I wasn't looking for anything when we met. Nothing but somewhere I could hide away. Hide from the weight of my heritage. Hide away from prying eyes. Somewhere to hide from my feelings, from myself, but with Rue it was like how they describe gravity. I fell. Headlessly. Helplessly.

GRAVITY

IF IT WAS ONE THING you could say about Larkin Hannoway it would be that the man knew how to manipulate. With his self-confident posture and fashionably arrogant attitude, Larkin Hannoway could sell sand to the Sahara. Larkin spoke with a firm and subtle sense of belief making every subject sound as his expertise and he moved with such gentle reassurance he could bend his opponent to his own will.

Dr. Banner Grenway had seen it before, and as he watched Larkin finalize the last step of this prodigious project, shaking ambassador Goodwill's hand firmly smiling confidently, he realized how dangerous someone like Larkin could be. Could be? He wasn't only helping Larkin create the perfect human, but also the ultimate weapon. A biotic solider who regenerates faster than the average human, and with a mind and intellect far more developed than most of the population, and with the determination and bravery of the galaxy's most celebrated hero. Add a control chip to that and Larkin would suddenly stand alone in control and in power of deadliest and most dangerous solider their world had ever beheld. Dr. Grenway shuddered slightly. Miranda had been created solely to take over Hannoway Mining, that's why Larkin had pushed her so hard, trained her relentlessly in politics and strategy, made her start a degree in economics and business planning, made her attend all those tedious social gatherings that she hated. This time though Larkin had outdone himself.

Despite the foreboding feeling he had he couldn't help but feel excited about the new project. This project was so fascinating, he could learn and study so much more, but to what prize? Was he really prepared to hand such responsibility, such power to someone like Larkin? Larkin would surely use one of his research facilities to clone project 16:34:969. That would leave Larkin with a military fleet dangerous and skillful enough to invade and size whole empires, not to mention planets that would benefit his mining company. Hannoway Mining wouldn't only own every single share of mining on earth, but would set out to gain monopoly of the galaxy's mining resources. Dr. Grenway sighed. Perhaps it would at least lay the man's atrocious plans of Courtesan Earth on hold.

Banner still felt sick to his stomach whenever he thought of the business plan Larkin had presented to him a few years after project 13:9:189 had been successfully created. He wanted to create and sell women to anyone who could pay the right price. Much to Banner's dismay Larkin had been very thorough with his plan, and his investigation had shown that a shamefully large part of the earth's population was more than willing to buy such services, not to mention the galaxy's and the aliens harsh view of people being born into servitude. Banner shuddered. This was different though. These women would be created for one purpose and that purpose alone.

He glanced over at the tall man. He hated him sometimes, but still, he could not be more thankful for the opportunities he had provided for him. All the research and all the discoveries he had made were all thanks to Larkin Hannoway and therefore every fraction of his success he owned to that man, and as much as he wished he could say no to some of the things Larkin proposed, Dr. Grenway knew that this amazing chance to create this child would never come again. This could open so many new doors, not only for him, but for the world as well. His knowledge and work would not only benefit Larkin, but it could also benefit the earth and her population. Dr. Grenway felt his confidence in the project increase with the thought, and he stood a little straighter meeting Larkin's blue eyes as he came walking up towards him waving the dossier he held in his hand triumphantly.

"Time to bring the girls down to earth."

~•~

Earth was as foreign to her as it was to Mordin, although thinking about it Mordin probably knew more about earth than she did. Nonetheless Rue found herself wondering what things were like on earth where she sat in Illium's high fashioned club Eternity drinking her cold beer. It wasn't that she had never really taken in interest in it before, after all she worked for the Alliance so she worked partly to preserve it, there just hadn't been time to learn more about it and they had never been stationed on it. She raised the tall glass towards her lips, letting the cold beer linger on her lip before letting the intoxicating beverage wash into her mouth leaving her with a bitter sweet taste. Licking her lips she set the glass down staring at the hypnotizing red screens sign behind the bartender's back.

