{|Mass Effect|} Escape to the Stars {|Reserved RP|}

Starting Point: Mass Effect 2
Commander Shepard: Male
Survivor: Kaidan Alenko
Urdnot Wrex's Fate: Alive
Rachni Queen's Fate: Deceased

---

He sat back, pulling his gaze from down the scope of his trusted rifle to survey the area without it. They were retreating again, regrouping. His gaze narrowed, a scoff escaping him. The bridge formed a perfect defense but it also left him stuck in place. Unfortunate. I might need a hasty retreat myself soon.

It had only been a matter of time, he figured. The turian hadn't exactly made himself a popular figure. At first it had been some woman mercenary's head they had been clamoring for but with his arrival on Omega some months before the focus had shifted to him.

"I think I liked it better when they were focusing on someone else," he grumbled to himself.

Garrus, nicknamed 'Archangel' by those on Omega, had had it easy the first week or so. That had been before he had started getting his hands dirty and cleaning up some of the scum around this place. His hope that the other unpopular name, 'Beryl', would have continued to get in the way of the outlaws and mercenaries as well but she had left soon after his arrival. Yet again he found himself thinking unfortunate.

He gazed down the scope yet again, frowning thoughtfully. He could see movement though no one ventured back out. Good, a reprieve. He glanced ruefully at his stock of ammunition nearby. He was running low. At this rate he might be in danger of actually being offed by those mercenaries.

"What a messy end," he concluded, ready to squeeze the trigger when the next wave of mercenaries would advance.


He spared another quick glance around, it was one of many. Shepard wasn't sure what he had been expecting of Omega but it certainly wasn't the rusted and dirty streets and buildings. Then again this was a safe haven for the lawless. It didn't seem like there was much. Speaking with one Aria T'Loak had proved rather fruitful. Mordin Solus had already been dealt with, a rather risky business there and Shepard counted himself lucky that Zaeed didn't need much convincing, either.

He ran a check in his head, crossing off the names he already had. That just left three more here in Omega to locate and recruit - assuming the Illusive Man's intel was correct.

"Looks like we just need Archangel, Vex LeChance and Beryl...." It was a simple muttering, something just to himself but it seemed Miranda felt the need to pipe up.

"Yes, well, we should really step up our game then," Miranda noted, a lofty air to her. Shepard shook his head, biting back the urge to roll his eyes on top of it.

"Whatever you say," he muttered, making his way towards the mercenaries being recruited. It was the only way to get to Archangel and from the sounds of it they might not have much time to go.

Movement caught his eye and Shepard glimpsed a hooded figure pacing nearby. It seemed to him as if the woman - the figure far too slim and slender for a man's - was sending him a glance of her own, halting in her steps for just a moment. Shepard's gaze narrowed before he shook his head, making short work of getting to the Blue Suns recruiter and dealing with that sordid mess.


Beryl hesitated. She had been waiting for an opportune time to head towards the mercenaries fighting Archangel. He had arrived sometime before she had left Omega to deal with another job. Rumor had it that he had been picking up the same mantel that she had, clearing out some of the scum around the place though at a much higher rate than she had. Beryl usually didn't act out until either called upon or until some form of injustice was happening in front of her. Archangel went out of his way to sniff out trouble.

In a way Beryl had felt it only right to help him out when she heard about the attacks happening. That had been before the Illusive Man had caught up with her, offering her a job to help the missing colonies. It wasn't just something that she could ignore.

So here's the good luck, what's gonna come to bite me in the ass now? she wondered.

Beryl would wait, casting quick glances from under the hood she wore in the direction of the Blue Suns recruiting 'office.' She had seen Commander Shepard disappear inside, the very man that would head the mission that the Illusive Man had both offered and paid her for.

"Come on, come on!" she grumbled, pacing yet again. She was focused now, eyes on the prize. It looked as if Shepard would be heading Archangel's way. From what she had heard of the human Spectre he would be one to help out Archangel.

At least she hoped so.

Impatiently she was forced to wait. She spared quick glances around herself. Though she wore a hood low over her face to hide her features in shadow and hid the notable tattoos on her arms, shoulders and chest it didn't mean any one of these outlaws might not recognize her. All it would take would be for one who held a grudge on her for stopping them or killing one of their own to spot her and attack.

Beryl didn't need that right now.

Garrus grunted to himself, surveying through the rifle scope yet again. It was still out there - too still. Pauses had occurred the last few hours, the Blood Pack, Blue Suns and Eclipse groups waiting on more freelancers to show and act as fodder. Still, the pauses were never this long.

"What are you up to?" he muttered, lowering the rifle.

The barricades were fixed up just right, unable for him to get a good lock from his position. Garrus couldn't afford to go to the lower levels, he'd lose this advantageous position if he did - something might slip through if he didn't remain up here.

Perhaps I've backed myself into a corner this time, he brooded, rather unhappily. Garrus didn't want to get taken down by a pack of ruthless scum if he could help it.

He spared a quick glance behind him, swearing he had heard something. Seconds ticked by with nothing. A shake of his head followed and he returned to surveying the enemy yet again.


He all but stopped when he stepped inside the ramshackle 'office.' A double take was given, scrutinizing the woman that stood to the side, granting him a bit more room. She seemed to be observing him as he did her. Shepard recognized her from the dossier, one of few with a photo attached.

He held up a hand to her, a half smile flitting over his lips. Shepard hoped he didn't appear too upfront but he couldn't risk Vex LeChance running off and getting injured or killed before he had a chance to speak to her, possible recruit her for the cause.

"If you could wait just a moment?"

"Asking now, are we?" Miranda taunted. Without turning Shepard already figured she had a hand at her hip, observing Vex as well. "Never counted you as the gentlemanly sort."

"We don't have time for your sort here," the batarian across the counter snorted, waving his hand at Shepard.

Shepard resisted gnashing his teeth in aggravation. Of course he'd have to deal with more attitude - what more had he expected out of Omega? It really wasn't shaping up to be his day. Just once I'd like to not get shot at.

With a smooth move he pulled out his heavy pistol, allowing it to gleam in what little lighting there was here. "I'm not exactly here to talk, if you get my drift."

The batarian seemed to pause at this, eyeing the group again. Behind Shepard he was aware that Miranda and Zaeed waiting behind him. It had been a dubious choice to allow Zaeed along, his trust not yet earned but Shepard reasoned it was a good chance to see the scarred up mercenary in action at the very least. Money tended to keep these sorts loyal as it was.

"Well, at least you look more equipped than most that come through," reasoned the Blue Suns mercenary. It only took a few minutes thereafter, sorting out the details. Weapons and armor to be on one's own expense and responsibility, only five hundred creds each and they were not members of the Blue Suns. To Shepard it all meant nothing. "When you're ready there's transportation that will take you out."

