16th July 2187 – Crucible pulse + 10 months

Shepard and Miranda headed up the familiar stair case arm in arm, ignoring any stares that followed them. They passed Bailey's office on their left, receiving nods from the Turian guards outside, and walked on for about ten metres, stopping Udina's office to their right.

"I'd still rather be going into the SPECTRE offices for work," Shepard frowned. "Much more honest work."

"Oh it's not that bad John," Miranda gave him a reproachful look. "At least you won't be shot at."

"Well, you think that's the case," He grinned. "I tend to get shot at a lot on the Citadel, no matter what I'm doing."

She rolled her eyes. "C'mon, lets check out your office."

He nodded to her before swiping her palm over the entrance key, admitting them into the room. Shepard had a quick glance around the tidy office, it was much the same as he remembered it. It was rather sparse though, what few personal effects had been present for it's former occupier were no longer there. His eyes had only been roaming for a few seconds before an Asari stood up on one of the red couches, she coughed lightly to get their attention.

"Greetings Councillor Shepard," He recoiled slightly, it was the first time he had been addressed by that title. "I am Shayla."

"Hi Shayla," He gave her a pleasant smile, his usual tactic for strangers. "Are you from the Council's offices?"

"I have the honour and privilege of being your secretary." The Asari smiled pleasantly, giving him a short bow.

"Right, I didn't know I'd be getting one."

"Of course Councillor," If it was possible her smiled widened, though it was rather patronising if truth be told. "It is my duty to keep you abreast of all meetings, upcoming events, general deadlines, and other important obligations. In short, I can help you with any services you require of me."

Shepard made to reply but before he could Miranda spoke, in rather a cold tone. "Right, and where are those services limited?"

"I beg your pardon Miss...?"

"Miss Lawson, John's partner." She gave Shepard a quick kiss before heading on further in, circling around the desk in the lower section of the room. She sat down in the chair behind, reclining rather extravagantly and making sure she positioned herself with her pregnant stomach on full view. Shepard inwardly groaned, he knew exactly what was coming.

"Miss Lawson, I am not sure I follow your meaning?" The Asari was still all smiles, though she looked rather out of sorts now.

"Oh you do," Miranda pulled an apple out of her handbag, taking a rather aggressive bite before continuing. "Tell me Shayla, do you think a dress such as the one you're wearing is appropriate in this working environment?"

Shayla took a look down at her green and white dress, Shepard did as well. It was of the kind favoured by most Asari, reasonably form fitting and exposing a lot of skin in the centre of her torso. It wasn't at all uncommon in the Presidium for Asari to dress like that, though he did get Miranda's meaning – it was intended to attract a lot of attention. Still, he thought his partner was being a little unfair. Shayla swallowed uneasily, clearly unsure of what to do next.

"Miranda," John walked over to her, speaking quietly so only she would hear him. "I think you're being a little ridiculous don't you?"

"Really?" She tilted her head, raising her eyebrows slowly. "I guess I'm just being a bit overprotective at the moment, especially of my man."

"I...I see."

"Well Shayla," Shepard tried to press on, he didn't want to have an issue with a potentially excellent secretary after all. "I'm sure we will get on rather well. Is there anything I need to know right now?"

"Uhm, yes," The Asari seemed to find her form, taking a data-pad from the table behind her and flicking through. "The Council has a meeting in half an hour, I can take you to the chambers they are using today. Also, I have been instructed to ask if you are satisfied with this office. You can request any customisation or even a change of venue if you wish."

"It is a little sparse I guess," He looked around for a second. "Do you reckon they can get a fish tank in anywhere?"

"I can always ask Councillor."

"Great, that would be nice," He noted a group of empty shelves at the end of the room. "And I can bring some stuff from home as well. Is that all?"

"Yes, I will leave you to settle in and return to take you to the Council," She flicked off the data-pad, looking a bit happier. "If you need anything I am situated just down the hall. Additionally you can reach me through your comm terminal. Good day Councillor."