Normandy's engineers and Jacob needed time to assemble new upgrades for their weapons, making sure this time that they were getting the right upgrades. He had managed to lure Mordin out to look for some armour upgrades as the rest of Normandy's crew members, and Garrus worked hard to improve the Normandy's defences. She could really need Tali's expertise now. She grunted. Where was Tali now anyway? Perhaps she should go pay her a visit? They could need her help after all. Although hadn't Tali said she was preoccupied with something? Of course she was – they all were. Rue chuckled a little to herself before taking another sip of her beer. After these few intense weeks one drink was the least she deserved. Hell, they all deserved it. Her body still ached intensely, but she had managed to shrug it off, lately though it seemed as if it came more frequently and beer –it seemed– helped. She made a wry face. She should go talk to Chakwas, drinking beer wasn't known to be the best of remedies after all. Not the best, but a damn tasty one.

She rubbed her neck thoughtfully slowly working the tensed muscles with her hand, easing the aching slightly. Samara the Justicar had eluded her once again, but they had found Thane. The assassin puzzled her greatly. Despite his line of work he seemed as compassionate and solemn as the reverent mother Alnessa back on Mindoir had been. Rue had watched him whisper a mournful prayer as he lowered his head where he stood solemnly hovering over Nassana Dantius' still warm corpse. Everything about Thane was strange. His solemn way to move and speak, his beady, black eyes and peculiar Drell voice. Strange, but not false nor unbelievable. Rue liked his calm spirit. Another noble savage. Rue smiled into her glass, hopelessly long, red hair falling in her face. Brushing it behind her ear she chewed her lip her thoughts once again returning to Miranda and their earlier…whatever that had been. Another reason she was sitting in this dark, fashionable club drinking her outrageously expensive beer.

She let the tips of her fingers circle the soft, rounded edge of the glass. The informant seemed so close to her, yet she was out of grasps reach even when their bodies had been pressed closely together. Miranda's desire had shot out like flames from her body, mixing and mingling with Rue's own. It had been so easy to read the informant in that moment, but now she wasn't so sure where she sat. Had she just imagined it? Had she caught the informant in a weak moment? She knew what she wanted herself, but could she be sure that's what Miranda wanted? She stared into her beer watching the small bubbles dart up towards the surface breaking it with an almost inaudible pop. Miranda confused her, and for the first time she didn't quite know what to expect. This was a different feeling reminding her of the uncertainty before battle and still that uncertainty seemed easier than what she felt now. With Liara it had been instant, blinding, but this, this was like the slow rise of a new sun, the anticipation of feeling the warm rays caress your face, the longing for the warmth to wash away the coldness from the night.

The commander heard the determined steps of the informant's black sleek boots click against the shining floor of the eternity before she had time to announce her presence. Turning around on the bar stool she was sitting on she smiled her crooked smile leaning back into the bar.

"Finally taken that R and R, huh? I knew you wouldn't be able to resist it." The informant's eyes twinkled.

"Lawson." She said her pint sized glass of beer still in her hand. "What could possibly have brought you to a place like this? I thought fun wasn't your thing." She mocked the informant playfully raising her eyebrow before sighing, setting the glass back onto the bar. "What is it? What did I forget?"

Miranda chuckled as she pulled to a stop next to Rue motioning for the barkeep. She, just like everyone else in the night club stared appreciatively at the informant.

"You haven't forgotten anything. I wanted to talk." Miranda said matter-of-factly before raising the thin short glass the barkeep had set down at the bar in front of her. She studied it for a second or so before downing it grimacing as the warm liquor burned on her tongue.

"Talk?" It was Rue's turn to chuckle. "Come now Miranda, we both now no one talks to me."

The informant frowned. "What do you mean?"

"People don't actually talk to me, or say 'hi, how's your day been' or 'what's your favourite show' or 'how's being dead going for you', they ask me to sort their problems out." Rue said flatly taking a sip of her beer.

"I'm sorry…"

"It's ok. That's what I'm here for, brought back to life to be the ever lasting problem solver and rescuer of the galaxy." Rue winked, smiling broadly.

The informant narrowed her eyes at Rue. "Sometimes I don't know if you're joking or not." She declared.

"Ok, let's have it." Rue ignored her remark, leaning forward slightly giving the informant a reassuring look.

