"Yes. I am." Miranda's answer confirmed the Doctor's suspicions.

After so many years they have found each other at last. She knew how desperately John searched for this woman. Now, she felt relief seeing that he has succeeded in finding her. He deserves some happiness. They both deserve some happiness. But, Miranda is a Cerberus Operative. She has heard all about Cerberus and their ruthless experiments.

How can John love a Cerberus Operative? She thought. Then she realized she is being irrational and unfair. There must be more to this woman than she let everyone see about her. John saw that and truth be told she could see something too. As much as she heard, Miranda was the director of the Lazarus Project, the program whose sole purpose was to bring John back alive. She is amazed, actually more than amazed. Cerberus really achieved impossible.

"How do you feel after getting him back after so many years?" Dr. Chakwas asked the younger woman kindly.

"I don't know." Miranda murmured.

Her answer surprised Dr. Chakwas. What does she mean by 'I don't know'? Isn't she happy to get him back? Or did she already moved on with her life? If she has, I cannot blame her. It's practical to do so.

"What do you mean?" Dr. Chakwas asked. Miranda hesitated to answer. Realizing her hesitation Dr. Chakwas moved closer to her and placed her hand on Miranda's head in a motherly gesture. "You can trust me, child. Whatever you say won't leave this room. That's a promise and I keep my promises." She assured.

Miranda nodded in understanding. "It's not that Doctor. I trust you because he trusts you."

Wow! That much faith!? Dr. Chakwas thought. "Then?" She asked.

"I don't know how to express what I feel. I have never shared this with anybody. It's just…" Miranda hesitated.

"I won't pressure you. You can tell me when you are comfortable." The Doctor said.

"No. No. I must do it now." Miranda paused. "When he died, I was literally destroyed. I was prepared to end my life but the thought of another person kept me going because that person needed me. So, I had to remain strong for that person."

"Do you mind telling me who is that person?"

"I am sorry, Doctor. I am not comfortable in talking about that person."

"Alright. Go on."

"One day the Illusive Man told me that his body has been found and it's my responsibility to bring him back to life. I was overwhelmed. I couldn't think straight. After thinking about him for some time, I got the faith to do it because I had to bring him back, at all cost. I made a promise to myself that I won't stop until I brought him back alive. That was the sole purpose of my life, nothing else mattered at that time. For two years, we worked on him. His body was in worse shape than I imagined. We had to use cybernetics to rebuild his body. It was hard for me to watch, so I directed the project from distance. I only came close to his body when it was absolutely necessary and finally after two long years we got the success." She paused for a moment and continued, "I was excited when I first met him after he woke up but he didn't recognize me at all." Miranda said with sadness in her voice.

"He didn't?" Dr. Chakwas asked in surprise.

"No and it isn't his fault. He has amnesia. He doesn't remember me or anything about his childhood." Miranda revealed.

"So, this explains his unusual brain activity. The scan showed some signs of trauma in his brain but I couldn't figure out the reason." Dr. Chakwas concluded. "But one thing I don't understand, you said that you used cybernetics to rebuild him, but the scan didn't show any trace of cybernetics in his body."

"You won't believe me if I tell you, Doctor." Miranda said.

"Try me."

Miranda then explained to the Doctor what happened earlier. Dr. Chakwas listened to her carefully but she couldn't think of any explanation either. "I don't know what to say….. but I do believe you."

"Thank you, Doctor." Miranda said.

"Maybe, I can help regarding his amnesia." Dr. Chakwas proposed.

"You can?" Miranda asked genuinely surprised.

"I believe, I can. But not now." Dr. Chakwas said.

"Thank you, Doctor. I…"

"You don't have to say anything. I will leave the two of you alone for now." Dr. Chakwas said with a sly smile while exiting the med-bay. Hearing her comment, Miranda's cheeks turned red. The Doctor left the med-bay with a slight chuckle, amused seeing the cold, hard Cerberus Operative blushing like a teenage girl.

