"Shepard. Good work on Freedom's Progress." The Illusive Man greeted. "The quarians forwarded their findings from Veetor's debriefing. No new data, but it's a surprising olive branch, given our history. You and I have different methods, but I can't argue with your results."
"The data from his omni-tool should be quite useful." John said.
"We're still analyzing it. But more importantly, you confirmed the Collectors are behind the abductions." The Illusive Man responded.
"You are saying 'confirmed'. Why I get the feeling that you already knew about them?"
"I had my suspicions. But I needed proof. The Collectors are enigmatic at best. They periodically travel to the Terminus Systems, looking to gather seemingly unimportant items or specimens. Usually in exchange of their technology. When their transactions are complete, they disappear as quickly as they arrived, back beyond the unmapped Omega 4 relay. Until now, we've had no evidence of direct aggression by the Collectors."
"Why is the Omega 4 relay unmapped? What do we know about it?"
"Only that no ship passing through it has ever returned. Our best guess is that the relay reacts differently to Collector vessels, allowing them safe passage. If they can manipulate relays, that's just further evidence of the connection with the Reapers."
"Any ideas on why they've shifted their focus to humans?"
"If they're agents for the Reapers, it could be any number of reasons. Obviously, humanity played a huge role in Sovereign's destruction. That might have been enough to draw their attention. What really concerns me is why they bother abducting the colonists. Once the humans are paralyzed, why not just kill them?"
"What are the Collectors getting from these deals?"
"The Collectors aren't very forthcoming about their motives. Generally, they seek out species with rare genetic mutations or abnormalities. They pay slavers and merc groups exorbitant sums to obtain these specimens. And then they leave. But they've never targeted a single species before. And the previous sample sizes were in the dozens, not the tens of thousands."
"The Collectors are definitely a human enemy, but how do we know there's a connection to the Reapers?"
"Their focus shifted to humanity only after you and the human fleet destroyed Sovereign. The abductions are related, even if the Alliance and the Council refuse to believe it. I won't wait until the Reapers are on the march. We need to take the fight to them."
"I hate waiting, but I'll need a team. A good one." John said.
"I've already compiled a list of soldiers, scientists and mercenaries. You'll get dossiers on the best of them. Finding them and convincing them to work with you could be challenging, but you're a natural leader. I'll continue to track the Collectors. When they make their next appearance, I'll notify you and your team. Be ready."
"Keep your list. I want people I trust – the ones who helped me stop Saren and the geth." John protested.
"That was two years ago, Commander. Most of them have moved on… or their allegiances have changed." The Illusive Man revealed.
"Where's Ashley Williams?" John asked.
"She's still with the Alliance. Promoted, I believe. Her file is surprisingly well-classified. Same goes for Lieutenant Alenko."
"Where's Urdnot Wrex?"
"He returned to Tuchanka and hasn't gone off-world in over a year. He's trying to unite the krogan clans."
"What about Tali? She already helped us on Freedom's progress."
"That was unexpected. I need more intel before I'll commit to that."
"Liara TSoni?"
"She's on Illium. My sources say that she's working for the Shadow Broker. If so, she can't be trusted."
"What about Garrus?"
"The turian disappeared a few months after you were declared dead. Even we haven't been able to locate him."
"You heard any whereabouts of Alicia?"
"No. After her mysterious disappearance from the Citadel she couldn't be found."
"Okay. I get it. They are unavailable."
"You're a leader Shepard. You'll get who you need."
"You worry about the Collectors, I'll make sure my team's ready."
"Good. Two things before you go: First, head to Omega and find Mordin Solus. He's a brilliant salarian scientist. Our intelligence suggests he may know how to counteract the Collector's paralyzing seeker swarms."
"Sounds good. And what else?"
"I've found a pilot I think you might like. I hear he's one of the best. Someone you can trust."
John nodded and the connection with the Illusive Man was terminated. He was back in the small dark room. A figure came limping towards him from behind.
"Hey, Commander! Just like old times, huh?" Joker said.
John turned around and a smile formed on his face seeing his favorite henchman. "Joker!" He said.
