Disclaimer: I do not in any way, shape, or form, own the world of Mass Effect, and I am not profiting from this fan fiction...

Chapter Three

Sweat ran down Eve's grimy face, stinging her eyes, causing her to rub her brow with the back of a dirty hand, and she regretted not taking back her red bandanna from the marine. Leaning on the pitchfork she held, Shepard surveyed her handy work. Eight horse stalls, four to her left and four to her right, sparkled as brightly as well-used stalls could. Stretching her sore back, a weary sigh of relief burst from the girl. Hearing the sound, one horse turned, and studied Shepard as it chewed on a bit of fresh hay.

"Your welcome.." Eve stated sarcastically.

Five days ago she had lost the bet with Ethan...


Stammered in shock, Eve exclaimed... "Y-You had sex? Sex!... You!... No way!" So many questions raced through her head, and she had trouble keeping them from spilling out, all at once. "Where... Why did... W-Who is sh... W-What's her... Do I know..." Ethan laughed long and hard, ginning victoriously, causing Shepard to slam her face into her palm, as the realization washed over her like ice water. She'd just lost their wager.

Once he'd regained his composure, he said, "Ah... it's gonna be soooo nice not having to shovel horse crap for a week!"

"That wasn't a fair bet... you knew there was no way I'd be able to keep quiet!" Shepard's despairing entreaty fell on deaf ears.

"Don't care... bet's a bet, and you know it." he stated unsympathetically.

Eve wanted to be mad at him, this was big, huge, and he'd kept it to himself for months, but she was filled with unanswered questions, as well as guilt over her own intent to hide something from him. A shyness overcame her and she asked timidly, "What was it like?" Ethan lay on the stone slab, head resting on his arms, face turned to the sky, and Eve was unsure if it was from the sun's light, or the blissful expression on his face, but her brother seemed to glow, and she'd never seen Ethan so happy.

"It was awesome." he said dreamily.

"Come on... you know that's not what I meant." she said, nudging him and smiling in-spite of the frustratingly inadequate explanation.

He chuckled, and grinned. "I know..."

"Well?"

Sighing, Ethan sat up and turned to his sister, readying himself for the ensuring interrogation. "It was... intense... I'm not really sure how to describe it." he shrugged.

"Did you know what was going to happen.. I mean... when you left with her?"

"Yeah." he nodded.

"Were you nervous?" she asked, her face filled with wonder.

"Hell yeah!" he laughed, causing her to smile.

"What about Ben and the others? Did they know?"

"Who do you think talked me into going with her in the first place?" Ethan said with a sly grin.

Shocked. Eve's eye widened with disbelief, and she shook her head. "They encouraged you?"

"Well... she was smokin' hot... and... she came on to me." Her brother suddenly blushed, and Eve, reading his face like a book, knew there was more."

"Spill it, lover boy..." she teased.

"W-When I realized she was serious... I... I kinda... I chickened out..."

"And?"

"...Ben, and the sarge gave me a pep talk..."

"A pep talk?" she shook her head in confusion. "What did they say?"

"Guy stuff..."

"Guy stuff?"

"Yeah..."

"Like what?"

"Like guys stuff..."

Eve fell back and groaned loudly in aggravation. This was going no where so she moved on, "Did it hurt?"

"No... it felt... amazing."

"No you idiot... Did it hurt her?"

Ethan laughed, "No... but it wasn't her first time." Again a blush colored his cheeks, but this time it was even more acute than before.

"Spit it out..." Eve said.

Obviously embarrassed, her brother was unable to meet her gaze, but he continued anyway. "It didn't hurt her, but..." he paused, struggling to finish. Eve could see his turmoil, but she could also tell he wanted to talk about it. Scooting over to her nervous brother, Shepard sat with her back resting against his, and she reached behind, taking his hand, giving it an encouraging squeeze. The twins had made a ritual of this position. Anytime they needed to talk, but were to mad or embarrassed to face the other, they would sit back to back, like a pair of bookends. "Thanks..." he said. Eve didn't need to see his relieved smile to know it was there. Shepard waited, knowing her brother would eventually pick up where he'd left off, when he was ready. A couple minutes passed before he finally spoke. "She asked me to... pull her hair... hard... so I suppose that hurt, but she liked it ."

