Chapter 7 – Archangel

Shepard, Miranda, and Jacob had just finished fighting their way through the freelancers and had made their way across the bridge and into Archangel's hideout. Shepard half expected Archangel to be hostile, but instead, they walked right in without so much as an errant look from the vigilante. In fact, Archangel seemed content to have them at his back as he lined up a shot and took out another one of the mercs. With the merc dead, Archangel calmly turned around and folded up his rifle.

He was Turian, and tall even by Turian standards. Covered head to toe in navy blue and black armor, Archangel was an impressive and imposing figure. Unlike Zaeed, Shepard had a good feeling about him. And then he removed his helmet and sat down.

"Shepard … I thought you were dead."

"Garrus!" Shepard greeted his old friend, amazed to find that Garrus Vakarian had become Archangel. "What are you doing here?"

"Just keeping my skills sharp; a little target practice."

"You okay?" A lot had happened to Garrus over the past two years, Shepard could tell. Gone was the bright eyed, gung ho, ready to take on the world rookie cop. In its place was a hardened mercenary, on whose face showed two years of war weary experience.

"Been better, but it sure is good to see a friendly face." Garrus looked and sounded worn out. "Killing mercs is hard work, especially on my own."

Shepard was glad to see a friendly face too, but Garrus' presence as a vigilante in the Terminus Systems raised a lot of questions. "What are you doing out here on Omega?"

"I got fed up with all the bureaucratic crap on the Citadel. Figured I could do more good on my own."

It seemed that everyone was telling the same stories about the Alliance and the Citadel; red tape and bureaucracy trumping anything of import. Garrus was never one for red tape, and often chafed at procedure, but it seemed that 'procedure' now meant maintaining the status quo and not rocking the boat.

"At least it's not hard to find criminals here," Garrus continued. "All I have to do is point my gun and shoot."

"How'd you manage to piss off ever major merc organization in the Terminus Systems?"

"It wasn't easy," Garrus replied. "I really had to work at it. I am amazed that they teamed up to fight me. They must really hate me."

Shepard figured that Garrus had truly outdone himself. "Since when did you start calling yourself Archangel?"

"It's just a name the locals gave me," he explained. "For all my good deeds. I don't mind it, but please … it's just Garrus to you."

There was a lot more to this story than they had time to go into, and Shepard hoped to hear it all back on the Normandy. "Well, we got here, but I don't think getting out will be as easy."

"No, it won't," Garrus agreed. "That bridge has saved my life. Funneling all those witless idiots into scope, but it works both ways; they'll slaughter us if we try to get out that way."

Miranda was exasperated "So we just sit here and wait for them to take us out?" Her interjection drew a smile from Shepard, as if to say, 'wait and see what we can do,' but this did not reassure her. Nor did Garrus' reply.

"It's not all that bad," Garrus soothed. "This place has held them off so far. And with the three of you …" Garrus stood and walked to the window to assess the situation. "I suggest we hold this location, wait for a crack in their defenses, and take our chances. It's not a perfect plan, but it's a plan."

Thankfully, even Shepard seemed to question Garrus' assessment. "How did you let yourself get into this position?"

"My feelings got in the way of my better judgement," Garrus lamented. "It's a long story. I'll make you a deal; you get me out of here alive, and I'll tell you the whole damn thing."

"I didn't like sneaking anyway," Shepard consoled. "Time to spill a little merc blood."

"Glad to see you haven't changed," Garrus laughed.

Miranda had heard stories of how in spite of his image as a paragon, Shepard had an almost Krogan like love of battle. Apparently, the stories were true, and she was not sure how to feel about it.

"Let's see what they're up to," Garrus said, going to the window, carful to take cover, and looking through the scope of his Mantis sniper rifle at the bridge. "Hmm. Looks like they know their infiltration team failed." Then he handed Shepard the Mantis. "Take a look. Scouts; Eclipse, I think."

Shepard took the rifle and looked through the scope. He fired, taking the head cleanly off of one of the mechs. "More than scouts. One less now, though."

