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Her eyes wide open, she started hyperventilating. Jacob tried to talk to her, but she didn't seem to hear him. Finally, not sure what else to do, he brought his hand up to his mouth. "Miranda…something's wrong with Shepard."

"Wrong? How wrong? What did you do?"

"Nothing. She was the one intending to do something to me. She was aiming at me and…"

"Was she being hostile?"

"More like terrified, Miranda. And then she crumpled to the floor and she's trembling like a leaf here."

"Test her pulse."

As he neared his hand to her neck, which was still trapped in her palms, she suddenly moved. Her hand jerked up and caught his wrist firmly. Tears glistened in her eyes as she glared daggers at him. "What have you done to me?" she growled, holding his hand in a surprisingly tight grip.

"Jacob? You there?"

"Nothing. I swear. Nothing," he insisted.

"Liar…" she growled and let go of him finally, using her legs to push herself as far from him as possible. Blood had started soaking through the improvised bandages on her feet, making red smears wherever she touched the floor.

Jacob stood up slowly as she scrambled to her feet as well. She pushed her hair from her face, never tearing her eyes off the Cerberus operative."So you did nothing, you say?" she went on. Her knees felt weak and her head was dizzy. "And what about my biotics? Or the amp jack? Or my hair? Or my scars?" She was whispering in voice as cold as ice.

"Jacob! What's going on? Talk to me! Is Shepard okay?"

"Like I said," Jacob said slowly, ignoring the panicking woman. "I understand all of this. You're scared and have no idea what's going on. We can explain everything, but please – not here. Now's not the time. So pick up the gun," he pointed at the pistol at his feet, "and let's go to the ship to meet my friends. We are your only hope to get from this place alive. Come on, Commander. You must know I'm right."

Here lower lip started trembling and she shifted her weight. Of course she knew he was right.

"If I wanted to hurt you, I could have done so while you were lying helplessly on the floor." He reached out with his hand, palm up. He didn't move when she slowly crouched to pick up the pistol with her trembling hands. Then she clenched her jaw and her features turned into steel. Her bright green eyes focused on his hand and then she smacked it away. "Go first," she hissed.

He nodded, a wave of relief washing over him. He lifted his hand when he turned around. "Miranda. Jacob here. We're fine and on our way to you," he quickly said and led the way.

Keeping a close eye on him, Maya let him lead her through the station. He proved to be a very good shooter and biotic. Whenever her gun got stuck, he gave her another of those thermo clips without a question or hesitation whether or not he might become her next target. If her gun aimed at the back of his head worried him, he didn't show. During the journey she'd also reflected the guy definitely had been through some military training. Whether it was Cerberus that trained him or someone else, she couldn't tell, but it was there. Some of his movements, gestures…

And she wasn't the only one watching the other closely. She realized Jacob also paid a very close attention to her when he stopped and turned to her suddenly. "You're okay?"

She looked at him like she didn't know what he was talking about. "Sure thing," she said.

Jacob lifted his eyebrows, and then his dark eyes traced the bloody footprints Maya was leaving behind. "It's getting worse."

"I've got cuts there. Of course I'm bleeding. You said the hangar was nearby. Let's go," she said slowly, carefully leaning forward to put more weight on her toes. With the effects of the extra adrenaline slowly fading, she had discovered she'd probably missed a few pieces of glass. Probably a lot of them. She had pulled out only the largest ones.

"Does it hurt?"

"Fucking no and go!" she hissed.

He shrugged and turned around, slowly edging towards the next door. Then suddenly he turned around again, his omnitool activated.

"What are you doing?" she asked, starting to feel really impatient.

He smiled gently. "You could make a small glass with the amount of shards left in you feet."

"Adrenaline. I don't feel it."

"Is this why you're gradually slowing down then?"

"I'm not slowing down."

He shook his head, letting his arms fall to his sides. "You're stubborn, aren't you?"

"Could we move on, please?"

He cracked a smile, looked at her feet. "Why don't you let me help? I've got medigel."