HORIZON

"Get those ammunition boxes over there Michael, and be careful." Ashley Williams ordered one of the soldiers under her command. She has been stationed on Horizon for a while now. Life is boring here. Nothing has happened here since she has been sent here and she doubt that anything will ever happen. She still remembered that horrific day of her life. The destruction of the Normandy and …. His death. At first she wasn't ready to accept that he was gone but as time passed she was forced to accept the fact that he is never coming back. She also remembers the kiss they shared at Citadel tower after the defeat of Saren and Sovereign. That kiss meant something to her. Her only regret was that they never talked about it.

Perhaps he didn't felt the same. It must be that, because when I kissed him he never kissed me back. But it was a chance she had to take. After his death everything fell apart. The team got separated, went in their own way, the Council denied the existence of the Reapers even after what he did. They just….. just dishonored his memory. She and the Lieutenant got themselves busy with the Alliance.

And speaking of the Lieutenant, where is he?

She moved forward in search for the Lieutenant. She found him in front of a computer after sometime. His face looked grim.

"Lieutenant…." Ashley started to say but was interrupted by Kaidan.

"I have some news. Both good and bad." Kaidan said.

"What is it?" Ashley asked eagerly.

"Rumors are that the Commander is alive and….."

"What!? He is alive?" Ashley asked with excitement in her voice.

"Yes but that's not all. The rumor is also that he is working for Cerberus." Kaidan revealed.

"That's…. What!? No way!" Ashely said outraged.

"It seems so and the source of the news is reliable enough."

"I can't believe this. I can't. Working with the terrorists? What has gotten into him?"

"We still aren't 100% sure, Ashley."

"Yeah, I hope the latter news is not true." Ashley murmured.

OMEGA

John led Miranda and Jacob through a corridor in Omega to search for the Salarian scientist. They just left the docks and were greeted by a salarian.

"Ah! Welcome to Omega! You're new here, aren't you? I can always tell. Allow me to….." He stopped as a Batarian guard stepped past him. "Oh…. Hello, Moklan! I was just….." He greeted the Batarian.

"Leave, Fargut. Now." Moklan ordered.

"Of course, Moklan! Whatever she wants!" The salarian gulped and quickly escaped.

The Batarian then turned to John. "Blasted scavengers. Welcome to Omega…. Shepard."

They know who I am? John wondered how. "You know who I am?" He asked Moklan.

"Of course. We had you tagged the moment you entered the Terminus Systems. You're not subtle as you think. Aria wants to know what brings a dead Spectre to Omega. I suggest you go to Afterlife now and present yourself." Moklan suggested.

"Cut the attitude. I'm not here to cause problems for Omega." John replied irritated.

"Things explode around you, Shepard. You can't blame Aria for keeping an eye on you." Moklan said while making an imaginary image of explosion with his hand. Miranda had to look away to hide her smile. Jacob almost chuckled but he hid it well. John on the other hand looked embarrassed. Miranda saw the tip of his ears turning pink. She placed her hands over her mouth to prevent herself from giggling. It has been a long time since she saw him embarrassed and she is quite enjoying it.

"Afterlife. Now." Moklan ordered and left.

At that moment they heard EDI's voice in their comm. "I'm receiving quarantine warnings about the slums where Dr. Mordin Solus runs the clinic. Anticipate resistance at the transport station. I have also accessed messages between mercenary groups regarding plans to deal with Archangel. There's a recruiting station at Afterlife that may have information on him." EDI informed.

"Thanks EDI." John said.

"No need, Commander. I am programmed to assist you." EDI replied.

The trio stepped forward and saw a mercenary beating the shit out of a Batarian. The mercenary's one eye was of stone. This must be Zaeed Massani. John realized.

"You Zaeed Massani?" John asked.

"Yeah. That's me. You must be Commander Shepard. I hear we have a galaxy to save." Zaeed said.