With that she left rather hurriedly, not giving Miranda a second look. When Shayla had gone Shepard turned to face Miranda, spreading out his arms.

"What the hell was that about?"

"Don't you what the hell me," Miranda pointed an accusatory finger. "Could you not see what she was trying to do? Or didn't you mind?"

"What? I think she was trying to introduce herself as my secretary," He sighed, taking a seat opposite her and adopting a concerned expression. He hoped this wasn't the start of a bigger problem. "Miranda, do you trust me? As a partner, that is."

"Of course I do John, I didn't mean to imply..." Miranda gave him an apologetic expression. "I trust you implicitly, it's just..."

"Just what?"

"Everyone knows we are together, not a day goes by when there's something about us on the news or one of those ridiculous celebrity programs, especially since they all found out that I'm pregnant" She looked down at her feet. "Yet people still go on about having you, have you seen some of the sites on the extranet? There are full on fan clubs of mad Asari and Human women, and don't get me started on the fake pictures Fornax have been printing."

"Fornax are making fake pornos of us?" He laughed. "That's hilarious."

"It's not, I don't get why people won't just accept that we're together," She shook her head, still looking down. "I know it sounds ridiculous."

"It's not. I can understand, I really can," He placed a hand across the desk, taking her own lightly. "But you don't have to worry, if anyone tried anything their feet wouldn't touch the ground Miri."

"I wasn't particularly mature with your secretary was I?"

"Not really, no."

"I'll apologise when she comes back," Miranda squeezed his hand. "And I really do trust you."

"I thought so," He looked around, mainly to find something to change the subject to. "Those shelves could do with something. Maybe a music player, perhaps some model ships?"

"Oh god, not another collection," She rolled her eyes comically. "But I'll have a look for you."

"On that subject, what are you going to do while I'm in the meeting?"

"Oriana's on her way here, she booked her ticket as soon as I told her I was expecting," Miranda grinned. "We've booked a table in an 'All you can eat Chinese', and I firmly intend to eat it all."

"You have asked them to buy in extra food I hope?" He chuckled. "They'll have to close after you've finished otherwise."

"Hah," She took another couple of bites of the apple. "And then we're going shopping, a bit of sister time."

"Good, you deserve it Miri," Shepard smiled. "Go spend a load of money."

"Well, I found a really interesting shop on the Presidium," She gave him a flirty look. "A lingerie shop, with a rather excellent section for the 'mum to be'."

"Erm..." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Great?"

"Oh it's great for you," She gave him a wink. "I'll find something exotic, I know you love that kind of thing."

There was a few seconds of silence before Miranda stood up, taking Shepard's hand and leading him to one of the couches. She sat down, pulling him down next to her and moving in for a kiss.

"Bit keen, eh Miri?" He chuckled. "Not sure this place is entirely suitable for this kind of thing."

"Just keep it to light petting John, I don't want your secretary coming in on us in a particularly compromising position."

"Are you sure you're not stamping your authority over me? Trying to brand me as your own?"

"If you don't shut up an kiss me," She growled threateningly. "I will."

They spent the other twenty minutes on the sofa, indeed only kissing one another. Despite her claims John could feel some urgency in Miranda's movements. He tried to reassure her with his own movements, but in the end resolved to words.

"Miranda, I promise you I would never betray the trust you've put in me," He held her gaze, their eyes locked together. "No matter how many Asari try to get in the way."

"I...I know," She swallowed, taking a breath. "I wouldn't be carrying your child if I didn't trust you. Like I say, it's just that other people annoy me. Not you."

"I love you Miri, never forget that."

"I know," She smiled, lightly rubbing along his wrist with her thumb. "I love you as well."

Soon enough there was a buzz at the door, and they split apart before letting Shayla back in. Before the Asari could say anything Miranda spoke, she wasn't best keen on apologies and he knew she would want to get it over with.