"And I've got very little patience left," she replied promptly and slipped past him. She stopped at the door when she caught soft sounds of gunfire coming from behind it. Jacob ran to the other side of the door so when she opened it they had a view over the whole room. The part of it she had a view of was crawling with droids, but they didn't seem to care about them. Maya paused as she tried to find whatever had caught their attention while Jacob opened fire straight away.

All the droids were trying to climb up a stairway and Maya noticed a barricade at its top, made mostly of crates and a few chairs. A single person was defending it, riddling the droids with bullets.

Maya raised her pistol as well and joined the battle from behind her cover. With the three of them, it didn't take long to finish the hostile forces. One by one, the droids fell to the bottom of the stairs with loud screeching noises. They piled there, looking like rag-dolls with holes in their chests and heads, with missing legs or arms.

Maya was the first to go in, but Jacob quickly caught up with her. They neared the stairs and the heap of mechs when the person jumped over the barricade. She had long black hair tied up in a high ponytail, loose dark blue tank top reaching to her thighs and black leggings. She glanced their way, then run down the stairs to check on the mechs. She stood above them, her eyes searching the pile for something. Then she lifted her gun and shot one of the mechs twice in its head; each bullet made a small hole above each of the mech's "eyes". "Took you long enough," she growled towards Maya and Jacob and frowned as she shot another mech. This one didn't have a face, but only a light in a shape of a ring, and she shot one bullet in its middle.

A chill went down May's spine and she shuddered as she watched the woman finish off another droid with two bullets. "What are you doing?" she asked slowly.

The woman lifted her head to look at her. Her angry dark green eyes met hers. "What do you think?" she snorted. "Making sure they stay down. As a soldier you should probably know that."

"Our mechs have very good self-repairing systems," Jacob explained quickly, leaning closer to Maya while she hypnotized the woman in front of her. "Who are you?" she asked.

"None of your business," she retorted and then pointed to the top of the stairs. "And move your ass to the ship, finally," she added, turning from them and heading up again.

"Rebecca…" Jacob chided the woman, quickly following her.

Maya stood frozen for a few more seconds before she took a breath and started climbing the stairs as well. Her mind was racing, but she just couldn't figure out the possible reason why. And that was probably the only thing that saved the woman's life. For now.

"Miranda! They're here!" Rebecca shouted as she opened a door leading to the landing platform itself. There was a ship ready for takeoff. Without waiting for Jacob and Maya, Rebecca climbed in the small shuttle.

Another woman walked to meet Shepard and Jacob as they went through the door. There was dried blood on her face, but it didn't seem to belong to her. She wore black and white jumpsuit with Cerberus logo on her breasts. Maya's eyes nearly popped out when she notice she was also wearing high heels. She had a beautiful face and a figure a lot of women would kill for, and she smiled brightly when she spotted Maya. "Commander," she said with unconcealed awe in her voice. She looked like she couldn't believe her eyes for a few seconds.

Two years. Two years of her life and there she stood. Commander Shepard, alive and kicking. Miranda wouldn't hesitate to even call Shepard her child, because it was her who brought her back. Her and a couple of other people, true, but she put the plan together. She spent most hours working on her, running tests, making sure their newest progress was properly done. "Jacob, you were supposed to make sure she's okay," she said with a frown when she noticed her bandaged feet.

"You Miranda?" Maya asked warily. She recognized her voice, but she had to ask anyway.

"Ladies…!" another voice came from the ship and before Maya could actually pinpoint what exactly sounded so familiar about it, Jacob put a hand on her back, ushering her forward. Rebecca was already inside, seated comfortably and strapped in. Miranda hopped in as well and turned around to offer a hand to help Maya in.

Shepard totally ignored her outstretched arm and climbed in on her own. She collapsed on one of the seats, happy to finally shift her weight off her feet. The pain was pulsing now and each step felt like…well…walking over glass shards. But she'd be damned if she ever asked for their help.

