Shepard stirred slowly under the bed cover and rolled to his side and opened his eyes drowsily. Sleeping next to him was Miranda on her stomach and her head was on the pillow turned to face him with an arm lazily underneath. The bed sheet was pulled up midway up their chests.

Her sated calm breathing had a mesmerizing effect on Shepard, he enjoyed watching her sleep. Her light make-up had been removed the evening before, her hair cascaded down her shoulders and was a tangled mess, and it all made her look even more beautiful.

"Watching me sleep, do you?" Miranda asked softly with still closed eyes but with a faint smile.

Shepard had a surprised look on his face, "You weren't sleeping? How long have you been awake?"

Miranda rolled to her side facing him, she opened her eyes and smirked, "I have been awake for some time. I just closed my eyes when you woke up and turned."

"What an actress you are," Shepard smiled and stole a kiss from her soft lips and slipped his arms around her waist, beckoning her to get closer.

Miranda smirked, "I'm a spy, remember?" She moved in closer to Shepard to enjoy the closeness and wrapped her arms around his neck and caressed him slowly.

"I love watching you sleep," Shepard said softly and kissed her lips. "You look so beautiful and angel like. So peaceful."

Miranda beamed happily and smiled back at his words of adoration.

Shepard grinned teasingly, "And sexy with that speck of drool in the corner of your mouth."

Miranda huffed, "I do not drool!" She swatted his shoulder with her hand.

"I'm sorry," Shepard chuckled. He feigned defeat, "Must have been the light from the fish tank shimmering on your lip gloss."

"That's right," Miranda said aloof. "A lady doesn't drool."

Shepard hummed thoughtful, "But you don't' have any lip gloss on you now."

Miranda warned, "You're walking on a very thin line…"

Shepard laughed and leaned in for another kiss, "It is things like that which makes you perfect."

"Good save," Miranda said with a feigned glare now, her arm returned around his neck

"I didn't wake you last night?" One of Shepard's hands slid up her back and with his fingertips he caressed her soft skin.

Miranda teased, "When you stumbled home drunk?"

"I wasn't drunk."

"Well, I noticed when you slid into the bed but I returned to sleep pretty fast."

"That's good. Did you sleep well?"

Miranda smirked with mirth in her eyes, "Not really, this hot guy was next to me and it was very intoxicating."

Shepard chuckled, "How inconsiderate of him."

"I know, right?" Miranda feigned annoyance.

"Did you have a good evening?"

Miranda planted a kiss on Shepard's lips, "Well, somewhat. I enjoyed some wine and classical music with some candles. But it would have been great to have some company."

"I'll focus my attention on you this morning," Shepard smiled. He could still smell a vanilla scent from the candles which lingered in the Captain's Cabin.

"Oh? Promises?"

"Yes."

Shepard let his arm underneath the curvature of her body move up to the back of her head where he softly touched, twirled and intertwined her hair with his fingers. Miranda smiled at his actions, finding it sweet and sensual. Shepard knew she loved it, giving her special attention and especially the hair at the nape of her neck.

Miranda snuggled closer and purred, "Sounds like a great way to spend the morning."

"I'd hope so. What did you listen to?"

"Berlioz and his Symphonie Fantastique," Miranda explained elated.

At a total loss Shepard asked, "Have I heard that?" He had listened to a lot of classical music with Miranda, enjoying those calm moments, but had yet to memorize composers and what not beyond the big names.

Miranda giggled, "Yes, we've listened to that one."

"Any good?"

"Mhmm," Miranda hummed with a smile.

"Alright, then I think so to," Shepard proclaimed theatrically.

Miranda grinned, "Falling for peer pressure?"

"It's best that way," Shepard quipped.

Miranda teased, "How obedient you are." She kissed his lips softly, "And what did Garrus and you do?"

"We talked over a few beers, what have happened the past week and such. I think he's a little jealous of you."

Miranda raised an eyebrow, "Of me? What, I'm the third wheel breaking up the Shepard/Garrus bromance?"

"I'd say that's a fair assessment," Shepard quipped.

"I've no intentions of alienating you from your friends," Miranda said a little defensive.

He assured Miranda, "And I know that, it's a natural thing when a boy meets girl that the social life takes a hit. It's nothing new, I have to balance my social life with my love life."

"That makes sense."

Shepard chuckled, "Well, maybe he isn't really jealous, but he was surprised I wasn't with you for the evening."

"Yes, me to, "Miranda gibed.

Shepard deadpanned, "Well, that's my thing, I'm mysterious like that, moving around leaving all you wanting more of me." He grinned, "Especially you."

Miranda countered playfully, "Hmph, you better not pull such games, I have needs."

"Oh, and what would those be?" Shepard smiled mischievously.

His hand left her tangled hair and he let the tip of his finger slide down her spine softly before he trailed circles at the end of her back, Miranda shuddered with delight.

"Sex, support and stimulating conversations…but mostly sex," Miranda ended with a smirk.

"I'll bet. Your toy to abuse," Shepard playfully countered.

"Precisely," Miranda giggled. "I'll hit the start button and expect you to perform."

Shepard feigned a deep sigh, "What I endure to support you…"

"Oh...poor you," Miranda pouted and snickered. She leaned in and kissed his lips. "Am I a high maintenance girlfriend?"

"Like you wouldn't believe," Shepard joked.

"You're silly, John, quite funny." Miranda said with a smile. She always enjoyed their banter.

"I'm a funny guy," Shepard said with a grin.

Miranda nodded, "Which is good cause I'm not funny."

"Yes you are, I have fun being with you," Shepard assured.

Miranda smiled again, "Well, I mostly tease, but thanks." She looked at him curiously, "So what happened with the Council?"

"The short version is what I told you yesterday, they also confirmed that Udina was smearing me as if I'd been compromised by you so I'd look even worse in the Council's eyes." Shepard snorted, "That the bombs on Eden Prime killed colonists was just good fortune for him."

"So they did know about me," Miranda mused. It was evident by the standoff, but now it was confirmed.

"Indeed. Udina was 'investigating' my ties to Cerberus due to your presence. Councilor Esheel said she'd send a copy of an 'Alliance' report fabricated by Cerberus. She had apparently been investigating Udina as her people had found something untoward, a money trail and other things. "

Miranda shook her head, "It all sounds very elaborate. It's evident that the coup wasn't just a spur of the moment thing, this was weeks in planning at least, if not longer. Maybe Cerberus even had plans to take over the Citadel for a long time and Udina's treacherous reach out was what was needed to pull it off. The Illusive Man plans far into the future."

"All that's very plausible."

Miranda continued bothered, "And the Council has a…fabricated report on me?"

"Yes," Shepard said resigned.

She sighed bothered by the thought, "Whether or not it's truthful, I don't like that they have something like that on me. Throughout my Cerberus career I took a lot of precautions and used cover names as much as possible to remain in the dark, and I know the Council and the Alliance have at least one of my old cover names on file, and that being the one I used when Jacob and I stopped the batarian terrorist attack on the Citadel. There's a reason I was one of the Illusive Man's top operatives, I didn't parade around with my real identity."

"Yes, I understand your reservation, Miri, but even if this hadn't happened, once we had revealed your presence, both the Alliance and the Council would have known. We wouldn't be able to keep it a secret forever." He kissed her lips softly.

Miranda sighed again, "I know… " She looked up, "And you say the Council is…not bothered with my presence?"

"Yes, we saved them so I don't think it's a concern for the moment." He continued sardonically, "All it took was a coup…" He paused and shook his head, "I wanted to scold them, cuss them out for their inactions but I didn't. They offered their support and apologized, and the smart thing was to accept it and move on, the war is more important than squabbles with the Council."

"I understand, honey," Miranda said softly and kissed his lips. She sympathized with Shepard. She was angry about how the Council had treated him the past years. How they never listened and dismissed anything he said. Miranda asked concerned, "And Admiral Hackett wasn't too thrilled, right?"

"No, he seemed concerned about the implications about an ex-Cerberus operative aboard. Maybe the reason the Council doesn't care is because I'm a Spectre, but Hackett cares because it's an Alliance vessel." Shepard shrugged, "Regardless, I'm backing your presence and Hackett will let me carry out the mission my way."

Miranda nodded and leaned in for a few soft kisses which Shepard reciprocated.

She leaned back a bit and said softly, "It's a lot of bureaucracy is it not? I'm…I'm not too keen on ending all this, its blissful being back together. It does help a lot with all the horrors of the war."

