"Callista" by Saki Kaskas (Upper Afterlife) / "Lo Fi Epic – The Techno Madness Mix" by Jesse James Allen (Lower Afterlife)

XXXVIII. Afterlife

(Shepard)

Default and straightforward, I decided we would all head to Omega for some shore leave after Horizon. I did want to ignore Aria's email—and her timely request to talk to me about 'politics' at her club. But part of me wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. I couldn't assume anything about her intentions. And I didn't want to keep guessing and wondering about her, because it was too much work. I had enough rage going on in my life right now. I had no desire to add Aria's possible deceptions to that list. So I figured I would go talk to her, see what she was up to with my own eyes, and then go from there.

After about a day or so, everyone was patched up and ready to go; and eager to let off some steam.

We arrived to Omega and left the Normandy together as one big group. Geared up in my stealth suit again—to escape the grime on this space station—I led everyone to the club, holding Miranda's hand in mine. Legion, Kaidan, Mordin, Jack, Tali, Garrus, Zaeed, and Joker all followed behind us, talking together about everything they wanted to do at the club. Joker, Tali, and Garrus were particularly glad to have Kaidan back with us, the four of them walking closest with each other, joking and laughing about old times. Jack got along surprisingly well with Zaeed, the two of them wisecracking about the beating they took on the last mission. That left Mordin and Legion as the sort-of-outcasts, with Mordin explaining to Legion the social advantages of organics enjoying themselves with alcohol and dancing.

As we walked up the promenade toward the Afterlife club—that synthy dance music's bass thudding, thrumming, strumming—I noticed everyone staring at us. Not just at the rest of the team, but at Miranda and me. Especially the two of us. All of those bystanders and civilians seemed to blend into the background compared to us. They faded well into the backdrop of those ethereal, half-golden lights shining in the distance, brightened as they were in between Omega's aerial buildings and refineries.

Brightened in those lights were Miranda's eyes, set ahead as she stayed by my side. Gorgeous and stunning as she was, that sharp beauty of hers had enhanced more in the seriousness of her stare. I knew she didn't necessarily want to come here of all places. Of course I remembered that Miranda hated how filthy Omega was—and this distinct sense of grunge we breathed in only made her point. Plus, she was in the middle of a huge operation report about what we learned on Horizon about the Collectors. I needed her analysis to plan ahead better for next time. As it stood now, the team were practically traumatized by the Collectors, not wanting to face them again. But we couldn't avoid this.

Miranda also had a lot on her mind. Still.

And so did I.

We were here anyway.

She needed her hand to be in mine, and I needed mine to be over hers. Our need for this closeness overwrote the lack of actual communication we had going on. This fascination of mine for how these lights hit the blues and black of Miranda's uniform, enticing me to hell and back—I wanted us to enjoy this time together. Even though I felt her doubts surging. Even though I knew for a fact that she had to regret making that proposal to me about Tali. I knew, because I sensed her bad mood was less about how much of a pisshole Omega was, and how pissed off she was that I was going to talk to Aria alone.

I knew that Miranda needed me to herself. After thinking this over some more, I also knew that she was probably, secretly okay with threesomes, or watching me fuck another woman—as long as she was in complete control. Miranda needed to be the puppet master, the manager, and the boss. Anything less sent her into meltdown territory.

I knew that she was also scared of Tali compromising what we had, so she'd made those concessions.

I had to show her soon: there was no need for her to compromise her own needs like this.

Reaching the long line to get inside Afterlife's regular entrance, I stopped here. Somewhere nearby, I heard the elcor bouncer laying down the law with some annoyed human who wanted to get in sooner. Turning to the rest of the team, I gestured to the other side of the promenade, past the doors that led to the markets—and Afterlife's VIP entrance. I'd already shared the password with everyone else. All they had to do was drop Jaruut's name and the bouncer would let them right in. Smiling at me, Garrus, Joker, Tali, and Kaidan went ahead as one group. Mordin and Legion continued on as well. Zaeed and Jack stopped at those doors leading to the markets, waiting for Miranda in their consideration for her.

Folding her arms around herself, self-protective, Miranda asked me, "How long do you think you'll be?"

"Not that long," I told her. "I'll come find you once I'm done. All right?"

"Of course."

Expectant, stalwart, Miranda stayed rooted in place. Waiting. Avoiding my eyes while Jack and Zaeed observed us in curiosity. Saying not a word, yet still managing to speak her expectations clearly, plainly.

Fulfilled by the way she needed me, I leaned down to her, settling my lips over her neck. This surprise shuddered through her in softness—surprisingly intimate for such a public place, with so many faces around and eyes on us. Yet even in this small, surprising, intimate way, Miranda had me hot and melting from her expectations. From how I met her needs. From this single act of providing for her by doing as she wanted, as she needed, without her needing to give instructions or make a formal demand.

All the noise around us dimmed away, insulated as I was at this warm slope of her neck, veined harder in this instinctive stiffening from her surprise. I breathed in the heady midnight of Miranda's perfume, too, as a reminder to take with me into Afterlife. Just as she was my afterlife for all I knew, after I had died.

Purposeful, I murmured in her ear, "I'll see you later, babe."

Miranda whispered in anticipation, "Sooner rather than later, I hope."

She then left to join Zaeed and Jack, the three of them setting off together for the VIP entrance.

Watching Miranda from behind as she went—this sight of her kept my attention, hard, making me forget what I was even here to do. That sway of her hips had all the markings of her brand of confidence. Sexy in that power, Miranda made me want to go after her. Forgetting about the rest.

Intuitive, Miranda turned to glance at me over her shoulder.

Something in my eyes made her smile in that same confidence.

She gave me a teasing wink just before she disappeared through that door with Jack and Zaeed.

Heading through to Afterlife, I hoped that this talk with Aria would go well enough. Because, now that I thought about it, we could probably use her on the team at some point in the future. I'd heard plenty of stories about how powerful Aria was as a biotic, given that she was more than a few centuries old. Whether she was a matron or a matriarch, I wasn't sure, since she seemed to keep that information under lock-and-key.

She would have to leave her throne on Omega if she had any hope of actually protecting the station.

The Reapers wouldn't just decide not to invade because she didn't want them to.

I kept this in mind as I found Aria on her couch, on that balcony above the rest of the area. Perched there, as usual, she didn't look surprised to see me. Not glad to see me, or angry or disappointed—Aria's expression forever existed in some forced-neutral state, as intent as she was on projecting a cool-headed sense of strength. That gigantic ego of hers wouldn't allow any real emotion to slip through.