With vague directions given, Shepard turned to Vex, gesturing for her to follow, doing his best to seem trustworthy. He wondered how well that turned out in this sort of place.

"If we can talk nearby?" he offered lightly, ignoring Zaeed scoffing behind him. "Have you heard from the Illusive Man at all?"

Shepard kept his voice quiet, so as not to be heard as they turned to exit the 'office' of the Blue Suns recruiter.


Beryl wasn't sure how long she paced, watching that recruiting area for signs of Commander Shepard emerging yet again. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of why he might be on Omega as well, seeking out the Blue Suns. Did he have business with Archangel as well? She wondered....

Honestly, she was getting antsy waiting about. It shouldn't take so long.... Had it only been a few minutes? It seemed longer. The pulsing club music didn't help either. It was hard to distinguish time without something changing in the music, something to keep some semblance of seconds ticking by. Beryl chalked it up to impatience. Unless in the thick of a job or working on a preferred hobby her patience was rather lacking.

Beryl debated on heading back in and checking him out up close, get his attention instead of waiting for him to emerge. She discarded it quickly after. That would be suspicious and the batarian inside had already given her a suspicious look. Beryl wondered how long it would be before they recognized her as the target they had had previously, before Archangel had taken the focus off of her.

The hood could only do so much, after all.

'This is ridiculous...' She caught sight of Shepard and his small group emerging, another added to the number. Beryl's brow furrowed and her head cocked to the side - an old habit. It seemed he had other business but by the looks of it they were all after the same goal....

'I'll just have to meet them there then,' Beryl decided, nodding to herself. As she turned she caught sight of another human giving her a suspicious look. 'Yep! Definitely lingered too long!'

With that she hurried off, out of Afterlife and towards the transportation the Blue Suns was providing to the freelancers they hired on to throw at Archangel, hoping for an opening for themselves. Beryl could only hop that she could loiter better out by the lot, near the cars, without suspicion and arousing trouble until Shepard and his group arrived.

Great. Another round of imbeciles.

Indeed it was. Another brief round of freelancers come to try and make him slip up. Just what were the mercs up to? This seemed too straight forward, too simple even for them. It had been just over a day now. Something had to be up their sleeves that they were waiting to dish out.

Another shot was fired and Garrus ducked behind  the wall before reemerging to fire a shot off. The mercenary that had originally shot at him slumped to the ground, a bullet in her head. Garrus scoffed.

Gonna need a lot more than that! he thought proudly.

He wasn't exactly one who was easy to get rid of, after all.


Shepard cleared his throat, shrugging at Vex's words. It was true enough, if one looked at it in a poetic light like that. Personally, he never did. He still didn't trust Cerberus, even if they had brought him back from the dead.

"I suppose you can say that," he relented.

"A lucky son of a bitch, this one is!" chimed Zaeed, slapping a hand over Shepard's shoulder. The commander grunted, sparing a nod of agreement at that. He certainly knew he had been one to die once he had been blasted out of the Normandy SR-1 and his suit had sprung a couple of leaks.

"If you already know about what's going on, I'd like to get down to business," Shepard answered, attempting to steer things back on track. Mordin, Jacob and Thane were on board the Normandy, after all and Archangel didn't have much time left if they sat here with their thumbs up their asses much longer. Shepard needed as many allies as they could get to fight off the Collectors. He still had quite a set of dossiers to get through.

"We're actually on our way to try and recruit Archangel," Shepard informed quietly, folding his arms over his chest. His armor scraped over each other though he paid it no mind. "You're actually someone I'm after as well. I need the best on my side and as it turns out you're one of them."

"If we can get this all settled nicely and quickly I'd think that Archangel would appreciate the help sooner rather than later," Miranda noted, a hand on her hip as usual.

Shepard nodded at this, turning back to Vex and waiting for her answer. If she answered positively they'd set off, towards the transportation lot to get a head start on this recruitment mission and hopefully not find Archangel already dead.


Beryl paused, glancing out one of Omega's reinforced windows. She could see the Normandy floating there, ready to be boarded yet again. She wondered how much of the crew was there, how noisy it might be. 'Stupid question; it's a stealth ship,' she reprimanded herself.

She shook her head. She'd have to worry about all that later. Right now she needed to make sure to meet up with Commander Shepard and to help out Archangel. She hoped the man wouldn't dally much longer. Already a hefty amount of time had passed.

Her arms folded over her chest and she paced, keeping the hood down over her face. At this rate she would have to run ahead and try to smooth things over herself. She was a crack shot with the a rifle as it stood, she'd buy some time. Beryl would rather avoid that, however, just to avoid getting shot at by someone who is supposed to be an ally.

Vex smiled, watching the two acting so nonchalant about her statement certainly was a relief. She'd never been one for social situations, she was reclusive by nature and her banter usually reflected that. Talk of Archangel pulled her back into the conversation and she set herself into her hip before responding,

"Now, that's like walking into a storm," Her expression shifted, eyes narrowing and lips pursed.

Personally, she was a little bewildered at the fact that the Illusive man would send anyone to recruit Archangel. Sure, if the rumors are true he's one hell of a shot but you can never be to careful with these vigilante types. Vex crossed her arms, regarding Shepard, she knew for a fact he could very well handle himself but, she raised an eyebrow at his twelve and six.

The man who had spoken earlier showed some tell tale signs of being able to handle himself in a scratch, mainly the large scar like circle around his eye. Vex ran her eyes to the next teammate, before the other could tell she was starring, and was met with some mixed feelings. The women in Cerberus garb gave off a bad vibe. She certainly gave off an air of being able to handle herself but, something was off, Vex squinted slightly trying to place it.

"Ok." She finally stated, giving up on discovering what was off, and popping her neck with a slight nod towards the transportation lot, "Lead the way, Commander."




From the Normandy, Omega seemed like a burning blaze of light and sound. Chaos in the other wise silent abyss of sky and void. Distant stars and smaller planets seemed to dim at the light radiating from it, even the Normandy seemed to back away from such a glow.

The many windows were visible, small eyes to stare into the soul of the revelry inside. Shapes seemed to wander in and out of the eyes, like reflections. Mirror images as they reappeared at another window. One figure stood close by the window, in no real motion. Simply waiting.

Something oddly familiar about the figure, an off black from the many lights. The way it stood its ground, the way to looked about without really looking.

Thane watched, placing the manner of which with that of an assassin. Watching and waiting without truly being seen, a gaze and a glance before striking.

This worried him.