Shepard kissed her forehead, "I agree. We take it one step at a time, and I won't let anyone dictate if you should be aboard or not."

Miranda smiled and hugged him a little closer. She appreciated his concern for her and his staunch support even if the implications of her presence could cause trouble for him, she didn't want that, but she was grateful for his support.

"We had a lot of work related duties yesterday. I never mentioned that I called Ori, did I?" Miranda wanted to change the subject to something lighter.

"No. All well?"

Miranda nodded, "It seems so. I needed to vent a bit because of our new recruit."

Shepard nodded slowly, "Ah…yes I understand."

Miranda shrugged, "It is what it is." She continued with a heartfelt smile, "But more importantly I happened to tell Ori that you love me." Miranda beamed.

Shepard chuckled, "And what did the younger sister think of that? Does she approve?"

Miranda scoffed playfully, "Did she approve? Yes, if you haven't figured out she's very interested in us."

"That's good to hear."

Miranda nodded, "Indeed. She wants to talk to you next time I call." Miranda teased with mirth in her eyes, "So you better behave."

"We'll see," Shepard grinned. "I'm curious, how did she react?"

"Loudly and excited." Miranda continued victoriously, "I also told her that our sex life is now off limits."

Shepard chuckled, "And what did the poor girl say?"

"She pouted a bit and seemed to have relented. I'll see how long that lasts…"

Suddenly their intimate time together was interrupted by EDI's voice, "Shepard?"

Miranda shook her head upset at the intrusion. She wondered what could possibly have happened now when they were in dock for maintenance. Although it was almost finished and only some stress tests for the GX-12 thermal pipe installation remained before the Normandy could leave.

Shepard made a resigned grimace but called out evenly, "Yes, what is it EDI?"

"I don't' mean to interrupt, but a Matriarch-General Tirassa from Asari High Command is hailing us. Apparently it's important that she talks to you."

Shepard nodded, "Alright, patch it through to my computer in the office."

"Certainly Shepard, logging you out."

Shepard kissed Miranda on the lips and said softly, "I'll be back shortly."

"I'll be waiting," Miranda smiled back.

Shepard slipped out of the bed and walked over to the armchair where he had put his clothes before going to bed and quickly put them on. He couldn't talk to a General half-naked, now could he?

When finished he headed up to the computer in the office and sat down. He tapped a button on the keyboard and the operation system's desktop was duplicated on the large window of the see-through model case in front of the desk. The action was quickly processed by the computer and Shepard accepted the call from Thessia.

An asari in a military uniform appeared on the screen, she was standing in an office.

"Commander Shepard, I'm Matriarch-General Tirassa with Asari High Command."

"General, what can I do for you?" Shepard asked.

Tirassa sighed weary, "I'll cut to the chase, there's an asari world – Lesuss - where there is a secluded monastery where we…keep asari afflicted with a terrible genetic condition. They are called Ardat-Yakshi."

Ardat-Yakshi, Shepard thought bothered. He remembered Samara's daughter, Morinth, whom they cornered on Omega. It had been a very risky undertaking exposing himself like that to an Ardat-Yakshi, but they had succeeded and Samara had done what was needed to stop her own daughter. Shepard had never told anyone about that, he kept peoples life private. Not even Miranda knew.

"Are you aware of Ardat-Yakshi, Commander?" Tirassa inquired.

"I am," Shepard replied evenly.

"A few weeks ago, the monastery fell to the Reapers, they turned it into a staging ground. We've learned that the Reapers have sent thousands of asari prisoners to the monastery, either taken off world or from nearby remote settlements and towns. Asari captives go in and powerful biotic Reaper creatures come out. Very vicious, very tough."

"The Reapers have found a use of the Ardat-Yakshi," Shepard pointed out evenly.

"Indeed they have. Somehow they're creating these creatures there, and we want this abomination factory shut down before we face an army of these things on the battlefield. The politicians are scared and don't dare to face the truth head on, but we in the military know that someday the Reapers will come to our worlds in full force."

"You want me to go in and clean up this situation," Shepard concluded, and not entirely pleased that he was called on to do it as they had a diplomatic mission to carry out. But the situation sounded dire.

"I'm asking you to do this, yes," Tirassa explained with urgency in her voice. "I also want you to figure out what's going on there. I've sent two units of Commandos to Lesuss, but I've lost contact with both forces an hour or so into the mission, and the second unit disappeared yesterday. I fear the worst. The only good news is that it seems the Reapers are only…producing these creatures in one place, this monastery on the continent of Yelsala. At least what we know off."

Shepard said bleakly, "I maybe wouldn't bet any money on that staying so for long."

"We can at least hope," Tirassa replied doleful.

"So can we expect Destroyers and Capital Ships?"

Tirassa shook her head, "No, the only ships bound to be there – or have been there – are Troop Transports. It appears the Reapers don't want to draw to much attention to themselves. But the local authorities in the capital on the other side of the planet are aware of the Reapers and want this menace dealt with. The politicians want to keep this quiet not to incite panic among asari worlds."

This was a bad situation, biotic-capable Reaper creatures could wreck havoc, and if the General's assessment was true they were hard to fight. But the Normandy was already set to travel the week long transit to the quarians.

"This planet, General. How far from the Citadel?"

"Two days transit through the relay network and one day of self-powered FTL-travel to the system," the asari replied.

Shepard nodded, he had made a decision, "We already have a mission if importance for a diplomatic meeting with the quarians, but I'll take the Normandy to Lesuss. If what you say is correct, we've to stop the enemy for producing more of these creatures as soon as possible."

"Thank you Commander," Tirassa said grateful. "I'm sorry but I can't give you any more information what's happening inside the monastery, but we do suspect that the Reapers are transporting these creatures of Lesuss to fight the war, although we've had no reports on contact with these creatures yet. But I believe that's only a matter of time."

"What do we do if we encounter any Ardat-Yakshi alive?"

"We can't let Ardat-Yakshi be free," Tirassa replied void of emotion.

"Understood," Shepard replied neutrally. He wasn't too keen on executing unarmed, even with such a genetic disorder, and made no decision now what to do at the moment. He remembered Samara telling him that her two daughters had willingly submitted to the monastery so not everyone had the same mind-set as that of Morinth. He'd wait and see until making up his mind but if the only option was to kill them he wouldn't shun from doing so.

The General explained, "The first Commando-unit sent in was there to recon only. Upon their apparent defeat a second unit was sent in and they were carrying a devastating bomb with intentions of leveling the complex. If it's still functional, detonate it. If not, contact me and I'll take the appropriate measures."

"We'll head out as soon as maintenance allows which should be in a few hours."

"Thank you, Commander, I'll forward all information we got and how to detonate the bomb. Goddess be with you." Tirassa said and shut down the connection.

Shepard pressed a few buttons on the keyboard and the large window returned to its normal state. He saw a small black box on the table, it was the Commander insignias for his uniform which had arrived the day before. He opened the box and looked at them, he felt some honor, but years earlier it would have had a larger impact on him than it did now. He had seen the ugliness in the past years, how little his achievements had meant to the Alliance after his death. Shepard would pin the insignias on his uniform later, he rarely wore dress blues and the insignias weren't a high priority at the moment.

Shepard close the box and rose from the chair. He walked down the steps and began shedding his clothes to return to bed.

With a hint of desire Miranda watched as Shepard stripped but asked evenly, "Lesuss? Don't think I've ever heard of it." Miranda had listened in on the briefing.

Shepard shook his head when he threw away his BDU pants, standing in only his black boxers. "Me neither. We've to look it up."

Shepard approached the bed and slipped in under the bed sheet and snuggled close to Miranda again.

"This takes priority I gather?" Miranda had heard about Ardat-Yakshi in her days with Cerberus, so she knew about their existence, but she was a little curious how Shepard knew, but it wasn't unheard of that some people outside asari knew.

"Yeah, stopping the Reapers from…producing these creatures needs to be stopped. Diplomacy with the quarians will have to wait a while."

Miranda nodded, "Understood."

Shepard called out, "EDI?"

"Yes, Shepard?"

"Inform Hackett that we will take a detour to Lesuss."

"Understood Commander, we just received the necessary files from the General and I'm informed about the situation. Logging you out."

Ashley left her quarters and walked into the corridor and headed for to the mess hall, she had decided to take a tour of the ship as she had only seen the Cargo Bay her short stay before she was injured on Mars. She admitted she was impressed by the ship despite its origin.

