Author's Note:

Happy Lunar New Year!

I just wanted to thank everyone for the reviews - they really do mean a lot and I take them all into consideration. I also wanted to address and thank three reviewers in particular:

Hattu: I promise Shepard isn't pulling a Fight Club or Beautiful Mind act! Hehe, with that being said, I shall continue to put bread crumbs...and perhaps this chapter and the next will clear it up for you and everyone else. ;)

TheGreatJabberyJaime: I'm with you! If there was no other option, I would let Miri die - usually on my playthroughs of ME2, I just upload the data to the Alliance just so I can personally laugh in Cerberus' face...but yeah, that's me. But you bring up a good point: we all have different motivations, and I hope as the story progresses, Shepard's actions will make sense as her motivations become clearer.

bluemarlin: Though I can't give too much detail about the Shadow Broker's involvement, I will say this: it may not always seem very prominent, but it is heavily influential with my plot. I always was disappointed at how anticlimactic Bioware made the Shadow Broker (in terms of the trilogy as a whole, not the Lair of the Shadow Broker DLC). I mean, you hear about how the Broker is so involved in the background, but you don't actually get see it or interact with him much unless you play the DLC. I hope to at least explore that a bit in my slight A/U fic.

On that note, I would like to thank you all again for reading, following, favoriting and especially reviewing my story! As always, let me know what I can improve on.

*Warning - the beginning of this chapter is a high T/mild M - based on my standards anyways...*


Chapter 6 – If You Could See Me Now

I still look for your face in the crowd.
Oh if you could see me now.

Would you stand in disgrace or take a bow?
Oh if you could see me now.

If you could see me now would you recognize me?
Would you pat me on the back or would you criticize me?
Would you follow every line on my tear-stained face
Put your hand on a heart that was cold
As the day you were taken away?
I know it's been a while but I can see you clear as day.

The Script – If You Could See Me Now

Present

A sensual moan escaped her lips as the woman beneath her rolled her pelvis against her own. In response, Miranda's legs tightened against the Commander's waist, dragging their flush bodies closer as their lower halves continued their relentless, euphoric, and desperate dance against one another.

Miranda whimpered in pleasure when she felt the Commander nip a sensitive spot on her collarbone and then instantly gasped when a soothing tongue trailed over her pleasantly shivering skin. Her grip on the railing above her tightened as she continued to use its leverage to pull her up and down and against the woman that held her up, while her other hand clung around her commander's neck to keep her in place.

The Commander let out a low, guttural hiss of desire, making Miranda's heart beat more rapidly in eagerness as she felt the hot breath against her skin.

Oh, God! Miranda's senses cried out in rapture. It had been so long since she felt such exhilaration, such warmth, and such lust.

Her senses were all in a haze as they continued to rock against one another. For a brief moment, the Cerberus operative wondered how they had come to be in this blissful situation. It was an accumulative of things…three days…Shepard's behavior…that mission. She remembered a fight…Miranda had been furious about something…something extremely important…oh God!

Her addled mind caught a flicker of coherent thought before one of the Commander's hands possessively trailed up her backside, around her abdomen, and snaked up along her voluptuous body until they rested behind her head.

The thought was lost the moment Miranda instantly felt the impatient tug as her lips collided against surprisingly soft, but hot and hungry lips. They continued their passionate embrace before their lungs demanded them to part for air.

Heady breaths mingled with one another as their lips barely separated. Blue, lust filled eyes locked onto green mischievous ones. Miranda felt the pressure behind her head disappear as the hand began to teasingly wander down her front and then lower…ever so deliciously lower. Her breathing, if it was possible, became shallower as she anticipated where that hand was traversing toward. Her body bulked when a, oh so satisfying, jolt enraptured her body when the hand found its mark.

"Eliza!" Miranda cried out in pleasure at the touch. She immediately felt the body beneath her stiffen.

Blue, panicked eyes locked onto wide-eyed, surprised green ones.

Location: Hourglass Nebula/Osun System – Purgatory

2185 CE – February 11, 2:23 pm

"My apologies, Shepard. You're more valuable as a prisoner than a customer." Warden Kuril sounded over Purgatory's speakers.

Miranda heard Shepard let loose a dejected sigh as she realized the betrayal. The Cerberus operative didn't blame her; just once she wished that a mission ran smoothly. They had arrived at the prison ship, Purgatory, to gain custody over Jack, a powerful biotic. Powerful enough that she had been placed in a cryogenics cell for the safety of everyone else on board. Miranda personally thought they could do without this Jack, but Shepard insisted that they retrieve as many squad members they could against the Collectors. The Commander's reasoning was sound, but at the moment, Miranda wondered if it was a good idea.

"Drop your weapons and proceed into the open cell. You will not be harmed." The Warden's voice assured as he continued to speak.

"Hey, since he's only mentioned you, can we go free?" Garrus whispered innocently to Shepard.

Miranda refrained from smirking at Shepard's mock exasperated glare. "Whatever happened to 'there's no Vakarian without Shepard?'" She whispered back. Miranda couldn't refrain the eye roll from forming.

"It's null now that you're going to be an infamous criminal; can't be associated with you." Garrus quipped back.

"As opposed to my association with Cerberus?"

"This is different."

"How so?"

"It just is."

"No it isn't."

"Yes, it is."

"No, it—"

"Can you two be serious for once?" Miranda snapped, having enough of the two's banter. Honestly, they reminded her of children sometimes, and yet, the association felt very familiar. She hid her heartache behind an indifferent stare. Eliza and Shepard used to banter this way.

"Sorry." Shepard replied sheepishly while Garrus shrugged.

"Whipped." Garrus chuckled out in a whisper that was meant only for Shepard, but thanks to Miranda's enhanced hearing, she heard it quite well, but chose to ignore it.

"Perhaps I can change your mind?" Shepard asked innocently to the speaker that hung above their heads.

"Activate systems!" Kuril's voice ordered.

"Guess not." Shepard sighed out as the trio quickly ran to hide behind the desks in the room as a group of Blue Suns emerged behind the main door.

"Shepard is loose! Restrain her; kill the others!" Kuril commanded over the speakers.

"That's not nice." Garrus' mandibles twitched into a turian frown as he shot down a Blue Sun guard.

"We need to get Jack out of cryo." Miranda steered the focus back to the mission as she warped a group of guards while Shepard fired at them.

"Agreed." Shepard acknowledged.