Jacob was the last one in and he closed the door with a loud thud. That moment, the ship engines roared and the ship slowly took off, heading up as the hangar door above them started opening.

"So…?" Maya took a breath, scrutinizing Rebecca. She was ignoring her, pretending to search something on her omnitool. "How much is the ransom? If it's not at least six figures I'll be very mad."

"Ransom?" Miranda echoed, tilting her head slightly.

"Well, there must be a reason you whisked me away…"

Miranda frowned and looked at Jacob. He shrugged. "She doesn't know anything yet."

"Ah…" Miranda mumbled, running her hand through her rich black hair. "Then I believe an explanation is in order."

"Don't say," Maya muttered, her eyes still travelling to Rebecca from time to time. The woman lifted her eyes as if checking if Shepard was still watching, dark green meeting bright one for a split second.

"My name is Miranda Lawson. This is Rebecca Raynolds and Jacob Taylor," Miranda introduced them, gesturing towards each of them.

Raynolds… Maya's features hardened. "I see…well, now it makes sense…" she mumbled, confusing Miranda. Then she waved her hand. "Ah, don't mind me. Go on, Cerberus."

Miranda didn't let the brusque way Shepard spoke to her throw her off. She would have been more surprised if Shepard was actually nice to them. She took a slow breath, lacing her fingers on her lap. "You…need to understand this isn't how it was supposed to happen," she started.

"I know. I wasn't supposed to be up for at least two weeks," Maya said instead of Miranda. "I've heard that bit. Was I on drugs or something? Were you trying to stop me from contacting the Alliance?"

Rebecca sneered and shook her head. "Control chip, anyone?"

Miranda frowned. "The Illusive Man forbade it for a reason, Becky. And I agree with him," she fixed the younger woman with a stare.

Rebecca snorted. "Oh, please, Miranda. Trying to win her favour?"

Miranda's face seemed to be made of stone when she replied. "If we want to succeed in this fight, we need Commander Shepard. Not some cheap replacement."

"Control chip?" Maya echoed. "Cheap replacement…?"

Miranda turned her blue eyes back to Maya and gave her a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry, Commander. There was an accident. Your ship was attacked by an unknown ves…"

"I was there," Maya cut her off. "I remember."

"So you remember it," she repeated, looking strangely pleased. "Are your memories vague or vivid?"

"Miranda…" Jacob addressed her, giving her a meaningful look.

"I'm sorry, I got carried away," the brunette apologized.

"You did," Maya frowned at her. "I know what happened. Like I said, I was there. But I would like to know how I ended up here. And when did I end up here? How long did you keep me unconscious?"

Rebecca chuckled as if Maya said something incredibly funny, earning a dirty look from the brunette. Jacob simply dropped his eyes, avoiding May's searching gaze.

Miranda took a slow breath and she looked back on Maya, genuine sadness mirroring in her eyes. "I am sorry, Commander. We didn't keep you unconscious or on drugs, as you suspect. I was asking about the attack to test if your memory works properly, because…Shepard, the attack happened two years ago."

Maya just stared, speechless.

"You see, a few crewmembers didn't survive the encounter…including you."

Now she started shaking her head.

"After some trouble we managed to get our hands on your body and we launched the Lazarus project. Its goal was to bring you back. Everything you are now, everything you remember, everything you feel or you can do is a result of our actions."

"Impossible. You…you're lying… I couldn't die. You can't revive anyone from being dead. I couldn't die!" Maya said harshly, her hands trembling. The things that didn't make any sense, all the changes…no…there had to be some other explanation.

"Two years ago I would have agreed," Miranda nodded and activated her omnitool. She slipped it from her hand and handed it to Shepard. "However, see for yourself."

Tentatively, Maya took the little device and the holographic interface was projected around her forearm immediately. She could list through a few news articles and what she read made her heart skip a few beats. They were all about her and only about her. The first was dated shortly after the attack, saying she was listed MIA. Then some other described the battle of the Citadel, denying everything she'd been saying about Saren and Sovereign. Then another one, a few months after the attack, the Alliance officially declared her KIA.

