The Assassin’s Ordeal

DISCLAIMER:
I do not own anything, Mass Effect is not mine. The characters, game content and materials in the following story are copyrighted to BioWare. Neither I, nor this story, are endorsed by or affiliated with BioWare, or its licensors or subsidiaries. I do not receive any monetary compensation from the publication of this narrative. All Rights Reserved.
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5: THE RESCUE

Thisla remains curled in a tight ball, her tiny body shivering violently beneath the thin sheet that acts as her blanket. Her small whimpering sounds are barely heard over Dax and Vox arguing. From what Thane’s befuddled mind can decipher Vox wanted to ‘upgrade his tool’ but didn’t think there would be any recovery time.

“It’s not an engine where you can put in a new part and start using it. It’s a living thing that will need some recovery time. I just removed the old L3 and upgraded it to an L5. That type of surgery is extremely taxing. Monster is going to need several weeks to recover.”

“Why didn’t you mention this in the beginning?!”

“I did mention it. I told you this when you said you wanted to upgrade it.”

Vox shouts with frustration and storms out of the room. Dax briefly checks on Thisla, satisfied with her progress, he leaves the room.

Thane softly calls to her, and it is as if his voice causes her more pain. She curls into a tighter ball and whimpers. She rolls, turning her back to him and moaning softly, trying to find a comfortable position. He can see a small pool of blue blood on the floor beneath her head.

..~~~**~~~..

Kolyat walks into Garrus’ and Zaeed’s ship, cleaning the last of the blood from his face. Captain Bailey kept his word and allows Kolyat to use some of his accrued vacation time, to help Thane. As he was leaving C-Sec a Krogan broke out of custody and was tearing through the new recruits. Kolyat tackled him, distracting the Krogan long enough that a senior member was able to land a debilitating blow, knocking out the dangerous Krogan with minimal damage and causalities. Kolyat on the other hand looked as if he had gone three rounds with a desperate Krogan.

Garrus gasps at the sight of the battered young Drell. “What the Hell happened to you?”

“Krogan tried to escape.” Kolyat explains in a nonchalant tone.

“Well, at least it looks like I didn’t snag you without a fight.” Zaeed explains, as he briefly examines a particularly nasty cut on Kolyat’s cheek. “That one might scar.”

Kolyat winces as he touches the wound in question.

“Alright kid, let’s go over the plan.

..~~~**~~~..

Thane wakes to find himself again on the floor, chained and unattended. Thisla was making some recovery process, but something just didn’t seem right. He watches her sluggishly crawl over to him.

“Thisla hot.” She says in a small voice and begins feeding Thane the scraps she is given as food. He is relieved to see her eat as well.

“You probably have a fever. Let me see the incision…where they cut you.” He clarifies after seeing her curious stare. She turns, allowing him to see the swollen incision which still seeped blood.

“I think it’s infected. You need to eat and keep your strength up.” He says, watching her shake her head and push what might have been meat into his mouth.

“Thane stay strong.” She insists, helping him drink. Her glassy eyes pick up a small piece of bread and ate it before grabbing a piece of fruit and offering it Thane, who is reluctant to take it.

“Thane eat.” She whispers, her breathing becoming labored as though she is struggling to stay awake.

“Go sleep, I’m fine.” He lies, feeling the fevered heat roll off her fingers with every morsel she offers. Too weak to argue she nods and slowly crawls back to her blanket. Thane watches her collapse and then uses his biotic abilities to gently push her food and water back over to her. He’s amazed at how weak he feels after using such a minor biotic ability. He lays his head back and allows oblivion to embrace him.

Thane is awakened by Vox and Dax arguing. He doesn’t know how long he’s slept, but he suspects it’s been at least an hour. He glances part the Batarian to see the Salarian tending to Thisla.

“The wounds are infected; we will have to use omni-gel on it.”

“That’s a waste of resources.” Vox complains.

“It shouldn’t take much because of its unique construction.” Dax counters, gesturing to Thisla. “It would take years and over a million credits to replace it.”

“Fine.” Vox says with a wave of his hand. Dax kneel next to Thisla and begins using omni-gel to counter the infection.

While the Salarian battles the infection attacking Thisla’s tiny frame, Vox takes his frustration out on Thane.

..~~~**~~~..

“You good, not too tight?” Zaeed asks, securing restraints about Kolyat’s wrists. The young Drell mutters that they’re fine and takes a deep breath to settle his nerves. His cuffed hands resting in his lap.

“Garrus, you ready?” Zaeed asks, watching the Turian slip into a cubbyhole beneath the floor. It was Garrus idea to hide, just in case the decision is made to search the ship.