The room continued to flood with Blue Sun guards and dog-like mechs; the latter being more of nuisance. Miranda personally hated those FENRIS hound mechs as they were far too quick than normal mechs and had a lethal shocking attack when in close range. It was best if they kept them at reasonable distance.

"Disabling mechs." Miranda warned her team as she prepped up her omni-tool for an overload attack. She unleashed it at an impending mech hound.

"Nice, Miranda!" Shepard appraised as the mechanical beast exploded with a loud bang. Miranda squashed the pleasing sensation that formed in her chest due to Shepard's praise. She needed to focus! She couldn't afford to allow her confusing emotions for Shepard to distract her.

Gritting her teeth, Miranda hopped out of cover and rolled behind the desk in front of her for a better vantage point. Another mech hound was bounding over to her; its "mouth" snarling out trinkets of electricity. The operative fired at it with her pistol before lashing out with a biotic attack, binding time for her omni-tool to recharge.

"Miranda, flashbang!" Shepard warned.

Miranda swiveled her attention to her right side just as an enemy threw a flashbang grenade in her direction. Reacting quickly, Miranda fired two shots to finish off the mech hound before hopping back to her previous cover, shielding her eyes as she did so. She barely escaped the explosion as she rolled against the cold floor; however, her left eardrum wasn't so lucky. Miranda grimaced as the high shrilling noise from the grenade reverberated into her hypersensitive senses.

It was definitely one of the most unpleasant noises she had ever experienced.

Location: Local Cluster/Sol System/Earth/Australia – Brisbane

2166 CE – March 18, 11:45 am

It was worse than nails on a chalkboard.

It was worse than a poorly played violin.

It was far worse than her former governess' high screechy voice.

It was Hell incarnate in the shape and sound of the annoying woman next to her.

Miranda cringed as the torturous noise sounded again in her sensitive ears. It reverberated endlessly until she finally snapped. She lashed out like a viper at the offending foe.

"Do you mind?" Miranda hissed out with anger and frustration at the evil perpetrator.

The loud slurping noise stopped for a heavenly second before purposely increasing in volume the next. "Why, Miss Lawson, did you want some?" The crooked smile of Jane Shepard slipped out as it hovered over the straw that it was attached on moments ago. "You should have said something. Now I'm all out of ginger ale." Shepard slurped through the straw, causing the nearly empty bottle to gurgle and shriek again as she sucked. She smiled deviously as Miranda threw her the coldest glare she had in her arsenal.

Miranda took a deep breath to refrain herself from throttling the teen with a warp. She had to remember (constantly) that Shepard was Eliza's friend and therefore could not harm her, despite her yearning to do so. She took another breath to calm herself. It had been two weeks since Shepard's arrival and still Miranda could not fathom how Eliza could stand the native Canadian's presence; she acted like a petulant child. "I wasn't referring to the drink, but the obnoxious sound that you keep insisting on making." Miranda replied in an icy voice as she waited for Eliza to make her appearance.

"You mean this obnoxious noise?" Shepard sucked her straw again, igniting the shrilling sound once more.

"Yes!" Miranda hissed in a low tone as her eyes warned the red head to stop before she physically lashed out.

Shepard grinned in response, no doubt taking Miranda's threat as a challenge. God, she really wanted to smear her against the wall with a warp.

"Shep, leave Miranda alone." Eliza's charming voice interjected as she finally arrived.

Grateful for the interruption, Miranda turned to thank her savior before she was mutely silenced by the view in front of her. Eliza was wearing a navy blue two piece bathing suit; her toned upper half peeked out of light sweater she wore while her bottom was wrapped by a knee high black wrap that accentuated her long legs.

A recently far too familiar stirring fluttered in her chest and stomach as she watched Eliza make way toward them. Miranda was not entirely unsure what the sensation meant, but could not help scanning Eliza's body with her cobalt eyes. Not unfamiliar with physical beauty, Miranda easily classed the older teen in second place on her physical attributes list, with herself being first. She idly wondered if Eliza's skin was as smooth as it appeared to be…

The young Lawson halted her thoughts immediately. What was she thinking?

It was true that her friendship with Eliza had continued to grow in the past weeks, but that was the extent of her relationship; they were just friends. Friends did not have thoughts about how one's friend's skin should feel against their own…wait…what? Miranda blinked. Did she just think that?

Oh God, what did this mean?

"Aw, I was just teasing." Shepard whined, causing Miranda to snap out of her confused musings. "Besides, I was bored; you were taking too long."

"Sorry, but it took me a wee bit to find my sweater." Eliza replied sheepishly. "You ready? We don't want to miss the pool party." She asked the two of them, but her eyes were settled on Miranda. "You look nice." Eliza commented on Miranda's very slimming, one piece black halter suit.

Miranda felt her eyes being drawn to Eliza's and could not fathom the length of time in which they stood staring at each other. She felt the same intense warmth from two weeks ago enter in her chest and couldn't help how her hands nervously tugged on the edges of her loose white sweater.

A rough cough startled both brunettes out of their eye lock and Miranda quickly averted her eyes from her companions as she muttered an embarrassingly low, "Thank you." She dared a glimpse over at Shepard, who was eyeing her with a sickly entertained smile. The sudden urge to warp her against the wall came tumbling back.

"Oh yes, I think this is the best invitation you've ever gotten Hawke." Shepard replied after her throaty interruption. She turned her attention away from Miranda and still sported the evil grin as she addressed Eliza. "I can't wait to see the delectable dishes on display." Shepard replied coyly, leaving no doubt that she intended to ogle all the party goers.

"Gross. Come on, Miranda, before we get drooled on." Eliza nudged her, causing her to tense slightly as an electric current seemed to pass through her from her friend's touch. She inwardly gulped. What the bloody hell is happening to me? Miranda wondered as she followed Eliza out the door, while a laughing Shepard trailed behind them.

Thirty minutes later

Miranda may have appeared aloof and collected as she lay in the beach chair, but at that moment she was frantically regretting the decision of joining Eliza and Shepard at this pool party. This was her first social outing with her own peers, since her father had never allowed her to attend these – as he would say – frivolous, demeaning, and pointless events that were not worthy of a Lawson's time and money. So used to the high society events held by her father's business partners and associates, Miranda was completely unsure on how to interact with these seemingly wild-like partyers. However, since the invitation came from Eliza, her father insisted she attend, reminding her that her task was to gain the young Hawke's trust so that she could gain access to the design plans. And so, Miranda found her unusually anxious self at some politician's son's party.