Walking down the passageway she noted it ended at a door further down which apparently was the Executive Officer's quarters, but she veered of it to the mess hall itself which was empty, the crew had already eaten breakfast but in the kitchen she saw Garrus at the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water processed for dextros.

She was a little wary actually, despite Shepard's stance when they talked before she boarded he at least welcomed her aboard, but Ashley was unsure about her former comrades in arms. She'd seen Garrus on Horizon and he had appeared exasperated and defensive of her position. And he had visited her on Huerta and the atmosphere hadn't exactly been jovial; she had been angry with Shepard and his apparent new relationship while Garrus had been trying to smooth things over about the Cerberus operative aboard, convincing Ashley to keep quiet as there were larger issues at stake. And she had been quiet…until a few weeks ago.

And Liara…until Mars Ashley hadn't spoken to her since Shepard's funeral. And thinking about his funeral now was a surreal thought, and had been since she first saw him on Horizon. Somehow Ashley felt a little out of place; new ship, new crew. She hadn't seen or talked to anyone from the Saren days in a long time.

Ashley shook the thoughts away and picked up her pace and walked over to the kitchen, Garrus had grabbed some sort of food wrapped in plastic to go with the water and closed the fridge.

Ashley stopped nearby and greeted a little cautiously, "Hi, Garrus. Crazy times, isn't?"

Garrus looked up and nodded, "Indeed. Settling in Ash?"

"Well…not yet, have been planning to take a tour of the ship while we're docked."

Garrus turned and leaned on the fridge, "It actually looked better last year, apparently the Alliance Navy didn't have time to put everything back together before the Reapers attacked Earth." He put away the bottle and the wrapped turian food on the counter next to the fridge.

"Where do you reside?"

Garrus titled his head backwards, "Forward battery. I pass time tinkering with the cannon."

Garrus casually crossed his arms over his chest.

"Liara?"

"In the XO's office."

"Really? I thought…well that the…Lawson-woman would live there," Ashley said.

"Liara needed space for all her computers. Plus she boarded the Normandy earlier than Miranda did," Garrus simply said.

Ashley nodded, "I've spent time reading up on mission reports…you guys have seen some crazy amount of action. Fighting a Reaper on foot and then the giant worm shows up is mindboggling."

"Oh yeah, that was…didn't think we'd get out of that predicament. I mean, sure we've fought the odds before, but it was still over the top."

"And a prothean!" Ashley exclaimed and shook her head disbelieving. "But I shouldn't be surprised really."

Garrus chuckled, "Yeah, have you seen him?"

Ashley shook her head, "No."

"He seems capable, but uncompromising in his views apparently. I haven't interacted much with him beyond when we stopped the coup."

Ashley nodded but stayed silent for a while, collecting her thoughts. She was curious what Garrus thought of Lawson. Ashley cleared her throat and asked evenly, "So…what do you think about Lawson now?"

Garrus glanced at Ashley. Pondering what to say, he didn't want to say anything that could violate the thrust between Shepard and him. His human friend had indeed confided in him from time to time, and considering that Garrus had helped when the three of them secured Miranda's sister, Garrus knew a few minor intimate details about Miranda's life, and some things he had pieced together himself. After all, he had been a C-Sec investigator. And he wasn't going to violate the thrust of both of them.

"You know, "Garrus began simply. "Miranda wasn't easy to like, she's still a bit aloof but I've known her since last year and she's become increasingly friendly compared to the start of the Collector mission, indeed we've even talked outside missions and she surprised me. But the single most important aspect is that she's trustworthy and loyal to Shepard, and Shep trusts her, so I accept her."

Ashley cringed, now even an alien didn't mind her? She was former Cerberus, how much do their people like aliens to begin with? And what made everything worse for her was that Lawson was provocative; a brunette with long dark hair, a perfect creamy skin tone and…a killer rack. And she wore snug and revealing clothes flaunting her body, and there was no doubt that she turned heads wherever she went. Wonder if she always got what she wanted? Her files suggested so with her seductive skills, and likely she couldn't resist the notion of…claiming humanity's hero for herself.

"But she was Cerberus…" Ashley pointed out quietly.

"Yeah, but not now," Garrus countered. "Didn't you notice the standoff? If she'd been with Cerberus would she have let Shepard stop the assassination attempt?" No."

"No. But I don't like her."

Garrus interrupted sympathetically, "Look, you and Shepard got history and that went down the crapper, so I'm not getting involved. All that's personal." He stressed, "But you did turn your back on all of us."

Ashley spoke bemused, "That entire ordeal last year was conflicting. I couldn't join, my career – my life – would be over in an instant if I associated myself with Cerberus."

Garrus sighed and nodded, "I know, I can appreciate that, but no one did a thing about the Collectors. We had to do something. And you still didn't believe him leading up to the coup."

Ashley sighed distressed and crossed her arms, "Is that so hard to believe? He shows up on Horizon and is suddenly working with Cerberus. I mean he could have had a control chip in his brain, he could have been just an engineered clone pretending to be John Shepard." She said bitter of her actions, and inactions, "And all the...'evidence' by Udina and then the Eden Prime incident...Udina spun that perfectly to trick me. And the Council."

"Udina tricked a lot of people," Garrus said angry at the dead Councilor. Garrus explained evenly, "John found me on Omega, I was surrounded by mercs. It was a surprise seeing him out of nowhere, but I couldn't be picky at the moment. And it didn't take many minutes before I knew it was Shepard."

"How could you be so sure?"

"Body language, how he walks and talks. A lot of that can't just be faked, I spent time in C-Sec to begin with so I know what I'm looking for. That and when we first spoke, after he got me out of there, I knew it was Shepard. And over the course of the mission he showed that he still was the same Shepard he was two years earlier." Garrus sighed, "If you had taken time to actually talk to him on Horizon you would have know to it was him, but more importantly you could have let him explained himself a little more thoroughly."

"The Alliance thought Cerberus was behind the attacks. Cerberus has been an enemy of the Alliance and the Council," Ashley reminded Garrus."

"But they weren't," Garrus said simply. "Cerberus has done a lot of bad shit, hell we took down a huge military operation in -83, and I'm not excusing them, but I'm pragmatic enough to know that something had to be done about the Reapers. Neither the Alliance or the Council didn't do anything about the abductions. We did what we had to do to halt the Reapers."

Ashley sighed defeated, "I know…"

Garrus grabbed the food stuff from the counter and pointed out gently, "You have to be smart here Ash. Shepard's a nice guy and he let you get back on the team, and it's good to see you again and I'm glad we all got out of the standoff standing, but you better think before you say anything demeaning about Miranda. Shepard just fired two guards for disrespecting the chain of command and Miranda in such a way that the crew was on the verge on buying their conspiracy theories."

Ashley looked into Garrus' eyes, "Two women? Were they young privates?"

Garrus nodded.

"I walked past them in the lobby yesterday on my way here."

"Yeah, and their careers are dented now. And Shep probably doesn't expect that you and Miranda will be friends, but he'll expect professionalism from you Ash. He cares more about you than two random Alliance guards, but that doesn't mean he'll let you badmouth Miranda for long. There's this biotic, Jack – the one with tattoos – who don't like Miranda and they bicker, and Shepard told me last night that he got tired of it and scolded her. Jack takes pleasure in pushing Miranda's buttons."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," Garrus reaffirmed. "Not everyone will like each other, but we need to work together." Garrus iterated, "Don't cross any lines, Ash. Miranda is not out to sabotage the mission, we're all here to fight the Reapers. The only agenda Miranda has is being with Shep."

That's precisely the reason why I don't like her, she's manipulating Shepard one way or the other, Ashley scoffed. She took a breath instead and said, "We got a mission, and I'm here to fight the Reapers. I won't let anyone down."

"Let's hope so, Ashley." Garrus continued disappointed, "I mean, you waved a gun at us. What compelled you to think Shepard would be doing Cerberus' bidding?"

"Lawson…" Ashley said exasperated.

"And I repeat myself, she isn't Cerberus. You didn't even like Udina to begin with but still you bought his lies."

Ashley sighed, "I'm sorry…but so did the Council. He had…compelling arguments."

"Well, he did a good job tricking everyone," Garrus agreed. He said genuinely, "Look I got some calibrating to do and Disruptor torpedo attack profiles to program in the weapon computer so I have to go, I'll see you around."

Ashley nodded, "Yeah, alright Garrus, see you."

Garrus nodded and turned to the stairs leading to corridor and the main battery.

Ashley watched as Garrus swaggered away.