{{OOC: I'm so sorry about the wait! I was trying to make Thane's part seem as frantic as his flashbacks and it took a while to get it just right uvu }}

"Another one down!" Garrus cheered to himself. It at least kept the silence at bay, reminding him of days when he had a squad that would jeer and cry out in turn with their own successes.

Those had been better days.

He shook himself out of the memories as soon as they tried to come. Now wasn't the time. He had to focus, keep track of the enemy. It looked like another reprieve, but for how long? Garrus hummed to himself, eyes narrowing.

'Just what are you planning over there this time?'

It was a pattern. They attacked, they stopped and waited and then they attacked again. Were they waiting for more freelancers to come serve as target practice for him?

Shepard nodded, inclining his head towards the exit to Afterlife. They had no further business here, after all. With that he began to do just as Vex LeChance had instructed, lead the way. It was what he did best, after all. That and blowing things up, anyways.

As he walked he gestured over his shoulder, first to Miranda and then to Zaeed. "This is Miranda Lawson and Zaeed Massini, they'll be accompanying us while we find Archangel."

"Hope you're a better fighter than ya look," Zaeed stated, glancing at Vex as they walked.

"I'd imagine she is or else the Illusive Man wouldn't have bothered." It had been Miranda that time and Shepard had to resist shaking his head. He didn't trust Cerberus, especially the Illusive Man. Miranda's blind faith in what he could do grated on Shepard's nerves from time to time.

Their footsteps could be heard now, exiting out of the bar and getting away from the house music. It was only then that Shepard spoke up again, a sharp tone to his voice, "Let's not have any spats, alright? We've got a goal, let's get it done. Besides we still need to locate Beryl King after this."

It was a quick matter to get them on track. He had already run about a majority of Omega, doing a little recon and even heading into the quarantine zone to recruit Mordin Solus. Just ten short minutes later and he had lead them towards the transportation lot where he could spot a batarian garbed in the armor of the Blue Suns, waiting by a nice-looking car.

Near the ports he could spy a young woman, the same he had glimpsed in Afterlife before heading off to speak to the Blue Suns recruiter standing there, observing the debris outside. Or was she watching the Normandy? As they grew closer she must have heard their footsteps for she glanced over.

Shepard noted the way she seemed to grow pleased at this, turning away from the window to step closer to him and his little ragtag group, hands on her hips.

"Well, if it isn't Commander Shepard himself. I don't like to be kept waiting, you' know?" she commented lightly, eyeing him carefully from under that hood.

"You must be Miss King then," Miranda noted, sounding unimpressed.  That didn't surprise Shepard much. Miranda was cocky, after all.

"That I am," Beryl said, glancing over them all. "I take it your going for Archangel then? To help or hinder him?"

"To help. He'll be a valuable asset on the mission, I'm sure you know about it?" Once Shepard saw her nod he carried on. "Considering you know who I am and that I was going to come find you I'll assume the Illusive Man had you filled in."

A pause followed and Beryl nodded again. Shepard took the time to glance back at his small group. Usually he kept it to himself and two others on missions like this. Vex coming along already added to their numbers and he wasn't sure about letting Beryl come along as well. Glancing at her again Shepard could tell that she had come out this way just to do that. She seemed to pick up on his thought.

"You're going to send me off to your ship to dilly-dally, aren't you?"

"I'm afraid so." Shepard watched as she seemed to weigh this out in her mind, looking conflicted. Finally, after a great stretch of time had passed she shrugged and began off in the direction of the docks.

"Well, alright! I don't like it but you seem capable. I'll just go make myself at home and run amok on your ship then!" And with that she was gone, doing just that.

Garrus resisted taking off his protective helmet. Normally he wouldn't have bothered wearing it unless in a hostile environment but a little added armor didn't hurt in a situation like this. He had to admit he was growing tired, needed rest. It left him a little sloppier than he'd like to admit.

I'm sure those fools might have noticed by now, he brooded rather unhappily.

He didn't like the idea of being taken out by such thick-skulled morons. He supposed no one got to pick their death, not fighters, anyways. He rolled his shoulders, doing his best to remain ready. Waiting like this? It left him getting too relaxed when things got drawn out and he wasn't at the top of his game.

I'm sure they need all they help they can get. He rather lamented how lonely it was up here for once. The old chatter of his team, betrayed by Sidonis - and that name was like acid, even in his mind!


When Beryl had disappeared from sight Shepard raised a hand to the ear piece, sending a message back to Joker that they'd have a new arrival and to let her own board the ship without a hassle. Receiving the affirmative on that he became aware of the scarred up mercenary behind him. Zaeed, who had been rather quiet during the conversation with Beryl, chuckled. Shepard turned in time to catch him shooting an appreciative look Vex's way at her assessment of Beryl.

"Perhaps I misjudged you, little lass!" he bayed, sounding as gruff as ever.

Shepard allowed an indulgent chuckle to leave him in return, glancing between the two. "Let's hope she doesn't cause too much chaos while we're away," he relented, appreciative over the lighter topic the two had introduced. The haughty look on Miranda's face sobered him, however, well aware that she would say something if they didn't get a move on.

"Now that's a plan I can get behind!" Shepard jeered, patting Vex a little roughly on the back.

With that said he lead the way to the batarian who straightened form leaning against the car. "They told me you'd be coming. Whenever you're ready we'll head over."

Shepard cast a precursory look over his small group. Everyone looked ready to go help out Archangel and Shepard wouldn't keep them waiting. Blue eyes growing hard as he grew serious he nodded.

"Ready when you are."

With that the batarian jerked his thumb at the car, already making his way around to the driver's side. "Get in." The demand was rather gruff but it didn't faze him even as they all piled into the car. Shepard had dealt with worse when he had gone through his training to become a Marine.

Once inside, the top and doors sliding into place easily, Shepard spared a glance into the backseat and had to resist grinning. Miranda, Zaeed and Vex all looked uncomfortably squished in the back. He turned around, shaking his head. He could only hope it would be a short ride or they might get snappy with each other. Already he could hear Miranda sighing in aggravation.

It was a short trip to the docking bay and though she really didn't like being sent back to wait things out instead of helping a fellow vigilante Beryl wouldn't fuss about it. She had heard stories about the great Commander Shepard. If anyone could do it then he could.

She was thankful for the lack of a hassle to get aboard the Normandy and she could only assume that Shepard had gotten into contact with someone on the ship. Minutes later she was inside, shaking hands with a strawberry-blonde who introduced herself as "Kelly Chambers."

"I'm the Yeoman for Commander Shepard and I also kind of serve as a therapist as needed. If you need to talk about anything please, feel free to come and find me in the CIC," Kelly smiled, looking rather nervous. Beryl could only assume why. Sure she had killed in the past and was hired more as an assassin than anything else as of late Beryl wasn't going to just snap and stab her with the nearest pointy object.