“Yes, I’ll wait until the coast is clear and then I’ll begin monitoring you radio signal.” Garrius confirms, sliding the floor panel in place. Kolyat sits down in the co-pilot’s seat and calmly allows Zaeed to slip a black bag over his head.

Kolyat listens as Zaeed radios someone on the small moon’s surface.

“I hear you’re offering a reward to anyone who can resolve a certain stubborn problem.”

“And?” a surly voice asks.

“I have your solution; requesting permission to dock.”

There is silence for a full 2 minutes before the surly voice returns with directions. Zaeed switches off the communications, but leaves the internal frequency open and on mute, allowing Garrius to track his movement.

“Here we go kid.”

“Would you stop calling me kid?” Kolyat asks.

“No.” Zaeed answers.

Kolyat responds with a rude statement, after which Zaeed must remind the floor that ships don’t laugh. The Human easily navigates the small ship to the multi-level docking bay, where he is informed that this ship will be searched. He lands the craft and grabs Kolyat by the arm.

“Show time kid.” Zaeed say roughly guiding him towards the door, where Zaeed is met by three Batarians with pistols.

“You three better get those guns outta my face. I’m here for the bounty.”

“You’ll understand if we aren’t very trusting of someone who worked for Shepard.” One of the three says.

“Worked…past tense. I was hired for a job and the job is over. I don’t maintain loyalties to everyone who hires me. If I did I’d be a good guy, not a merc.”

“Who are you loyal to?” the second asked.

“Gretchen.” Zaeed answers with a nasty smile while patting his side arm.

“You can’t take that.” The first one asserts.

“You ain’t stopping me.” Zaeed counters, his face smile fading and eyes becoming dangerous. There is a tense moment before the small band of Batarians decides it’s not worth the fight. Zaeed, still holding Kolyat’s arm pulls him across the metal walk way suspended over a several story drop.

“And who’s this?” the third finally says, poking Kolyat with his gun.

“This is how I’m gonna get your Drell to talk.” The nasty smile returns.

“Fine, you two check the ship; I’ll escort him to Vox. Once you’re done return to your posts.” The first one says and then signals for Zaeed to follow.

They walk for a bit before Zaeed speaks “You got a small operation going on here, ever considering hiring a freelance like me?” Zaeed asks after a moment.

“Our operation is small enough we don’t need the extra help.”

“Is that a Heavy Mech? Looks like an older model.”

“It still work; so no need in replacing it.” The Batarian casually answers as he rounds a corner leading through a large room and then angles towards a doorway on the south side of the room.

“So can we increase the bounty to eight? Any negation room there?” Zaeed asks, after quickly counting the men in the room.

“No.”

Zaeed is surprised at just how few men this operation has, the rest of the walk is in silence, and it is not long before Zaeed pulls Kolyat into a dingy room with a familiar assassin strung up with arms outstretched on the far wall. Thane is barely alive, his head hands forward, his chin almost touching hid chest. Blood slowly dripped from his several wounds. Zaeed had a moment to wish he’d brought more omni-gel and maybe a few more stim-packs. The assassin looks near dead.

“Vox, this human says he can make the Drell talk.”

Vox waves Zaeed in and dismisses the other Batarian without saying a word. Zaeed pulls Kolyat along and roughly forces him to kneel before Thane.

“So you’re gonna make him talk.” Vox asks.

“Yep.”

“And how are you going to do that?”

“With this.” Zaeed says, gesturing to Kolyat.

“Hey Drell, wake up. We got a surprise for you.”

Thane slowly comes around, his eyes taking a few seconds to focus on the human standing before him.

“Zaeed?” he asks confusion obvious in his voice and face.

“The Batarian is paying me to make you talk.”

“I have all ready told him I don’t know where Shepard is. I have nothing more to say.” Thane says, his body is weak, but his will is strong.

“I think you’ll change your mind after this.” Zaeed says, pulling the cloth off Kolyat’s head, drawing Thane’s attention to the kneeling figure for the first time.

“Kolyat!” Thane gasps, looking at the battered face of his son.

“Don’t tell them anything!” Kolyat exclaims.

“Shut up!” Vox orders as he punches Kolyat’s face. “So, what will it be Drell, does he die in pieces like his father…” Vox pulls a gun from a holster on his back and holds it to Kolyat’s head “…or whole?”

“No!” Thane shouts, even in his weakened state he can feel the dark biotic energy building within him. Zaeed quickly hauls Kolyat to his feet and pushes him back.

“Hey, you haven’t paid me yet!” Zaeed protests shielding Kolyat with his body, allowing the young Drell to remove his restraints and take the gun holstered to Zaeed’s lower back.

“How about I let you leave with your life?” Vox asks, now aiming the pistol at Zaeed.

