Disclaimer: The Mass Effect Universe and everything in it belongs to BioWare. I only lay claim to London and Teagan.

[Chapter Sixteen: City of Filth]

Final day of flight to Omega

Portside Observation

11AM

Tali Zorah vas Normandy sat at the edge of the couch cushion, her ankles neatly crossed and her hands politely on her lap. "…by the way, thank you for accepting my company. Being stuck on deck four with Kenneth all day can be a bit…overwhelming."

London chuckled lightly, "Oh it's always a pleasure to have you here. I've never really had the opportunity to speak with any Quarians on Omega under any sort of casual circumstance. I've always been fascinated by the culture, albeit not as much as my little sister, but curious none the less… especially about enviro-suits. They're very beautiful, yours in particular. I've never seen any other Quarians who use such fabric on their suits…what is it, if I may ask?"

Tali relaxed as she smiled brightly behind her purple visor, happy that someone took notice of the details of her suits décor. "It's an incredibly light-flexi material I weaved together myself as an overlay. It doesn't hinder my performance and …well…"

London leaned in towards the engineer with a friendly smile across her lips, "…well what?"

"It sets me apart from the rest and allows me to be unique among other Quarians. We kind of all…look alike. If someone of another species said that, they would simply be accused of having an interspecies bias but, in all honesty, even if you account for many of the physical differences hidden by our enviro-suits, it's pretty safe to say that most of my people tend to look the same. We are almost all uniformly the same size and build, and are born with far less variety than humans."

London's eyes trailed over the battle marks and carefully placed décor of Tali's suit. "So is that how you can tell others apart whilst among the fleet?"

Tali nodded gently, "That is correct. We've had to learn to identify special and very subtle differences in each other's clothing to separate each other, apart from simple voice recognition of course."

The sniper nodded in interest, "Like what?"

Tali pointed to various pieces of her suit as she spoke, "Well depending on the Quarian themselves, there are many things you can pin-point to tell their suits apart. I, for example, have the addition of hand weaved cloth attached to my suit as you've noticed. It's becoming more and more the 'trend' amongst the Quarian females though, so I'll have to think of something else soon…but that's okay. Oh! And another example would be Eector, one of my Aunt's friends that have a slight but noticeable discoloration on his suit's left shoulder. I think he was injured a few years back and hasn't stopped rubbing it since. Other's simply find alternative methods to individualize themselves without using precious resources needed on home ship."

London raised a brow in thought for a moment, "Hmm…"

Tali blinked blankly, "…what is it?"

London suddenly smiled as she thought of something, "Maybe you won't have to change your style, but rather—add to it."

Tali offered a light chuckle, "I don't think I could add anymore material without it beginning to look silly."

The sniper grinned widely, "I didn't mean add more material, but maybe something like jewelry?"

Tali shook her head quickly, "I couldn't do that. It'd be a waste of precious metal, something my people simply cannot afford…especially on something so selfish."

London stood from her seat and made her way over to her pack as she replied casually, "It's a good thing that you won't be wasting any precious resources then."

The engineer cocked her head to side in confusion, "I'm afraid you lost me."

After a few more moments of digging, London pulled out a tiny wooden box that she smiled softly upon before standing up once more and crossing over to sit next to the engineer. "Here, pick something from this."

Tali took the little box carefully and opened its lid, gasping lightly as she did so. "I—I can't take any of these!"

London laughed as she poked her own finger into the box and moved around several pieces of handmade jewelry that she had crafted in simpler, more innocent days. "Of course you can. The box and its contents are mine, and if I say I want to give some pieces away, then I'll do exactly that, thank you very much."

Tali looked down onto the carefully crafted jewelry in awe. Everything was so beautiful. London had made bracelets, ankle bracelets, necklaces and rings—all differing in material and sizes. Tali'Zorah ran a covered finger over some of the pieces gently, as if trying to feel the small stones, metal, and twine beneath her gloves. "…did you buy all of these, London?"

The sniper shook her head softly, "I made them."

The bright eyes behind the visor became even brighter when they widened, "You made them? A-and you want to give me one?"

"Well you said you'd have to change your look sooner or later, and these have just been sitting in that box for a long, long time. I can't think of any better use than to actually have someone wear them. It would add to your suit! Do any of them catch your eye?"

Tali returned her gaze into the little box, "They're all so beautiful but…"

London nudged the other woman calmly, "Don't be embarrassed. I'm offering something as a gift. If you like a piece I'd really like to hear which one it is."

The Quarian rested her finger over an ankle bracelet. It was made of a material similar, but incredibly more durable and less 'fuzzy' than twine. Around the thin rope was a single, hair-thin strand of bright silver metal that twisted around the entirety of the loop delicately. Adorning the ankle bracelet was a tiny rock. The stone wasn't precious by any means; it was a simple white rock London had picked up outside her childhood home. However, the stone had been delicately molded and carved into a perfect and smooth circle to resemble a pearl. Tali's smile was hidden behind her mask, causing London to speak up in curiosity. "Do you like that one?"

The engineer barely nodded, but the large smile could be heard clearly in her voice. "It's very handsome."

London reached into the small box to retrieve the said object before getting onto her knees in front of the engineer. Tali waved her hands at the woman embarrassed, "Oh please, you don't have to! I can do it myself—"

"—It's fine, Tali. Besides, it saves you a trip of having to bend down and fumble with this tiny clasp. Which ankle would you prefer it on?"

Tali sat nervously erect as she considered the question, "…the left one."

London nodded, wrapping the bracelet around the preferred ankle and latching the ends together effortlessly. She sat back for a moment, admiring the way it looked on her new Quarian friend. "It looks lovely on you. I think you made a good choice—and no other woman in your fleet will ever have one like it. It's one of a kind."

Tali lifted her ankle to inspect the new addition. It really did contrast beautifully against her enviro-suit, and she couldn't hold her happiness back as she stood up quickly to admire the way it moved when she walked. "It's…it's beautiful, and I'll take care of it always. Thank you, London. Thank you very, very much."

London smiled politely and nodded as she stood up as well. "It's my pleasure. Really. I made them a long time ago for old friends but… that time came and went by so quickly I guess I just never got the chance to give the jewelry away. But, whether it was old friends or," London paused, tasting the next words in her mouth, "…new friends—it doesn't matter. A friend is a friend and I'm glad you got it."

Tali held her own hands together lightly, "…and I am glad that you consider me a friend."