Letting go of his hand, Eve slapped both of hers over her gaping mouth, and she tried to suppress the twitish squeal threatening to burst out, but a muffled exuberant cry escaped anyway, and she said, "Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God..." Ethan's amusement was apparent, when she felt his body shake, and heard his laughter echoed across the meadow. Eventually, she calmed herself, and commanded, breathlessly, "Tell me everything!"

The twins spent the next hour back to back, as Ethan divulged the details of his first carnal encounter, and answered his inquisitive sister's questions. When he finished and Eve had sat quietly for several minutes, Ethan said. "Your turn." and Shepard's shoulders sagged. "Come on sis... you promised. What happened yesterday... why were you acting so weird?"

"I met someone..."

"Who?"

"A guy..."

"Daniel?" Ethan asked. That would have explained a lot. Last year, Daniel Devereux's family had moved to the planet, and the new guy and Eve had hit it off big time. They were an item for about a month, until Lidiya opened her big mouth. The vindictive girl had told Dan about the incident with Alex. After that, Daniel had distanced himself from his sister, never explaining why, just turning cold on her over night, and it had hurt Eve deeply. Ethan was the one who finally found out what happened, and it fell on him to enlighten his devastated twin as to the reasons for her boyfriend's sudden rejection.

"No, it wasn't Daniel, it was... a soldier." Shepard said, and could feel the tension in her brother's back increase.

"Did he hurt you?" Ethan's voice betrayed his barely restrained temper.

"No... so calm down, no one hurt me." she said reassuringly.

"Then why were you so, weird?" he asked doubtfully.

"Because I didn't know what to think... or... how to feel about it... I still don't." she whispered.

It was his turn to be frustrated with her answers, and Ethan groaned, giving voice to his annoyance. "Start making sense! Think and feel about what?"

Again, they sat in silence, one waiting, while the other gathered the strength and courage to speak. At last, Shepard began, and she started from the beginning. She talked of how the marine had made her feel, the strange instant attraction, the repulsion she wanted to feel but couldn't, the humiliation she'd brought on herself, and the desire to see him as vulnerable as he made her. Eve recounted the whole affair, their kissing, her boldness, the way they had toyed with one another, everything, and she finished with how confused and frightened she was by her own feelings, and how she had been too embarrassed by it all to say anything. A warm hand grasped hers, and Shepard let out a heavy sigh and began to cry softly, overcome by her pent up emotions. Concerned for his sister, Ethan moved to face her, placing his hands on her shoulders, searching her face. Instead of the hurt expression he'd expected to see, he found a reassuring smile instead. "I'm such a baby!" Eve said, wiping her eyes and laughing. "Thanks Ethan... I didn't know how bad I needed to get that out."

"What's a brother for?" he asked, trying to keep the mood light, but Eve could tell by his expression, he was troubled, and he asked, "What's this guy's name?"

"Why?" Eve didn't like where this line of questioning was headed.

Ethan's face became unreadable, "Because I wanna know."

"You never told me that woman's name." Eve stated flatly. Still a bit superstitious, she wasn't sure she wanted to say his name out loud, plus, she was afraid she knew what her twin was up to.

"Her name doesn't matter, you don't know her, she's not even from Mindoir, but if it'll get you to talk... her name is Ishani."

"Tell me why you wanna know so bad." she demaned, still reluctant.

"Do you like this guy?" he asked.

"Huh?" she was confused by his change in question.

"I wanna know if you like him."

Blushing and fidgeting, she looked at her hands and said quietly, "I don't know..."

"Oh come on Eve, be honest... after all you just told me, you must have some idea." She sat in-front of him, struggling silently, searching for the answer to his question. Seeing the genuine indecision pass over her face, he asked instead, "Tell me this... Do you wanna see him again?"

Eve's head snapped up, and without hesitation she said, "Yes."

"Okay, then tell me his name." Ethan's expression was serious.

"Tell me why..." she demanded stubbornly.

"Because somebody needs to check up on this guy, make sure he's not some psycho!" Ethan exclaimed.

Her brother's protectiveness brought a smile to her face. "And you think you're the one to look in on him, huh?" she said and chuckled.

"No... but the sarge can..." Ethan insisted. "...so tell me."

"What would you tell him?" she asked in dismay.

"I'd give him the guy's name and ask if he's okay or not. That's all."

"...and if the sarge wants to know why?" she asked sarcastically.

"I guess I'd just say I knew someone interested in the guy, but I wouldn't tell Sarge it was you."

"No way!" she said, crossing her arms.

"You have to tell me..." he insisted.