"Shepard—there you are," said Aria, smirking in satisfaction. "You decided to visit after all. Have a seat."

"Aria," I stated, sitting on the couch.

She let out something of a laugh over my stoicism.

"So this is how you are?" she needled, at once prying and in good-humor. "All the time?"

"All the time," I repeated. Aria chuckled again. "It really shouldn't matter."

"No, it shouldn't. But it does. Let's just say I'm used to a little more deference from the people I interact with. And the ones who don't behave that way with me—they all learn their lesson eventually. Then again, you're an outsider. You have nothing to gain from treating me that way. I suppose I'll have to get used to this from you instead."

"I suppose you will."

Aria tried to pierce me with her eyes, to no avail. Looking for something. Looking for answers.

So much for getting used to me.

I told her, "If there's something you want to ask, then go ahead and say it."

"If you insist," she allowed. "To be honest with you, that little matter with Omega's politics I mentioned in my email is just that—a little matter. For now. It won't become relevant until I receive a visitor soon. I'm expecting someone to interrupt our meeting together. I think you know who this person will be."

That turian who'd stalked my team the last time we were here.

"Your girlfriend, Nyreen," I figured.

"Ex-girlfriend," soured Aria. "You'll see for yourself why things didn't work out between us. But that's neither here nor there. Until she gets here, you and I have time to speak freely. So I'd like us to do that."

"Speak freely about what?"

"For starters, I want you to sate my curiosity. About your girlfriend. You're one of those true-blue Alliance soldiers. Loyal and principled to the core. Why are you sleeping with the enemy, so to speak?"

"Miranda isn't my enemy," I stressed.

"But Cerberus is. The Illusive Man is. She owes them her life. How do you know she won't turn on you?"

Scowling up a storm, I looked away from her.

Enlightened, Aria hummed in discovery.

"I see. That's how it is, then. You're waiting for her to wake up. No wonder. It's quite the gesture. I didn't take you as the romantic type, Shepard. I'm pleasantly surprised. But if you were going to do this for anyone, then it should be her. She's clearly your equal. There's more to it than that as well."

"Are you trying to give me your approval?"

"You don't need my approval. This isn't about that."

I questioned her, "Then what is this about?"

Aria frowned, not wanting to admit: "Perhaps I owe her some gratitude. As do you. I believe you when you say she's not your enemy. By association, she's not my enemy, either. The fact of the matter is, if not for her, I might not have gotten that previous situation on Omega under control. I have the station's mercs back under my thumb. It was…easier than it should have been. Through no fault of my own."

That didn't sound right. "Are you saying Miranda helped you somehow? Is that it?"

"Indirectly, yes. Turns out there are some powerful people looking out for her—including her allies, such as yourself, and now me. Those people had their agents on Omega the last time you were here. And now they're here again, acting as if I don't notice them. I'm not able to write this off as a coincidence."

"That's a lot to take in. Do you have any idea who these people are? Cerberus?"

"Yes and no," replied Aria. "I can't say that they're involved with Cerberus. No obvious logos or indicators like your girlfriend's uniform. But they're all human. If they would have bothered to include any other species with them, I might not have spotted them so easily. My sources tell me that this group doesn't answer to the Illusive Man. Not necessarily. Just someone he's in close contact with these days."

"There's only one person I can think of," I mentioned, remembering Miranda's father. "What other clues do you have about this person's identity?"

"Not much. I'm only able to trace the group's outgoing communications. They're not trying very hard to mask those. So at least they aren't spies. I followed their communications to a location on your homeworld. Some city named Brisbane, in Queensland, Australia. No idea where that is. Sound familiar to you?"

"That's where Miranda's from. Brisbane is her hometown. I think her father still lives there."

"Henry Lawson? Interesting. I thought he was done with Cerberus. I heard the rumors that he cut off his donations to them once his daughter ran off years ago. I guess they're back in business together, looking out for your girlfriend and her allies now. There's no other way that group of humans would be able to track you down so easily. Plus, they aren't hostile. They're watching you and your team. And me. They're also working behind the scenes to take down my enemies. I suspect they'll want a favor at some point."

"This seems like a lot of work for a simple favor. There's more going on here."

Aria speculated, "Well, if the father and daughter aren't speaking, this could be his way of changing that. It's possible that he wants to get back in her good graces. Maybe you should mention this to her."

"Miranda doesn't want anything to do with him. I'd rather not worry her about this. Not unless it becomes a problem. I want you to let me know if it reaches that point."

"Of course. This is a fascinating intersection of our worlds, the three of us. I'll keep a special eye out."

One of Aria's batarian thugs, Bray, came over to us. "Your other visitor is here. She wants to talk alone."

"What a surprise," said Aria, sarcasm dripping. "Fine. Tell Nyreen to meet me upstairs." While Bray went on his way, Aria stood up and looked to me. "I want you to shadow me. Listen in if you want—I don't care. Just make sure she doesn't have anyone else on her side. I need to figure out her angle."

Standing as well, I asked, "You don't trust her?"

"Not as far as I could throw her, as you humans say. My biotics notwithstanding. Walk with me."

Cloaking ahead of time, I stayed by Aria's side as she passed through Afterlife. She found another set of stairs leading up, past a secure door. As I followed close by, I kept watch of her surroundings. Not a single soul around in this unused pathway. Only the faint booming of the club's music echoed through the otherwise silent area. A few discreet windows lined the walls on one side, opening up as two-way mirrors to all the people dancing and drinking downstairs on the main floor.

Hidden away in the shadows by one of those mirrors, stood a turian in her familiar, all-black outfit. No hood this time over her head, I could see her pale complexion with the strong, bold mark of red running down the center of her face. And I understood why Garrus was so attracted to her. That hard-and-soft symmetry about her did look unique to me.

Other than that, I did find it strange that Nyreen had no one else around. She really was here alone.

I was positive she expected Aria to have someone like me shadowing their conversation.

I got the sense that she purposely didn't bring backup to give the appearance of having good intentions.

Aria went up to her, asking in impatience, "What do you want, Nyreen?"

"Hello to you, too, Aria," joked Nyreen. "Thanks for taking the time to stop by. I appreciate it. I've been meaning to talk to you for a while. A long, long while."

"So I've heard. I'm here now. Let's get this over with."

Nyreen smiled with a seasoned kindness about her. "Now is that any way to talk to an old friend?"

"Save the chit-chat," snapped Aria. "It was never charming before, or however the hell you put it. That hasn't changed. Besides, I haven't seen you in years. I thought you were gone for good. Then I discover that not only are you still here, but you never truly left in the first place. You'll have to forgive me for being less than open to this meeting. I'm sure it's obvious that I don't trust you. More than obvious."