The omnitool clanked loudly as it fell form her numb fingers and hit he floor.

"No…no…no…" was all she managed to rasp out. She started shaking and her eyes widened.

"That's it!" Jacob exclaimed when she suddenly twitched in the seat, wheezing as if she had troubles breathing, her gasps quick and shallow. "That's what happened to her earlier!"

Miranda had already unbuckled herself and was kneeling in front of her with the first-aid kit from under her seat. She'd opened the box quickly and took what she needed. "Jacob, hold her still," she commanded and Jacob obliged, trying to stop her from trashing as Miranda gave her the sedatives. She immediately went limp in the seat, being hold in the place only thanks to the seat belts.

She could feel someone stroking her hair gently. She was lying on a floor with a blanket under her with another one wrapped around her. She stirred slightly, opening her eyes despite feeling incredibly groggy. There was a man above her and her head seemed to be resting on his lap. He smiled at her. "Hey," he said quietly, touching her cheek lovingly.

"Not you too…" she mumbled. She wanted to lift her hand and trace the Cerberus emblem on his uniform with her fingers, but she felt so weak and there was this strange numbness in her hands and fingers as well. "Tobias, not you too…" He was wearing a similar uniform like Jacob or Miranda; black and white.

"I'm sorry. Better money and chance to get off Earth, remember?" he asked quietly. "I told you about it and you were excited. I was too. And I didn't know about what happened to you until after the Illusive Man assigned me to your crew."

"My…crew?" she repeated in weak voice.

"Yes. He's got a ship ready for you and a crew. Awesome crew. I've met some of them and they're all thrilled to serve under you."

"I had a crew…" she frowned slightly. "They were the best. Joker, Ashley, Adams, Chakwas…" she trailed off.

"I heard you had even non-human crewmembers."

"Yes," she smiled. "Garrus was a sweetheart. Liara and Tali, too. Wrex…was Wrex. They were friends…" she mumbled happily and then her sorrow clouded her eyes. "I hope Liara escaped the ship. She was on board at the time and…oh, Tobi…please," she begged him, her eyes bearing into his. "Tell me it isn't true. Tell me I wasn't…I remember, but…I had to be in coma, right?"

He gave her a sad smile as his fingers carefully treaded through her hair. "I was there when she brought you in. I am sorry, Maya…it is true. You were dead for a very long time before we even got you here. No coma."

"But…two years…"

"…I was hoping to talk to you again."

"…everyone thinks I'm dead. Kaidan thinks I'm dead!" she mumbled, going hoarse when she tried to raise her voice.

Tobias didn't say anything to that, just kept on stroking her hair. The last time she had this longish hair was back on Mindoir. He knew Miranda had decided for a long hair because then Shepard would be free to do anything with it. Keep it long, cut it…anything she would want.

"John…John thinks I'm dead," she went on, looking like a little girl when fear took over her. "Mom!"

"Shh…" he mumbled and bent to kiss her brow. "We'll fix it, don't worry. We'll fix everything, but first we have a lot of work to do."

"I won't do anything…I want to go home." She tried to sit up, but she only managed to lift herself a little, and then fell back.

"Slowly. You had a serious panic attack. You couldn't breathe, your heart was making an effort to reach a heart attack too. You probably have a few bruises the way you were trashing. Miranda sedated you a little bit. We also dressed your feet, you little masochist."

"She drugged me?"

He nodded slowly. "Yes, but for your own good. You didn't…handle the news very well. Anyway she was sure you'd feel your usual self before we arrive."

"Arrive? Where?"

Tobias paid her another sad smile. "A lot happened while you were gone. Humanity is in trouble and the Alliance is doing nothing to investigate what's happening. Cerberus is the only one trying to protect us now. But we need your help."