MEANWHILE AT THE MEDICAL LAB
Miranda was still examining the scan results on the monitor when Jacob got there. He saw that she looked somewhat concerned.
"Miranda, what's going on?" Jacob asked.
Miranda turned around hearing his voice. "Ah, Jacob. You are here. You did a fine job out there." She praised.
"It wasn't me, Miranda. It was him." Jacob answered honestly.
"What?! But he was…"
"I know. But when you got knocked out and the mech was about to kill you, his body started to glow with biotics and he attacked the mech without any weapons. Miranda, you wouldn't believe me but I saw him tearing the mech's hand away from its body with his bare hand and then crushing its head with a single punch. No one can be that strong. It was unreal." Jacob explained.
Miranda listened to him and she found more hope. "Actually, I believe you, Jacob. I told you that I saw that before, during the battle with Saren."
"You knew this also? Damn! Miranda, who is he? He is not an ordinary human." Jacob asked.
"You are right, Jacob. He is someone special." Miranda said, her tone was filled with admiration and respect for John. But there was also something more, love. For him. Only for him.
Jacob looked at Miranda. Was that admiration he heard in her voice or it was something more? He didn't press her further and decided to change the topic.
"So, what are you concerned about?"
"Concerned. Not really. Surprised would be the right word."
"Surprised? About what?"
"I was thinking about why he felt so much pain during the battle, so I decided to do a body scan. And you know what I found?"
Jacob shrugged letting her know that he has no idea.
"We used cybernetics to build his body, Jacob. But the body scan can't detect any cybernetics inside his body, now. There's no trace of cybernetics."
"How is that possible? How can they disappear? Did you check the machine, maybe it's malfunctioning?"
"It is perfectly fine, Jacob."
Jacob rubbed his head in confusion. "Gosh! What the hell is going on?"
AT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STATION
"I can't believe it's you, Joker." John said happily.
"Look who's talking. I saw you get spaced." Joker teased.
"Got lucky, with a lot of strings attached. How'd you get here?"
"It all fell apart without you, Commander. Everything you stirred up, the Council just wanted it gone." Joker said shaking his head.
"I should have known…." John murmured. Joker continued, "Team was broken up, records sealed and I was grounded. The Alliance took away the only thing that mattered to me. Hell yeah I joined Cerberus."
"You really trust the Illusive Man?"
"I don't trust anyone who makes more than I do. But they aren't all bad. Saved your life. Let me fly….." Joker trailed off as his gaze fell on the window. There was a vessel outside the glass window. Its metals were shining by the lights that fell on it. The brand new Normandy SR-2 was there, waiting for them. "And there's this." Joker said, his eyes were shining with excitement.
"This looks better than the SR-1." John said.
"Yeah. They only told me last night." Joker said. "It's good to be home, huh, Commander?"
John smiled and nodded at him.
SOMETIME LATER
John stepped inside the new Normandy with Jacob and Miranda at his toes.
"Welcome aboard the new Normandy, Commander." Jacob said.
John looked around after he stepped into the CIC. His eyes lit up with admiration. Cerberus really did a great job. He admitted.
"Full crew complement?" John asked after stopping at the command section.
"Yes, Commander. They're at their stations awaiting your orders." Miranda answered.
He looked up at the holographic display of the Normandy in front of him and checked the status of the ship and the various systems. All were indicating that the Normandy is functioning and ready. Miranda's voice broke his thoughts. "I've been looking over the dossiers. I'd strongly recommend starting by acquiring Mordin Solus, the salarian professor on Omega." Miranda said. "We know the Collectors use some type of advanced technology to immobilize their victims. We'll need to develop a countermeasure to protect ourselves."
"Yes, without that countermeasure, we'll be helpless if we ever run into the Collectors." John agreed with her.
"Acquiring Professor Solus seems like the most logical place to start." A feminine voice chimed in.
"Who are you?" John asked, staring at the ship's intercom. He wasn't prepared for anything like this.
"I am the Normandy's artificial intelligence. The crew likes to refer me as EDI." The holographic projection introduced itself.