"Well, I'm sorry about that… You and I kept clashing over nothing, it seemed. The things you used to adore about me turned into your worst nightmare, and vice-versa on my end. Everything I did was wrong in your eyes. I was never good enough. I couldn't satisfy you anymore. I don't think either of us were prepared for something like that. I certainly wasn't. Part of me regrets leaving the way I did."

"Leaving? You turned into a ghost and disappeared! All without a word! You knew it would humiliate me and you did it anyway. One final, passive-aggressive fuck you from Nyreen to Aria! That's what it was."

"I didn't intend to humiliate you. I feared the inevitable confrontation from a real breakup. You wouldn't have let me go quietly into the night. You would have argued with me. Put up a fight. Not to keep me, but because of your pride. At that point in our relationship, I was exhausted… Really exhausted."

Vindicated, Aria folded her arms. "And this is exactly why I never let you meet my daughter. It's why I never brought you into her life. I knew you wouldn't stick around. You tried to promise me otherwise. Claimed we could all be one big, happy family, even though I wasn't looking for that with you at all. But you disrespected Liselle as much as you disrespected me that day you walked out. I'm still not over it."

Nyreen lowered her head in guilt. "I… I'm ashamed to say I hadn't thought about it like that before."

"Of course you didn't. It was all about you, remember? What you felt, what you wanted—how I had hurt your feelings, and not about you constantly picking at every little thing I did. I got sick of your damned paragon commentary on how I choose to handle business. Then you had the nerve to play the victim."

"Because I just wanted you to help people, Aria… Not tear them down. Not what you've been doing."

Aria waved that off. "Please, don't flatter yourself," she chastised. "I was clear with you from the very beginning—Omega is where people go to test themselves. On my station, the strong rule the weak. Those in power get to decide what's right and what's best. If you're not strong enough to make it here, then you can get the hell out. I only deal with anyone who's foolish enough to come for me."

Nyreen argued, "And I told you that your ideology wasn't fair. Not everyone has the opportunity to make it the way you did. Not everyone has the means or the capabilities to tear down entire crime syndicates from within Afterlife itself, like you did. You started as a dancer with the exact intention of taking everyone down and coming out on top. I've always admired you for your cunning, and your strength. But there are those who simply want to live their lives in safety. You aren't protecting them."

"No one ever protected me when I needed it most. I looked out for myself! And look what it's brought me. They can do like I did and find some other way to thrive. I'm under no obligation to help anyone."

"I still think you're projecting your traumas onto the citizens. They don't deserve this, Aria. Your gluttony for power is bound to come back around and hurt you. One of these days, it will. Take my word for it."

"Thanks, but no thanks," sneered Aria. "You've given me this same speech a thousand times. I'm done."

Nostalgic all of a sudden, Nyreen whispered, "Ironically enough, that's what I've missed about you. I remember your warnings. About how I shouldn't try to change you. I didn't listen, just as you wouldn't listen to me. It's taken me a long time to accept that you won't change. Unless there's hope after all."

"Your hope is pointless. Just like the rest of your so-called feelings. I don't believe for one second that you actually miss me. I was your test subject, to see if you could influence chaos like me. You failed!"

"You can say that all you want. But I do miss you, Aria. I miss you a lot. Like you wouldn't believe…"

"How rich," scoffed Aria. "It'd like to believe you, Nyreen. I'd give almost anything to set aside this fucking rage… Even if I could, it wouldn't matter. You took too long to come back to me. It's too late."

Nyreen seemed to know better. "I don't think that's the real issue here. Putting aside your anger and potent grudges, there's much more to this story. We may not be together anymore. I can still feel you."

"Oh, really? And just what do you think you feel about me?"

"You have your eye on someone else these days. Don't you?"

Aria went quiet. Stone cold. Expressionless.

Knowing more now, Nyreen went on, "Remember how I could always feel something about you first? Before you even realized it yourself? You have a terrible habit of suppressing your rawest emotions. You think they make you weak. And you looked down on me for embracing my own…even when they were for you. But there's something brimming inside of you now. Something I had desperately chased after for myself. I guess all I had to do was become a human Spectre, then save the Citadel all on my own."

Deadpan, Aria claimed, "I have no idea what you're talking about, Nyreen. And I don't care to know."

"Like hell I'd believe that. You're holding out on me, Aria. Any other time, if I was wrong, you'd shout me down with the real facts, whether I accepted them or not. You're too subdued. Unless you're paranoid."

Once again, Aria had nothing to say in response. Her rage continued to grow, permeating the area.

Sensing that rage, Nyreen held her hands up. "All right, all right," she conceded. "I understand—I'm not exactly your best friend anymore! You don't want to go over this with me. I can imagine that this very special soldier from the Alliance will make you rethink a thing or two. If you won't listen to my speeches, then maybe you'll listen to her actions—and her principles. I truly hope that you'll see reason with this."

"Whatever," dismissed Aria. "I've had enough of your bullshit lectures and speeches. Are we done?"

"I suppose we are," settled Nyreen with a warm smile. "I'll keep an eye on you. Whatever happens, I'll try and stay in touch." Chaste, she kissed that warmth over Aria's scowling face. "Don't be a stranger."

And then Nyreen disappeared back downstairs, leaving this harsh, abrasive silence in her shadow.

Roughened and defeated—head held high in pride anyway—Aria walked over to the nearest window. She stared out at the main floor of her club, at the many people enjoying themselves down there. Afterlife burned on and on in a maddened frenzy of energy: music blasting, bass booming, alcohol bottles popping, asari dancers working those poles along the center catwalk. Not a single person suspected what had gone on up here—they partied on in a chaotic ignorance, exactly as Aria wanted.

Arms folded, Aria tracked Nyreen with her eyes, watching her ex leave back outside the building.

Those flames from Afterlife's digital displays burned on, reflected against the cold blue glass of her stare.

They flamed stronger against the white of her jacket, with the steel of her locked arms jailing her.

Stronger, hotter and all, I saw the way that fitted black of Aria's bottom half kept shifting, stiffening. That shape of her had curved Aria into an inescapable corner—more so once I uncloaked and approached her. I saw that slight fidgeting from the short heels of her boots, alternating. Changing. Then stopping.

Stopping as I stopped at her side.

Jaw set as stone, and the sharp style of her brows frozen, Aria clearly wasn't going to say anything first.

So I asked her, "You good, Aria?"

Aria smirked, despite herself, holding back a laugh. Then she closed her eyes, as if scolding herself for it.