"I assume you have been briefed?"

"I've done my homework. Cerberus sent me everything I needed to know."

"Good to have you, Zaeed. We have a lot to do."

"That's what they tell me. I assume the Illusive Man told you about our arrangement?"

"What kind of arrangement?"

"Picked up a mission a little while back, just before I signed on with Cerberus. Thought you might be interested. You heard the name Vido Santigo?" Zaeed asked.

"No. Never heard of him. Who is he?" John asked.

"He's the head of the Blue Suns. He runs the whole organization. Recently captured an Eldfell-Ashland refinery on Zorya and is using workers for slave labor." It was Miranda who answered.

Zaeed looked at her surprised. Slowly a sly smile appeared in his face. "You seem to know a lot about me babe. Who is she Shepard?" Zaeed asked.

"She is the XO of the Normandy, Miranda Lawson." John replied with a frown. He didn't like the way Zaeed was looking at Miranda.

Zaeed's smile only grew wider. "You know staying on a small ship gets boring after a while. Maybe you can be the source of my entertainment. What else can you do besides warming my bed, babe?" Zaeed asked with lust in his eyes.

John got furious. He just wanted to snap Zaeed's neck with his bare hands at that moment. He can't figure out why, but he feels immensely protective of Miranda although he knows she can take care of herself. He just couldn't help it.

At Zaeed's flirty comment Miranda smiled seductively at him instead of becoming angry. "I can do more. Want me to show you now?" She asked seductively.

John greeted his teeth and clenched his fist in anger. The image of Zaeed and Miranda kissing or being intimate was like a killing blow to him. Why am I feeling like this? And what is this I am feeling? Then he realized something. Wait a minute. This… This can't be true. No never. He tried to deny to himself but deep down he knew that he was jealous. More than jealous. He wanted to tear apart any man who looked at her in bad way.

"Really babe? In front of everyone?" Zaeed asked.

"If you don't mind then I don't either." Miranda flirted back.

"I certainly don't mind. Come on babe. Show me what you got." Zaeed said.

Miranda moved towards Zaeed, swaying her hips seductively. Zaeed's eyes travelled from her waist to her breasts. She came very close to the mercenary, so close that their bodies were almost touching. Zaeed looked at her face and smirked. "No one could ever resist Za… Ugh!" Zaeed yelled out in pain at that moment because Miranda has crushed his foot with one of her high heels. She flared her biotics and held the mercenary against the wall by placing her elbow against his throat and her knee at his groin. "Want to see what I can do?" Miranda asked with a cold smile.

Zaeed's eyes widened. "Let me go! You….."

"Never look at me like that ever again or the consequences will be rather severe." Miranda warned and let him go.

"Damn you woman! You toyed with me!" Zaeed cursed.

John and Jacob looked at each other and smirked. The moment Miranda attacked Zaeed John felt relief course through his body but just before that he was about to step in between them to prevent them from….. Fraternizing?

Huh! She showed him his place! John thought happily.

"You this attitude against your sluts Mr. Massani. But not me." Miranda warned and stepped back at John's side. He looked at her and let out a small smile.

What was that I saw in his smile? A sign of relief and perhaps… joy? She thought. Maybe. Because when she stepped past John towards Zaeed she saw his face was red in anger and there was also a sign of jealousy. Well he couldn't hide anything from her ever and he never could. She knew him better than herself. Well the feeling is still there even he has no knowledge about it. She thought happily.

"I hope you have learnt your lesson Zaeed. Try to respect women from now on. So about your request, you want to get rid of Vido Santiago. Isn't it?" John said.

"Yeah." Zaeed said, still panting.

"I'll make sure we get that done." John assured Zaeed.

"Good. Get it out of the way so we can concentrate on being goddamn heroes. I'll be locked and loaded next time you're ready to get some killing done." Zaeed said.