"Having an AI in charge of the Normandy systems should give us an advantage." John said.
"Actually, I am not in control of the ship, Commander. Due to the potential dangers of a rogue AI, Cerberus has severely restricted my capabilities. During combat, I operate the electronic warfare and cyberwarfare suits. Beyond that, I cannot interface with the ship's systems. I observe and offer analysis and advice. Nothing more." EDI explained.
"Final preparations for takeoff are complete, Commander. When you're ready to go, just pick a destination from the galaxy map in the CIC and I'll plot a course." Joker's voice sounded through comm.
Nodding in satisfaction John turned towards Jacob and Miranda. "Besides being part of my team, what are your positions on the Normandy?"
"I'll be your executive Officer of the Normandy. I'll manage the day to day operations, such as logistics and maintenance." Miranda answered. John couldn't help but agree that someone as professional as Miranda can do a lot as an Executive Officer but he has a nagging feeling that she also has other duties. "And what are your other duties, aside from keeping an eye on me?"
Miranda knew he will see through it and he didn't disappoint her. With a hint of smile on her lips she answered, "I'm the Illusive Man's agent. You're his most important asset." And my life. She didn't utter the latter part. "My job is to make sure you succeed. Aside from that I send regular reports to the Illusive Man, updating our status."
Hearing her words a boyish grin appeared on his face. Miranda raised her eyebrows questioningly, "Did I say something funny, Commander?" She asked.
"No. It's that I always hated paperworks." He replied shrugging his shoulders.
Don't I know that? You lazy man. Miranda looked away to hide her grin because she must maintain her Ice Queen persona in front of the crew and damn him, he is making it utterly difficult.
Jacob chuckled. John turned his gaze on Jacob becoming serious once again. "What about you, Jacob?"
"I'm the Armory Chief. I'll be in charge of maintaining or upgrading all the weapons, armor, and any new weapons tech we get our hands on." Jacob informed.
"Jacob and I should return to our posts. Come find us if you have any questions." With that Miranda left. Jacob followed her after saluting John.
As soon as John was left alone a young woman approached him. She was really pretty with short-cut red hair and green eyes. She saluted him with a smile. "I'm Yeoman Kelly Chambers. I've been assigned as your administrative assistant." She introduced herself. "I'll manage your messages, and help you monitor the crew." She stopped looking over John from head to toe. "And I must say, it's such an honor to work under you, Commander Shepard." She flirted which gone unnoticed by John as usual.
"I'm glad to have you on the team, Ms. Chambers." John replied with a small smile.
"Please, call me Kelly." She requested with a flirtatious smile.
"Okay, Kelly. Do you have a moment to talk?" John asked.
"I always have time for you, Commander." She replied with a smile and her cheeks turned red.
"What are your responsibilities?" John asked.
"I'll keep you notified of any messages or appointments you might have. If any of the crew has important business to discuss, I'll make sure you know." She explained.
"Isn't that the type of task better suited for a VI?" John asked curiously.
"Yes, but being your yeoman is just my official role. Unofficially, I observe the crew. Everyone knows how risky our mission is. Many of us may not be coming back. That's a lot of pressure. I have a degree in psychology. I'm good at sensing when people are overly taxed."
"This organization has a dark reputation. Do you have any concerns for them?"
"Not at all. Our methods can be harsh, but Cerberus has noble objectives."
Really? That remains to be seen. John thought. In the meantime Kelly continued, "We look out for human interests. Advance human technologies. Save human lives. They're good goals."
"It sounds like Cerberus wants to dominate all aliens and put humankind on top?" John pressed.
"Cerberus looks out for humanity, but that doesn't mean we hate aliens. My sister started a dog shelter, but she loved cats too. I love humanity. I also love asari, quarian, turian, salarian, hanar….. that isn't conflict with Cerberus ideals."
"How do you feel about being assigned to the Normandy?"
"I was handpicked by the Illusive Man to help fight the greatest threat known to humanity. How do I feel? Honored, exhilarated, terrified. But mostly I feel encouraged. Under your leadership, we can't fail." She said.
