CHAPTER 25: AFTERTHOUGHT

INT. NORMANDY – CAPTAIN'S CABIN – AFTER MIDNIGHT

The hum of the ship's engine filled Commander Shepard's cabin. The room illuminated in light blues from the large fish tank. The fish swim around slowly as if resting while another found amusement running up and down the stream of bubbles.

Miranda in a silky two piece purple nightwear sits in the corner of the large sofa with her feet resting outwards. Relaxed and comfortable in her surroundings she reaches over and takes a cracker layered with some kind of dip into her mouth. Her focus and concentration totally devoted to the data pad in hand. She taps on it several times. The data pad gives off a low volume sound effect whenever Miranda opens or closes a document she is viewing.

Commander Shepard is resting not so comfortably on the large bed within his quarters. His head turns back and forth as if dreaming. He admits a low uncomfortable sound. "mmghf…" He starts to breathe in faster as it intensifies. "Stop it!"

Miranda reaches for another cracker from the plate next to her. She focuses her attention on Shepard audible declaration. Miranda stops tapping on her data pad watching him.

"I said stop it… damn you! No!" Shepard startles himself awake slowly opening his eyes. He blinks looking to the right of him and then up towards the blue mists running over the top of the ship's view port. He turns his head to the left looking for Miranda sleeping beside him but the bed was empty. He sits up abruptly looking around the room.

"I'm over here, Shepard." Miranda calls out to him.

He sits there watching her from across the room in a daze.

Miranda knew the answer but asks him anyways. "Another nightmare?"

Shepard leans his back against the propped up pillows resting his left hand dangling over his bent knee. "Yeah." He looks downwards towards his lap and exhales uncomfortably. He looks up at Miranda again. "You?"

"I can't sleep... nauseated but coping…"

A small smile emerges from his lips.

Miranda turns her focus back to her data pad briefly. "They should've been back by now?"

Shepard looks towards the clock but it was non-existent. "What time is it, EDI?"

"It's 12:57 a.m. Shepard."

"Thanks."

Shepard moves his legs over the side of the bed. "We're at the rendezvous point?"

"Yes but I've discovered from the extranet news of a recent gang war bombings occurring on Omega. They estimate over 900 people have been killed. Docking bays controlled by Blue Suns have been targeted destroying many of the starships."

Shepard yawns running his hands over his eyes. "I doubt Aria is allowing that shit to continue." He stands up and stretches as he walks over towards Miranda's location on the sofa, wearing nothing but his black boxers.

"No… The gang leaders are meeting at an undisclosed nightclub on the station." Miranda reaches for her bottled water taking a sip from it.

Shepard sits down not far from her. "I'm sure Jacob and Kasumi will turn up eventually with the intel."

"They better." Miranda says sternly.

Shepard faintly smiles. "That leaves Orianna to deal with next."

Miranda turns her head in his direction. "I'm sure she's eager to get back to her peaceful, normal life. I told her life on a starship wasn't as glamorous as she made it out to be."

"Miranda…"

"Shepard, listen. I know what I said before its different now."

"By controlling her movements? It's her life… her decision, Miranda."

"That's not what I meant…" Miranda sighs. "I want her to have a normal life without the constant threat of my father. It's just… I can't lose her to him. Not ever."

"Why is she so important to him?" He watches her wrestle over the decision to let Orianna go.

"I don't know… We share the same DNA… genetic template. We're different in some regard. I'm biotic, she's not. I had a troubled childhood. She didn't. He doesn't have control over me. He's still trying to exert his authority by stealing her from me."

"Really?"

"I… It's complicated Shepard."

"You fought back and took what he valued and said in so many words, 'fuck you' father."

Miranda gives off a fake smile. "At first, maybe but I had other reasons for taking her away from him. His abuse became too much. I had enough. It's… painful to think about. I can't talk about it."

"I understand."

Miranda looks down at her data pad for a moment. "And your nightmare?"