"Maybe I am," she said. "I didn't think you'd ask. Not like that, either. You're…concise when you speak."

"Sometimes less is more."

"How right you are."

As much as I restricted myself from looking at Aria's body again, I remembered who I was here with.

As much as my own rage had flared and tempered over the past few days, I remembered myself.

I'd made my promises to Miranda already. I was in no place to break her heart. Not for another woman.

I shifted the subject, somewhat—"I wondered if Nyreen was the one you had your daughter with. Looks like you answered that for me during your conversation."

"No, that was someone else," supplied Aria. "This happened a long time ago. About two centuries back. Nyreen would have been dead by now if she were the father. Turians have about the same lifespan as humans. That was another reason why I never introduced them. I didn't want Liselle to get attached."

"Does your daughter live here on Omega, too?"

"Of course not, Shepard. I can't expose her to the shit I deal with. She's safe on our homeworld instead."

"So you want Liselle to be safe from your chaotic ideology, but you won't protect your own citizens?"

Aria paused in a way that suggested I'd gotten through to her.

In a way that Nyreen had never been able to reach.

But then Aria insisted, "Because that's what Thessia is for. Safety! Our republics have some of the lowest crime rates in the galaxy. No poverty. No hardships at all. It's completely off-brand for Omega."

"Aria, not everyone wants what you're selling. After that plague fiasco, you have to realize this by now."

"Well, they can deal with it. The last time I tried to be nice, my daughter fell for some Cerberus junkie and nearly got herself killed. She's better off back home, living as an asari commando. Just like I did back in the day."

Aria knew I didn't respect her answer. Not completely.

Conceding this much, she said, "Look, I'll think about it, okay? I don't like change. Change is unreliable."

I saw no point in arguing with her. "You do that, then."

It was about that time.

I had to go find Miranda soon—before she started worrying too much.

Sensing that I was close to leaving, Aria mentioned off-hand, "By the way—there's something else I wanted you to deal with. When you head down to the VIP area, keep your eyes peeled. There's a thief sneaking around stealing things from people. My sources say you might know who she is. She was here when you were on Omega before. Considering her timing, I think she's trying to get your attention."

That type of behavior did sound familiar from the dossiers I'd read over. The infiltrator master thief.

"Yeah, I'll go find her soon," I promised. "I planned on recruiting this thief for my mission anyway. I already know it's bad for business if you let her keep going like that. You don't have to tell me twice."

Aria gave me an amused smile, saying, "I'm glad to see you've picked up on how I operate."

"Well, about that. You mentioned how you owe me some debt after I helped you last time."

"I did mention that. I've been thinking about how I might pay you back. The only thing you need involves your mission. I don't exactly have the means to join your team. Not like that—not at this time, anyway."

"We're going to need all the help we can get against the Reapers. I want to bring you on for the fight."

Aria hummed, thinking. "True," she agreed. "By then, it won't matter if I have the means to join you or not. If I don't help you, we're all screwed. I won't have the luxury of being choosy. But I'm a little uncomfortable leaving my debts unpaid until then. So, did you need me for anything in the meantime?"

I couldn't tell if she meant something else by that.

Remembering Horizon, I told her, "We could use your help against the Collectors. I know you're not able to join us right this second. There will be times when we have major operations against the enemy. They caused a lot of problems for us last time. If you're as powerful as I think you are, you'd be a great asset."

"That sounds reasonable. I can join you as a temporary guest for these operations. Whenever you have your next mission lined up, contact me with a time and place. I'll meet you there, then return to Omega on my own once we're done. This should be the start of a positive partnership between the two of us."

Just to show her my agreement, I offered my hand. "Then welcome to the team, Aria. As our guest."

Curling back her smile, enticement sparkling, Aria shook my hand in decisiveness.

"Your gratitude to have me with you is a fine surprise."

"Of course. I appreciate the help. I have to head out now. If you want, I can walk you back to your spot."

"I'd like that," said Aria, leading the way downstairs. "It's been nice having you around, Shepard. As I expected, you've given me far more to think about. The intellectual stimulation is a welcome…change from what I'm used to, day in and day out. Maybe I've learned a thing or two about the dangers of growing complacent. I have you to thank for that."

After seeing Aria back to her usual perch on the main floor, I made my way to Afterlife's VIP section.

This place was bigger than I'd imagined before. About the same size as the main floor, but with darker lighting, casting more shadows everywhere. I saw a circular platform in the center, raised like an island over the pure white-light abyss below. On that spacious platform, I saw plenty of people dancing near the digital display lighting up with asari strippers. Around the perimeter of the place, I noticed plenty of couches and tables, filled with people sitting around with drinks. And the bar awaited on the other side.

Darker, haunted, and more energized—these constant synths buzzed through my ears, echoing, pounding, pulsing. Sexual techno rave in sound and in spirit, this music sounded completely distinct from the songs playing in the main area. Glancing from place to place, I found the same chaotic energy from this song in most of the people around. Almost angry and aggressive in their determination to have a good time, these VIP patrons enjoyed the privilege of being on Aria's good side—good enough to be in here. They drank and danced and laughed with that aggression and chaos, but not so much that they seemed to cause a real problem for my team. They knew exactly who we were and why we were here.

Whatever I thought of Aria's policies, I appreciated her as a manager and an entertainer in this way. Through this dark sexuality all around, I felt Aria there—her latest intentions in impressing me with her aesthetic and vibe. From this vibe, her power and influence over Omega reigned supreme. And it spoke for itself, as it spoke to my team enjoying themselves. I was sure they felt that influence from her.

Even from this spot, I could tell where everyone was. They looked fine to me. But just to be sure, I activated my cloak anyway, taking a closer look around. Hopefully I'd find that thief somewhere, too.

I headed over to the dance floor not too far away, careful to avoid anyone in my way.

Energy on energy on energy, I found Jack, Tali, Joker, and Garrus dancing together. Everyone else was at the bar across the way—Miranda, Zaeed, Mordin, Legion, and Kaidan—drinks in-hand as they all spoke together. Well, Legion wasn't drinking, obviously. It observed the group and the rest of the people around as usual. But, in front of me, I was surprised to find this scene. Joker and Garrus kept exchanging curious glances as they danced, unsure whether to smirk at each other or not. Because right next to them were Jack and Tali, dancing with each other…a little closer than I would've expected them to.

Tali danced in place with her hips, mesmerizing me—until I remembered myself again.

It didn't help that Jack was right behind, pretty much grinding against her. Not quite, but not far enough away, either. And the way Jack sweated from this energy, breathing hard, as if to control herself—I could only imagine Tali mirroring the same from inside her suit. They both gave off the same spontaneous, sexed vim and vigor.