"I don't understand, Tobias…"

"You will," he whispered, cupping her cheek. He carefully ran his thumb across the angry scar where her skin hadn't had the time to heal properly. She didn't flinch so it didn't hurt apparently, but the red light shining through the slit in her skin was creepy "You will. Now, how about you close your eyes and take a nap before we get there? You weren't supposed to be up yet. You must be very tired. The only time you looked worse was after Mindoir."

"The journey back on Earth was excruciating. I thought I lost my life after Mindoir was destroyed," she said quietly. "And now I lost two years. And I don't want to waste a second more…"

"Maya, your body wasn't prepared for such a strain. You need to get your energy back. Go to sleep, May. I'll be here and I promise no one will hurt you now."

She closed her eyes, but also furrowed her brow. "Where is Rebecca?"

"In the cockpit."

"Good…good. Don't let her out of your sight. I need a word with her."

His hand still stroked her hair even after Tobias was sure she was sleeping.

"The Illusive Man was right about you," Miranda smiled at him. "She trusts you."

"I think she's just too tired to oppose me," Tobias said with a smile, watching May's face. She looked finally so calm and serene, and if it weren't for the scars, he wouldn't guess it wasn't the good old Maya, but a half-cyborg.

"She isn't a cyborg," Miranda surprised him. He wasn't even aware he'd actually voiced his thoughts. "Every fibre of her body is hers. We tried to keep everything artificial to minimum, but some things were necessary. We wouldn't have repaired her skeleton without a bit of a help, for example."

"I still can't believe it. What you did was…" he broke off, searching for the right word. "I don't think there is a term to describe it. You brought her back from the other side. Here she is, lying in my lap but I still cannot believe it. You're incredible, Miranda."

She grinned. "Are you being sweet on me?"

Tobias lifted his eyes to her. "I wouldn't dare."

"You two…" Jacob laughed and shook his head. Then he turned serious as he leaned closer to the two. "What was wrong with Rebecca anyway? I've never seen her so angry before."

"I don't know…" Miranda shook her head.

"I think I do," Tobias mumbled. "I've tried to trace the source of the problem back with our mechanic friends like you asked, Miri," he started saying. "I've discovered she was the last one to log in the systems."

"What?" Jacob asked, lowering his voice. "She caused the mechs to go crazy?"

"Why didn't you say so earlier?" Miranda frowned at him, crossing her arms.

"Because she just logged in. It doesn't have to mean anything. Maya would tell us more. She's the best tech I've ever met, but…" he shrugged. "Anyway, I'm going to mention this to the Illusive Man and he'll decide what to do."

"But why would she do it?" Jacob asked.

Tobias shrugged. "Like I said, she didn't have to do it at all. And I would suggest you to act normally in front of her in case she did it. Of course, if the Illusive Man decides to get rid off her for endangering Maya, I'll gladly pull the trigger."

"So…how are things?" John asked almost immediately after Kaidan opened the door.

"Hey you too," Kaidan murmured in reply and turned around, heading back to the living room.

John shrugged. "Hey, Kaidan. Nice to see you. So…" he made a meaningful pause, watching his friend. He'd slid into a seat and just stared back. "I'm getting a new assignment," Kaidan said finally.

"You know that's now that I meant," John stated, sitting on Kaidan's sofa. "You look better than the last time I saw you."

Kaidan dropped his eyes as his hands on his lap suddenly became very interesting. "I feel better," he admitted after a moment of hesitation.

"I hear a but coming on…" John muttered, giving him a searching look.

Kaidan sighed and rubbed his face with both of his hands wearily. "No but. With Rahna things are…relatively fine," he sighed and then hesitated. "Okay, there is a but. I felt weird when she was here the first time. I can't shake off the feeling that she doesn't belong here." He frowned at the memory. Just like Maya had a flat back on Earth where they both lived, he had bought one on the Citadel. Being here with another woman just rubbed Kaidan the wrong way. Luckily, Rahna didn't seem to notice anything. "I'm slowly getting used it nonetheless."

"Better than nothing," John shrugged, and then decided to move on another topic. "So what about the assignment."

"Have you heard about the few abducted colonies?"