Ashley had missed out on the action against the Collectors which had made her a bit of an outsider. Ashley had to accept that and rebuild, she had to move past everything and use the events to motivate her to do better. She realized that everything happened for a reason. She and Shepard's relation had ended. She knew it wasn't just Shepard's fault, or hers, but that it had been a series of mistakes and actions, and some of it had been out of her and Shepard's control. Ashley had to reflect on not only the bad side of their relationship but also the impact it had on her life and definitely the happy times they had shared. She had to move on. She knew it was difficult, especially with Shepard's current love interest aboard, but she had to move past everything to start anew.

Ashley turned on her heel and turned around the corner to Liara's quarter. At the door she knocked and patiently waited and a minute later the door slid open and revealed Liara.

"Ashley," Liara greeted cordially and gestured for the human to walk in.

"Thanks," Ashley replied with a smile and walked into the room with the monitors and computers.

"And welcome aboard the Normandy,"

Ashley glanced at the drone near a computer terminal and at the server farm. Behind her the door closed.

"Thank you. So…Shadow Broker?"

Liara walked up to Ashley, "Yes, but of course officially I'm just a information broker. The Shadow Broker is not a name I really associate with something pleasant, nor do I take too much pleasure in the namesake, but it's my new calling. The Shadow Broker is well established and the network of agents, informants and such I can wield in the war to combat the Reapers."

"The Broker was some sort of new alien, right?" Ashley asked curious.

Liara nodded, "The species is called yahg, a very aggressive species that has been quarantined on their home planet."

"Shepard told me way back."

"Are you settling in?" Liara asked.

"I'm taking a small tour of the ship. Bumped into Garrus outside. It's good seeing familiar faces again amongst all the new. It feels a little surreal I have to say."

"Chakwas is here as well. Engineer Adams to."

"But it's not like the old days is it? It's a Cerberus ship, even if it's in different colors."

"But it's our ship," Liara pointed out. "It's our home."

Ashley nodded, "I guess you are right." She glanced at the asari, "Shepard told me once…that you found his body."

"That was a long time ago," Liara said with a nod.

"That's still a little…out there. Shepard died. Then he came back."

It was remarkable, he died and survived it. She was intrigued what he…had experienced. She suspected it must have been painful, and also overwhelming.

"Miranda did a good job."

"Hmph…she put him back together right?" Ashley asked reluctantly. Miranda Lawson wasn't her favorite subject to talk about.

"Yes. I don't know the details."

"And even with…Cerberus' meddling you knew it was Shepard?" Ashley asked curiously.

"I did. John is an extraordinary man. I just knew. You can't fake being John Shepard. Plus…well I knew what Cerberus intended and had heard a lot of chatter about John."

"Garrus knew it was the real man also almost from the get-go," Ashley mused. And everyone helped him but me. She continued evenly, "You worked with Lawson when searching for his body, yes? Shepard told me a few things when he visited me in Huerta. There was a Cerberus agent who was supposed to recruit Shepard, but then he died. I've put a few things together, and I suspect that was Lawson's mission at one point."

Laira said cautiously, "I…don't know all the details about Miranda's initial mission. I can't really say for sure but I think that's a fair assumption. Cerberus wanted him to stop the Collectors and they wouldn't stop even after he died."

Ashley shook her head in disbelief. She couldn't understand that people willingly accepted Lawson. And in what other matter than seduction was she supposed to recruit Shepard to Cerberus?

Liara continued friendly, "It's good to have you back, the old team is slowly getting back together. Although Wrex is busy leading the krogan."

Ashley smiled, "Thanks. I've heard about that…I never thought Wrex would become the leader of the krogan."

"Well, he had wishes for the krogan to become something more and he's trying to move them in that direction."

"Tali?"

Liara shook her head, "I don't know. We believe she's with the quarians, and they seem to be fighting with the geth for one reason or the other."

"I know, I've been reading up on it. I hope she's alright," Ashley said concerned. "She was…is like a little sister."

Liara nodded, "She is."

"How…did things work out with the Council?"

Liara explained methodically, "Last update I heard was that the Council pledging more support. Even the asari is pledging scientific assistance as well, but sadly my people are still stalling a bit. They withdrew most of their forces from the Citadel Fleet to bolster defenses across asari space, and they're hesitant to give up forces to protect asari territory. There are…some political implications with the salarians but Councilor Esheel will try to muster some actual support."

"At least all this might lead to something," Ashley mused.

Liara sighed relieved, "Yes. Thank the Goddess. It's been a lot of stalling, and only the turians and the krogan have been with us. They finally saw reason a while back."

Ashley glanced at the drone, "So what's that?"

"Glyph," Liara said proudly. "He helps out a lot here. Invaluable."

Glyph left his spot near the terminal and floated over to the two women.

"I'm here to assist Doctor T'Soni in whatever matter I can."

Shepard pulled on a t-shirt over his body, he was still a little damp after a recent shower. He heard movement from the bed and two slender arms snaked around his abdomen and hugged him from behind. Miranda rested her head on his shoulder and kissed his cheek and gave him a delighted smile.

"Thanks for an enjoyable morning," Miranda said. "Some snuggle and pillow talk is never wrong."

Shepard chuckled, "You're welcome. Breakfast?" He turned his head slightly so he could see her.

"It's probably closer to lunch," she pointed out. Miranda shook her head, "No, I'm going for the gym I'll eat later."

Miranda let go of Shepard who turned around and nodded, but he smiled at her form, she wore nothing but a black bra and a thong.

Miranda flashed him a smile and walked over to the closet to find her training clothes.

"Alright then," Shepard said after admiring her for a few moments. "I'll do my rounds I think. I think Joker awaits my command to head out."

"Okay. I'll see you later."

They shared a quick kiss and Shepard headed up the steps, but before heading out he took a detour to the computer and logged into see if he had gotten any important mails over the night, Councilor Esheel had expressed that she would send him Udina's files but never when she would. He spent a few moments browsing the mails and indeed found one from Councilor Esheel. The subject line informed him that she had sent him the Cerberus files on Miranda. Shepard opened the mail but didn't download the files, he read the mail and soon heard Miranda coming up the stairs.

"Anything interesting?" Miranda asked out of curiosity when stopping at the edge of the table. She had changed into her training outfit.

Shepard rose and nodded, "Councilor Esheel sent me the Cerberus files Udina had used. Those about you, including the forged documents."

Miranda glanced at the monitor but said nothing, feeling tense. She felt nauseating being exposed like that to outsiders – the Council – regardless if those files actually revealed anything. She didn't know what to say.

Shepard stepped forward and looked a little concerned. He cupped her face for a deep kiss and Miranda softened a bit, losing herself. When they broke she felt increasingly better and flashed him a smile.

Shepard reassured, "Look, I only read the mail. The Councilor seems to think the contents are all forged, but I don't know if she's truthful or not." He continued softly, "Regardless, I didn't read the files, I don't want to intrude if they appear to be real. I rather you tell me about your past."

Miranda smiled heartfelt. She loved him being so…understanding and caring. More so than she could have hoped for. The ironic part was that she knew a lot about John's past, but he knew very little about hers in comparison.

She planted a few soft kisses on his lips and then said emotional, "Thank you. I'll…I'll tell you someday, and answer any questions you have. I promise. It's not all very glamorous though…and not always clean."

"I don't have a very clean past either. We're humans, and we make mistakes."

"I know."

Shepard kissed her forehead, "You can download the files and remove them from the server."

"I will."

"Good, I'll do my rounds. See you later."

Once again they shared a kiss and Shepard left her standing at the table and left their quarters.

Miranda took a breath and walked over and sat down at the computer. She opened the files and downloaded them to her omni-tool. She glanced at the monitor for a few moments before she began browsing and reading. She wasn't going to read it all at the moment but she wanted to know what those files contained.

After spending several minutes going over the actual files from Cerberus – apparently designed to be a reference for Udina - as well as the forged Alliance report Miranda was flabbergasted. The first decade of her time as a field operative in Cerberus was detailed, sans a dozen or so operations and projects which were not mentioned because of the incriminating nature of those missions. But the details were almost exclusive to the espionage missions she had undertaken in the past, and more specifically those when she used her ability to take on different roles. Cerberus had also highlighted…her looks and skills at seduction to further incriminate her and to make people believe she was manipulating John. But she did notice a healthy amount of doctoring of details and missions, some outright fabricated lies, and they were even present in the Cerberus files. The last part was obvious to deceive Udina, clearly showing that Cerberus didn't have much fate in Udina.

