A/N: This is the first chapter to the second of three endings.

This plotline branches off after ch. 20 though it is essentially the same as Latro pt. 1 (ch. 21) with only one major alteration so if you want you can skip what you recognize and only read the new part. Sorry if you find this repetitive but I couldn't think of a different way to do this that wouldn't be potentially confusing.

If you don't remember the Kasumi/Shepard part relevant to this ending it is back in ch. 14.

Warnings: Not to ruin any surprise but just so you know the Latro chapters were my 'dark' ending. This story arc is my 'disturbing' ending. As such I'm not joking when I say the next couple of chapters will likely include sex, violence, rape, torture, death and will definitely be…unsettling.

TRANSFUGERE pt. 1 (Ending #2)

Her perfect features contorting in anger at the memory of the scarred convict's victorious smirk back in the briefing room as Shepard had reconsidered her suggestion regarding the geth issue Miranda struggled to compose herself. After several seconds of deep breathing to calm her irritation Miranda managed to force her expression back into its customary unemotional façade. Satisfied that her comfortable maskwas firmly in place Miranda keyed the door to Shepard's quarters open and stepped into the room's soft, blue glow.

Looking towards the empty Commander's desk Miranda was pleased to notice the absence of Chief William's picture before a slight movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention. Turning towards it Miranda caught sight of Shepard's head through the model ship display to where he sat on his couch. Gracefully descending the few steps that led to the 'bedroom' of Shepard's quarters Miranda rounded the corner coming into view of Shepard, his surprise evident as sound of her approach had been concealed by the bass heavy beat filling the room. Placing the combat knife he had idly been tossing up and down to himself upon the nearby table Shepard expectantly watched Miranda approach.

"Commander," Miranda greeted coldly, "I have analyzed our recent combat data and submitted it to Cerberus, they have decided to provide us with several new weapons; the Phalanx, the Mattock, and the Geth Plasma Shotgun. Jacob is going over them right now; I just wanted to make you aware of these new resources before the next mission."

"So, Jack was right about you, Miranda…you're still the Cerberus cheerleader sending all our secrets to the Illusive Man."

Allowing an injured expression, which she soon shifted into one of anger, to pierce her facade Miranda spat, "Of course that's what the psychotic bitch would say."

"You don't think sending intelligence on our squad's combat tactics and abilities to Cerberus proves your disloyalty to me? Apparently those 'falsified reports' you've been sending haven't been all that false. Thank you for bringing this to my attention; it has made my decision regarding the geth much easier, dismissed Operative Lawson."

"John! Please listen, I can explain…" pleaded Miranda, a look of desperate need forming on her face, "I'm just using Cerberus while they still think we're working for them."

His expression remaining hardened Shepard dismissed her excuse, "I don't trust Cerberus, Lawson…and you're wearing their uniform and sending them reports on me so I don't trust you either."

Glaring at Shepard Miranda managed to restrain her relieved laughter at having been gifted such a perfect opening. Taking several meaningful, predatory steps towards where Shepard sat leaning into the couch Miranda brought herself closer to him until her legs were stopped by the table that stood in between them. In a lightning movement made possible by her genetic modification Miranda snapped her arm out and snared the knife that lay upon the table before Shepard could even react. Locking eyes that burned with anger and desire Miranda reached her free hand up to the low cut neckline of her Cerberus uniform pulling it away from the smooth skin of her breasts; both the sudden exposure to cold air and her excitement at the risks she was running causing her nipples to stiffen visibly under the thin, now exposed, lace bra she wore.

Keeping her eyes connected with Shepard's as he reacted to her sudden movement by standing and reflexively drawing and aiming his sidearm Miranda took a deep breath, conspicuously swelling her bosom further outwards. Still staring into Shepard's glowing, red eyes Miranda reversed her hold on the knife raising her hand towards her exposed flesh. Viciously stabbing the gleaming blade of the knife parallel to her chest into the outstretched fabric her other hand held Miranda swiftly jerked the blade downwards before tearing it forwards leaving her hand holding a swathe of her uniform's material.

Bending at the waist to present her now even more exposed cleavage Miranda replaced the knife on the table, Shepard slowly lowering his own weapon in response. Straightening Miranda reached across the narrow space separating the two of them and opened her clenched fist. Looking away from her captivating eyes Shepard stared at the fabric she offered him before his eyes wandered up to stare at the expanse of skin revealed in place of the now missing Cerberus emblem.

Smirking Shepard settled back onto the couch placing an outstretched arm along the couch back as he broke the tense silence, "Well, that was dramatic, Miri. You certainly have my attention now…what did you want to tell me?"

