humans question what the Council was hiding, and then he want to that Emily Wong instead." said Khalisah.
"Is there something you want? We're busy." said Sarah, telling Khalisah to get to the point.
"There've been rumours that your brother may still be alive. Do you have anything to say on that?" Khalisah asked. Only now did Sarah notice that Khalisah was recording.
"What, so you can try and do another smear job on him? I know what you're like." said Sarah.
"Now… Shepard - you may object to my methods, but we're on the same side. Rumours are that he's back, and that's news. I just want to give his story its due." said Khalisah. "Sources claim that you and he were at the heart of the Presidium during that Battle of the Citadel. It's fair to say that the course of the battle hinged on his words. If true, you told Admiral Hackett to assist the Destiny Ascension, costing hundreds of human lives and securing the continued dominance of the Citadel Council."
"I don't have time for this. People die, we don't' have time for this crap!" said Sarah as she turned to walk away. As she did however, she suddenly felt someone grab her arm.
"Oh no! You're not gonna walk away like he did!" said Khalisah.
"Don't you dare touch me." said Sarah as she whirled around and punched her very hard in the face.
Khalisah slowly got up, rubbing her now black eye and bleeding nose.
"You bitch! I'll make sure everyone in the Alliance sees that!" she spat.
"Well, good luck with that, Khalisah. I think you're camera stopped recording." said a voice.
Khalisah turned to see Austin de-cloak right in front of her. She backed away in fright until she was right up against the wall.
"I… my god! It's really you. The rumours are true." she stuttered.
"You listen carefully. Everyone in the 5th Fleet and Helldiver fleet that died during that battle is a damn hero. The Alliance owes them all medals. The Council owes them a lot more than that. And so do you. Don't you dare suggest I made that call lightly!" Austin berated as he stood right up close to Khalisah.
"I wasn't trying too…" Khalisah tried to say, but Austin interrupted her.
"And don't you try to pin any of this on my sister. You ever come near her again and I'll have a bullet waiting for you. I don't even care if I lose my career for it. You and the press should learn to mind you own damn business."
The two Shepard's left Khalisah as she took several deep breaths to try and calm down, a look of guilt was on her face. Most likely she'd learned her lesson.
After a bit more searching, they finally find the man they were looking for, Mouse.
"Yeah. Sure. I can get you two cases by the end of the day." he said as he finished a call.
"You Mouse?" Austin asked.
"What do you- oh, shit! Krios? I thought you retired!" said mouse as he turned around and saw them. "Captain Shepard?!"
"Major, actually." Austin corrected.
"I thought you died! There were rumours that you were alive, but I never… What do you want with me?" Mouse asked.
"Be still, Mouse. You can change your pants in a moment." said Thane calmly as he put his hand on Mouse's arm.
"How do you know Thane?" Austin asked.
"Krios? He didn't-? Uh. If he didn't say nothing, I ain't either." said Mouse.
"When we heard the name, I didn't think it could be the same Mouse. He was a contact on the Citadel when I was active. He and some other children would gather information on my targets." Thane explained.
"You put children in danger for you?" Austin asked in surprise.
"Children. The poor. My people's word for their kind is "drala'fa":the ignored. They're everywhere, see everything. Yet they are never seen." said Thane. He then seized Mouse's collar, obviously to say that he and his friends meant business.
"You gave another Drell instructions for an assassination. Who's the target?" he asked.
"I… I don't know. I didn't ask. Cause the people I work for? They can make me disappear. I'd like to help you, Krios. You always done right by us, but I ain't gonna die for you!" said Mouse.
"Kid, we've made people much more important than you disappear. Whoever you're protecting isn't worth it." Said Sarah.
"I… You wouldn't hurt me." said Mouse bravely, he still sounded nervous though.
"Do we have to?" said Sarah challengingly, Austin however put his hand in front of her, obviously telling her to calm down and be a bit more peaceful.
"Krios, man. I did good work for you. You gave me chocolate. Real chocolate." said Mouse.
"I never gave my own son chocolate." said Thane regrettably.
"I remember, whenever you talked about your kid, your eyes got like that. Like they was someplace sad. He had that holo you took of me, you know. That's how he proved who he was. But when he turned it on, his eyes got like yours do." said Mouse. He turned his back for a moment before he finally turned back. "The guy I carried for is Elias Kelham."