"Who hasn't?" John shrugged. It was a quite hot topic those days.

"I'm the one to investigate. The Alliance Command has a hunch Cerberus is behind it. But I shouldn't be telling you this, so…don't spread it around, okay?"

"Of course," John nodded his understanding. Then he leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees. "Why Cerberus?"

"They mess around in the area suspiciously. Also for over two months their activity has significantly increased. Like they're up to something."

"They always are, aren't they?" John asked, shaking his head. "Pain in the ass, that's what they are," he added. "Oh, Ashley and Chris say hi."

The journey to the other Cerberus facility took longer then Maya was comfortable with. Miranda tried to ask her a few questions about her memories again, and Maya unscrupulously told her to fuck off. She felt a stab of annoyance when Miranda just nodded calmly. She hoped to make her angry so that she'd slip and tell her something more about what Cerberus was planning now.

Tobias grinned at her when their eyes met, but she didn't return the gesture. She let her eyes drop to her hands resting on her lap. She pretended to be fascinated by the red scars, but she didn't see them. She was thinking. Hard. And the more thinking she was, the surer she felt about her conclusions. It couldn't be just a coincidence. When she paid a very close attention to Rebecca, she could even spot the resemblance. Was this the motive? Was she hoping to find Maya in her flat that night? Or was it on purpose? Just like Adam had acted right after John had gone to the Citadel, could Rebecca have done the same?

"We're here…" Miranda finally announced when the ship neared a large space station. Maya looked out the window, but she snapped her head away after feeling panic started tightening its grip on her stomach again. Her heart was beating madly like it wanted to break trough her ribcage and she tried to calm it down with long, deep breaths, but she could still see stars in front of her eyes. The last sight she saw before she died. Stars and the oxygen percentage quickly decreasing.

Tobias took covered her fisted hand with his own. "You okay?"

She nodded, not really trusting her voice at the moment.

Maya was quite surprised no one came to greet them in the hangar. She felt also incredibly insecure as she let them lead her through the unknown corridors. "Our boss is waiting for you," Miranda started talking finally, raising the voice over the sound of her heels clicking against the floor. "I've sent him a report about what happened and he is eager to meet you."

"I wish I could say the feeling is mutual…wait. No, I don't," Maya replied calmly, conjuring another smile on Tobias' face.

"I understand," Miranda nodded. "But you must understand that this isn't about us anymore. This is bigger than Cerberus, or the Alliance. And you of all the people should know."

"I should know…what exactly? You keep me deliberately in a dark and I'm sick of it."

"The Illusive Man will answer all your questions," Miranda promised.

"Yeah, yeah, just like you were supposed to explain everything and I still don't feel enlightened," Maya couldn't resist.

Miranda sighed quietly. She expected a slightly unfriendly approach, but this was getting tiring. "We need your help, Commander. We're not trying to deceive you in any way," she said finally as she led them to a large room with tables and chairs along one of the walls. Two more doors led from the area. There were a single vending machine and drinks dispenser for refreshments. Jacob immediately headed towards them.

There was also a person waiting for them, and the man stood up when he noticed them.

This is the mysterious Illusive Man?, Maya thought, unimpressed. The thin man looked like he was about to break down every minute. He looked tired, with dark circles under his eyes, and shaking hands. "Miss Lawson," he greeted the woman with a smile. He nodded towards the rest of them. "We were in a little bit of a hurry, but her armour is ready," he tried to whisper, but Maya could hear him anyway.

With her back to her, she couldn't see Miranda's face. And unlike the other Cerberus worker she did manage to talk quietly.

"But of course we did. Like always."

Miranda shook her head and performed a fine example of a helpless facepalm. She mumbled something.

"Oh, we didn't think of that, Miss Lawson," he said in an apologetic tone.

"Then deal with it and quickly," Miranda replied and patted the man's shoulder. Now he looked like he was about to start crying. "And don't worry. As far as I am concerned, everything was flawless," she added and Maya frowned at that. Apparently the man botched something, but Miranda just told him she wouldn't snitch on him, scoring a few insignificant brownie points with Maya.