AFTERLIFE CLUB, FEW MINUTES LATER

The trio went to the club to see Aria. The only reason John heard Moklan was Aria could give them some detailed information about Dr. Mordin Solus and Archangel. He checked the list of squad that Cerberus suggested: 1. Dr. Mordin Solus (Scientist)

2. Archangel (?)

3. Jack (?)

4. Zaeed Massani (Mercenary)

5. Samara (Justicar)

6. Thane (Assassin)

7. Kasumi (Thief)

8. Okir (Krogan Warlord)

He sighed. The squad members that Cerberus suggested is odd. Scientist, Justicar, Assassins, Merenaries, Warlord and Thief? What can a thief do against the Collectors? He have Miranda and Jacob now and Zaeed also. Miranda and Jacob, both are excellent in combat. Especially Miranda, because he felt a link exists between them. She could understand what he needed her to do even before he speaks. They work in perfect synchronization. John couldn't help but notice how all the men were ogling Miranda as soon as she stepped in the Afterlife. He was angry and jealous but he couldn't blame those men. Everything about Miranda screams for attraction and truth be told he did notice her, several times. He pushed his thoughts back at the end of his mind when they spotted Moklan.

Moklan gestured them upstairs. Their bodies were scanned before they could see Aria. John spotted an asari standing with her back towards them. He took a step forward.

"That's close enough." Aria said and her guards turned their weapons on the three of them immediately. Jacob and Miranda also raised their guns.

"I was told you're the person to talk if I have questions." John said.

"That depends on the questions." Aria said after turning back towards the three of them.

"You run Omega?" John asked.

Aria begin to laugh at his question. "I am Omega." She answered. "But you need more. Everyone needs more something. And they all come to me. I'm the boss, CEO, queen if you're feeling dramatic. It doesn't matter. Omega has no titled ruler and only one rule." She paused. "Don't fuck with Aria."

"Easy to remember." John replied.

"If you forget, someone will remind you." Aria warned.

"And then I toss your sorry ass out the nearest airlock." The batarian guard named Garka said.

"I would like you to try it." Miranda smirked. John signaled her not to provoke them.

"It won't come to that." John assured Aria. "I'm looking for Mordin Solus. Do you know where can I find him?"

"The salarian doctor? Last I heard he was trying to help plague victims in the quarantine zone. I always liked Mordin. He's likely to heal you as he is to shoot you." Aria replied.

"How do I get to him?"

"If you really need to find him, take a shuttle to the quarantine zone. No guarantee they'll let you in, of course."

"I see. I am also trying to track down Archangel."

"You and half of Omega. You want him dead, too?"

"I'm putting a team together, he's on my list."

"Interesting." Aria smiled. "You're going to make some enemies teaming up with Archangel. That's assuming you can get to him. He is in a bit of trouble right now."

"What kind of trouble?"

"The local merc groups have joined forces to take him down. They've got him cornered, but it sounds like they're having trouble finishing him off. They've started hiring anybody with a gun to help them."

"Sounds like that might be our ticket in." Jacob said to Miranda. She nodded in return.

"They're using private room for recruiting…. Just over there." Aria gestured towards the room to her left. "I'm sure they will sign you up."

"What can you tell me about Archangel?" John asked since Cerberus couldn't provide any information about him.

"Not as much as I'd like. He showed up here several months ago and started causing all sorts of problems. If you make your own laws….. which everyone here does…. He makes life difficult. He's reckless and idealistic. But he seems to know enough to stay clear of me."

"Which merc groups are after Archangel?"

"Blue Suns. Eclipse. Blood Pack. They're Omega's major players. Unless they are at war, you'll never see them together. But one thing they hate more than each other is Archangel."

"Do you hate Archangel?"

"I don't have time for hate. But I distrust them all equally. For now, I'm happy to just let them kill each other."

"I appreciate the help."

"See if you still feel that way when the mercs realize you're here to help him." Aria mocked.