"I didn't really want to involve you when it came to personal problems, but that was before I found this." The informant placed a dossier on the bar in front of Rue who took it, flicking and swiping at the screen with her fingers as she eyed it quickly.

"What exactly is this?"

"That is what my father is involved in. The Illusive Man sent me this information earlier today. It is clear that my father has become a danger."

Rue stared at what looked like pictures of blue screens, and different documents of funding. She kept flicking till the picture of a young woman stared back at her, hollow eyes, bruised and cut, her clothing reminding Rue of what the courtesans back on the Citadel wore.

"What the hell is this?"

"Wherever Project Zero came from…"

"Jack." Rue corrected her sternly. The rivalry relationship between the two women did not benefit any of them by calling Jack by her former project name.

"Jack." Miranda repeated reluctantly. "Wherever she came from, this is much worse. My father's company genetically engineers these women to suit the buyer's preferences and they are then sold as…I guess one could call them slaves."

Rue narrowed her eyes. "How can your father get away with such things? I thought slavery was prohibited on earth? Isn't that what we humans always brag about when we want to distinguish ourselves from the aliens?"

"Things aren't so black and white I'm afraid. Slavery is prohibited, but these women are not seen as 'real' humans. The law states clearly that it is by no means allowed to hold humans or aliens as slaves, but these genetically engineered women are neither in the eyes of the law. They are neither humans nor aliens."

"But they are not subjects either." Rue said angrily flicking past dozens of women faces. "'Courtesan Earth provides its services and products through out all of the intergalactic systems. How noble of him." Rue said in disgust. "This cannot be accepted, these women were created and engineered solely for this reason. They are created for the buyer's need, to do whatever is asked of them no matter what it is."

"As was I."

Rue could feel the anger start to boil within her. It was infuriating to know pricks such as Miranda's father was walking around, untouchable because of ridiculous loopholes in the law. It was as infuriating as having to battle the council. It would have been easier if Miranda's father had tried to snatch Oriana himself, then they could have just put a bullet between his eyes. A well deserved one. How could she protect people from the Reapers if they committed crimes such as this? Why should she? At this rate if the Reapers didn't wage war against them, they would self-destroy anyway.

"That's why I ran. That's why you had to help me keep Oriana safe." Miranda's voice brought her back and she found herself staring into the informant's sapphire blue eyes when Miranda's hand suddenly grabbed Rue's. Unlike the other times the informant didn't let go at the soft touch but held onto it as she pulled herself closer to the commander.

Rue searched her eyes finding them gentle and the doubt that had filled them earlier vanished something else replacing it, burning in them as she placed Miranda's hand on her shoulder, slowly, carefully pulling her closer, her hand resting gently on the informant's waist. Not taking her eyes off the informant's she could feel Miranda caress the back of her head, her fingers raking through her long hair. Averting her eyes momentarily she could see Miranda's plump lips, slightly parted, trembling a little. She leaned her head closer lifting her gaze, looking into the informant's eyes before gently brushing her lips against Miranda's. The informant responded, her lips pressing against Rue's, tasting them curiously, passionately. Rue let her lips explore Miranda's as she felt the tip of Miranda's tongue sweep across her bottom lip seductively and the kiss which had been careful, gentle and searching, deepened. Not abruptly or hesitantly, but like the placid waters of a lake that slowly starts to ripple and swirl. Revelling in the feel of Miranda's soft lips and warm tongue Rue pulled her closer, the loud music streaming from the large speakers and the constant buzzing from the other guests suddenly reduced to nothing but a low thudding reverberating through her chest, or was that her racing heart drowning out everything else?

Rue let her hands slide down the informant's back adding some pressure as they reached Miranda's delectable and curved behind, pulling her closer closing whatever distance lay between them causing Miranda to gasp loudly into her mouth, breaking the kiss momentarily. She could feel Miranda's voluptuous chest rise and fall with her breathing, her half-lidded eyes full of desire.

