A/N – This chapter does have a significant edit to the previous version, reflecting expected changes further into the story.


Two months to the arrival…

"Seriously? Another fucking test? I've been here for what already feels like months now and still with this bullshit!"

"Jack! Language!" She paused, before adding, "And it hasn't been that long."

"Sorry," she mumbled, then gestured towards the dummies at the end, "But I've shown you everything I can do."

"I know, Jack, but your power is simply… extraordinary! I mean, I've read the reports Shepard provided us but reading it is one thing. Seeing you in action is another thing entirely. Ninety-nine percent of asari would be jealous of your potential. I don't think I've ever met a human with such power."

She knew she was actually blushing at the compliments. "Er… Thanks, I guess."

"Just a few more, Jack. Then you can take the rest of the day off."

"Alright, what do you want me to do?"

"We've focused on warps most of the day. Why don't you show me what you can do with a shockwave?"

She knew a slightly evil, probably evil, grin appeared on her face as he turned towards the dummies at the end. Summoning her biotics, she would have been surrounded by a shimmering blue aura before she unleashed hell. The first she sent down the hall was narrow. Just a warm-up. She sent down three more, each successively more powerful, each with a widening arc. Just for fun, she sent one down so wide she hit every dummy at the end. She turned around with a self-satisfied grin, noticing the shock on Kahlee's face.

"Unbelievable," the blonde muttered, "And you've never been trained?"

"Officially? No. But I'm sure you've…"

Kahlee raised her hand to interrupt. "I know, Jack. You don't have to go into it."

"You need anything else?"

Kahlee shook her head. "No. I said you can take the rest of the day off. Dinner will be at the usual time."

"Okay."

"Before you go, do you need anything, Jack?"

She still wasn't used to anyone being nice to her. Or asking her if she was okay. At least not here. She was used to being… well, used. It had taken a long time for her to trust anyone. And the people she had learned to trust were no longer around. A year ago, she'd have dismissed them out of hand for thinking they had abandoned her. But she had 'grown', as she had often told Shepard, and he had told her in return. She understood why he had disappeared, returning to the Alliance, taking responsibility for something he needed to do. And as for her lover, she wondered if she was even still alive. She surprised herself by hoping that she was. She understood why there had been no contact. But still…. She disgusted herself by actually missing her. It was pathetic.

She shrugged. "I think I'll be okay."

"We could give you a uniform to wear, if you'd like?"

"Er, no," she replied relatively bluntly.

Kahlee wasn't offended, letting her know with a light laugh. She was already used to her, or so it seemed. "Well, if you would like a day's leave to go shopping, you can take one. All you have to do is give us a bit of notice to organise travel. You're being paid now, Jack, so you'll have spending money. At the very least you could head to Arcturus for some more clothes. You haven't exactly come with a lot."

"I didn't come with anything."

Kahlee just smiled. "That's what I meant, Jack. At least we can give you some regular clothing."

"Suppose I could do with a nice jacket. Also some new boots I guess." She paused a minute. "How do you think I'd look growing my hair out?"

"Thinking of a new look?"

She knew a small grin appeared. "Yeah. Something like that."

She strolled back to her small room actually feeling good about life. She'd never felt contentment. She'd been on Grissom for a while now. She didn't both counting the days anymore. All she knew is that she felt a sense of peace that she'd never felt before. Kahlee had taken her under her wing, knowing she was completely out of her depth. Shepard had told Kahlee as much as he could about Jack, so at least Kahlee understood that she could be difficult at times. Each took the other in their stride. She accepted her attire for now. Her mood swings. And her potty mouth, although Kahlee had suggested a swear jar may be a good idea.

There were already a number of credit chits in said jar. Kahlee said she would be rewarded with the contents when she went a whole day without cursing.

She received the occasional glance, and maybe even a stare, as she walked along, sometimes simply stopping at a window and staring out into space. She found her mind sometimes drifting back to the Normandy and she found it strange that she actually missed the stupid ship. And the idiots on board. Shepard and his boy-scout ways though she'd never admit that she missed his chats, sometimes about nothing at all, sometimes about things so private she couldn't believe she was sharing it with him. But that's just how he was. Though she'd never admit missing those chats, well at least not to Shepard anyway. Then there was Garrus and his stupid jokes. Zaeed and his never-ending stories. The two engineers and their obvious love for each other. And then the cheerleader. She still wondered how they had ended up together. They were polar opposites in so many ways. But, for some reason, from the first moment she had kissed her, it had just felt… right.

But while it had felt right, she had this nagging suspicion that they had only clicked because it was supposed to be a suicide mission. They were not meant to survive, so finding comfort in each other's arms shouldn't have meant anything, as both should now be dead. The fact they had survived had her wondering what her future was, let alone what any sort of future she'd have with Miranda, considering she was now a fugitive on the run.

The quiet times in her quarters gave her plenty of time to contemplate her future.