The man nodded and sauntered away, looking in thoughts and shaking his head.

"So," Miranda said out loud, turning around. "Shepard, would you be so kind and followed me? The boss is waiting."

Maya lifted her hand. "Under one condition. I want you and Miss Raynolds here to accompany me to the meeting."

Rebecca frowned while Miranda appeared curious. "I don't think that's a problem," she said eventually, gazing at Rebecca. The woman had folded her arms over her chest, but moved towards one of the door under Miranda's stern glare.

Maya carefully patted the waistline of the trousers to check if the gun she had stolen back on the Lazarus station was still there, hidden under the loose shirt. They had taken it away after her panic attack, but she snatched it when no one was looking.

She followed Rebecca and walked side by side with Miranda as the three women passed through the door. Maya blinked when they found themselves in a dark window-less room with no one inside. Rebecca was waiting in the middle of the room, inside a circle made of blue spot lights and Miranda joined her. Maya, hesitantly, did the same.

For a few seconds, nothing happened. Then suddenly the room was gone. A large, blazing sun filled the space behind the window. There was a chair spoiling the view and a man sitting in it, his legs crossed nonchalantly. He looked very fancy. He was wearing an expensive-looking suit with a white shirt underneath. He was older, just as Maya expected, but there wasn't a single gray hair on his head yet. But what was most troubling about him were his eyes. There were strange implants adorning his irises, making them shine unnaturally. All in all, however, he looked elegant and charismatic and there was an air of authority around him. It was exactly the type of man Maya would look back at if she met him on a street. Provided she didn't know he was a head of a secret terrorist organization.

The Illusive Man took a drag on the cigarette he was holding as he met May's eyes. Then the grey and blue orbs slid from her face and scrutinized her from head to toe as he blew smoke from his mouth.

"Commander Shepard," he said finally.

"Hello, TIM," Maya said, folding her arms. "I must say I'm disappointed. Are you afraid to face me?"

Miranda made a soft surprised noise at the way Maya addressed one of the most influential men in the galaxy.

He chuckled, tapping the cigarette against the brim of the ashtray. "Just a necessary precaution," he said simply, sounding slightly amused. "Not unusual for people who know what you and I know."

An evil grin plastered on May's face. "Funny you mentioned knowledge," she mumbled. "You see, because there is certain knowledge of mine I would like to discuss. It would also explain why I asked Lawson and Raynolds here to join this little rendezvous." Without much ado, she pulled out the gun and shot Rebecca in her stomach. Miranda jumped back instinctively, pressing a hand to her mouth. Rebecca gasped and slowly brought her hand to touch the shot wound, looking at her palm questioningly. She fell on her knees, breathing quickly as she stared at the blood on her hand.

The Illusive Man didn't bat an eyelash at it.

"Did you know about what she did?" Maya asked, her voice icy, turning her head to the Illusive Man. When he didn't answer, Maya chuckled darkly. "My, my…a second time your sheep crossed me and you don't know about it. You should keep them on a leash, TIM. A question for you, Becky," Maya paused, waiting until Rebecca raised her eyes to her. "Why did you kill Lena?"

She didn't say anything, but the accusation in her eyes spoke thousands words.

"Then let me correct you. I didn't kill your father. He did," she jerked her head to the Illusive Man. "Jereth saved my life and he was killed by one of Cerberus agents as he tried to turn himself in."

Miranda hugged herself as she watched the blood slowly streaming between Rebecca's fingers. A chill ran down her spine. This was why some were so afraid of Commander Shepard. When it came to it, she could be ruthless and merciless.

Rebecca just stared at her, her mouth half-opened. There was a surprise in her eyes, but Maya wasn't sure if it was the bullet or the revelation about her father's death. Either way, she found she actually didn't give a damn. "The first bullet was for Lena. This one," the gun in her hand barked again and Rebecca screamed doubling over as it hit her thigh, "is for John. I also planned to put the muzzle in your mouth and send another bullet through your brain for killing me too, but that would be pitiful," she added nonchalantly. "Not to mention it would instantly kill you and I take pleasure in seeing you die slow and painful death a shot stomach brings."