Miranda's eyes observed the almost animalistic ritual with hidden distaste. She saw no point of this and desperately wished she was somewhere else. To heighten her feelings, both Eliza and Shepard were nowhere near her; Eliza was talking to some blonde haired boy across the pool while Shepard was squealing with delight as she was about to be thrown into the pool by a group of teenaged boys. And to further her annoyance, Miranda herself was being hit on by uninteresting teenagers unceasingly.

Miranda continued to send covert glances over at Eliza, wishing the woman would hurry up with her conversation and return to her. What was the point of all this if she couldn't even speak with Eliza? She idly wished Niket were here; he was so good at keeping her company.

Miranda nervously scratched her neck, wondering how this incredibly ridiculous party managed to unnerve her. Was she not trained to adapt in any situation? Was she not a Lawson – perfected to the very last molecule? The answers to those questions were all true, and yet, here she was, a complete coward when faced with rambunctious teenagers. Miranda, once again, wished she was at home, reading about the Krebs cycle and how it could function in alien organisms while listening to Nielsen's Symphony No. 5. She silently played the song in her head to distract and relax herself.

Her reverie was shortened when a wet Shepard appeared before her face with a large grin, sending droplets of water all over her. Miranda growled in disgust as she pushed the red head away from her face. "Bloody hell!" She seethed out. Did this infuriating woman not know the meaning of personal space?

"Are you just going to sit there all afternoon?" Shepard asked with a raised eyebrow as she ignored Miranda's outburst.

"Yes." Miranda retorted in irritation. "Don't you have some foolhardy male to chat up?" Miranda tried to rid Shepard from her presence with her usual malicious tone. She did not want to spend her time with her.

"It's called a pool party, Miranda." Shepard stated the obvious as she gestured to the pool, ignoring Miranda's slight against her. "It means we have fun. You do know the meaning of the word right? Or is it too beneath you?" Shepard huffed out as she folded her arms before the perfected teenager.

Miranda bristled. "I am familiar with the term, thank you. I just prefer to sit here. Now leave me be." To her dismay, Shepard did the opposite as she made herself comfortable in the beach chair next to her.

"You're a major spoilsport." Jane replied with an eye roll and a heavy sigh. Miranda directed another glower at the intruder, causing Shepard to chuckle. "Ha. I think you just froze up the pool with that glare."

"What do you want?" Miranda reluctantly relented, having become quite familiar with Shepard's unbearable nuances. It seemed the more Miranda snapped at Shepard, the more it encouraged her intolerable behavior. She might as well get it over with. She briefly glanced over at Eliza, who was still speaking with the blonde. She couldn't help the narrowing of her eyes as she watched Eliza throw her head back as she laughed. What were they speaking about?

"Nothing." Shepard replied innocently as she relaxed further in her chair, watching Miranda with a knowing smirk.

Miranda groaned. Shepard was trying her patience today. "What?" She repeated, disliking the expression on the red head's face.

"You're not going to get her attention if you just sit here." Shepard gestured her head toward Hawke. "Googly eyes will only get you so far."

"What?" Miranda repeated with wide eyes as she processed Shepard's implications.

Laughter escaped Shepard's mouth. "God, you two are so similar." She muttered to herself before gesturing to the pool. "Word of advice: Hawke sucks at words; she's a doer and lets her actions do the talking."

"Shepard, you're mistaken if you think I'm inte—" Miranda hurried to rectify Shepard's thought process but was cut off by her.

"Yeah, sure." Shepard skeptically replied as she gestured to the pool once more with a firm finger. "Listen, all right? Hawke reacts the same way; actions speak louder than words and all that mumbo jumbo. So, get in that damn pool and let your actions do the talking; I guarantee you, you'll have her full and undivided attention the moment you get out." Shepard replied with a coy wink before hopping out of her chair and heading back to the party to accost some girl in a red swimsuit.

Miranda gapped after Shepard, mind reeling at the girl's words and inferences. She couldn't be interested in Eliza in such a way. First and foremost, Eliza was a female and her father would certainly disapprove. And yet, Miranda was familiar with using her body in reaping attention…what would be the harm in using it against Eliza? Her father had been unyielding in demanding the plans, so he would approve of any means in obtaining it, wouldn't he? Miranda knew this, but was hesitant as she couldn't explain the guilty emotion that seeped through her at the thought of implementing this tactic on Eliza. It was definitely a new scenario for her, which would account for the apprehensive and anxious feeling she was experiencing, right? It wasn't due to anything else, right?

Oh, who was she kidding? Something was definitely lingering between her and Eliza. Something…more. It was beyond anything Miranda had ever experienced, including that of her friendship with Niket. It was something more. There was no doubt, that they were friends now. It was made more evident in the passing weeks as they spent more time together, whether it be a playful fencing match, discussing some invention Eliza had concocted, or simply talking about seemingly mundane topics; she felt at ease...and she had fun. It was different…and frankly, it frightened her.

Eliza was far more kind and compassionate than anyone she had ever met. She was intelligent and clever, but playful and good-spirited as well. But most of all, Eliza demanded nothing from Miranda. As far as the young Lawson could tell, Eliza held no endgame to their relationship as she did. It was…different…and…refreshing. Miranda had found herself slowly lowering her barriers whenever she was in her presence…and it was becoming problematic. She knew she should back away. She knew she had a purpose to befriending Eliza. This was all a means to an end.

The thought of her friendship being faked sent an unpleasant churning in Miranda's stomach. She knew it. She knew she was getting too close. Her rational mind told her to back away. Yet, something else refused to allow Miranda to give it up. And surprisingly, it wasn't out of rebelliousness. There was something else present in their friendship. It silently loomed between them; something she scarcely dared to admit. It was something….more. And a part of her – a long forgotten, innocent part of her – wanted to explore it further; wanted something real for once.

Miranda gulped quietly to herself, feeling confused and insecure about this newfound revelation. Her father would be very disappointed in her desire to indulge her feelings. What was happening to her?

Eliza.

That's what was happening to her.

Miranda's observation floundered over to Eliza. She was still speaking with the blonde. A searing and unexplainable flash of emotion washed over her. It had been over 15 minutes already! What on earth were they talking about? The jealousy surprised Miranda, but even more so the sudden urge to take Shepard's advice. Miranda glanced toward the red head, who, unexpectedly, was watching her as well.

Shepard dramatically pointed at the pool and Miranda could easily read the words on her lips.

Get in the pool. Now!