London chuckled, "Well, it's been a while since I've had one so I'm a little rusty at this but…you have been really good to me and my sister. I'd say that counts for something in my book."

The engineer nodded, "I'm glad to hear that. And if you or Teagan ever want to visit again please don't hesitate. I find that the two of you are a rather nice 'breath of fresh air'." Tali tapped the breather on her mask playfully, "…so to speak."

London found herself chuckling at the joke when a sudden knock at the door called to her attention. The sniper smiled and raised a hand at the Quarian as if asking the other woman to wait there, "One second, let me just get that. It's most likely Tee who has her hands full with God knows what and who probably can't reach the button. I'm sure she'll die of excitement when she sees you."

The engineer laughed lightly and sat down on the couch again, crossing her legs and running her finger over the new accessory on her ankle.

The sniper tapped the green button firmly and smiled, "Come on in I'm…Miranda?"

Lawson stood confidently on the other side of the door with crossed arms, a grin coming to her lips as she spoke. "…and here I was thinking that I was Miranda and you were London."

London cleared her throat with a small smile on her face. "Let me rephrase. Hello, Miranda, I wasn't expecting you."

Miranda shrugged casually, "Well, I just happened to be on deck and thought I'd pay you a brief visit. May I come in?"

The sniper took a step back from the entry way to allow passage for the operative. "Of course you may. Tali is here also."

Lawson stood a few feet from the entrance, her stance suddenly very business like as she looked at Tali'Zorah. "Good afternoon, Miss vas Normandy."

The Quarian stopped messing with her ankle bracelet and looked up to greet the XO. "Oh, good afternoon, Operative Lawson."

When Miranda replied it was with certain coldness that Tali had grown accustomed to when she had first met the Cerberus agent. It was odd though. Tali realized as she noticed this that she hadn't heard that frigid tone in a while. "Everything is going well down in engineering I assume?"

Confused, Tali nodded. "It is. I just came up to pay London a visit and get away from Kenneth for a while. He's a good man but between the jokes and his and Gabby's constant and very playful banter…well you know."

It was Lawson's turn to nod. "Understandable I suppose."

London eyed the two business-like women and wondered where the casual feel of the room had gone. So, in an attempt to get that feel back, she spoke up. "I actually just finished giving Tali a gift. It's a small accent for her suit—Tali why don't you show her."

The engineer hesitated but soon brought her slim fingers over the small piece of jewelry adorning her ankle. Miranda's face remained unmoved as her eyes traced the delicate object.

Tali sighed lightly at the operative's cold demeanor, "Keelah, I think I'll take my leave right about now. I've been here for about an hour anyways and should get back to work. I need to ensure everything is in order for our landing on Omega today. If there's one place I don't want the Normandy to break down at—it's there. I mean not that it would but…you know. I'll see you later, London…Operative Lawson."

London blinked as the Quarian nodded her goodbyes and watched as the engineer left her quarters. Miranda cleared her throat while politely covering her mouth with a closed fist, respectfully requesting London's attention back to her. "May I have a seat?"

The sniper redirected her attention towards the other woman. "Yes, of course. What was it I could do for you, Miranda? I didn't take you as a 'just visiting' kind of woman."

Miranda relaxed a bit now that it was only them two, "Well, I can't say you're wrong. However, I honestly did want to pay you a quick visit. I also figure that while I'm here, who better than to brief you on the run-down of today."

London sat down on the cushion next to the operative, folding her left leg underneath herself and casually tossing her left arm over the back of the couch so she could be turned to fully face the operative. "You came to visit and work at the same time? Always business I see," London mused, "and…rundown? I didn't think that would be necessary. It'll just be a quick get in and get out kind of thing and I highly doubt that I'll need help with packing our few belongings." The sniper took a small breath, repeating the agenda she had come up with herself, "I just plan to stop by Afterlife to pick up a personal belonging of mine then stop by my old apartment to see if anything is left."

Lawson nodded slightly before a grin came to her lips, "That's nice, but you'll still have both me and Shepard with you, like it or not. We get what has to get done together and as a unit."

London rolled her eyes and leaned her cheek against the cool leather of the couch, "Why the need for escorts, may I ask?"

"We're not escorts in the slightest. I said unit," the operative repeated playfully. "Shepard just likes to take three people with him when we dock somewhere. I never figured why just three but…he's the commander so…"

London smiled and listened, closing her eyes for a minute as she continued to rest her head against the fluffy couch. Miranda observed the sniper and tilted her head as she pondered if the other woman would really fall asleep in her company, "…it's only noon. You're already sleepy?"

The sniper kept her eyes closed as a small chuckle left her lips, "Honestly? I don't usually sleep very well. Now if you mix that in with your voice…"

Miranda frowned, not knowing what London's comment meant but managing to keep her tone cool and composed. "Well I'm sorry if I bore you," Lawson's said painfully indifferent as she began to get up from her seat to take her leave, "I'll just leave you be to nap in—"

London didn't have to open her eyes when she quickly reached out her hand to take Miranda gently by the forearm. "That's…not what I meant."

Miranda's gaze switched between both where London's hand was touching her arm and the sniper's still peaceful face. Suddenly captivated by the way London's dark eyelashes framed the pale skin of her closed eyelids Miranda retook her seat near the other woman, her voice coming out cold. "What did you mean?"

Still holding Lawson gently but firmly in the warm palm of her hand, London's eyes fluttered open to reveal the softly staring and deeply piercing gray orbs. "I meant that I like the sound of your voice. It's…" she tried to think of a term that would compliment the operative, but not overly so. "…nice."

Miranda lowered her gaze as she turned away to look forward. "…I see."

London chuckled, releasing the XO in the process and returning the free hand to her own lap. "I'm sorry if it came off as otherwise."

Lawson was quiet for a long moment before she spoke up again, "…the steak was delicious by the way."

The sniper only grinned to herself knowing full well what Miranda was trying to do. Lawson was attempting to use the brunette's relaxed state against her, to not only switch the conversation onto London but also trying to get the sniper to casually reveal that she did in fact prepare and create the extraordinary dinner specifically for the XO. London was not one to get caught up in mind games so easily.

The fact that there was no response vocally or in London's body language slightly irritated the ex-operative as she sat quietly in the observation room, soon deciding to press another topic. "So, is Teagan getting ready to go to school?"

The sniper's relaxed face suddenly looked saddened as she turned to press her back against the cushions of the couch. "We're packing little by little. I actually think she's become rather excited to go…it's a good thing."

