CHAPTER 9: DIVULGENCE

INT. NORMANDY – CAPTAIN'S CABIN – EARLY MORNING

Shepard walks into his quarters early that morning with a big yawn on his face. He makes his way down towards his bed he slows down his approach. He slightly grins seeing Miranda sleeping in his bed, waiting for him. He quietly opens the top two doors to a cabinet housing his armor. He begins removing his armor placing each piece inside trying not to disturb her.

Miranda turns her head and body slightly backwards watching Shepard placing his gear back in their respective armor slots. "Shepard...?" Miranda asks half-awake but interested.

He turns around closing the doors standing in just a black t-shirt and thin black pants. "Hey, Miranda…"

Miranda throws off the covers and slips out of bed to speak with him face to face.

"Didn't mean to wake you..." Shepard eyes meet hers. He scratches his head and tries to ward off a yawn but fails.

"It's alright…" Miranda smirks meeting him halfway in front of the bed.

Shepard's eyes roam over her breasts held within the black laced part of her, spring green one piece negligée resting just above her knees exposing her thighs. His hands touch the sides of her waist feeling the silky smooth texture. Shepard had lustful thoughts on his mind.

"How'd it go?" Miranda gazes into his tired eyes.

"You wouldn't have liked it. We spent most of our time running on top of the large moving ship, with howling winds, lighting storms, storm clouds raging all around us… it's a long way down…"

"I'm glad you're alright."

He tilts his head to the side a little. "He had his entire army trying to take us out…"

"I'm sure he did…" Miranda's steps back slightly.

Shepard's drops his hands to his sides and shifts his stance.

"Who was the Shadow Broker?" Miranda asks curiously.

"A tough son-of-bitch… and pretty damn ugly. Lots of eyes and sharp teeth… A yahg. Ever hear of them?"

"Mhm…"

"According to Liara, he probably killed the original shadow broker 60 years ago and took over."

"My God… I never would have guessed."

Shepard moves his right hands over his left shoulder trying to sooth the pain. "Liara's now assuming direct control of the operation."

"Not surprising…" Miranda runs her hands up his chest and around the back of his neck. A hint of a smile begins to form. "I missed you." Her fingers touch his chin as they continue to kiss.

His lips depart. He stares looking into her beautiful eyes. "God, I ache all over."

She smiles. "Really...?"

"Nice sleeping attire, Miranda."

"You like it?" Miranda flirts.

"Very sexy. I'm going to go take a shower."

"Need another set of hands, Jon?"

Without another word, Shepard takes her by the hand and heads for the bathroom.

Miranda chuckles at Shepard. "I meant to help wash off all that filth."

Shepard looks back. "Right."

Miranda laughs again.

INT. NORMANDY – CAPTAIN'S CABIN/BATHROOM – EARLY MORNING

Shepard stands with his hands up against the wall, leaning into the shower; the water runs down his face and over his bald head.

Miranda lathers him up with a lot of soap with a foam sponge. The smell of lavender soothed his and her senses. The hot water felt great against his aching muscles.

Miranda runs her hands over his back and buttocks enjoying the simple pleasure. She takes a particular interest in checking him out. She smiles finding his butt quite firm and sexy. Nice strong hairy legs and big feet.

Shepard turns around finding Miranda lost in thought as she soaps up his well-defined chest and arms. She notes that he wasn't as muscular as Jacob. She didn't even find Jacob all that attractive either and wondered why the hell she was comparing the two. It made her concentrate even more on Shepard.

Shepard touched her cheek with his wet finger.

Miranda looks into Shepard's eyes and smiles.

He kisses her lips softly.

Miranda closes her eyes, drapes her arms around his neck, pressing herself close to him. He could feel the heat emanating off her, only to be cooled with her getting wet. She continues to passionately kiss Shepard in return, wanting the kiss to never end but it did.

"You should probably get some rest." She touches his cheek with her fingers.

Shepard watches Miranda turn away. He was feeling sore and stiff, legs tired and strained.

