Chapter 6

Amelia
April 19th, 2190

"Miri!" I exclaimed, throwing my arms around Miranda before allowing her to enter the house. "It's good to see you. It's been too long."

"Ame," Miranda greeted, a small, warm smile breaking through the usually cool features of her face.

"Come in. Come in," I motioned, allowing Miranda to walk into the foyer.

A few moments later, we sat in the living room, Miranda sipping a cup of tea and me at my coffee. "So, how's Palaven treating you?"

"I like it more than I thought I would. It's a bit strange to see so few humans around, and the daily doses of anti-radiation medicine aren't my favorite, but Oriana is safe, and that's all that really matters."

"How is she?"

"She's a social butterfly. Found a group of friends and fit right in, no problem." Miranda thought for a moment before cracking a smile, "I'm kind of jealous of that…."

"Don't be. Loosen up, Miri. You've been Miranda Blake for nearly a year. You're on the turian homeworld. I don't see how Cerberus could get to you even if they found you."

Before Miranda could respond, she was interrupted by what sounded like a herd of elephants coming down the stairs. "Aunt Miwwi!" Gaius and Octavia screamed as they rounded the corner, running up and sitting on either side of her, followed closely by Bailey, furiously wagging her tail.

"Hey guys," Miranda said, looking simultaneously uncomfortable and jealous. "You got a dog, Ame?"

"Yeah. In October, we got Bailey when we were in London for the anniversary." Sensing a boring conversation, Gaius and Octavia hopped off the couch and began chasing Bailey around the house.

Miranda laughed, "I'm surprised that Garrus was okay with it since he'd have to feed her all the time if the fish were anything to go by."

"Hey! I only forgot once!"

"When you forget for two weeks in a row, it's not just 'once'," Miranda scolded jokingly.

"Ugh, everyone's a critic," I said, rolling my eyes, "So, how's everything else?"

"It's good. Work is busy. Planning a new Galactic government takes time."

"Jace has you working on that? God, I hate politics," I said, sinking back into the recliner.

Miranda laughed, "Yeah, your brand of politics is a bit more percussive."

I snorted, bending my arm up and letting my hand fall back down in a fist onto the arm of the chair. "Amelia smash." Both of them laughed for a moment before I continued. "So what about you? Anything going on in your personal life?"

"No."

"No? C'mon Miri… Go out, get drunk, have fun! Your life can't always just be work. I'll even be your wingman."

"Are you suggesting I go out and have a one-night stand? Amelia, they're all turian here."

"Doesn't have to be a one-night stand if you don't want it to be…," I leaned forward, giving her friend a sultry eyebrow raise, and loudly whispered, "And turians are better lays."