Lawson looked onto the other woman softly, "…and are you ready to see her go?"

London sighed lightly as she considered the question, "I don't know. I know in my heart that this is the best thing I could ever let her do. It's a chance for her to grow, and make friends, and educate herself. I wouldn't take that away from her for the whole world, it's just…I have my fears."

Miranda offered the brunette a dazzling smile and firm nod, "Remember when you told me that our little sisters could turn 35 and we'll still want to protect them from everything? Well this is certainly no exception."

"—it's just…I've been watching her every day since I became her guardian, and I've gotten so used to seeing her every morning and being the one to put her asleep every night. If she fell down, I'd watch her get right back up and be the one to put ointment on her scrape. What if something terrible happens and I can't be there to help her? What if she ends up not liking the school? I won't be able to speak with her if she ever had any concerns or questions."

"London I think—" The operative's omni-tool beeped loudly, signaling Lawson that she had just received an important message. She groaned and raised a finger to her own temple, pressing down firmly on the tender area, "…I'm sorry, I have to take this."

"You really are always business, hmm," London repeated with a half hearted grin. "It's fine, you go ahead and take it. I'm just babbling on like a child anyways. Speaking of which, I need to go find where Teagan is. It's time for lunch."

Miranda stood up from her seat and looked over the brunette with a polite smile, asking the question she'd become rather comfortable asking as of late. "Talk later?"

London simply nodded, looking up at the other's face with a smile of her own. "Better yet—I'll see you later," she paused, "On Omega…as a unit," she mocked teasingly.

Miranda groaned, "Oh heaven help me I just might explode with joy."

xxxxxxx

Captain's Cabin

12:30PM

Jack was spread out along Shepard's bed, her back resting on the mattress as she tossed an apple casually up in the air, only to catch it, and repeat the movement several more times. "I got a question for ya, Shepard."

John was working feverishly over his desk. Kelly Chambers had dropped a new stack of paper work off earlier that required his immediate attention. Stacks of receipts, bills, documents requiring signatures, and others of variety were all going to get done that day come hell or high water. "Alright, Jack—shoot. What's the question?"

The biotic caught the apple one last time, the slap of her hand hitting its' skin roughly echoing quietly out into the cabin. "You know that holo on your desk, the one with the blonde in it? Who is she?"

Shepard stopped his writing and looked over slightly to the left to view the holo. He smiled gently onto the photo, "Adriana Dodier. We both grew up in the slums on earth together. It was just us couple of kids on the streets with nothing to eat and fighting day by day just to survive."

Shepard was Jack's territory now, and somewhere in the twisted view of how she thought relationships work, the biotic needed to ensure all other female prospects were out of the question. Jack eyed Shepard's back, her eyebrow lifting in question. "…so…she's a friend, right?"

John swiveled around in his chair, a grin large on his lips as he eyed the tattooed beauty. "She's a very good friend, yes. When we were little we both made a promise to each other that'd we'd get out of the shit hole we lived in and find a real home, so when I hit eighteen I joined the military but she…she didn't want anymore violence. I guess the fight just died out in her. I can't exactly say I blame her though, she chose a normal life. She also ended up getting into college and graduating only to go back and pursue her doctorates."

Jack nodded as she listened, "…so what's up with the picture then?"

Shepard swiveled back around to grab the picture and hold it up to Jack, "See that house in the background?"

"Yeah?"

"Well she kept to the promise. She not only got herself out of the hell we lived in, but she got a real home and sent me a holo as soon as it legally became hers."

Jack observed the home for a moment but ended up scoffing at the boring thought of settling down. "So where's she at now?"

John raised a brow at her, "…why?"

"Oh chill the hell out, Shepard. It ain't like I'm gonna find her address and murder her while she sleeps or something."

Shepard squinted, "Well that was reassuring."

Jack growled and threw the apple roughly at Shepard, whom caught it and took a gracious bite. The biotic glared, "I'm just curious."

The commander swallowed lightly and chuckled, "Alright, alright. She's still on earth. I believe she works for Ariake Technologies as a lead designer now. She's made some of the best selling omni-tools to date. I guess that means she's doing rather well for herself. I also hear she's started a well received charity for the slums we grew up in. Adriana's been doing some real good for those kids."

Jack was quiet as she rolled onto her back to stare at the ceiling. "Sounds like a goody good."

Shepard laughed, "She's alright, Jack."

"…what was her address again?" the biotic asked nonchalantly.

"Jaaack," John playfully warned.

"I'M KIDDING, for fuck's sake."

Shepard stood from his seat and made his way to sit beside the length of the biotic's body. "She's not enough woman for me to be honest." The pair stared at each other quietly before John finally reached over to caress Jack's cheek, his thumb moving tenderly over the soft flesh beneath. "You, however…might be enough." He lingered there for a moment before bringing the pads of his fingers down her long neck, past the collar bone, the round of her shoulder, then finally stopping at her bicep. His index finger traced the outline of a deep scar that seemed to wrap itself around the entirety of the biotics right arm. It looked almost as if someone had tightly wound some kind of thin rope around Jack's upper arm and hung her from it for a long time. The scars were deep, like whatever it was that latched to her arm had the time to dig into her skin and settle before being taken out.

Jack grinned, "…I'm prolly more than you can handle too."

Shepard put on a face that made it seem he was thinking really hard, "Well I don't know about that. I think I'd be able to hold my own…"

A mischievous smile crept across the biotic's lips, "Prove it..."

The commander leaned in, placing his body over hers as his lips grazed Jack's, his right hand trailing the side of her torso sending a light shudder throughout her body. John placed a trail of light kisses that started at her mouth and ended with him taking a nip at her earlobe. "Maybe later," he teasingly whispered, quickly getting off the now eager woman and taking his seat back at his paper work.

Jack blinked wide eyed at the sudden lack of contact then propped herself up on her elbows with a severe scowl, "You dick." The ex-convict did not hold back when she mercilessly threw a pillow at the back of Shepard's head, sending him into a small fit of laughter. "I'm sorry, Jack! I just really have to get this done before we land on Omega. I don't want to do any of this crap later tonight."

The biotic growled, "Whatever. And you're taking me down right?"

Shepard turned to face his love once again, "Actually, we're only going to be down there around an hour, so I figure it would just be London since we're there for her, and Lawson."

"What! No fucking way, I've been cooped up on this ship way to damn long and I wanna wreck somethin'!"