"Indeed," Garrus agreed. "We'd better get ready. I'll stay up here. I can do a lot of damage from this vantage point. You? You can do what you do best." Miranda could have sworn that Garrus was smiling when he added, "Just like old times, Shepard."

2168 – John Shepard answered the door, half expecting his case worker. Instead, he was greeted by none other than Rear Admiral Hackett. His mother had spoken of Hackett more than once, and the man had appeared in a few photos with both of his parents. While John recognized him right away, he had no idea what the man was doing at their home. John was not sure what else to do, so he saluted him.

"John Shepard," Hackett said in a low, gravelly voice, returning John's salute. "May I come in?"

"Yes, sir." John moved aside and let the admiral enter, calling for his mother.

Hannah Shepard seemed to be expecting the visit. "Admiral Hackett, good of you to drop by." She motioned for them to both to take a seat in the living room and then went to the kitchen for drinks. Once she had served the admiral a bourbon and John a lemonade, she joined them, sitting next to him.

"How are feeling, John?" The admiral's query was unexpected.

"Fine, I guess, sir."

"Do you know why I'm here?"

"No, sir."

"You've taken a lot of tests, both in school, and in the process of going through your legal issues," the admiral explained. "Your scores indicate that you'd be an ideal soldier. Now some of my colleagues, particularly one Captain Mikhailovich, disagree with my assessment, but I'm betting that you'll prove me right."

"Sir?"

"John, the Alliance needs good men; men who know what it means to sacrifice for the people they're sworn to protect. People who know that in order to maintain our freedom, sacrifices need to be made … and sometimes, people need to die. I won't sugar coat it. You're looking at years in juvenile correctional facilities, ruining any chance of you being able to really make it. What I'm offering you is an alternative."

"I'm listening." Shepard was not sure he liked where this was going.

"I've arranged for you, if you accept, to attend the new Alliance Military At Risk Youth Academy. It's for kids like you, who ended up doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. From there, you can begin a career as a soldier."

"Join the military or go to juvie," Shepard replied. "Not much of a choice. Only one question; will my mom be alright?"

"If you are willing to go to the academy," she said, "I've been offered an opportunity to serve in the fleet again. You know what an honor it is; you practically grew up in the fleet."

"She'll be in with good people, John, I promise you that. The XO is a good man; Commander David Anderson. He'll keep the riff-raff in line, don't you worry."

"Alright, sir. I'll go to the academy."

"You made the right decision, son," Hackett said. "I know, don't ask me how, but I know that one day, you will do great things in the Alliance, maybe even serve in the Fleet."

"I want to be a marine, sir."

"Then you'd better start training hard, son."

Omega, 2185 – In less than an hour, Shepard and Garrus had dismantled most of the mercs. While Jacob and Miranda killed their fair share, Miranda could not help but feel like they were just along for the ride. On Freedom's Progress, all they had to do was shoot down a few rogue mechs. On Omega, Shepard had taken down the Blood Pack to get Mordin's cure into the ventilation systems, and had stood with Garrus against not only the Blood Pack, but also Eclipse and the Blue Suns. Freedom's Progress was just a warmup; on Omega, the commander faced much greater odds and heavy resistance, but he made it all look easy. He was, in fact, virtually unstoppable.

Only after Shepard had cleared the lower levels had he come to Garrus rescue when Tarek fired rockets from a gunship into the building. Shepard, without missing a beat, took down the remaining mercs and the gunship, clearing the way for them to escape, a badly wounded Garus Vakarian in tow.

Upon return to the Normandy, Chakwas and Mordin got to work on Garrus, as Shepard plotted a course for Zorya to take care of the captured Eldfel-Ashland refinery. Their recruitment of Mordin, Zaeed, and Garrus represented major progress in building the team. Doctor Chakwas seemed confident that Garrus would not only make a full recovery, but would do so quickly enough to be of use on this mission. With the course locked in, the crew would be in transit for hours, and with three of their team recruited, Miranda had some breathing room. Time to try to tackle Shepard.