She turns off the shower and watches him leave with a towel around his waist.

Miranda exits the bathroom and proceeds down towards the bed. She saw Shepard sitting down on the edge of his bed with a data pad in one hand. He glances up at her approaching him. Miranda took the data pad from his hand gently placing it on the desk.

He looked up at her with a confused looked.

"Lay down on your stomach."

He stands up and drops his towel.

She glances at him and his package firmly erect. "A massage, for your hurt muscles you ass."

"It's a muscle and it hurts." Shepard grins.

Miranda half laughs. "No, it's not. It's an appendage that contains two muscles, the Ischio Cavernous and Bulbo Cavernous. These two sheets of voluntary muscle wrap around the shaft, like belts on a radial tire. When pumped and contracted they give added rigidity and thickness to the shaft. They can be exercised and both their strength and size improved."

Shepard stares at Miranda and her scientific babble. He ponders the thought of making it bigger.

"Do you want my help or not?" She points to the bed.

"You're so demanding." Shepard lies down on the bed. He enjoyed teasing her.

Miranda straddles him near his waist. She moves her hands over his shoulders giving him a long, deep massage.

Shepard begins to moan out loud at how good she was at working his body to submission. Miranda smirked. She knew all too well what he was doing. It wouldn't be long until he'd forget about wanting sex with her. Her plan had worked perfectly. He fell asleep 15 minutes later. She kissed him on the back of the neck and got off him moving part of the sheet over him.

INT. NORMANDY – MESS HALL – MORNING

Mess Sergeant Gardner argues with one of the male Cerberus crewmen. "You'll eat what I have in stock. I can't make any miracles out of this crap… take it up with Commander Shepard." He sees Miranda approaching him wearing her black Cerberus outfit.

"Is there a problem?" Miranda not all that amused.

"No problem Ms. Lawson." The Cerberus crewman takes the bowl full of soupy oatmeal to the table.

"He's unhappy about the less than adequate breakfast meals lately." He starts pouring Miranda her daily cup of hot coffee mixed with chocolate.

"I see."

"Well, we aren't some fancy crew ship, what do they expect?" Gardner says moving the large cup in front of Miranda on the counter.

Miranda watches Garrus walks up next to her.

"Miranda." Garrus says friendly-like, ditching the formality.

Miranda takes a cup of coffee from the counter. "Good morning, Mr. Vakarian."

"I heard Shepard made it back. I wanted to ask him how everything went down but I guess he's pretty tired. He didn't answer."

"Yes, he's sleeping. It went well, I'm told." Miranda takes a sip of her delicious cup of coffee.

"He's getting quite the work out." Garrus says with something else in mind.

Miranda looks at Garrus with a stern, cold look, wondering if Shepard squealed about their love making to him.

"First, helping Liara take down a known Spectre with Shadow Broker agents mixed in. Then going after the Shadow Broker and all his little agents thrown in for added measure... He'd be pretty damn tired to do anything else. That is, if he had any strength left in him?"

Miranda turns and was about to leave but then stops and turns around to face Garrus. "He's Shepard. One of the best, he has a lot to offer and won't give up until he wins what's rightfully his."

"That sounds about right." Garrus adds.

Miranda smirks, takes a plate with a bagel layered in cream cheese and heads for her quarters.

INT. NORMANDY – MIRANDA'S OFFICE – LATE MORNING

Miranda sat down at her desk and logged on to her computer terminal. She had a lot of work to accomplish before anyone would dare interrupt her. Someone always did, mainly Shepard but now was the time she could concentrate at least until he woke up. She took a bite from her bagel.

Miranda was responsible for the management of day-to-day activities, and the continued repairs were her main focus as of late. Miranda taps on her ear-piece. "Tali'Zorah come in."

"Yes, Miranda…" Tali responded not pleased with the interruption.

"I haven't received your report from yesterday. Please report to my office."

"I'm on my way."

Miranda folds her fingers into each other thinking for a bit. Miranda didn't think she was asking too much of the crew. The door opens and Tali approaches and hands Miranda the maintenance report logs. Miranda reaches out her hand and takes it.