"No way, it's too humiliating!" she pleaded.

"If you don't, I have to tell Ben, I won't say anything to Dad, but Eve... I will tell Ben."

"You wouldn't dare." she said, in shocked disbelief.

"Someone needs to check the guy out! Your my sister and I'm not gonna just let some asshole take advantage of you! I know Dad would blow a gasket and overreact, but Ben wouldn't, and he'll find out who this guy is if you don't tell me. So just tell me."

She didn't want to reveal his identity, but she didn't want Ben getting involved even more. Glaring angrily at Ethan, she reluctantly said, "Fine... his name... is... Jake."

"Jake what?"

"Jake O'Malley." she said, causing Ethan to sit back stunned, mouth gaping, and utterly speechless. Eve's face crinkled with concern, "You know him?" and her amazement grew when he mutely nodded. "You know him! Oh my God, for how long?"

"Since last year... the sarg..."

"The sarge! Are you telling me that guy you've been mooning over all year is Jake O'Malley!"

"I haven't been mooning over anyone, and yeah Sgt. Jake O'Malley... that's his name." Ethan said defensively.

Burying her face in her hands, she kept repeating, "I'm so stupid, I'm so stupid..." as realization dawned and she understood just how acutely her disadvantage had been yesterday. Shaking her head in denial, she remembered the times he'd come home with her brothers. The marine had even been invited to dinner a time or two, but soldiers, politics, talk of tactics and militia business had held no interest for her. Shepard had begged her parents, on those evenings he came to dinner, to be allowed to retreat to Beth's house, and they had consented. She'd only actually spoke with the sarge once, but he'd worn a cap and sun glasses, so she'd never gotten a good look at his face. The other times Eve had seen him had been from a distance, and she'd either been to busy with chores, or to excited about seeing her best friend to notice the big marine.

"You didn't know it was him?" Ethan asked in bewilderment.

She shook her head mutely.

"How the hell could you not have known, you've met him, he's eaten with us!"

"I didn't know, I swear! I never paid any attention when he came around. You guys fawned over him like he was some superstar or something and it made me sick... I just ignored him, so.. so yesterday I didn't recognize who he was."

Ethan looked confused. "I don't get it."

"What?" she asked.

"Sarge, why'd he hook up with you like that? It doesn't make any sense."

"What are you trying to say?" she asked, eyes narrowing to a glare.

"Well, you're not exactly his type." he stated plainly.

"Oh yeah? Well enlighten me." she spat back.

"For one thing, he likes older women... if you know what I mean." Ethan said with crooked grin.

"Yeah... older than him, I get it." she said, a touch of disappointment coating her words.

"No that's not what I meant, older, as in more experienced." he said, causing her to blush, and he added impishly, "Sarge says we guys should avoid getting tangled up with girls like you."

"Girls like me? What the hell is that supposed to mean?" she asked angrily, not liking being refereed to as a 'girl'.

"It means steer clear of virgins..." Eve's crimson face made him chuckle and he added, "Sarge says they're nothn' but trouble."


Bright light assaulted Shepard's eyes as she exited the dim barn. Stalls clean and all other chores complete, Eve went into the house, took a shower and changed. As she sat upon her bed, braiding her hair, her omni-tool began to beep. Sliding the device on, she opened the UI and found an incoming message from Beth.

Are you on your way yet?

I'm leaving in a few minutes.

This is gonna be so great... I can't wait!

See you in a half-hour, I'll meet you outside the pub.

Ethan popped his head in the room, and exclaimed impatiently, "Come on Eve, hurry up!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" she said.

Today was Founder's Day, the anniversary of the first settlers arrival on Mindoir, and the locals were celebrating in Devak's Ford at dusk. The Shepard farm lay on the very fringe of the colony, many miles from the primary city and space port, but the outpost of Devak's Ford lay only eight miles away. One of many settlements, 'The Ford' was the smallest, newest and most remote town in the colony, but closest to Eve's home. The outpost was dominated by a branch of the ExoGeni corporation, who's six story office building, laborer's barracks, small but affluent residential area, equipment garages, and warehouses, made up the majority of buildings. New construction was taking place as well, by a company called Sirta Foundation, a biomedical firm, who were currently excavating an underground research laboratory in the isolated town. Scattered about the outpost were many of the, modular prefab buildings, used when the place had first been settled, all jury rigged into new uses, such as homes, a school, a bar, and a supply depot. This afternoon, everyone in the area would be drifting into the tiny town, but the party wouldn't really start until sunset, and there would be feasting, dancing, singing and fireworks until late in the night.