"One other thing. That Shepard VI you're selling?" said Austin.
"Oh, shit. You hear—Look, you were dead! It was totally legal to make a VI of you." said Mouse defensively.
"I don't care whether it was legal or not! I'm not dead any longer and I'm not giving you permission to use my likeness. You're gonna stop making them right now." said Austin forcefully.
"But they're selling so well…" Mouse tried to say.
"Perhaps you didn't hear me clearly. Stop making them or Kelham will be the last of your problems." said Austin, slightly more threatening this time.
"Alright. Alright. I'll stop making them." said Mouse.
"You did good, kid." said Sarah.
"Yeah, right. When Kelham finds out what I've done, I won't live long. And I can't do nothing about it but hide." said Mouse.
"You won't be mentioned. Kelham will never know it was you." said Austin.
"I hope so." said Mouse as he left.
"Let's head back to Bailey."

"Yes?"
"Can we talk about my associate's son?" Austin asked.
"You talk to Mouse? Did you get the name of the guy he's working with?" Bailey asked.
"Elias Kelham." Austin replied.
"Kelham? Shit." Bailey swore. "Ah, look. This is awkward. Kelham and I have a—an agreement. He doesn't cause too much trouble, and "buys tickets to the C-sec Charity Ball" from me. In return, I ignore him."
"He pays you off? C-sec is being bribed. Does the Citadel Council know about this?" said Austin, not even making any effort to hide how appalled he was to hear that C-sec was being bribed to ignore a certain someone who obviously was trying to cause trouble.
"Are you threatening me, Shepard?" said Bailey, standing his ground.
"No. But I don't care if you have a deal with him either. He's obviously a criminal and you should take him in. You're either gonna arrest him or I'll take matters into my own hands. What's it gonna be?" said Austin.
"I said I'd help. It's just – There'll be repercussions if I don't handle it right. He and I… give each other space. It keeps the peace." said Bailey.
"Him hiring an assassin keeps the peace? Didn't C-sec learn anything for the Geth attack?" said Sarah.
"I'm not gonna argue with you about this, Shepard. I'll get some of my people to bring him in and set up in a private room. You can interrogate him yourself I'll stay out of sight. If I'm lucky, Kelham will believe that I had nothing to do with it." said Bailey.
"Bring him in. We might not have much time." said Austin.
"I'll make it happen. Wait here."

A few minutes later, some of Bailey's men came with a man in their arms. He was finely dressed, so there was no doubt this was Kelham.
"We've got Kelham. Tell Bailey we're ready." Austin said to one of them.
Bailey arrived shortly after.
"He'll expect me to get him out of this." he said.
"Not anymore, I think." said Austin.
"Captain? His lawyer's here. Bet Elias has his VI set to page him if C-sec gets within ten metres." Austin overheard from Bailey's earpiece.
"I'll stall him. Get in there. And work fast." said Bailey.
"We should question him together. Keep the pressure on. Thoughts on how we approach it? The good cop bad cop routine, as you humans call it, would be best." Thane suggested.
"Maybe. But Kelham's probably a bit too smart for something like that. I might have something better in mind…" said Austin.

"Get me out of these restraints, Bailey! Pretty funny, bringing me down here like this-" said Kelham as he struggled to break free of the chair he was tied too. The door then opened.
"The hell are…" he said, but he stopped when he saw who Austin and Thane had with them. Austin had a chain in his hand which attached to the collar of none other than Urz, who was actually looking a bit hungry. Kelham started to get rather nervous as Austin brought one end of the chain through a small ring on the wall so that Urz didn't get too close to him. The Varren was now eyeing him keenly and looked as though he wanted to get at him.
"You ordered a hit on someone. You're gonna tell me who." said Austin.
"The only person I'm talking to is my advocate." said Kelham.
"You're advocate hasn't arrived. We're trying to find him." said Thane.
"Here's how it works. I ask a question, you answer it, and my Varren doesn't eat you. He's rather hungry you know." said Austin. As he spoke, he let some of the chain slip out of his hand, allowing Urz to step a tiny bit closer.
"And that's supposed to scare me?" Kelham laughed. His laughter however was short lived as Austin then let a very large portion of the chain slip through his fingers and Urz ran at the chair. Austin took hold again and Urz stopped, but he was now close enough to put both his front paws up on the edge, and right at Kelham's feet.