And John had been right, the Councilor and her staff apparently didn't believe that everything was genuine; they couldn't believe that Cerberus would freely give away so many details about their previous missions and operations. It was possible that it all was a ruse from the Council, but she couldn't see what that would accomplish. But Miranda knew that it wasn't impossible for the Illusive Man to leak incriminating information if it served a purpose, and definitely if that information no longer was of importance.

Miranda shook her head exasperated about being exposed as she had been. She deleted the original files before she left their quarters for the Cargo Bay.

Shepard had been up in the CIC for some time, sifting through data and intelligence briefings in the War Room. EDI had informed him that all required maintenance had been taken care of and they were ready to leave the Citadel. Shepard had given the go ahead and the Normandy was now on its way from the Citadel to the relay which would take them to the Nimbus Cluster for the journey to the Mesana System a day's flight from the Pelion System.

When his business was done, Shepard headed to the elevator and called for it and when it arrived and the door opened he was greeted by Ashley.

Shepard gave her a cordial nod and entered the elevator, "Hi, there."

Ashley smiled, "Hey, I was out looking for you."

"Oh? What for?" Shepard stopped at the elevator interface but didn't press any button.

"I have a question for you. I wasn't sure...well, it's not exactly regulation."

"Since when have I been a staunch supporter of regulations?"

Ashley chuckled, "Never I guess. Do you mind following me to my quarters?"

Shepard nodded and pressed the button for the Cred Deck, "Sure. What are you up to?"

"I've been touring the ship, it's all new to me. I talked with Garrus and Liara. I also saw Doctor Chakwas and Adams. It's good seeing some old faces, it makes it all feel familiar."

"Okay. How's the Life Support Room?"

"Arid. But it's nice to have some privacy, so thanks for that. I spent last night reading up on all the missions you guys have undertaken."

"Yeah?"

"I'm amazed about everything you've pulled through, especially Tuchanka."

"Yeah, that was chaotic," Shepard mused. "No rest for the weary."

The elevator stopped and the doors opened.

"After you," Shepard gestured.

Ashley nodded and led the way to the Life Support Room on the other side of the hallway. The two entered and headed over to the table, both of them took a seat facing each other.

"What's your question?" Shepard asked leaning back a bit in his chair.

Ashley cleared her throat and she spoke solemnly, "Well…lying there in the hospital, I had a lot of time to think. Lots of stuff going on, lots to try and deal with….and thanks for coming by when you did…despite my reaction the second time. Hospitals always make me nervous. Something about shuffling off our mortal coil, y'know?"

"This sounds deep," Shepard commented friendly but curious. "But I understand. I've spent a lot of time in hospitals to."

"I couldn't wait to get out of there," Ashley continued. "I hate hospitals. Hate the smell. Hate the colors. Hate the reminder of...the end."

Shepard looked at Ashley bewildered, one of his eyebrows rose up, "You...had a question?"

She took a deep breath and steeled herself, "Well, I guess I'll just come out and ask; you were dead...weren't you? I mean...really dead. Right?"

Shepard was taken aback by the question. He should have seen it coming though considering that she was religious. He hadn't talked to anyone but Miranda about those final moments drifting in space. He did have some recurring bad dreams after he woke up, and having the air sucked out of him wasn't a pleasant way of dying. Thankfully he had moved on but it wasn't something he relished in talking about again but he relented a bit.

"Yeah, I was clinically dead. You are the first one that come out and ask me about all that, well besides Miranda. People haven't really asked, not everyone knows about it though. At least I don't think so. And the only one I've talked about it is Miranda."

There was a long pause as Ashley was contemplating and then she finally asked, "What did you see? Bright light? Dark tunnel? Anything?" She had to know, Shepard was the only one she knew who had died…and then come back. It was crazy, right out of the Book it was. With the exception of all the crazy technology which was used. She couldn't wrap her mind around it all.

Shepard sighed, "That's a big question, Ash. I'm not sure the answer will be what you're looking for."

"It is what it is, Shepard. There's no right or wrong," Ashley said, pushing the subject a bit. She had a lingering thought that it was a heavy subject, but he didn't seem too reluctant to talk about it. Ashley continued, "You saw what's next. How can anyone not be curious about that?"

The unmistaken jolt of acceleration surged through the Normandy as it jumped through the relay to its destination. Both Marines were so used to the fabrics of space flight that neither cared about it.

Shepard leaned forward and placed his arms on the table and looked into her eyes and spoke evenly, "Alright, I'll tell you what I know. The truth is...I don't remember much. I remember floating after an explosion in the Normandy pushed me out into space. There was a sharp pain in my chest. I couldn't breathe but could feel air being leeched from my lungs. I struggled, tried to stop the air from leaking - all pointless...but it didn't take long before it was all blackness."

And now he was at the point which he knew she was eagerly waiting for an answer to…her faith. He paused for a moment and looked at Ashley who was impatiently waiting for him to continue.

Ashley broke the silence and asked rapidly, "Did you see anything? What happened?"

Shepard sighed, "Even with my experience, I don't think I should be answering questions about your beliefs."

Ashley said sympathetically, "If you don't want to talk about it, I understand. I can't…put myself in that seat to know what you experienced…but I ask because I want to know."

Shepard glanced at Ashley and nodded and explained, "I did see a light, but I was lying on a bed in a Cerberus lab, Ash. Nothing else. I heard voices, muffled for a bit. The first person I saw waking up was Miranda. She and her assistant were arguing. My heart rate was through the roof and finally they got it stabilized, the assistant had made some mistake and Miranda scolded him for it. The next time I woke up, I had to escape the facility. The station's mechs was shooting up the place and killed everyone, I escaped with Miranda and another Cerberus operative, but not before Miranda gunned down her assistant, apparently he worked with the Shadow Broker to take my body to him to be sold to the Collectors."

Ashley was unsure what she would say hearing about his tumultuous up-waking, "I'm…sorry."

She also asked herself if that was the reason Shepard was with Lawson. Was it some sort of…imprint waking up and seeing her as the first person after death?

"Don't be, it's long ago now."

Ashley smiled faintly and tried a joke, "Well, crap. You failed as my life-after-death inside source."

Shepard chuckled, "Well, I'm afraid I can't really help you."

"It's alright," Ashley said friendly.

A silence settled in the room between the two. A few moments later Ashley looked up a bit crestfallen and lamented.

"God," she sighed. "I can't believe we let this happen. The war I mean."

Shepard shook his head and said understandingly, "Don't blame yourself. We tried to warn them after Saren but no one listened."

"We did, but…I should've tried harder after your…death. I let you down. I let us all down."

"No one – neither the Alliance nor the new Council – listened to us. They didn't listen to Anderson either and he pushed after the Battle of the Citadel, but he was shut down."

"Yeah…" Ashley trailed of staring at the ship's core beyond the window behind Shepard.

"They backpedaled on the issue out of ignorance and convinced themselves and everyone else that Sovereign was a geth construction." Shepard snorted, "The thick-headed bastards wouldn't have listened even if I hadn't died."

"The Alliance or the Council?"

"Both. Too much bureaucracy and stalling," Shepard explained annoyed.

"This Crucible…it feels crazy being our only hope," Ashley said dreary.

Shepard nodded and said evenly, "Yeah I agree, but what options do we have? Conventional war will be a slaughter in the long run. Yeah, we kicked the Reapers off Tuchanka, and allied forces have had some victories but the Reapers are relentless and sooner or later we're going to be pushed into a corner."

"Well…"Ashley began cautiously. "It seems things are slowly coming together. Liara told me the Council is onboard."

Shepard huffed, "It only took a Cerberus attack on the Citadel to open their eyes. Hopefully it isn't too little too late." Shepard shook his head and pulled himself together and said vigorously, "We're still in the fight."

Ashley flashed a smile, "C'mon. I know you'll do everything in your power to stop these things. I won't let any of us down again, Shepard. You can count on that."

Shepard quipped, "Good. I thought we were going to have to hug it out."

"Smartass," Ashley snickered.

While the Normandy cut through space the work day progressed, both Miranda and Shepard spent time in the Captain's Cabin after dinner late in the afternoon, both working hard. Shepard was at the computer in the office at the moment while Miranda was in the lunge with her laptop. Miranda was reviewing the maintenance reports while Shepard was studying up on the intelligence files from Asari High Command.

Miranda, ever the consummate workhorse, was finished before Shepard and closed the laptop and put it on the coffee table. She had only needed to sign off on the reports which had been submitted, one from engineer Adams on the installing of the thermal pipe, and two from the Navy engineers who had refueled the ship. Everything was in order as expected.

