Angel and the Demon
Chapter 10
Bioware owns the rights to all characters other than Samantha and Christina.
"Shepard, we arrive at the Citadel in one hour." Joker announced.
She awoke with a start, looking up at the speaker with one eye. After glaring at it for a second, she searched her bed, then the rest of her room. Miranda was nowhere to be found. Up early again. She showered, then headed downstairs. She found Miranda twenty minutes later in Liara's room, which was a zoo. Shepard stopped in the doorway, not wanting to get in the way of anyone. Oriana was at a new terminal at the far end of Liara's huge bank of monitors. Liara was at her station in the middle. Miranda was seated near the door, with a new terminal of her own. She rose and gave Sam a quick kiss, then quickly returned to her seat. All three were rapidly flipping through screens of information. Glyph was moving between the three, giving additional data.
"Iridium is running low at the Crucible." Liara said.
"Agent Dyonis has access to ten tons Illium." Oriana said from her station on the other side of the bank of monitors.
"Have the Paradox 3 freighter deviate course to take on the extra cargo." Liara said.
"Sending altered trajectory now." Miranda said. She quickly typed the information on her console. "The quarians have donated extra dextrose food supplies."
"Contact the geth." Liara said. "See if they have an available shipping vessel. Send the supplies to the turian refugee facility on Digerus in the Castellus system."
"Got it." Miranda said. She started typing on her keyboard.
"Palaven needs more medi gel." Liara said.
"Thessia still has some available, if we can convince them to give it up." Oriana said. "Other than that, the quarians have doubled production with geth assistance. They'll have more than they need in five days."
"I'll contact the asari, we have several tons of element zero to offer in trade. Have Tali see what the quarians want for a portion if their future production." Liara said.
"Right away." Oriana said.
"Dr. T'soni?" Traynor asked through the intercom.
"Yes, Specialist?" Liara stopped typing.
"I have data showing a drain on the Krogan solar power collectors at Mantun in the Nith system. I also have Cerberus freighter sightings in the area." Traynor said.
"Do you think they're siphoning power from their solar array?" Liara asked.
"That's exactly what I think." Traynor said. "I'll bet they have a base set up."
"Contact Wrex, see if he can spare the Aralakh company to infiltrate the base. The Alliance should be able to supply fighters to protect their shuttle." Liara told her.
"Wouldn't it be easier to blast the base with a cruiser?" Traynor asked.
"Definitely, but an infiltration team would be able to steal tech while in the station, and the krogan need all the tech they can get. They might even be able to boost their power collection from the solar array." Liara said.
"Good thinking. I'll contact Wrex." Traynor said.
I've created a monster. Shepard thought. "We're arriving at the Citadel in half an hour. Anyone want to come?" She asked.
"I could use some clothes and personal items." Oriana said. She was still wearing the dirty outfit she escaped in. "…but we're busy here."
"Forward Sam a list." Miranda said. "She'll pick up whatever you need."
"I will?" Shepard asked.
"Yes, you will. Pick me up a new tactical suit. I'm forwarding you the required specifications now."
"Ok." Shepard said.
"See if the Spectre requisition terminal has access to the Paladin pistol." Miranda suggested. "Considering how much you use your pistol, the extra expense will be worth it."
"I will." Shepard said.
"You might consider picking up a nightgown for Specialist Traynor. She doesn't seem to have one." Miranda said.
"I heard that, Miss Lawson!" Traynor said through the intercom.
"Get her something in royal blue." Liara said not looking up from her terminal. "It would look great with her skin tone." Shepard smiled.
"Umm...thank you?" Traynor said, obviously conflicted about the comment.
"Pick up some more dextrose food supplies." Miranda said. "Tali and Lia'Vael have tripled the number of dextro-protein eaters on board."
"Ok." Shepard said.
"Oh, and Sam..." Miranda reached for Shepard. She walked to the side of her chair. Miranda pulled her down to give her a kiss. "Say hi to Kasumi for me." She released her and turned back to her terminal.
Overwhelmed by the activity in the room, she headed to the shuttle bay to collect the Cerberus agent.
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Christina found herself under the care of C-sec officers on the Citadel. She was frightened they would hurt her, but apparently Shepard's word went a long way.
"If I find out she's been harmed in any way, you will face my wrath." Shepard told the guards. She even made a call to the C-sec commander to reiterate the statement. Of course, she made a very similar demand to Christina. "If I find out you so much as stepped on someone's toes, I'll have those explosive devices put back in your face." Christina shivered at the thought.
Since then they'd been more than reasonable with her, even taking care not to touch the bandages on her face. The medic who removed the devices was competent, and the direction of the Normandy's doctor was excellent. Her cheeks were tender, but would heal in time. The removal of the devices took a weight off her back.
The guards led her into the commander's office.
"Shepard tells me you're Christina, one of the clones of Shepard's girlfriend, Miranda Lawson." He said.
"Yes sir." She said. "I wish to trade information for asylum, and a face change."
"Shepard seems to think you can be trusted, but we have to be sure." He said. He waved towards her guards. "Take her to the witness protection wing. We'll start the questions in a few minutes. Do you need anything? Food or a drink?"
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"Shep!" Kasumi exclaimed. She was seated against the headboard, flipping through pages on her omni tool. She hopped off her hospital bed.
"It's good to see you, Kasumi. You look good." She looked the thief up and down. They hugged.
"You still trying to get in my pants, Shep?" Kasumi smirked.