James, Hannah and Ruth stood in the yard waving good-bye, as the family's rover headed down the dusty road. The drive into town didn't take long, and soon enough, the Shepard kids piled out, everyone heading in different directions. Eve made her way to the little pub and scanned about, looking for her friend. When she finally spied her, Shepard yelled, "Beth!" but the girl couldn't hear Eve over the loud music, blasting from the pub's open shutters. Shepard cupped her hands around her mouth and cried again, "Beth!" then began waving, trying to get her friend's attention, and this time it worked. The little redhead made her way to Shepard and the two girls retreated from the noisy bar, heading instead to the steps of the huge ExoGeni offices across the street. The building's courtyard was recessed from the sidewalk, and a perfect place to chat and people watch, without being seen themselves.

"How've ya been?" Eve asked, as the girls sat down at the top of the stairs.

"Pretty good... What about you? I haven't heard from you since market day."

Sighing, Shepard said, "I've been better, seems like everything I say or do lately blows up in my face."

"Ah, you poor thing." Beth said sympathetically. "What've you done that's so bad?"

"Well... my latest disaster, was loosing a bet to Ethan."

"Oh no! What's he got you doing?"

"Mucking out his share of the stables, but thankfully I only have a couple days left."

"That's good then?" Beth asked hopefully.

"Yeah, I just need to figure a way to get him back." Eve shared a scheming smile with her friend.

The two girls perched upon the steps, talking, until late afternoon turned to dusk, and Eve was beginning to relax, thankful Beth hadn't remembered the incident with the marine on market day, but as always, her friend's topic of conversation eventually turned to the opposite sex.

"Luis Herrera has come to work for my father." Beth said dreamily. "He's so cute!"

"You think every guy is cute Beth!" Eve said, and gave the girl a playful nudge.

"Well don't you think he is?"

Eve shrugged, "I never thought about it... guess he's okay."

"Okay! He's more than okay!" Beth yelled with simulated outrage.

The sudden appearance of two SA marines, strolling down the street drew Beth's attention. "Did you hear? There's a squad of soldiers stationed in town now..." as Beth spoke, her eyes followed the male recruit, and envy of his female partner, shown on the redhead's face.

"No I hadn't heard... I wonder why?"

"I don't know... but my Dad says there are about ten of them."

"Strange, must be some kind of training exercise, they probably wont be around long." Eve speculated.

"Don't say that! I hope they're here all season... Wouldn't it be wonderful?" the petite girl asked dreamily.

"Sure, if you say so." Shepard said.

The dreamy expression on Beth's face suddenly transformed to one of ecstatic delight, and she turned on Eve, pulling her friend's arm excitedly. "Looooook, Eve... it's him!" Smiling, amused by her friend's agitated state, Shepard expected to see one of Beth's many 'loves', but what she saw, when she turned, was Jake O'Malley.

Immediately Shepard's face went crimson, "Shhh, Beth..." she said, hoping the soldier hadn't noticed Beth's outburst. The courtyard suddenly felt too open, and Shepard glanced about, looking for cover, but before she could move, the sergeant had walked out of view. Sighing with relief, Eve knew she was safe, he hadn't seen them.

"Hey! You never told me what happened the other day. " Beth said as soon and the marine was gone.

Looking at Beth, Shepard realized there was no getting out of it now, so she retold the story, an edited version of what she'd told Ethan, but even the abridged account had the redhead quivering with elation. Eve could see the barrage of questions just waiting to explode from Beth, and she laughed, remembering her own reaction to her brother's confession. For the next half hour Sheppard endured her friend's bombardment, with amusement.

"I can't believe you didn't recognize him, and I can't believe you'd prefer my house over dinner with him! Are you crazy? I'm sorry Eve, but if a guy that sexy comes to my house for dinner, slaver's couldn't drag me away!" Shepard laughed loudly at the comical scene her friend's comment produced in her mind. "So what's he like?" Beth asked.

"I don't know..."

"What do you mean you don't know?"

"Like I said, I haven't a clue. I always got the heck out there when he came around, and ignored everything my brothers said about him."

"We should go find him." Beth said grinning at Shepard.

"No way."

"Why not? Aren't you curious about him?"

"Well, yeah, but..."

"...but what?"