"We will try our best."
She smiled and nodded. "I trust you implicitly. The moment I met you, I knew I could close my eyes, fall back, and you'd be there." She flirted heavily.
"I won't disappoint my crew, Kelly."
"I knew it would be. Thank you, Shepard." She replied.
"Is there anything I should know?" John asked.
"Joker would like to speak you on the bridge. Anything else, Commander?"
"That will be all, Kelly." John dismissed.
She was about to turn back towards her terminal but stopped at John's voice. "We're lucky to have someone like you onboard the Normandy, Kelly."
She smiled back and nodded.
Unknown to them, someone has watched the whole exchange from her office. Miranda gritted her teeth in anger watching Kelly flirting with John. She was angry at both of them. Why did he told her that they were lucky to have Kelly? He just encouraged Kelly's advances. She crushed the bottle of soda in her grip.
If Kelly tries to get into his cabin, Miranda will make sure that she is stopped and she will do it herself. At that moment someone knocked on her door from outside breaking her thoughts.
"Come in." She said.
It was Jacob who entered her cabin with an unreadable expression on her face. "What do you need Jacob?" She asked.
"We need to talk, Miranda." Jacob said folding his hand over his chest.
"About what?" She wondered what was so important that made Jacob come to her cabin.
"It's about Shepard."
Miranda raised an eyebrow. "What about him?"
"There's something you are not telling me, Miranda."
"I don't think I need to tell you everything." She snapped angrily.
"To me? No. But to the Illusive Man? Yes. You didn't inform the boss about the Commander's strange abilities and you requested me to hide it as well. I know that I am loyal to whoever I work for but are you?" Jacob shot back.
Miranda's eyes suddenly filled with anger. She shot up on her feet and banged her fist on her table. "That's enough! You have no right to question my loyalty towards Cerberus, Jacob. And how dare you? After all we have been through you are suggesting that I'm a traitor?"
"That's not what I meant, Miranda. But the boss must know about this. Don't you think?"
"No." Came the curt reply.
Miranda's answer surprised Jacob. For all these years since she met her he knew that she idolized the Illusive Man. There was nothing she didn't reported to the Illusive Man, except some private matters. Then is this a private matter?
"Why?" Jacob asked.
"Because this is between me and John!" She shot back.
Jacob's eyes widened. John? Did she just call the Commander by his first name? Yes. She did and in an intimate manner. It was like she knew him for years.
"John? When did you start calling the Commander by his first name?" Jacob questioned.
"I….I…." Miranda couldn't say anything.
Jacob suspected this. Now she confirmed it. But he still needed to ask her.
"Do you love him, Miranda?" Jacob asked calmly.
Miranda's head was bowed down but at Jacob's question her head snapped up towards Jacob. "What?"
"You heard me. Do you love him?" He asked again.
Miranda looked away not answering Jacob. But Jacob wasn't about to let go this time. He needed answers.
"I am not going anywhere until you tell me the truth, Miranda and I think I deserve that, at least." Jacob said.
Miranda sighed. She knew that Jacob was right. He is a good man and a good friend. He deserves to know the truth. She tapped on her omni-tool and secured her room by locking the door.
"Yes. I love him." She acknowledged.
"Then…" Jacob was about to say something but Miranda raised her hand, preventing him from speaking. "Let me finish, Jacob."
"All right." He nodded once.
"I love him. I have loved him for a very long time, Jacob. For twenty damn years!"
"Twenty years? What are you saying, Miranda?"
"You know about my father, Jacob." Miranda said at which Jacob nodded. "He is a monster. I was tortured from my childhood days. When I was ten, I had enough. I fled to Mindoir and there I met John. He saved me from two vile boys. Since then we stayed together in his home. He had become my best friend, my only friend. He was gentle. Kind. Caring. Always stood by my side. He was everything I needed. But as the years passed and I grew older I realized my feelings for him has changed. It has become something more than friendship. Another year passed and at that time I was madly in love with him. To my surprise he returned the same feelings. Things couldn't get any better but one day the slavers raided the colony. To save me, he sacrificed himself and the slavers took him away. That was the last time I saw him until I met him in Normandy SR-1. But I didn't know it was him. At Virmire, Saren almost killed me and then he used his biotic powers and I recognized him instantly." Miranda stopped and reached for the glass of water on her table.