"I meant you look healthy. How long till you get out?" Shepard smiled.
"The doctors already released me. These lunatics won't let me go." Kasumi waved towards the guards on either side of the door.
"Since when would that stop you?" Shepard whispered to her.
"It wouldn't. I'm dying to see the looks on their faces when you walk me out of here." Kasumi whispered back. Shepard smiled, shaking her head.
"Crazy thief." Shepard turned towards the guards. They looked at her nervously. She called Bailey. "Commander Bailey, Kasumi's guards won't let her leave."
"Sorry Shepard. A Spectre Bau overruled my release." Bailey told her. "I delayed him as long as I could, but he's headed your direction."
"I see." She pondered. She didn't want to hurt the guards. Really, really, didn't want to hurt them. She thought about walking out and having Kasumi find another way out, but if Bau was headed right up, she might not have time to escape. He was sure to confiscate her cloaking device. "Bailey, release her into my custody. I don't want to deceive your guards."
"He's not going to like it." Bailey said.
"Thieves are hardly worth a Spectre's time right now. I'll make sure she's off the Citadel today."
"All right, Shepard. I'll back date some paperwork or something."
"Bailey, you're the best."
"Yea well, buy me a drink sometime." He said.
"Next time I'm on the Citadel, Bailey."
"Alright, the custody request is filed. The guards should have your release...now." The guards looked at their omni tools, then moved to the sides of the door.
"Thanks Bailey."
"You better hurry. Bau is in the elevator." Shepard walked out quickly, she heard Kasumi cloak behind her. In the hospital waiting area she hid in a side room, waiting for Bau to go past. She leaned against the wall, watching the elevator doors.
"You never brought me tequila, Shep." Kasumi whispered into her ear.
"Sorry, Kasumi. I was busy."
"I heard. Is the ice queen safe now?" She asked.
"Her and her sister are now on the Normandy, and are helping Liara with the shadow broker business...which has morphed into a relief, aid, and war effort charity." Shepard said. "It's scary how easily they fell into their roles."
"I saw your defeat of that Reaper on Rannoch. Very dramatic, Shep. I loved how you flung yourself to the ground for the last shot."
"Yeah, I tripped into a hole. It was all I could do to get the laser up in time." Shepard told her. "Sounds like the news media did a good job picking the most heroic shot." Kasumi laughed.
"You always were more destructive than graceful." Kasumi said. "How's Tali?"
"She's good. They made her an admiral. She already picked out a homesite on Rannoch."
"Settling in already, huh?"
"Yep. You can see her if you come on board."
"All right, but you're not roping me into another suicide mission, Shep."
"We already discussed this, Kasumi. There are plenty of support roles..." Shepard thought for a minute. "Actually, if you are willing to help in a way you are most suited, contact Liara T'soni. She can give you a list of equipment or resources we need for the Crucible. And if you filch them off Cerberus, all the better."
"I'll think about it."
"That has to be him." Shepard saw a determined salarian in body armor storm into the hospital with a pair of C-sec guards in tow. She ran to the elevator, catching it before it closed. As the door closed, she saw him emerge from the inner hospital doors, looking agitated.
"Want to help me pick out some clothes for Oriana?" Shepard asked.
Kasumi laughed, uncloaking next to her. "You're picking out clothes for your nineteen year old sister in law?"
"She's twenty now, and not quite my sister in law." Shepard said indignantly.
"You wear the same clothes every day!" They arrived at the commons. Neither exited the elevator.
"So?"
"You better let me handle her stuff. Do you have anything else to get?" Kasumi asked.
"Miranda needs a new tactical suit, she sent me specs and size on that. We need more dextro rations, and there was some quasi-facetious discussion about a royal blue nightgown for my assistant." Shepard said.
"Sounds like there's a story there."
"You have no idea." Shepard paused for a minute. "Well, I do owe you some tequila."
"Purgatory it is then." Kasumi looped her arm through Shepard's, hitting the button for the Citadel bar.
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After an hour of interrogation, Christina found herself in a locked containment room. There was a reasonably comfortable bed and a hard chair. She still didn't have an omni tool, but she was alive. The interrogation was not too stressful. They didn't push her, just asked for all the information she could remember. It was very different from Cerberus procedure.
They told her the surgery would be completed as soon as Shepard confirmed the Cerberus base location. Christina was fine with that. She sat on the bed leaning against the headboard.
The door opened, revealing a C-sec guard. He was carrying a tray of food. He shut the door behind him and approached her. She noticed he was a very large human.
"I have some food for you, Christina." He told her. Something about the tone of his voice sounded off. She started to get up and back away. He whipped the tray at her head. She moved just enough that it didn't knock her out, though she was left seeing stars. Dazed, she slid off the bed. She rolled cat-like to her back on the floor.
"Traitor!" He yelled. Please tell me someone heard that. She hoped, but she knew it was impossible. The witness protection wing was soundproof. He jumped on the bed, glaring down at her. She searched for a suitable weapon. Bed, attached to the floor. Chair, on the other side of the bed. If only I had more hand to hand training, and less of that damn sword training. He leapt from the bed towards her, intending to crush her. She whipped her leg up, connecting with his most sacred treasures. He howled. He still landed on her midsection, but it had no force, just weight. A lot of weight. He crumpled to his side next to her.