"Pay attention! Varren are much stronger than humans. One hard pull, and he'll start eating." said Austin.
"Nice scare. You just handed me your job. Let that filthy thing near me again and I'll take your money too." said Kelham.
Urz didn't' seem to approve of this and growled very fiercely at Kelham.
"Easy, Urz." said Austin calmly. "I'd watch your mouth, Kelham. Urz doesn't like being called a "thing"."
"You're in over your head. Bailey won't let you touch me." said Kelham.
"He's done with you. How long did you think you could lean on C-sec officer before someone leans back?" said Austin.
"Oh right, Bailey's a Hanar – still waiting to evolve a spine." Kelham laughed.
"I believe his exact words were, "Do whatever it takes to make him confess." said Thane.
"Man, you guys are terrible at the good cop, bad cop routine. It's like bad cop, even worse cop." Kelham chuckled.
Once again, Austin let more of the chain slip and Urz edged a bit closer. Kelham did have to admit he was starting to get a bit nervous. He was slowly seeing that this Helldiver wasn't joking around.
"And then there's the cop that will actually kill you if you don't cooperate."
"You know what I do to you when I get out of here?" Kelham threatened.
"Keep it up, tough guy. When my Varren's done with you, he won't leave enough of you to be buried in a soup can!" said Austin.
"Go to hell!" Kelham shouted back.
"You first."
A bit more of the chain slipped. Urz once again got closer.
"Still doesn't scare me. I know you're not gonna let go of that chain." Kelham laughed.
Both Austin and Thane turned their backs to him. So far, this was taking a bit longer than expected.
"We're running out of time. Bailey can't stall his advocate forever." Thane whispered.
"Are we done here? Because I got people to see." said Kelham.
At that, Austin decided to take this to the extreme. To Kelham's utter shock, he quickly unsheathed his combat knife and cut the chain completely. Urz immediately reacted and leapt right on top of Kelham, his jaws inches from the human's face.
"Agh! No! Get it off me!" Kelham nearly screamed.
"I'm done being patient! Give me a name, or I'll order Urz to bite your balls off and then I'll sell them to a Krogan. He can have the rest of you." Austin demanded.
"Alright! Just… please tell him to get off! He's trained, right?" Kelham practically begged.
"Stand down, boy." Austin ordered.
Urz complied and hopped off of the chair and simply sat next to his master. Austin slipped him a small bit of Pyjak meat as a treat, which he ate happily.
"Now tell me. Next time I won't be so merciful." said Austin.
"Joram Talid. Turian running for office on the Zakera Ward. He messes with legitimate businessmen. I'm gonna stop it." Kelham panted as he tried to calm down from the shock.
"Where and when?" Thane asked.
"His apartment. The 800 blocks. You better hurry-" Said Kelham.
At that moment, the door suddenly opened to show Kelham's lawyer.
"What going on here? Get away…" he said, but was interrupted as Urz ran at him and barked, causing him to step back.
"Urz, sit!" Austin ordered sternly. The Varren instantly obeyed and came back to his master's side.
"You- You played me!" Kelham shouted.
"Thanks for the info, Elias. I'm sure you'll feel better in jail. Regardless of what Bailey might say, he is done with you. I ran your name through Helldiver channels. You're on their list. Now there's enough evidence for an arrest. You and your advocate will need a shovel the size of the Citadel to dig your way out of that mess." said Austin as he, Thane and Urz left.
"Bastard! When I…" Kelham shouted, but his advocate interrupted him.
"Elias, as your legal advocate, I advise you shut the hell up. As much as I hate to admit it, he's right."
They walked out to find Bailey and Sarah waiting for them. Sarah patted Urz on the head and the Varren purred happily.
"What's the story? Why did Kelham hire the boy?" Bailey asked.
"Assassination. A Turian named Joram Talid. You know him?" Austin asked.
"Joram? Yeah. You might have seen his posters around. He's promising to end organized crime on the ward. Thing is, his message is all mixed up in race politics. He's ant-human." said Bailey.
"Are things so bad that people can openly campaign as anti-human? That's pathetic!" said Austin.