“I don’t like being double crossed.” Zaeed warns.

“Shit happens, human.” Vox says as he pulls the trigger. Zaeed throws himself backwards, narrowly avoiding the shot intended for his head as Kolyat reaches around Zaeed to land a headshot as the pair fall.

“You ok kid?” Zaeed asks, quickly leaping to his feet and off of Kolyat.

“Yeah.” Kolyat responds, accepting Zaeeds help to his feet.

“We’d better hurry.” Zaeed needlessly points out, working to free Thane’s feet.

“You…planned this?” Thane asks, watching Kolyat work to untangle Thane’s left arm from the chains.

“It was Zaeed’s plan.” Kolyat explains as he administers omni-gel to the worst of Thane’s injuries.

“Here, take this.” Zaeed pushes a stim-pack into Thane’s hand. Thane pauses for only a second before taking the stim, he doesn’t approve of these things, but at this moment, he cannot deny the need.

“Can you walk?” Kolyat asks, noting Thane grabbing his ribs.

“Yes, but she can’t.” Thane said, indicating Thisla who is still curled in a ball under her thin blanket. “She helped keep me alive. I can’t leave her.” Thane says

“I’ll get her.” Kolyat volunteers quickly heading towards the lithe figure. She jolts awake at his touch and tries frantically to push him away.

“It’s OK. It’s OK. I’m a friend.” He says. She looks at him with wide fearful eyes, she knows this face, but is like trying to recall a fading dream.

“Thane son?” she asks, finally placing the face in a memory that is not her own. He nods and explains that they’re leaving. She smiles brightly as he swings one of her arms over his shoulder and helps her stand. He is surprised at how heavy she actually is. There doesn’t seem to be much to, after all she is just skin and bones.

**Zaeed, you’ve got 5 incoming.** Garrus reports from the ship.

“Copy that. Right we got some guests coming. Thane you well enough to handle this.” Zaeed asks, handing the Drell a familiar Carnifex Hand Cannon. Thane nods as the gun settles into his hand, his body remembering the device. “Here, kid. Try not to shoot me in the back…it pisses me off.” Zaeed says handing Kolyat a small sub machine gun.

“I’ll cover the rear.” Thane says the stim pack and omni gel neutralizing the pain and weariness he should have been feeling.

**They’re almost on top of you.** Garrus reported. Without saying anything Zaeed, pressed himself to the left side of the doorframe while Thane took the Right. Kolyat, stands beside his father, whispering to Thisla that they needed to be quiet. She nods weakly.

The heavy footsteps of five men running towards their location can be heard getting louder. Zaeed signals that are to wait until they enter the room and then open fire. Thane nodded in understanding and flattened himself against the wall.

The Batarians never stood a chance; all five of them came running in, expecting to catch the assailants off guard only to be caught in an ambush.

“Come on.” Zaeed says, taking the lead. Kolyat follows, relying on his wiry strength to help Thisla move down the hall. Thane is the last to leave the room, keeping a careful eye out for a possible surprise attack them from behind. They move quickly and silently until Thisla stops them.

“Something wrong.” She gasps.

“What is it?” Kolyat asks.

She suddenly grasps her head, her mouth open in a silent scream as her face twists in pain. She wiggles so much that Kolyat has no choice but to lower her to the floor when she continues to writhe. “Pain.” Is all she can say, tear running down her face.

“What’s goin’ on?” Zaeed demands.

“I don’t know.” Kolyat says.

“They replaced her old implant with the new L5 that may be what is causing her pain.” Thane explains.

**Zaeed, where are you? I’m picking up some add readings.**

“Odd in what way?” Zaeed asks into his communicator.

**It looks like some explosive, but the ship’s computer can’t isolate the type.**

“Don’t try to steal my property Drell, I’ll blow it up before letting someone else take my life’s work.” Dax warns, coming into view, holding a small cylindrical object in his hand. As he gets closer Thisla’s pain begins to recede.

“I will not leave her behind.” Thane warns
“If she gets more than 3 meters from this device…” he indicates the small silver cylinder in his hand “…an explosive device in her head will explode.”

“Then we’re taking that too.” Zaeed says, shooting the Salarian in the arm causing him to drop the cylinder. Thane rushes over to retrieve it, handing it to Kolyat, who quickly pockets it.

Dax used the diversion to run the opposite way, ducking down another hallway.

“Looks like the girl has an bomb in her head.” Zaeed report s to Garrus.

**What girl?**

“I’ll explain later.”

**They’re attacking the ship! I’m going to handle this, but I won’t be available for a bit.**

“Damn it!” Zaeed looks to Thane and Kolyat. “They’re attacking the ship. Garrus is fending ‘em off, but we’d better hurry.”