"Shayla, I would like to apologise for what I said earlier," She smiled kindly. "It wasn't very mature or kind of me."

"That's quite all right Miss Lawson, I hope we can get along well in the future," The Asari appeared rather relieved. "Though I can assure you I have no intentions along those lines with Councillor Shepard, I am currently in a relationship and would most definitely not wish to try and come between yourselves."

"Well, I'm glad that's settled," Miranda stood up, gathering her things and giving Shepard a kiss on the cheek. "I better go and meet Oriana, good luck John."

"Thanks Miri," He smiled. "See you later."

"See ya," She walked to the door, stopping and turning to face him. "And try not to kill them straight away."

Then she walked through the door, heading out of sight. Shayla smiled at him, checking the time on a clock on the wall.

"Are you ready Councillor?"

"I think so."

XXXXXXXX

Shepard took a seat at the circular table in the Council's private chambers, glancing around at the expectant faces surrounding him.

"Welcome Councillor Shepard." He turned his head to face Tevos. The Asari looked much as she had always done, Valern and Sparatus were to either side of her and also appeared rather well. Shepard wasn't surprised that they had survived the war unharmed, but he was dearly hoping that their attitudes had been changed by the events of the past few years.

"Thank you."

"I believe you know everyone here?"

"Almost." As well as the original Councillors there were four other members. Admiral Raan was the representative for the Quarians, much to Shepard's relief. He detested Xen, had punched Han'Gerrel in the stomach during the war, and didn't have that much faith in Zael Koris. Of course he had hoped that Tali would join, but she flatly refused and terminated the video call with him a few days ago. She had apologised since, but Tali remained firm that she wanted nothing to do with Citadel politics and wanted only to work with her own people.

Balak was the representative for the Batarians, seated immediately to Shepard's right. Like many humans Shepard wasn't the biggest fan of Batarians, and Balak had tried to kill him. But he would put that aside, and he was sure the Batarian would put aside his differences more easily than many of the other Council members – his people couldn't afford to be awkward or picky at the moment.

Wrex was the Krogan representative and was on Shepard's right. His old friend said nothing but gave Shepard a grin and a Krogan equivalent of a raised eyebrow, he was indeed in a good mood. Shepard supposed this was probably because this was a huge day for the future of the Krogan.

The final member was a Geth unit, very similar to Legion. It was white in colour, with red and black markings along it's chest and upper arms. He inclined his head towards it.

"What is your name Geth?"

"This serial number assigned to this platform is Unit 42-a16cv."

"Ah...right," He scratched the back of his neck. "Is there anything easier to call you by?"

"Call it whatever you want," Wrex chuckled. "It'll probably answer to tin-can, I don't think it'll care."

"Wrex, that's harsh."

The Krogan dead panned in response. "You didn't think that when we were blowing them up by the dozen."

Shepard glared at Wrex, that probably wasn't something to bring up so soon and he could see Valern and Tevos sharing rather concerned looks. The Salarian sighed before speaking.

"Can we give the Geth a name and get on with things?"

"Shepard, you always said Dave was a power name amongst humans," Wrex gestured at the Geth. "Surely that'll do?"

Shepard made to speak, but the Geth unit spoke first. "That is acceptable," The Geth didn't move as it responded. "This platform will respond to 'Dave'."

"Good," Sparatus nodded happily, but Shepard was mentally slamming his head on the desk. He had been messing around with Wrex on the SR-1, both discussing the issue of differing names between species. He had joked that the name 'Dave' sounded like a power name in Wrex's deep and threatening voice, and it seemed the Krogan believed him. Now it looked like the name had stuck on a Councillor. "Councillor Shepard, do you have any other questions before we begin?"

"Yeah," He placed his elbows on the desk, leaning forwards with a sigh. "Where are the Councillors for the other races? The Hanar, Volus, Elcor?"