"Before the Battle of the Citadel, the alien population thought we were violent upstarts. Look what's happened since then. A human fleet guarding the station for months because the Helldivers are on bad terms with the Council. C-sec filled with more humans. Anderson and a few others do what they can, but some people have lived on the station since before humans had starships. They see it as a coup." said Bailey.
"When you put it like that, I can't say I blame Kelham for wanting him dead." said Austin.
"Maybe, but that still doesn't' make it right." said Bailey.
"True."
"Sergeant! Get a patrol car. These two need to get to the 800 blocks." said Bailey as he turned to one of the guards.
"Yes sir!"
"Sarah, would you mind taking Urz back to the ship?" Austin asked politely as he and Thane followed the guard. Sarah simply nodded and attached Urz's proper lead onto him before leading back to the Normandy.

The 800 blocks seemed a lot darker than Zakera Ward. A lot of good places to hide.
They could see Joram in the distance talking with some of his voters. He had a Blood Pack Krogan as his bodyguard.
"There he is. How do you want to play this?" Austin asked.
"Follow Talid on the maintenance catwalks. Tell me what he's doing. The Krogan bodyguard will make him easy to follow." said Thane as he pointed to the catwalks overhead.
"Where will you be?" Austin asked.
"The darkest corner with the darkest view." Thane replied.
Austin nodded and activated his cloak as he headed for the catwalks. Thane meanwhile put his hands together in prayer.
"Amonkira. Lord of hunters. Grant that my hands be steady, my aim be true, and my feet swift. And should the worst come to pass, grant me forgiveness."

Pursuing Talid was extremely easy with his cloak on. He did of course have to be careful he didn't accidently bump into a Keeper who was also up here. As he was forced to enter a warehouse however, he lost sight of Talid. At first, this didn't worry the Helldiver, but as the warehouse seemed to drag on, this changed.

Austin eventually managed to make it outside, and just in time too. A Drell had appeared just behind Talid and had drawn a gun in his direction.
"Kolyat!" he yelled.
Kolyat was momentarily distracted and looked in Austin direction before then firing at Talid. By this time however, they'd notice him and the Krogan bodyguard had drawn his own gun.
"Call C-Se—Argh!" he said as Kolyat's bullets hit him. Talid ran to his apartment with Kolyat in hot pursuit.
"Thane?" Austin called as he jumped down.
"I saw." said Thane as he came running up behind.
"He's heading to Talid's apartment!"

They managed to get into the apartment just in time. Talid was in his knees with Kolyat's gun aimed right at the back of his head.
"Kolyat." said Thane.
"This- This is a joke. Now? Now you show up?" said Kolyat, speaking in the same kind of raspy voice that Thane had.
"Help me, Drell. I'll do whatever you want." Talid begged.
At that moment, the doors opened again and Bailey entered with another C-sec officer.
"C-sec. Put the gun down, son." he said.
"Get out of my way. I'm walking out. He's coming with me." said Kolyat.
"They'll have snipers outside." Thane tried to persuade.
"I don't need your help! All of you, back off! I'll kill him!" Kolyat shouted.
"No you won't." said Austin.
To everyone's surprise, Austin fired his Revenant and shot Talid in the head.
"Oh my gods." said Kolyat as he watched the lifeless body fall to the ground.
"Hostages only work when your enemy cares if they live." said Austin.
"Interesting solution." said Thane, sounding somewhat unimpressed with Austin's decision.
"He was a racist and a criminal. Isn't that enough?" Austin replied.
"To some, I suppose." said Thane.
"I read your files. Isn't that what you do? Kill people who do bad things?" Kolyat retorted.
"Take the boy into custody." said Bailey.
"You son of a bitch!"
"Your father doesn't have much time left, Kolyat. He's trying to make up for his mistakes." said Austin.
"What, so you came to get my forgiveness? So you can die in peace or something?" said Kolyat.
"I came to grant you peace." said Thane after a brief pause. "You're angry because I wasn't there when your mother died."
"You weren't there when she was alive. Why should you be there when she died?" Kolyat retorted angrily.
There was a rather long silence before Thane finally replied.
"Your mother—They killed her to get to me. It was my fault."
"What?"
"After her body was given to the deep, I went to find them. The trigger men. The ringleaders. I hurt them. Eventually killed them. When I went back to see you, you were—older. I should have stayed with you."