Managing to summon a blush at his light teasing Miranda circled the table and settled herself next to Shepard on the couch, leaning against his side in the crook of his extended arm. Looking at him through her bangs Miranda shyly answered, "Assuming the uniform is no longer an issue can I explain the continued reports to Cerberus?"

"Of course, Miri, please do continue." Shepard replied with exaggerated graciousness, laughing at the woman's uncharacteristic hesitation.

"Despite all the salvage we've found on this mission a full half of our funding has come from Cerberus; without those funds we will be insolvent within the week and unable to afford necessary equipment and upgrades. I file reports with Cerberus so that we may continue taking advantage of their resources until such a time as our deception is discovered by the Illusive Man. The geth is no different; it does us no good sitting in hold, destroying it like the quarian wants is a waste, it is too dangerous to be reactivated…but we can get money for it. Cerberus offers by far the highest reward for an intact geth but there are other options as well, such as the Migrant Fleet or the Alliance. If you'd rather send it to one of those choices that's fine, I was simply shopping for the best value."

Gently brushing hair from where it fell across her face Shepard bent his neck to place a kiss on Miranda's forehead, "You're right, Miri. I just…when Jack said…I'm sorry, okay? I just didn't want to leave myself open to betrayal and being abandoned again."

"I understand, John," Miranda whispered softly before her voice adopted a more intense edge, "But now you need to shut up."

Moving to straddle his waist Miranda placed her cool hands on Shepard's scarred face, tilting his head up to look into her warm, brown eyes before crushing her lips to his in a possessive kiss. Grunting with effort around their dueling tongues Shepard leaned forward from his relaxed position his hands sliding around Miranda's thighs. Managing to stand while still holding Miranda against him Shepard was glad when the woman wrapped her legs around him taking some of the strain off his arms.

Walking carefully over to the bed Shepard gently laid Miranda down as he moved to kneel on the bed between her legs. Leaning over her Shepard reached a hand out to her chest lightly tracing the bare skin where the Cerberus symbol had been, causing a shiver to race down Miranda's spine. His fingers wandering, brushing the torn edges of Miranda's uniform as her breathing grew heavier Shepard abruptly grasped the ragged material with both hands and tore the front of Miranda's uniform open to her navel. Running his hands up the expanse of pale skin revealed by her tattered suit Shepard deliberately brushed against the woman's hardened nipples through her bra as his touch wandered to Miranda's neck. Insinuating his hands under what remained of the neckline Shepard eased the constricting fabric from Miranda's shoulders pushing the remnants of the clothing low enough on her arms that she could slide free of the suit's confines.

Stepping back off the bed Shepard undid Miranda's boots pulling them from her feet. Once again taking hold of the suit's newly made opening over Miranda's toned stomach Shepard pulled the Cerberus uniform down as Miranda arched her back, raising her hips off the bed's surface to allow Shepard's to remove the obstructing uniform and silk undergarment. Ridding himself of clothing quickly, with as little ceremony as he had spent on her, Shepard climbed back atop the bed his fingers lightly rubbing Miranda's swollen nether lips as he placed a trail of kisses along the inside of her now bare arm, following the curve of her shoulder and neck until he reached her mouth.

Kissing her deeply Shepard eased forward as Miranda's flesh parted, accepting him into her while they each swallowed the other's groans. With slow, steady movements Shepard drove into the Cerberus agent, their combined heavy breathing the only thing audible to either of them over the pounding of blood in their ears. Lifting her legs Miranda locked them behind Shepard's hips pulling him towards her, demanding unmistakably that he increase his steady pace. Acquiescing to Miranda's desire Shepard sped his movements as Miranda rolled her hips upwards to allow deeper access. Feeling a deep, feral growl echo through the muscled chest pressed against her own, softer chest Miranda's voice raised itself in an answering cry of pleasure as her inner muscles clenched around Shepard driving him past restraint as he began to frantically move against her sweaty, quivering form until he let out a sharp gasp and fell still.

Rolling off of Miranda to lie on his back beside her Shepard turned his head to face her, a soft chuckle escaping his normally grim demeanor, "Don't get me wrong, Miri, I like what you did with your uniform…I just thought further alterations would complete the new look."

Turning her own head to face him Miranda gently pressed a kiss against Shepard's scar torn lips before pulling back, "I agree completely, John. Now that I am out of my uniform, it being in fact beyond repair, do you still think me a Cerberus spy or can you trust me to do what is best for this mission…for you, love."

"You're right, of course, we need the money that geth is worth." Shepard sighed, pulling Miranda back into a kiss as his hands once again began to wander over her smooth skin.

A powerful ally, easily manipulated, and a quite satisfactory lay…the perfect man. Miranda reflected, a smile pulling the corners of her mouth up as Shepard's kiss became, once again, insistent.