She looked up as Kahlee appeared in the doorway. "Sorry to interrupt your lesson, Jack, but we have some visitors that I'd like you to meet."

"Me?"

"Of course. You're our newest teacher and, to be honest, considering you are so… hmmm, different, unusual…" Jack actually laughed as she stumbled over her words. "Anyway, I was hoping you could bring your students out for a demonstration."

She looked over the small body of students currently sitting down. "What do you reckon? Up for it?" There was a moment of silence before all of them shouted their agreement. She looked up with a slight grin. "I think that answers the question."

Jack and her students assembled in the meeting area a couple of minutes later. She ran her eyes over the visitors. It was the usual mix of scientists, doctors and Alliance staff. But it was the redhead standing aloof of the rest that caught her eye. The hair colour was definitely different. So were the eyes, green instead of blue. She was dressed in a smart business suit. Flat shoes instead of the heels. The woman returned the look. The slightest of smirks on her face, her focus not leaving her own until Kahlee introduced herself. Her boss turned around and noticed her stare, looking between Jack and the redhead a couple of times before she waved Jack over.

"Do you know her, Jack?" For once she was speechless. All she knew is that her cheeks grew hot, and more than likely very red, before she nodded. "I think I understand," Kahlee stated softly. Then slightly louder. "Jack, why don't you take Ms. Smith here on a tour of the facilities. The rest of the ladies and gentlemen will be directed towards the conference hall for the meeting they are here for. Your students can take the rest of the afternoon off." Jack could only stare at Kahlee in what she knew was complete shock as the rest of the group started to depart. "I can't remember the last time I saw David since he quit the Council…" she started to explain.

"Oh…"

"Ms. Smith, your ship will be departing at 18:00. Please enjoy your visit to Grissom."

"Thank you, Lieutenant."

Jack almost burst out laughing at the accent. It was certainly not her own. With a slight grin, Kahlee turned and walked away, leaving the two woman alone. Without thinking, Jack grabbed Ms. Smith's hand and practically dragged her through the Academy to her personal quarters. When they were out of ear-shot, she had to ask.

"Ms. Smith?"

"That's Ms. Jane Smith."

"Jane Smith?" she asked, near incredulous.

"It's so totally ordinary it wouldn't stand out. I'm an Alliance attaché, working specifically with children gifted with biotics. At least that is what my record states."

"How'd you organise that?"

"I've had to break a number of laws just to get here. Being here now is one of the biggest."

She couldn't help but look at her. "You do know how to push all the right buttons," she stated in a tone Ms. Smith couldn't miss. The look she returned was that the suggestion was received loud and clear

The door to her quarters was just ahead, virtually pushing her partner through the door before closing and locking it behind her. They looked at each in silence for a moment.

Then Jack pounced.

An hour later, clothes were strewn across the floor, the only thing now covering either of them a thin blanket. She knew she had a rather satisfied grin on her face. Miranda looked the same as she lay back with her eyes closed. There was no missing the fact sex had just taken place in her small room. Good thing the door was locked, though she figured some people may have heard…

"I like the red," she said quietly.

"Want me to keep it?"

"Nah. Do prefer the smouldering brunette thing myself. Though it was like fucking a different woman. Well, except for those noises you make. Definitely missed those."

"I missed you too, Jack," Miranda stated with a laugh.

"Hey, you're the one that's made me a one-woman… er, woman. And this woman has needs." She propped her head up, holding it in her hand. "Where have you been since you left?"

"Simply put, on the run. I don't think I've been tracked so far. Spent most of the past two months travelling between planets to lose any possible tail."

"Where are you headed after this?"

"I think I may base myself on the Citadel. Stay as incognito as possible. I'll wait for Shepard."

"Shepard?"

"Of course. He's going to need help for when the Reapers come. And there's no doubt he'll be back on the Citadel sooner rather than later."

"What about your sister?"

She noticed Miranda's eyes widen in surprise, probably because she was actually taking an interest, before she just smiled. "She's doing well. She's smart. Very smart. Definitely smarter than me."

"And she's safe?"

"Yes."

"You need help again with that, if anything goes wrong, you let me know."

"I think you'll have your hands full here. Would never have imagined this happening."

"Being a teacher? Yeah, but it's not how you think. I'm still me… Well, sorta. But… They're good kids. Completely wet behind the ears. But they try their best. I just think…" She trailed off.

"I'm sorry," Miranda stated quietly.

"Miranda, it wasn't your fault. You may have worked for them, but you didn't know about that."

"I know. But I still feel responsible."

"No. You weren't. The man who was responsible still lives and breathes. And one day he is going to die. And if I'm not the one who does it, then I know one man who is itching to do it himself. Want to go break him out of prison?"

Miranda laughed. "Even I'm not that daft." Then she turned serious. "Nice idea, though. You're going to think this sounds silly, but I miss him. Those sometimes stupid conversations. Or the real heart to heart you'd have. Sometimes he would just sit back and listen, let you talk, get everything off your chest. Never appreciated it until he left."