"I guess it's too bad for me you waited so long, huh?"
Once again, there was another long pause.
"Kolyat, I've taken many bad things out of this world. You're the only good thing I added to it." said Thane.
At this, a tear seem to fall down Kolyat's cheek.
"This isn't a conversation you should have in front of strangers." said Bailey. He then turned back to the other officer. "Boys, take Kolyat and his father back to the precinct. Give them a room and as much time as they need."
"I'm surprised you're letting him do that." said Austin.
"You think he's the only man who ever screwed up raising a son?" said Bailey. "I have to get back to the precinct. Come on. I'll give you a lift."

It had been almost an hour now. Thane and his son where still in the room.
"They've been in there awhile." said Austin.
"Kid's been through a lot." said Bailey. "I ran some searches in the C-sec archives. About ten years back, a bunch of real bad people were killed. Like someone was cleaning house. The prime suspect was a Drell. We never caught him."
"Ten years is a long time. Whoever was responsible for that probably doesn't exist anymore." said Austin, knowing full well who the real killer was.
"Yeah. I guess you're right about that." said Bailey in agreement.
Thane then walked out. His expression was rather unreadable.
"How'd it go?" Austin asked sympathetically.
"Our problems—they aren't something I can fix a few words. We'll keep talking, see what happens." said Thane.
"Your boy shot some people. No one I feel sympathy for, but there it is." said Bailey.
"I watched those guys shaking down businesses and threatening humans." said Austin defensively.
"But he can't just get away with it." Bailey argued.
"The kid wants to make a difference. Give him community service." said Austin.
"Community service for attempted murder? What jury would agree to that?" Bailey asked. Was Austin joking?
"None that I've seen. This would need to stay out of the judiciary. Strictly within C-sec." said Austin.
"Interesting. I'll think about it." said Bailey.
"Thank you, Captain." said Thane as he and Bailey shook hands.
Seeing as they been on the Citadel for quite a while now, Austin decided that everyone had earned a bit of shore leave and so Alpha Squad where in the usual private room that they had.
Most of Alpha Squad were sat at the bar and chatting with one another. Griffin was sat apart from the other and appeared to be chatting to someone over the comlink. Austin guessed it was Ashley.
He then noticed Samara who was meditating as she looked out over the view of the Presidium. He sat down next to her as she halted maintaining the biotic field she usually did.
"Morinth haunted my dreams and waking hour's equally." said the Justicar. "For the first time in 400 years, I am free. I am a ruined vessel of sorrow and regret, but I am free. It is not a feeling I can describe."
"Was it worth it?" Austin asked.
"It was never a question of worth, but of need. I had to take the action I did. As did she. This was never a story that would have a happy outcome." said Samara.
"You did your duty. What about your feelings?" Austin asked.
"One of my daughters is dead. My hopes, my dreams were all bound up in my children. Still, my feelings have always come after my duty." said Samara.
"You said that Morinth was a monster. But she was still your daughter." said Austin.
"She was the strongest and smartest. She would not accept the injustice thrust upon her. She fought to the end. I am so proud of her, Shepard." said Samara as she briefly smiled.
"You killed her for being what she was." Austin responded.
"And I would again. But I also know what it means to leave everything behind and fight. Do you realize that she went on the run at the age of 40? I do not know human years well, but it is very young for Asari." said Samara.
Austin simply nodded as he understood.
"What will you do now that Morinth is gone?" he asked.
"Assuming I survive your mission? I am a Justicar. Injustice still exists… and perhaps even other Ardat-Yakshi." Samara responded.
"There's no way to correct the condition Morinth had?"
"We are an advanced species, but we don't have magic. When the trait manifests at maturity, it is too late for mitigation. It only occurs in purebloods like myself."
"But does that mean…"
"I am a lucky exception. Even in purebloods, it is rather rare. And before you ask, no. Liara isn't one either. If she were, you would've died during your first Union."
"Good." said Austin as he breathed a sigh of relief. "You almost had me worried there. Still, at least now I understand why her parents may have been worried, and why some don't hold purebloods in high regard."
"Perhaps that is the root of the stigma regarding Asari-exclusive pairings. I don't know." said Samara.
"So, you don't want to settle down eventually? No retirement or anything like that?" Austin asked.