"Sounds like I don't have much time to waste." John said.

"You've got all the time in the world. Archangel…. Not so much." Aria said. "And you…" She said to Miranda. "I don't like your attitude much. You are Cerberus aren't you?"

"I don't care what you think about me and yes, I am a Cerberus Operative." Miranda replied calmly.

"Told you I don't like your attitude. Ah! I am a fool! What else can I expect from a Cerberus whore?" Aria said.

John flinched at the word 'whore'. Queen of Omega or not, no one calls Miranda that. No one. His back was turned towards Aria as he was about to leave. "Take it back, Aria. Now." His voice was cold as he spoke. Aria would never accept it, but his voice sent a chill up her spine. She covered with her uncaring attitude. "Sorry. Did I heard you correctly, Shepard? You are asking the queen of Omega to apologize to a Cerberus whore?"

"You heard what I said and I told you not to call her that." John replied without looking at Aria.

"Are you threatening me? I would call her 'whore' because she is a whore." Aria smirked.

This time John didn't say anything. He turned his head sideways towards Aria. And it took one glare, just one glare to shut up the queen of Omega. Aria looked at his cold blue eyes and as he looked towards her in anger, his eyes glowed for just a second. Her eyes widened and her smirk vanished as she realized with whom she is talking. She is aware of the prophecy. Very few has the knowledge about it and she is counted among those few. She thought it was just a myth but now the myth is standing in front of her. Still she couldn't bring herself to apologize to the Cerberus Operative. She is the bloody queen of Omega. She has a prestige. What will her men think if she apologized to the Cerberus Operative in front of them? So, she signaled her men to leave them alone. After they left she looked at Miranda, who was staring at her with arms folded over her breasts. "ITWON'THAPPENAGAIN." She apologized quickly. "Now leave." She said turning her back towards them telling them silently that the conversation is over.

They left Aria alone. Then John's gaze fell on the bar to his left.

A Serrice Ice Brandy. That's what the Doc wants. I should get it. He stepped towards the bar quickly and asked for one bottle. The bartender said that this one is rare and he is lucky to have it. Next came the problem, when he tried to pay. He realized that he has no credits to pay for the bottle. He turned to Miranda. "Ah! Miranda could you pay for this? I will repay you once we get to Citadel."

"No need, Commander. Your account has already been credited with sufficient funds by Cerberus." Miranda revealed. John noticed that she was standing very close to him, watching over the crowd absent-mindedly. Jacob was a few feet away watching the dance of an asari dancer. He smiled and shook his head. He paid for the bottle and then he realized something.

How did they get access to my bank informations? He then looked towards Miranda. "I have one question." He said. Hearing his voice she turned her head towards him questioningly. "How did you know about my bank data? How much do you know about me?"

At his question Miranda invaded his personal space and looked at him straight in his eyes. "Everything." She said and moved towards Jacob who was busy watching the asari dancer. She just left him there dumbstruck. John wasn't dumb. He could realize she had a deeper meaning in her answer.

Is it possible that Miranda knew him for longer than he knows? Is she someone from his past, the past which he cannot remember? As he concentrated on his past he felt a sharp pain shot through his head.

"Ah!" He shook his head and wait for the pain to gone. It was gone as quickly as it came. He pushed those thoughts at the back of his mind and concentrated on his mission. Wasting no time, the three of them stepped towards the quarantine zone.

On their way they got some new weapons and upgrades for the Normandy. They also managed to acquire the missing tech that Ken and Gabby requested from the shop of a young quarian named Kenn. It seemed the young quarian wanted to leave the place but he had no credits to book a ride. So, John offered him a few credits. The young quarian was glad and let John buy the missing tech at a large discount. Finally they approached the entrance to the quarantine zone. A turian guard was there, arguing with a human female.

"Complaining is pointless, human. There's a plague. Nobody gets in or out." The turian guard said.