Shepard lowers his head a little. "Eh… Never ends… my parents and friends getting killed by those batarian bastards."

"I'm sorry, Shepard."

"Yeah…"

Miranda watches him, analyzing him. "Burdened, Shepard?"

Shepard stares at Miranda, thinking.

"With what happened earlier?" Miranda elaborates.

"I told Ash I moved on. It was over. I didn't enjoy hurting her." Shepard stands up.

"Shepard…"

"What?" He turns his face towards her giving off a moody expression.

"Thanks."

"I made my decision. Ash will just have to deal with it and move on." Shepard heads off towards the bathroom.

Miranda raises an eyebrow with the way he said it. It was almost as if it had another meaning entirely.

There was a lot that Miranda could've said in response but she held her tongue. It wasn't important, necessary. They both understood each other. Liara was right about Ashley's hostile reactions towards 'the other woman' and all things Cerberus. Not to mention Ashley's aggressive attitude, lack of control and the apparent trust issues she has with Shepard. It was obvious. Something else was bothering him. Time would tell but she couldn't help feeling a little protective over him, his safety and well-being.

Miranda proved to be more mature, professional and stood with Shepard… supported him, trusted him when he needed it the most. Miranda kept him focused and got the job done. Miranda was also open-minded. In Shepard's mind it was an easy choice. He was comfortable with Miranda. He didn't have to be the hero. Miranda knows how to command people and is an excellent XO in his mind. Above all, she could and did take care of herself.

INT. ARCTURUS STATION – ADMIRAL HACKETT'S OFFICE – LATE MORNING

Anderson walks up closer to Hackett's desk. "Your message seemed urgent. I take it we know who the Cerberus spies are in the Alliance?"

Hackett stands near his desk with the data pad in hand.

"Yeah, damn lot of them. I never suspected that many Cerberus spies within the Alliance. That doesn't even begin to count the Cerberus front companies we've discovered from these logs. The news outlets are going to have a field day."

"We can't let that happen."

"And we won't. Not this time." Hackett says with a stern look on his face tossing the data pad down on to his desk in front of him.

"So it's true. The information I received was valid." Anderson ponders over what Miranda Lawson told him.

"What intel?" Hackett folds his arms.

"I spoke with Commander Shepard and a former ex-Cerberus operative working with him."

"Really?" Hackett didn't seem too surprised. "And?"

"It validates the information about Cerberus undercover agents within the Alliance and elsewhere."

"Apparently. What else?" Hackett asks demanding more information.

"The Illusive man base of operation is never in the same place twice. So she says."

"That we know." Hackett responds.

"I offered her immunity if she helps us take down the Illusive man."

Hackett walks around to the front of his desk. "She better have some damn good intel for that to ever happen."

"I know… I had to give her something in exchange. A show of good faith…" Anderson turns his head slightly watching Hackett's approach.

"Too risky."

"Commander Shepard seems to trust her and she's unquestionably loyal to him."

"Mind telling me who this ex-Cerberus operative is?" Hackett asks.

"Miranda Lawson."

"Huh… I see. That is, quite an interesting development."

"How so?" Anderson asks unsure.

"Henry Lawson. His work in genetics has provided the Alliance with many cures for genetic diseases in humans. He also understands how biotics work within the human body."

"Perhaps they're related?"

"Unknown. Inform me when she does give us the intel we want. We'll deal with her 'immunity' request after the Illusive man has been taken out of the picture. We're done here." Hackett replies walking over towards his desk to sit down.

"Of course. I'll see myself out." Anderson turns and heads towards the exit.

INT. NORMANDY – MESS HALL – LATE MORNING

Shepard walks casually into the kitchen's mess hall rubbing the back of his neck feeling stiff and tired.

"Good morning, Commander." Gardner says standing next to the sink.

"Eh…" Shepard looks into the refrigerator looking for something edible to eat.

Orianna watches Commander Shepard from across the mess hall, sitting across from Miranda at the table.