"One thing I didn't understand. How did you know it was him when he transformed?"
"He really doesn't transform, Jacob. He still remains the same but his powers becomes unlimited."
"Yeah, that."
"When he first saved me from those boys all those years ago he used his biotic powers on them. So I knew it was him when I saw him like that on Virmire." Miranda said.
"So all this time you have been rejecting advances of men because of him?" Jacob asked in amazement.
"Yeah. It's because he stole my heart a long time ago and it will never change, Jacob. I am sorry. I should have told you sooner." Miranda replied sadly.
"It's alright, Miranda. I understand. But why didn't he recognize you? I doubt that you look much different since you were fifteen."
"He has amnesia, Jacob. He has no memory of our time together." Miranda said while trying to blink away the tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes.
"Oh! I see. Thank you for telling me, Miranda. I should get back to my post now." He said and started towards the door.
"Wait!" Miranda stopped him. "I hope the friendship between us does not dissolve because of this because I value your friendship, Jacob."
"Everything will be okay, Miranda. I just need some time to process this. That's all." He smiled and left the cabin. Miranda went to her bed and lied down on her back staring at the ceiling. She was happy that Jacob understood her and it felt good to make this closure which has been hanging for a long time. Suddenly, she remembered she has one important work to do. With her hacking skills she quickly bypassed the Alliance security and went into their server. She began to search for two particular names and after a minute she found them: Admiral Hannah Shepard and Councilor David Anderson.
AT THE COCKPIT
"Can you believe this, Commander? It's my baby, better than new! It fits me like a glove!" Joker said to John after turning his chair 180⁰ around. His face was shining with sheer joy. "And leather seats! Military may set the hardware standard, but on a first-gen frigate they could care less if the seats breathe. Civilian sector comfort by design."
At that moment EDI appeared. "The reproduction is not intended to be perfect, Mr. Moreau. Seamless improvements were made."
"And there's the downside. I liked the Normandy when she was beautiful and quite. Now she's got this thing I don't want to talk about. It's like ship cancer." Joker deadpanned.
John chuckled, "Enjoy it, Joker. If we're stuck here, we might as well let them pamper us."
"Ah, does it breach uniform regs if I get that on a crew shirt? Because this is my favorite 'You have no choice!' choice ever." Joker said.
"Technically this is a civilian ship. I'm probably lucky you're still wearing pants." John shrugged his shoulders.
"Yeah, I'll save that for the off-hour cameras. Have an AI watch me 24/7? Jerks." Joker cursed.
"I'll leave you to it, Joker." John smirked and left him there hearing him cursing. He took the elevator to Deck 4. There was two people in the engineering room, a man and a woman. When he stepped near them they turned around to face him. Their eyes widened in surprise seeing the Commander in front of them.
"You came all the way down here to see us?" The woman said in amazement.
"I'm touring the ship, getting to know my crew." John said.
"I'm Engineer Ken Donnelly, handling the power control systems." Daniels introduced himself. "This is Gabby. That's Engineer Gabriella Daniels, actually. I'm responsible for the propulsion systems." He said indicating towards Gabby and paused. "What can we do for you, Commander?"
"How did you wind up with Cerberus, Ken?" John asked.
"Once you were gone, the Alliance brass descended like vultures, tearing apart everything you'd said. I was very public with my defense for you. I didn't hold back."
"That's an understatement. If Kenneth wasn't such a talented engineer, they'd have court marshaled him for insubordination." Daniels interrupted.
"But it got me noticed by the Illusive Man. He made an offer, and here I am." Donnelly said.
"So why did you join, Gabby?" John asked.
"Kenneth and I have been partners in crime since we graduated from tech academy. When we got the Cerberus offer, I insisted that it include me. He'd fall apart without me."
"Thanks, mum." Donnelly deadpanned.
