AN: It will be short, not another 'book' of a trilogy. It is mostly dialogue, almost no fight action. It merely explores the relationship between Miranda and Trevelyan during the six months in between the games. The 'courting' and how they came to it.
Month 1
When Miranda and Trevelyan left the Normandy's airlock they were practically alone in the dock. Garrus and Tali were still talking to Shepard and the rest of the crew has already managed to disappear into the bowels of the station, going about their own business. In silence they made their way from the docking bay and into Omega proper. The smell was bad as always but the view was admittedly quite impressive. If you didn't squint too hard.
Trev leaned on the railing and after a moment she hummed "Well, what now?"
Miranda glanced in disdain at the railing and refused to touch it even in armor "I am unsure. I have some… acquaintances here that might be able to help us, but their help would not come cheap. Also I have no doubt that the Illusive Man knows about them and probably has issued a nice reward for our capture if not outright elimination"
"Yes, he does seem the possessive type" the templar sighed, "We could contact Liara. I'm sure she could help us. And she does owe us a little bit."
"Yes. Liara."
"You don't like her" Trev said matter-of-factly.
"Not overly, no. And the feeling is completely mutual" the brunette shrugged.
"But her help would be without too many strings attached. And she certainly has no need for TIM's money or favor"
"True"
"So?"
Miranda frowned "You're right. But you be the one to contact her."
The templar shrugged "Alright. But I feel a change in location would be prudent"
"Agreed. Afterlife has booths for privacy"
"Why that doesn't surprise me" Trev said dryly.
"Like Thedas didn't carter to sex"
"Of course it did" the blonde nodded and started walking towards the club.
Miranda smirked "Did you ever go to a brothel?"
"Yes"
"Oho?" the brunette smirked.
"My posting in remote areas as mage-hunter was not conductive to relationships. I got lonely at times"
"What about your teammates?"
"Predominantly male"
"Hm. And brothels carter to both male and female?"
"Indeed. Although the vast majority of the customers were male"
"Interesting. Much of what you say can be translated to Earth's Middle Ages, but some things are most definitely not. Like this for example. The relative freedom of women to do as they please"
"Not always and not everywhere. But yes. Especially as a templar, and thus out of the 'normal' system, no man would dare sniff at the fact I was unmarried. Or a warrior. Naturally not all people were so enlightened as it were, but I personally had little trouble. Mother taught me the disapproving glare™, that helped." Then Trev smiled abruptly "And then there was Cassandra's amazing disgusted snort. Or Leliana's outright killer stare. I remember this one instance when one drunken Ferelden noble made a scene before the Divine during one soirée and got all three at once. Divine Justinia laughed so much when we were out of sight. Even offered me wine despite me being her guard at the time and not long in her service."
Her voice got melancholy at the end which Miranda of course noticed "You miss Thedas."
Trevelyan sighed "Yes. But mostly I miss the good times. Not everything was perfect but it was home. And I sincerely hope we, the Inquisition I mean, managed to kick Corypheus' ass."
"With the 'disgusted snort' and 'killer stare' I believe no other outcome is feasible" the brunette tried to counteract the sudden drop in mood.
The templar chuckled "I'd like to imagine so."
Both women continued in silence which was only disturbed by the general buzzing of the crowds, the occasional thief, the shouts of street vendors.
In front of Afterlife there was a line as usual but the two women strolled in, unbothered. The elcor bouncer didn't even glance their way. Once in the small atrium that people sometimes used to sober up a bit they were met by a batarian guard. He eyed them up and down and then growled "You are called before Aria."
He didn't even wait for a reply and left. Trev turned to the former Cerberus second in command and arched an eyebrow, deferring to her superior knowledge of this universe. Miranda sighed "This can potentially be very good or very bad."
"I guess we'll see" the blonde said and stepped decidedly forward.
They plowed through the dancing crowd, Trev's heavy armor helping matters along quite a bit. Finally they got to the stairs that led to Aria's perch. The turian on guard just eyed them suspiciously but waved them in, having expected them.
Aria was currently being entertained by a stripper that was dancing totally naked on the small table in from of the leather couch. Miranda rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, while Trev smirked – Aria really has mastered the 'I don't give a fuck about you' welcome. Besides, the visual wasn't bad. Only potentially deadly as one brief distracted look could mean getting gunned down by the guards.