She rose from the couch and walked up to the office and stopped at the end of the table and glanced at Shepard on the other end of the couch, he was bent over computer and was reading diligently. She felt a little guilty as she watched him work, he looked up from the computer and Miranda gave him a warm smile of support and she walked over to Shepard and wraped her arm around his shoulders.

"Finished yet?"

Shepard shook his head but his eyes were still fixed on the monitor, "Not really, they're very tight-lipped about this planet and the monastery. They don't have an abundance of intel on what's going on either."

"You want some help?" Miranda offered out of support.

"It's alright, I'm reading up on the detonation sequence of this bomb."

"Who'll you bring?" Miranda leaned towards the computer and glanced at the text.

"I'm thinking Javik, Williams – she'll need to get dialed in – and you."

"Okay," Miranda answered. She had blissfully forgotten that Williams was aboard, but there was no way around it. They'd have to work together on missions. Hopefully Williams wouldn't be too much of a hassle.

"Once I'm done here I'll send out copies with some notations of my own." He sighed, "Once again we're going in a little to blind for my liking. Eden Prime was like that."

"That's not always a luxury though," Miranda said sympathetically.

"I know."

Shepard leaned back into the chair, and turned to face Miranda.

"Hopefully Chakwas have figured out something with the medi-gel for Javik. As soon as I hear from her I'll have Cortez modify Javik's armor also."

"He agreed to that?" Miranda asked surprised. She moved her hand to his neck and slowly caressed, drawing circles with her finger tips.

Shepard chuckled, "Reluctantly, but he saw reason for this 'primitive sludge' to help him."

"Primitive sludge, huh? It has saved us more times than I can count."

"Yeah. But all this can turn problematic, Chakwas have scanned his internals yesterday, but if he is so badly injured that he'll require surgery I don't know what we'll do. Chakwas can't work magic."

"We'll take it as it comes," Miranda offered. "That's the only realistic option."

"I'm aware of that."

"Well, if you won't take my help with the Lesuss-files I'll have to entertain myself with something else," Miranda declared. "Oriana talked about reading Robinson Crusoe and it got me interested, so I'll see if the library has it. If not I'll see if there's other titles, there is after all a long journey in the future."

"You do that," Shepard said with a smile.

Miranda returned the smile, "I'll be back shortly and keep you company."

Miranda leaned in and they shared a kiss and she duly turned and headed for the door to leave their quarters while Shepard bent over the computer once again and resumed his reading.

Miranda stepped of the elevator on the Crew Deck and turned towards the starboard observation room where the ship's library was located. The upcoming week of transit through the relay network also presented…a lot of other opportunities. She wasn't solely going to spend time reading, Miranda's dirty mind raced with plans. She had been pleasantly made aware of John's naughty deviations early on in their relationship, and dirty minds certainly thought alike.

She was also glad that Jack had left the ship after the coup, the days with her aboard wasn't what Miranda would call pleasant. Gladly Jack was preoccupied with the Grissom students and wasn't joining them on the Normandy. But one bothersome woman had been replaced by another. Miranda was not happy with Third Lieutenant Williams' presence aboard at all, a woman who had berated the man Miranda loved. Coming up on the door to the observation room, Miranda sighed. She didn't want to see him hurt again. Miranda swiped her hand over the interface and the door slid open with a hiss.

With her back to the door, Ashley was dressed in regular Alliance BDUs standing at window gazing at the stars and the blue-shifted spectrum outside.

Oh great, Miranda thought sarcastically. Speaking of the devil. Couldn't she at least have stayed in the Life Support Room?

But Miranda wasn't one to walk away only because she bumped into someone she didn't like. She turned to the right and headed straight to the bookshelf and began slowly and methodically to go through the titles. She was quite surprised; there were actually some good titles available. Oriana had insisted that she'd read Robinson Crusoe again so Miranda was eagerly searching for the title.

Ashley had heard the disturbance and turned only to find the bitch taking a beeline directly to the bookshelf. She'd been wrong that this…woman had been with Cerberus but she still didn't like seeing her, knowing that she was with Shepard instead of her. Ashley still couldn't entirely believe that it was a real relationship despite Shepard's words the day before. Everything Ashley had read about the floozy in Udina's files screamed about a woman incapable of actual human connection. She had manipulated and stolen Shepard from her.

"So…the Normandy's illustrious XO," Ashley said sarcastically. "A lot depends on someone in that position."

Miranda had actually found Robinson Crusoe and had settled on it when she heard the voice behind her. She plucked the hard copy book from the shelf and rolled her eyes.

This day that started so good, Miranda lamented.

Miranda turned around and noted Ashley standing on the other side of the closest sofa and she was tense and her eyes were hard. Miranda held on to the book and crossed her arms under her chest and took a few steps closer to the sofa and locked eyes with the Marine officer.

Miranda replied annoyed, "Worried I'm not qualified? I helped the Commander leading the mission against the Collectors last year in the same capacity, and we've thwarted several Cerberus and Reaper operations to date. Take your pick…"

And what qualifications do you have as a Spectre? Miranda thought. A yes-woman who blindly obeys the Alliance…ironic really considering her family's past. Shouldn't she loathe the Alliance instead?

"But what do you know about operating a space ship?" Ashley drawled unamused, "What sort of experience do youhave? How can you be an XO of a warship?"

Miranda couldn't help but chuckle at Ashley's double standards, "Shepard didn't have much experience either, Lieutenant, but he excelled despite the lack of training aboard the SR-1."

Alliance officer's who hadn't attended Space Warfare College wasn't selected to work aboard warships. Shepard had instead graduated from the Naval Academy in Leadership Education and Development before he was transferred to the Marine Forces.

Shepard had confided in Miranda once that day he had been notified that he was appointed as XO of the SR-1 and transferred to the Navy was strange indeed considering that he lacked proper training to serve in such a capacity. After all he was a MARSOC Marine Special Operator. After the paper work to transfer him from the Marine Forces to the Navy was completed he was sent to Arcturus and received what could only be described as a weeklong crash course on what was required of him to serve aboard a ship as an XO. And it wasn't until he talked to Anderson and the Spectre Nihlus Kryik minutes before Sovereign attacked Eden Prime when ultimately the Alliance's intentions had been made clear. The appointment as XO had been a ruse for the moment to hide the Alliance's real intentions of having Shepard be evaluated by Nihlus.

Ashley huffed, "Shepard is a great man and he have proven himself, but you are a security risk, and you are aboard the most important ship of the Alliance."

"Oh, no, he's an exceptional man," Miranda corrected. "And he has always worked with people outside the Alliance in the past years to accomplish his mission. Of the ground team there's only three Alliance Marines now, the rest of us are not. He saw my skills in action last year and decided I'd continue do a good job as the XO."

Ashley cursed derisively; oh I can only guess what skill set Shepard thinks you have to get you promoted. The perfect lips for it to…

Ashley spoke up with a hint of aversion, "And you think it's all right for you to override all sorts of procedure, just because of what Shepard says?"

"That's very rich coming from the woman who got promoted based on political reasons."

Ashley shot back, "It wasn't my decision. Does the Alliance know you are here? That must have ruffled some feathers…"

"They seem to know. But the Alliance trusts Shepard, unlike you do." Miranda shrugged.

Ashley replied coldly, "I trust John. I just don't trust his judgment in regards to you. I think the war is taking a toll on him. And you did your job," Ashley put emphasis on the last word. "So that he is incapable of letting you go. Knowing full well how bad it looks. I think you have an agenda."

Miranda snorted, "You had a funny way of showing that trust on the Citadel." Miranda knew she could be a liability for John, but he convinced her otherwise. Maybe she believed him because she wanted to believe him, but what was wrong in doing what sounded so right, just because it's what you wanted?

"What was I supposed to do!? You were all pointing a gun at the human Councilor!" Ashley countered bothered.

"Maybe you just wanted to shoot Shepard in the head, but you were afraid you wouldn't get away with it!" Miranda spat.

"That's a lie!" Ashley shot back angered.

"Oh, my apologies. Perhaps I shouldn't have assumed what I didn't know anything about." Miranda replied sardonically.

Ashley challenged, "Why are you even here? Are you fucking your way into the Alliance so when the war is over you won't be court-martialed?"