Tali also gave off a specific energy: she had me on her mind. No one else.

Jack didn't seem to know that. Or care. She danced like this with Tali anyway.

Hmm…

As the life of the party, Jack cheered loudly. "Now this is a fucking dance club! I should've come here years ago! Aria knows her shit. She wants to entertain, and I'm entertained! Damn, this is good!"

Joker said, "I know, right?! All the commander had to do was cure a deadly plague and stop 'Archangel' from assassinating the Queen of Omega! VIP life with Shepard is the best! Pretty much guaranteed!"

Garrus quipped, "Say, I wonder whatever happened with that 'Archangel' guy. Could he really be dead?"

"He could be," teased Tali. "'Archangel' wasn't a very good assassin in that case. It's a shame, isn't it?"

"You're right. If someone takes his place, they'll have to do a better job at staying alive. An assassin getting assassinated sure is embarrassing."

"Know what else is embarrassing?" rallied Jack, in a cheerful irony. "How we got our asses kicked back on Horizon! Shepard ordered all of us to use that VR training, so it's not just me anymore! We all suck!"

Tali sounded a bit more serious. "Yes, and with my suit punctures, I could have died from an infection…"

Wicked in her grinning, Jack held onto Tali's hips, dancing right up on her, their bodies undulating in that rhythmic motion. "Yeah, but you didn't die! You survived! So you know what you gotta do now? Live it up like there's no tomorrow!" Even in her tentative surprise, Tali kept dancing—and she held onto Jack's hands over her hips, gently. "Unless you're Shepard, you only live once! Better make the most of it!"

Garrus cleared his throat, dancing on.

Joker let out the most twisted smirk I had ever seen from him.

Breathing hard, Tali spoke up: "Well, Jack, I-I don't know about that… There are numerous theories in the galaxy that say we do live more than once. Err, reincarnation. Karma. Those sorts of things…"

Grinning more, Jack replied, "You know what, Tali? You're the only one who could talk about this nerd shit in the middle of a club, and not make me stop dancing! You got some kind of special gift or what?"

"I wouldn't say I have any sort of gift… I tend to start talking too much when I'm nervous. That's all."

"Nervous? The hell are you nervous for?! We're having a good time, aren't we? Loosen up! Chill, relax!"

Garrus stated the obvious: "If I were Tali, I'd be nervous, too, if you started dancing on me like that."

Joker laughed. "Seriously! How can you blame her when you're practically screwing on the dance floor?"

"Everyone else is doing it!" said Jack. "Why not get in on the fun? You two could do it if you wanted."

"Yeah, if we weren't straight! Besides, I heard about you checking out Miranda when you guys first met. I'm betting this isn't your first rodeo. You look like you know what you're doing!"

"What, Joker? Are you asking if I'm gay or something? Is that it?"

"Duh! I mean, if you're up for answering, then why not?"

Conscientious all of a sudden, Jack pulled away from Tali—just enough to be respectful. "Look, man, I like who I like," she defended. "I don't care who they are or what they're packing between their legs. I've never been into labels or that kinda stuff. Girls, guys, aliens, whoever. I do whatever I feel like doing. Go with the flow. I know how to have fun and I hate being tied down."

Curious, Garrus asked, "So you've never been in love or anything like that? You just—have fun?"

"You've been where I've been, and you'll know that love is for suckers. That's my experience, anyway."

"Well, your life's much different now that you're with us. You open to new experiences, too?"

Jack almost laughed. "I'm pretty open, yeah," she flirted—but not with him. "Not every day I get to dance with new friends—including a hot quarian girl who's got hips for days! You tell Tali to keep up that cute nerdy thing she has going on. I'll tell you everything you wanna know about me if she does."

Tali stopped dancing, breathing much harder now. "Is it just me…or is it really warm in here?" She wandered off toward the bar. "It must be me. Surely it's only me. It has to be. I'm going to get a drink…"

The others stopped dancing as well, watching her go join everyone else.

Joker looked impressed. "Wow, Jack," he praised. "You must really know what you're doing, huh?"

"Maybe," said Jack, shrugging. "I wasn't trying to scare her off or anything. Are you being sarcastic?"

"No way I'm being sarcastic! I'm serious! Dude, if you like Tali, prepare to face a minefield. I mean it!"

"If I like her? I said she was cute—and hot! That's it! Who said anything about liking her?!"

Garrus noted, "Your bodies did all the talking for the both of you. You can't deny what we saw."

Jack moved the goalposts: "Yeah, okay, maybe she gets me off. That voice of hers could heat up a fucking glacier. She's smart and nice and I'm not. And she's got a nice body. So what? Who cares?"

"Uh, we care!" said Joker. "She's like our little sister. We want to look out for her, you know?"

"Sure… I get it. You're her overprotective big brothers. That's—sweet, I guess."

Garrus couldn't really tell her everything. "Look, Jack, this is a complicated situation. Depending on how much you like her, things could get strange. I would say Tali is…emotionally unavailable as of right now."

Jack gave him a blank stare. "You're acting like I'm trying to get in her pants—or her suit, whatever."

Joker advised her, "We're only saying—if you do want her, tread carefully. She might not reciprocate."

"Uh-huh," accepted Jack, sounding defeated. "I hear what you're saying—and what you're not saying. I'm not blind, either. Let's just forget this ever happened, all right? I need to go cool the fuck off…"

Jack wandered off in another direction, opposite the bar. She retreated into the darkness of one of the lounge areas. Probably to sit by herself and think. Or find someone else to hook-up with for the night instead.

Once she was gone, Garrus asked Joker, "So, is it just me, or did you see that, too?"

Joker nodded. "Yup. Jack has no clue."

"Tali was thinking about Shepard the whole time. Wasn't she?"

"She sure was. Tali didn't say anything about what's going on with them, though. Every time I ask if they did anything in her room on the Flotilla, she just shuts the conversation down. Would the commander seriously go for that arrangement thing?"

"Hmm, I don't know," shared Garrus. "Now that I think about it, I can't see Miranda being that flexible."

"Yeah, she's pretty controlling. I get major possessiveness vibes from her. Hell hath no fury and all that. Maybe we should've kept our mouths shut?"

"Maybe…"

Exchanging worried looks, Garrus and Joker walked in another direction. Probably to discuss this more.

Somewhere in that direction, I spotted the faint glimmer of someone else's tactical cloak.

Another infiltrator.

I followed that shine in the shadows, heading toward my target; thinking about that whole thing I'd witnessed on the dance floor.