Instead she smiled politely under her hood and said, "I think I'll just go poke around below deck."

With that she was off, her pace quick as she found the elevator and examined the row of buttons and the locations stamped neatly next to them. Juggling with the handful of options she finally just chose the crew lounge. She could poke around there for awhile, get a feel for the crew she'd be working with and maybe tease a person or two in the process.

God, did she love to tease people when she had the chance.

It felt far too long before the elevator slide to a stop, despite it only being a few seconds. Eagerly she stepped out, glancing around and noting the Cerberus uniforms that adorned everyone.

Perhaps out of habit or perhaps to see if anyone would take the bait she shrugged to herself, shaking her head and said out loud for anyone close enough to hear, "Geez, what dull costumes! I hope I'm not expected to dress in such boring shades!"

Vex shifted uncomfortably in her seat, eyes darting from one passenger to the next. She never was a fan of confined spaces, especially when they were zooming through space at unmeasured speeds. Her claustrophobia was a little known tidbit brought on from a rather terrible experience.

A sigh to her right, Miranda, the vehicular hadn't even got very far away from Omega and she was already voicing her displeasure. With that thought, her gaze lingered on Miranda's Cerberus garb and she wondered just how much Cerberus had on her.

That idea alone was eating away at her, dossier from an organization like that? All these years freelancing she'd thought she'd kept her identity in check. She even worked under an alias for a while, she highly doubted they could have tabs on that.

Vex glance towards Shepard, a million questions raced through her mind. Most had to do with that ghost of an assassin that was now parading about the Normandy. From their brief meeting, she really didn't seem like what everyone claimed her to be. Whether that's a good thing or bad is still up to interpretation.

The other questions had to do with Archangel, she hated to admit to it but there was something noble in her eyes about his plight. Vex was a little nervous, from what she'd gathered he didn't seem like the man to ask before shooting. Zaeed mumbled something from her left. Then again, most men aren't.

The silence of the car didn't really help with the situation either. She wouldn't dare risk a conversation that could be eavesdropped on, for all they know the car could be bugged.

"Now you're being ridiculous, Vex."

She brushed that thought away with a small sigh and turned her attention back towards Shepard and the front of the car. From the motion of the bright stars it was obvious that the car was slowing down, they'd reached their destination.


The chatter of the other crew members in hearing range flat-lined, attention pulled towards Beryl. Like a domino effect more voice were muted to see what was going on. A few plucked self consciously at their uniforms.

Although it was very much true, Cerberus wasn't renowned for being fashion forward. If you don't count Miranda that is, but that was a rather special case in itself. What Cerberus brought to the table, apparently, were freshly recruited and eccentric squad mates.

Although, Beryl seemed to skip from eccentric to snarky with her little statement alone. On one hand, it was great way for the crew to see who they'll be dealing with on such a time consuming mission. On the other, they'd rather she kept to herself like the Drell or Salarian.

Soft murmurs filled the soundless room just as quickly as they'd vanished. Each member having something to say, as was expected, but not the guts to say it aloud. From Beryl's image alone it was obvious she wasn't your ordinary run of the mill squad mates.

Her tone of voice, and the way she carried herself seemed to say a lot without really saying anything. Not to mention the hooded features acted as a warning of someone mysterious. Mysterious and possibly dangerous.

One crew mates remark seemed to stand out from the others. He was closest to Beryl, his back faced her, his attention on the women across from himself. Yet, his words came in clear as can be, "Couldn't have gotten another reclusive hermit like the Salarian or Drell, eh?"

He had risked it, taking the reprieve to gather up some spare thermal clips and arrange them nearby. If he didn't Garrus would have run out at an inopportune time. Yes, he was proficient with sniping but these rifles just popped the heat sinks out like nobody's business.

He took up his post again. It was still silent and Garrus allowed himself the chance to rest, to let his strained eyes observe away from the scope of the rifle. If this kept up he wouldn't be at it much longer. He shook his head at that.

Despite the quiet he kept the rifle in his hands. Even if he was using the time to recuperate he couldn't afford to put it down. That would be a death sentence if he did.

Garrus shook his head again. Just how long were they planning on keeping him waiting?

It was a quiet affair on the way to their destination. Shepard was glad that no one was willing to speak up and perhaps blow their cover to the Blue Suns driving them. There was no telling how sharp or observant this batarian was, after all. Shepard kept tabs on his team, glancing back at them every so often. Miranda and Zaeed both looked annoyed, the scarred up man even clenching his jaw, arms folded over his chest. Vex just looked as if she would rather be anywhere else than stuffed right in the middle. Was she a little paler or was it just the light?

Shepard was quick to get out of the car when they parked. Zaeed followed his example while Miranda seemed to take her time. Shepard resisted scoffing at that. Of course she wouldn't rush, that would just be so unsightly wouldn't it?

It was only when the batarian, still seated in the car, spoke up did Shepard glance at him. "Head on up to the third boulevard and get to the third barricade. Talk to Sergeant Cathka. He'll tell you when to go in."

Shepard spared a glance in the direction the batarian indicated before nodding. He gestured to his own squad to follow, glancing at Vex and making sure she was alright before he lead the way.

"Let's head out."

From behind him he heard the batarian call out, "Watch yourself on the boulevard! Archangel's killed dozens already."

Shepard heard Zaeed scoff. "This sounds like goddamn suicide!"

"Maybe," Shepard relented, well aware that the plan these mercenaries were using didn't exactly have their freelancers in the best positions. "But we'll handle it when we get there."

"That's reassuring," Miranda answered dryly. Shepard couldn't help the long-suffering sigh that escaped him this time.

It wouldn't take them long to find the third barricade but Shepard still kept an even pace, allowing his squad to talk if they wanted to. Besides, if Vex had anything to ask now would be the time. The freelancers around them were busy, few and far apart as it was. Until they reached Cathka they had free reign in the conversation.

Beryl couldn't help but to scoff, amused at the self-conscious way some of those near her had picked at their uniforms. People were so easy sometimes. Still, no one would say anything to her in retaliation and Beryl couldn't stop the bit of disappointment that welled up in her.

She just wanted a good natured argument! At least, it would be 'good natured' on her side.

Her disappointment melted away, all but disappeared really, at the mention from one of the Cerberus men nearest her. Beryl blinked. It hadn't been directed at her, rather at his comrades but she had heard it all the same. A drell? There was a drell on board? Beryl had never been able to meet a drell but then a lot of them didn't leave the hanar homeworld or so she heard. Salarians though? She had seen plenty of those in her life, they were all over the place just like turians and asari. Beryl could meet the salarian later.