"Also I love engines, and the Normandy in state-of-the-art. When I got the opportunity to work on her, I had to jump."
"What do you think about Cerberus?"
"Actually we don't know much about the organization other than the Normandy team. We know our mission and who's in charge."
"We're off to kick the Collectors right in their daddy bags. That's enough for me."
"Are you set up okay down here?"
"We can't complain. I just wish it didn't take so long to calibrate the FBA arrays….."
"Kenneth, you're complaining."
"What kind of problems are you having?"
"When they upgraded the Normandy design, they got a bit sloppy with the FBA couplings. I won't bore you with the tech, but there is an array of attenuators in the primary power transfer system that channels the field bleed….."
"Kenneth, you're boring the Commander with tech." Daniels interrupted. She looked towards John, "In short, if we had T6-FBA couplings installed, it'd save us a lot of maintenance time each day."
"Why isn't something like that already installed?" John asked.
"It's probably just a design oversight. Efficiency isn't affected. It's a maintenance issue." Daniels said.
"Also, the T6 model can be hard to find. Nashan Stellar Dynamics discontinued them." Donnelly added.
"We could probably find used ones in the Omega markets. But we have no time for shore leave." Daniels said.
"I'll look for it on Omega." John said and left them there.
"I'm amazed Shepard came down to see us." Donnelly said.
"I told you he would." Daniels said. "And he…. He is more handsome than I imagined." She blushed.
"I don't wanna hear that." Donnelly said with a scowl on his face.
Daniels smirked. "Jealous?"
"Shut up!"
AT DECK 3
John exited the elevator on Deck 3. He looked around. There were crew members mingling among themselves. To the left there was a cabin, which he realized was Miranda's and to his right was a med-bay. When his eyes fell on the glass window of the med-bay his eyes widened.
It can't be.
He entered the med-bay quickly. He could feel the eyes of the crew on him but he ignored them.
"Dr. Chakwas?! What are you doing here?" John said.
"John! I watched the Normandy crumble with you on board. Come here." Dr. Chakwas said getting up from his chair. He came near her with a smile. She embraced him tightly.
"It's nice to see a familiar face." John said.
"I feel the same. I wish more of the original crew could be here. The kind of trauma you endured would've changed most people, but not you, I see. Welcome back, son."
He smiled. "Why Cerberus, Doctor?"
"I don't work for Cerberus, I work for you….. on a mission that may be crucial to the survival of the human race. I have faith that your dealings with Cerberus will be ethical. I trust you, John." Dr. Chakwas said.
"How's my mom, Doctor?" John said.
"She…. Is coping. She didn't took your death well. You should contact her as soon as possible."
John nodded. "I will. Anything you need, Doctor?"
"I believe so. This medical bay seems very much like the sick bay on the original Normandy. Only thing missing are my private reserves. I even had a bottle of Serrice Ice Brandy that I was saving for a special occasion."
"I'll keep an eye out for a replacement bottle."
"Oh, you needn't. It's expensive and…"
"This is the least I can do, Doctor. If your own son wanted to give you one, would you have rejected him too?" John asked pouting.
Dr. Chakwas let out a smile. She embraced him in a motherly hug. "You are my son, John and I can never say no to you."
He smiled back. "See you later, Doctor."
"Don't forget to call your mother." She reminded him. He nodded.
Next John approached the cook of the Normandy. "Commander Shepard, the hero of the Citadel! You did humanity proud that day." Mess Sergeant Gardner said. "Mess Sergeant Rupert Gardner here. I can be of service."
"Do you have everything you need?" John said.
"I make do, but have you ever tried to prepare a decent meal with military provisions? I'm good but I'm no miracle worker. Taking down the Collectors is going to be a tough business. The crew deserves a few fine meals before they throw themselves into the fire."
"What do you need?"
"If I had some quality ingredients….aw, shit. You have got more to worry about than grocery shopping on Citadel. Forget mentioned it." He apologized.
"If I head that way, I'll keep an eye out."
"Much appreciated. Most of this list is probably standard fare for those namby-pambies on the Citadel." Rupert thanked.