Kelly Chambers sat across from Commander Shepard, pondering his request for information about Miranda. There was a lot that she could tell him about Miranda based on personal observation that would not break confidentiality rules, but facing Miranda's wrath if she ever found out was something Kelly had no desire to do. On the other hand, there was no refusing John Shepard. She had fervently hoped that his interest in her was more than just professional, but it seemed that professional was the extent of it … and it was Miranda he was asking about.

"Okay, Commander, I have to be very careful about what I reveal to you, but honestly, I have not had a lot of one on one time with Operative Lawson."

"Fair enough," he conceded. "In that case, just give me your observations on her."

"Sir?" She wondered if he wanted her personal observations or her professional opinion.

"Kelly, let's be frank; Miranda and you have dug into my background without my consent. I know you make observations about me and report them to the Illusive Man, so don't act like what you see and what's said to you stays with you. It's important to me, and I'll get the information I need one way or another. I like you, so I wanted to do you the courtesy of coming to you directly … but I can go around you if I need to."

Kelly gulped audibly. Shepard was a Spectre, and that meant that he could hack into her files and obtain her notes without any kind of authorization or warrants if she were regular civilian. As a member of Cerberus, he had carte blanche from both the Council and the Alliance to go even further. And it was well known that Shepard had the skills to do so. Although she doubted that he would be heavy handed with her, she maintained a healthy amount of fear and respect for the man who took down Saren, Sovereign, Lady Benezia, numerous crime-lords, and a sizable chunk of Cerberus' military operations two years ago.

"Very well, sir; what would you like to know?"

2166 – Miranda had spent only two months running from her father, but her resources were already at their limits. Even with powerful biotics, a 200 IQ, and the best education and training that money could buy, she knew that her father would win out if she stayed by herself. She needed a plan … Oriana needed a plan. The little girl's gestation period was nearly at an end, and she would need to come out of the gestation chamber and receive care. Her father had funded a pro human group called Cerberus, and while it was a risk, she knew a few people in the organization through him.

As her skycar landed at the Binary Helix offices in Ontario, she was met by a contingency of security guards, technicians, and two executives. Not good, she thought, crossing her fingers and hoping that her Father was not already in contact with them, before stepping out of the skycar, her hands raised partway.

"I'm unarmed," she announced. "I have an appointment with …"

"Jack Harper," one of the men said, stepping forward and offering his hand. "You can relax, Miranda; these men are here for your protection, and that of your sister. Welcome to Binary Helix. Now, let us step inside; we have much to discuss, and this is not a conversation that should take place on the rooftop."

The technicians removed Oriana's gestation pod as Jack Harper escorted Miranda to a private conference room. She hoped that she was doing the right thing, but it did not matter; she was out of options. She took a long last look at the technicians carrying Oriana.

"Where are they taking her?"

"To a pediatric med bay," Harper assured. "After our meeting, I'll take you to see her. I've even found a promising family to adopt her, as per your stated wishes on the matter."

"Thank you!" That was a relief … assuming that he was being honest with her.

He stopped at the conference room and held the door for her, gesturing for her to enter first. She went in and took a seat at the table, as Harper closed the door and sat across from her. He offered her water, which she gratefully took, and waited for her to get comfortable before beginning.

"It is fortuitous that you've contacted us, Miranda. In fact, I've had my eye on you for some time."

"Me? I'm just a teenager!"

"Not just any teenager," he corrected. "You have the skills and talents that humanity needs. More than that, you have the intellect and the vision. Cerberus needs people like you, Miranda; people who know that doing the right thing can mean sacrifice and hardship. You threw away a life of comfort because you knew that your father was wrong; that his vision was limited and misguided. And you did this for the benefit of another, your sister. I've sacrificed more than you can imagine, and I respect you for what you've done."

"Thank you, sir."

"Let's get down to business, Miranda." Harper poured himself a glass of bourbon. "I'm the one they call the Illusive Man. I know you were expecting an intermediary, but you're special, and want to bring you in personally. You have top level training, but we can take you further. Your sister will be placed with a loving and caring family, one that will nurture her and enable her to reach her full potential, but you? You're destined for greatness, Miranda." He paused and took a drink of his bourbon, savoring it. "It's not something I often say, but you're an exceptional girl."

"What do you ask in return?"