"Thank you. That will be all." Miranda didn't bother to look it over just yet.

Tali could see Miranda pre-occupied with the information in front of her on the terminal. Tali walks out of Miranda's office.

Miranda takes another bite of her bagel, sits back and begins to review the maintenance logs and logistics. She felt it was part of her job to free up the Commander's time so he could concentrate on any tactical planning and execution of any new mission. Even in that, she assumed control of most of it. She was good at that, tactical planning and making sure it was executed with precision, without hesitation or complications. Miranda was taking charge of almost everything and Shepard didn't seem to mind at all.

She places it to the side of her terminal. Miranda had other problems on her mind, mostly about Commander Shepard and his questioning her loyalty. She couldn't blame him… she should have told him. Miranda remained conflicted about telling him about her infertility but knew she would have to eventually. Miranda couldn't be sure about the outcome but she wasn't going to let the doctor's inaccuracy in that report stop her. She had to find out what was causing it, how to fix it, and remove the benign neoplasm before it was too late.

INT. NORMANDY – MESS HALL– LATE MORNING

Tali walks towards the elevator.

"Tali, you look as if you swallowed a canary." Kasumi asks standing near her.

"I'm thankful to be done with a most unpleasant task. Miranda didn't even look at the work I completed. She's unreasonable in her demands."

"I thought she'd lighten up a bit. Hmph."

"What's that to mean, Kasumi?"

"I shouldn't say anything. Shepard and Miranda, you know, are sleeping together quite frequently." Kasumi blurts out.

"Bosh'het." Tali steps into the elevator.

Garrus shakes his head in disapproval. "You just love to torture the poor girl..."

"Hey, it's not my problem she has a crush on Shepard."

"I suppose your right…"

"You and Quarians can mate right?" Kasumi asks.

"What species can't?"

"I mean together?"

"Yes. We can also eat the same foods." He raises his hand slightly. "And before you suggest anything, Shepard forbids me to get involved with her."

"Shep forbids you? What does he want her for himself?"

"Nah. I think he's just an over-protective big brother, that's all."

"Well, that really does explain a lot actually."

"He did suggest Ms. Chambers but she's too, hmm… perky for my tastes."

"Yeah, she is a bit on the nosy side."

"A lot like you, Kasumi." Garrus jokes. "I have a gun to check out. Jacob acquired a new toy through some contacts while on Illium."

"Oh? What kind of weapon? Mind, if I tag along?"

"Well, I suppose not since you won't leave me alone." Garrus steps into the elevator with Kasumi.

Kasumi laughs. "Don't flatter yourself, Garrus."

"Who said I was? You got your eye on Jacob last I knew."

"Oh please." Kasumi says trying to deny it.

The door closes.

INT. NORMANDY – CAPTAIN'S CABIN – NOON

It had only been six hours since he left the Shadow Broker base. Shepard taps on his computer terminal checking his messages. A new message appears.

FROM: Illusive Man

Shepard,

EDI informed me that Jacob recently acquired some M5 Phalanx pistols from some friends who shall remain unnamed. I appreciate his resourcefulness, but had he come to me, I would have made the arrangements. We've discussed this, and to show there are no hard feelings, I've had a few more complimentary Phalanxes, replacement parts for their laser sights, and their repair manuals delivered to the Normandy. Use them how you will."

"You just don't get it… We don't need you."

He leans back in his chair, rubbing his hand over his bald head. He still felt tired even with a few hours of sleep. He needed to eat and speak with Miranda about some important matters; dealing with Cerberus, with Liara and the Shadow Broker base but first he needed to speak with Jacob.

INT. NORMANDY – ARMORY – NOON

Commander Shepard strolls into the Armory seeing Garrus, Kasumi and Jacob near one of the weapon benches.

Garrus sees him approach. "Check this rifle out." Garrus lines up the rifle near his eye looking through it. "It has long-range and anti-shield capabilities. Wish we had this bad boy earlier in our missions."