The informant intertwined her fingers in Rue's hair drawing her in for another kiss their lips burning with lust and passion. Miranda drew a low growl from Rue as she nipped at her lip, her silky smooth tongue slipping across it. Rue felt her head spin, her need growing more dominant at the pit of her stomach as she tightened her grip on the informant, nearly squeezing out what little air she managed to breathe in between kisses. Dormant passion seemed to whirl to life within Miranda who gripped Rue's collar with her hand tugging it hard, desperately trying to get closer as her kisses deepened and became more urgent and needing. Rue let her lips caress Miranda's, their tongues tasting, exploring each other with such passion it left them both breathless when Miranda seemed to regain her senses breaking the kiss. Panting from lack of air and arousal, the raven-haired informant stood still, her silky fingertips resting lightly on Rue's lips almost as if doing so would keep her from kissing the commander again. Rue breathed her in, savouring the sweet smell and the warmth of the informant.

"We shouldn't be doing this." Miranda whispered huskily still not moving.

Rue snorted inwardly. There was a lot of things that shouldn't be done. This wasn't one of them.

"I want you." She murmured her hands holding Miranda firmly in her arms.

"We Sh…" Rue silenced her with a kiss, her lips moving towards the soft skin where jaw line met ear kissing it gently eliciting a soft sigh from the informant's lips.

"I want you."

"We can't…" Miranda whispered in a low voice.

Rue loosened her grip off the informant reluctantly placing a kiss on her lips. "Why do you always say we can't when…" Another kiss. "…we're obviously…" And another one. "…already doing it."

"I..!" The informant caught herself before continuing. "I need time Rue. I'm not used to this."

"Ok." She agreed as she slowly let her go. "Whenever you want to…talk. I'll be waiting."

"And no one will know of this."

"No one." Rue watched the informant nod one last time before she slipped out of her arms, heading back towards the Normandy. Turning back to her beer she leaned her head into her hands before grinning widely. Perhaps working with Cerberus wasn't so bad after all.

~•~

Dr. Grenway stood by the sleeping Asari taking notes as he copied the genetic map onto his hard drive. He hadn't expected to have it so soon, but the Asari had been very selective during their melds, it was remarkable that someone showed such efficiency when it came to choosing genes. Not even Larkin had been as confident with the exact genes he wanted for his projects as this Asari had been. Regretfully, he would not be given the opportunity to sit down and ask her how or why she had chosen these genetic traits. Perhaps it was the doctor in her that had the most influence over which genes were seen as the most desirable. Looking up from his pad he studied her. An Asari doctor. He wondered how many great things they could accomplish if they were ever to work together, Asari doctors and human doctors. Maybe then they could discover how self-reproducing could be applied to humans. The thought of it was thrilling and he found himself losing concentration slightly. It was a mind blowing concept to think that a single person who longed for a child would be able to have one without the help of a partner.

Putting down his pen he scratched his stubbly chin. This project that he and Larkin was working on now was a step in the right direction though. Not only did he now have a perfect template for genetic mapping, but he could also use it for his research. He could discover how to genetically map another person's genes, he could help childless people, he could create an army to withstand any alien threat, and maybe he could even learn from this how Asari's excluded the non-desirable genes and in that way find cures to incurable diseases. This was why he had taken an interest in biological studies. This was why he allowed himself to work for someone like Larkin Hannoway.

Picking up the tray that held the sedatives, he caught his own reflection in the silverite surface. There had been a time when this would have been out of discussion, he would have never set foot in this laboratory knowing he'd work for someone like Larkin. Most of the earth's population probably felt the same way about many things, but with the new opportunities provided by the intergalactic access and a network that stretched between galaxies morals and ethics had changed. The end suddenly justified the means. Mankind had been given too much rein. Regretfully he did not feel remorseful about this. Dr. Grenway knew it had to be done, for the greater good, and if someone like Larkin got a share he did not care.

Turning towards the second screen he felt a rush of excitement. He had discovered that the Asari did not only make a genetic map of her partner, but also one of herself showing the best traits and genes, and by looking at it he could see that Dr. T'Soni's best genes fit perfectly with Commander Shepard's, like a jigsaw puzzle, add that to Miranda's genes and they would have something incredible in their grasp. Using the sharp scalpel he removed a pea-sized bit of flesh and skin from the Asari's neck, placing it in one of the test tubes. If he could insert the Asari's biotic gene it would integrate with Miranda's biotics giving the child extreme biotic powers. Unfortunately, Dr. Grenway had yet to discover how to create a map from a human without the help of an Asari who had melded with it. He studied the test tube in his hand.