"I'm waiting for the right moment, that's what. It has to be perfect." she said in an attempt to sway Beth away from the idea. The thought of running into Jake, talking to him, both excited and terrified Eve. Once more, she hated herself for feeling so conflicted, but the fear of facing him ignited the stubborn pride within Shepard. I'm not a coward... she thought, trying to convince herself it was so, but when it came to Jake O'Malley, deep down she wasn't sure it was true.

"I don't get it... why isn't now perfect? We just saw him pass by!"

"Because... don't you see? He was such a jerk that day. He knew I didn't recognize him and he let me go on and on, and I made a complete fool of myself. It was just a game to him... I have to have the upper hand next time. He has to be the one without a clue."

Beth shook her head in disappointment, "Your crazy... I think you should just go find him."

Shepard looked up at the darkening sky, "Well that ain't happening. Besides, we need to get to the field, the fireworks are gonna start soon."

Rising from the steps, the girls made their way back to the street, intending to join Beth's family, but Eve changed her mind when she saw her twin down a side street. Knowing Beth had an enormous crush on her brother, Shepard suggested, "There's Ethan. I'm gonna get him, but you go on ahead, your mother is probably wondering where we are."

Beth's face lit with delight, "Okay! See you guys in a few minutes."

Walking up the street, Eve realized her brother didn't see her. He was leaning on the corner of an adobe bunkhouse, his back turned toward her, and he was talking to someone out of Eve's sight, so Shepard approached with stealth, wanting to give her twin a scare. Moving within arm's reach, unnoticed, she attacked, grabbing his shoulders firmly, shaking, and shouting, "Ethan!" Shepard's surprise caused him and his friends to jump, and her brother gave a startled yelp. Eve laughed until tears rolled down her cheeks and the boys glared at first, but soon enough were laughing along with her.

"I... I got y-you good!" she said, pointing and laughing.

"Damn it Eve, you almost gave me a heart attack." Ethan said.

"Ah poor baby, that's what you get for making unfair bets... and what are you guys skulking around back here for?" They all had expressions that looked to Eve like they'd been caught with their hands in the cookie jar. "Spit it out guys... what's up?"

The group all looked at one another, then looked at Ethan, who sighed and said, "We were just talking..."

"About what?"

"We heard there's going to be a party, at the top of the ExoGeni office, it's supposed to start when the fireworks do."

"Who's bright idea was this?" Eve asked with suspicion.

"Takashi Nakamura... he's got a pass-card and was the one who invited us."

"Where'd he get a security card?" Eve asked bewildered, but intrigued by the idea of watching the show from the tall building.

"Where do you think..." Ethan said.

"Lidiya..." Eve said with disappointment. Takashi was the newest kid in school, had only been on-planet three months, and everyone liked him, but the teen hadn't learned the ways of the beautiful, yet spiteful snake in their midst.

"Yep..." Ethan said, "...Lidiya..."

"Your telling me she invited a farm laborer's kid... to a party she's throwing?"

"Yeah... we figure she's up to something, but man it'd be cool to watch from up there." Ethan said obviously tempted by the idea.

"You're right, she's just trying to cause trouble." Eve thought, She knows Takashi is gullible, he'd believe her, and he'd invite the rest of us. What is she up to? Smiling widely, Shepard said, "I have a better plan... Beth's mom has a huge feast set up and we're all invited to watch the show with them." Mrs. Harris's cooking was famous throughout the sector, and the boys disappointment turned to smiles. The group made their way to the open field, found the Harris clan, and joined them as the stars began to come out. Everyone was happily eating and drinking when the fireworks began, but Eve was troubled, and looked in the direction of the big six story office. Movement caught her eye, and she saw Takashi head down an alley beside the tall building. Unnoticed by the group, Shepard started across the field, as the lights flashed in the sky above, and she thought, I have to stop him... he's just going to get into trouble... Lidiya probably stole a security card... if he gets caught with it he's dead meat! Giving a stolen security card to the boy, then turning him in once he was inside, was just the malicious kind of thing Lidiya would do, and Eve figured her nemesis was hoping to get a few of the settler's kids in trouble too. Reaching the alley, Eve saw a side entrance fifty yards down the building, but the door was closing. Dang it! Running, she didn't make it to the door in time, so she touched the control command button, but nothing happened. Banging on the sealed portal, Shepard yelled, "Takashi! Hey Takashi... you need to get outa there!" but she received no answer. Concerned for her classmate, Eve paced and chewed on a fingernail in concentration. What am I gonna do? she thought and her eyes fell on her omni-tool.