"I can't believe I'm listening to her…" Miranda muttered as she gracefully stood. She could feel the lingering eyes of many as she made way to the diving board. She better not regret this. Miranda maneuvered and positioned herself on the board, glancing briefly at an approving Shepard before setting her eyes over at Eliza. Miranda resisted the urge to smile. The woman had been speaking when her eyes drifted over, and then away, and then snapped back at Miranda with an unreadable expression. Warmth pulsated through Miranda's stomach as they locked gazes for a brief second before Miranda readied herself for the dive.

Miranda effortlessly flipped into the pool with a light splash as the diving board let loose a twang. The chill of the water hit her alabaster skin, sending shivers along her body upon impact. The water was oddly refreshing as she swam her way to the shallow end of the pool. Breaking the surface, Miranda took in a soft breath of air as she swam to the pool's stairs. Exiting, she gingerly swept a hand through her hair, letting the excess water tumble to the ground as the rest dripped deliciously down her gorgeous body. Her body lightly shivered as it was met with the air, but Miranda ignored it as she slowly headed back toward her designated beach chair with more than her natural swagger.

"Hot damn…" A tanned male muttered as Miranda sauntered by. The black haired beauty, so used to being chased and goggled at, ignored all but one of the countless stares and mumblings as she continued to her destination. A soft rustle in the air echoed in her ears, alerting her of the oncoming draft. She prepared her body's reaction against the oncoming cold, but was surprised when she felt something else grace her wet body.

Miranda barely registered the breeze brushing by when a warm, fluffy towel found itself wrapped around her shoulders. Miranda snapped her head to the shadow on her left and was surprised to discover Eliza beside her.

"You looked cold." Eliza shrugged and offered an explanation as she further secured the towel around Miranda.

"Thank you." Miranda heard herself saying as they made eye contact. In her peripheral, Miranda saw Shepard's self-satisfied grin, but refused to acknowledge it as she felt the warmth in her chest grow exponentially while she stared into the profound, caring blue eyes before her.

There was definitely something more...

Location: Hourglass Nebula/Osun System – Purgatory

2185 CE - February 11, 2:58 pm

"How are you feeling?" Shepard whispered as the trio moved along the cellblock toward its control systems.

Miranda dropped her hand from her left ear, having realized Shepard had been eyeing her with concern. A familiar fluttering formed in her gut, making the operative worry about its implications. No, she couldn't allow this. It was all due to her stupid brain overanalyzing Shepard's behavior these past few days. She gave a dismissive nod. "I'm fine." Miranda replied as she watched Garrus move ahead of them for recon.

"You sure? That flashbang was pretty close; I know how sensitive your hearing is." Miranda blinked. How did Shepard know that? She heard her multi-tasking brain place a tally mark on one of her revolving theories about Shepard's behavior. She really did not like this implication.

"I'm sure, Commander." Miranda replied with indifference before moving along to help Garrus. She could feel Shepard's frown behind her, but refused to think more of it. They needed to concentrate on the mission and then, she'll go back to trying to figure out what was going on in her own head.

The squad moved dutifully into the maximum wing's control room. A lab technician quickly turned at the sound of the door opening and just as quickly, opened fired at them. Miranda and Garrus darted behind the right edge of the door while Shepard took the left to avoid the bullets.

Miranda glanced over to Shepard and noticed how the Commander flexed her right hand; a motion that may appear like a nervous habit, but to a biotic, it was a sure sign of conjuring up dark energy. Eager, Miranda waited for the Commander to finally use her biotics. However, Shepard must have sensed Miranda's eyes, for she turned to glance at her with an indecisive expression before blinking it away.

Miranda watched as Shepard pulled out her right pistol and darted out of cover, shooting with deadly accuracy. A twinge of disappointment was shrouded by massive confusion, and then, anger. Shepard was refusing to use her biotics. Her mind reflected on all the other times her commander had used her biotics. All the instances occurred when Miranda was not on the squad. Shepard was refusing to use her biotics around her.

The sound of gunfire ceased, indicating the room was devoid of all life, save for the three soldiers that walked in. Miranda watched as Shepard gave her a regretful glance before walking into the control room. The glance only angered the operative more. Shepard knew that Miranda knew.

Upset and silently fuming, Miranda followed Shepard to the control panel while Garrus had a look about the room. She crossed her arms as she gazed over to the cryogenic tubes that their room oversaw and then back to the panel. Her gaze then lingered over to Shepard, who was studying the panel and its mechanics…and purposefully ignoring her gaze.

"If we hack into the controls, every door on the cellblock opens." Shepard informed her with a sigh. "I rather avoid setting all those prisoners free."

Miranda sympathized with her Commander; she didn't want to do anything that might compromise the mission. She ventured over and took a peek over Shepard's shoulder to read the block's layout and controls. She'll fume at Shepard after the mission; it was not the time for distractions.

"It appears to be the only way to get Jack out of cryo." Miranda replied after scrutinizing the controls. Perhaps if they had more time, they could hack it properly, but given the loud blaring alarms, they didn't have the time.

Shepard sighed once more; Miranda noticed that she was doing that a lot lately. "I guess we have no choice. Be ready for anything." She informed them.

"Look on the bright side, Shepard: a prison riot can just be the distraction we need to get out of here." Garrus supplied optimistically.

"Mmm…" Shepard muttered as she hacked the console.

A low beep sounded below them and the machines began their task in releasing Jack from her incarceration. Miranda watched as the tube was revealed from the ground in a foggy haze; the cold air drifting in all directions. As the haze faded, Miranda made out a small woman within the tube.

"I'm deactivating her restraints." Miranda heard Shepard say just as the YMIR mechs below them began turning their attention to the released prisoner.

"That's Jack?" Garrus' sounded with disbelief. Miranda shared his sentiment. The dossier seemed to imply that Jack was…well…bigger; powerful. Now, Miranda wasn't one to judge from looks, but so far, she wasn't impressed.

Her impression changed the moment she watched the uncontrolled and newly awakened Jack obliterate the three large YMIR mechs that had been guarding her. A large shudder was felt as Jack then broke through the wall below them from sheer biotic power. Yes, Miranda's impression had changed indeed: Jack was a certifiable unpredictable and potent lunatic. She already had a bad feeling about the girl and it didn't help when a new alarm system activated.

"Warning. Warning." An automated system sounded as Shepard led the way downstairs to the cryogenics room.

"This is going to be fun – I can just tell." Garrus deadpanned as they ran passed the scraps of YMIR mechs and through the newly formed hole in the wall.