He had however discovered the reason as to why project 13:9:189 hadn't developed her traits as well as he had wished for. His research had shown that all of the projects had lacked the proper amount of immune defence genes which did not only impair the projects regenerative abilities, but also the consistency of their abilities. Miranda's abilities had been astounding when she was younger, but as she grew older they had weakened until she was fitted with new implants. Not only had the procedure been costly, but also caused the young girl a severe amount of pain. That was one of the reasons he needed Miranda for this project. He needed her to vessel the project, so that the immune defence gene would be properly developed. Without her this whole project would crash and burn like a poorly built star ship.

Switching on his intercom he called for the laboratory staff.

"Can someone come fetch the Dr? I have no further need of her." Walking over to a thick white door he entered the pin before stepping into it closing it carefully behind his back.

The petri dish was held by the F-shaped machine's hand underneath the sharp light from a surgical lamp. He smiled warmly at the seemingly empty petri dish. It may not show, but he knew. Step one of project 16:34:969 had been accomplished.

~•~

Rue Shepard stared at the ring in her hand. "Don't you think it's better if I go alone?"

"Shepard." Miranda said calmly. "How much did it cost to bring you back?"

"Four billion credits...?"

"Indeed. Now tell me Shepard, how much did the new Normandy cost to build?"

Rue scratched the back of her head looking slightly perplexed. "A…lot?"

"Two-hundred thirty-five billion credits." Now, would I be terribly out of line if I said that you're far too valuable to be lost?" It wasn't a rhetorical question. Rue could tell by the informant's voice.

"Fine. I see your point, but tell me again why we just don't go down there and do what we usually do?"

"Blast our way through trouble?" Miranda quirked her eyebrow.

"It's working quite well…"

"Because we want to hit the operation from within. If we take it out from the inside we will be able to get all the data stored and destroy the facilities connected to Courtesan Earth. It would be a blow to Larkin Hannoway, a blow too big to be fixed."

"Ok Lawson." Rue agreed knowing the informant was right.

"Good. Cerberus has sent us our new identities." She said handing Rue the dossier before turning to walk away.

"New identities? Will that really be necessary?"

The informant didn't answer, but simply gave her a look before walking off. "You should be prepared and ready to leave ASAP. Make sure Garrus comes along." She called over her shoulder as she disappeared from view.

Rue heard Joker chuckle behind her. Folding her arms across her chest she glared daggers at him. "What the hell are you laughing at?"

"It's just funny to see you ordered about."

"Yes. Hilarious." Rue muttered. Switching on the dossier she read the headline. Liz and Rebecca Gilchrist, a rich newly wed couple from one of the colonist planets visiting ambassador Goodwill's charity ball. Rue scowled. Charity ball my ass. It was all a façade for the women the rich came to buy during one of the evening's charity auction. She put the dossier down.

"The Gilchrists." She muttered as she put the simple wedding ring on her finger hearing Joker snickering from where he stood opposite her enjoying her awkwardness.

"Stop it or I'll break your legs brittle boy." Rue snarled.

"Hey, hey, no threatening the little guy. Besides Rue, it's not that bad."

"I'm a soldier. I've got targets –I shoot them. I'm not an actress."

"Look Rue, for how long have I known you?"

"Since I joined the Alliance."

"Exactly, I was the little scrawny guy everyone picked on, but who still helped you out when Holly Bank broke your heart." Rue opened her mouth in dismay to say something but was kept silent by Joker's hands waving dismissively at her. "In other words, I know you pretty well and this is just another mission, but instead of flashing your nice gun you have to be a little more subtle. So don't think, just to what you do –without guns."

Rue grunted.

"And while you do it…reap the benefits my friend." Joker said his eyes gleaming.

"What benefits? I feel like an ass in this suit." Rue tugged at the stiff collar of her fake noble suit. It fit her well, showing off all her best curves, but it was too damn tight in her opinion. "Just glad they didn't put me in a dress." She said before turning around ordering one of the CIC crewmen to go fetch Garrus for her.

Joker laughed before choking on something. "Uhm…Commander, you might not do dresses, but she definitely does."