Beryl sidled up next the to the man, smiling in a way that might just send alarm bells ringing in his head but really was just Beryl being a little over eager.

"There's a drell here? Where can I find him?" With that said she waited, eager to get to meet a drell for the first time and have something new in her list of experiences. If she noticed the odd looks the man and his comrades sent her she ignored them entirely.

Vex barely heard a word from the still seated batarian, choosing instead to just follow the group. It was nice to finally get out of such confined space, alone not a problem but sandwiched between a witch and a hard place, not so much. Her eyes lingered on the various freelancers and mercs as they passed.

It certainly was bizarre seeing the lot of them working together as one unit. If things turned sour, which they always end up doing Vex could answer for that, they probably wouldn't hesitate to stay together till the threat was gone. In a perfect world they'd just turn on each other, friends close and enemies closer as it was.

And the differences between the two were almost unbelievable. The Mercenaries kept to their cliches, gang colors dingy against the armor they wore. The Freelances varied, poorly kept armor compared with newer, sleeker armor. It was almost surreal.

"Armor doesn't say much," Vex thought pointedly, "Could be green as grass under all that shine."

With each step past, she was able to pick up bits of conversation. It was a habit to listen in as much as she was able too, helped her in the past, could certainly help her now. In situations such as these a lot gets around and although it isn't all reliable

From the scattered bits she was able to conclude that they had something dangerous in store for Archangel, and that they planned to send it out after the next group of freelancers make the run.

"I don't suppose we have an exit planned out this early in the game, eh?" Vex asked as she trailed besides Shepard, snapping from her train of thought.


The Cerberus man took on a look of mild discomfort, eyes shifting to his comrade and mouthing the words, "Where do we even find these freelancers?" The man besides him gave a weak chuckle, looking down at his hands on the table.

Though it was barely above a whisper it was obvious what was said. In fact, in the silence, it seemed to ring loud and clear. Surely, more attention then wanted was pulled towards the three.

He cleared his throat, looking up towards Beryl once again. Her smile continued to burn a hole into his corneas. Though something was slightly off, like a mask. Something wicked was hidden in it and it was unnerving, to say the least.

"Life Support Control room, Commander Shepard stuck him in there before heading to Omega."

The man besides him spoke up, adding his own two cents, "He ain't gonna be there long, from what I hear he won't be sticking around after the mission like the rest of us."

He cast a sidelong glace to Beryl, "If you catch my drift, ma'am."

Shepard heard Zaeed chuckling to Vex's comment, probably finding more truth in it then Shepard did. The Commander wasn't one to know much about mercenary life, in fact working with Cerberus was his first real taste of what the life was like. Sure, there had been Wrex two years ago but stories form another weren't ever enough to really show what the life was like.

"Willin' to put down creds on that," Zaeed said after a moment.

All sorts of conversations could be overhead as they walked. None of it was very useful and Shepard stopped listening to the mercenaries around them quickly after. They didn't have much time to spare anyways. Their footsteps were drowned out by the other noises.  There wasn't much gunfire, an occasional burst but nothing more.

He glanced back over his shoulder at Vex. Standing next to Miranda, she seemed so much shorter than she really was. Shepard shrugged a shoulder in response. "Probably shouldn't say so but no," he admitted. "Then again, something like that has never stopped me before."

Miranda's scoff was duly noted though he paid little mind to it. Instead he kept his eye out for whoever this Cathka guy was. He was probably a Blue Suns merc, if the batarian back there was telling him to go to this guy. Shepard shook his head. "If anyone gets any ideas feel free to share," he offered.

It wouldn't be too much longer before they found the right spot. Already paths were heading off into dead ends, groups of mercs sitting around and waiting for the freelancers to open a path for them. Shepard scoffed at that. What cowards. He didn't say anything about it, even when a red-garbed Vorcha hissed at him for the noise.

Beryl had been about to dash off towards the Life Support Control room before the Cerberus guy's next words halted her in he tracks. Her smile slipped a little as she mulled them over. Those were awfully cryptic words aimed at just one guy among the people sorted around the Normandy SR-2 for this suicide mission.

It didn't take long to figure out what he meant. A lot of drell suffered from Kepral's, it wasn't hard to imagine that this one might be, too. Well, that puts a damper on things, she decided after a moment. The smile was back in place thereafter.

"All the better to get things tidied up quickly!" With that said she spun around on her heel and made her way towards the indicated room. It wasn't far off, just a handful of yards, actually.

Beryl wondered about how the drell might react to her just barging right in as she was planning to. Then again, before and after her short career in the Alliance Beryl had never been known to have very great manners. Even in the Alliance uniform she had always been rather quirky and loose with the rules, despite her morals.

The door slid open easily as she approached it, allowing her access. Beryl traipsed right along inside without any further warning, gaze landing squarely on the drell sitting behind the desk. What was he staring out in here? She had to wonder. There wasn't much but a thick window to the giant device that served as the Normandy's life control. Hood still pulled up over her face and shading the top half from view she spoke up.

"Well now! It looks like those rumors were true! A drell hidden away on the Normandy!" She paused for a moment. "Don't mind me, I'm just a curious little kitty~."

It had been quiet for a few seconds after he had last spoken. If anyone had any ideas it seemed they were sitting on them. Even Miranda seemed quiet, taking everything in. Shepard wouldn't break their concentration if that was the case then.

Blinking, he glanced back at Vex, brow raised. Miranda was nodding, looking approving of the idea. 'That's a first, though not unwelcome,' Shepard thought. Zaeed on his other side was humming in answer and Shepard could imagine him folding his arms over his chest.

"We'll keep an eye out for it then," Shepard nodded, keeping his voice low. They were already getting looks, he didn't need their plan to be overheard.

"That'll be sure to give 'em a hell of a surprise," Zaeed chuckled.

Miranda was a little less enthused, though there was still a smile on her face about the plan. "It's definitely a plan worth using — assuming we can find it."

"Is that doubt I hear in your voice?" Shepard joked, shaking his head. "We make things happen, Miss Lawson."

The snort he got in return was enough to tell him that she didn't find his humor appealing. He shrugged at that. Not much he could do about it. Instead he turned to Vex to say, "If you see anything else worth hacking into around here let me know. We'll find some way to get you at it."

He had continued to look straight ahead as she had talked, perhaps using the reflection in that window to see her. Or maybe he wasn't paying any attention at all. Beryl couldn't tell and it wasn't her right to guess as much. He did turn in his seat when she had drawn quiet, observing her as much as she was him.

Green and black and dark gray scales ran along his body, ridges from the top of his head and back... Dark clothes as well — what kind of profession had he indulged in to need such dark colors? His voice drew her out of her brooding on the matter, her head inclining to one side.