John considered the statement carefully, "I'll tell you what, after this whole Omega ordeal we're going straight for the Citadel via mass relay. We'll get there in no time flat, so as soon as we drop the kid off, I'll give the crew a few hours to do as they please and you n' me will do whatever you want around the Citadel. Deal?"

The biotic eyed the infiltrator curiously, "…no shit?"

Shepard raised his hand in oath, "I swear."

Jack squinted at her commander before letting a wide grin spread on her lips, "You got yourself a deal." The ex-convict then grew silent for a moment, "…and you know…it'll be weird not having the midget around. I kinda' got used to her dragging my ass everywhere to do random shit."

John's face softened as he thought of the sisters. "Yeah it's been an experience having both London and Teagan. I hadn't been around kids in so long that I almost forgot what that childhood innocence was like in all this war. I'm glad we saved Teagan. I think the crew actually needed someone like her around. I also think it was really good for the crew to have a new adult face amongst them for a little while. I'm sure new company is always appreciated on a small crew."

Jack folded her arms behind her head as she relaxed on the bed, "Guess we'll have to say g'bye to them soon…"

Shepard exhaled lightly, "…yeah. Soon, but not just yet." The commander called out into his cabin, "EDI?"

"Commander Shepard?"

"How much longer till Omega?"

"Estimated arrival in five and one half hours."

John looked over to Jack, "We still got time. You should go have a visit while I finish up this work."

Jack pondered her next action for a brief moment, "It's almost time for ol' ink head's meditation session anyways so I guess I'll do that. See ya after you come back."

xxxxxxx

Portside Observation

5:50pm

EDI's voice rang out into the silent room, "Ms. London, we have arrived at Omega and are docking now. Commander Shepard would like to see you at the entrance."

The sniper nodded as she tightened the sheath to the tactical knife around her thigh, and then switched to her opposite thigh to ensure her M-5 Phalanx pistol was firm in place as well. "Alright Teagan, I'm leaving the ship for a little while okay? You stay on board and be good. Tali said she'd like to eat dinner with you today, how about that? You should be nice and go over to eat with her. I'm sure she's expecting you."

Teagan's eyes widened with excitement, "Okay! I'll go down with Tali then but…you're coming back…right?"

London stopped at the doorway and swiveled around on her heel, lifting her pinky in the air.

Teagan beamed, raising her pinky also. The pair stared at each other for a brief moment before clasping their fingers out and towards each other as if making a silent promise. With that, London turned to exit the room. She'd be back.

xxxxxxx

Omega

6PM

Omega: the mined out husk of a metallic asteroid. It was a place to call home to criminals, terrorists, and everything in between. The space station's once elegant design gave way to haphazard expansion by 7.8 million people, all scrabbling factions of every species for the past hundreds of years. Now? The city was one giant slum. There was no central government and if you asked anyone who lived there they'd tell you they couldn't remember a time when there ever was. As far as anyone was concerned there was really only one rule the people of Omega had to follow by: Don't fuck with Aria.

Commander Shepard, Miranda, and London made their way out of the docking hall and into the main sector of the city that housed the top entrance to club Afterlife. "So," began Shepard, "where to first?"

London exhaled heavily, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she pointed at the doors to Afterlife. "Oh I'm so happy to be back. I need to pick something up from my old dressing room."

Shepard nodded his head towards the intended direction with a grin, "Let's get to it then."

"Actually, Commander," Lawson interrupted. "I have to pick up something I ordered this morning from a Salarian salesman I've worked with here. Will that be alright?"

John stopped to eyeball his second, "What the hell did you need to order from here?"

Miranda grinned, "Oh a little of this, a little of that—you know."

Shepard shook his head, "Just make it fast, Lawson. This isn't exactly a pleasure cruise, and I want to get in and get out as quickly as possible."

The XO nodded firmly before walking off in her own direction, "Right away, Commander."

London turned back to Shepard, "Guess it's just you and me then."

John smiled, "For now. Let's go get what you need."

The pair walked down the sector's main room and up the steps that lead into the Afterlife with no problems until a well built human and his even larger krogan partner stepped in front of John and London's path.

Shepard was instantaneously losing his patience with the two bouncers, "Problem?"

London sighed, looking from the Human to the Krogan with annoyance. "Mac, Krull… Seriously?"

Mac crossed his arms and grinned, "Seriously. Where the hell ya' been, girl? Flex has blown so many goddamn veins in his head it's a wonder he ain't dead. Your clients ain't happy. And when clients aren't happy…"

The Krogan growled, "Flex ain't happy. And we don't like it when Flex ain't happy."

London rolled her eyes, "Oh please. Who the hell are you two, his mothers? Get the hell out of our way; I need to get something from my dressing room."

Mac laughed out loudly, "Girly, you ain't got a dressing room anymore. You been gone two weeks. You really think you can just come waltzing back in here like you never lost Flex ass loads of chits and nothing ever happened?"

London's look was stern, "I'm not looking to work here anymore. I just want my things so we can leave."

Krull eyeballed the fully armored man next to the exotic dancer, "And who the hell is this?" he laughed hurtfully, "Your new pimp?"

The sniper clenched her fist, trying to keep her anger at bay when Shepard spoke up firmly and almost threateningly, "Commander John Shepard of the Normandy SR2."

Mac's gulp could be visibly seen as his posture suddenly stiffened. The krogan, however, remained as relaxed as ever. "That name doesn't mean shit to me, human. I got orders. The girl doesn't step a foot inside this club until she gives Flex what she owes. And she owes a lot."

London looked over to Krull, "How the hell can I give Flex what I owe if I can't get in? Just call Flex. Tell him I'm here and that we need to talk. Now."

Mac ignored London, but eyed Shepard's severe look and decided it best to agree, "…fine." The man took a few steps away from the others as he put his finger to his ear to speak with the man known as Flex. When the conversation finished he nodded at his krogan partner, allowing London and Shepard to enter into the club. "Flex wants to see you both in his office. He only asks that you not start a commotion in the club. Aria is currently present and isn't fond of gunfire interrupting music that she favors."

London walked pasted the two bouncers with little thought, "Like I said, I'm only here to get my belongings."

Shepard gave the two bouncers a final look over before catching up to the brunette and walking through the final door that led into the club. He had to practically yell into London's ear over the incredibly loud bass of the club's sound system. "So where's his office?"

London pointed over to a door only a few feet away, nodding her head in its direction before walking over and hitting the red button at its center. The door remained closed for a moment before hissing open to reveal Flex sitting at his desk, a thin and shady looking man wearing a cheap looking purple suit.