Shepard shrugs. "You've spoke with the Illusive man, Jacob?" Shepard gets right to the point.

"Yeah, not my choice… Miranda thought it would be best we try and stay on his good side. Didn't think he'd find out, what I did." Jacob replies calmly and honestly.

"We're done taking orders from the Illusive Man…" Shepard restates to all of them.

"I heard you but…" Jacob stops for a moment.

"Speak your mind Jacob." Shepard folds his arms.

"He's an enemy I wouldn't want chasing my tail. It's your call Commander."

"And I have made that call. We're done with him. If any of you have a problem, you're free to leave. No strings attached."

"I like it fine, right here Commander." Jacob walks back towards his computer terminal.

"I'm with Jacob on this one." Kasumi adds.

"I'm with you to the end Shepard." Garrus puts the rifle back down on the table. "I'm a little disappointed you went and fought the Shadow Broker without me."

Shepard turns and starts to leave the room with Garrus. "I needed to keep Grunt busy and from destroying the ship."

"Ahh… that reminds me what Miranda said earlier about you."

Shepard stops folding his arms in front of Garrus. "What?"

"How'd she put it? Something about you being the best, with a lot to offer, if only you fought to take what was rightfully yours."

Shepard just stood there with a blank expression on his face.

"I might have messed it up along the way. She wants you badly or some damn thing." Garrus shrugs not really caring what he was saying.

Shepard just shakes his head at Garrus.

"Go and ask her. She hasn't left her quarters all morning." Garrus walks past him.

INT. NORMANDY – MIRANDA'S OFFICE – NOON

Miranda was busy at her desk consumed in her work. Creating reports and moving allocated funds from a Cerberus account to fund the Normandy repairs and food supplies. She still had a nagging feeling of wanting to find out what's wrong with her physically but she couldn't just waltz right into the Medical Lab and find out without raising suspicions.

Shepard walks into Miranda's office. Miranda was surprised to see him awake so soon. "I thought you were sleeping, Commander."

"I slept, barely." Shepard sits down at the chair in front of her desk.

Miranda watches him briefly as she continues to type on her terminal wanting to finish up her last report before lunch.

"I have a problem and I need your help."

Miranda smiles at Shepard. "What kind of problem, Commander?"

"You and Garrus."

Miranda looks confused. "Does Garrus still have a problem following my orders?"

"Yes and No."

"Which is it?" She continues typing on her holographic terminal.

"He seems quite happy with the promotion but not the paperwork. It's what you told him about me that confuses me."

Miranda stops typing for a moment. "Shepard, I have a lot of reports to work on. What is not to understand? I merely complimented you on being the best humanity has to offer and that you won't give up until you…"

Shepard smiles at Miranda. "What?"

Miranda chuckles as it all unravels revealing the real truth. "That you won't give up until you win what's rightfully yours."

Shepard stands up smiling walking over to Miranda. "I am the best and I do have a lot to offer you. I won't give up until I've swept you up off your feet, making you scream for more."

Miranda smiles at Shepard deciphering her real intention behind those words. "Apparently, you know me too well." Miranda stands up to face Shepard.

"Not everything." He touches her cheek.

Miranda touches his chest with her hand looking into his beautiful eyes. He holds her close to his warm body. She touches his cheek with her finger.

"For the record, I don't scream…" Miranda reminds him.

"Not yet but I'll find that sweet spot." Shepard taunts and teases fondling her behind with hands as he sits down on the desk's edge.

Miranda could feel Shepard's hardness as his palms press at her butt bringing her into him. Miranda rests her arms over his shoulder. "Really, that would require a lot of exploration. I don't think I have that kind of free time." Miranda teases right back looking into his eyes and lips and back again. He couldn't resist kissing those lips of hers.

"Mmmm…" She moans throughout.

The door opens with Jacob walking inside with a data pad in his hand. He stands there stunned at what he saw. He shouldn't have been. Jacob saw the signs, the looks, the jokes, the gossip around the ship of the two of them, getting it on. He didn't think it was all that serious.

