A Second Chance

Chapter 15

Tuchanka

Shepard personally accompanied Thane, Kolyat, and doctors Garr and Vepni on the landing on Tuchanka. Alongside them, James and Garrus carried the containers with instruments and terminals necessary for the salarian scientists' work. The planet's hot air soon seeped into her system, as if she were entering a furnace.

As Wrex had promised, he was waiting for her, along with Bakara and even his brother Wreav. The krogan frowned at the two salarians, but was immediately put in his place by his brother Wrex. With the genophage cured thanks to Mordin's sacrifice and even Maelon's barbaric experiments, the salarians were no longer to be looked upon with suspicion on Tuchanka's soil.

Wrex approached and shook Shepard's hand vigorously. Then he watched Thane carefully. Medi-gel treatment and blood transfusions had enabled him to get back on his feet and walk, but not without assistance. His son was holding him by the waist and offering his hand for support.

Shepard noticed the stark contrast between the two men. Wrex was a giant mass of pure power; in contrast, Thane was much shorter and slimmer than the Urdnot clan leader. He looked like a child in front of a monster. Regardless, Wrex offered his hand and greeted him with respect. Thane made an effort to correct his posture and rise with as much dignity as possible. He looked up to the heavens to face him. They had met briefly before, when they had assisted Mordin in the search for Maelon, yet Shepard didn't know if Wrex remembered him. Bakara approached and introduced himself. She offered her hand to Thane and his son.

"We have everything arranged for your stay," Bakara said. "Follow me."

The krogan shaman led the way, and the salarian doctors, along with James and Garrus, walked behind them. Wrex stayed behind with his brother on purpose, and they waited until Shepard was alone to speak to her.

"You know Wreav, Shepard," he said.

The Commander nodded her head.

"He's stubborn and we've had many differences over the centuries," Wrex said as his brother gave a disapproving grunt at his side. "We have been talking. After the dispersal of the cure for the genophage, some things have begun to fall into place. For example, our hostility towards the salarians. The other clans have come forward to talk. We are trying to reach a consensus, but it will take time."

Shepard listened attentively and was silently surprised at how friendly Wrex's brother seemed. Her last notion of him had been opposing Mordin's presence the day they had dispersed the cure for the genophage.

"The future of the krogan, the one you gave us, lies not in war, but in rebuilding. If we want to be part of galactic life and have our voice respected, we must learn to cooperate with other species. It has taken me great effort to instill this in the other clans, but little by little, they are seeing the benefits of this plan of action. And our first act is this: To help the drell and hanar people on Kahje. So, if anything should happen to me or Bakara, Wreav will respect this agreement. That's what I wanted to tell you."

Shepard smiled. She offered her hand, and they shook hands warmly.

"Thank you, Wrex. I would expect nothing less from you, my friend," she said with emotion.

"My first order of business will be to feed your drell. He is all bones! How is it that he has earned the reputation of the deadliest assassin in the galaxy with so little muscle mass?"

Shepard let out a laugh, which for a moment lifted the constant heaviness and anxiety on her shoulders.

"One last thing," Wrex said, and walked over to Shepard. "The Reaper that Kalros defeated has unfortunately not discouraged its friends. Tuchanka is not free of Reaper presence, Shepard. You hear it from me first, knowing that you are leaving your drell and his son in our hands."

The Commander tensed her jaw and, lowering her gaze to the ground, nodded silently. Between the Kahje situation and the attack on the Citadel that nearly killed Thane, she hadn't stopped to consider that the Reapers would continue their attack on the krogan planet, even after they'd killed one by summoning the most gigantic worm in the galaxy.

"What's the situation? Can you defend yourselves? Do you need support?" she asked, and immediately the professional tone of the Systems Alliance Commander overcame the anxiety that was gnawing at Jane Shepard's insides at that moment.

"The krogan are thirsty for battle, especially now that we have a future to fight for. We have plenty of troops and ammo. Right now, I have my best companies holding off the Reaper forces in the Kelfic Valley. They won't get near Urdnot, you can be sure of that," Wrex said, and the glint in his big eyes made it clear that he was referring to Thane.

"Take care of him, Wrex. Do it for me and with your life. I beg you, please."

Wrex shook her hand again. That was his way of closing deals and showing affection. They began to walk along with the rest.

"I hope he likes varren meat," he joked.

***

The farewell was brief. Everything had already been said aboard the Normandy. A quick glance around comforted Shepard. Despite being in rubble, the building where the Urdnot clan leader and his companion resided was solid as a fortress. Thick walls meters wide and immense gates as vaulted protections guarded the place. In a section on the lower level, the shaman had set up a makeshift medical station and, separated by a steel wall as a screen, a humble but functional room for Thane, his son, and the salarian doctors. Urdnot Bakara encouraged the scientists and Kolyat to leave the room and give them a moment of privacy. Thane looked around for a support to ease the strain of standing and leaned on the edge of the foot of the bed.

"Give me your hand, Siha," Thane said, stretching out his.

Shepard took it. He embraced her with both of his, as if praying. He closed his eyes and bowed his head.

"Amonkira, lord of hunters, always reveal her enemy, give her speed and precision, lead her on the right path, grant her your unerring sight. Arashu, goddess of motherhood and protector, guard your Siha from all evil. Carry her under your mantle against enemy fire, bless her with your grace and light. Watch over her. Kalahira, goddess of oceans and the afterlife"—Thane swallowed hard and sighed as if barely holding back tears—"if the worst comes to pass, guide her soul to the sea and grant her your forgiveness."

Thane raised his head and opened his eyes. A treacherous tear hung at the corner of his eyes. He blinked once and a single one rolled down his cheek. Shepard looked at him with a bittersweet aftertaste in her mouth. She caught his tear with her thumb and kissed his eyelids. She watched him carefully. He was struggling to stand. The color of his scales hadn't yet returned to its original vigorous green. She scanned the surroundings with her eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. She hated having to leave him here. She was grateful for the Urdnot clan's help, but she hated not being able to stay by his side watching over him. If only the Council had heeded her three years ago and prepared better for the arrival of the Reaper nightmare, they wouldn't be in the current acute situation. She clenched her fists, trying not to explode with outrage.

"Don't delay your departure any longer, Siha," Thane said, and gently stroked her cheek. "Don't worry about me, I'm sure the work of the salarian doctors will soon bear fruit. I will be fine."

She reached over and took his face in both hands. She nestled her fingers in the soft red frills of each cheek and simply kissed him.

"I love you, Thane," she whispered against his lips, and turned away.