Hi everyone!

A quick and short chapter this time.

I've decided that the Kasumi Mission will be two parts. Sorry! D:

So without further ado, let's get one with it!


Meeting the Thief

November 5, 2185

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Captain's Cabin - Commander Alonso - 0600 hours

I shifted awake with a sigh of relief. No nightmares. I turned my head to the left and saw Miranda's naked body sleeping soundly face down, lying on her stomach. I smiled at the sight. She's so beautiful when she's sleeping. So serene... I adjusted my body, careful to not wake her and just watched her as she slept. My hand reached for hers and I brought it up to my lips and kissed it. Miranda began to stir from my gentle touch and began to slowly open her eyes.

"Hey." I smiled as I brushed her hair behind her ear, showing that beautiful face.

"Hey yourself." She smiled, leaning in and kissed me which I gladly returned.

"I want to ask you something."

"Of course." Miranda propped her head on her palm, looking adorably with a smile on her face.

"Is this...was this real?" Miranda's smile disappeared. I began to panic and I began talking fast. "I mean I enjoyed last night very much but then I don't want this to be a one night stand so I just wanted-" I was interrupted by Miranda's hungry kiss. I guess this is real. My lips formed a smile as the kiss developed minutes later into more as I found myself between her legs.

"It's too early." Miranda moaned with pleasure as her hands explored my hair.

"Exactly. Nobody is up right now and I haven't relieved Shepard of duty." I said between passionate kisses as we grinded our hips together.

"Now...you plan?." Miranda moaned, digging her nails into my back, causing me to groan. "Oh!" Miranda moaned which turned me on even more. How did I get so lucky?

One hour later...

Miranda and I breathed heavily into each other's necks. Miranda laid on top of me and searched for my lips. "We should probably get ready." She spoke minutes later. I held her tighter in response, not wanting this morning to end. The last thirteen hours has been an emotional roller coaster for me. Ashley calling me a traitor and ending things for good; Miranda comes up to my quarters when she really didn't need to. Shepard could have come up and talked to me. I was surprised when the door opened and Miranda was the one that walked in into my room. Though, I could honestly say that I couldn't complain.

Things have...gotten back to normal. Or at least as normal as it used to be. Miranda being with Cerberus is something that has been hard getting used to. I don't know if I can forgive her about her fling with Jacob but I refuse to think about that right now. I promise myself to make Miranda see the monstrous side of Cerberus...or die trying.

I tilted my head and kissed her, pulled back with a smile and a nod. "Go ahead and shower. I'll stay in bed for a bit longer." Miranda slowly slid away, leaving small kisses on my chest and stomach before standing up from the bed. The raven haired brunette turned and began swaying her hips. I know what you're doing and it won't work! Miranda turned her head and smiled coquettishly before disappearing into my bathroom.

I flopped myself back on the bed, rubbing my eyes from that sexy smile of hers. I sighed in contempt, closing my eyes ever so slightly. My lips formed a grin. Fuck it! I dashed out of bed and joined the woman of my dreams.

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Crew Deck - Commander Shepard - 0800 hours

I walked groggily towards the mess hall, finding Garrus, Amanda, Kenneth Donnelly, Gabriella Daniels and Joker sitting for morning breakfast.

"Morning acting captain." Amanda mocked saluted, causing me to roll my eyes but smiling nonetheless.

"Hey guys. Has Charlie come down yet?" I asked as I began getting a tray of morning slop. I sat next to Garrus, facing towards the XO's quarters.

"Not yet." Garrus dipped his fork into his amino-dextrous food.

"You guys think he's with Miss Lawson again?" Joker, who sat in front of me, grinned as he rubbed his hands together.

"Lawson was with the Commander?" Ken sat next to the pilot and stared at him with his mouth opened. "Wow! We should give him a medal for that."

"Ugh!" Gabby smacked her hand on her forehead and glared at the engineer next to him. "Men." Amanda giggled.

I turned to face Joker with a glare. "Whatever our CO does with his spare time is none of our business." I said flatly.