I had noticed some of Jack's behavior over the past few days. She would only ever emerge to the mess hall whenever Tali was there. Or at least whenever I was there to notice that she and Tali were both present. Jack would pay particular attention to my interactions with Tali, too. Always noticing whenever I would smile at her…at least, before Horizon, anyway. Before that pivotal day when EDI had showed me the evidence I'd needed to make up my mind. I hadn't really been around the ship since then.

I honestly wasn't sure what to make of this new development with Tali and Jack.

They seemed almost too different to really work out that way. I had no idea if Tali would ever trust herself with that kind of thing. I had no clue if Jack would break her heart or not, either. She sounded like a player.

And if Jack ever hurt Tali, she'd have to answer to me.

If she was smart, then she wouldn't take the risk in the first place.

In front of me, I found my target hanging out in an empty corner. Dark as this place was, I could still see her just fine from the faint light shining this way from the dance floor's displays. We both uncloaked at the same time. And we found each other with such different expressions. As stoic and confused as I was about her choice of getting my attention, she had a slick smile beneath the hood of her form-fitting, black-and-silver getup. That smile of hers was all I could see, marked as her lip was with a purple tattoo of some kind. I couldn't see her eyes beneath that shadow of her hood, but I felt them full of mischief.

"Hey, Shep," she greeted in a calm, pleasant voice, way too casual and comfortable with me already. "I'm glad you finally found me. I was starting to worry you might want to leave me behind. I even made myself more obvious for you and Aria to pick up on. That's not something I normally do. Too risky."

I questioned her, "Why'd you resort to stealing things from people in the first place? If you wanted my attention that badly, couldn't you find some other way to do it? Something legal. Like contacting me."

"Well, that's no fun. If we're going to get into specifics, I was actually visiting home in Japan the last time you were there. It's pretty nice you know your way around Shibuya, though. That underground station is a nightmare to navigate, but a great treasure trove for people like me. I thought about going up to you to say hello. You were on your guard. As usual. Didn't want to ruin your good time with your girlfriend."

"Of course," I droned. "Don't tell me you stalked us at the Super Bowl, too."

"Hmm, I sure wanted to. Security was tight, but nothing I couldn't handle. I'm not really a sports kind of girl, myself. Not like the one you were with. I'm more into gadgets and heists. And ramen. Guilty pleasure."

"I'm here now, if you'd like to introduce yourself. You clearly know who I am."

"Kasumi Goto, at your service," she said, smiling in that same mischief. "Seems you already know who I am, too. I'm the best thief in the business, not the most famous. Need to watch my step to keep it that way—but I made an exception for you. I bet you could even carry a conversation with me if we turned off our translation programs. Looks like we have way more in common than the implants in our heads."

"I don't know about that, Kasumi. I'm a sniper. You use hit-and-run sneak attacks instead, don't you?"

"That's right. I can cloak, teleport behind an enemy, and assassinate them with my sword. They'll never see or hear me coming. Not like that loud, clunky sniper rifle of yours. You can only kill one enemy at a time before someone hears you. Unless they're all spread out, like on Torfan. You had the advantage."

"My rifle may be loud and clunky, but I can put down anything with a single shot. Not like your sword."

Thoughtful, Kasumi settled her hand beneath her chin. "You do have a point," she agreed. "We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Since you know mine, I'll just have to trust you to send me wherever I'm most useful. Before you found me, I wondered if you thought I wouldn't be of much use at all. It's not like I have strong, flashy powers or beefy shields. I'm way too subtle for all that stuff. It's not my thing."

I reassured her, "We can use you for more covert tactics instead. I wouldn't send you into an open battlefield and hope for the best. Not unless there was no other option. Our team has the numbers now to specialize in their roles. You won't just be another soldier to send at the enemy. That's a waste."

"Okay, that's good to know. I'm glad I didn't join earlier. I overheard your team talking about the last mission on Horizon, how it was hell for them. I probably wouldn't have survived something like that."

"We also had no idea about the Collectors' tactics. Now that we know, we're in a stronger position."

"Well, you've convinced me," settled Kasumi. "Knowledge is power, right? We'll do better next time."

"We definitely will," I promised, offering my hand to her. "Welcome to the team, Kasumi."

Kasumi smiled more, shaking my hand. "Thanks, Shep," she said. "I'm happy to be with you. Having another infiltrator as my leader should be interesting. I usually work alone. Or with a partner. I haven't been on a full team in a long time. I'm looking forward to it, though. New people to watch and study."

"I take it you don't want me to introduce you to the team?"

"We can skip that. Sounds really formal, doesn't it? I already know who everyone is. They might not know me, but that'll change eventually. I'd rather live out the whole mystery for a little while longer."

"If you say so. I only hope you introduce yourself to our executive officer. She doesn't like surprises."

"I'll find a creative way to say hello to Miss Lawson," claimed Kasumi, no doubt planning something playful and nefarious. "You two look really good together, by the way. You turned a lot of heads when you pulled up to Afterlife with her. Twin dragons. Equals. Power couple. Pretty badass, if you ask me."

I asked, "Twin dragons…? You mean from folklore?"

"Sure. Miranda may not be able to snipe like you, but she packs a punch in other ways. You're not an all-rounder like she is, either. I think your pros and cons balance out in the end. That's rare in relationships."

"You sound like you're speaking from experience."

"Maybe, maybe not," teased Kasumi, coy. "If you wanna know more, we'll just have to see how things work out. Speaking of that, I have a heist I'll need your help with at some point. But we can talk about it later. I'm still researching some information. Can't be successful without all my tools—like knowledge."

"All right, then. We'll discuss this another time. I'll let you find your way back to the Normandy and get settled in. We'll probably be here for a few more hours. There's no real rush to leave right away."

"Works for me. I'll stick to snooping around until it's time to head out. No more stealing. I promise."

Taking Kasumi's word, I watched as she cloaked again, disappearing to engage in more people-watching. Allegedly.

Leaving myself uncloaked, I went over to the bar instead.

I'd expected—and hoped—to find Miranda still here. But when I arrived, she was nowhere to be found. Tali wasn't at the bar, either. I only saw Kaidan, Zaeed, and Legion carrying on a conversation. Mordin looked a little down and out, staring down at his drink in worry. The others didn't notice him behind them, out of their reach.

I went over to Mordin, asking, "You okay?"

Mordin regarded me with heavy eyes. "Shepard. Important news. Know we're at club—attempting to enjoy ourselves. Have to deal with Collector strategies soon, prevent devastation from Horizon…"

"Yeah, but something's clearly on your mind. It looks like it can't wait. What's going on?"