"You can't keep me out! I live in there!" The human female argued.

"I'm doing you a favor, lady. If you go in, the guards will cut you down."

"You can't do this! Everything I own is in that apartment!"

"I told you to get lost, lady! The plague has the whole zone quarantined! Nobody gets in!"

"I'm human, you ass! Humans can't get the plague! Now let me get my stuff out before looters get it!"

"The thing affects every other race out there! We're not taking chances. Nobody gets in until the plague has runs its course."

This time John approached the guard. "There's a salarian named Mordin Solus in the slums. I've got to get in there to find him."

"The doctor? Crazy bastard opened a clinic in the district a few months ago. The Blue Suns weren't too happy when he moved in. I hear Mordin's trying to deal with the plague. I wish him luck, but the area is still locked down. Our orders are to wait until either the plague or the Blue Suns kill everyone, then go in and clean up."

"Listen, you're stuck here until this quarantine is over. That could take weeks. What you really need is to get this problem solved right now. That's what I do…. Solve problems. Let me in, and I'll get the district straightened out."

"You think you can fix this, why not? The quarantine is more to keep infected people in, anyway. I'll radio ahead, tell them you're coming in." The guard agreed.

"Wait, you're stopping me but not them? You son of a bitch!" The human female said angrily.

"You don't have a grenade launcher, lady. Get lost." The guard warned while he let the three of them pass.

They took a shuttle to the quarantine zone and it looked as the turian guard said all the guards inside the area has been informed of their presence. They looked around the area and found tons of dead bodies lying scattered around the area.

"Fortunately, humans are immune to the plague." Miranda murmured.

As they proceeded further the guards warned them about the Blue Suns and vorcha. They opened a door in front of them and saw two Batarians standing at the end of the corridor. Their armors were indicating that they belong to the Blue Suns. Giving them no opportunity the three of them open fired. The two mercenaries were caught off guard and got no time to save themselves or return fire. They were dead before they could realize who just shot them.

"What's that?" Jacob said.

"What?" Miranda asked.

"Listen carefully." Jacob said and true to his word they heard a painful groan. John followed the noise and found a wounded Batarian, who was sitting on the floor with his back against the wall.

"Human. Should have guessed. Bad enough you infect us with this plague. Now you lack the decency to even wait until I die before you come to steal my possessions." The wounded Batarian said.

"We are here to help. Is there anything I can do to help you?" John asked kindly.

"Get away from me, human! Your kind has done too much already! Your plague did this to me. You feigned pity is the final insult."

"I need to find Mordin Solus. Can you tell me which way his clinic is?"

"Humans looking for the human sympathizer. I hope the vorcha burn Mordin and his clinic to the ground. I hope you…Ah!"

Seeing his critical condition John helped the batarian with some medigel. "Hey, stay with me! This won't cure the plague, but it might help a bit."

The medigel worked and the batarian slowly got to his feet. He looked at them, both confused and grateful. "You…. You helped me. Why?"

"It's what I do. I don't know if I can find a cure for this plague, but I'm going to try."

"Your words sound…. Sincere. Maybe it's the fever, but as you said…. What have I to lose?"

"When I find Mordin, I'll tell him about you. If he has a cure, I'll make someone gets it to you."

"Thank you. My time is running short, but at least you have given me a flicker of hope to brighten the darkness of my final hours. I don't want to die. Whatever Mordin is, I will risk it, if he can reach me."

"What makes Mordin worse than dying from the plague?"

"The Blue Suns tried to press him for protection money. He killed them. Stunned them with some kind of toxin, then gunned them down. He's not just a doctor. Doctors don't execute people and display bodies as a warning.

"I see. Wait here. I will tell Mordin to send someone to escort you." John said. Then the three of them moved forward. They turned a few corridors to found their way blocked by the Blue Suns mercenaries and the vorcha with a krogan warlord as their leader.