Christina crawled to her knees, then used her hands to pull herself onto the bed. The man was moaning on the floor. Her stomach was killing her, and she was still seeing stars. He would eventually regain use of his limbs, so she couldn't sit around and wait. She managed to get to her feet, and limped to the door holding her stomach. The door was sealed.
"Hello?" She said through the door. "Is anyone there?" She knocked helplessly against the cold metal. How was he planning on getting out?
Pain exploded as she was crushed against the door, her bandaged face colliding with the metal. She went limp. The man pulled her away from the door, and slammed her back against a nearby wall.
"You'll pay for that, bitch." Her nerves were not responding well, so she only remotely felt him clamp his hands around her neck. She whipped her knee up, but he blocked it with his thigh. Black seeped into the edges of her vision. She struggled weakly, trying to fight the cloud filling her head.
The pressure was released from her neck and chest. Unable to move, she crumpled to the ground.
Her vision slowly returned and she saw an older C-sec agent throw the large man against the far wall. While she watched he cuffed the man, then unceremoniously dropped him to the ground. Her attacker was unconscious. The C-sec agent turned towards her, then quickly dropped to the ground in front of her.
"Are you ok?" Commander Bailey asked. She found the strength to start getting up from the floor.
"I don't know." She said. "I hurt."
"Here I go promising Shepard nothing will happen to you, and you get all beaten up." Bailey said. "Private!" He yelled into his omni tool. "Get me whoever's supposed to be monitoring the surveillance, and send a medic in here right away!"
He checked her over. "You've got an ugly bruise on your forehead, blood is leaking out of the bandages on your face, your nose is probably broken, you have a hematoma in both eyes, you have bruises all over your neck, and from the way you're hunched over, I'd say he punched you in your gut. Any broken ribs?"
"He stepped on me. I don't think anything is broken." She told him.
"Shepard is going to be pissed, and my guys are going to be scared to death when she comes back." He said.
"Because I got hurt?" She asked. Her pain receptors were beginning to work again. Tears started to well in her eyes.
"Yea. If Shepard gives you her protection, she backs it up. Let's get you on the bed." He guided her to the bed, helping her down on it.
"Who is he?" She asked. He looked back to the unconscious man in the corner.
"Name's Webb, been in C-sec for four years. Must be a sleeper agent of some kind. He was too rough for street duty. Never had any trouble from him since I put him in the cells." He shook his head. "I'm going to be pissed if the surveillance guy was in on it too."
"What made you come into the cells?" She asked.
"I knew you didn't have anything to do back here, so I brought you a book. A lot of good it does now." He walked to the door, picking a tome off the floor. He returned and dropped it at the foot of the bed. Christina was suddenly overwhelmed with the thought that she had seriously picked the wrong side. She shut her eyes in anger. Anger at herself.
"Sir!" A voice came from the doorway. "Carter was missing from cell surveillance."
"Damnit! Find him. Take Percy and Tarsus. Head towards the docks. Hold all departures for two hours. I don't care if they've got the asari councilor on board."
"Yes Sir!" Footsteps receded.
"Ma'am?" Another voice said. Christina opened her eyes to see a young red headed boy. He looked barely old enough to sign up for C-sec. "I need to check your eyes." She held her eyes open as he pointed a bright light at them.
She noticed the Commander looking at her with concern.
"Can I lift your shirt?" The medic asked. She nodded. The Commander turned away as her bruised abdomen was exposed.
"I'm going to take this asshole and lock him up. Send Grant here if you need anything, Miss." Bailey told her. Grant started peeling the bandages from her face. She winced at the additional pain.
"Bailey?" She said. "Send back that interrogator when Grant here is done with me."
"Are you sure, miss? You'll be woozy after he gives you painkillers." He said.
She nodded. "Yes. I have more to confess." She held back some information because it was incriminating for her personally. No longer would she do so. She wanted a clean slate. She didn't care if she spent the rest of her life in prison.
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"So I finally get Traynor to leave Miranda alone, and she stands up, putting her crotch directly in front of her face." Shepard said.
"My goodness." Kasumi said. "What did Miranda do?"
"Nothing. I'm guessing she couldn't believe it was happening." Shepard said, taking another drink of tequila. She couldn't actually manage a whole shot of tequila at once, so she took a third of a shot at a time. Most of her friends tried not to notice. "I was proud to notice she did not open her mouth and start drooling."
"What did you do?" Kasumi asked.
"Other than hold my head in my hands? Nothing. I was wondering if she'd be mad at me, and thinking, in the psychotic half of my head, that she might grab Traynor by the hips, and do something only seen on the net." Kasumi smiled.
"I assume that did not happen." Kasumi said, smiling wide.
"Of course not. Miranda is not psychotic." Shepard said. Kasumi's smile spread across her face. "She's not!"
"Of course." Kasumi said with a slightly smaller smile.
"Yes!" Shepard said. "And then, she turned around, and bent down to pick up her robe with a perfect bend at the waist, giving Miranda an up close and personal view of her backside."
"Jealous Shepard?" Kasumi asked.
Shepard looked at her with her mouth open. "No...No!" Kasumi smiled at her.
"So...your assistant is the opposite of you...and you can't handle it." Kasumi said knowingly.
"Maybe." Shepard looked away from Kasumi.
"Have you asked her yet?" Kasumi asked, referring to a bonding ceremony with Miranda.
"I was waiting until she had her sister back."
"Who is back, and currently assisting the shadow broker with Miranda." Kasumi said.
"Yes. I guess...I need a ring." Shepard said.