Computers, programing, and hacking had been Eve's reading obsession when she'd gotten the high-tech device, and Shepard's best subject in school was computer science. Since getting the tool she'd written programs for herself and friends, learned how to hack into basic systems, and manipulate electronics. Shepard had used this new found knowledge in the war with Lidiya, by remotely hacking the girl's data pad, downloading her diary and posting the most embarrassing entries anonymously on the extranet, as revenge for the Daniel situation. Lidiya suspected Eve was the person responsible, but the girl had no prof. Looking at the sealed door, Eve switched on her omni-tool and examined the lock. Frowning, she realized it was to difficult and complex for her, so she stood back and scanned the building. Two stories up, she saw a balcony, so she focused her scan on it. Smiling, she was pleased to discover the door above wasn't locked, but had a security alarm sensor. Fingers flying over her holographic keyboard, Shepard quickly disabled the alarm.

"Now to get up there..." she said quietly to herself. Standing back, she studied the side of the building and saw that climbing wouldn't be too difficult. She'd scaled more difficult terrain in the canyons around her home, rescuing lost sheep. Here goes nothing... she thought and began her ascent. Carefully, she made her way higher and higher until she was clinging to the wall, with the rail of the balcony beside her. Sweat beaded on her brow and she sighed with relief when she pulled herself onto the platform. Shepard took a few moments to catch her breath, then entered the dark office. The roof, Ethan said he'd told them the party was on the roof... Hurrying, Eve search for the stairwell, found it after five minutes, and quickly headed for the top. Worry for her friend shown on her face. Takashi's family were employees of ExoGeni, Lidiya's father was the executive in charge, and Eve knew if the boy was caught breaking into the company's offices it would effect not only him, but his family as well. The petty cruelty Lidiya seemed to delight in boggled Shepard's brain, she couldn't understand people like her. Sure, Eve had pulled a few cruel pranks on her enemy, but never without provocation or a sense of guilt afterward. Reaching the top, Shepard found the door ajar, revealing a starry sky, bursting with colorful flashes of light. A silhouette stood at the far edge of the building and Eve called out, "Takashi? Is that you?" The figure turned and waved, so she rushed to him.

"Hey Eve, where is everyone?" the boy asked joyfully. "Isn't it great up here? We must be early."

"No one's coming, we have to get out of here now..." she said and took him by the arm, pulling him toward the roof's access door. He didn't resist so she let go and they walked together toward the exit.

"What do you mean?"

"If we're caught here we're gonna get into big trouble."

"But Lidiya invited us... she gave me a pass-key and everything!"

"She's setting you up, give it to me..." Eve took the card and slid it into an air vent. "Taki, we gotta get outa here, now."

"Why would she do that, she's my friend."

Eve sighed, "I thought that too once, a long time ago, but I know better now. She loves toying with us lesser people... trust me, we need to go."

The pair continued down the stairwell and reached the first floor, but when they stepped into the lobby, blinding light was shined in their faces. Unable to see who was there, Eve heard a disembodied feminine voice say, "I told you... I knew I saw someone sneaking in here."

The trespassers stood frozen in place, even as their hearts raced with panic. Overhead lights switched on, and Shepard's pounding heart dropped into her stomach. Lidiya smiled spitefully behind a scowling Sgt. Jake O'Malley. "What are you two doing in here?" Jake demanded.

"Uh..." Eve stammered, unable to speak.

"We were... I mean I cam..." Takashi started to explain but Shepard interrupted.

"I wanted to watch the show from the roof... Takashi only came in to make me leave..." she turned her back on the marine and the blond and gave her friend a pleading look, as she thought, If he gets blamed for this his family will be the ones to pay... and if Lidiya is exposed and made to look bad, again Taki's family is going to suffer... Her and her father can't do anything to me and my family except make life a bit difficult, but they could ruin the Nakamuras... I can't let that happen!

"That's a lie!" Lidiya exclaimed, "Takashi used a stolen pass-card! He's the one who broke in and she helped him."

A stony expression settled over Shepard, "How the hell would you know if he has a key... and... where the heck is he gonna get his hands on something like that? Huh?" she said and stared coldly at the girl.

"I saw him take it! That's why I called security!" Lidiya spat.