When the door hissed shut behind the pair, the room suddenly went perfectly quiet. Flex offered a false smile, "Well if it isn't London."

The sniper crossed her arms as she stood in front of the manager's desk, "I see you got another feature installed in your office."

"Audio dampeners. They keep the office quiet and keep me from getting yet another migraine…something I've gotten quite a bit of lately with your absence. Your clients are not happy and that means I don't get paid. So cut the friendly chatter, London… that is…unless you've come to pay me what you owe." The man considered the opportunity he could have, "And hey, it doesn't need to be in chits, baby, I'm a nice guy. I take all kinds of payment, but… you know that." The manager licked his lips as he looked over London's body.

Shepard scowled at the foul little man, "Watch your Goddamned mouth."

Flex growled lightly at the other male presence, but soon calmed himself remembering who it was. "Ah yes…Commander Shepard. I've heard many things about you. You've got quite the reputation among the stars. May I interest you in a drink?"

"No. But you can shut up and listen to London. She's looking for something. You can help."

Flex clenched his jaw and narrowed his eyes at the rude guest, "Very well. No need for such language, Commander, I'm only trying to be friendly. What can I do for you, London?" he spat sarcastically.

London closed her eyes to compose her usual cool and calm self, "Listen, Flex, I don't want any problems for you. I had left a holo in my dressing room…it was of me and my family from almost seven years ago. It's very important to me, and I would very much like to have it back now."

Flex leaned back into his seat and chuckled, "It's not here and I don't have."

The sniper raised a brow. "Excuse me? I said it's in my dressing room. I just need to go get it."

"London, baby, you don't have a dressing room anymore. After a week of you not showing up, I gave the room to the new girl who calls herself Rose; She's got a spunk to her and managed to scrape up a few expensive cliental in only a few short days—"

London was trying her best to not show emotion on her face, but the holo was the only thing she had left of her family together as a whole. She was beginning to get angry. "—I don't give a shit about the new girl. I just want my holo, Flex."

Flex narrowed his eyes and scowled. He had never seen the brunette this brave before, especially to him. "You didn't let me fucking finish, princess, now if you would be so kind as to shut your used up mouth then—"

Before he could even say another word, London had dragged him up to a standing position and was leaning into him, her lips only inches from his. His back was facing Shepard, so John couldn't see the pistol London had pressed against the club manager's crotch. Her voice was unnervingly cold as she whispered, "—Finish that sentence. I dare you."

Flex froze, his eyes widening and his lips sealing shut. London's face was unforgiving and stern. "That's what I thought...little man thinks that just because he's a manager for a rat infested club that he can call all the shots and shoot his mouth off. News flash: it's Omega and you aren't shit. So do yourself a favor, if you're going to talk the talk then you better learn to back it up by walking the walk, you coward. Now tell me where my holo is or I pull this trigger. Got it?"

The club manager's chest heaved up and down heavily, his arms naturally going up as if telling the athletic woman he surrendered. Flex had no clue how dangerous London could really be. "Heeeey now don't be like that, baby, you know me—"

The hand that gripped the managers collar shook him threateningly, "That's the problem. I know you but you really don't know me— and I'm not your fucking baby, Flex. Now talk." She pressed the pistol harder into his crotch causing a slight whimper to leave his lips. "Fuck, London! I can't think with you pointing that thing at my dick!"

The sniper tightened her grip around the trigger, "I'm losing my patience…really…fast."

The manager twisted his head over his shoulder to glance at Shepard, "Oh come on man! Help me out here!"

Shepard couldn't help but grin at the situation. One part really wanted to let London shoot, the asshole had it coming to him after all. But if she shot off the idiot's organ there'd be no way he could talk. He'd most likely just scream and cry for a few hours. Or he'd bleed to death, and that wouldn't help one bit.

John exhaled lightly, "London, will you allow me to take care of this idiot for you? I'll make him talk and I'll go get the holo back. You should go out and meet Miranda to get the rest of your stuff from your apartment that way we kill two birds with one stone."

London stared into the fearful eyes of her ex-employer and growled, her knee soon replacing the barrel of her pistol against his genitals. As Flex fell to his knees crying out in pain, the sniper bent down to whisper in his ear. "…if you don't give him the holo…I'll be back. And when I do? Well… just pray you don't see me again."

The sniper walked over his crumbled form and stopped in front of Shepard, "I'm sorry. I got out of control. I'm usually more composed it's just…that holo means a lot to me, Shepard."

John put a hand on her shoulder and smiled softly, "Don't apologize. Just go and meet Miranda outside. When you're at your apartment tell Lawson to send me the coordinates. I'll be there later."

London looked over at the still whining manager then back to the commander. "Understood. And…thanks."

"No problem, now get going."

The woman nodded as she left the office, leaving the two men alone. Shepard walked over and grabbed the thin man by the arm, lifting him up to his feet with ease. "You should really get to know the people you hire. You'd be surprised at what some of them are capable of. Now, back to the matter at hand; I'm going to give you two choices. One choice is the easy way and the other choice is the hard way. Pick."

Flex grimaced as he fell back into his manager's chair, grabbing his tenders in pain. "…easy, for the love of God, easy."

John grinned, "Good call. You might be an idiot, but you're not as stupid as I gave you credit for."

xxxxxxx

Lawson had been walking around both floors of the club for a good twenty minutes, dodging pick up lines and offers to dance before giving up on the search and heading back outside. A woman in a rust colored tank top caught her eye. "Bloody hell, there you are. Shepard didn't respond to my message and I was starting to get worried. I was looking all over the club for you. Where's Shepard?"

London rubbed her eyes, "Sorry…we weren't in the club, but rather my old manager's office instead. Shepard is still in there taking care of some business for me. I wasn't being very helpful in the situation, so he asked that we make our way to my apartment and gather my things. He also asked that when we arrive to send him the coordinates so he can meet up with us afterwards."

"What situation?"

"It's nothing serious. Flex wasn't responding well to my…persuasions. So, Shepard thought it'd be best to handle it himself. I'm actually glad he's doing it instead of me. I have a feeling that if I was allowed to continue nothing would have gotten done."

Miranda grinned, "Well if there's anyone who can get the information, it's Shepard." Lawson looked over towards the taxi station. "Shall we?"

"Yes please."

xxxxxxx

Miranda contorted her face into one of disgust as she moved herself closer to London, "Dear God, my seat is …sticky. And it smells like urine."