"Well apparently, he's doing Lawson." Joker grinned despite my glare.

"Joker!"

Joker held up his hands. "Alright, alright! I give! God, such a downer."

"Still, we should tell him to be careful." Garrus began. "Miranda can hold her own in a fight and I her admire for it but she's still Cerberus' second in command and will turn on us if given the order."

"I doubt that Garrus." Amanda defended. "I've seen how devastated she was during Lazarus Project. Whatever happened to them during our hunt for Saren hurt her. She was filled with regret. She turned even colder. I could see it in her eyes how much the breakup hurt her whenever we conversed. Plus, you've seen how they act between one another. They are mad for each other."

"Yeah and it shows." Garrus said with a hint of sarcasm. "They are at each other's throats most of the time."

Amanda waved him off. "Ah, that's how they are. I can tell these things." The young engineer smiled and went back to jab at her food.

"Morning everyone." Charlie came around the corner and stood behind me and quickly massaged my shoulders. I arched my brows and looked up at him. "I'm relieving you of duty." I nodded and watched him as he went over to grab a tray of his own. He seems happy for once. Charlie grabbed orange juice from the fridge and made his way towards the table, sitting next to me.

Charlie jabbed me with his elbow playfully and I returned the gesture. Moments later, Miranda came around the corner and headed into her office. I sideways glanced at Charlie who remained neutral. Miranda walked out of her office a minute later, walking over to grab a cup of coffee with a bowl of fruit and walked back towards her office after nodding at us.

"Rude." Joker mumbled under his breath.

"She smiled." Charlie defended.

"At you." The pilot replied with a mock glare.

Charlie rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Oh by the way." He turned to face me. "Where are we going?"

"We're at the Citadel right now." I smiled, gaining a nod from out CO.

"Oh okay perfect. I received new dossiers from The Illusive Man a few hours ago. You remember Samara right?"

I nodded. "You introduced me to her after you left the Normandy." and after we fought. I finished in my head. Charlie's shoulders slumped faintly, clearly thinking the same thing. He regained his composure instantly.

"She's on the list." Charlie smiled from ear to ear. "I can't wait to see and work with her again. I hope everything is going well for her. She's on Illium, or at least that's what the report say." He shrugged his shoulders. "But since we are here, there is a thief by the name of Kasumi Goto-"

"Goto? I think I have heard of her." Gabi pondered at the name. "Isn't she some sort of thief?"

"That's right." Charlie nodded. "She's somewhere on the Citadel so I'm going to go find her in a bit. While I'm out, I'll have Miranda give out some tasks for everyone to do. We need to restock with a few materials."

"Want me and Garrus to come with you?" I asked.

Charlie shook his head. "I'm fine. I'll be heading out alone this time." I gave him an all knowing look. "I'll be fine."

Minutes later...

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Bridge - Commander Alonso

"Going somewhere Commander?" Miranda leaned on her hip, arms crossed, watching me walking towards her. She was standing near the airlock. I stopped just at arm's reach from her.

"I'm heading out and look for Kasumi then maybe do some weapons shopping."

"Not alone you're not." She responded quickly with a glare. "As an XO and head of the Lazarus Cell, I am responsible for your well being." She explained.

A lopsided grin formed my lips. "How very thoughtful of you Miss Lawson." I said sarcastically, gaining a signature rolling of the eyes from Miranda. "Well then, if I'm stuck with you let's go." Miranda nodded and left the Normandy with me.

Out in the Zakera ward, Miranda and I walked though the large district. We hit some few shops and purchased various souvenirs like ship models for Shepard and I to build together. I also purchased different kinds of fish for my fish tank. Miranda scolded me, saying that it was a waste of credits that could be spent elsewhere. It wasn't until I bought her some books that she conceded.

We went to Cipritine Armory and bought multiple orders of: The M-27 Schimitar and M-22 Eviscerator shotguns; M-37 Falcon, M-55 Argus, M-96 Mattock and M-74 Valkarie rifles; M-9 Tempest and M-25 Hornet submachine guns; M-5 Phalanx, M-6 Carnifex and M-77 Paladin heavy pistols; M-451 Firestorm, M-490 Blackstorm, ML-77 Missile Launcher, and a M-920 Cain. Miranda shook her head and huffed as I smirked once I told her the list I bought.