Miranda, busy tapping away on the data pad she brought with her and occasional stopping to eat her breakfast. A clear glass bowl of yogurt, strawberries, blueberries and granola mixed in.

Orianna stares back at Miranda, gets up and leaves the table. She heads in Shepard's direction.

Shepard sighs finding nothing even remotely appetizing. "No breakfast?"

"It all goes to waste."

Shepard shakes his head and pours himself a cup of coffee. At least that will give him a boost of energy.

Orianna approaches Commander Shepard. "Yes, Orianna?"

Shepard takes a sip finding the coffee black, cold and bitter.

Orianna places her hand on her hip looking back at Miranda then back at him. "I want know how to protect myself from the people trying to hurt me."

"Have you told your sister about this?" He takes another sip.

Orianna lowers her head slightly. "I need to show her I can take care of myself. I'm not a child."

"Okay." Shepard tosses the contents of the coffee in the sink leaving the cup behind. "Come on."

Orianna follows Shepard leaving the mess hall together. Miranda watches curious as to what's going on.

INT. NORMANDY – ARMORY – LATE MORNING

Orianna and Shepard stand in front of one of the tables within the Armory. "You'd probably want something light and easy to use." He picks up a small pistol gun. He checks the weight and removes the clip.

"Try this one." He hands her the gun.

Orianna looks at the gun and Shepard.

"It's not loaded. It's okay."

Orianna reaches out and takes the small pistol from him.

"How does it feel? Is it too heavy?"

"No. Okay, I guess."

Shepard notices how she handles the gun. "You've never handled a gun before?"

"No."

Shepard steps forward and moves her hand and fingers over the gun, raising her arm. "Focus on a part of the room. Don't be nervous. Be calm. Squeeze the trigger."

Orianna focuses but hesitates pulling the trigger.

"You won't hurt anything."

Orianna looks and listens to him as her finger clicks the trigger.

"It wasn't so bad was it?"

"No. I guess not."

"If it had thermal clips in it, you'd feel a slight kickback. It takes some getting use to but remember it's not a toy. It kills people."

Miranda stands near the entrance, inside the armory, with her arms folded, watching Shepard instructing Orianna on how to handle a gun. Miranda releases her arms and approaches. "There you are."

Orianna turns her head watching her sister. "Miranda. I'm sorry."

"It's alright." Miranda glares at Shepard for a brief moment.

"Miranda. She needs to know how to protect herself. You won't be able to protect her 24/7."

"I know that, Shepard." Miranda responds with some concern. "Probably not a bad idea… I can give you some tips and training, if you like."

Orianna nods. "I'd like that."

"Fine. We'll get started immediately."

"Commander." Joker interrupts them.

Shepard steps away from Orianna and Miranda heading for the door. "Yeah, go ahead." Shepard taps near his ear.

"It's a message from Jacob Taylor. They'll be arriving within the hour."

"Good." He turns to look back at Miranda explaining the various defensive combat moves to protect oneself from an attacker. Shepard leaves the armory.

INT. EARTH – LAWSON MANSION – MAIN STUDY – EARLY AFTERNOON

Mr. Lawson lights up his cigar standing next to his desk. "Bring me that child, Nikolas, at once!"

The muscular bodyguard nods in response and departs. "You got it boss."

Mr. Lawson's computer terminal chirps on his private line. Mr. Lawson takes another puff from his cigar and taps on the accept button. "Ms. Dynnex. There better be a good reason for this intrusion." Mr. Lawson sits down in his black expensive desk chair.

"Heard from Ms. Lawson… She knows about the tainted samples you've provided. She wasn't pleased, downright angry from the results and my betrayal."

"You must be mistaken. I haven't provided you with anything." He takes another puff from his cigar.

"Sure… escape all blame from the wrath Ms. Lawson is bringing down on me. The authorities are investigating the pharmaceutical financial records and research files. They're claiming we're making illegal substance to sterilize and kill off people all over the galaxy who are biotic."