"Well then. We have a mission." Kasumi stood up. Shepard looked up at her fearfully. "Come on, Shep. She won't really expect you to use two month's salary."
"That's not why I'm nervous, Kasumi."
"I know. Come on." Kasumi said, holding her hand out to Shepard.
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"I thought you said they don't expect you to spend two month's salary." Shepard said. They were walking downstairs, away from the high end shopping district.
"I said she wouldn't expect you to spend two month's salary. The jewelers will take whatever you give them." Kasumi said. "Besides, who knew you would pick out an ungodly expensive blue diamond?"
"It matches her eyes." Shepard looked at her friend. "I guess I wasn't thinking."
"Reminds me of Keiji..." Kasumi looked back at her. "The damn stone was so big it looked like costume jewelry. Of course, he wasn't foolish enough to pay for it..."
"Kasumi."
"I'm being good." Shepard gave her a look. "Am I not being good?" Shepard gave her another look. "I haven't stolen anything yet."
"And that necklace you snagged...the one that matches the ring I bought?"
"Ahh...you saw that. Let's just call that a donation."
"A donation? For what?" Shepard asked.
"For the greater good." Kasumi replied.
"Since when is lining your pockets for the greater good?"
"Since I needed a wedding present for the hero of the galaxy."
"Kasumi..." Shepard said.
"I'll pay for it."
"Really. Then why did you walk out of the store without interacting with the sales clerk?"
"It's no fun doing it the proper way." Kasumi said. Shepard poked her in the back. "I've got plenty of money, Shep. I'll send them some. You can't take all the fun out of it."
"Fine." Shepard said. "You want to meet me at the ship after getting some clothes for Oriana?"
"Sure, I might even pick up a blue chemise for your nudist assistant."
"Remember, no stealing. I'll transfer you money if you run over budget." Shepard told her.
"Spoil-sport." Kasumi rolled her eyes. "Fine, I'll behave."
"You'll live through the trauma, I'm sure." Shepard told her with a smile.
"Tell me that you'll do a public proposal, at least."
"I wasn't planning on it..."
"So I just have to provide a suitable bachelor party, stand uncloaked next to you in front of hundreds of people, and give a speech at the reception; and I don't even get to watch you nervously flub your lines in front of your prospective fiancé? You are cruel."
"Kasumi, I barely know what I'm doing as is..."
"Come on, Shep. Promise you'll love her forever, ask her to marry you, then slide the ring on her finger. How hard could it be?"
"You do realize you've cursed the entire ceremony by uttering the ominous words: 'How hard could it be?'"
"Don't be such a pessimist." Kasumi pointed to the left. "Look, the best tactical suits are over there. Dextro-rations are one floor down. I'll be one floor up at human lingerie and young adults. Give me a call if you need anything, otherwise, see you on the ship."
"Thanks Kasumi. I've missed you."
"Me too, Shep."
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Kaiden entered the main crew deck and picked up something to eat. The only other person there was Oriana Lawson, who looked upset. No pouting or anything juvenile, just a furrowing of brows and glaring at nothing. He sat down across from her.
"Lieutenant Alenko! Hi! Thanks again for coming to save me." She said, managing a smile.
"You're welcome, Miss Lawson. How are you doing?" He took a drink.
"I'm doing ok, I guess." She said, looking down.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"Miranda's kicking me off the ship. The next chance they get, they're taking me back to Illium to live with my parents."
"You're not looking forward to seeing them again?" He asked.
"Oh, no. They're fine, it's just that I want to stay and help with the war."
"I'm sure Miranda just wants to make sure you're safe. This ship spends a lot of time under fire."
"Nowhere is really safe." She said.
"No, but a rural location on Illium is much safer than the Normandy."
"Nothing can take down the Normandy." She said. The conviction in her voice made him snicker. She gave him an odd look.
"Something smaller than a Reaper already took the Normandy down, I was on it when it happened. And from what I heard, the Normandy SR2 almost didn't make it off the Collector base before it blew." He told her.
"But I want to help." She said.
"So help. Nothing will keep you from working on Illium."
"Maybe, but I really like working with Dr. T'soni." Oriana said.
"What have you been doing for her?" He asked.
"Analyzing data, mostly. Searching for resources."
"Have her send the data to your home on Illium, then send you search requests." He said. She thought about his suggestion.
"That's a good idea, Kaiden." She stood. "I'll miss Miranda, but at least I'll be able to do something. Thank you." She told him.
"You're welcome." He said. She rose and went into Liara's room.
Kaiden started to eat his lunch. Before he got very far Tali entered the eating area, her assistant in tow. He finished off a bite while watching the pair. Tali appeared to be showing her the ropes in the kitchen. When they turned, Tali noticed him. She approached and sat across from him.
"Kaiden, this is Lia'Vael, my assistant." She told him. He stood to shake her hand.
"It's nice to meet you, Lia." He sat back down to finish eating.
"Nice to meet you." She said. She seemed even more timid than Tali, if that was possible.
They put their trays down and started to feed themselves through their induction ports.
"I heard you got promoted to Spectre, Kaiden." Tali said.
"Yes, but I think I lost it when I shot Councilor Udina. I definitely lost it when I rejoined the Normandy." He told her.
"Congratulations?" She made it a question.
"Thanks, Tali. I'm happier on the Normandy." He said with a smile. Something caught his eye. Someone cloaked was approaching Tali from behind.
