Prologue

Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect, Bioware, or EA games. I have used some of their dialogue, but rearranged it a bit to suit my story line. Thank you Bioware for ME. I will be an eternal fan.

"She's waking up," a female voice broke the silence.

"Are you sure we are ready?" The male did not sound certain.

The female betrayed no emotion, "Ready or not she is waking."

The patient's eyes fluttered, trying to take in her surroundings. Her head hurt and her eyes were slow to focus. A human female came into her vision. Her stark black hair contrasted her flawless porcelain face. The patient's brain registered 'danger' and the human must have noticed. "You are ok. There was an explosion, but you are safe now."

"Where am I?" The patient's voice was raspy and tired. Her eyes blinked several times because it was difficult to make out her surroundings, primarily because one lone light shone above her head. Everything and everyone else seemed to be a shadow. The patient knew she was being scrutinized and did not like feeling vulnerable.

A voice beyond the female responded. "You are in a secure location. We have taken great care to keep you safe and get you here in secrecy." This male sounded older and remained out of sight.

Once again the attractive female spoke as she walked the perimeter of the patient's bed, "Let's not worry about that now. We want to make sure you have regained your strength. How are you feeling?"

"Where are my friends?" The patient believed their concern for her was false and knew things were not as they appeared.

"Most are unharmed." The female took her cue to find a seat at the foot of the bed. The patient could make out her features more clearly. Yes she was attractive, and even without a visible weapon, the patient knew she was deadly.

"Who are you?" The patient tried to sit up but her head was still spinning. She was not sure if it was from the explosion or some type of anesthesia.

"My name is Miranda Lawson." She crossed her legs comfortably.

"Do I know you?" The patient studied Ms. Lawson closely, memorizing every detail.

"No. But we know you. I am sorry that we had to meet under these circumstances." Miranda's gaze remained steady.

The patient squinted her eyes, "Who is 'we'?" Her voice cracked.

"It sounds like your voice is still weak. Perhaps I can offer you some water." Miranda stood and walked out of sight. She returned shortly with a clear glass with clear liquid. The patient contemplated whether or not she should trust the offer, but her thirst was overwhelming. She took the glass and drank deeply at which time Miranda finally answered her last question, "We are Cerberus."

The patient coughed and the glass dropped to the floor. She immediately attempted to call upon her biotics to push the dark haired beauty through the opposite wall. Instead a sharp pain erupted down her arm and she yelled in pain.

"Nice try," a snide remark from yet another shadow in the room.

Miranda shot him a look and he fell silent. She sat back in her seat and returned her attention to the patient, "Please understand we had to take some… precautions and remove any distractions as our time is very limited."

The patient seethed with defiance. "How many guards do you have?"

"Enough. You are safe and so am I." Miranda's tone was convincing.

The patient closed her eyes to regain her composure, her rage bubbling below the surface, "What do you want?"

A young human male anxiously appeared from the shadows to quickly whisper something to Ms. Lawson, who nodded in return. "It seems our time together has run out, so I will make this short. We need to locate something and are in great need of your assistance. Unfortunately we will not be able to discuss this further, at least not right now, so we are leaving you with several OSDs to explain the situation. I hope you trust me when I tell you our 'situation' has a mutual end." Once again the young male appeared and placed several information disks on the table near the patient.

The older male interrupted, "Miranda we are out of time."

Miranda glanced behind her, "I know. I will meet you at the transport." She stood beside the patient and gave her a stern look, "I cannot convey the gravity of the situation. I strongly suggest you study the information."

The older male stepped forward, touched his omnitool and then spoke over his shoulder as he exited, "Your biotic restrictors will release in 15 minutes, in which time we will be in FTL."

"I don't trust anything you say." The patient was defiant.

"I have to leave now," the operative was moving to the exit, "know this, if we wanted you dead, we could have done so on multiple occasions. I am asking you to look over the information and contact us when you are ready to talk again. The fact is, Dr. T'soni, Cerberus needs your help. If you chose to assist us, we will be in your debt. In fact the whole bloody galaxy will be in your debt." Miranda slipped out the exit and out of sight.