Hound Akragth: It's alright, I'm used to stupid people. The Vertoak do tend to be 'pessimists', though they prefer to be called realists- it's easy to get the two confused. Even so, they are a loyal people who still believe in their princess and will fight for and with her to the death. I hope. Anyway, the interruptions were a mix of those options you gave me. And I hope you feel better with those allergies. ;)

Hopelessly Blue: Well… I might feel better… T_T Okay, I admit I felt better when you said that. But I also admit I'm jealous of Liara now! Jeez, I feel so cold and unloved right now. (Cries on the inside. Again) Dammit Jake I told you to stop that! *kicks little brother in the face* Anyway, I'm glad you liked the chapter and all. Raegas' father tends to be a little harsh toward her because of what happened and since she's corrupted-with the thing that killed his Soulmate-but he still loves her regardless. I'm happy you like Raegas and Shepard together as well, HB. I had thought you would stop reviewing by now because you love Liara so much. (Watched as she sighs all sad-like) Jake! *tackles him to the ground*

Liege Lord: And here I thought you would tell me to write what happened at Hagalaz in a flashback so you could see that. I guess I can throw that chapter out the window. And yes, I hope they cheer up soon as well.

Kachie Takahashi: Aw, Kachie! You're the best my friend! I never actually believed I was even remotely close to writing 'the good stuff' but you helped out my mood and made me feel better! I love that pairing too. ;) I can see that you love me more than some people, so I'll do you a solid: give me a challenge or tell me what something you'd like to happen and I'll see what I can do. Just for you. ;D

A/N: My eyes are so dry right now! I hate it when I have to keep writing but I can't because I'm rubbing my eyes so much, you know?

"Here is your ship, princess." My Viera companion, Fuen, said, gesturing to the Normandy-sized ship loitering in the Grey Star's hangar. I had hoped father would allow me to use the Slayer's Fate; the ship Adel stole out from his nose. Twice. "Try not to break it." Fuen said, walking off to her other duties as Caretaker.

"Do try to have more faith in me!" I called after her, getting only a somber glance over the shoulder in return. I sighed and turned back to the Slayer's Fate, hoping there would be enough room for everyone that had volunteered to come along. It had taken me all morning just to look over how many I had, let alone read them and figure out which ones I could use for the missions coming up soon. The worst part of it was how I'd be moving between ships frequently to keep checks on everyone and make sure they were getting along- the right way.

With the long road ahead of us, I had a feeling we'd need the Slayer's Fate. Not just for the double-up on personnel, firepower and the ability to do two missions-or even three-at once, but for the long run. If we were going to be traveling around recruiting people for a year and a half then I wanted to have as many assets as possible. The rest were directed to the building of the alliance between our galaxy, the Andromeda Galaxy, and this galaxy- obviously the Milky Way Galaxy.

Once the Reapers actually come and confirm everyone's fears, I can only hope we'll be ready… I thought, sighing to myself. Not to mention I was exhausted from all of the work we've had to go through the past two days. The shock of our arrival still hasn't worn off, either; hundreds were packing into the Citadel just to come and see the new aliens and their amazing ship. A lot of the Hanar were hurriedly announcing we were like their Enkindlers even. Honestly, it was tiring how I couldn't leave the ship for fear I would either be assaulted by fans, reporters or xenophiliacs.

In any case, we were leaving soon on a mission TIM assigned with news of some big opportunity, I wasn't listening. Speaking of, I needed to talk to a few people before we got going. Miranda and Tim being two of them.

"Might as well get it over with." I sighed, trudging toward the lift.

…

Good thing Provider told me Miranda eating in our hall while she 'stared at little datapads'. I suppose she got tired of the bland rations on the Normandy Shepard mentioned. It occurred to me that someone went grocery shopping that morning as well. Perhaps Gardner really did find the time to do so due to the relatively forced shore leave.

I walked over to her, marveling at her ability to always find piles of datapads to work on when she was always doing nothing but working. If she was so efficient you'd think she'd have more free time. Or maybe this was her way of coping with things since she felt like a tool in life and all. Thinking back on that conversation form the game-from what I could recall-I felt a little sympathetic.

"I hear that's a norm for you." I began by greeting, seeing her glance up at me in surprise. I hadn't meant to make her jump, but it was funny either way. Just a little bit. She gave me a slight glare in response and I let out a breath through my nose as I sat down at the table.
"Working, I mean, not glaring. Though I am having that impression as well." I tried light humor but I didn't smile, so at least she didn't get the feeling I was trying to make nice. Too much. I just wanted her to stop looking at me like I killed her dog.

"You continue to surprise, princess." She said, causing me to raise a brow.

"Ah. So you recognize me finally." I stated, not fazed in the slightest. She was a genius after all. For a human. "Why not tell Shepard about me?" I asked.

"Lazarus was my project. Bringing her back was my job." She stated, her voice with a bit of spice in it. I smirked.