"Leave us" Aria said to the stripper that immediately stopped her dance, collected her things and left.
"Aria" Miranda inclined her head minutely in greeting, Trev doing the same.
The pirate queen made a show of getting more comfortable on her couch while pointedly not inviting her guests to sit down "I admit to being pleasantly surprised when the Normandy made its way to my docks again after activating the Omega Four Relay. I take it Shepard's mission was successful?"
"Yes. The Collector base is no more" the brunette shared, not making her reluctance known.
"Good" Aria gave them a dangerous smile, "The Collectors were pests. Much like Cerberus. Did Shepard finally get rid of you, is that why you came alone?"
Miranda just huffed, so Trev decided to answer in her stead. It could only help after all, Aria's opinion on the human-centric group was quite known "Yes, the brief partnership of commander Shepard and the Illusive Man has ended. Coincidentally, miss Lawson here has left Cerberus employ as well."
"Oho?" Aria's smile got wider, "You are smarter that I thought."
"Thanks" the brunette said dryly.
"Don't be like that Lawson," Aria's smile never wavered, only got more amused, "It actually makes me change my plans. I did plan to kill you, you see. I did tell you that Cerberus is unwelcome on my station."
Both human women forced themselves not to stiffen, not to show any reaction. One twitch in their weapon's direction could mean another change of Aria's plans after all. Plus the Game demanded nonchalance.
"What to do, what to do" the asari mused theatrically.
"How about you call that lovely stripper back and let us go about our business?" Trev cocked her head to the side, "We do not plan on staying long."
"Perhaps" Aria smirked, "And who are you? I of course already know our dear miss Lawson."
"Ser Trevelyan"
"Interesting title you carry"
"What is a knight to a queen"
"Could we please get on with it" Miranda asked irritatedly.
Aria chuckled "Prickly. I see that losing your boss has not changed you at all. Very well, you may go. Try not to get in trouble. And keep clear of any Cerberus people you have here, might get into the crossfire." At the last sentence the asari's eyes twinkled in delight at the expected slaughter.
"We'll keep it in mind" the Australian nodded.
"Run along" Aria made a shooing motion, "And do call Valenna back."
Miranda left without another word while Trev took a moment for a minor bow and a borderline cheeky smile.
The two women walked back to the main floor, passing the asari dancer that didn't need any prompting to climb back up. When the deafening music enveloped them again Miranda leaned to the templar's ear "You should've let me handle it."
"She already didn't like you. And we're alive, aren't we?"
"But now she knows that TIM's shielding hand doesn't extend to us"
"Like she would be concerned about that"
"She is. She doesn't need an overt enemy in the Illusive Man"
"I think the meeting went well. She only wanted the information about our mission. We are not that interesting for her to do something and we have established we are not part of the Game"
"We're not in Thedas" Miranda snapped.
"You're going to tell me there is no Game going on here?" Trev arched her eyebrow incredulously.
The brunette sighed "There is. But one markedly different. Please let me handle thing here."
"As you wish"
"Well, except T'Soni. You're doing that one"
Trev's eyes narrowed "I shall. But I would very much appreciate less bossiness."
"When we get to a safe place, you can do whatever you want but I would appreciate if you let me lead for now"
"Miranda, are you scared?" Trevelyan's frown eased.
"Of course not" the woman scoffed, "But I will admit to some unease. We probably already have some Cerberus operatives after us."
"I'd say TIM would be more interested in the remains of the Collector Base"
"Getting there will take time, we are easy pickings"
"He wishes"
Miranda chuckled "Indeed."
The former Cerberus operative ended her vid-call with a heavy sigh, more relieved than she would ever admit. Contacting admiral Hackett was a bit of a gamble but everything she knew about the man was he would be at least receptive even if understandingly suspicious. Still, she had bought them some good-will and maybe some respite from her former colleagues that might have them in their sights. The fact they had not been attacked yet was making her uneasy. After all, no one really quit Cerberus. Most often they were 'retired'.
When Trev that had been present during the conversation with the aged admiral, but not visible to him, didn't comment Miranda took it upon herself "So? What do you think?"
"I sincerely hope your information is still good" Trevelyan said after a while, "One would think TIM would take precautions."