London couldn't help but chuckle as she moved over to offer more room for the XO to sit. "Welcome to the Omega Taxi service."

Lawson moved over until she found a suitable and non-sticky spot to sit in. "Did I ever tell you that I'm having such a wonderful time?" she said sarcastically but playfully all the same.

The sniper smiled as she leaned over to speak to the driver, "I'd like to go to Omega sector D, Kodesh district, block seven please." The cab driver nodded and turned on the fare meter.

Miranda looked over to London, "You live in the Kodesh district?"

"Mhm."

"I thought it was shut down a few years ago due to an outbreak of plague."

London shrugged, "I didn't move into the district until all of that business had been settled. The plague really dropped the cost of living in that area so I took up the offer and moved both Teagan and I in. There weren't very many others in the district at the time, so I felt it to be the safest thing to do. Besides, it only seemed to attack those of the dextro-amino variety."

Miranda nodded, "Do you think your belongings will still be there?"

The sniper looked out the window in contemplation, "I'm hoping so. I had already paid my rent for this month, but if people in that block notice no one going in or coming out of the apartment for quite some time they feel the urge to break in and take your stuff. They most likely figure you're dead or something I guess."

Lawson sighed lightly, "I really hate Omega. Filthy place and ever dirtier people."

London looked almost saddened by the comment, as if it were somehow directed towards herself. "I know where I live is not what someone with your standards is used to, but I made the best of my situation and did what I could for my sister. I tried."

Miranda shot her gaze over towards the brunette apologetically, "London that's not what I meant, it's just—"

"It's okay, Miranda. I understand."

The pair rode in the silence the rest of the way.

xxxxxxx

Omega sector D

Kodesh District

Slums of Block 7

6:45PM

After paying the fare, both women got out of the cab and made their way down an alley and towards London's apartment. The sniper looked over to Lawson, "Did you send the Commander the coordinates?"

Miranda simply nodded as they walked, taking notice of the ruin that Block 7 had become. Nothing seemed to be clean about this place. Bullet holes adorned the walls of buildings, graffiti decorated the streets and signs, fissures left from what seemed to be grenades were blown into the floor, and twisted and dangerously sharp pieces of shrapnel stuck out from the walls. It reeked of metal and rust, of contaminated water, and alcohol. The faint stench of vomit could also be picked up by Lawson's superb sense of smell. The area was mostly still abandoned with the exception of the few apartment tenants, homeless people and gang members that they passed every once in a while.

Miranda silently hoped that this place was not the place London and Teagan were forced to live in, but the worry suddenly became reality as London made a quick right turn to enter a building with a swipe card.

The pair made their way up the stairs to the 2nd out of 8 floors, stopping at room 201 while London fumbled through her pack for her key. Miranda frowned sadly as she simply pushed the door open. There was no lock. "London…"

London sighed, putting her hopes and key card away and watched as the door slowly swung open to reveal her home in shambles.

Miranda placed a hand on London's shoulder, "…do you still want to look?"

The sniper calmed her quivering lip and clenched her jaw. Things were just not looking good for her today, but she put on a brave face as she entered through the doorway. "Yes I do. I promised Teagan I'd bring some of our stuff back."

Miranda nodded, lowering her hand and walking through the entrance. "Then let's pack."

The apartment was small and consisted of two rooms, one of which was smaller than the other. The bigger room was the living space which housed the bed, dresser, stove and sitting area all in one. The smaller room held the shower, toilet, and an extremely small sink, all within a foot and a half from each other.

London took off her pack and tossed it on the bed, checking the dresser to see if any of their clothes remained. "That's…weird."

Miranda had just finished turning a sitting chair right-side-up when she looked over, eyebrow quirked, "What's weird."

London stuffed what little clothes she had into her pack, doing the same with Teagan's dressing drawer afterwards. "…all of our clothes are still here."

Lawson looked around the room, "Honestly the place seems like one big giant mess now, but are you actually missing anything?"

The brunette thought for a moment before looking under her bed and catching view of her shoebox. She reached in and brought the small box out, opening its lid to view its contents. She had taken two books from her mother's collection the day she left their home, two books that were probably worth more than ten years worth of rent. One was a book of poetry, and the other was a very old child's book called, 'Winnie the Pooh'. However, not only were the books still there, but the box still held her savings account credit chit. London quickly threw the three belongings into her backpack with a questioning look.

Miranda used her biotics to toss a broken table to the side, a grin coming to her lips as she realized what was beneath. The XO reached down to grab a small purple stuffed octopus with two buttons for eyes. "I assume this is Mr. Wiggles?"

London's gaze softened as she saw the familiar toy, "It is. Here, let me pack it."

Miranda tossed the stuffed toy towards the sniper who caught it and gracefully placed it in her bag, shutting it closed then placing it on her back. London spoke up softly afterwards, "Miranda…"

Lawson's eyes looked around the damaged room as she replied, "London?"

"…if my home was broken into, why didn't they take anything. My books, my savings credit chit, our clothes…all of it still here. My qitan is broken, but nothing is missing."

Miranda suddenly looked over at London sharply. "Nothing?"

The sniper nodded once firmly. "Nothing."

Miranda's body snapped into defensive mode. "The intruders weren't looking for just anything. They were here for something specific."

London's eyes snapped to look into Miranda's, "…Teagan."

Lawson shook her head, "The suns don't leave work this messy. It can't be Teagan because no one else but that Blue Suns knows what she looks like. Unless they're looking for…"

London reached to her hip to un-holster her pistol, eyes widening. "…me."

Miranda reached for her submachine gun right as a loud crashing noise came through the tiny second story window. Lawson was quick to yell out an order, "Flash grenade! Shield your eyes!"

xxxxxxx

"Listen, Rose was a good girl, Commander. She knew the picture was probably important to the dancer she replaced so she never touched it. She left it on the dresser until London came back to pick it up."

"So where is it now, Flex?"

"Alright here's the thing. One night Rose gets asked by some high rolling merc to give him a private dance. She takes him down to London's old room and does her business. The guy apparently took notice of the picture and came straight to me asking to buy it off. He offered two hundred credits up front for the damn thing. Since London never came back and since my pockets were hurting because of it…I took the deal. She owed me big. I took the credits and gave him the holo."

John leaned in, "Wait. What merc?"

Flex shrugged, "I don't know, I never got the name. But he said the man holding the baby in the holo was an old friend of his and that they went way back. Who am I to deny good memories to the guy, eh?"

Shepard got up quickly, "The merc said he knew London's father?"