"How unfortunate for you and your company but this doesn't really concern me."

"Son-of-a-bitch." Ms. Dynnex could hear gun fire outside her office door. Just then the door opens. Ms. Dynnex stands up waving her hands. "Wait, we can talk about this?"

Mr. Lawson watches as Ms. Dynnex is shot in the forehead and slumps down the floor. He takes a puff from his cigar giving off a smirk as he terminates the call. "Now the real fun begins, insubordinate child." A picture of Miranda moves outwards as he closes the yellow folder on his desk.

INT. NORMANDY – CIC – AFTERNOON

Shepard is working at his computer terminal for the past hour waiting for Jacob and Kasumi to return from their mission on Omega. Shepard turns his head when the door to the armory opens. Miranda and Shepard exchange glances with each other. "I'll be down shortly, Shepard. Orianna."

Shepard watches Miranda step into the elevator. He looks back at Orianna. "How'd it go?"

Orianna smiles at him. "Thank you, Commander."

"That good, huh?" Shepard smiles warmly in return. "You didn't just trick me into helping you with your sister, did you?"

"Why would I do that? I'm naïve and innocent." Orianna smirks.

Shepard laughs. "I'm beginning to doubt that." Shepard folds his arms.

"I'm as smart as my sister… The Diwali festival begins in a few days. Have you heard of it?"

"Is it something you and your parents celebrate?"

"Yes. Five days of celebration. We light candles outside our houses to bring forth renewal, fortune and to celebrate good over evil."

"That sounds interesting. Is that all?"

"No silly. We also exchange gifts, eat sweet tasting food, bath in oil and light firecrackers. We contemplate our inner light, our soul, and beyond our physical form."

"Ah, I see. Well, then. I'm sure Miranda can help you out with those things. I know she has some candles stashed somewhere."

"Commander, Jacob's requesting permission to come aboard?"

"Request granted, Joker. Duty calls."

"You think Miranda would help?"

"Help with what, Orianna?" Miranda asks walking out of the elevator towards them.

"Every year, my parents and I celebrate the awareness of inner light. Shepard has already agreed to help." Orianna smiles back at him.

"Hah…" Shepard says being caught off guard running his hand down the back of his head.

Miranda stares at him. "Did he now?" She folds her arms.

Shepard scratches his bald head. Jacob and Kasumi step out of the elevator. "Excuse me." He walks over to them. "Jacob. Kasumi. Welcome back."

"Thanks." Jacob says a bit tired and carrying a large black luggage.

"Good to be back, Shep." Kasumi smiles.

"We'll debrief in 10."

"Yeah, alright." Jacob nods his head to Orianna and Miranda as he passes by them towards the Armory with Kasumi following close behind.

Miranda unfolds her arms. "We'll discuss it later, Ori. I need to work, now." Miranda walks past her into the Armory room.

"Fine." Orianna walks to the elevator a little miffed.

"Orianna… I'd love to help." Shepard replies.

The elevator door closes without another word from her.

INT. NORMANDY – DEBRIEFING ROOM – AFTERNOON

Miranda is standing off to the side with her arms folded.

"You could humor your sister a little." Shepard says walking into the room.

Miranda turns her head and stares at him as he stands next to her.

"It wouldn't hurt."

Miranda turns her head away quietly waiting for Jacob and Kasumi to arrive.

"You still feeling sick?" Shepard asks touching the lower part of her back.

She turns to look at him. "I'm fine."

Jacob and Kasumi walk into the room.

"What'ya got for us Jacob?"

"Take a look for yourself." Jacob taps on his omni-tool and brings up the video recording to play before them on the projection screen EDI set up. "We thought you might want to watch."