"These aren't projects that you can just pack up and go" the brunette shook her head, "Besides, the best precaution would be to simply kill us and continue normal operations."
"True. I think we can thank Liara for not having Cerberus people knocking on our door"
"Humph"
"And of course your knowledge of Cerberus operations. Naturally" Trev's severe expression finally melted into an impudent smirk.
"Naturally" Miranda huffed.
"We will be less dependent on her once we get a ship"
"Yes, the one she has told us about and we can steal during an assignment she has sent us on" the brunette said bitterly.
"We need it"
"I might be able to get one too"
Trev gave her friend a reproachful glare "It's not a pissing contest."
"Humph"
"We're fugitives in a sense" the blonde reminded, "We should be glad to have such resources available to us.
"True" Miranda said through clenched teeth.
As the companiable silence stretched the brunette sighed once more "How come you are so zen about this?"
"Zen?"
"Calm, at peace, etc"
Trev hummed and seemed to ponder this for a while "Well, it is not exactly new for me. I had been thrown into this universe and I knew nothing. Had nothing. And had to rely on strangers to help me without even knowing their intentions. Of course I grew comfortable after a while, especially since I ascertained you are the proverbial 'good guys'."
"Of course. I.. well, actually forgot" Miranda made an awkward motion that might signalize embarrassment.
"You know, sometimes I do as well. But then I can't seem to find the damn light switch and I'm reminded I used to use torches and candles"
"It's a wonder you got used to all this so fast"
"Some things are quite convenient"
"Is that why you are glued to the tv screen?" Miranda smirked.
"It's educational" Trev defended.
"The Chronicles of Blasto?"
"Shepard is a Spectre"
"It's not a documentary" the brunette laughed.
Trev's eyes twinkled "I don't know, we did a lot of jumping while things exploded behind us, been on timer, defused bombs, saved damsels in distress, fought nefarious plots. It was all quite dramatic."
"True" Miranda shook her head in fond exasperation, "I wouldn't be surprised they made a vid about the Saren hunt and the Collector run. The director might even cut back on some scenes as they would be far too improbable."
"Shepard would love that" the templar chuckled, "If the lead actress would pass muster that is. Shep can be picky."
"Oh yes. And you weren't there when she was picking out her armor at the start of the mission. She didn't want to wear the one we provided, even if it was the genuine N7 article. Oh no. You should've seen the scene. She can be a primadonna"
"I imagine she did it for the sole purpose of pissing you off"
"I know that. It was what pissed me off even more"
Trevelyan laughed "I can picture it quite clearly. Even the pout when you didn't react and the glee when you finally did."
Miranda arched an eyebrow "Who says I gave her the satisfaction?"
"She is quite proficient in getting uder people's skins"
"In other words an insufferable git"
"Might work"
A muffled beeping sound interrupted the conversation, an alert on Miranda's omnitool. The brunette frowned and checked it immediately. The she frowned even more.
"What is it?" Trev asked in worry, "Is it Oriana?"
A small smile flashed on the brunette's face at the mention of her sister but that immediately disappeared in lieu for more worry "Shepard. Turn on the news since you're so proficient with the tv."
The noble didn't comment on the small jab and complied, waiting to know what was wrong without delay. She took two tries to find a news broadcast but soon the headlines of the Alpha Relay exploding, taking with it Khar'Shan and most of the batarian population.
"Why you think Shepard?" Trev frowned.
"Hacked her omnitool ages ago"
"So what happened?"
"I don't know exactly but I know Hackett sent her on a mission when the ground team left. Somehow it ended in this"
"That's not good"
"No" Miranda said gravely, "But she will handle it."
"Will she?" Trev bit her lip in worry for her friend.
"Oh please, she's commander fuckin' Shepard"
The Cerberus assassins arrived soon enough. At this point it was almost a relief to encounter them. In a nice change of pace they didn't even target them while there were civilians around and didn't make a scene. It was all very 'from the shadows' and rather clean.
Well, before. After the assassins could only be taken out of the alley with a garden hose. Miranda and Trev were very prepared.
"Well, that went well enough" Miranda commented on the mess.
"Hm. I think I like this cryo option" Trev hummed in agreement, now studying her omnitool.