"Are you done now?" She asked, annoyed at my lack of money management.

I smiled and drew her closer to me. I began kissing below her ear softly, trailing towards her chin. Miranda gasped and moaned at my initial touch and began kissing me in return. She pulled away soon after, realizing we were out in the open. I sighed but understood. We eventually kept walking, taking in the sights.

"Commander Alonso. Enter the password to receive a free gift." A woman's voice reverberated though the hall.

What the?

"What was that?" Miranda asked, looking around in full alert.

"Enter the password to receive a free gift." The voice repeated. I looked around and saw a hooded woman appear in a billboard ad, replacing one that was advertising a computer game. I walked forward towards the static billboard, suddenly remembering the dossier from TIM.

The password!

"Silence is golden." I said calmly. Miranda furrowed her brows as if I have gone mad because I was talking to a programmed advertisement.

The hooded woman smiled, "Good to finally meet you Commander Alonso." Miranda did a double take and began to speak but was interrupted. "Kasumi Goto. I'm a fan!" The hooded asian woman said cheerfully.

I nodded, saying, "Has Cerberus briefed you on the mission?"

"To be honest, I'm surprised they haven't come to me sooner...My fault for being hard to find I guess. They have been looking for me. Apparently they were looking for someone to join you on an important mission and were offering a large signing bonus. I have a thing I need help with, so I made them a deal."

I crossed my arms at the young woman. "Leave Cerberus to leave that part out. What's this deal? I hope we don't have to fight Thresher Maws?"

Kasumi chuckled and shook her head. "No nothing like that! I'm looking for my old partner's grey box. A wealthy man named Donovan Hock took it and I'm planning to take it back." Ah a heist. Should be fun.

"What's this heist you're planning?"

"Not here Commander. I have to sort out some last details. I have some formal wear." Kasumi looked at Miranda. "I got some for you too."

"What?" Miranda and I said in unison.

"I've been watching you too since you two the landed on the ward and I must say that kiss outside Cipritine Armory? Steamy!"

I looked at Miranda, who simply blushed.

"You'll both want to look presentable!" Kasumi beamed a smile.

"So..." I cleared my throat from the awkwardness. "What can you tell me about this Hock guy?"

"Mister Hock is a wealthy business man. Arms dealer, murderer...generally a great guy. His mansion is famous for being hard to crack but he hasn't heard of me." Kasumi beamed of arrogance.

"You mentioned a greybox. What is it?" I asked.

"It's a neural implant." Miranda began. "They are mainly sold in the black market due to how dangerous they can be. The information that one can store is limitless."

"And Hock killed my partner to get a hold of one." Kasumi looked down to hide her face underneath her hood. If I were to suspect, her partner meant something to Kasumi.

"Tell me about your partner." I pressed.

"His name was Keiji Okuda. Best hacker and man I've ever known." Kasumi hid her face once more. "Unfortunately...he made a mistake and became infamous. He stole something he shouldn't have. He warned me it was bad. Information that could cause interstellar war. Information...that got him killed."

"I see. Well if Cerberus promised you that, we'll head there as soon as possible."

Kasumi lifted her head and smiled. "Good! It should be fun." Kasumi's face on the billboard disappeared and returned to the video game ad.

"We should probably wrap this up." Kasumi appeared beside me, causing me and Miranda to yelp and jump back. "You look silly talking to an advertisement." Miranda began to chuckle. "See you on the ship Alonso!"

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Captain's Cabin - Commander Alonso - 1200 hours

"You got me ship models?" Jane looked at the large boxes sitting on my coffee table as I fed my brand new fish.

"Yeah! To give us something to do together when we aren't too busy." I smiled.

"We aren't kids anymore Charlie." Jane leaned back on the sofa and crossed one leg over the other.