"Everyone's got something to hide," she quipped simply.

With that said she moved towards the nondescript little table he sat at, nearer to the empty seat on the other side of it. Gesturing to it she waited, wondering if he'd mind or not. Beryl had it in mind to stick around whether he'd fully agree to it or not. He didn't seem hostile, maybe even a little curious in return.

"Maybe you'd be willing to tell me your name...?"

Beryl probably should have said her own first, eased into it a little. That, in her head, wasn't as much fun, however. At least this way she could see his reactions, try to figure out how he thought and acted. Beryl was finding that she found drell to be rather interesting people, after all.

There wasn't much noise in the room, some muffled noises coming from the other side of the thick glass from the life support machinery. It was also rather warm in here, dry. Beryl didn't much mind it. It was better than being chilly.

Vex smiled lightly, feeling more and more at ease among the group. And, if they're able to locate this heap of scrap and bolts it could very well turn the scale in their favor. The more time that passed in these maze like halls the more uneasy glances and hushed voices they heard. That and the occasional gunfire which, not matter how much you hear it, is always a little unnerving.

"I'll keep an eye out," Vex responded to Shepard with a hum. Almost on a dime, she increased her stride towards another stack of supply crates. Partly hidden from view a stray datapad lingered and by the time she'd pointed it out, it was in her hands.

Fingers sliding about the screen, face illuminated by the green glow and eyes darting from string of data to string of data. Her expression contoured to one of a grave nature as she worked. Her hacking ability was a little tidbit she'd picked up as a freelancer. A familiar click and her face relaxed.

Vex raised an eyebrow in surprise, what luck dear LaChance could have! The datapad not only mentioned the mech, but also gave a general view of it's location. If her sense of direction in correlation to the datapad, it'd be the last door before the blocked path to Archangel.

"We should be getting closer to whomever it was we're suppose to meet." Vex added as she rejoined the group, "Gun shots are gettin' louder."

She waved the datapad, "And you'll never guess what's on the way."


Noticing her gesture towards the empty chair, he nods sullenly. It wasn't that he was a grave man per se, just a lot on his mind and no time to sort through it. Another lingering thought, perhaps everyone goes through this when they know their time is short. One thought is pushed by another and another till Thane's on a new trek of thinking.

Barely catching what she's saying. No, that's a lie, he sees her lips move but no sound comes out. An endless hum of pure silence tricking the brain into making its own sounds. He needs to get away from the window into nothingness as soon as possible.

Thane turns and meets the women of shadow before him, face still shielded by a veil. So familiar but so far away.

In one perspective, her personality seemed warped for the women she reminded him off. In another it seemed almost like a facade. All life is interconnected in some way or form, could his mind be so jumbled that life formed a new memory?

"Thane Krios." He offers his gloved hand from across the table.

Hopefully, all the pause and silence hasn't given her any wrong impression.

{{OOC: sorry if this seems sped up uvu I just want to make sure it's moving as smoothly as possible }}

"Sounds like a plan then," Shepard agreed, turning back to the pathway. They were just as drab as the others were, nothing much to look at other than the mercs.

Blinking he turned to glance at Vex as she wandered off, straight towards a datapad. Miranda looked as if she was about to say something before she thought better of it, shaking her head instead. "At least she's proactive," she muttered.

Brow raised, Shepard cocked his head to one side. It hadn't taken long for Vex to crack into that datapad's information. At least they had someone good with electronics on their side now. It was definitely going to come in handy. "Our bucket a bolts is nearby then?" he pressed, smirking a little about that.

He ran a hand over his chin, thinking it over. Maybe they'd be able to get things done quickly... He glanced towards Miranda nodding towards her. "Why don't you two go find our little metal friend and give him a fine tune then? Zaeed and I can handle speaking to Cathka and we can met up after to settle this all up."

"Of course I get the talking to deal with," Zaeed scoffed disdainfully though no other argument arose from him.

"At least this way we'll be less conspicuous split up," Miranda agreed, shrugging and gesturing to Vex. "I suppose you'll lead the way."

Shepard sighed at that. It seemed Miranda wasn't very happy taking a backseat and being lead around by anyone else. 'Hell, she seems to hate following my lead sometimes,' Shepard noted. He wouldn't mention it out loud and cause a scene, however. That would get them nowhere.

The smile had slipped from her face a little, wondering what was on the drell's mind. He didn't seem quite all there, not at the moment, at least. She had once heard they had perfect recall but how did that work? Did they lapse back on and off or was it controlled? Beryl's brow furrowed a little in thought at that.

She took the seat without a word, waiting for him to answer. Since he wasn't saying anything it was difficult to tell if he was hearing her or not. Still, Beryl couldn't deny the fact that her curiosity was peaked.

Beryl blinked, taken aback when he finally held out a hand, answering her question as he did so. She smiled again, taking his hand in hers briefly.

"Beryl King," she answered in kind. Her head cocked to one side as she observed him a little more again. She had to wonder what he thought and saw of her, her face still half hidden due to her hood. With just a table to separate them he had to be able to pick up on more of her facial features than others had.

Thoughts drifted through her head, her mind buzzing with them. It wouldn't be fun if she'd just outright asked him things and thus none of them had any solid answers just yet. It would keep her sharper, she felt, if she tried to pick up the answers she wanted from observation and whatever he might say.

"Lost in thought, are we?" she prodded none-the-less, seeking some sort of a topic to start off on.

Vex watched the group silently, their body language and tone of voice sure sent out a lot of conflicting signals. Some of which completely stumped Vex but luckily there was no palpable tension in the air. From what little was gathered, Shepard was really trying to get them where they needed to be, and fast. And it looks like splitting up would be the most effective way to do so.

With a slight shrug of her shoulder in response to Zaeed, Vex gave an encouraging reply, "Talking shouldn't be that big of a problem for you," She gestured blindly at the imaginary intimidation that she was sure radiated from him, "One look and they'll be running for the hills."

She added a reassuring smile hoping that her little joke wasn't inappropriate or out of place. As much as she liked to pretend otherwise, reading people was not her strongest suit. The data pad in her hand reminded her what was.

"It isn't really that far from where we'll be walking into battle," Vex noted, eyes jumping from data pad to hall interior.

She poked and prodded the screen of the data pad once more, as if to verify the location. Seemingly satisfied with the second set of results, she turned her attention towards Miranda.

"We shouldn't run into any problems, as long as you watch the door as I work."


Thane's mind raced once she spoke her name. Like the final piece to a puzzle that was never supposed to be solved, the name was no mystery to him. He had never really heard it spoken in such a casual tone. Usually, when he caught wind of the assassins name it was spoken with malice and disdain.