"Hurry! We need to catch up with her before she does heavy damage." Shepard implored in a commanding tone as they raced through the hallways.

"All guards restore order! Lethal force has been authorized, but don't kill Jack! Techs lockdown! Lockdown!" Warden Kuril superseded the automated voice with his own as he realized that Jack was loose.

The ship shuddered once more as an explosion was heard in the distance. "Sectors Seven, Nine, and Eleven have lost life support. No survivors." The ship's VI indicated in a monotone voice.

"She's going to destroy the ship at this rate!" Miranda voiced her concerns as they moved.

"Double time!" Shepard's voice urged as they all understood the repercussions.

They rounded into one of the cell blocks. Miranda blinked in surprise at the amount of damage that was created by the crazed biotic. She was seriously wondering if this was a good idea now.

"That girl is powerful, but she lacks subtlety." Garrus murmured in awe as they dodged the fallen debris that surrounded them.

"I see Shepard!" A voice shouted ahead of them.

"Restrain her!" Another voice ordered. Miranda could hear the loading of guns and feel the ground vibrate rhythmically; something big was approaching.

"Brilliant." Shepard muttered as she motioned their team to find cover.

"We don't have time for this, Commander." Miranda warned as the alarms continued to blare about them. "We need to get to Jack." She added as she switched to her submachine gun.

"For all evils there are two remedies – time and silence." Shepard muttered with a groan as she switched her pistols out for her assault rifle.

Miranda froze as her mind played out Shepard's words. She knew those words. They were from Eliza's favorite book…the last time she heard those words was when…

"We have to hurry, Eliza. My father's men are already deployed; we have to leave now." Miranda's voiced her concerns as she turned to the two people before her. "Niket, get the skycar ready." Her friend nodded and rushed off, leaving the two lovers alone.

"I know, but I have to go back; my Uncle has Shepard." Eliza glanced over to her and Miranda could easily see the torn look in her eyes.

"Those evil bastards! We need more time…" Miranda growled out in frustration as she whipped her omni-tool out. She typed furiously on it, trying to figure out another transport they could use for their escape. She had calculated all of this perfectly; everything was right on schedule, the only thing that held them back was Shepard! She hadn't calculated that her father would take Shepard.

"For all evils there are two remedies – time and silence." Miranda heard her lover mutter. She snapped her head up to look at Eliza staring off in the distance.

"What?" Miranda asked, confused at the reference.

"Don't worry, Miri. I'll be right back, okay? I'll find you at the skyport." Eliza assured with a forced grin as she ignored her question.

Miranda knew that uncertain grin, but despite the churning in her gut, she nodded, still not getting the meaning of the quote. "You better, Eliza." Her tone spluttered out harsher than she had intended and Eliza gripped her hand tighter out of need to comfort her.

"Miri, we have to go!" Niket interrupted in a panic upon his return.

"Promise me, Eliza. You get Shepard and you come and find me." Miranda frantically urged as she sensed the oncoming threat. She needed to hear her say it.

"I will. Now go." Eliza once more assured as they slowly parted, fingers lingering as much as possible.

"Find me!" Miranda stressed, wanting to hear her lover promise; she never broke a promise.

"I promise." Eliza pushed herself forward for a quick, reassuring kiss before bounding off. Her fingers finally slipped away and with agonizing concern, Miranda watched as her lover ran off to aid Shepard without a backward glance.

"Miranda, get down!" Shepard cried out, but the operative didn't hear a word as her mind was shoved into the past.

"Miranda!" Shepard yelled again and the next thing Miranda felt was the cold hard floor as Shepard tackled her to the ground before an YMIR mech found its mark.

The mixture of Shepard's voice and the jarring tackle forced Miranda back to the present. Her eyes seemed glazed as she stared up at the Commander. As her mind cleared, she was momentarily surprised at the sight before her: Shepard's expression was a mixture of fear and worry.

"I'm all right." Miranda lied as she carefully disentangled herself from Shepard and both women sprinted to proper cover. Why did that memory have to conjure up now? The perfected woman rubbed her temple before gripping her gun with both hands.

Miranda glanced once more to Shepard, who looked at her once more before concentrating on their adversaries. There was something telling in those green eyes, more so the expression than the color of them. It felt like a long forgotten memory. A comforting memory. Familiar in a way she had yet to describe.

Her brain mentally placed another tally for her newfound theory.

It couldn't be…

Location: Local Cluster/Sol System/Earth/Australia – Brisbane/Lawson Estate

2166 CE - March 24, 1:30 pm

Miranda soundlessly walked the quiet halls of her extravagant home, feeling the dread that came whenever her father abruptly called for her presence. She suspected the reason for her summon as her father seemed to become more agitated as of late.

The young raven head continued down the hall until she stood outside her father's office. It appeared that he was in the middle of a meeting. She could hear her father speaking and the tone he used; a mixture of assurance, irritation, and pleading within his voice. She mentally grimaced. This was not a good meeting.

"You assured me, Henry that I would have those plans before Hawke Industries went into production. My sources indicate they're intending to do so within the next month." An unfamiliar male voice echoed behind the closed office door.

Unable to stop herself, Miranda tilted her head to gain better access to the conversation as she waited outside.

"And you will get them, Illusive Man." Miranda's father graveled out and Miranda could not help but smirk; her father was annoyed at not being in control. It appeared that her father was speaking with the Illusive Man. She had heard the name before in one of her father's audio logs. It appeared that the man was in charge of an organization called Cerberus and focused on advancing humanity. It was a noble ideal.

"I'm beginning to wonder if I had approached the wrong business man, Mr. Lawson."

"No! You haven't. You will have something by the end of the week, I assure you. Miranda will get it done; she has not failed me yet." Miranda was surprised to hear more of the pleading in her father's tone. He was a prideful man that was known to rely on no one but himself.

"Ah, yes, your daughter, Miranda. Her skills have benefited us both in the past. See to it that by the end of the week you will supply me with something, Henry. If not, our relationship, though it pains me to say, will conclude, along with your research." His tone was anything but remorseful.

A loud crash was heard within his office and Miranda knew that some bust or statue was now strewn across her father's floor.

"Miranda!" Her father yelled for her, knowing that she was ever prompt when summoned.

Taking a breath to steady her mind, the young Lawson opened the door and entered. Her eyes caught a glimpse of a shattered bust of Da Vinci before they flickered over to her father. "Yes, Father?" She inquired quietly, not wanting to incur his wrath.