"They were offered seats," Tevos replied. "But they chose to defer for several years, until they have recovered more significantly from the war. Until then we will work much more closely with their embassies."

"Right, I see."

"If that's all, I think we should move on to the first order of the day," Valern flicked on a data-pad, prompting the rest to do so as well. Shepard noticed there was one placed in front of him as well, it was linked with the rest and had automatically began to display a presentation. "The galactic economy is in a dire state..."

Inwardly Shepard groaned, that was one thing he was hoping to avoid on his first day. He knew nothing about the galactic economy or business, and there would be nothing he could offer. Wrex didn't seem too thrilled either, he shifted awkwardly in his seat and leant over to Shepard.

"This is going to be simply thrilling."

Time passed slowly for Shepard during the rest of the meeting. He tried to concentrate, he really did, but there was no way he could keep focused on a conversation he had nothing to offer to. His mind wandered to and from, but eventually he was back in the room with the others. Stealthily he drew his own data-pad from his bag and turned it on, opening up a social program. It was rather irresponsible, but it wasn't as if he was doing anything in the meeting.

He scrolled through the list of contacts that were currently online but before he could choose one a message popped up.

16:06 G.V – Shepard! Hows it going?

He grinned, it was always nice to speak to Garrus.

16:06 J.S – Well, currently in Council meeting...

16:07 G.V – And your talking to me? Shouldn't you be like...running the galaxy? Keeping citizens like me safe in their beds?

16:07 J.S – You? You're a citizen?

16:07 G.V – Technically, you're a citizen too.

Shepard looked up quickly, double checking whether anyone was watching him or not. Most of the Councillors were enthusiastically engaged in the debate, though Wrex looked half asleep and Balak's expression was practically murderous.

16:09 J.S – Technically, I'm bored.

16:09 G.V – Ha!

There was a pause before Garrus continued.

16:09 G.V – So, is 'Lord Wrex' there?

Shepard chuckled at the nickname, having to develop a cough to disguise it. He was about to reply when Wrex leant in close and whispered to him.

"Tell the Turian I'll be on Rannoch to kill him if he isn't careful."

16:10 J.S – I think you've hurt Wrex's feelings with that nickname Garrus, he seems to be muttering something about coming to Rannoch to kill you.

16:10 G.V – Hi Wrex! I know Shepard can afford to ignore the meeting, but you better pay attention. The Salarians might even try something funny with you in the room, you never know with them – make sure you read what you sign!

Wrex burst out with laughter, immediately stopping the ongoing conversation in the chambers. As gazes headed their way Shepard tried to manoeuvre the data-pad out of sight, though he was sure Tevos caught the movement. She cleared her throat.

"Is there something amusing about the potential base interests to set in the banks when we re-start them? Councillors?"

"That is a rather patronising tone Tevos," Wrex glowered in the Asari's direction, and Shepard agreed wholeheartedly. "We aren't children."

"I did not mean to offend," She inclined her head, taking on an apologetic look. "I only mean that you are more than welcome to contribute to the discussion, so far neither of you or Councillor Balak have said anything."

"How can we?" Now Balak did speak up, and rather aggressively. "We are soldiers, we know nothing of the economy, the banks, businesses, or politics. How do we even know that you're being truthful or fair to our species? You could be ripping us off and we'd never know!"

"I don't think they would do that Balak," Shepard spoke up, trying to be diplomatic. "But he is right, we haven't got a clue with any of this stuff."

"I understand," Sparatus nodded solemnly. "But you have to trust us, and you will pick this all up in time, I'm sure."

"Yes," Valern began to stroke his chin thoughtfully. "Maybe we can give you some case studies, simplified of course, for you to have a look at before the next meeting. To give you a basic understanding. There are also some good books I can recommend if you would like."

Shepard nodded, though Wrex was still glowering and muttered darkly so only Shepard could hear him. "That still doesn't solve the problem, stupid Salarian.