The group quickens their pace easily dealing with the scattered groups of Batarians they came across. Suddenly there is a deafening explosion that causes the ground to quake.

“Garrus, what the Hell was that?” Zaeed demands.

“Garrus?” Zaeed calls into the communicator, after a moment of silence. The radio remains silent and the group exchanged worried looks. “Garris!” Zaeed calls again. There is the definite sound of coughing over the radio.

**They sent the Heavy Mech. I managed to take it down, but it did some damage to the ship and the docking bay seems to have sustained some damage. You guys better hurry…I’m sure how much longer this place is going to stay intact.**

“All right people we need to get a move on!” Zaeed exclaims, taking the lead again. Thane takes Thisla’s other arm and helps his son rush her through the danger to the awaiting ship. The few remaining Batarians are dazed and off balance from being so close to the explosion, Zaeed quickly dispatches them as they continue to run towards the docked ship. A loud groan and sound of crashing metal stop them in their tracks.

“Garrus, what was that?” Zaeed asks.

**Some of the catwalks are beginning to collapse.**

“We’re at the door.” Zaeed reports easily finding and activating the manual override to gain access to the docking area. The destruction was worse that anyone had expected. The walls are cracked and chunks are missing as dust fills the air threatening to choke them. The lights flicker and sparks rain down from severed power lines. Twisted metal and bodies are scattered all around them. Several of the catwalks leading towards docking stations are missing and those that remain are damaged, including the one leading to their ship.

“We best go across one at a time, don’t know how sturdy that walkway is.” Zaeed says after surveying the situation. “I’ll go first.” He bravely steps onto the metal walkway, inching his way across as the metal groans and pops. Once across he signals for the next person to try.

“She can’t make it alone.” Kolyat says to his father. “I’ll take her across, I weigh less than you.”

“Be careful son.” Thane says, releasing Thisla. Kolyat watches as his father follows in Zaeed’s steps, carefully and slowly making his way to the ship.

“Finally Kolyat and Thisla begin to make their way across the uncertain catwalk. The metal creaks as they inch their way towards the safety of the ship. Suddenly there is a loud pop and the walkway slips down a couple of inches. Kolyat’s arm tightens its grip about Thisla as he grips the handrail tighter. They are halfway to safety, Thane and Zaeed reaching out to them, calling out to Kolyat. Kolyat takes a deep breath and forces himself not to think of the several story drop beneath them. He tells himself that he will not look down, but he might as well have told himself his heart was not going to beat.

“Mind your footing kid!” Zaeed calls out, pulling Kolyat’s attention back towards his goal. He thinks only of the next foothold and the secure end of the catwalk at the ship. Hesitantly he takes another step and then another, Thisla doing her best to stand under her own power. The catwalk slips again, Thane and Zaeed call to Kolyat at the same time, their voices overlapping as the far end of the walkway breaks free, taking Kolyat and Thisla with it as it fell. Thane leaps forward, grabbing his son’s wrist as he lands on his belly on a stable portion of the walkway.

“Kolyat!” Thane exclaims, seeing that his son had managed to grab Thisla’s wrist, keeping her from falling to the next catwalk, two stories down. From his vantage point Thane can see not only the fear in Thisla’s strange blue eyes, but also the terror on his son’s face as they both realize he is slipping.

Before Zaeed can help Thane a group of 10 Batarians rush into the docking bay and open fire. Zaeed returns fire, taking down as many of them as possible.

“Garrus!” Zaeed calls, needing another gun to eliminate the approaching mob. The Turian immediately immerges and begins picking off the intruders as quickly as he can fire, his blue blood still seeping from a cut over his left eye. Neither of them is able to help Thane.

“Kolyat! No!!” Thane shouts, watching his son slip from his grip. “KOLYAT!!” Thane screams, watching his son fall. A moment later there is massive shockwave of dark energy. Thane had once witnessed Samara, the Asari Justicar, use her biotic to slow her fall when she leapt out of a second story window…he’d hoped that is what Thisla had just done.

Slowly Thane rises to his feet, his eyes still fixed on the dark hole before him. “I’m not leaving with out my son.” Thane says as the last Batarian falls.

“You’re in no shape to go after them.” Zaeed protest, grabbing Thane’s arm and spins him to look into his eyes.

Thane’s response is of a parental instinct, he spins, aiming his weapon at the mercenary. “I’m not leaving without my son.” Thane repeats.

The silence is tense as the two men stare at each other until Garrus finally breaks the tension. “I suggest we find a way down there.”

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A/N: My apologies for the delay in posting. Also, due to a very hectic schedule for the rest of this month my next update for this story won’t be until November. I thank you for your patience and apologize for leaving you guys hanging like this.