Kaiden leapt from his seat, throwing his seat backwards with a crash. He brought his hands up in the ready position. Tali was stunned, her eyes were large behind her mask. Lia was similarly frozen. The cloaked figure moved behind Tali.
"Kaiden?" Shepard said from his left. "Take it easy, it's friendly."
"Wha..?" He said, glancing at her briefly. The cloaked figure wrapped its arms around Tali, finally losing the cloak. Tali jerked in surprise as the hooded figure appeared. She whipped her head down at the arms then to the side. Lia fell out of her chair at the sudden appearance. The hooded figure laughed.
"Kasumi!" Tali exclaimed, finally realizing who was wrapped around her. Kasumi leaned her head against Tali's. She released her and stood up, giving Kaiden a smirk.
"Tali. Nice to see you again." She gave the quarian a hug.
An arm settled on Kaiden's shoulders. He jerked, then relaxed. "Commander." He stood up straight, trying to preserve what little dignity he could wrangle out of the situation.
"It's all right, Kaiden. This is Kasumi Goto. She helped me against the Collectors."
"The thief." He said. Kasumi shook hands with Lia, then helped her off the floor.
"Yes, and a good friend." She said. She dropped her arm off his back.
"I see." He noticed Specialist Traynor standing near Shepard. In fact, quite a bit of the crew was standing around. "What's going on?" He asked.
"You'll see." She said. She pulled up her omni tool. "All members of the crew, please join us in the common room."
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Miranda didn't consider herself part of the crew, but decided to go see what the meeting was about. She rose from her chair, noting the pain in her hip was mostly gone. She smoothed down her pants. The borrowed uniform felt weird. Since her tactical suit was damaged in several locations, she had on an Alliance uniform with no insignia or bars. It looked almost like the jumpers mechanics wore. She missed her tactical suit.
Liara got to her feet next to her, then checked her omni tool. "Come on Oriana," She told her sister. "You'll want to see this."
"What's going on?" Miranda asked. Liara was smiling.
"This is something that will interest both of you." She waved both of them towards the door. Miranda glared at the obvious avoidance, but did as she was told.
When they exited the room, everyone seemed to be looking at them. Miranda noticed Kasumi next to Tali. What's she doing here? Samantha was in the middle of everyone, looking expectantly at her. Miranda smiled at her, but decided to stay off to the side. She moved over to the wall near the kitchen. When she looked back at Sam, she was waving her over. What now?
As she made her way to Samantha's side, Miranda saw Kenneth and Gabrielle come in from the lower level, along with James and Cortez.
"What's going on?" She whispered as she reached Sam's side.
"Is everyone here?" Sam asked, not answering her question. She took Miranda's hand. She didn't normally do that in front of the crew. Miranda looked at her in confusion.
"Except for Joker." Garrus said. "The gimp can watch the video feed."
"I heard that, bird brain!" Joker said over the speakers. Everyone laughed.
Sam faced her, taking her second hand within hers. "I didn't want to do this in front of everyone..." Miranda's eyes grew large. I hope she's not doing what I think she's doing. "...but Kasumi insisted." Miranda turned her head towards the thief to glare. Damn you Kasumi. A huge grin was all she saw under the hood. She felt heat rise to her face.
Samantha pulled her attention back by rubbing her hands. "Miranda, I love you more than anything." Miranda knew it, but was still shocked to hear it out loud in front of a crowd. "I can't imagine being with anyone else. I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Miranda was getting overwhelmed by sudden emotions. She was embarrassed, excited, and something else she couldn't place. Her eyes started to moisten. Damn it. What is wrong with me? She didn't know why the situation was affecting her so. Samantha pulled out a small square box.
"You do not need a ring." Miranda said, trying to look at her eyes. Samantha ignored her comment, and continued to look at her hands. Miranda's eyes were on the verge of spilling. Sam pulled a ring out of the box.
"Miranda Lawson, will you bond with me, and be with me forever..." Miranda looked directly into her eyes. Sam was still looking at their hands.
"You do not need to ask." Miranda said. Tears were dripping from the corners of her eyes. Her emotions were taking over, and there was nothing she could do about it. Samantha slid the ring on her finger. Miranda noticed Sam's hands were shaking. She looked so unsure, so very unlike the Commander Shepard she knew. Miranda reached up to grab the back of Sam's neck. Sam finally looked directly at her. Samantha was vibrating with nervousness. "Sam, of course. I'll bond, join, marry you, whatever it takes. Just don't ever leave me." She pulled her into a fierce kiss.
Hoots, hollers, and clapping erupted around them. Miranda had forgotten about the crowd. She looked around to see a hundred or more faces, all cheering in their direction. Heat rose on her cheeks. Someone clamped tightly around her waist.
"Congrats sis!" Oriana said, looking up from her hug. Looking down at her little sister, she couldn't keep a smile from her face. She hugged her back.
"Thanks, Oriana." She looked to her left. Tali, Kasumi, and Traynor were lined up, waiting to give congratulations. Oriana released her with a big smile.
"I hate to break up the party, Commander, but the asari councilor needs to speak with you in person. She says it's urgent." Everyone groaned.
Miranda felt an arm slide around her waist. She was pulled into Samantha's embrace. Sam kissed her neck. "I'll be back." She said.
"I'll be waiting." Miranda said back, leaning into the contact. Sam released her.
"No one is to leave this room." Shepard announced. "We will continue this party when I return." She took off for the elevator.