John decided to talk with Miranda next. On his way he came face-to-face with Jacob.
"Oh, Commander. I… I am going back to my post." Jacob said.
"It is okay, Jacob. I need to talk with Miranda about some important matters." John said. He saluted and went towards the elevator. John watched him go. He felt a minor tension between Miranda and Jacob. He decided to let it go and knocked on Miranda's door. She opened the door from inside and John stepped in. Her cabin was nice and large. He could see a bed, a sofa and a chair behind her.
"Do you have a minute, Miranda?" John asked.
"No doubt you have a lot of questions. Cerberus isn't as evil as most people believe. If I can help allay any of your concerns, I'd be happy to do so. So, what would you like to know?" She asked.
"I know what we're doing here, but what's Cerberus' long-term goal?"
"The advancement of the human race. Nothing more, nothing less. The salarians have the Special tasks Group. The asari have their legendary commandos for stealth and recon operations. Cerberus is humanity's answer to those organizations."
"But those organizations are regulated by governments. Who keeps Cerberus in check?"
"Nobody. We're privately funded, and our backers trust Illusive Man to make the right decisions. But he's very clear about our goals: protect humanity and serve its advancement."
"What kind of resources are we talking about?"
"We're very well-funded, though I doubt anyone other than the Illusive Man knows exactly how well. But our resources aren't unlimited. Reviving you and rebuilding the Normandy was significant investment. And significant risk. We're all hoping you can do the impossible, Jo… Commander. No pressure."
"What can you tell me about the Illusive Man?"
"Not much that you don't already know. Even I don't have access to most of his background. And you've seen more of him than most ever do. It's rare for him to become directly involved in missions, but you're something special. Whatever else people might say about him, I can assure you he's got humanity's best interests at heart. That includes you and me."
"How can you be so sure of that, if you know so little of him?"
"I didn't get to where I am without knowing how to gauge people's motives and ambitions. Even from brief encounters. He's no saint, and he'd be the first to admit it, but he is committed. Humanity couldn't have a better advocate."
There's nothing changing her mind. She believes what she says and most of all she looks at the Illusive Man with high regards. Now, John was curious about her. She held his attention from the first moment he led his eyes on her. Of course it was her unearthly beauty that captivated him at first. But there's more to her than her physical appearance. He felt she is someone he can trust. Although she works for Cerberus, her motives seems genuine.
"Tell me about yourself, Miranda." John requested.
What should I tell you? You know everything. Miranda thought looking at his eyes. For a moment their eyes locked with each other and a hint of recognition passed through his eyes.
"I guess that's fair, I've spent the last two years learning everything there is to know about you." She paused. That's a lie. I knew everything about you for a long time, John. "Well, you should probably know that I've extensive…." She was interrupted by John.
"Genetic modification." John completed the sentence for her.
Miranda looked at him with widened eyes. He remembers? Does this mean he got his memory back? "How do you know?" She asked. He looked confused.
"I… I don't know." He replied confused.
"All right. As I was saying, it's because of my genetic modifications the Illusive Man handpicked me. I'm very good at just anything I choose to do or what I want to accomplish." She said looking at him. John felt as if she just directed those words at him. He didn't interrupt. She continued, "Physically, I'm superior in many ways. I heal quickly and I'll likely live half again as long as the average human. My biotic abilities are also very advanced…. For a human. Add to that some of the best training and education money can buy and, well, it's pretty impressive really."
"Sounds like you were designed to be perfect." John said. She is perfect.
"Maybe, but I'm not. I'm still human, Shepard. I make mistakes like everyone else. And when I do the consequences are severe. Everyone expects a lot from someone with my abilities."
"And you did more than that, Miranda. You did the impossible. You accomplished something which no one ever dreamt of. You brought a dead man back to live. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't be here now. You are a miracle, Miranda. Never forget that." John appreciated her.
"Thank you, Commander. It meant a lot to me." She couldn't hide the blush that spread over her cheeks.
"Anyways, thanks for the information, Miranda. I will let you work." John turned away to leave but Miranda stopped him by grabbing his wrist. He looked back at her questioningly.