"Get me those plans by the end of the week or I'll have to rethink of your place here." Her father replied in barely controlled anger. "Understood?"

Miranda stood frozen, realizing her father's threat. "Yes, father." Miranda responded in an even voice, knowing her father would berate her if she truly expressed her sentiments.

"Now get it done." He waved an agitated hand in her direction, effectively dismissing her.

Miranda waited until she was out of the office before allowing her frantic emotions to affect her. Her father had never outright threatened to replace her before. This was serious. She would have to obtain those design plans from Eliza, even if it went against ever emotion that screamed to her not to.

She walked purposefully to main entrance of her estate, intending to visit Eliza. She had to get this done. It was her life. She scolded herself, realizing why emotions were frivolous and worthless; they comprised everything! She clenched her jaw, knowing what she had to do, even if it was breaking her heart.

Location: Hourglass Nebula/Osun System – Purgatory

2185 CE – February 11, 3:24 pm

"You're valuable Shepard! I could have sold you and lived like a king!" Warden Kuril shouted out to the group as they ducked for cover. "But you're too much trouble! At least I can recapture Jack!" He fired another round from his assault rifle.

Miranda tilted her head toward the redhead beside her, eyeing how she bit her lip and narrowed her eyes at the Warden.

"Not happening! You're a two bit slave trader and I don't have time for scum like you!" She shouted over her shoulder as she signaled Garrus to get to a higher vantage point as more guards rustled in.

"I do what civil governments are too afraid to do! This is for the good of the galaxy, Shepard!" He retorted at Shepard's slight.

Miranda's eyes scanned their terrain and noted how the Warden had set up a shield barrier around himself. Her gaze settled on three shield generators scattered along the room. "We'll have to take out those generators before we can do any damage to the Warden, Commander." Miranda informed her leader.

"Right." Shepard's eyes darted over to the generators before settling over to the guards that were approaching. "Garrus, snipe them once you get to the bridge. Miranda, concentrate on shooting down the generators. I'll provide cover and distraction."

The trio got to work as they maneuvered from cover to cover. With Garrus stationed on the bridge, Miranda and Shepard were able to take out the ground team closest to the first generator; Shepard spewing out large amounts of firepower to garner attention while Miranda elegantly focusing on those near the generator before attacking the machine itself. She could hear Garrus crowing in his nest as he finished off the further targets.

Once the first generator was taken out, Shepard and Miranda backtracked up to the bridge and over toward the next generator, annihilating any foes they met on the way.

"Watch you're right!" Garrus cautioned as he spotted heavier armored and shielded opponents near the third and final generator.

"Copy that." Miranda and Shepard acknowledged as they hurried across the walkway and toward the generator, while Garrus distracted and pinned the Warden down in the left hand corner of the room.

The firefight continued until Miranda managed to destroy the final shield generator. She spotted a mercenary coming at her on her right and quickly did a side flip to avoid the weapon's fire. As she twirled in the air, she produced a blue aura around her hands and sent a devastating warp at her opponent. The man screamed as the biotics tore at his molecules and after a few seconds, slumped to the ground, dead.

"This isn't over, Shepard!" Kuril shouted as he ducked from Garrus' sniper shot.

"Damn it." Garrus muttered over their comm link, expressing his frustration on missing the Warden.

"This ends now!" Shepard shouted from Miranda's left. The operative was surprised to find that Shepard had retraced their steps back and was now charging the Warden with her dual pistols.

"Shepard!" Miranda called out as her Commander exposed herself from cover and jumped over the walled crates and into the small confines of the Warden's location.

Her enhanced eyes watched as the Commander shot the assault rifle out of Kuril's hands and then issued a tech overload to down the turian's shields further. Miranda hurried to aid her commander, as did Garrus, who was now trying to get a better shot of the Warden through his scope without shooting Shepard.

Kuril screamed as he was electrocuted from the overload and then from being shot at by Shepard's Predator. By the time Miranda arrived, Shepard was leaning over the turian, who was muttering something. She strained her ears and managed to hear the dying man's final words.

"The Broker doesn't take rejection well, Shepard; you've been marked." Kuril gurgled out before drowning in his own blood.

Miranda watched as Shepard's body tensed. What did Kuril mean? What Broker? The Broker, as in the Shadow Broker? Miranda continued to watch as Shepard stood and turned toward them.

"Let's go; Jack is probably going toward the shuttle bay."

Miranda did her best to not frown at the cold tone that was produced from her Commander. Was Shepard involved with the Shadow Broker somehow? She could only manage out a curt nod as she and Garrus trailed Shepard, following EDI's instructions on where Jack was heading.

Location: Local Cluster/Sol System/Earth/Australia – Brisbane/Hawke Estate

2166 CE - March 24, 2:00 pm

"Thank you, Jarvis." Miranda politely thanked Eliza's personal bodyguard for allowing her entrance as she entered the workshop.

The bodyguard merely nodded, as he was a mute, before disappearing further into the room. Miranda was impressed with the soldier. Eliza had once mentioned that Jarvis was a CAT-6 that her father had hired when she was barely born and had been guarding her in the shadows ever since. He was rarely seen (this being Miranda's second time) but always nearby whenever Eliza needed him. He was a brawny man and apparently underwent the Alliance's N7 program, but only made it to N3 as he was dishonorably discharged for something (Eliza said it was sore topic and best left alone). Despite his colored past, Eliza spoke fondly about her protector.

Miranda shook those thoughts away, despite welcoming the small distraction from her initial purpose here. Her father wanted those plans this week and Miranda had no idea how she was going to gain them. She thought about hacking into Eliza's main datapad, but the woman had that on her at all times. She had to think of something.

Miranda journeyed further into the room before turning around a large corner where Eliza's main work bench was. She couldn't help the small smile that formed on her face as she watched Eliza hover over a large circular machine, while chewing on a sandwich and using a tool to tinker with her equipment. After a moment, she realized the small smile. It turned into a regretful one as she felt the guilt already clawing at her soul.

"Are you going to stand there all day, Miri?" Eliza teased and Miranda's heart fluttered at the recent nickname that Eliza had given her. It was nice hear, as if it signified their own little bond that her father could never touch. She berated herself once more. She shouldn't allow her sentiments to cloud her judgment. She shouldn't want this.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Miranda blinked her thoughts away at the sound of Eliza's concern. The teenager was now looking at her with a worried expression, her project abandoned as she placed her sandwich and tools down.