"For killing you?" Miranda mumbled.

Maya didn't look at her. She kept her eyes on Rebecca. "She killed Lena. I had to postpone the Normandy's takeoff for two days because I wanted to attend her funeral, which also postponed the start of mine and Kaidan's shore leave for two days. The Normandy was attacked two days before it would start. Do the math in your head, Lawson." Then she turned to the Illusive Man's holograph again. "I bet she didn't see it coming. Just like you won't if you cross me, too." She looked at Miranda, too, the warning written plainly on her face. She was serious. She wouldn't hesitate to kill her.

"You certainly lived up to my expectations, Commander," the Illusive Man said calmly, taking a draw on his cigarette again. "Merciless to her enemies."

"Then be careful not to end up on my personal blacklist," Maya frowned at him.

He smiled confidently. "I only hope you'll prove to be just as effective against our common enemy, Shepard," he said, making a slight emphasis on the "common".

"The Reapers," Maya reflected and he nodded, pleased she could follow him. "Good to see your memory is still intact," he said, turning his eyes to dark-haired woman by Maya's side. "Well done, Miranda," he said, startling her. Her attention had been focused on writhing Rebecca as she was giving a death rattle on the floor. "Just doing my job," she said and almost managed to sound like her usual self.

"How are you feeling?" the Illusive Man turned his unnatural gaze back to Maya.

And she smiled sweetly at him. "None of your business," she said, her voice saccharine.

The Illusive man lifted a corner of his mouth at that. He'd got Miranda's report before they arrived at the station. He knew she didn't respond well when confronted with her death. He also knew that she was as skilled as before, based on Jacob's word. He knew she remembered her crew and her family, even her homeworld, thanks to Tobias' subtle questioning. He'd chosen the team well.

"So let's skip the pleasantries and tell me what the Reapers are doing that made you decide to bring me back." There was something dark in her voice.

The Illusive Man stood up. "We're at war. No one wants to admit it, but humanity is under attack," he started saying and told her everything she needed to know. About the missing colonists, his theory of the Reapers harvesting them. About someone he thought was working for them. He even tried to manipulate her into feeling guilty for drawing their attention on humans after she killed one of them. She listened to him with emotionless expression and asked a question now and then.

Then, after he fell silent, she cocked her right eyebrow. "Nice speech, TIM," she mumbled. "Only I need more than words to believe anything you just said."

Again the smile. The one that indicated she said exactly what he wanted to hear. "I'd be disappointed if I could persuade you that easily," he said simply, his eyes watching her carefully. "Go and see for yourself. I have a shuttle ready to take you to Freedom's Progress," he was saying as he turned around and headed back to his chair. "The latest colony to be abducted. Miranda and Jacob will brief you," he said, sitting down.

Maya snorted, casting a sideway look at Miranda. "Right. Miss Universe and a gun for hire. Sure thing. Why not? I always liked being stabbed in the back and being left to bleed to…" she paused, the sneer sliding off her face. For some reason, she was unable to finish the line. She just couldn't joke about death anymore.

The Illusive Man narrowed his eyes. "We've spent fortune to bring you back, Commander. You can be sure if anything happens to you, it won't be by any of my men's hand."

"Fair point," Maya admitted, suddenly tired of this charade. The Illusive Man offered her a chance to find out on her own if his words were true. Of course, she'd never cooperate with him otherwise. But…he probably wouldn't be giving this option if there wasn't at least a speck of truth in it. And in the case, she was obliged to help. Not him. Not Cerberus. But the people who might be abducted next if someone didn't stop the Reapers now.

Frowning, she looked at Miranda. "If you want to come along, Lawson, change into something more fit for fighting. And no high heels. I won't have time to treat a twisted ankle." With that said, she turned around.