"Whose card was it Lidiya? Hmm? Where did you see him steal it from?..." Shepard had examined the thing before ditching it, and had recognized Lidiya's father's name. There was no reasonable explanation for Taki to have that specific card, unless Lidiya had given it to him, and the hateful girl knew it, so she glared mutely at Eve. Takashi looked miserable and guilty, but unsure of what to say or do, he kept quiet.

"I broke in through that second story balcony, and see..." smiling smugly, Eve turned out her pockets and nodded for Takashi to do the same. "...nobody has any stolen card." Lidiya began to loose it, spewing insults and threats.

"That is enough!" Jake's voice boomed in the empty lobby. "You!..." he said pointing a finger at Lidiya, "On your way, I have your complaint and I'll take it from here..." The sergeant then turned on the two trespassers, "...and you two... you're coming with me, now!" O'Malley hustled them all out of the building. Realizing Eve wasn't going to show the marine her father's card, Lidiya gave the two teens a parting smirk.

Eve whispered, "Please Taki, let me take the blame, okay? Mr. Derevenko might fire your parents, so just keep to the story, I broke in, you came to get me out..." The expression of fear on her friend's face caused a feeling of sympathy to settle over her. "It's gonna be alright, I promise." The boy just looked at her doubtfully, but nodded and she knew he'd play along.

O'Malley led them to the far side of town, where a group of previously unused prefabs sat. Several uniformed men and women loitered in an open area before the ring of buildings. This must be the squadron Beth was talking about... just my luck he's their commander. The recruits looked at their sergeant and the two teens curiously, but didn't speak. Jake walked up to one shack and halted. "Shepard, sit. I'll be with ya... momentarily." he growled and pointed at a crate. The marine turned on the boy next, "You're with me... inside, now." Standing in the threshold, Jake glared at the boy as he passed inside, then the soldier stepped in as well, and let the automatic door slide closed. Left alone outside, Eve strained to hear what was said, but all she could make out were muffled voices.

This is not how I wanted to face him again, damn it. Why can't anything ever go right for once? I have to convince him to leave Taki out of this... and I have to keep my head straight. Eve began chewing her lip, anxiety and excitement building at the thought of being near him again. Her traitorous mind wandered back to their encounter on market day, and for a few glorious minutes she didn't fight it, but she knew she needed to stop. Thinking about it would only cause her emotions to run wild, and right now, she needed full control of her senses. Ten minutes passed before Takashi emerged looking pale as a ghost.

"He wants to see you now." the boy said as he passed, "I did what you asked, but I don't think he believed me."

"Don't worry Takashi, everything is going to be alright, trust me." she said and gave him a weak but reassuring smile.

Eve watched her friend leave, and her delay caused an annoyed command to penetrate the metal shed's walls, "Shepard! Get your ass in here now!" Cringing, she did as he asked and walked up the ramp and into the tiny building. The sergeant stood next to a desk, his posture stiff, arms crossed and his handsome face an unreadable mask. As the door closed behind her, Eve suddenly felt claustrophobic in the tight space. "Take a seat... we need to have a little chat." Jake said and nodded at the only chair in the room. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Shepard sat down and avoided his steely gaze. The sergeant stood, staring down at her, and she could feel his piercing eyes penetrate the top of her skull. Jake's silence, dragging on and on, for what seemed like hours, causing her to squirm in her seat, but finally he spoke, "What the hell do ya think you're doing?"

Eve looked up and was caught, his eyes clamped on hers and she couldn't turn away. "I-I just wanted to watch th..."

"Don't lie to me." he said through clenched teeth.

"I'm not lying. I broke in there... Taki was just trying to stop me." she glared angrily, maddened by the fact he didn't believe her.

"Why are ya covering for that kid? Do ya know what kinda trouble you're in?"

Shepard's brows creased, "Yes I know." she said meekly.

"Then why in the hell are ya covering for him?"

"I'm not cov..."

Jake stepped forward, grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to her feet. Holding her firmly with both hands, eyes filled with anger, he demanded, "Do not lie to me... I know the truth."

"Take your hands off me!" Shepard spat back. "You don't know anything... I am the one who broke in, I'm the one who's responsible, and I'm the one who's gonna be punished. Leave Taki out of it." Jake's grip loosened and she jerked her arms free, rubbing at the spots his hands had held her. The sergeant hadn't hurt her, but the feel of his fingers on her bare arms had made her skin tingle.

"I know your lying... I just wanna know why, why are ya doing this?" Jake demanded.