Fifteen minutes later, after innumerable hugs, congratulations, and handshakes, Sam made an announcement over the loudspeakers.
"I hate to do this, but the party is cancelled. Everyone return to your stations. Ready ship for departure. Kasumi, take off unless you want to see Thessia. See me before you go."
Miranda found herself holding her sister's hand. "What's going on, sis?" Oriana asked.
"I'm not sure. I'll go find out. See if Liara knows anything." She hugged her sister, then headed for the elevator.
She got her first good look at the ring on the elevator. Blue diamond? Sam, you shouldn't have...you really shouldn't have. It had to cost a fortune. She knew it was Sam's intention to highlight her blue eyes, but in reality, she would've taken a glass ring. Actually, I don't need a ring at all. I'd follow you for the rest of my life, no ring, no bond, no marriage. You are everything.
The elevator rose to the captain's cabin. Miranda thought about the change in herself since she brought Samantha back to life. I never wanted to be married. I never wanted a relationship at all. Simple sexual release was all I ever needed, and even that was rare. I brought Samantha back to life, and in return she saved me from my upbringing, from Cerberus, from my father. You gave me what I never knew I needed. What did I ever give you? Myself? She knew there were much less broken people lined up who were willing to take her place. Miranda couldn't understand it.
She looked up to notice the elevator was stopped. Samantha's door was steps away. She slid her hands down her loose clothing, not feeling quite right. I can't believe she proposed to me in this hideous outfit. The door opened without announcement. Thank you EDI.
"Thanks Kasumi, you're the best." Sam said. Miranda entered to see Kasumi and Samantha embrace. A small twinge of jealousy tapped at the back of her mind, but she pushed it down. Sam never showed anything but friendship towards Kasumi, and never really showed physical interest towards anyone but her.
Kasumi left. As she passed Miranda, she winked. Miranda smiled. She was happy to see genuine surprise on Kasumi's face.
"Sam, what's going..." Miranda started. Samantha cut off her with a kiss.
"Miranda, I love you." She said. Miranda didn't know what to say. "I apologize for embarrassing you."
"Sam, don't worry about it. I devoted myself to you long ago. A little unexpected embarrassment is not going to push me away." She said.
"Well...good." Sam said.
"Besides the fact that you didn't need to buy a ring at all, I'll follow you anywhere, no bonding or marriage necessary." Miranda told her. She wrapped her arms around Samantha, making sure she was rubbing against her hips. Sam's eyes started to roll back.
"You're wonderful, Miranda Lawson." She said,
Miranda clutched Samantha to her even tighter. "Sam, you're the savior of the galaxy. How do I even compare?" Sam cocked an eyebrow at her.
"Quite different from the perfectly cocky goddess I met a year ago." Samantha said with a smile.
"Yes, Sam, you changed me. You should know that by now." Miranda told her, feeling embarrassed.
"Miranda, you are the most beautiful, smart, sexy woman in the universe, why wouldn't I be entranced by you?" Sam kissed her neck.
"Well, I have father issues, I'm genetically unable to have children, and I wanted to install a control chip in you. All of which makes me less than enthusiastic about my worth." Miranda admitted, looking downcast.
"Lucky for you, none of that matters. The control chip is water under the bridge. I place no value on your ability to have children. And your father issues have no meaning if your father is dead."
"Sam..."
"I know gorgeous. I don't mean to belittle your pain. How can I make you feel better?" Samantha asked.
"Sam, I know we've never discussed this before, but after spending time with my sister, something has come to sharp relief. You should know before we go through with this. I want children." Miranda said. She considered it might be unreasonable to bring up children half an hour after the proposal, but it was important. Sam needed to know before the joining ceremony. Sam noticeably stilled.
"I guess I hadn't really thought about it." Sam said finally. "Other than being with you, I don't have any desires." She appeared to consider her demand.
Miranda held her breath.
"So, less sex outside the bedroom, more cleaning up messes, and the possibility of deep, emotional attachment with a little person." She smiled at Miranda, who knew fear was filling her face. "Assuming I live through this, if you want children, we'll have children." Miranda let her held breath escape, then smiled.
"Thank you, Sam." She kissed her tenderly. Sam smiled back, then looked thoughtful. "What's wrong?" Miranda asked.
"Did you want me to have them?" Sam asked. Miranda gave her a reassuring smile.
"Only if you want to. There are always children available for adoption. I've also found organizations that specialize in finding willing asari surrogate mothers, if you were interested in an asari child with some of your DNA." Miranda told her, rubbing her hand down her back.
"Oh no. I couldn't imagine an asari with Shepard genes. That would be frightening. Adopting is probably the best approach. After this miserable war, there will be plenty orphans." She said. Miranda kissed her deeply. "Do you want human children?" Sam asked.
"They would be the easiest to handle, but I'm not against the challenges of an asari, turian, or salarian child." Miranda answered.
"No quarians, batarians, or krogans?" Sam gave her a crooked smile.
"I've nothing against a quarian, but dealing with their environmental suit would be complicated, and I think it would be difficult to establish a parental bond without physical contact." She told Sam. "No batarians or krogans, sorry. Too many bad memories about those guys. Not many available children either."
"Fair enough. I can see you've put a lot of thought into this. How many children do you want." Sam asked.