"Nothing." Miranda feigned a smile as she headed closer. "No, Shepard?" She asked, trying to change the subject. She noted how Eliza raised an eyebrow and knew the genius didn't believe her.

"No, I needed time to work today, so I chased her off; she's probably hounding my neighbors though."

"You chased her off? You need to teach me that sometime." Miranda quipped as she sat herself upon a stool before Eliza and her experiment.

Eliza's lips quirked into a smile and she laughed. "It's not that hard, Miri." She presented her sandwich before dramatically biting into it. "Peanut butter." She declared after swallowing her food.

"Peanut butter?" Miranda glanced at her with disbelief, eyeing the small crumbs around Eliza's mouth with amusement. It was funny how that type of behavior would usually disgust her, but on Lady Hawke, it was endearing. What was even more humorous is how someone of Eliza's standing was eating a peanut butter sandwich.

"Yeah, she's allergic. So I bring it out whenever I need her to stop pestering me." Eliza smirked evilly. "Plus, it's my favorite." She added.

"I need to keep a bottle on hand then." Miranda chuckled, feeling calmer than she did when she entered the room.

"I know you didn't come to talk about peanut butter, Miri. What's wrong?" Eliza pressed once more as she wiped her face with a napkin before sitting beside her.

"Nothing; I just wanted to visit, see what you were up to." Miranda replied, trying to avoid Eliza's eyes. Miranda feared gazing into those blue eyes, knowing that she was extremely vulnerable whenever she did; Eliza had a knack of extracting her thoughts whenever they looked at one another lately. Another weakness on her part.

"Hey, don't do that; I can tell. You can talk to me, you know?" Eliza assured patiently.

"I'm fine, Eliza." Miranda spouted out harsher than she intended. Eliza tensed and sat up straighter in her stool. Miranda dared a peek at her face, noting how she bit her lip in contemplation.

"What is this, Miranda?" Miranda had to stop herself from cringing at the lack of nickname and from the indifferent tone Eliza used.

"I'm not sure if I understand your question, Eliza." Miranda replied, using her indifferent tone as well. She could feel the tension rising between them, what it meant, she had yet to know.

"This." Eliza gestured between them with a nervous sigh. "I know you feel it. What I want to know: why are you here? Is this all real or are you really just after what's in my brain?"

Miranda suddenly felt very hot as the tension rose further. She stared; surprised at Eliza's question, but more the implications. Was Eliza admitting that she had feelings for her? "I…" Miranda was rendered speechless. Had Eliza known all along about her Father's plans? Her stomach churned as a sickening feeling formed in her core, further silencing her.

"I see." Eliza stared down at her hands with a slight dejected nod. "I figured as much." She whispered and motioned to stand.

"No." Miranda's hand darted out without her own volition. She hesitated, feeling her heart beat rapidly. "It's not fake, Eliza. What I feel for you…it's the only real thing that's my own…" She confessed. "I…but it's far more complicated than that…whatever this is, it can't go beyond where we are now…I…my…"

"Your father." Eliza replied helpfully.

Miranda nodded. "How did you know?" She asked, referring to her initial purpose in befriending her.

"It wasn't hard to conclude, Miri. It comes with the territory that we were born into." Eliza sighed and brushed a hand through her hair. "Your father is known to buy out businesses and with my father's company expanding; it was easy to assume that someone would try to steal our project designs."

"Why didn't you do anything or rather, why did you allow me into your life?" Miranda asked, still trying to avoid eye contact.

"I don't know." She exhaled quietly. "There was something about you; an aura that was warm…and my gut told me that it would be worth it if I gained your trust. The more we spent time together, the more my gut felt right and I don't know, I just saw you, and not what your father made you to be."

Miranda snapped her head up, astounded at Eliza's confession. "You saw me?" Miranda blinked, unsure how to respond; everything felt so surreal." Do you still consider me as a friend, even knowing my purpose?"

"Do you consider me as yours?" Eliza countered.

"N…" Miranda's expression said "yes", but her lips hovered over the programed word of "no". Eliza seemed to catch on; damn her for being able to read her so easily. The older teen reached out to touch her hand, sending a shiver along her spine.

"I think by now, you know that I consider you more than a friend, Miri. I don't know how it happened or why, but I do care for you and I want you in my life."

"We can't let this happen." Miranda plead as she retracted her hand from Eliza's and stood up, hugging herself as her back faced her. "My father won't allow it! And there's too much at stake!" She retorted, feeling more confused and unsure of her purpose.

"Miri…" Eliza gently spoke and Miranda felt her warmth behind her. Miranda felt those warm hands steer her around to face her; what surprised her was that she allowed it. "I don't care what you're father wants. What do you want?" Eliza asked as she gently tilted her chin up so they could make eye contact.

Pulsating warmth filled the young Lawson then. No one had ever asked her what she wanted; never had the luxury of doing what she wanted. It was always for her father – always for his endgame. Miranda knew she was a tool, but she had purpose…and yet, staring into the blue eyes of Eliza Hawke, Miranda wanted more. She wanted to be of worth to someone. To someone who cared.

"You. I want you." They both surprised themselves when Miranda claimed Eliza's lips for her own and Eliza reciprocated it eagerly. She would tell Eliza later, of her father's plans, but right now, Miranda Lawson was going to do what she wanted for a change.

Location: Hourglass Nebula/Osun System – Purgatory

2185 CE - February 11, 3:45 pm

"You die first."

Miranda's hand itched to retrieve her pistol at Jack's threat. Her impression of the scantily clad biotic was turning more negative the more she heard the woman speak. They had finally caught up with Jack and all the woman could see was the Cerberus tag; typical attitude. How Shepard could be so patient, was a marvel to Miranda.

"I'm here to ask for your help." Shepard replied, trying to quell the woman's anger.

"You show up in a Cerberus frigate to take me away – you think I'm stupid?" Jack countered with an angry finger.

Yes. Miranda refrained from voicing that thought as her Commander continued to gain some amiable trust from Jack.

"This ship is going down in flames and we're asking for your help." Shepard replied, her voice growing more agitated.

"Or we can just knock her out and take her." Miranda replied, folding her arms as she watched Jack pace about irritably.

Shepard shot her a glare, but Miranda could easily see the amused twinkle in her eyes.

"I like to see you try!" Jack growled out with a biotic flare.

"Easy. We're not going to do that." Shepard assured.

"Good move; I'll tear you apart if you tried." Jack snapped a crate beside them in half for emphasis.

Miranda noticed that Shepard seemed unimpressed at the demonstration. She actually appeared exasperated.