INT. OMEGA – APARTMENT – EVENING

Nikolas walks down the back street alley towards the apartment complex. He looks around cautiously. He stops and unlocks the door with a heavy decryption key. The door releases. He steps inside the room closing the door behind him. He notes the lights still on and hopes to catch Orianna off guard. He doesn't see her in the main room of the apartment. The bathroom door was slightly open. He walks over to the data terminal finding it still warm. He knew someone was here.

Kasumi uncloaks behind him to avoid him from escaping. "Find anything?"

Miranda watches.

Nikolas quickly turns around and looks at the Japanese woman in a red, sleek outfit. "Who are you?" He asks in an Australian accent.

"I should be asking you the same question?" Kasumi walks closer to him and begins placing her hands up and down his shoulders.

"Really?" Shepard asks with a grin.

"Shhh." Kasumi says hushing him up.

"I thought you'd never show up. How do you like it? Let me guess rough and cold as your exterior exhibits."

Nikolas Vidai forcibly grabs her arms. "Where is she?"

"She didn't tell me you were coming but I'll make an exception just this once..."

Shepard gives off a small smile. "Kasumi…?"

"Don't worry, Shep. I won't bore you with the details."

Miranda gives them both a cold stare.

Nikolas was about to smack her when Kasumi blocks his attack twirls him around kicking the back of his knee to force him down. "Didn't your father ever teach you not to hit women?"

"Apparently, not." Miranda sighs.

"You have no idea who you're dealing with bitch… release me." He yells out cold and harsh.

Jacob exits the bathroom. "You heard the lady… who do you work for?"

"Who are you people?" He asks sitting on the floor on his knees with his hands cuff behind his back. Kasumi stands nearby.

"We know you're looking for Orianna Lawson. Why?" Jacob says walking closer to him.

He laughs. "Is that what they call her? I've heard otherwise."

"My patience is growing thin. Tell me what I want to know!" Jacob says firmly.

"She's my twin sister. What do you care?"

"His twin? That can't be right." Miranda stares downwards to think for a moment.

"Apparently he made others in your absence, Miranda." Shepard responds folding his arms.

Miranda shakes her head and continues to watch.

The young man looks up at Kasumi with cold eyes. "Where the hell is Orianna?"

"Why do you want her so bad?" Jacob asks pacing back and forth.

"You're working for that bitch? Aren't you?"

"Answer the damn question." Jacob yells out forcefully.

"My family has been searching for her for 20 years. That bitch stole her from my father when we were a few months old. Help me find Orianna, so I can bring her home safely." Nikolas Vidai pleaded unconvincingly.

"Problem is… she's already dead." Jacob bluffs.

"What do you mean, she's already dead?!" He exclaims with anger.

"Yeah, just finished butchering her in the bathroom…"

Miranda gives out a short laugh at Jacob attempt to terrify the young man.

"You're both lying."

"What do you want done with him?" Kasumi asks Jacob.

"The boss wants no witnesses."

The young man struggles free. "My father's powerful… he will find you and kill you both!"

"Oh, he won't be finding your body on Omega." Jacob struggles to bring him towards the bathroom door.

All Nikolas Vidai could see is blood smeared on the floor and inside the bathtub. "YOU BASTARD!" He struggles free and pushes Jacob into the side of the wall. Jacob lets out a grunt. Kasumi aims her gun at the young man and shoots. The tranquilizing dart hits him in the neck as he slumps down to the ground.

"Tough son-of-bitch." Jacob rubs his bruised shoulder. "Tie him up in the chair."

Jacob was about to push him down into the chair when Nikolas Vidai pushes him onto the ground with a pulse of biotic energy coming from his chest.

"What the hell?!" Jacob stands up and lifts Nikolas Vidai off the ground with his biotics. "Get over here!"

Kasumi runs and jumps on Nikolas Vidai's back pushing him down to the floor.

The video log terminates.

Miranda walks back and forth as she thinks. "He was supposed to believe Orianna is dead."

"Oh, he saw the blood and guts floating in the tub and the blood on the floor. I'm pretty sure he got the message." Jacob explains.

