AN:/ Special thanks to all who reviewed. Cupcakes for everyone who catches the little Citadel DLC Easter egg I put in this chapter.
Without a doubt, this was the strangest assignment Miranda had ever been given.
"That's… an ingenious idea really. Might even be fun. But how long do you truly expect this to work? Am I supposed to maintain this charade until you've asserted humanity?"
"No, but preferably until the Reapers have been terminated. I realize that could be a long time, but not to worry, Operative Lawson. This is all part of a greater objective, as I'm sure you've suspected. But until circumstances are otherwise, you're on a need-to-know-basis. For now, this assignment is your top priority. Don't fail me."
With that, the Illusive Man disconnected, leaving her in silence.
-xXx-
Miranda returned to her office. She believed that the Illusive Man had humanities best interests at heart, but she didn't like the thought of messing with Shepard's emotions like that. The Commander really didn't deserve that; she had gone to the trouble of rescuing Oriana, had shown genuine care for Miranda and the rest of her squad…
Good. That means she already trusts you. This will be easy.
But if she ever found out, she'd never trust me again.
Miranda sighed. She had to trust the Illusive Man. He was the only one who had never betrayed her; the only one she had ever been able to trust.
-xXx-
Three-and-a-half hours later, she was awoken by EDI's robotically feminine voice.
"Operative Lawson."
"Yes, EDI?"
"As the XO of the ship, I am obligated to inform you of the CO's deteriorating condition"
"Why?" she said, sitting up. "What's wrong with her?"
"The Commander's blood-alcohol content is at 0.4%, and rising. You may wish to check on her, lest she begin to risk serious alcohol poisoning."
"Thank you, EDI. I'm on my way."
-xXx-
Shepard was at the bar when Miranda entered Eternity, half sitting, and half leaning. She was talking to no one in particular, using loud, slurred words.
"You guys got another umbrella? C'mon, I'm Commander freakin'- Shepard! I should be able to get two umbrellas! You know, this bar stool is really soft! It's like… a big fluffy butt pillow! Oh, hey Miranda!"
Miranda grimaced. This was really bad.
"Shepard, we need to get you home."
"Okay, but first let me finish this umbrella drink. It's got two umbrellas! I think… wait, one, two, three…"
The asari behind the bar looked annoyed.
"Just get her out of here before she pukes on my floor!"
Miranda put one of Shepard's arms about her shoulders, and hauled the Commander to her feet. They began walking out of the club, Shepard leaning heavily on her XO.
"Ugh, you know I don't feel so great…"
"Shepard, what on Earth, or Illium, apparently, would possess you to drink like that?"
Shepard's expression went from inebriated to miserably inebriated.
"Nothing. Liara... She didn't even want to talk to me! She doesn't care about me anymore. But you know what? I –hic- I am –hic- totally –hic- over her."
"Clearly."
Shepard then completely passed out, Miranda grunted at the extra dead weight. She looked down at the unconscious woman she was dragging, and felt an unexpected stab of anger at T'Soni for driving the Commander to this behavior.
-xXx-
Shepard was in the restroom most of the next morning. Miranda insisted she see Dr. Chakwas, who happened to have a kick-ass hangover cure.
It wasn't until later that Shepard came to Miranda's office. She looked much better.
"Hey Miranda… I just wanted to thank you bringing me back here last night… and I'm sorry that it was necessary. That won't happen again."
"Of course, Commander. We all have a moment like that. You're only human, after all."
"Yeah… by the way, I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone, particularly the crew, about my, uh, moment."
She smiled warmly.
"No problem, Shepard."
Shepard seemed surprised by the smile, and returned it.
"So, I'll talk to you later."
Shepard left, but she allowed the smile to stay.
-xXx-
From the trading floor window, Liara watched the Normandy fly away. She didn't know if it would ever return. But she couldn't let herself feel sad about that.