"Old friends, yeah."

"Son of a bitch, they know what she looks like!" John bolted out of the office and club, swiftly making his way towards the cab station.

xxxxxxx

The faint sounds of screaming patrons could be heard from within the small apartment as stray automatic rifle rounds ricocheted through the streets below. After the still slightly blurry vision and ear splitting ringing in their ears subsided, London noticed Miranda's back was against a wall. The sniper moved along the floor quickly to snatch the XO's wrist and yank her down onto the ground to where they were both laying flat. Miranda growled, "London—"

"We know you're in there," A man with a thick Spanish accent yelled out in a singsong manner through the commotion. "If you and your little friend disarm yourselves and come out, we'll resolve this peacefully. Me and my four Krogan partners here will not harm you. We just want to know where the girl is, London."

When there was no reply, the irritated mercenary sprayed a few bullets out at the second story wall with little regard to any life within the building. "I SAID COME OUT."

Lawson had covered her head during the onslaught of fire then raised her face to meet London's. "Well there's good news and bad news now."

London wiped the white dust that shook loose from the ceiling away from her mouth, "…what could possibly be good?"

"The human can be easy taken out, and the rest of his group is Krogan—which means they'll have no biotics available at their disposal."

The sniper raised a brow, "And the bad news is?"

Miranda grinned, "They're Krogan. They'll more than likely have not only great armor, but extra armor AND biotic shield effects…and let's not forget to mention the shotguns, and that they're all muscle."

London rolled her eyes, "Yes, let's not forget about the shotguns and muscles."

An angry yell followed by another spray of bullets bombarded London's wall from the outside, causing London to speak hastily. "The walls aren't thick enough to offer protection from those rounds. We need to stay flat and we need to find a way out of this building now. There are families here and I won't be responsible for any child's or parent's death today."

Miranda quickly considered their options, "Is there an alternative exit to this building?"

"There's no exit from the top floor, so besides the front entrance the only other exit is on the first floor through the back door," London responded.

"They might have that covered too, but it's worth a shot to at least get to a vantage point." Miranda quickly pressed her earpiece, "Shepard, come in Shepard, this is Lawson. London and I are under attack from an unknown group of mercenaries, we need assistance. Be cautioned. The leader is commanding several heavily armored krogan."

John returned the call immediately, "I'm already on my way, you two. Keep a clear head and don't do anything reckless. Close combat against four krogan is suicide. Stay at range and do not let them charge." Shepard then hurriedly called out to the sniper through Miranda's omni-tool, "London, Flex sold your family holograph to a merc who supposedly knew your father. Sit tight, I'll be there soon."

Before London or Miranda could speak, something else flew into the room via window. It was a small disc-like container that beeped quickly and blinked red, an irritated voice ringing from bellow soon after, "That ought to give you incentive to leave that damn room."

The sniper's eyes widened, "bomb…Bomb...BOMB."

As quickly as their legs could manage the XO and the sniper rose to their feet and flew out the door, a loud explosion soon blazing bright yellows and brilliant reds behind them. The shockwave sent the pair tumbling down the steps to the first level, both landing on their back with a loud "Oof!"

Lawson groaned but was quick to get up from the blast, dragging the other woman up behind her. "We have to move now. Go!"

London could feel that her ankle had twisted, but said nothing of it as she ran behind the operative out the back exit only to be greeted by one of the opposing krogan who had separated from his team to cover the back door. Miranda's action was instantaneous, "Overloading his shield!" A flicker of dark biotic mass crackled from her finger tips as a heavy explosion burned his shield down to near obsolete, causing the Krogan to falter backwards then scream as he fired his shotgun in retaliation. London waited under cover until the moment presented itself to fire back while he reloaded. The sniper took out her laser-sighted pistol and fired rapidly right in between the krogan's eyes, consuming her whole thermal clip and causing his first shield to begin flickering. Miranda took the same opportunity to unload her Locust on the mercenary, his shield finally succumbing to the onslaught of fire and crackling away. "THEY'RE BACK HERE!" He called out hurriedly, hoping his backup would arrive before they burned through his last armor shield.

The krogan growled loudly as he hunched over in a predatory fashion, the toes of his right foot digging into the ground, his eyes dead set on Miranda as he prepared to launch himself towards her.

"Oh no you don't!" Lawson didn't give him the chance to charge as she extended her hand once more and spat "Using heavy warp!" London ducked behind cover to reload her pistol as a bright blue ball of energy crashed into the Krogan, a loud howl of pain leaving his lips as his armor barrier sent shocks throughout his body. When she noticed the yellow tinted barrier disappear, it only took one well aimed shot to put the krogan down. London set her laser sight right on the krogan's left eye, firmly pulling the trigger and letting the bullet take care of the rest. The krogan fell lifeless onto the dirty streets of Kodesh.

Miranda inhaled deeply to catch her breath before calling out to London, "Let's move."

"—not so fast ladies." The Spanish voice called out to them from a far. "Thought you got away did you? Sorry to say we sent the little krogan by himself on purpose. We get paid more when it's only split four ways. Plus, he was the new guy. No one likes the new guy."

Lawson grinned, "Then I'll guess your partners will be happy to know the amount only increases if it's split by three."

The human mercenary raised a brow, "Come again?"

Before he could say another word Lawson raised her submachine gun and shot him square between the eyes. "…you guys must be really new at this whole merc thing, you're absolutely terrible."

The three krogan stared down at their dead commander dumbfounded momentarily, giving Lawson and London the chance to take cover behind the crumbling walls of an abandoned building.

"Yeah okay, Miranda, let's add insult to injury and piss the three little krogan off even more shall we?"

The operative grinned wickedly as she released a steaming thermal clip and reloaded her gun. With a little groan she quickly stood up again and released another heavy overload on the largest krogan, knocking his shield down to a bare minimum. The trio of mercenaries turned their attention towards the women's location. The largest one pounded his fists together while screaming. "Now we do this our way." All three krogans simultaneously charged, shattering the two women's makeshift cover and tossing Miranda aside with as much grace as a rag doll, causing her to land in a disheveled heap on the dirty ground.

As two of the krogan gathered around Lawson's crumpled form, the third one picked up the sniper and held her in a death squeeze. "I have orders to bring you in alive. They just never specified in what condition, human."