"You don't know who I am, or what I want, or the thoughts in my head," Miranda asserted. "I'm here to help Shepard win this war, and that's all you need to know. Cerberus intended to stop the Collectors." She decided to bait Ashley, "We needed Shepard to take charge and continue the war against the Reapers while the inept Alliance and Council cowered, they didn't even bother looking for his body. When no one else did anything for humanity Cerberus stepped in and we found him. And I brought him back, while you received promotions for doing nothing, but hindering him."

"Is this a sick game to you? You can't let go of your experiment so you use him instead? I saw the experiments by your people." Ashley spat back.

Miranda said evenly, "I was never part of the gruesome experiments conducted by Cerberus. Protecting humanity was the goal, but many joined because they were xenophobes and subverted Cerberus' original goals in the process, as did the Illusive Man. It's thanks to Shepard that I began to see what the organization really was."

Ashley snorted, "Coming from the xenophobe."

"Ironically that comes from you. Cerberus had files on all members of the team hunting Saren, and the Alliance cited you as...having political and apparent racial views conflicting with the Alliance official stance." Miranda grinned, "I must say that last part makes you sound like an apt candidate for Cerberus, many join out of xenophobia you know," she said pushing Ashley's buttons.

"I'm not a racist!" Ashley blurted out.

Miranda said evenly, "And I don't hate aliens; I think we have a lot to learn from them. And you'd do anything to redeem your family's blacklisted name, your career wasn't that stellar until after the Battle of the Citadel. After finally becoming an officer, you further your career by eagerly accepting all the lies Udina told about Shepard without questioning them, so ambitious to redeem your name that despite the time you've known him you didn't give Shepard the benefit of the doubt once. Did you even try to make the Alliance see the real threat after Shepard's death or did you ride on his coattails for an officer promotion?"

Resent and jealousy took hold of Ashley and made her face red with anger. Ashley felt as the woman was bragging about how she had seduced Shepard, rubbing in Ashley's own failure. She stared icily at Miranda and remained impassive even when every fiber off her body wanted to her to sneer back at her. Ashley had seen pictures of Miranda and she'd seen her in real life before - although then only wearing bulky combat armor - but now standing less than a meter away from Miranda, Ashley couldn't help but to actually see a gorgeous woman.

The designer clothes Miranda wore was made-to-measure in order to show off her slim and alluring body. The blouse was definitely designed to emphasize her set of ample breasts. The pants hugged close to accentuate her long, slender and gorgeous legs as well as her hips. Ashley noted the shoulder-length wavy and lustrous dark hair, and the dazzling blue eyes which anyone could get lost in made her face even more captivating as if her luscious lips weren't enough. And to top it all off she had an Australian accent that many likely found alluring. And Ashley figured Lawson knew exactly how to use all her assets. Ashley was furious, seeing herself beaten in every department.

Ashley couldn't help but look at herself in her BDUs and her dark hair in a bun; she was a Marine first and foremost. She had spent her entire adult life to redeem the name Williams' standing with the Alliance and she hadn't given much thought about being the stunning Marine, instead pushing herself being the best Marine she could be. She did have a soft side, she had a love for poetry and she had shown her more feminine side to Shepard the time they spent together. But at heart she was a tomboy. But looking at Miranda Lawson, Ashley couldn't help to be bitter about the situation; it was quite clear that John was with a very feminine woman.

Ashley glanced below Miranda's neckline; the white satin blouse had the topmost buttons unbuttoned, just enough to reveal a bit of her cleavage.

Those can't be natural! Ashley thought dumbfounded.

Ashley had been trying her best to hide were her eyes wandered, but Miranda noticed the gaze and her mouth twitched into a very faint smirk. It was like she was reading Ashley's mind.

Can I be so lucky that she at least is a ditzy bimbo?

Ashley cursed, of course not.

Ashley could clearly remember the files on Miranda Lawson she'd read in Udina's office. It revealed a very smart woman indeed.

Ashley sneered derisively after regaining her composure and blurted out, "I have to ask; how much silicone is jammed into those, hmm?" She gestured at Miranda's chest. She had to stop herself from squirming at her own remark. She sighed internally, how low is a jab about silicone breasts in our day and age?

"I don't know. I don't think I was born with any." Miranda informed sweetly before she continued with a hint of haughtiness, "Maybe you should consider some yourself."

Ashley snorted, "I saw the pictures of you. At least I wear clothes and not swimwear."

Miranda said calmly, "And that's your prerogative, but I am quite secure with my body."

"I know exactly what you are," Ashley drawled with disgust. "I read the files about you."

Miranda remained stoic, but internally she flinched. That Williams had read the Cerberus files on her made Miranda feel sick to her core, and she should have known. She felt even more exposed and violated now. But Miranda continued on, letting none of that surface.

Miranda grinned instead, "Ah yes, the files supplied by Cerberus to Udina so he could trick you into believing Shepard was manipulated by me so you would doubt him if he showed up during the coup. Councilor Esheel actually forwarded copies of those files to John this morning."

"So you don't deny them?"

Miranda shook her head calmly, "No. They're quite true covering my career with Cerberus, despite the doctoring of the files and what has been retracted."

Ashley glared with contempt and snarled, "He worked with Cerberus and he has been manipulated by you, you used your body and you seduced him! If you were as dedicated to the war as you claim you were, you would understand how much damage you are doing to him."

"I didn't manipulate him. You managed to push him away just fine on your own without my help," Miranda gestured dismissively.

Ashley boiled even further with anger, "I know exactly how you got the position as XO, you spread your legs enough times for him to consider you." Ashley drawled derisively, "They must be open all the time."

Miranda smiled and said tauntingly sweetly, "Ah yes, sex. When two people are in love it can be a wonderful thing. Shepard is quite a loving man, don't you agree? It seems he has a lot of love to offer. You had your chance and you squandered it. But let's face it, it was only a matter of time before he would dump you realizing how far beneath him you were."

Ashley tensed up and glared silently at the temptress in front of her, clenching her teeth and panting heavily from all the anger insider her. "There must have been lack of options on a Cerberus vessel, and he must have been desperate for sex, taking the path of least resistance it appears. He can't love you, he's only with you because you're piece of tits and ass with a fake plastic smile!"

Miranda closed the distance and glared at the Marine officer in front of her. She let the book fall gently onto the sofa.

"You can show contempt for me how much you want, but you better not disrespect Shepard. He deserves better for all the sacrifices he's made," Miranda scolded.

Ashley frowned and anger flashed in her eyes.

Miranda had grown tired of the pointless argument and said evenly, "This has been very stimulating, but I've had enough of this argument, Lieutenant Williams. Shepard is such a caring and quite frankly nice guy that sadly he became heartbroken because of what you did." Miranda leaned down and picked up her book from the sofa and turned to Ashley and said evenly, "I won't let Shepard get hurt again, he means too much to me. Good day Lieutenant." She was protective of John, but she was purposefully dramatic.

With that Miranda turned from Ashley, who was fuming with contempt and anger.

Ashley grimaced bitterly and narrowed her eyes on the woman as she left the room. As her anger left Ashley she felt ashamed of herself. She was supposed to be calm and she started a fight. She was shamed at how easily she had been bated.

Shepard was still in the office when he heard Miranda coming through the door and walked with a stride and her heels clicking on the floor.

Shepard turned to greet her with a smile when he anticipated her arriving in the office, "Did you find what you were looking for?"

But as she stopped at the table he noticed a significant change in demeanor since she left earlier. From her care free smile which had graced her face, her features had now contorted into a frown with pursed lips and narrowed eyes.

Miranda drawled bothered and she said sardonically, "I just had a lovely chat with your ex…"

Damn you, Ashley, Shepard thought exasperated. Miranda's behavior said everything and he knew they hadn't had a friendly conversation.

Miranda walked closer and put down her book on the table and sat down on the table with a huff.

Shepard rose from his chair and closed the distance. He sat down close to her.

"What happened?" Shepard asked softly and slid his arm around her back and held her close.

Miranda snorted, "Oh, you know; questioning my qualifications, questioning my presence, and that you're only with me because of my body and that sex is the reason I'm the XO." She sighed, "In all it was what I'd expect Jack to say."

Shepard shook his head exasperated and disappointed at Ashley, "I'm not surprised but I did hope she'd be mature about everything."

Miranda huffed, "Well, you were wrong." She regretted her attitude against Shepard, he wasn't the villain here. She placed a hand on his lap and squeezed gently and said softly, "Sorry."

Shepard shrugged, "Don't be. I brought her aboard after all. A lapse of judgment on my side."

"You had the intention of increasing the team with additional personnel, an understandable tactical decision. And you've worked with her before," Miranda methodically explained.