"Two should be plenty." She said. They held each other for a few minutes. Miranda thought about the future, and another trouble entered her mind. "Any thoughts on what you will do after this is all over? Will you stay in the military?" Miranda could not help but drop her eyes at this question. Sam's constant talk about not living through the current suicide campaign was one thing, but living with the thought of losing her for the rest of her life was another. In the back of her mind she admitted she'd caused Samantha stress as well, but after this was over she was definitely retiring from combat roles.
"Since Eden Prime I've been battling one huge enemy after another. Fighting is all that I know. I'm not sure what else I would do." Sam said.
"Well, you're a pretty good lover too." Miranda said with a smirk.
"You're suggesting I become a prostitute?" Shepard said with mock surprise.
"Oh no. I think I'll keep that particular talent for myself." Miranda gave her a kiss before pulling their bodies tightly together. She leaned her head on her chest before continuing. "You could always become a combat or biotic instructor, you're certainly skilled enough within each field. You could even become a security consultant."
"I guess so..." Sam said.
"Since I don't think money will be a problem for us, you could always stay home with the children and learn to play the flute." She gave Sam a devious smile.
"Play the flute?" Sam asked with a shocked expression. "Don't you think I'd be more suited for the tuba?" She pantomimed the deep, monotonous bass line from a tuba.
"Whatever you want, Sam." Miranda leaned her head against her chest. "As long as you're off the front lines."
"We'll see what happens afterwards, Angel." They stayed that way for a few moments, swaying to an internal rhythm.
"Thank you Sam...for the ring, the proposal, everything." She reached her mouth up and nibbled Sam's earlobe. Sam squirmed under her touch. Miranda started undoing the buttons on Sam's shirt. After dragging it off her shoulders, she pulled her sports bra off. She teasingly licked at a nipple, instantly bringing it to attention.
"Are you healed enough for this?" Sam asked, shuddering as Miranda licked her other nipple.
"I think so." Miranda said before swirling her tongue around her nipple. Sam started undoing the buttons on her borrowed shirt. Miranda let her pull it down, dropping it to the floor. Her bra quickly followed.
"Oriana Lawson." EDI announced.
"Miranda, Liara said...oh my goodness. I'm sorry." Oriana said from the entrance to Sam's cabin. Excellent timing, sis. Both Sam and Miranda grabbed their shirts from the floor and covered their chests. Miranda turned to see Oriana holding her hand to the side of her face, facing the wall.
"Sorry, Ori, we got carried away. Go ahead." She told her sister. He sister tentatively removed her hand. She made sure they were both decent.
"Liara said it's something about an artifact on Thessia." Oriana said, explaining their need for such a sudden departure.
"That's right. The asari have a prothean artifact which might help us with information about the catalyst." Sam said. "I guess that's what you originally came to ask me about?" She asked Miranda.
"Before we got distracted by other things...yes." Miranda told her.
"Liara also requested to be on the mission, since it's her home world." Oriana said.
"I should be able to honor that request. Tell her to get some rest. The flight will be around twelve hours." Sam said.
"Good, I'll let her know." Oriana started to turn, then turned back. "Congratulations, Commander." She looked between Miranda and Sam.
"Thank you, Oriana. I'm honored to call you my sister in law. Please call me Samantha, or Sam."
"Yes, Samantha. Thank you." She fled from the room.
"A little more warning would be nice, EDI." Sam said.
"I apologize, Shepard. I will try to warn you before visitors reach this floor." There seemed to be a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Thank you." She looked at Miranda. "Now…" She took Miranda's shirt from her hands, dropping it to the floor. "Where were we?"
00000000
Liara looked up as the door opened. Samantha Traynor entered wearing a royal blue chemise. It stretched to just above the knees, had a modest v neckline reaching between her breasts, and tantalizing cut outs on either side of her waist. Liara looked at the woman with wide eyes.
"Liara, since you were the one who convinced the Commander to buy me this, I thought you should see it." She turned around. Liara gasped. The back was open down to the dimples on her lower back, with criss-crossing straps holding it together.
"You look beautiful." She said, instantly covering her mouth afterward. Did I really just blurt that out?
"Thank you, Liara, but I'm sure you're just saying that." Traynor said. She looked down at herself.
"Samantha, you are exquisite. Surely you know that." Liara told her incredulously.
Traynor blushed. "I guess growing up as a skinny nerd kept me from realizing...thank you Liara." They looked at each other for long enough for the moment to become uncomfortable. Traynor seemed to notice her chess board in her hand. "Up for a game?" Liara smiled. She had extra time, with the Lawson sisters helping out she got four times as much done. Add in Traynor and Feron, and she had a very efficient team.
"I've got the time, but I won't be able to concentrate if you're going to wear that. I'm already dreadfully bad at chess." Liara said.
"I can take it off if you would like." Traynor said, making to grab the straps and pull it over her head.
"No!" Liara practically yelled. "That won't be necessary, please." She noticed Traynor was smiling at her. "And you were joking, of course you were." She shook her head.
"Well, maybe another time, then." Traynor said, turning to leave.
"Wait! Samantha." Liara said, a little too forcefully. Traynor turned back to her.
"Yes, Liara?"
"Would you like to sit and talk?" She waved towards a couch in the back of her room near her bed.
"Sure, Liara." Traynor walked to the couch and sat down cross legged facing her. Liara was pleased that Traynor held down the front of her skirt. Seeing any more skin might just be too much. She sat on the other end of the couch, one leg over the edge, the other folded towards Traynor.
"What would you like to talk about?" Traynor asked.