Immediately bullets started to fly. The three of them were forced to take cover as their enemies were far greater in number. But that didn't stop them. They took down their enemies one by one. A vorcha was approaching with a flame thrower in his hand. Miranda shot the gas tank on its back causing it to explode. The resulting explosion killed the vorcha and few more who was near him. Jacob fired a few shots on the krogan. But it wasn't enough to stop him. Miranda sent a warp towards the krogan, draining his barrier completely. John and Jacob open fired. While firing Jacob tossed a grenade at the krogan's feet. The explosion was enough to kill him.

"The Blue Suns have given up a lot of turf. That doesn't bode well for them." Jacob said. They made no further resistance on their way to the clinic. Mordin's secretary showed them the way to Mordin. When they approached him, he was busy working on a table.

"Professor Mordin Solus?" John said.

Hearing John's voice, Mordin looked up. "Hm. Don't recognize you from area. Too-well armed to be refugees. No mercenary uniform. Quarantine still in effect. Here for something else. Vorcha? Crew to clean them out? Unlikely. Vorcha a symptom. Not a cause. The plague? Investigating possible use as bio-weapon? No. too many guns, not enough data equipment. Soldiers, not scientists." He said this very quickly.

"Relax, Mordin. I'm Commander Shepard and I came here to find you. I'm on a critical mission, and I need your help." John said.

"Mission? What mission? No. too busy. Clinic understaffed. Plague spreading too fast. Who sent you?"

"Ever heard of an organization called Cerberus?"

"Crossed paths on occasion. Thought they only worked with humans. Why request salarian aid?"

"I'm on a mission to shut down the Collectors, and I need your help."

"Collectors? Plague hitting these slums is engineered. Collectors one of the few groups with technology to design it. Our goals may be similar. But must stop plague first. Already have a cure. Need to distribute it at environmental control center. Vorcha guarding it. Need to kill them."

"I'll get in and deal with the vorcha." John offered.

Suddenly they heard some system shut downs over the area.

"What the hell was that?" Jacob said.

"Vorcha have shut down the environmental systems. Trying to kill everyone. Need to get the power back on before district suffocates. Here, take plague cure. Also, bonus in good faith. Weapons from dead Blue Suns mercs. May come in handy against vorcha." Mordin said handing John a new kind of handgun. They were about to leave but Mordin stopped them. "One more thing. Daniel. One of my assistants. Went into vorcha territory. Looking for victims. Hasn't come back."

"If I see him, I'll do what I can to help." John said.

"Thank you. Told him not to go. But he's smart. Bright future. I hope."

"I found a batarian plague victim near the entrance to the neighborhood. Can you send someone to help him?"

"Risky. Blue Suns, vorcha still battling. District not secure. See what I can do."

A FEW MINUTES LATER

Miranda heard some voices inside a door to her left. He signaled her team mates. She quickly opened the door and the three of them entered with their guns raised in front of them. There were three batarians threatening a human. By the look of his outfit he seems to be Mordin's assistant, Daniel.

"Please…. I'm telling the truth. I work for Mordin at the clinic. I came here to help you." The man pleaded to the batarian who held him by the front of his shirt.

"We know you're spreading the plague virus. We saw the vials in your bag." The batarian said.

"No! Those vials contain the cure. Please…. You have to believe me." Daniel pleaded again.

"Maybe we should cut off your fingers. That should loosen your…" The batarian stopped when he spotted three armed human in the room. "Don't move! One more step, and we will kill your friend!"

"I know you are scared. Of the vorcha. Of the plague. But this man isn't to blame. If he was spreading the virus, why would he come into the vorcha territory? They're immune." John tried to reason.

The batarian understood. "He's right. It doesn't make any sense. If we release the prisoner, we can go?"

"You have my word on it." John assured.

"Let him go." The leader of the batarian ordered his men. Then he turned towards John. "You got what you wanted, human. Are we free to go?"

John lowered his gun and so did Jacob and Miranda. "We had a deal."