"I know but..." I sighed in defeat. "I thought you might want to do something with me like we used to during shore leave after months of training." My lips formed a pout that always found a way to weaken Jane. This time was no different.

"I didn't mean it like that." Jane sighed as well but conceded. "I'd like that."

"Want to start one right now?" I offered shyly.

"Now?" Jane arched an eyebrow.

"We've got no missions at the moment. We have Kasumi on board and she's doing some last minute researching before we steal her partner's greybox. We might as well." I shrugged my shoulders.

"Okay." Jane smiled and looked at the collection of boxes stacked on top of each other. "Let's do this one." Jane showed me the box that contained a model of the Destiny Ascension. I nodded and picked up the others and set them down on my desk up above. I walked down the small steps and joined Shepard on the floor, watching her open the box with excitement. "This is going to be fun." Jane beamed a smile as she looked at the instructions while I inspected the miniature pieces and began building them without looking at the instructions. Who needs instructions? Bunch of nonsense if you ask me!

Shepard joined me minutes later, enjoying each other's company. Talking and having fun despite everything happening in our lives...Just how it should've been.

"So..." Jane looked at me in a sideways glance. "You and Miranda?" she leaned sideways and nudged me with her shoulder.

"-Are just friends."

"Uh huh." Jane replied, not buying it.

"What?" I asked defensively.

"Don't give me that!" Jane playfully punched me on the shoulder. "You two are back together aren't you?"

"You should have seen them kissing out in the Zakera Ward Sheppy." Kasumi appeared out of nowhere. Jane and I hugged each other in surprise, gaining a giggle from the young thief.

"You gotta stop doing that!" I yelled, breathing heavily.

"Sorry. Couldn't help it." Kasumi winked.

"Wait..." Jane brought up her hands. "You were kissing?"

"I...well you see..." My cheeks began to burn in embarrassment. Damn it Kasumi! I had it under control. I sighed and pinched my nose. "I plead the fifth." I mumbled.

"Oh Charlie..." Jane chuckled which soon developed into crying laughter.

"What's so funny?" I glared at the spectre.

"Noth-Nothing I..." Jane continued to laugh hysterically for whatever reason and I just sat there angrily crossing my arms.

"Thanks a lot Kasumi."

"Don't blame me Chuck." Kasumi began to stand. "I'm ready to leave to Bekenstein. I just talked to Miranda and gave her a dress. I sneaked in earlier and placed your suit in your drawer. We are going to a party."

A...party? I laughed nervously. Miranda is going to kill me.

Skies of Bekenstein - Taxi - Commander Alonso - 1400 hours

The skies of Bekenstein was breathtaking. The orange sun tore holes through the clouds and the large city appeared on the horizon as I drove over the vast ocean below us. I looked to my right and saw Miranda looking radiant as ever. She dyed her hair blonde, leaving her roots and tips to have some of her natural black hair color. Her hair was put in a pony tail. A loose strand of golden hair rested just over her left eye.

I froze when I first saw her new look on board the Normandy. She looked amazing. No. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe her. There are no words to describe how beautiful she looks. She wore a silky red dress that exposed her back beautifully. The dress was securely fastened to her petite body by spaghetti straps, forming a 'x' pattern on her back. My eyes moved further down her curvaceous figure. Miranda's dress flowed down to her ankles. My eyes fixed on the slit that went from low-mid thigh towards the bottom of the dress.

If it weren't for Kasumi sitting in the back seat, I would place the cab on auto pilot and rip the dress off of Miranda. Miranda finally acknowledged me looking at her with hunger and desire and smirked.

"Something you like Commander?" She teased, her Australian accent sounded stronger as the words rolled off her tongue.

God is it hot in here? I gulped and adjusted my black tie for the thousandth time in five minutes. I felt like suffocating under this suit. "Well I...errr...Was just inspecting your dress." I laughed nervously, readjusting my tie once more. "I...I-I was just checking see if it's secure to your...body...yes."

Kasumi chuckle as Miranda smiled.

I turned to the thief behind us. "So, I assume these dresses are necessary?"