"Better than incinerate, that's for sure" the brunette said in disinterest, looking around the corner to gauge if it was truly over or if they were seen. Assuming the assassins took care of any surveillance, the duo would be good to go. As such they left in just enough hurry not to be suspicious.
Once they were far enough and relatively secure in their safety Miranda spoke again "That one had a barrier and you didn't drain it."
"Yes"
"Why?" the tone wasn't accusatory, merely probing.
Trev shrugged but the motion felt forced "I wasn't sure if I'd be able to drain it in time. The rifle was faster."
Miranda's eyes narrowed "Since when?"
The templar was hesitant but replied calmly enough "Since a little bit. My powers are waning you see."
Miranda was taken aback but then she noticed her friend's stance and hummed in realization tinged with bitterness "You expected it."
"I did. It was inevitable" Trev said, her jaw tight.
"Did Chakwas know? Did Mordin?"
"I think Mordin suspected, but no, I don't think so"
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"That's obvious" Trev uncharacteristically snorted.
Miranda nodded at that – it had been obvious but that didn't mean she didn't feel a bit betrayed. They were friends but the shadow of Cerberus would forever loom over them no matter how close they got. Shaking that off she decided to focus on the science part of the conversation "There was some unknown element in your blood, was that what gave you your powers?"
"No. Or maybe in part. But it is, was, important for keeping the power viable. I guess hoping you didn't find it was naïve. Did you manage to reproduce it?"
"I don't think so. I know that TIM tried but as far as I know he didn't succeed. And the samples we took also tended to disintegrate rather quickly so"
Trevelyan gave a strained yet relieved smile "Good. How many 'samples' did Cerberus have?"
"Not too many, just what I could take from Chakwas" Miranda shrugged unrepentantly – it had been her job then.
The templar nodded to herself "Well, that seems to be the last samples of lyrium in this universe then."
"Lyrium?" the brunette mouthed, sounding the name.
"Yes. I am very sure it doesn't exist here, and reasonably sure it can't be reproduced. You simply don't have the Fade and the magic" Trev was being purposefully vague. Not that she had a firm grasp just what lyrium was in any case. Some people said it was remains of giants and some such nonsense. Nobody was really sure. And if there was somebody, they weren't sharing. It wasn't important now anyway.
Miranda hummed in interest "Well, as things stand maybe it's better that way. I wouldn't like the next hit squad to deprive me of my biotics the way you did during our spars"
"Yes"
They continued in silence, getting back to their ship and away from the murder scene. It had been self-defense of course, but they still would get detained as this was a civilized planet, and they would be easy targets for any more assassins.
After a while Trevelyan spoke once more, her tone a bit sheepish "I apologize about keeping it from you. I was…"
"Afraid" Miranda nodded, "I know. I really do understand."
"I still feel sad about having done it even if I don't regret it" Trev shook her head, "And if you counting on my Smite while in battle would cause injury I would be devastated."
"That's sweet" the brunette chuckled genuinely, "And don't worry, I do understand. I did do many bad things while in the Cerberus' employ. Deceiving and handing off an asset wouldn't have been uncommon. Yet… not only there are bigger thing to handle such as reapers but you have become quite close."
Trev smiled a bit sadly "That is quite sweet as well."
"I do not have friends you see," Miranda continued unprompted, "I could never trust anyone enough. Only Niket and you know how that ended. Everybody could betray me, spy on me, report on me, use me. I never let anyone close. But then Shepard happened and you know how persistent she can be. And with her came others. I can count you as my friend because I know without a shadow of a doubt that you do not mean me harm and you are loyal and kind. I find myself wishing you could say that about me as well."
"You are a friend" the templar protested mildly.
"Yet you do not trust me" Miranda shrugged, putting up one hand to halt any protest, "And it is the smart thing to do. If you did I would call you a fool and would not bother with you."
"That is less sweet" Trev smirked, trying to lighten the mood.
"What can I say" the sentinel smirked right back.
AN: A slow start - can't have them jump in bed right away, Trev is a genlewoman :-)
AN2: This story is definitely an ongoing project but it won't get updated with my usual regularity. Right now I am focusing on finishing 'Stand Before the Wicked' so this one will get less attention for the time being. Oh, and of course if anyone has some idea concerning this or has some scene you want to see please write it in the reviews. Thanks!