"We don't have time for this. We need your help – what do you want?" Shepard asked.

This should be good. Miranda thought as she eyed the twitchy biotic.

"Look, you want my help? Then make it worth my while." Jack sauntered up to them, appearing to think that she had something of worth to bargain with. Miranda again, refrained in retrieving her pistol; people like Jack were never worth her time and never could be trusted.

"All right, join my team and I'll do what I can to get you what you want." Shepard supplied.

"Don't make promises you can't keep!" Jack shot back when she realized that the Commander was serious.

"I don't." Shepard countered, causing Miranda to flicker her eyes over to her. She recognized that determination…that…promise…that tone.

"No shit, Shepard? All right, I'll bite." Jack tilted her head toward the Normandy that was outside their window. "That's a Cerberus frigate, right? That means it has access to Cerberus files and data. I want access on what Cerberus has on me. All of it." Jack stated, seemingly nonchalant about the matter.

Miranda's head snapped away from her own musing at Jack's request. She cannot possibly think that she'll obtain that. Shepard knew better to give classified information; especially to a Cerberus headhunter like Jack!

"I'll give you full access." Shepard replied easily. Miranda openly gawked before rearing her operative persona.

"Shepard! You're not authorized to do that!" Miranda proclaimed. "Cerberus files are out of the bargain." She emphasized as she stared down Jack.

"Miranda." Shepard allowed the operative to see her right side profile. Miranda knew that tone. It was we'll-talk-about-this-later tone. Miranda hated that tone; it made her feel inferior.

"No, Shepard! Out of the question!"

"Awww, it upsets the cheerleader! Even better!" Jack cried out with petulant glee.

"Enough." Shepard barked, startling both women, while Garrus merely opted to stay silent and watch. "You'll get your data with the condition that you'll cooperate with me and my team. Deal?"

Jack smirked as her gaze flickered from Shepard to Miranda and then back to Shepard. Miranda did not like that expression at all. What was that woman thinking?

"Deal." Jack replied, before taking a threatening step forward. "You better be straight up with me."

"I am." Shepard assured.

"Then what are we standing around here for?" Jack demanded as she allowed Shepard and her team to lead the way to the Normandy. She gave Miranda an extra glare, which the operative retaliated by simply ignoring her presence as she fumed at Shepard's promise.

Location: Hourglass Nebula/Osun System – En route to Omega/Normandy SR-2 – Mess Hall

2185 CE – February 11, 6:00 pm

Miranda steadied her breathing as she exited her room and into the Mess Hall. She was still fuming over Shepard's promise. She was so irritated that the moment they returned she had marched off to her quarters without a word, when clearly Shepard wanted to talk.

As Miranda exited she froze as she spotted Shepard sitting on the bench closest to her quarters, facing her, but speaking with Ms. Chambers while reading the datapad she had. Shepard must have heard her enter because her eyes flickered up from her datapad to gaze at her.

Playing as if the gaze did not perturb her, Miranda turned the corner to the kitchen to fix herself some tea.

"Thanks for the time, Commander." Miranda heard Kelly proclaim, rather loudly, she might add.

"Anytime." Shepard's voice sounded distracted.

Miranda continued to prep her tea when she felt Shepard approach.

"Miranda." Shepard's voice was unusually quiet as she gently placed a used plate into the kitchen sink.

"Commander." Miranda replied evenly, trying not to betray her emotions to the object of her ire.

"Hey, come on. Don't be like that. I know you're upset with me." Shepard implored. "Can we at least talk about it?"

"What can we possibly speak about, Commander?" Miranda replied with an icy tone. "It's clear that you're perfectly capable of issuing orders and making foolish choices." She snapped, focusing on heating her water than wanting to throw her Commander across the mess hall with a biotic throw.

"Ah-hah! So we've established that you're angry about my choices." Shepard attempted humor, but Miranda's glare sobered the mood. Shepard frowned slightly. "Look, Miranda. I know you're not happy with me giving Jack access, but can it really be that bad? Think of it logically: she only wants information regarding herself, nothing else. Can there really be any harm in that?"

Miranda sighed. Shepard had a point. "No, I suppose not." She carefully replied after a few minutes of contemplating it. "But, I would appreciate it if we discussed giving away vital information before actually doing it, Commander."

Shepard chuckled. "Yeah, I apologize for that, but Jack was getting on my nerves and I'm so used to reacting in the moment. I mean, who stalls getting off of a burning ship?" Miranda rolled her eyes at Shepard's attempted humor.

"Regardless, I would appreciate it; you may be in charge of the crew, Commander, but I still have to report back to the Illusive Man. And he may not be as free-thinking as you." Miranda explained.

"I understand. I don't want you to get into too much trouble with your boss." Shepard bit her lip as she thought about something. "So…are we good?" She asked.

"Yes, Commander – we're good." Miranda replied and was surprised to see the Commander smile widely.

"Perfect. Kasumi needs to speak with me about her heist, but I was thinking, afterwards, I can stop by and speak to you about something?" Shepard rubbed her arm nervously, causing Miranda's curiosity to arise.

"Sure." Miranda agreed, wondering what her commander wanted to speak to her about.

"All right then." Shepard excused herself with a smile and headed off to speak with the Japanese infiltrator.

Miranda watched her commander's retreating back before glancing down into the sink. What she saw on the dirty dish that Shepard had placed down made her body freeze and her mind whirl.

Miranda had been analyzing Shepard's behavior ever since their last talk in the drive core. Something about it nagged at Miranda, to the point that her brain had concocted a theory about it. That theory had become more prominent during the Purgatory mission, but a part of Miranda was thinking just that – it was a theory, nothing more. But as she stared at the small smudge on that dirty dish, Miranda was seriously considering it and what it meant.

With a gasp, Miranda uttered one word:

"Peanut butter."


Author's Note:

Random thought: Has anyone ever noticed how similar the cast of Bones is to the cast of Mass Effect? Maybe it's just me...but I can't help comparing Shepard and Miranda's relationship to that of Booth and Bones...

Anyhoo, that really wasn't the reason for the second Author's Note. I just had a question to pose: I've been thinking a lot about Shepard/Miranda/Eliza's past (those are my favorite scenes to write) and was just wondering if anyone was interested if I created a prequel to Ghost of Me. I know it's a bit early as the plot and secrets are still unraveling in the story, but its just something to keep in mind.

Thanks again!

2-03-2014: Edits on Grammar and Punctuation.