"Tell me about yourself." Liara said. Interested, but recognizing that she hated the question herself.
"Other than 'computer geek skinny girl who likes to analyze data and play chess'?" She said.
"And run around naked? Yes, other than that." Liara smiled.
"I could tell you about the first time I saw Shepard in person." Traynor offered.
"It wasn't a month ago on the Normandy?"
"That's the first time I met her. The first time I saw her was many months ago. I was on Horizon when the collectors hit." Traynor said.
"You were?!" Liara was astounded.
"I was born there, and returned to visit my parents from Oxford. I was drying my hair following a shower, and wandered over to a window. The bug paralyzed me in that position; completely naked and staring out a window." She looked at Liara, who was stunned unto silence. "Which might not be much of a surprise to you." Liara smiled briefly.
"What was it like?" She asked.
"Terrifying! I was facing away from the door, so all I could do was stare out the window, constantly wondering if someone was coming up behind me. When the collectors appeared I could do nothing but watch. They placed my parent's neighbors in those pods, then ferried them off to towards the ship. They were clearing the housing units across from my parent's place when Shepard tore through the area. My parents place was locked, so she didn't have the 'privilege' of seeing me in all my glory."
"Until a week ago." Liara gave her a mischievous smile.
"True, though as you would expect, it was much more pleasurable without the paralysis. I think she was rather shocked." Traynor said.
"I can't imagine why." Liara said with a wry smile.
"I know!" Traynor said, not catching the sarcasm. "She's the damn savior of the Citadel! The destroyer of the collector base! She has to have women of all species throwing themselves at her feet. I can't be the first nude woman she's seen!"
Liara looked down sadly. "Second that I know of. Though I'm guessing she had some experience in high school; and probably during basic training. As one of those who chased her, I know she has very particular tastes."
"I'm sorry, Liara. I didn't mean to bring up a painful subject." Traynor reached across the couch, briefly holding her hand.
"It's alright Samantha. You didn't know." She wrung her hands in her lap, conflicted about revealing as much as she already had, and how much more she wanted to reveal. She hadn't known Traynor for that long, after all. "It was my fault. When I melded with her, it was perfectly clear she wasn't interested in me that way. She was in love with another girl on the crew."
"Ashley Williams." Traynor said.
"How did you know?" Liara asked. "She was pretty tight lipped about it."
"A week ago she said 'Ashley' while she was sleeping. Ashley Williams was the only Ashley she ever worked with." Traynor told her.
"I see." Liara said. "After Ashley died, I foolishly held out hope that she would come around."
"Liara, don't beat yourself up about this. I know for a fact that several other members of the crew held onto the same hope."
"Kaiden." Liara said.
"Yes, and several other men and women of the Cerberus crew. The SR1 and SR2 were monitored extensively, for security reasons. Shepard cut a lot of the feeds before they reached the collector base, but there was plenty of stored footage from before then."
"After she started dating Miranda." Liara said. "Did you know she wasn't interested in women before Shepard?"
"I didn't know that."
"From what Garrus and Kasumi have told me, Miranda resisted for a while before coming around."
"I guess Shepard gets what she wants in the long run."
"I guess." Liara said dejectedly.
"Enough depressing talk." Traynor said. "I was telling you about my experience on Horizon."
"Yes. You were paralyzed, and you watched Shepard wipe out the collectors."
"It couldn't have taken more than a minute for her. Another minute to search for unparalyzed survivors and she was gone. I was hoping she would come unfreeze me, but I hear the only thing you can do is wait." Traynor said.
"You knew it was her?" Liara asked.
"Of course. Her green armor is pretty distinctive." Traynor answered. "You know, I used to think she simply liked the way the green made her hair stand out, but now that I've gotten to know her, I think she does it to draw fire away from the rest of her squad."
"You would be correct." Liara said with a smile. "She hates it when one of her crew gets hurt. And losing someone weighs heavily on her. So she paints her armor bright green to attract attention."
"It seems that way." Traynor said. "So, other than a few loud booms I didn't see much more of the battle on Horizon. After a couple hours I gained movement in my arms, and soon after the rest of me. I had stiff joints for several days. Lt. Alenko apparently conducted a search of the housing units after Shepard left, but he didn't reach my unit before the paralysis ended."
"Were your parents taken?" Liara asked.
"No, thank goodness. They were at a friend's house just outside the abduction zone."
"Good."
"Last I heard they were still ok. They are far enough away from Sanctuary to be safe from the Reapers...so far." Traynor said.
Liara felt guilty for not asking about the current status her parents. "I'm glad." She added.
"So, Dr. Liara T'soni, I've told you a slightly embarrassing factoid about myself. Tell me something about yourself...something not in your dossier." Traynor looked at her intensely.
Liara was thrown for a minute, then decided on something from her distant past. "Well, when I was very young I dug holes in the ground at a local park, searching for prothean artifacts. My mother was mortified..."
00000000
Liara woke, still on the couch. Traynor was sleeping soundly at the other end of the couch. She was curled into a fetal position, head resting on a pillow.
The last thing Liara remembered was telling Traynor how her mother loved to wear yellow. Traynor told her she would look absolutely stunning in a yellow dress. In spite of herself, she was growing quite fond of the unusual human.
She thought about waking her, but instead found a blanket and covered her up. She turned down the lights and crawled into bed. The last thing she saw before falling asleep was Traynor's black hair, peeking out of the blanket.