"What happened afterwards, Jacob?" Shepard asks unfolding his arms.

"We took a few samples of his blood and a few strains of his blonde hair. Figured you'd want to run some DNA test to confirm Nikolas's story."

Miranda looks at Jacob with a hint of satisfaction.

"Did you kill him?" Shepard asks.

"Nah, we tossed him in some back alley dumpster with some really foul smelling odor. It smelled bad, rotting flesh or… whatever."

"You should have killed him. He'll think it's just an act." Miranda says harshly.

"You wanted him to report back to dear old dad." Jacob responds with a slight irritation.

"Or at least wounded him severely…"

"Let's calm down." Shepard interrupts before the debate got even more heated.

Miranda folds her arms in front of her. "I assume no one detected your presence on Omega?"

"In and out." Jacob replies folding his arms.

"Easy as robbing a safe..." Kasumi says with a little bit of thief humor.

"That's not what I heard." Miranda speaks up.

"What did you hear?" Jacob asks.

"Gang wars going rampant and you're late."

"Yeah well, that wasn't an issue after it all calmed down. We stayed out of sight." Jacob angles his head side.

"Did you at least track him after you dumbed his body?" Miranda asks again not totally satisfied with how Jacob handled it.

"Yeah, Kasumi conveniently placed a tracer on him."

Kasumi approaches closer. "Liara's agent traced his movements back to Bekenstein and then Earth."

"Strange…" Miranda thinks about it.

"Anything else?" Shepard asks them both.

"That's it…" Jacob releases his arms.

"Dismissed."

"Right, Commander." Jacob shakes his head and departs with Kasumi.

Shepard glances at Miranda. "How'd you want to handle this, Miranda?"

"I should've known my father wouldn't stop at creating others." Miranda curses.

"You never told me what your father does for a living. I'm guessing he's either a scientist or some big CEO of some research organization?"

"You're right." Miranda responds. "How in the hell could he be her twin… it's not possible. I didn't even know of his birth or any others that were created at the time, only Orianna."

"He must have kept them hidden from you where no one would suspect."

"I suppose you're right, Jon. It has to stop." Miranda stares at Shepard. "He turned that young man into exactly what he wanted." Miranda shakes her head disgusted. "I was right to take Orianna from him."

"When did you take Orianna?" Shepard asks.

"After I joined Cerberus and was more secure in my role. I monitored his operation from the bugs I implanted in his computer system. I learned he was creating another to replace me some time ago. I broke in and stole her. It wasn't the best plan, there were… complications but I made the best of it."

"We could tip off the Alliance about his illegal research operations." Shepard stops Miranda in her tracks.

"Shepard. We have no evidence of any wrong doing. They won't listen… nor care about it since he's one of the biggest contributors in biotic research and development."

"I didn't know."

Miranda walks back and forth. "Henry Eldfell Lawson"

"I've heard of that name, Eldfell. That was the facility we had to liberate from the blue suns."

"The one in the same. Yes." Miranda confirms.

"Not to mention all those innocent deaths on my hands for some petty act of revenge."

"You can't change it now. I doubt my father is fond of you for destroying the facility and costing him millions of credits." Miranda rubs her tired eyes.

"Why use Eldfell as a front company?"

"To hide all his dirty little secrets, Jon. Why else? All his secret experiments, the contract killings, extortion, theft, you name it. He's done it all. He holds a powerful position, as a CEO, and is a highly respected scientist among his peers. He's completely untouchable."

Shepard runs his hand over his bald and sighs.

"I'll need to run the DNA samples to see if he truly is her twin. Bastard." Miranda departs with haste.

INT. NORMANDY – MORDIN'S TECH LAB – LATE AFTERNOON

Miranda looks up at Shepard staring at her, at the door way. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"Just enjoying the view… I like watching you work." He grins and walking over towards her.

"Shepard… The DNA is similar but not a match. He's a clone but genetically modified, extensively. Perhaps my father really did achieve the perfect biotic specimen after all these years. Nikolas isn't my twin and he can't be Orianna's either not from these genetic samples."