"Human nobility. I didn't know such a thing existed." The batarian said while leaving with his men.

John turned to Daniel who was still shaking in fear. "Thank you. I thought they were going to….. kill me." Daniel thanked them. "Did Mordin send you to find me?" He added.

"The Professor could use your help right now. He's got too many patients and not enough volunteers."

"Yeah, okay. I'll go right away. Thanks again. I owe you… well…. Everything." He thanked again and left the room quickly.

The three of them proceeded towards the environmental fans. They reached there after killing several more vorchas. There was a large group of vorchas guarding the environmental fans to prevent them from delivering the cure.

"You no come here. We shut down machines, break fans! Everyone choke and die! Then Collectors make us strong!" The leader of the vorchas spoke.

"What do the Collectors want?" John asked.

"Collectors want plague! You work for doctor, turn on machines, put cure in air. We kill you first!"

Immediately another fire fight started. Bullets, teach attacks and biotics flew by. Soon the entire area was clear of the enemies. Next, EDI's voice was sounded in their comm, "Shepard, I've scanned the room. The central control system is in an alcove in the center of the back wall. You can inject the cure and re-initialize the systems there."

They did as EDI suggested. They put in the cure and get the fans working.

"We did it." Jacob said.

LATER, BACK AT THE CLINIC

"Environmental systems engaged. Airborne viral levels dropping. Patients improving. Vorcha retreating. Well done, Shepard. Thank you." Mordin said.

"And thank you from me as well. Those batarians would have killed me." Daniel stepped forward. "For a second there, I thought you were going to shoot them even after they let me go."

"He is not like that. He always keeps his promises." Miranda answered surprising John.

"Merciful of you. Risky. Would have killed them myself." Mordin said.

"Professor? How can you say that? You're a doctor. You believe in helping people." Daniel said angrily.

"Lots of way to help people. Sometimes heal patients. Sometimes execute dangerous people. Either way helps. Go check on patients. Lots of work to do. Think about what I said." Mordin said to Daniel. They saw him move towards other patients to help them. Mordin turned towards John. "Good kid. Bit naïve. He'll learn. Letting him take over the clinic. Should be able to handle it now that vorcha are gone."

"We've cured the plague. Are you ready to help stop the Collectors?" John asked.

"Yes. Unexpected to be working with Cerberus. Many surprises." Mordin agreed.

"Well. See you on the Normandy, Professor." John said and turned to leave but Mordin stopped him.

"I need to check you, Shepard." Mordin said.

"Check me? Why?" John said.

"Just come closer, Commander." Mordin requested. John came forward as Mordin told. He immediatelt grabbed John's face and begin to examine his head.

"Hm. Signs of amnesia. Nothing to worry." Mordin murmured.

"Wha…. Agh!" John couldn't ask his question as Mordin shocked him. He fell to the ground unconscious.

Miranda immediately came to John's aid. She cradled the upper part of his body in her arms, placing his head against her shoulder.

"What the hell did you do?!" Jacob said raising his gun.

"See for yourself." Came Mordin's reply.

"John! John!" Miranda called his name repeatedly begging him to wake up. And he did wake up after a minute.

John slowly opened his eyes. He could still feel his head was throbbing. But in the next moment all his pain were forgotten as his gaze fell on the woman, on whose arms he lay. She was looking at him with concern in her eyes. He knew those blue eyes, that pale face, those raven hair, those perfect nose, those lips which he always longed to kiss. The name automatically came out of his mouth, "Miri?"

He saw her eyes widen in surprise.

Note: I didn't spectate the fight in details. Didn't feel it was necessary (And I felt lazy). So, I skipped it. And well finally he recognizes her. I feel Mordin could do anything, he is a genius. So I made him help John, recover his memory. Hope you guys are happy now and stop being angry with me. LOL! Just joking. Anyways let me know what you guys think by reviews or PM's.