Miranda releases her lips from Shepard's and curses softly. "Yes, Jacob?"

"I brought you those reports you asked for?" He replies walking forward towards the desk.

Miranda brakes away from Shepard standing to the side. She leans forward taking the data pad from him.

Shepard eyes roam along Miranda's body for a moment. He stands up and kisses Miranda on the cheek. "I'll be back later. I'm off to see Liara on the Shadow Broker base."

Miranda looks up from the data pad at Shepard's kiss and his departure.

"Jacob." He replies leaving the room.

"Commander."

Miranda tosses the data pad back at him. "Dismissed."

Jacob nearly caught it. "What's your problem?"

"Get out." Miranda says harshly sitting back down at her chair.

"Is seducing the Commander such a wise decision Miranda?" Jacob stands near the closed door.

"And you call that a report, it contained absolutely nothing of value. You came in to see what Commander Shepard and I were doing."

"Fair enough. You still didn't answer any of my questions." Jacob walks closer.

"My relationship with Commander Shepard is none of your concern, Jacob. And no, I didn't seduce him into anything. He's been pursuing me."

"No you let him, when it suits your long-term plans. It's a job. Even now, you can't let go of your pet project."

Miranda looks up at Jacob with piercing eyes. "You're wrong, Jacob."

"Am I?" Jacob turns and leaves the room.

Miranda sighs and closes her eyes.

INT. SHADOW BROKER BASE SHIP – COMMUNICATIONS ROOM – AFTERNOON

Shepard walks up towards the communications room to meet with Liara. He stops as Liara appears on the flat screen terminal above the door.

"Shepard! It's so good to see you." Liara smiles warmly and looking attractive as ever. "I've set up a few terminals with information I think you'll find interesting. Take a look." Liara releases the lockdown on the door allowing him entrance.

A strange floating round ball appears before Shepard. He back up hesitantly.

"Welcome back, Shadow Broker!" The info drone says.

"What's this?" Shepard asks Liara looking back up at the terminal.

Liara taps on the controls as she talks to Shepard. "That's the old Broker's VI assistant. It's actually been helpful with rebuilding the network." She smiles.

"Let me know if I can organize anything else for you, Shadow Broker." Info drone replies.

"It also thinks anyone in the room is the Broker. I'll play around with the settings later."

"My manual is ready whenever you have a moment!"

Shepard walks up to Liara as she turns around to face him. "How are you doing, Liara?"

"I'm a bit overwhelmed to be honest. The Shadow Broker had more resources than you can imagine. Here, come on over." Liara says walking closer to the large display of terminals. She points, "He had top level access to the Turian and Asari governments, and more than one Salarain Dalatrass traded Intel. And now it's ours."

Shepard looks at the terminal and Liara exclusively when she talks. "You're not going to turn into a recluse with creepy information on everyone in the galaxy, are you?"

Liara stares back at Shepard. "I can understand the temptation." She runs her fingers across the bottom of the terminal interface. "I've got all the secrets of the galaxy at my fingertips." She smiles, stretches her arms out. "Give me ten minutes, and I could start a war."

Shepard stands with his arms folded expressionless for the moment.

Liara turns around and walks towards Shepard. "But I've got a purpose: helping you stop the Reapers. That will keep me honest."

Shepard releases his arms.

"You know, relatively speaking."

Shepard walks towards the terminal.

Liara touches her forehead with one hand, the other on her hip as she ponders what Shepard is saying.

"If you're in over your head, we could just crash this thing and walk away." He turns around folding his arms.

"That's just it. In a way, I feel like I belong here." Liara turns around and back again. "Working on my own, I was always hunting for leads. With the Shadow Broker's resources, it's about organizing, cataloging."

Shepard releases his arms and steps forward.

"I've got everything Shepard. This is a dream job… although the location could be better."

Shepard walks past Liara and turns around to face her. "Have you found anything useful yet?"