Yet here was Beryl King. Sitting across from him on the Normandy. Which could mean one of two things. She was to be recruited by Shepard at the Illusive Mans call. And that call was answered in a, hopefully, positive light.

Like a shadow before him, so casual and, for lack of a better word, eccentric. Something was definitely going on in the shrouded head of hers. Perhaps an outcome of her trade? If there's anything that he knew of to effect a persons state of mind it would be the burden of an assassin.

"No," He spoke in his iconic drawl, "One gets more lost in answers then in thought."

There was something very mystique about his words, but it seemed that he wouldn't leave it at that. He did want to come straight out and ask about her trade, it would seem too inappropriate if it had anything to do with her state of mind.

"I suspect Commander Shepard's recruited you then?"

A simple question to get to understanding her.


{{OOC: Oh good, I was worried there! And sure, I'll keep it in mind in case we'll need to pick up the pace, especially with my absence. I'm actually torn between drafting a little Thane oneshot for you after this neat promo I saw and school uvu }}

Miranda's brow arched at the brief conversation between Zaeed and LeChance. Zaeed had given a brief bark of laughter before he'd clapped a hand roughly over LeChance's shoulder.

"A bit 'a spunk in you! You'll make an interestin' ally yet!"

Hand on her hip, Miranda shook her head as Shepard and Zaeed headed off to find this Cathka. At least he was using his head, willing to get to Archangel before all of this bloodthirsty mercenaries did. The guy can't last long now, she reasoned. It would be a matter of time before he slipped up and everyone knew it.

"That I can do," Miranda answered as LeChance lead them off.

Miranda's eyes darted to the datapad briefly, wondering what else might be on there. LeChance's dossier was something she'd glimpsed at one point, however, and if that was the only thing LeChance took note of then Miranda would have to assume it was the only thing worthwhile. LeChance's steps were quick and Miranda appreciated that. The last thing they needed was to dawdle around.

"The sooner we're off this place the better," she sniffed, glancing disdainfully at their surroundings again. It wasn't long after that LeChance glanced around, pushing her way through the door. Miranda followed suit, sparing a cursory glance over the large mech. "Looks like it's time for my watch."

Turning, she leaned against the door jamb, arms folded under her chest. There was no one in sight just yet but that didn't mean that no one would walk by and glance in to see LeChance working. Can't have that, now can we?

"Time for you to work your magic."

The look that flashed over Thane's face was a thoughtful one. Or, rather, Beryl figured it was a thoughtful one. She'd have to keep an observational eye on Thane to see just how a drell's expressions might mimic or differ from humans.

A short hum escaped her at his answer. It wasn't one she had expected though she filed it away for later, used it to pick apart what kind of a person he was. He definitely seemed to be choosing his words carefully, little pauses littering their conversation. Beryl didn't so much mind this as she took note of them.

Blinking, it took her a moment to register the question. Beryl hadn't expected a change in the topic so soon. 'Suppose that's natural,' she reasoned, given the common goal the crew aboard the Normandy had. The smile had slipped from her face momentarily before it was back, just as it had before.

"Perhaps," she answered, "or perhaps I've just stowed away."

A pause followed, the hum of machinery from the life support core the only sound for several short seconds. It was quieter machinery than any Beryl had heard aboard a ship before. In a way it was amazing though she shook those thoughts off, not willing to get distracted just yet.

"Tell me, what does it take for a drell to put a stake in all of..." Her mouth twisted into a thoughtful frown, attempting to find the word she wanted. It slipped passed her with little effort, gone before she could place it. Instead she settled for waving a hand in the air and ending with, "this."

Beryl figured a little bit of trading questions back and forth wouldn't do anyone any harm. In fact, it could be quite informative.

As Miranda stationed herself at the door, Vex's eyes wandered to a stationary bit of tech a little bit past the bucket of bolts. Curiosity getting the better of her, as per usual, Vex began to tinker around the options menu before being halted in her tracks. Looks like a bypass was needed to get whatever treasures were hidden here.

Miranda's voice broke her concentration for a moment, and although she lost her place on the circuitry it at least gave Vex time to think up something witty. Unfortunately, as she started retracing the circuitry patterns to the matching notches she wasn't able to think up anything. Instead choosing to reply with something she was taught as a child.

Vex replied with a rather whimsical air, "Mom always said, magic and luck go hand in hand,"

The bypass was successful and the amount of credits available was almost unbelievable. Surely this would give Commander Shepard an upper hand later on, and some stunning upgrades for the Normandy.

"And they don't call me LeChance for nothing."

Now that the little warm up was out of the way, Vex turned her attention to the mech. She had to admit the hacking involved here was little harder then the data pad or the bypass, one wrong move and she could get locked out. Or worse set off an alarm. And with all the pressure of fleeting time she couldn't help but feel anxious in the back of her mind.

Vex let out a sigh as she located the last strain of data to successfully break into this mech tech. In a few more moments she was in and after poking around a bit, powered it down with a smile.

"And we're all set."

He gave her answer some thought. Surely, if she appeared suddenly, unannounced, on the Normandy there would have been some form of commotion. Unless of course the rumors of her abilities were true and she picked the crew off one by one. Nothing truly impossible, just difficult and possibly tedious.

Thane studied her, by the flick in the void surrounding and almost masking her eyes he could tell that she did the same. The slight dim and falter of her smile was a sure sign that he had caught her off guard. Probably never even saw his question coming.

The way she mimicked his way of asking and giving short answers really showed some little quirks of hers. It was amusing to say the least.

Judging by her gestures, she was referring to the mission behind all the recruiting and waiting. The great charging into battle and praying victory would come quicker then death. He didn't have to give his reply much thought.

"Some choose to make light of their lives in one heroic act."

There was a pause. The hum of the machinery the only sound. It was as if the universe had swallowed all but this room up and it was just lazily drifting about the void of stars and space.

"I believe this will be my last act."

{{OOC: Oh no you're fine! Personally, the dialogue is really out there and the only really rad thing you could have spiced up was the renegade/paragon move~ I think I picked things up at a nice pace for you to bring 'em back uvu }}

Several seconds had passed before Miranda heard LeChance speak up. Whether this was because she was concentrating on her work or because she had thought about what to say was beyond Miranda. She supposed it didn't matter much either way as it stood.

"I suppose we'd better hope your luck is greater than your wit," she retorted simply.

With that it grew quiet between them though Miranda could hear the occasional sounds of LeChance working. Occasionally Miranda spied someone moving here or there though no one came close enough to inspect just why she was standing in the doorway like she was. Miranda didn't mind the quiet or the otherwise stillness. At least this way there was nothing to derail the plan just yet.

She unfolded her arms and pushed off of the jamb of the door when LeChance spoke up again. Miranda had spied movement again though the wariness that accompanied it died quickly.