"I never thanked you for saving my life out there, Commander. So, thank you." She said.
"It's what a team-mate should do: look after another. You, Jacob and I are a team, Miranda. So, no need to thank me." He replied with a smile. Then he remembered something.
"Miranda I have to ask you a favor." John said.
"Yes, Commander. I am here to assist you in anything you need." She replied.
"Back at the Freedom's Progress I saw the display of your biotics. Can you teach me how to control it and use it?" He asked.
"It will be my pleasure, Commander. I will let you know the time." She agreed.
"I appreciate this, Miranda. Talk to you later." He thanked her and stepped outside her cabin. Miranda followed him to the door. Her eyes fell on his impressive physique and she couldn't help but admire it. He wore a tight full sleeve T-shirt over his body but it doesn't hide his abs and the lean muscles on his back or his biceps. That was enough for any woman to drool on him, if she left out how handsome he is. And about that, she noticed the female crew members were ogling him and were giggling among themselves. She knew perfectly well what they were thinking. First Kelly Chambers and now them. She sent an icy glare at their direction which was enough to shut them up.
No one ogles my man. Satisfied she went back to her cabin and closed the door behind her.
John took the elevator back to the CIC and went to talk to Jacob. He was there in the Armory looking over some guns.
"Commander. There hasn't been time to really settle in and take stock." Jacob apologized. "I want to say that working with you is a great opportunity to do something that matters. It's a privilege to serve on the Normandy, Commander."
"You may change your tune if we end up like the original Normandy." John said.
"Maybe. As long as the Illusive Man walks his talk, and you do the same, I'll do my best to make sure we succeed. That's been the condition for my service so far. I have issues with certain actions Cerberus has taken in the past."
"It's good to hear a clear opinion. Sounds like we're two of a kind."
"That honors me more than you, Commander. Let me know if you need anything."
"We need to upgrade the weapons if are to fight against the Collectors. I doubt our current weapons will do any good." John said.
"Agreed, Commander. As soon as we land on Omega I will look for the supplies." Jacob said.
"And there's something else, Jacob. Can you teach me to use my biotics?" John asked.
"Sure, Commander. Anytime you are free." Jacob agreed too.
"I appreciate this. That's all for now, Jacob." John said and went to the CIC. He decided to take some rest before they reach Omega. He took the lift to Deck 1 and went inside his cabin. His eyes widened and only one word left his mouth, "Whoa!"
CITADEL, ADMIRAL SHEPARD'S APARTMENT
"Hannah, you should calm down. I am sure she is fine." Anderson assured her.
"How can you tell that, David? You don't know for sure. First, I thought my son was dead. Then I got him back after fifteen years of suffering. And two years ago he died. He died, David! My son is gone, forever. But for all those years when I didn't have my son, I had my friend with me. Karin was there with me in every step. Now, she is also missing. How can you expect me to be calm?" Hannah replied angrily. "Moreover the Council now denies the very existence of the Reapers. They are completely ignoring the warning. This is an insult to my son's memory! This is what he gets after what he did. I really do hate politics."
"Hannah….." Anderson stopped as Hannah's computer beeped, indicating that she has received a message.
"Another message. Probably ordering me to go back to duty." Hannah scoffed.
"Check it." Anderson advised.
Hannah nodded reluctantly and opened her inbox. The message was sent from an unknown sender. She wondered how a message from an unknown sender came to her inbox, because this email is secured by Alliance military internet security. At first, she decided to delete it but curiosity got the better of her and she finally opened it. Reading the content her eyes widened.
"David…. Come here." She called in a broken voice.
Concerned Anderson went to her computer to see what was bothering her. He looked at the message and his eyes widened in disbelief. The message was very short. It says: Your son is alive and well. Will be arriving soon on Citadel.
Note: I thought that Miranda should confess to Jacob about her relationship with John otherwise he would have pursued her again and that she didn't want. So, she made the closure. She seems a little out of character here by telling Jacob about her private life, but since she is less colder here and the situation is entirely different, I made her confess. I hope you like this chapter. Let me know, what you think.