"Nothing."

Miranda was shocked. "Nothing? You mean I can just walk away right now, and you'll do as you say for Ori?"

"It does me no good to swindle you, Miranda, and if you are not interested in working for me, then forcing you to is in neither of our best interests." He removed a cigarette from his pocket and lit up, taking a long drag. Exhaling the smoke, he continued. "I'm offering this to you because I see greatness in you, not to hold it over your head. You've got to want to be here, Miranda."

"Very well, then," she replied. "I want to be here. I want to use these gifts that my father gave me for something that matters!"

"Then welcome aboard, Miranda. Believe me, you won't regret it."

2185 – Garrus lay unconscious on one of the beds in the Normandy's med bay, Shepard seated next to him. He had no doubt that Garrus would pull through, but hated to see his friend like this. He deserved a triumphant victory, walking away with us, not carried out by us. Damn mercs. He paused to consider that Zaeed, who resided one deck below, was likely cut from the same cloth as the mercs who had cornered Garrus. Shepard still did not know the full story on how Garrus had come to be cornered in a compound at the end of a bridge, but that could wait for later.

"Stay strong, Garrus," he implored. Then he turned to Doctor Chakwas who had joined him at Garrus' bedside. "Do what you can for him, Doctor."

"Believe me, I will, Commander. You have my word." Just then, the door opened, and Miranda entered the medbay. "I'll leave the two of you to visit Garrus," Chakwas added. "I'll be operating in less than an hour, so don't take too long." She then left the med bay, allowing Shepard and Miranda some privacy.

"How is he?" Miranda stood beside Shepard, both of them looking at the unconscious Turian.

"He'll live," Shepard affirmed. "But he'll have some battle scars."

"I don't think he'll mind."

Miranda was trying to be assuring, and Shepard appreciated the effort. He did not have the heart to tell her that she really did not know Garrus well enough to be making comments like that. And even if she was his Miri, which he strongly suspected she was, they had been apart long enough that she really did not know Shepard well enough to be making comments like that about one of his closest friends.

"Yeah, he'll make the most of it," he replied, choosing to receive her words in the spirit in which she intended them.

"I was impressed by you on Omega." The comment was seemingly out of the blue. "You handle yourself very well over a multitude of situations, ranging from the diplomatic to grueling combat. When you and Garrus began working together, I finally saw what you've been trying to get us to see."

"Oh?"

"Your team, Shepard; there's a magic there, a synergy. It was … something special that can't just be duplicated by plugging in professionals, no matter how competent they may be. Cerberus never did understand you … and neither did I." She laughed mirthlessly. "I thought I knew you inside and out simply because I rebuilt you. Oh, how wrong I was."

"You know, the synergy of my old team took time to build," he consoled. "You and Jacob? I think the three of us are building that special magic you talked about. With Garrus, it'll be even better. Still don't know how Mordin will factor in, and Zaeed's not the sort I would have chosen, but everyone has a part to play in this drama that has yet to be revealed."

Miranda returned to her cabin troubled by Shepard's words. Shepard had been through a lot, and she was certain that his comment about everyone's part being yet to be revealed was more than just an expression. On the surface, he meant to be encouraging, but there was an element of warning underlying his words that she did not want to ignore.

There were elements in play that she had no control over; Tali, though she had not signed on, was a factor, and she may come into play later on; Ashley Williams, Shepard's old XO, was out there, and nobody seemed to know where; and even the Illusive Man himself. Then there were Shepard's other team mates; Liara T'Soni and Urdnot Wrex. Somehow, Miranda was certain that they would all factor into this mission, but she could not fathom how, and that terrified her.

She remembered when working with the Illusive Man had been like working with Shepard, and only now that Shepard was her CO did she notice the change that had come over the Illusive Man since meeting him all those years ago. Cerberus had been an ideal, but now, it seemed that the Illusive Man had become a victory at any cost type of leader, and it had rubbed off on Miranda.

If only I could return to that simpler time … before I knew what my Father was … John and I taking on our little world … But it was not to be. She wondered what he was doing at this very moment. Was he thinking of her? She hoped so.

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