"What, jealous that a wealthy businessman will sweep me off my feet?" Miranda teased.

"No!" I replied instantly, gaining a chuckle from Cerberus' second in command. I sighed and shook my head. "What's the plan?"

"You two will be a couple. Mister and Misses Solomon Gunn and Freya Lewis."

"Solomon Gunn?" I interrupted, "I couldn't be...I don't know...Have a better name than that? Like James Bond or I don't know...Charles Carmichael or something?"

"Sorry Chuck." Kasumi shrugged her shoulders apologetically. "Spare of the moment. Anyways! Back to what I was saying. You two run a small but ruthless mercenary band out in the terminus systems. Exactly the type of people Hock respects. I gave you the necessary background. I even made an article for the both of you on Badass Weekly! But whatever you do...Don't start talking business with him. Anything else and you'll be fine."

"So what's this plan exactly?" I asked with a curiously raised brow.

"Mister Hock is holding a party for his closest friends, all giving generous gifts to the illustrious host." Kasumi tapped something on her omni-tool which brought up various images including a photo of Donovan Hock, a golden statue of Saren, and the image of the large mansion that we will soon be raiding. "Our gift is a statue of your old friend Saren Arterius that is filled inside with our weapons and armor. You can keep your pistol, as long as it's concealed of course. Once inside the party, we go get out weapons and armor, make our way to Hock's precious vault, and steal Keiji's greybox."

"Sounds too simple but whatever." I shrugged my shoulders. "We'll wing it if we have to."

Miranda scoffed. "You of all people would say that." I couldn't help but smirk. We remained in silence until we arrived to Hock's estate.

"This place is huge!" Miranda and I said unison as we looked up at the five stories high, fifteen room wide mansion. On the corner of my eyes, I saw the golden statue of Saren being inspected by an eclipse merc.

"Is there a problem?" Donovan Hock stepped out in a white tuxedo, speaking in a weird accent. Almost Irish but...not even close.

"Not at all Mister Hock. Just doing a scan." Replied the merc, waving his omni-tool at Saren's statue.

Donovan face Miranda, Kasumi, and me and placed his arms behind his back. "I don't think we've met. Donovan Hock."

I nodded. "Solomon Gun." I extended my hand but was left hanging as I watched Donovan stare me, then at my hand before turning to face the statue. Miranda snorted but soon was faced a glare from me.

"Sir. The scanner doesn't seem to pick anything up." Reported the security guard.

"Hmmm... I don't think our guests would travel all the way here from the Terminus systems to simply cause trouble." The guard simply rubbed his head in embarrassment and Hock turned to face me. "You may proceed to the party Mister Gunn." He glanced up and down Kasumi. "But I must ask that she were to remain outside. I hope you can understand."

Damn it! "Fine. As a sign of good faith, my friend will remain here."

"Good to here. Again, enjoy the party Mister Gunn." Hock walked inside his mansion to mingle with the rest of the low lives of the galaxy.

Miranda, Kasumi and I walked to the side of the large building. Kasumi rubbed her forehead in frustration. "Well this was unexpected. Can't blame him for watching his ass though."

"What do we do now?" I asked.

"Well the plan is still a go. I'll cloak myself and watch over the both of you." Kasumi disappeared into thin air. I breathed deeply to calm myself and I turned to look at Miranda, who seemed to glow from the sun.

I smiled and extended my hand for her to take. "Shall we miss Lewis?"

"After you Mister Gunn." Miranda winked and took my hand and we headed into the party.


I want to thank again to the bluemarlin for another review :) and to those that have added me to their email alerts.

You guys get extra points if you got Miranda's cover reference ;) or one of Charlie's much preferred cover names because Solomon Gunn? Yeah that was a stupid name...at least for me.

Leave a review and Subscribe, Favorite and Follow me and/or my stories for future updates. I hope to publish part 2 of this story before Thanksgiving... Gosh it's the end of the year already. I've been writing this saga for 9 months now...wow. And I have you guys to thank :D

Anyways, until next time!