Shepard decided that he would probably have to listen from now on, so as the talks resumed he made to turn off the data-pad. As he did he noticed a string of recent messages from Garrus.

16:13 G.V – Shepard? Are you there? Are you in trouble? Oh please say I've gotten you into trouble, that would be simply hilarious...

16:14 G.V – OK, now you have me concerned. Seriously Shepard, have you been fired? That would be an awesome achievement – causing the sacking of a Councillor.

16:16 G.V – I can't remember if it's a criminal offence to muscle in on a private Council meeting, even over the extranet.

16:19 G.V – Oh fuck, it's a serious offence – I've just checked. Please tell me it's still only you reading this pad?

Shepard grinned, he'd let Garrus stew for a bit.

XXXXXXXX

Shepard carefully edged his face forwards, pressing his nose to the buzzer of the apartment. About ten seconds passed before the door opened, Miranda speaking as it did.

"John why do...oh," She stopped, trying to peer around him at the mass of data-pads in his fully laden arms. "That's quite some work there."

"Tell me about it."

He walked past her, dropping the data-pads on a table as Miranda closed the front door. Then Shepard sank into one of the sofas, rubbing his eyes forcefully. Miranda came and sat next to him, picking up a large bowl full of miniature papadums and beginning to crunch happily through them.

"Where's Oriana?"

"She got called away as we were shopping, apparently there's a major emergency back on her colony."

Shepard frowned, he was surprised Miranda would let her sister go if it was a dangerous problem."Sounds serious."

"It wasn't a security issue, some social thing or other," She furrowed her brows. "But to call her back from halfway across the Traverse? They must really value her there, and so they should."

"Yeah," Shepard nodded. "I bet she's great at her job."

"She is," Miranda paused, giving him a once over. "More importantly though, how was your meeting?"

He shook his head slowly, running his hands through his hair. "A disaster from start to finish."

"It can't have been that bad?" Miranda inquired gently. "What happened?"

"Well the Geth Councillor is to be called Dave."

"Erm..." Miranda raise an eyebrow. "And that's because?"

"My fault, it's because of a joke I had with Wrex years ago," He shrugged. "But after that the first thing we talked about was the economy, how brilliant was that?"

"I don't know," She devoured another papadum in one large mouthful. "How brilliant is it?"

"Not at all brilliant, I don't know the first thing about the economy," He sighed. "Or business, finance, taxation, politics, or anything at all relevant. Balak was right – if they wanted to the rest of the Council could play our entire races, and we wouldn't have a clue."

"Oh come on, that wouldn't happen," She rolled her eyes. "And you're not the only one. I don't think Wrex knows what he's doing, does he?"

"Well, that's another story all together," Shepard frowned, he hadn't been happy with one of the decisions made at the end of the meeting. "The Krogan are getting a team of Volus and Asari finance and businessmen to work for their political team. Wrex won't have to lift a finger, they do it all for him. The Batarians are getting the same thing."

"You have to be fair John, the Krogan don't actually have a proper economy and they won't be able to set one up themselves without help," She reached for another handful of papadums. "And the Batarians have lost everything, so they will need the same doing as well."

"I'm not saying about the races themselves, they obviously need the help, I mean about the other Councillors," Shepard stood up, walking over to the kitchen area whilst continuing to speak. "They'll have a while team of experienced advisors, and what have I got? Udina's leftover lackeys, that's what."

"You've got me, I'll be your team," He peered from behind the fridge at her, momentarily pausing in his search for beer. "I have degrees in Intergalactic finance, business, banking, and politics. I probably know more than all of those helpers that Wrex has."

"I know you probably do," He returned to the fridge, grabbing a bottle of Chinese export and returning to Miranda on the sofa. "But it's not the point, they've asked me to be Councillor but I just can't do most of the job. And I don't want you to have to do loads of extra work, especially not with a little one on the way."