"Too important to wait, yes. Just received data, still processing, analyzing likely scenarios. Not sure how to begin. Too much intel."

"Let's start somewhere," I suggested. "What's this about?"

"You remember our talk?" prompted Mordin. "My work on genophage modification? Or, beginnings of talk. Couldn't get into details so soon. But, summary is self-explanatory. STG work focused on modifying genophage. Maintaining current krogan population, preventing surge, explosion. Dangers of unchecked krogan running rampant across galaxy, angry at other species for perceived subjugation! Catastrophic."

"Right, I remember. You stopped the krogan adaptation to the genophage."

"Part of a team. Scientists, all different types. Blood Pack mercenaries captured former team member! Maelon. Last seen on Tuchanka. Might torture him. Make an example. Recovering Maelon…would be personal favor to me."

That did sound rough. "Do you think they found out your team updated the genophage?"

Mordin responded, "Unclear. No way to determine until we get to Tuchanka."

I did have plans to deal with this Tali situation soon.

But Mordin's personal issue sounded more important. The rest could wait.

I decided, "We'll go to Tuchanka and see if we can find your team member."

"Appreciate it," said Mordin, relieved. "My assistant. My student. Want to see him safe. Maelon last seen outside Urdnot territory. Scouts may have seen Blood Pack. Talk to them or clan chief, your former teammate, Urdnot Wrex. Should be amenable to us due to friendship. Would be dangerous otherwise."

"Yeah, a salarian showing up at a krogan camp wouldn't normally fly with them. We should be fine with Wrex at the helm. It'll be good to see him again."

Mordin smiled. "Figured as much. Could be pleasant to meet legendary Urdnot Wrex for first time. Heard many stories from current team. Close with Joker, Garrus, Tali, Kaidan. Curious dynamic."

I had a feeling that Mordin had met Wrex already. Probably from the team's new chat room.

But I wasn't supposed to know about it, so I played dumb: "Wrex has been with us through some tough times. I'm sure you'll get to know him better once he's able to rejoin the team. I doubt he'll join us for the Collectors, since he's busy with his clan chief duties. I'll get him on-board with us for the Reapers."

"Yes, exciting prospects! New team members, new comrades. Also, now that work with seeker swarms is finished—and successful—have been looking to other projects. Currently researching possible lines of study. Will share more news soon, but first, have to save Maelon. Struggling to focus without him."

"Of course, Mordin. We'll head there ASAP. It'll be our next stop once we leave here later on."

"Thank you, Shepard. Can breathe a bit easier until then. Don't wish to keep you from others. Saw Miranda and Tali heading off somewhere. Looked serious. Suggest finding them soon. Discover more."

"I'll do that now. Thanks for letting me know."

Once I was far enough away from the bar, I cloaked back to invisibility.

I wanted to get back at Miranda for spying on my conversation with Jack the other day. She wasn't slick.

I'd already had a feeling that she'd used EDI's surveillance to keep an eye on me throughout the ship. Then in our private chat, Miranda had somehow known to give me the perfect advice. Telling me to be gentle with Jack, for one. How would she know to say that to me unless she'd watched us directly?

Stalking me the way she had, Miranda seemed paranoid about me running off with another woman.

With Tali, with Aria, with someone else.

And if not for the Illusive Man, she wouldn't have had to worry about this shit in the first place.

Unnecessary drama.

I found even more drama once I spotted Miranda and Tali sitting in a secluded spot in the shadows. Subtly so, they kept their voices down. Speaking side-by-side on this couch by the wall, they had escaped the general bustle of the rest of the club. Miranda leaned back against the couch, wrists folded over her lap. She had her long legs crossed in an apparent front of relaxation, with the arched points of her heeled boots nearly enticing me to distraction. As sexy as she was like this, that scowl on her face spoke volumes. Meanwhile, Tali seemed to shrink into herself. She looked and sounded so much smaller all of a sudden. Overall, Tali wasn't quite herself. She was probably at least buzzed from whatever she'd had to drink at the bar.

I stuck to my own shadows nearby as I listened in:

"There's no need to play the fool," counseled Miranda. Almost-warning. "I have eyes. I know what I saw. Not everyone at the bar noticed your displays, but I did. Hardly anything gets by me with our team."

"I know that, Miranda," whispered Tali, pained. "I know… But I never asked her to do that to me."

"Then why didn't you push Jack away? Or were you too surprised by how forward she was?"

"Yes, I was surprised… I'm not used to anyone being so openly sexual with me, or flirting like she did. I also had someone else on my mind, and she exacerbated it."

"I suppose that's fair. But the fact remains that Jack appears to be interested in you. If you're going to be involved with Shepard and me, I can't allow this sort of foursome situation."

Tali held her head, as if she had a migraine. "I hear what you're saying. The thing is, I'm not remotely interested in Jack that way. She's far too loose with her desires. What's bothering me is that Shepard doesn't seem to care. She hasn't said a word to me in days. I can never tell what she's thinking. This is making everything worse. Far worse."

Miranda kept her cool. "You know her," she chatted. "When Shepard has something on her mind—or she's planning something—we'll all be the last to know any details. I'm choosing to respect her silence."

"Yes, because you have the freedom to do so. Whenever she gets quiet like this, it feels like she's going to abandon me all over again. She'll never abandon you. You don't have to worry. It's not the same."

"Shepard died… She didn't abandon you."

"My therapist said the same thing. And look where I am now. I don't even care that someone else wants to have sex with me. You're interrogating me about it, and I can sense your jealousy. You are worried."

"You don't care about Jack at all?" puzzled Miranda, glossing over the rest. "Is that what you're saying?"

"I mean this in the nicest way possible… If you think anyone could surpass Shepard, then I would invite you to get your eyes checked. It's impossible. I think Jack is very pretty and sexy and fun. But she shouldn't bother with me. We would only hurt one another. So I'm going to pretend as if that dance never happened."

"Your assessment is…brutally honest."

"Well, I'm glad to see we agree on something. For once."

Miranda still didn't like this. "Tali, I'm concerned about you," she expressed. "I'm not only saying this because of my personal feelings on the matter. I don't want you to self-destruct in your quest to maintain any necessary boundaries with her."

Tali sounded so far-gone. Deadened, almost. "You're saying I'm too unstable for Shepard to have me in bed."

"I'm saying—I can't risk any problems between us. You and I are forbidden from repeating the past."

"How right you are, Miranda. How very right you are. As always. It's no wonder Shepard chose you."