"I did plan it originally. I returned to my homeworld and tried to start a family. I will fight and struggle all my life. That is my fate. When I die, it will not be in bed. I am at peace with that." said Samara.
"You still control the direction of your life." said Austin wisely.
"I have chosen this path. I truly am at peace, due in no small part to you." Samara smiled as she went back to maintaining her biotic field.
Austin then noticed that Liara was standing against one of the balcony's looking at the view.
"You sure you don't want to do something more exciting?" he asked as stood next to his girlfriend.
"I love this part of the Presidium. It reminds me of where I grew up." Liara smiled.
"Where's that?"
"Armali, back on Thessia." Liara replied. "My mother and I lived beside a Park. I spent hours there."
"Doing what?"
"Reading, exploring, getting in trouble digging for ruins in the grass." Liara laughed.
"You're kidding." Austin chuckled, imagining a young Asari covered in mud.
"I was very young." Liara smiled.
"You digging in the grass in a park as a little girl? Yeah, that's actually very cute."
"No one else thought it was funny. The lecture my mother gave me! But she did buy me my first history book the next day. I miss her, Austin."
"What was she like?"
"She was confident and kind. She loved to wear yellow, your favourite colour. I thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world." Said Liara.
"I only wish I'd known her better. I would've been proud to have called her mother in law." Said Austin.
"For a Helldiver war veteran, you can be surprisingly romantic. I didn't know you had this many soft spots." Liara smiled. "Am I one of them?"
"Well, I wouldn't say that a soft spot is the same as true love. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Definitely." Said Liara happily as she gave Austin a peck on the cheek. "I wish we could spend more time like this, no Reapers, no Collectors, no war."
"I'd like that too." said Austin as he put his arm around her and she rested her head against his shoulders.
"That's what friends are for after all." the Asari smiled.
"Liara, I'd definitely say that you and I are more than just good friends." said Austin.
"I know, I didn't mean..."
"It's okay. But still, I'd say doesn't really cut it for us."
"Hmm, that sounds serious." said Liara suggestively.
"I am. No matter what happens, I want to spend the rest of my life with you." said Austin as he took both Liara's hands into his.
"Is that a proposal I hear?" Liara asked keenly.
"No quite. I'd prefer to wait until we defeat the Collectors. If it makes you feel any better though, I can make a promise." said Austin.
"Don't make a girl a promise... if you know you can't keep it." said Liara.
"I know I can keep this one, love. I didn't come back from the dead just to die again. We're going to live through this." said Austin confidently.
"I only wish I could be as positive as you." Liara said, her mood brightened slightly.
"You can be. Look into my mind, what do you see?" said Austin.
Liara did so and initiated a mind link.
"I see... your love for, love for your friends, hope, courage, and..." she said.
"And?" Austin asked.
Liara opened her eyes again, a slight look of surprise and happiness on her face.
"...and a lot of little blue children." she finished.
"I love you, Liara. Whatever happens, I'll stay at your side until the end." said Austin as he stroked Liara's face.
"Then you're extremely lucky I feel that way too." Liara smiled
"I know." Austin smiled back as he and Liara kissed.

Pretty sure I don't need to say which scene was taken from ME3. I'm pretty sure you can guess why it's been moved to ME2. In fact, the same is happening with Aethyta revealing she's Liara's father, it's happening for a very good reason. One which I think you will all definitely approve of. Shepard's bought a ring after all.
Hope you also like the inclusion of Urz by the way. The interrogation was actually very go do fun to write due to the various different ways it can be done.
Anyway, next chapter will probably take a bit longer as I'm planning that one to be an action chapter. It's not a loyalty mission I'm afraid, it's more intended to be a chapter where Alpha Squad spend some time practising with one another using their simulator. It's not as dull as it sounds, it gives me many opportunities to add in a bit more character development for the originals (if you know what I mean by that)
Red Vs Blue and also scenes from the Avengers will serve as choreography for some of the fights. Some of the characters will even get to kick even more ass than usual.
Let me know what you think. I would really appreciate a lot more comments, or at least lengthy ones, if you can. And as I keep saying, I welcome feedback, even if some of it may not be what I'm hoping for. It helps to make sure I don't make the same mistakes twice.
See you soon!
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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Collector War