"More lies your father is spreading around to anyone that listens?" Shepard asks, changing his stance.

"I told you he's very controlling and strict. He does whatever he wants and doesn't care about hurting anyone as long as it falls within his long-term plans."

"Yeah, you mention that. What now?"

"I don't know. Maybe Liara's agent has the locations Nikolas was visiting."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Right."

"Orianna's preparing a special meal for us in a few hours. You look as if you could use a nap."

"Is this your way of asking me to sleep with you?" Miranda teases.

"I wouldn't say no."

Miranda laughs. "I suppose I could indulge you, just this once."

"You're a terrible tease, Miranda." Shepard grins.

Miranda laughs at him. "I am." She pinches his butt on the way out of Mordin's tech lab.

Shepard acts surprised by the groping. "Love it when you grab my ass during sex. It helps getting it in nice and deep."

Miranda laughs. "Haha."

INT. EARTH – LAWSON MANSION – MAIN FOYER– LATE AFTERNOON

Nikolas walks down the large spiralling staircase in the main foyer with the help of his father's bodyguard. The walls were white with a beautiful chandelier in middle of the room.

"Hands off me." Nikolas pats down his dark blue stripped suit and heads into his father's study.

INT. EARTH – LAWSON MANSION – STUDY – LATE AFTERNOON

Mr. Lawson takes a sip of his black coffee and places it back down on the coaster sitting on the end table. He watches Nikolas walk inside looking back at the guards stationed at the door.

"Leave us." Mr. Lawson stands up.

The door closes behind the two guards as they guard the door.

"Where've you been?"

"I was following a lead from the Shadow Brokers agent." Nikolas states.

"Have you learned nothing of what I've been trying to teach you?"

"She's dead father."

"Lies… She'd never allow it. She's playing you. You think I'm a fool?"

"She was on Omega during the gang wars. There was blood everywhere, on the bathroom floor, inside the tub. Her bloody hand rested over the side of the tub."

"What! What have you done?" Mr. Lawson yells back at him in disbelief.

"I walked in on them. The Japanese woman was cloaked. The killer emerged from the bathroom. He's a biotic. I fought them off and killed them. I escaped down the alley way."

"Unbelievable. Give Bobby the address. He'll clean up any loose ends." He rubs his eyes furious at what happened.

INT. OMEGA – APARTMENT CELL BLOCK E #246 – EARLY EVENING

The two bodyguards stake out the apartment for a half hour before entering. Once they entered inside they found furniture tossed around on the floor. The bed sheets torn and ripped off the bed.

The tall, dark haired, muscular, bodyguard walks into the bathroom to find dried up blood stains on the floor. Dry, bloody towels filled the trash basket near the sink. All that remained in the bathtub was a few streaks of blood. He tosses the bloody towels into a plastic bag and exits the bathroom. "Boss is not going to like what we found. Somebody cleaned up the mess but missed this."

"The boy?" He scoffs. "He can't kill a fly if it landed on his nose."

The bald bodyguard, in a black suit, cracks his knuckles loudly. "Let's get out of here…"

INT. EARTH – LAWSON SECRET HEADQUARTERS – NIGHT

Late at night, at one of the research labs, Mr. Lawson began running DNA samples under the microscope. Looking to discover the real identity of the blood found on the towel his bodyguards kindly brought back. He leans up from his position.

"As I suspected… She clearly thinks I'm that stupid to believe she could hide Orianna by this fake death." He removes the small tray from the microscope containing the blood sample and crushes it under his soles of his expensive black shoe.

The other scientist looks shocked and confused at Mr. Lawson's reaction. He departs the lab with the data pad.

*Author's note: I'll update and fix any errors as I find them. Thanks for the reviews!

Added some the information from the Cerberus News Network topics from October and November.

Edited: 04-10-14. Fixed misc words and word corrections.