"I practically did your job for you. If I hadn't stepped in she would've been dead for another year and a half." I said, seeing her narrow her eyes at me. "Not that you didn't help by ordering people around and such." I added, purposefully irritating her.

"Then why bring her to us if it was unnecessary?" she half-demanded, no doubt irritated at me.

"Oh my, Miranda, believe me; it was necessary. Besides, you want to see some action, right? Get out of the proverbial house and all that sappy human… stuff." I finished rather blandly, frowning at the word myself. Miranda leaned forward, toward me, narrowing her eyes again.

"Just what do you know about me?" she inquired, her tone telling me she didn't want anything but the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Fair enough.

"Hmm… An example?" I proposed, getting an irritated nod from the Cerberus officer. "I know you have a genetically-your-twin sister. Oriana, right?" I said, smirking at her shocked and widened eyes.

Immediately, Miranda shot forward, out of her chair and at me. She buried a hand into the front of my shirt and pulled me toward her while her other hand pulled her pistol from her hip and ground it into my chest- right where my heart was. Her burning gaze seemed to have tunnel vision because I doubt she would've done such a thing if she saw just how many of my people were in the room and pointing their weapons at her. This made me think she had a short fuse when it came to her sister. Noted.

"What have you done to her?" she ground slowly, getting uncomfortably close. Seriously, her face was inches from mine; if Shepard saw this she might have a fit. Hell, I was having a fit- on the inside.

"Why Miranda, what makes you think I've done anything, let alone to her? I simply know what I know." I answered, smirking lightly. The whole situation was saturated with more tension than Omega on its bad nights. I hadn't originally believed it would be so exciting either, honestly, seeing as how 'icy' Miranda tended to be.

Drawing closer to the woman's ear, I whispered, "And for future reference? Don't touch the princess of a people known for their enormous record of bloodshed." Using her shock at my dark voice, I stood and gripped her wrist until she let go of my shirt. Good thing I was wearing a tunic that didn't wrinkle easily. Miranda finally remembered where she was and looked around her seeing more than twenty weapons aimed at her. I had a feeling they only didn't shoot because of the fragile newness of our alliance with the new races.

I waved my hand at my people to calm them down, saying it was alright. Miranda stormed off suddenly then, not even sparing a glare at me. Let's at least hope she didn't try to kill me in my sleep sometime soon. Provider came to my side not seconds later and set a hand on my shoulder.

"Ah, humans…" he sighed, sounding almost disappointed. "They are almost as two-faced as we are. I can only hope they will tread carefully around us for now." He said, mostly to himself.

"Indeed. I will not suffer an attack on my princess and best friend once more." I looked over to see Vetrali and Adel standing nearby, coming to my side. Provider sheathed his enormous hammer as they came to my side and lumbered off with a small goodbye to care for the orphans who were still hanging around. I was beginning to think they liked Provider enough to stay with the 'scary new aliens' for a while.

"That is appreciated but I can take care of myself you two." I replied, smiling anyway.

"We know that; I simply meant to state my protective nature." Vetrali smiled, using the organic term even though she was an AI. How cute.

"And I find myself agreeing. As a friend, I ask you to avoid that human." Adel stated more than requested, looking all too serious. Honestly, she really needed to relax. I crossed my arms with a smirk, raising my brow in amusement.

"Oh? Why so?" I asked, the slightest hint of mirth in my voice.

"She is much too irritating. She chafes me." Adel's almost pouty response caused me to laugh lightly, almost too entertained by the two. If I didn't know any better I'd think they were kids in the park who secretly liked each other but used violence and insults to hide it. Now that was a funny image.

"Is that so, Adel? If she bothers you so much why don't you avoid her?" I laughed, seeing her immediately frown. Vetrali tried to muffle her smile at that expression, no doubt entertained as well.

"As you wish. If needed, I will be working in my office." Adel stated, still frowning as if she were stuck in the rain. As she skulked off, I let my laughter die down to at least try and let her keep her dignity. I knew she didn't like getting laughed at. Then again, who did?

"You may need to control your humor, princess. If someone hears you laughing, they may think you're actually in a good mood." Vetrali's jest caused me to gasp in mock hurt as I clutched my chest as if in pain.

"Blasphemy!" I declared. We stared at each other for only a beat before bursting into laughter. I had almost forgotten what if felt like to have fun. With everything that had happened, I had times when I truly believed I'd never smile again. And I didn't. Not until Shepard came back to me.

Or I came back to her. Let's say it went both ways.

Now, when to tell Shepard and the others about our new ship?

A/N: I know this was something of a nothing chapter but I've been oddly preoccupied by my other story. Maybe it's because I really like pirates. (The awesomely awesome-sauced fictional and fantasy ones, not the dirty, ratty, gross real ones- not that all of them were like that. Aw hell, I like them all!) ;)