London could feel the air being constricted out of her, so she did the only thing she could do that didn't require her arms. With as much force as she could muster she brought the tip of her boot to hit the krogan square in the quads and her forehead to hit the krogan right on the crest, causing a new gash to form on her own brow in the process. However, given he still had armor the two taps were only enough for him to loosen his grip and stumble backwards. It was the opening the sniper needed to grab her tactical knife from her thigh and shove it upwards under his jaw and into his head. The krogan never even got the chance to scream.

The pair crumbled to the ground and London took a large inhale of air, reaching up to retrieve her knife in the process and then wiping away the blood that had trickled down her forehead and into her eyes. Able to see again the brunette frantically searched around the area for Miranda, only to find her being bombarded with heavy kicks and obscene remarks on the far end. The operative's shields were flickering and fading quickly. London knew that if she did not act soon, it would only be a matter of seconds before Miranda's defenses were gone completely, giving the Krogan the opportunity to finish Lawson off with a single shotgun blow.

London got to her feet quickly and sprinted towards the larger krogan with a weaker shield. Without warning she leapt onto his back and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing both of her middle and ring fingers into the squishy substance of his eyeballs. "Miranda, get up! Get to cover now!"

The enormous krogan wailed in pain as he staggered, dropping his gun and slashing the air with both hands before taking hold of the sniper's wrist and, with as much force as any krogan processed, tossed her away—a loud popping sound coming from London's shoulder as she was ripped from the mercenary's back.

The younger krogan ducked in order to avoid the onslaught of sharp krogan claws, giving Lawson the chance to instantly use her throw ability on him, and her heavy warp ability once more on the now blind krogan. The blast sent the already weak mercenary into shock as the biotic field enveloped his body and electrocuted his senses. The XO grabbed her hip mounted hand cannon and blasted a hole right through the krogan's open mouth.

The dead mercenary landed beside Lawson as she fought to catch her breath and regain her strength, "Lon…London," she called out weakly from her position, "London, are you alright?"

London called out tiredly from a short distance away as she somehow managed to gather her reserved strength and get herself to her feet. "I think I have a concussion…and a dislocated shoulder, but…I'm alright. You?"

Miranda had finally managed to get into a sitting position and wiped off her bloody lip, eventually standing up and wincing in the process. "Perfect."

The pair weakly walked towards one another with a smug look in their eyes. Krogan-shmogan.

"Lawson this is Shepard, I'm coming in down the alleyway!" her comms system rang in.

Miranda smiled faintly, "Thanks for joining the party. You were a little late so you didn't get to see us cut the cake though." Then something suddenly caught the operative's attention from over the brunette's shoulder. The last remaining krogan mercenary the operative had thrown hadn't stayed down or retreated and now his sights were aimed at London as he began to charge.

London was chuckling at the joke when Miranda shoved the sniper to the side aggressively, taking the sudden full on force of a healthy and very pissed off krogan at the peak of his charge. The sniper hit the ground then instantly snapped her head up to witness the operative get slammed against a far wall with enough force to snap a tree in half.

"MIRANDA," the brunette managed to scream as she weakly threw her tactical knife towards the krogan only to witness it bounce of his thick armor. She didn't care; she needed to get the krogan's attention off the operative and onto her self.

John could hear his second in command's name echo through the alley and he willed his legs to pump faster, his mattock heavy rifle loaded and ready to fire on sight.

The krogan released a blood thirsty roar as he walked up to the weak sniper that laid on the ground and backhanded her so hard London could have sworn she felt her jaw break. "I've had enough of your games, human! We leave NOW." Thick skinned fingers wrapped themselves around the straps of London's tank top and began to drag her away towards a hovercraft.

When Shepard arrived at the scene he noticed Lawson leaning against the wall holding her mid section to his right and a krogan dragging London away towards a hover car with dark tinted windows to his left. The commander switched to his sniper rifle and unloaded his entire heat sink into the mercenary, watching as his shields eventually gave way to the bullets, the krogan soon falling to the ground with multiple holes perforating his body. London weakly got to her feet as she stumbled her way over to John, "Miranda…I think she's hurt."

Shepard ran over towards his second in command, "Lawson, look at me. We're getting you out of here. What hurts?"

Miranda chuckled, a trickle of deep red blood falling from the corner of her mouth and down her chin. She lowered her hands, finally showing the wound she had been hiding on her abdomen. Lawson wasn't leaning against the wall—she had been impaled on it. A short, thin sheet of protruding metal was sticking out from the structure when Lawson had been slammed against it. "It's o-only a flesh wound, C-commander."

London's eyes widened as she shook her head, "Oh no…"

Shepard slathered on the medi-gel as he spat an order into his comms system that linked to the Normandy. "Joker, Miranda is down. I repeat Miranda is down! Get Chakwas and Mordin ready to administer care as soon as we load!"

The brunette looked over Miranda's half-lidded eyes, "Don't you dare close your eyes, you hear me?"

Miranda suddenly cried out in pain as Shepard slid a hand behind her body, easing the operative forward so he could remove her from the wall. "London, get ready to help hold her."

The sniper nodded quickly as Shepard pulled Lawson free. Miranda shrieked as a single tear ran down her cheek, London soon after taking the raven haired beauty into her arms firmly as the operative fell forward, not giving a damn if her own dislocated shoulder was screaming in protest. "I have you," London reassured, "…I have you."

Shepard wrapped one of the operative's arms around his neck as he helped take her back towards the cab he had forcefully possessed, Miranda coughing out large amounts of blood on the way.

When they had finally arrived at the cab London took a seat in the back while Shepard gently laid Miranda down in the back seat as well, the raven colored hair spilling over London's lap. "Add pressure to her wound and watch her," Shepard barked, "If the bleeding gets worse add another application of medi-gel. Chakwas and Mordin will be waiting as soon as we arrive."

The sniper nodded furiously, "Understood."

Shepard was trying to be as gentle as he could while flying well over ninety miles per hour, gentle cries of pain and loud gasps coming from the rear seat.

London gently caressed the operative's cheek to calm her down, "…what the hell were you thinking, hmm?" she asked softly.

Miranda tried her best to lift the corner of her lip in a grin, "We're…a…unit, re…reme…" the operative gasped out loudly, her face contorting in fear and confusion, "…I can't b-b…breathe…I think my lu..lun…"

London's eyes widened as she called out to Shepard, "Shepard she—"

"Yeah I heard her! HOLD ON."

As the cab jolted forward, Miranda could faintly make out the echo of her name being called out by the woman who hovered above her.

However…silence soon became the only thing Lawson could hear as her vision gave way to the welcoming blackness.

[End16: City of Filth]