Liara turns away from Shepard. "The Shadow Broker knew about the Reapers. Perhaps that's why he offered to help prove Saren's guilt to the Council."

Shepard starts to follow behind Liara towards the stairs on the left side of the room. "He didn't want Saren to succeed."

Liara turns, nods and continues up the stairs. "He also knew that the Collectors were Protheans repurposed to be Harbinger's puppets. There is even some data on the Protheans. I think he knew what was coming and was looking for a way to survive." Liara turns around and stops, facing Shepard.

"Why was he still looking at Protheans? They gave us the warning and the Conduit at Ilos, but we've used those."

Liara brings her right hand up towards her mouth, resting on her other arm below. She ponders at the answer. "The Shadow Broker seemed to think there was more out there. Perhaps the Protheans had other plans." She looks to the side and back, touching the back of her neck for a moment. "Or maybe he was just guessing at anything that offer some hope." She shrugs with her shoulders.

Shepard walks towards the front ledge overlooking the room from above. Mist showers down from the circle of liquid energy above. "How'd you know what the Shadow Broker was?"

Liara follows him. "I didn't. I had no idea what to expect when we finally found him. But I researched pre-spaceflight cultures during some of my Prothean studies."

Shepard looks at Liara once again.

"I knew about the Yahg. There's more on the terminals, if you want to look. They're a fascinating culture… and a terrifying one." Liara follows Shepard and turns around to face him.

"How's Feron doing?"

Liara turns from Shepard. "As well as you'd expect after two years of intermittent torture."

"He going to be okay?" Shepard approaches her from behind.

Liara lowers her head. "I don't know. He wants to work, so I'm letting him help. Maybe it takes his mind off it." Liara turns back around to face Shepard.

Shepard looks at Liara with an unhappy look almost grumpy from the look of his eyes. "So, you and Feron…"

Liara looks down, saying softly. "No. He's been through a traumatic ordeal. He's emotionally fragile and needs to heal. He's very grateful to me for saving him, but it would be irresponsible of me to take advantage of that."

"It was good talking with you, Liara. Let me know if you need anything." Shepard asks.

Liara's facial expression is one of sadness. "I think what I need right now is a friend. I can't leave for too long, but spending all of my time on this ship…" She flirts with Shepard. "Maybe the next time you come by, I could come up to the Normandy." She tilts her head and smiles.

"Sounds good. Next time I come down, it's a date." He points his two fingers at Liara.

"I'm looking forward to it." Liara smiles as she walks away.

Shepard tilts his head to the side admiring the view.

INT. NORMANDY – STARBOARD OBSERVATION DECK – LATE AFTERNOON

Miranda walks into the Starboard Observation Deck. She found Samara not in her usual spot on the floor mediating. Miranda didn't know where she was but a little relieved as well. She walks up towards the view of the stars taking in the view.

She stands there with her index finger near her mouth while her other arm is resting below for support. She goes over what Jacob said earlier that day. Shepard wasn't a job, not now. She has feelings for him and he obviously has feeling for her. He expressed his growing love for her by the rose he gave her some time ago. Miranda even invited Shepard to her apartment loft on Illium for relaxation… to get away from the ship and away from everything. She felt completely at ease with him. Miranda folds her arms, lowering her head, closing her eyes, meditating.

Samara sitting comfortably in the left corner of the room quietly places the book on the table and walks towards the exit. Miranda turns around looking at her briefly. "I didn't realize you were here. I'll leave." Miranda releases her arms.

"No need." Samara slowly walks towards the door.

"Can I ask you a question?" Miranda folding her arms once again.

Samara walks towards Ms. Lawson.

"You ever hunger for an emotional relationship?"

"I can't say that I hunger for it, no." Samara stands next to Miranda.

Miranda swallows hard. She turns and stares out towards the stars. "I do, and I have no experience in it whatsoever."

"Some crave relationships to stimulate us; others seek security, closeness, physical contact and sex. Intimacy requires one to be spontaneous and mindful. You need to find, what you seek Ms. Lawson."