"And it looks like Shepard has finished up on his end, as well," she announced, stepping out of the room.

"Everything set up then?" Shepard questioned as he drew near, glancing between the two women. Dropping his voice and looking a little ashamed of himself he added, "Cathka's been... taken care of, in a way."

"Don't be so coy! This one even impressed me a bit!" Zaeed crowed, clapping a hand over Shepard's shoulder. Despite the compliment Shepard still didn't feel much better about it. At least it was a merc and not someone innocent, Shepard reasoned.

Gesturing for the three to follow, Shepard turned and began to lead the way. In his hand he already had his pistol, out and ready to help Archangel. "If there's nothing else let's go get this guy," he said.

It would be a quick trip to the bridge they were funneling freelancers through. On the way groups of Bloodpack and Blue Suns mercenaries sat and waited for their chance to go at Archangel. Shepard only spared a nod or two here though he did pick up and hand Vex a datapad they passed, snatching it out from under some Blue Suns.

"Looks like it could be interesting," he muttered to her.

Zaeed grunted as they approached the bridge. In his hands he held his preferred firearm, looking eager to get into it already. "Let's see what kind of havoc we can't rack up, eh?"

"I'd rather like to think we could keep a low profile for a short while," Miranda scoffed, pistol of her own in her hand.

"We'll take out what we can as we go and hope we don't get nailed from behind ourselves," Shepard ordered in a hushed voice. They couldn't risk being overhead, not just yet, after all. "Everyone ready?"

To anyone else it might have been a little strange to see the two picking and choosing their words so carefully. Perhaps it might have even bet a bit of a sight to watch them observe one another. To Beryl that didn't much matter, however. What did matter was sating her curiosity about this particular drell. Whatever she'd been expecting it hadn't exactly been this.

When he spoke up Beryl's head tipped to one side again, mulling over the answer. Not much hope there, hmm? It was a brief thought, there and gone again before she knew it.

Leaning forward, elbows resting on the table between them, Beryl thought over her own reply for a short moment. "And if it ends up that it's not? What then?"

Thane had been convinced that it very well might be. Beryl had to wonder if he had any sort of a plan in case it did not end up that way. Curiosity kept her focused on that topic alone, willing to sacrifice any of her other questions for a later time. Does he even have a contingency plan to that? Or maybe he did. Beryl hummed in thought at the idea that had flitted through her mind, rather troubled by it.

"Or are you abiding by some... end date?" she pressed, perhaps a little more carefully than she had been. She had figured he had Kepral's Syndrome but it could be something else entirely. Kepral's was the only disease she knew about that affected drell so terminally, anyways. Or, at least, it was the one that first came to anyone's mind.

Beryl resisted making a face at the idea of knowing approximately when he might die. 'Where's the fun in that?' she wondered. 'Takes all the fun outta risks and surprises!'

The next round had brought quite the shock to Garrus. He had to double take, unsure of what he'd seen for a long moment. He pulled the scope back up to his eye, however, following the figures that had just pulled their way over the barricade. Sure enough his eyes had not fooled him.

There was one Commander John Shepard leading a small group of three over the bridge and to his location. Garrus scoffed, letting the group get across before he would resume shooting. At least in this way he could both observe Shepard's newest group and conserve what thermal clips he had.

They all seemed to be in top shape, catching many of the mercs from behind. Garrus couldn't resist a scoff at the elder fellow taking out one guy and giving a loud whoop which he could hear form here.

"Shepard, you've really outdone yourself with this group," Garrus chuckled to himself.

And with that he waited. The rate they were going it wouldn't take them long to clear their path and reach him. Already he had spotted what each group member preferred in terms of combat. The shorter woman had caught his eye, with the way she seemed to prefer to get closer with her enemies rather than the others. Even the elder fellow had taken to taking out his enemies before they got closer.

Shaking his head he heaved a sigh. It looked like the enemy were pulling back again. Perhaps they were going to plan for this new occurrence. No doubt they were livid. Now Garrus wasn't so sure what he should expect.

"Archangel, I take it?" Shepard's voice rang out behind him.

Garrus stood then, setting his rifle to the side though it was still within easy reach. There was no way he was about to be caught without it if the mercs headed in on them suddenly. It was a simple matter to pull off his helmet before he'd turned, taking a seat and smirking at Shepard. The slack jawed look on the Commander's face was well worth it.

"Commander," Garrus greeted. "Long time no see."

"Garrus? Man is it good to see a familiar face," Shepard grinned, stepping forward.

"Could say the same to you. Last I heard you were dead," Garrus noted. There was a pause. There would be time for that story later. Instead he nodded to the group behind Shepard. "Introductions might be in order."

"Miranda Lawson and this brute is Zaeed," the taller woman answered, gesturing to the elder man beside her. The guy merely grunted, looking unenthused now that there were no enemies.

"Could have said that myself," he snorted.

Garrus hummed, turning to the last member. He nodded towards her. "And you might be?"


Beryl nodded confidently when he echoed her words back at her. If nothing else he looked as if he was observing her more carefully then he had been before. Beryl didn't let it bother her too much, however.

"That's right!" she confirmed.

His gaze was even and his words just as convicted as hers, Beryl huffed at that. A short list? That wouldn't do! For now it didn't matter, she needed something to make the list on. Perhaps she should have seen to repairing her omni-tool for such things.

Just like that she was out of the life support control room, out of the arid air and into the cooler area of the Normandy. It was easy to find someone with a datapad or two to spare. Really, Beryl just took one without asking when the lady wasn't looking though she figured it wasn't hurting anything. It was off to the side and, in Beryl's mind, clearly not that important if it was not being closely watched.

With that she trekked back to Thane's location, though she did little to pick up her abandoned chair. Instead she leaned over the table looking expectantly at Thane.

"A short list is better than no list!" she finally concluded, as if she'd never once left the room in the middle of their conversation.

Beryl's fingers hovered over the datapad, ready to key in whatever was listed. Thane seemed to be eyeing her, perhaps debating to the amount of sanity she might have left. Beryl merely waited, patiently for someone who had been so eager to get started on this bucket list.

"C'mon," she prodded, perhaps the gentlest she'd spoken so far. "Don't ya know writing things down and seeing it makes you more determined to get it done?"

[[|OOC: I'll be sure to keep up on this better! It helps when I listen to Phillip Phillips "Gone, Gone, Gone" song. It totally reminds me of Thane~. And that sounds like a lovely idea~. I've just started up a new file on Mass Effect 2 myself so if I get anymore ideas for Vex/Garrus I'll be sure to share them~. (probably in a PM so I don't gotta wait for OOC notes!)|]]