Turning around she saw Miranda stride towards them. She wore a deep purple dress made of silk, the front and the side embroidered with U-shaped patterns to accentuate her exquisite curves. The dress had been designed with a tasteful cleavage, showing just enough for the imagination and it wrapped itself perfectly around her body ending just above her knees, the long shapely legs made longer by the matching high heels. Her blonde hair had been back-combed into a messy yet stylish hairdo, long, wavy strands of hair escaping from the subtle silver hair pin, falling across her sleek shoulders.

"Reap. The. Benefits." Joker hissed through the corner of his mouth.

Snapping back to reality Rue realized she must have been staring for the raven-haired beauty smiled coyly at her. Clearing her throat Rue regained her posture slightly.

"You're…blonde." She heard Joker groan behind her back.

"I think I would have been recognized otherwise." Miranda smiled at Rue's inability to hide her appreciation.

"But you were only gone for not so long."

Miranda chuckled. "It's a wig, blonde doesn't really suit me."

"Well…you look…" Amazing. "Good." Rue said stiffly trying to hide the desperate desire she felt for the woman standing in front of her.

"As do you Commander." Miranda said as coldly as ever, but Rue saw the flash of mischief in her eyes before Garrus and Jacob came walking up to them.

"Ear pieces." Jacob said staring intently at Rue avoiding to look at the informant. "We'll be nearby and when you send us the coordinates Joker will go in for drop off and we'll meet you there." He instructed them.

Nodding she put the ear piece into her ear before looking at the Turian and the informant. "Ready to go play happy family?"

~•~

The corridor lay dark as he crept through them. Hopefully no one would wake up and find him creeping around the Normandy like this. He looked behind his back twice before he entered the elevator. The CIC lay quite besides the navigator. He didn't pay him any attention where he walked, as per usual. He was too busy to even notice he was there. He could see the flight lieutenant's arms fly about as he manoeuvred the Normandy, but besides that no one was around. He walked up to the yeoman's station quickly inserting the decoder into the yeoman's computer. The screen flickered to life and he opened the yeoman's mail quickly logging into her inbox typing the address he had been given by his mysterious employer.

One day when he opened his mail there had been an unread mail and when he had opened it, it had offered him the most fantastic thing. The one thing he had yearned for –Miranda's position as director. The only thing he had to do was to send and e-mail when the director and commander had left, and whoever sent the mail would make sure he was greatly rewarded. He was no fool though, of course he did not simply believe a mail sent from some anonymous someone. He had done his research and this mysterious Conrad Jester seemed to be closely connected to Hannoway Mining. He had of course asked for something in advance as a proof of faith. Only hours later he had found himself ten-thousand credits richer. How this Conrad had managed to sniff out his details he had not idea, but at this point he didn't really care. Just knowing he might be sending the director off to a place where she might not come back from was just enough for him.

Grinning widely he typed in his message before hitting the send button with a determined push then he stalked back to his bed smiling to himself. To think that one simple phrase could alter his life and the director's so acutely was thrilling. Just the thought of the look upon Miranda's face as she realized they had been tricked, oh he would have done anything to see it. Taking her place would be a good comfort.

~•~

Larkin Hannoway turned in his leather chair at the sound coming from his laptop. Leaning forward he saw the small mail icon flash.

The package has been sent.

TO BE CONTINUED…


A.N: Well, this chapter took long enough to publish!

There was a lot of things I wanted to write in the AN, but I just got in from a housewarming party and I had wine and nice, nice company…so needless to say I've forgotten what I was going to say. Except for: Thank you to all of my wonderful readers who put up with my slow writing, and to everyone who's reviewed – you guys and girls are absolutely fantastic! You make my day! Also a big thanks to everyone who's faved and stuff.

Ok, so I hope you like this chapter, I'm already working on next chapter – let's hope I get it up next week 'cause I got some really nice stuff for you to read. :)

Thanks again for your patience and unwavering support!

Please review and let me know what I'm doing right – or wrong. If you like it, hate it? What's good, bad? What didn't make sense?

Also big thanks to my beta – Nightwish11606.

~Elmjuniper

Ps. If I haven't replied to your review it's not me being rude, but just really absentminded. :P