"Tali, it's so good to see you. You haven't left engineering for days now; I've missed our 'girl talk'." greeted Kasumi as the quarian entered the port observation room.

"Thank you, Kasumi." Tali responded to the seated thief, concern in the quarian's voice alerting the thief that this was not a social call.

Moving to stand beside the seated kleptomaniac Tali let the silence stretch out as she mentally composed her words, Kasumi patiently waiting for her to continue. "Kasumi, I need help…it's about Shepard."

Her heart sinking as memories of her torture at Shepard's hands broke from the mental barriers she had imprisoned them behind Kasumi could only manage to nod wordlessly for Tali to continue.

Taking a deep breath Tali began relating the troubles she now faced to Kasumi as the thief attempted to conceal her dismay at the thought of once again meddling with Shepard's fragile psyche, "You've heard about Ashley…Chief Williams, right?" seeing Kasumi's give a uncharacteristically curt nod Tali continued, "Well you know that after Horizon she sent a message to Shepard; here I'll forward it to you, it's on my omnitool."

Pulling herself from her state of near panic at being forced to either potentially disobey Shepard or abandon Tali in her time of obvious need Kasumi willed herself to call up her own omnitool and quickly read the note, eyes widening as she realized its importance. Looking back to Tali's mask Kasumi asked in a hushed voice, "I know everyone said Shepard tired to kill himself after getting this message…but now that I've read it I don't understand why he'd do that. Tali, what's going on?"

"No, you're right…the suicide, that was my fault. I thought Ashley's interference would distract Shepard from the mission so when I got this from Ashley I took it to Miranda instead of forwarding it to Shepard."

Hidden behind her hood Kasumi felt the razor's edge she perched upon. Motioning with her hand for Tali to continue Kasumi made her decision to help her friend, knowing there was no going back from this once Shepard found out.

Glad at the opportunity to unburden herself Tali sat down on the couch next to the thief as the quarian continued her story, "Miranda said that to show this to Shepard would hurt the mission so she rewrote it into the message that Shepard almost killed himself over."

"I don't understand...how did Miranda think that would help?"

The regret in Tali's voice was painfully forlorn even through the light garbling of her mask's speaker, "Because I was supposed to replace Ashley. Miranda knew I loved Shepard and said that this was my chance to make him love me back…and I fell for it."

"I see." Kasumi nodded, stomach dropping as she realized the role she had played in isolating Shepard from reminders of his previous life; thereby driving him into Miranda's grasp.

Shaking off that grim thought and reminding herself that Shepard had already been lost when she had confronted him over his burgeoning relationship with the naïve Tali Kasumi forged ahead, reassured that her involvement was for the best despite the likely consequences it held for her personally, "Okay Tali, I understand…but why tell me this now? What's changed?"

"Ashley just sent a second message that says she still loves Shepard in far more absolute terms that the first message did."

"And now you need help deciding what to do with this new message."

"Yes." Tali nodded.

"As I see it there are three choices: tell Shepard now, tell him later, or never tell him at all. All of these options will bear a price; the question is which price will be lowest and what we can do to further lessen the damage." Seeing Tali's impatient body language as she stated the obvious while thinking aloud Kasumi held up a hand to halt the engineer's interruption as she continued, "Telling Shepard now is not an option. As much as I hate to say it, if Miranda wasn't right in her earlier assessment she's right now; telling him this will destroy the mission and probably get people killed. On the other hand, never telling is no good either because Shepard will eventually find out, whether he somehow discovers your deception on his own, or Ashley herself tells him when she finally makes direct contact, or Miranda finds a way to exonerate herself from this situation and places responsibility for it on you alone…Shepard will find out eventually. That leaves only delaying telling him. The logical time to wait until is once the Collectors are destroyed so that at least this won't affect the mission."

Smiling sadly at the distraught quarian Kasumi finished in a soft, sad voice that seemed somehow hopeful, "Besides, we might not even survive the mission in which case this is will all be irrelevant."

"So we just wait? What if this information could help Shepard get better?"

Smiling sadly at the quarian's belief that Shepard could simply 'get better' Kasumi shook her head, "No Tali, this won't make him get better. What we need to do is manage this so that as few people as possible get hurt by this situation."

"If you think so…Ancestors know I've messed this up so badly I'm willing to try someone else's idea. How will this work, Kasumi?"

"I will tell him. I have the skills to pull off such a deception and Shepard already distrusts me…" seeing Tali's head cock questioningly at this statement Kasumi brushed off the other woman's curiosity and continued, "…it doesn't matter why. So he will believe I did this alone meaning only I will suffer for keeping these messages from him."

