"I understand that you and Commander Shepard are becoming quite… how should I say it… close."

Miranda was taken aback. She wasn't surprised that he knew, but surprised that he would mention it. "I can assure you that any relationship the Commander and I may or may not have will not affect my duties" she said.

The Illusive Man held up his hand to stop her protest. "I'm not accusing you of anything, Miranda. You're my best operative. I trust that you'll do whatever is necessary to complete your assignment. I've always trusted that you wouldn't let personal matters interfere with our operations. However, given your relationship with Shepard, I need to make it clear that he must not be made aware of our involvement in Project Hephaestus under any circumstances."

Miranda's thoughts turned to the last time she had kept a secret from someone close to her. Niket had paid for her decision with his life. "Sir, Shepard is quite resourceful. Given his access to Cerberus databases it's possible that he may discover the information on his own. It may be better for him to hear it from Cerberus directly."

He idly tapped his cigarette on his ashtray. "I've taken the necessary precautions to prevent that from happening. Do you believe that telling Shepard would be in the best interests of the mission? Or are you developing a conscience on me?"

Miranda gave no answer.

"Operative Lawson, I'm sure I don't need to remind you of all that Cerberus has done for you. Of all that we've done for your sister."

Miranda's eyes narrowed. "You leave Oriana out of – "

"You know that I would never harm your sister in any way. Like you, she's an example of the best that humanity has to offer. I'm merely saying that it would be… unfortunate if certain individuals were to learn her location. Especially after all you and Shepard did to ensure her safety."

He paused to take a long drag on his cigarette.

"Miranda, you believe in Cerberus. You believe in what we're doing. You know that we can't risk any complications that could threaten the mission. And you know as well as I do that if Shepard knew the truth of Cerberus' involvement – your involvement – in the research on Akuze, it would threaten the mission."

He extinguished his cigarette. "The fate of every human being in the galaxy rests on Shepard. He cannot be compromised in any way. Do you understand?"

"Perfectly."

"I knew that you would. That will be all." He pressed a button and his office faded from view, replaced by the briefing room of the Normandy.

Miranda tried to collect her thoughts. The Illusive Man was right – she did believe in Cerberus. They'd taken her in when she was on the run from her father, even though it meant losing his substantial financial backing. They'd given her sister the normal life that Miranda never had. They were the only ones willing to make hard choices for the good of humanity. While the Alliance was mired in politics and bureaucracy, and the Council was unconcerned with "purely human issues," Cerberus was taking action.

Still, doubts had begun to creep in. There had been missions she'd found distasteful in the past, but she'd always been able to separate her personal feelings from her duties… until Project Lazarus. She'd dedicated two years of her life to bringing Shepard back from the dead, and she couldn't help but take an interest in him. After seeing him in action she was even more intrigued, but still tried to keep their relationship strictly professional.

It was when he helped rescue Oriana from Eclipse mercenaries that he'd finally won her over. She'd found herself trusting him in spite of herself, and without him she never would have been able to save her sister. She considered him a friend now – her only friend, with Niket gone – and lately she'd caught herself hoping they could be more. Ever since they'd kissed…

Don't be stupid, Miranda.

As she exited the room, Shepard was waiting for her. Her pulse quickened. Did he hear any of that?

A part of her wished that he had. It was clear from the wry smile on his face that he hadn't. That damn smile, she thought.

"Going behind my back to the Illusive Man, Ms. Lawson?" he asked.

"Not at all, Shepard. He wanted to… give me an update on my sister's relocation. He's always taken a personal interest in Oriana's well-being." At least it was a half truth, she thought. It was a small comfort, considering that she had just lied to the only man she'd ever cared for. "I wouldn't –"

"I thought you'd be able to tell when I was teasing by now" he said with a laugh. Miranda stammered for a moment, and her face began to turn a faint shade of red.

"I haven't seen you flustered before" he chuckled. "I didn't think it was possible."

She regained her composure, although his flirting made her smile in spite of herself. "This isn't the time, Shepard. We have to get Grunt down to the surface before he tears the cargo hold apart. I'll meet you in the shuttle bay." She turned and walked away down the corridor.

"And I told you to stop smiling, dammit!"

As she left, Shepard thought back to their first meeting. He'd woken up on the Project Lazarus operating table and been conscious for a few moments before the sedative kicked in. He remembered his confusion, wondering if he was alive or dead. He remembered the searing pain from wounds that hadn't yet healed, which told him he was very much alive. He remembered a brief glimpse of her face before he passed out, and how he'd been utterly amazed by her beauty.

A voice behind him interrupted his memories. "Shepard. Grunt's condition deteriorating. Becoming more violent. Not enough sedative in med bay. Need to get down to Tuchanka as quickly as possible."

"I'll be right there, Mordin." He headed for the armory to gear up, still smiling.