She cleared her throat. "I… er, feel the same way."

"We must never, EVER tell him that."

She laughed. "Agreed!"

They lay in contented silence; she didn't know for how long. It was already so different to when they were first together. Then, both would admit it was only physical. But having her here now, back with her in such a way, she would readily admit her head was spinning. But she couldn't verbalise her thoughts or emotions. She just wasn't good at it.

There was eventually a knock at the door. "Jack?"

"Shit, it's Sanders!" Jack whispered, the pair descending into girlish giggles, then cleared her throat again, "Er, yeah Kahlee?"

"It's five thirty. Just thought I'd let you know."

"Er, sure. Thanks, Kahlee. Er, we… er, I mean I'll be out shortly."

"Just make sure she's there by the time the ship leaves, Jack." She could hear Kahlee laughing away to herself as she heard her footsteps disappear. She looked at Miranda as the pair burst into laughter themselves.

"Guess we should get dressed," Miranda stated.

As they dressed, Jack played over the conversation that had just taken place. Somehow, she didn't know how, but they had grown close during their time on the Normandy. But her life had changed substantially in only a couple of months and she knew her future was on Grissom, at least for the moment. She felt a strong desire for the other woman in the room, enjoyed the private moments they had together, and hadn't lied when stating that she had missed her. But…

Once dressed, she sat down on the bed as Miranda pulled on her boots. "Miranda," she stated in a tone she would probably recognise.

Miranda met her eyes, and even Jack could read the flurry of emotions that passed through her eyes within about five seconds. "I understand," Miranda stated evenly.

"You do?"

She actually smiled. "You're making a life for yourself here, Jack. And I'm a distraction you don't need at the moment." She paused, before adding, "You've proven me completely and utterly wrong."

"You're not mad?"

"I should be, but… Listen, we weren't meant to survive the Collector mission. And after telling the Illusive Man where to shove it, I should just be glad I'm still alive. We both have more important things on our minds at the moment. I guess that should be our sole focus for now."

"It was fun while it lasted."

"Maybe one day in the future, after the Reapers…"

Jack made sure she smiled. "Who the hell knows what will happen afterwards? If we'll even be alive..."

"You've survived everything so far."

"You know anything about them? When they'll get here?"

Miranda shrugged. "I'll worry about it the day they arrive. Until then, I'll focus on staying alive." She checked her wrist. "Come on, I'd better go."

Getting to her feet, she felt an overwhelming need to explain. "Miranda, I…"

Miranda simply kissed her cheek. "Don't. It'll just get awkward. We walk out like nothing has happened… Well, except what happened before. Then I'll just… disappear. And, as I said, maybe one day in the future. It's up to you, Jack. I can promise you one thing."

"What's that?"

"I will always be your friend."

Jack felt heat rise into her cheeks, nodding silently.

The rest of the group Miranda had arrived with were already waiting for them. Jack avoided their eyes, thinking they probably assumed what had happened.

"I enjoyed the tour of your facilities," Miranda said, business-like once again, though Jack didn't miss the glint in her eye.

"I'm glad you did. It pleases me that you enjoyed the tour."

She grabbed her hand as they stood side by side, watching the rest of her party board the craft, giving it a squeeze. "Goodbye, Jack. Hopefully I may see you again one day."

"Goodbye, Miranda," she said.

Without a look back, Miranda boarded the shuttle and with little fanfare, the ship disengaged from the station, fired its engines and eventually disappeared from view. She stood at the window, watching it depart and eventually disappear, trying and failing to hold back the deep sigh that formed. She felt Kahlee approach to her side as they stared at the blackness of space, stars twinkling in the distance.

"What happened?"

"I had to make a choice about my future. It's here, on Grissom. And she can't be involved."

Kahlee nodded, she figured in understanding. "Your kids are in the mess at the moment," she said, changing the subject.

"I'd better go join then and make sure they stay the fu… hell out of trouble."

She heard Kahlee laughing as she walked away. She'd never admit that she had felt her heart break when she'd pulled the plug on the relationship, but that was put to the back of her mind when she walked into the mess and all her students turned and started explaining everything they'd been up to during the visit.

None were dumb enough to ask what she'd been up to for the couple of hours with the red-headed woman.


Reason Two for a further edit of PM, PK. The Miranda & Jack romance. Developed during 'Collectors', I'm in two minds if I am to continue it or not. In the original version of this third saga, it simply continued and developed, but as I want to move away from that version, I've made the decision above for the time being. However, as they now have history, it will be referenced in the updated 4th edition, and the relationship may return later in this story, or in the updated edition of PM, PK.

I know Miranda and Jack ending up together can be a popular ship. Reviews in the previous edition, and also during 'Collectors', suggested enough of my readers did enjoy it. I can see reasons why, and why not, it might be popular. There are positive and negative aspects to them ending up together. I haven't decided what I will do with either of them yet.