"What about Miranda? We can't just allow her to continue manipulating him."

"That should be easily taken care off. Hack into Cerberus databases and find some dirt on Miranda that shows she isn't the reformed operative now loyal to him that Shepard believes her to be but is rather the same manipulative, Cerberus agent she's always been."

Worried at the fatalistic tone in Kasumi's voice Tali pressed the thief further about her plan, "What do you think will happen when Shepard finds out? You make it sound like you'll be in danger."

"I expect I will be, Tali. Remember that this…thing…is not the Commander you knew and loved. I expect he will not be forgiving when this news comes to light."

"Isn't that further reason for me to tell him myself? After all, this is my fault and I should bear the consequences." Tali objected.

"No it isn't. If, by some miracle, this manages to get through to Shepard it will be up to Ashley to try and heal the wounds caused by Shepard's resurrection and she will need the help of a familiar, trustworthy friend that also still cares for him. That will be you, Tali."

"Shit, Shepard…you smell like sex." Jack sneered as Miranda and Shepard entered the Normandy's briefing room.

Having the grace to at least appear embarrassed Shepard shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny of the assembled team before Miranda took charge of the situation, "Very observant, Subject Zero…now, if we could move on to the reason for this meeting?"

Pulling himself together Shepard assumed his command voice, "Thank you Operative Lawson. Okay team, the plan now is to drop by a Cerberus base where we'll deliver the geth and collect the bounty on it…"

His voice faltering after this statement as he saw the disgusted sneer on Jack's face widen Shepard felt an insistent nudge from Miranda's elbow urge him to continue. Steeling himself Shepard averted his eyes from Jack and continued, "After disposing of the geth we'll fly to the Omega Nebula and board the Strontium Mule to recover whatever it is the Blue Suns found in it worthy of their time. Assuming that it's valuable we'll cash in on whatever it is by selling it to Cerberus. With the money from those two operations we will then dock at Omega station and purchase those upgrades we couldn't afford last time we were there. Questions…no? Okay, crew dismissed."

As the specialists quietly exited the room Jack shook her head slowly as she turned to follow the rest of the team out. As she left the briefing room without looking at Shepard Jack left behind a final comment in the room's otherwise silent air, the sheer force of disgust in her voice echoing off the Normandy's metal walls, "Fucking pussy whipped idiot."

Shoulders slumped in exhaustion and defeat Shepard automatically turned away from the galaxy map towards Kelly's station Shepard his mouth opening to order the yeoman to assemble the crew's specialists in the briefing room. Noticing the empty yeoman's station Shepard's jaw clicked shut as he swept the rest of the deserted CIC shaking his head in resignation. Speaking to the Normandy's omnipresent listener Shepard called out, "EDI, assemble what little is left of the crew in the briefing room."

Entering the briefing room several minutes later Shepard surveyed his assembled squad before speaking, "Okay team, this is it. We either hit the relay now in an attempt to save the crew or we abandon them while building our team for a future strike against the Collectors. Thoughts, anyone?"

"Shepard! You can't just abandon the crew; they trusted you to protect them. We have to save them." Tali exclaimed.

Watching Kasumi and Jacob nodding in agreement with Tali Miranda interjected, determined to counter Tali's opinion, "Don't be so naïve, quarian, there is no guarantee the crew will be alive when we reach them or that we could even accomplish that mission once through the relay. The primary objective has not changed despite the crew's abduction, we must defeat the Reapers. Waiting until our team is as strong as possible before hitting the Omega Four relay gives us the best chance of achieving that paramount objective."

Nodding in agreement with Miranda's words Shepard looked around the circle of operatives, "Anyone else? No…okay, we'll continue building our team. The Normandy itself as well as our weapons and armor still need upgrades if they are to face off against the Collectors. Once I determine our strength equal to the task we will hit the Collectors, and hit them hard; but not before then. The crew's sacrifice, and our likely sacrifice as well, will be meaningless without victory…and I will not accept that. EDI take us to Omega, the rest of you compile lists of required supplies and upgrades. Team, dismissed."

Leaving the briefing room Miranda allowed a smile of satisfaction to cross her face as Project Lazarus seemed to near a successful conclusion. News of this latest success at controlling Shepard would secure Oriana from Cerberus retaliation as per Miranda's agreement with the Illusive Man for undertaking this suicide mission. And, even if the Illusive Man betrayed her and decided to go after Oriana, the only people who knew anything about Oriana's new life, Shepard, Mordin and herself, were aboard the Normandy and heading to their deaths… and the dead are the best keepers of secrets. Eager to file her latest report Miranda headed towards the encrypted terminal in her office.