"All of that." Miranda turns around to face Samara.

"It can be incredibly rewarding experience. I'm sure you'll find a way to adapt."

Miranda shakes her head at the thought. "The experience seems almost threatening and overwhelming emotionally."

"Cutting off one's own needs or from our own vulnerabilities, limits our ability to be present and enjoy our self and others fully. What you wish is to find someone who truly loves you or desires you for who you are."

Miranda lowers her head. "Yes…"

"Then be open and enjoy your time, be in the moment and be yourself. The hunger you feel for recognition will come, to be respected and recognized as being competent and intelligent. I believe Commander Shepard already recognizing you as being such. Our minds are built to create structure out of chaos. We organize our perceptions into patterns that we can manipulate in our imagination, or in life."

Miranda gazes at Samara.

"You've already attracted Commander Shepard's attention. Love can be expressed through quiet gratitude, thankfulness, giving affection, and those 'gifts' are accepted and welcome by those we love."

Miranda smiles at all the wisdom Samara voluntarily imparts. "Thank you."

The door opens with Shepard stepping through. Both Miranda and Samara smile at him.

Miranda walks towards him. Shepard eyebrows lift unconsciously as she approaches. "I'm glad your back."

Shepard smiles, "Hello."

Samara watches for a moment before the door closes.

Miranda stops and leans in to kiss his lips, not caring if anyone saw them. Her fingertips softly and gently touch his chin. She pulls back looking deeply into his eyes. "I'm starving…" She walks away.

Shepard smiles at the thought. Miranda and Shepard walk around the left side of the hallway towards the kitchen for some food Gardner had prepared.

"You and Samara were talking?"

"Yes, why is that so hard to believe?" Miranda looks over a plate full of noodles, with green vegetables and chunks of chicken. She grabs a plate. "She's quite insightful about a lot of topics."

Shepard takes a plate and follows Miranda towards one of the empty tables. "Yeah… she's nearly 900 or so years old."

Miranda smiles at him as they sit down next to each other end table. It was rather quiet in the Mess Hall. Miranda starts eating her meal with very little conversation. Shepard stares at Miranda finding this interesting.

"You and Liara find anything interesting on the base?" She asks taking a bite to eat.

"No… well, the Shadow Broker knew about the Reapers re-purposing the Protheans into the Collectors." Shepard leans back with left hand resting down by his thigh. He unconsciously adjusts himself. "Liara mentioned he had a vast number of contacts, trading info and a network to do basically anything. He even had top level access to the Turian and Asari governments."

"Impressive…" Miranda looks over at Shepard casually taking a bite to eat.

"You're not going to reveal this to the Illusive Man are you? I don't want him knowing any of this. This kind of information could put Liara in danger."

"Why would I do that? I resigned, remember?"

"You're still talking with him?" Shepard recalls otherwise.

"Not by choice…"

"Well, I don't want him taking over the Shadow Broker network, thinking Liara would be an easy target." Shepard leans forward.

"I won't be telling him anything. I'm sure she has her own agents protecting her. Or she should!" Miranda looks at him deeply contemplating an issue. "Shepard. Do you think, well… never mind."

"What is it?" Shepard takes another bite full of his food.

"It seems like a lot to ask and I hate asking for help but it's important enough…"

Shepard swallows taking a sip of water. "You want her to help protect Orianna?" Shepard leans in affectionately.

"Thank you Shepard. It means a lot…" Miranda reaches over placing her hand on his thigh discreetly.

Shepard grins. "So, what's with all the reports you've been doing lately?"

Miranda smirks. "Who else would? Being the XO… I can't afford to slack off in my duties. Who knows what trouble I'll be in if I didn't report to you, in a timely fashion." She winks at him.

Shepard starts to smirk at Miranda leaning in closer, her hand slipping down even further on his thigh increasing his arousal down below.

"You better eat up, Commander; we have a lot of territory to cover. It could take all night." Miranda flirts again, with a hidden agenda in mind. Shepard chortles at the thought.