Shepard asserted strongly, "We can't have such behavior here. We've to important issues that can't be sidetracked by stupid things like this."

Miranda gestured dismissively, "Sure I'd like to see her gone, but if she keeps her mouth shut and does her job it doesn't matter to me one way or the other."

"Well it matters to me, I'm not letting people disrespect you and get away with it," Shepard said sternly, angry at Ashley.

She continued annoyed, "She also thinks that I seduced you to take advantage of you because of some hidden agenda I have to manipulate you…"

Miranda sighed and shook her head.

It wasn't pleasant, but Miranda had been called worse, but now she didn't have the fulfilling and promising career ahead of her. Looking back, she might even have become the leader of Cerberus, the organization she once believed in.

The Illusive Woman?

Or maybe not. Considering how deceiving and scheming the Illusive Man was, it was probably wishful thinking.

Cerberus had been her shield. With all judgments that would be rendered upon her for mere association with Cerberus, she knew she had come far in an organization that valued skill above all else. It made her feel she had a place in the galaxy, a purpose, that in some way she was significant.

Now she was the XO of one of the most important warships out there fighting, even if she wasn't the official XO. She had the fate and feelings of her lover to thank for that. He was one of the few people in the galaxy who believed in her. Without him, she would have been a fugitive from the Alliance and Cerberus, and her association with the later would cast a long shadow on any attempt to rebuild what the perfect woman had. Even assuming that it wasn't over, her career had taken a major detour… off a cliff.

Now without the shield of authority, and working for her former enemy, she was bound to be faced with slander, and her emphasis on her sexuality only made everyone assume that she was calculated, superficial, or both.

Maybe it won't matter, she thought bitterly. With this war what does my career even matter?

Shepard noted that Miranda was deep in thought and was tense. Crestfallen even. He slid his arms around her waist and drew her closer in his embrace and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Shepard leaned in for a kiss and pressed his lips against Miranda's and she relaxed and responded with approving moaning. Their tongues intertwined with each other for several minutes while their hands caressed each other, both breathing through their noses not to cut their searing kiss short.

"I need you to fuck me," she whispered huskily when they parted, both out of breath. Miranda grabbed his hand and led him towards the bed down the short steps, so desperate for some relief from her arousal making out, but also getting Ashley Williams out of her system.

Shepard saw that Miranda's urgency was evident in her firm grasp of his hand and her brisk steps all the while she swayed her hips and her genetically perfect round shaped butt for him. He took in all the curves of Miranda's gorgeous body.

She let go of Shepard's hand once she left the steps. Miranda turned around, walking backwards. Her entrancing azure eyes burning with lust and a sexy saucy smile broke out on her face with an alluring come-hither look and a few slow waves with her finger as she kicked her high heeled shoes off.

Shepard grinned back and growled, "You adorable, sexy woman…"

With sensuous giggle Miranda replied, "Mhmm, my beautiful man."

Shepard quickly rid his shirt and dropped it on the floor, showing off his muscular upper body to Miranda's delight while she had a big smile on her face admiring his toned chest. Miranda's calves hit the edge of the bed and she collapsed backwards onto the soft bed.

But Shepard was not near as graceful, he didn't see one of Miranda's shoes while he focused all his attention on his beautiful woman eagerly waiting on the bed. He stepped on the shoe and fell on top of her with a surprised yelp, but managed to catch himself on his arms planted on her sides. Miranda started to giggle which then turned into laughter at her John's stumble into the bed. Miranda's legs parted as he slid down between her legs.

Shepard lied on top of her and buried his head in the nape of her neck and murmured sarcastically into her soft hair, "Smooth…" He took a deep breath of her radiating sensual scent.

Miranda calmed down from her fit of laughter and said sarcastically, "Very."

Shepard propped himself on his arms and hovered above her, their eyes meeting. He scolded playfully, "Be quiet you."

Miranda smirked as a slender finger moved up to his face and she tapped his moist and soft lips with the tip of it, "I don't think I will be tonight." She gave him a sexy wink and moved her arms around his shoulders.

Shepard smiled and growled again – something he knew she was turned on by - and mashed their lips together in yet another deep kiss while Miranda caressed his muscular shoulders, purring in delight.

After removing their clothes, their primal desires took hold and both sizzled with passion when they entwined with each other. Much later, both totally spent and trying to catch their breaths, they snuggled satisfied together and gazed into each other's eyes, their bodies shimmered with sweat and both smiled satisfied.

Shepard whispered, "Thank you."

Miranda's hair was a tangled and tousled mess and she brushed away some sweat stained strands of hair from her blushed face.

Miranda giggled and replied playfully, "Ever the gentleman. No thank you."

She blew him a kiss, glowing from their evening in bed, and gave Shepard a great smile.

"You're welcome," Shepard smiled.

"Sir, yes sir," Miranda replied tongue-in-cheek and saluted.

Shepard laughed, "You haven't called me sir in a long time."

"You're the best CO I've been around. There are some perks with you as employer," Miranda teased with a wink.

Shepard grinned, "You better think so. I'm doing my best to keep my XO happy."

Miranda giggled at his innuendo.

Shepard leaned closer with a sly smile. Miranda grinned and welcomed his advances, she closed her eyes when their lips met and she eagerly let him kiss her passionately, Miranda reciprocated his kissing fully.

They broke their kiss and Miranda snuggled closer, purring happily.

Shepard asked a few minutes later, "Where did the bed sheet go?" He was looking around. It was getting a little cold despite the closeness.

"I tossed it aside. Wait a sec," Miranda said and rolled away from Shepard and leaned half her body past the edge of the bed and began pulling on the discarded bed cover on the floor.

Shepard smirked at the sight of Miranda's long legs and her bubbly butt as his eyes roamed every detail of her body on display.

She's doing that on purpose, Shepard concluded.

When she had pulled up most of the bed cover Miranda suddenly felt an unexpected firm spank on one of her butt cheeks which made her gasp.

Miranda looked over her shoulder past her tangled hair and looked at Shepard curiously, "Ow?"

Shepard grinned and murmured, "You're a naughty girl, Ms. Lawson."

"Why? What have I done?" She asked innocently.

"You are such a tease, minx it up like you do with that little show," Shepard explained playfully and tilted his head to her assets on display.

Miranda shot him a wink and a little wiggle with her butt and grabbed the bed cover and rolled over to sit down on the bed and began to unfold the cover with Shepard's help who sat up as well next to her.

"And you like me like that," Miranda said with a sly smile.

Shepard shook his head with a grin, "You are too naughty for your own good sometimes, Miri."

They had unfolded the bed sheet over the bed and Shepard lied down on his back and was soon followed by Miranda who pressed her body to his side while they pulled the cover over them.

Miranda kissed his cheek and rested her head on his shoulder and teased, "If I have been a bad girl, maybe I need to be taught a lesson, Commander." She hugged his torso and let her other hand roam a bit, caressing his muscles.

Shepard slid his arm around her body and slowly caressed and drew circles on the small of her back. He chuckled, "Maybe some other day, I'm exhausted."

"Have I worn you out from our fucking?" Miranda asked with a grin and looked up into his eyes.

"It's nothing I can't handle," Shepard reassured with a grin of his own.

"Good, so…what do we do now?"

"I rather like this."

Miranda hummed, "Mmm, me too."

They both soon fell asleep for the night.

Quote: Chuck (Chuck versus the Intersect; with slight alteration. Chuck versus the Cubic Z).

Thanks to Mastermind4892 for inspiration when Ashley compares herself to Miranda during their altercation, and additional pointers for the scene.

Additional assistance and ideas from xXserialkillerXx for the confrontation, plus work on Miranda's thoughts on her being judged in her past and present.

To quell some concerns (from both PM's and in the review section), there won't be squabbles and confrontation every time Miranda and Ashley sees each other, there are more important issues to deal with within the story for characters. I also intend for character development and changes as the story progress, and that's about all I'll say on that issue in order not to spoil anything.

I miss Jack though, she was fun to write, as well as her interactions with Miranda.

There have been a lot of character centric chapters lately, but those or most fun to write. We'll see what next chapter has in store.

Edited 2013-08-10: made a change to the Lesuss-briefing, the General don't want any AY on the loose.

The following plot specific events taken from the leaked script:

*Shepard being briefed and given the Lesuss-mission (with alterations and additional dialogue).

*Ashley asking about Shepard's death, afterlife and lamenting the war (with alterations and additional dialogue)