"Tali, please… I don't want us to do this. I'd much rather we get along instead. If there's anything you need for our friendship to succeed—anything at all—then your wish is my command. Can you think of something for us?"

"There is something," murmured Tali, exhausted now. "I'll tell you in a minute. Though I'm not sure if I should try. All of this could be invalidated quite soon. Shepard mentioned that she has a secret to tell me. I have no clue what it might be. Whatever it is, it sounds awful. Perhaps it will be terrible enough to push me away for good. Then you won't have to worry about me and my 'girlish charms' anymore, or however you put it earlier." She sighed, almost thinking out loud at this point: "I don't even know why you would see me as a threat. Even if Shepard's secret is bound to ruin everything."

Miranda did know why—but she wasn't at liberty to admit the truth to anyone. Not even herself.

She chose to be gentle: "Let's set aside the matter of Shepard's secret. What do you need from me?"

Music blasting in the distance and all, Tali seemed completely tired. Emotionally exhausted for sure.

Yet she was still sincere enough to admit, "Maybe I need you to take care of me… Even if it's just for right now. In this moment. Shepard isn't the affectionate type. Neither are you, but you're the one asking about my needs. Besides, I read about the way you treated Ashley before. How kind you were with her, providing for her like an older sister would. Even though you were manipulating her that whole time, you still had the capacity to care for her. It truly helped me see you in a new light."

"Well, I'm not exactly proud of what I did to her…"

"I know that. But Ashley had you to lean on through her worst times. You kept her together when she was too weak and fragile to help herself. I didn't have anyone like you. She took Liara away from me. Otherwise, I would have been much better off. I wouldn't have ended up like this. I can't pretend that I'm perfectly fine on my own. I'm just so tired…"

Miranda empathized, "I understand what you mean. If you'll give me permission, I'd like to make up for that now. Will you?"

"Yes…okay. I'd like that, too."

"Then come here. Lie down. You seem incredibly exhausted."

Simple and easy, Miranda guided Tali's head over her lap.

Free to rest for the first time in a long time, Tali relaxed with her. Lifting her legs and armored boots to settle over the couch, she made herself more comfortable. She sighed in a contented release, the brights of her eyes behind her helmet dimming, dimming, closed. And she sighed again once she felt Miranda's hand over her head, over the intricate pattern of her hood. Stroking, caring in genuineness.

I had to turn away from them for a few minutes.

Chastising myself; almost hating myself for this late realization:

I had gotten angry at Tali for all the wrong reasons.

Because it sounded like her secret with Liara had been her literal lifeline for all these years.

Without that knowledge, Tali would have lost it. She would have given up. She would have probably ended it all, long before Miranda had restored me. I would've come back to a galaxy without Tali in it at all.

And to think I had been this close to punishing her over this instead.

I still needed to tell her the truth. I still needed to come clean to her. I still needed to expect that our friendship would end. I already knew that I would lose Tali's loyalty no matter what. But I couldn't confront her about this last secret she kept. I couldn't do that to her. I couldn't ruin what little sense of security she had left—even if it wasn't necessarily real. It was real to her. That was all that mattered.

I refused to change my mind about the rest. I had to stay away from Tali in those other ways. Whether she was unstable or not, I couldn't risk hurting her any further. Exactly as I had decided before. Before all of this happened. This time, I couldn't let anyone or anything get in the way of what Miranda had with me.

I waited a little longer, until it seemed like Tali had fallen asleep over Miranda's lap.

Uncloaking this time, I walked over to them on the couch.

Gentle already in her care, Miranda looked up at me and smiled. I took the seat right next to her. That music was far enough away to keep from disturbing the peace as Tali slept on, oblivious to my presence.

"Hello there, stranger."

I reached over to kiss the corner of her mouth—warmed to taste her again, being this close to her again.

Needing to be even closer, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, bringing Miranda over this way.

"Hey yourself."

Leaning on me, Miranda smiled more from my affection. "I wasn't sure when I'd see you again. You were gone for quite a while. Aria must have kept you busy with whatever she wished to discuss."

"I didn't just talk to her. Mordin asked for a favor. One of his STG assistants went missing on Tuchanka. The Blood Pack are involved. I promised him we'd look into it soon."

"Hmm, that sounds worrying. With the genophage, the krogan aren't very fond of salarians. I can only imagine the sort of trouble Mordin's assistant might be in. We should go look into this straightaway."

"I'm thinking the same," I agreed. "And I'm pretty sure everyone else will have these types of missions. Things to take care of before we hit the Omega 4 Relay. I won't schedule briefings and debriefings with the rest of the team when these come up. They're too personal. Whoever the person wants to bring with us can be in-the-know. Otherwise, I'd rather keep things low-key. These can be more informal."

"Yes, that sounds ideal. I'm sure the team will appreciate your discretion and consideration."

Glancing down at Tali, I thought against asking directly about their conversation.

Miranda noticed enough, anyway. "Shepard? Is there something on your mind?"

I genuinely wanted to know: "The plans you talked about after Horizon—what you wanted to surprise me with. Are those still on?"

"Of course they are. In fact, I'd like us to get to them once we finish with Mordin's personal mission."

"Okay. Where to? Any hints for me at all?"

"Hmm, I wanted to keep this a secret," teased Miranda. "But I suppose you've earned the right to a few reveals. After Tuchanka, I want you to set a course for Illium. There are a couple of new team members we're able to recruit on Nos Astra. One of my most trusted contacts can help us track down their locations. Aside from that, I'd love to bring you home with me. My apartment is there waiting for us."

Fantasizing about it already, I felt myself grinning. "That sounds like a good time. I'm curious what your place looks like. You called my apartment a bachelor pad. I'm expecting full decorations from you."

"It's nothing all that special," she claimed, sounding modest. "But I don't just mean to cook you a homemade meal. I have much more in-store for us as well. I'd originally planned on saving this for…another occasion. A very different occasion. Our reality today is quite the opposite of what I'd prepared for. Still, I'd like to show you what I'm capable of. You surprised me on Valentine's Day by fulfilling a fantasy I never knew I'd had. I hope that I manage to do the same for you. In my own way."

"Well, I'm looking forward to it, babe. I have to say, I'm really not used to anyone taking me out. That's always been my role. Then again, I remember what you said before. You don't plan on letting me do all the work. I think it'll be a nice change of pace."

Miranda knew best: "Yes, it will be a nice change of pace. You and I have had…a lot of drama lately. I want us to get back to what we had before. Taking care of one another. Sharing in those loving, passionate moments. You've given me such devotion in your patience. I fully plan on rewarding you when the time is right. When it's perfect for us."