Opening her mouth, intending to protest once again, Jake pushed her against the wall, and he clamped a hand over her mouth, stopping her words. Through clenched teeth he growled, "Goddamn it Shepard, if you deny it one more time I'll..." Slowly, he regained his composure by taking several deep breaths, then he removed his hand. "Listen to me Eve, and listen well, I know you're lying, I saw ya, so quit feeding me bullshit, and tell me why?"

"I can't..." she said quietly.

"And why's that?

"You have no choice, you have to investigate this now, and you have to report everything I say, right?" she asked. Jake continued to glare mutely, but he nodded. "Well I wont say anything more. I can't, so please, just take my confession, and write up your report." she pleaded.

"Let me get this straight... Ya want me to report that ya broke into the ExoGeni offices, for fun and games, and your buddy then followed ya inside, in an attempt to get ya out of the building, aye? Is that correct lass?" Jake asked, and she nodded. "How the hell can I report that, when I saw ya calling for him in the ally, telling him to come out, and when he didn't, ya hack security and climb to a second story balcony, I suspect for the purpose of dragging his ass out."

"Please Jake... you can't report it that way. Beside I did break in, that isn't a lie!" Eve's eyes glossed over and tears threatened to rain down.

"Tell me why you're covering for that coward, or that's exactly what I'll be doin'."

"None of this is Taki's fault... Lidiya manipulated him, okay... She gave him her father's card, told him she was throwing a party up there, but you can't report that either. She gets a sick, twisted pleasure from hurting people, and if you report what really happened, Taki's family is still going to suffer."

"Aye, that maybe the truth of it, but their misfortune is not your problem, and you've only made things worse for the kid with you're 'help'..." he said without emotion.

Eve looked at Jake, and what she saw saddened her. Clearly he didn't care about the plight of the Nakamura family, and a desire to make him understand fueled the fire within her. "He's my friend..."

"Still... not your problem..."

She studied his eyes as he spoke, and the emptiness in them, the utter lack of sympathy for her friend's situation made her want to cry. "Taki didn't mean any harm, he was deceived... he shouldn't have to pay for being tricked like that, it's not fair... and we both know it won't just be him, Lidiya's father will fire his parents. I had to do something..."

"Like I said... not your problem darlin'... so why take the blame?"

Eve look baffled, "Because he's my friend... that's why... and you're supposed to look after your friends, protect them when you can, especially when you see they're being taken advantage of... Anyone would do the same for a friend if they could..."

Jake turned away, and stated simply, "No they wouldn't lass."

"You can't believe that..." Eve said quietly.

Back to her, O'Malley stood at the shuttered windows, peering at them as if he could see through their metal surface. "What's your father gonna say, huh? Have ya thought about the shit storm this is going to drop in his lap?" he glanced over his shoulder as he spoke.

"Yes..." Eve said meekly, then crossed her arms and began chewing on her lip. The thought of lying to her father and his reaction to her 'confession' weakened her resolve. Sensing her uncertainty, Jake turned back, cupped her cheek with a calloused palm, and his stern expression softened slightly. Eve closed her eyes and silently wished he'd hold her, but Jake spoke, and his words angered her, "Save yourself little girl, this isn't your problem."

She shook her head free, stepped away from him, and her resolve to stay-the-course strengthened, as a tear rolled slowly down her cheek. "I can't... I won't... he's my friend, can't you understand?"

"No... no I don't."

She stared at him, and her vision blurred, as the tears welled up, before flowing down her face. "Don't you have any friends Jake... any people you'd cover for no matter the cost?"

"No."

"Not even one?" Eve asked in dismay, and the marine's silence hung heavily in the air. Her question seemed to effect the soldier causing his facade to crumble, his inner turmoil, shown plainly on his face. Eve couldn't imagine what demons lurked inside, but as she studied his face she sensed an unimaginable loneliness in him. Any inhibitions she had disappeared when she saw the pain her question had caused. Without hesitating, Shepard wrapped her arms around Jake, hugging him tightly, and she rest her head against his chest. "I see... Nothing I say... will ever make you understand then... I'm so sorry..." she whispered. For several moments the soldier stood stiffly, and Eve counted to the rhythm of his heart... One, two... three, four... five, six... seven, eight... and finally, his muscles relaxed, and his big arms encircled her, returning the tender embrace. "It's okay Jake..." she whispered, "...you have a friend now."