"God John, I'm pregnant not ill," Miranda softened her tone. "And aren't you being a little hypocritical?"

"Meaning?" He took a swig of beer.

"You recommended Anderson to be Councillor after the battle of the Citadel, he wouldn't have know these things either," Miranda placed the now empty bowl back on the table, surprising Shepard with the sheer speed of how quickly she had devoured the contents. He turned his attention back to her. "Yet he made a great Councillor. Mainly because he wasn't a politician, he was just an honest soldier like you."

"I know that," He signed in resignation, taking a much longer drink this time. "You're right."

"As ever," She smirked before moving around on the couch, leaning her back onto his shoulder and stretching her legs out along the sofa. Then she reached for a file from the table, resting it on her stomach and beginning to flick through it contently. "I could easily help you with this, it'll take some time but you'll pick it up. If you're a good student, that is."

"Oh I am fantastic," He nudged her playfully. "Do I get better grades for sleeping with the teacher?"

"Ass," She spun her head round, waggling her eyebrows. "You get punished."

They fell into a silence as Miranda examined the files, Shepard being quite happy to watch her an drink his beer quietly. Then he thought of something, he had actually been wondering about it for a while.

"How many degrees do you actually have?"

"Let's see, well there are the four I mentioned," She stopped for a second to consider, before reeling off a rather extensive list. "There's applied mathematics, artificial intelligence and software engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, chemical engineering, evolutionary biology, genetics, medical biology, molecular biology and genetics, and neuroscience. Of course they're all under different names at different universities studied over the extranet. But they're still degrees."

"Wow...that's just..." Shepard shook his head, simply in awe. "I knew you would have a good few, but that's obscene. How did you have time for all of that?"

"Well I did all the humanities ones first, when I was between fourteen and sixteen," He noticed her scowl. "That was all for the basics of father's business empire, so I could continue it."

"And all the sciences?"

"I enjoyed science when I was younger, much more than finance or economics, and it would have been just as essential as the humanities for the businesses – they were scientific as you found out," She closed the file, shoving it back on the table. "I did the first of my science degrees when I lived with father, but the rest I did over my career with Cerberus. Whenever I was on a new task where a new skills set was required I would study the relevant courses first. In addition I thought, if I was doing the work anyway I may as well get myself some more letters. For example, I took the neuroscience courses during project Lazarus – It was relevant."

"Suppose that makes sense."

"Oh, and there's another one I forgot – reproductive biology," Shepard raised an eyebrow, about to say something when Miranda spoke first. "No John, it's not a degree in sex. I studied it whilst doing the work with Walters, he passed me himself."

"You mean that you've taken another degree since the end of the war?" His mouth opened slightly, he was still simply amazed.

"Yep, it wasn't one of the most difficult ones though."

"You are just...wow," He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pressing a kiss to her head before speaking sincerely. "I wish I could be intelligent enough to do just one degree."

"Hey, you are actually really intelligent yourself," He raised an eyebrow. "You have a really quick mind, adaptable and practical, I've seen you work around problems that degree students would fail miserably at."

"Well..."

"You're great with people, able to inspire confidence in even the most lost of people," She continued on. "You know how to treat people, when to be kind and when to give them a kick up the backside., look at how you dealt with people as polar as myself and Jack. There are different types of intelligence, and yours is probably far superior."

"If you say so."

"Oh you know I'm right," She reached again for the file. "There's some goodies for you on the kitchen table."

"Goodies? Woohoo!"

He walked back over to the kitchen, there were indeed several bags filled with stuff. Shepard looked through the first one containing a white box. He slid the box out to find it's contents, a large replica of the SR-2, and he checked through the other bags to reveal similar items. There was a Turian dreadnought, the SR-1, the Destiny Ascension, and three other ships. He looked back at Miranda, she was smiling happily.

"Thanks Miri, these will look great in the office."

"You haven't seen the other one yet, it's under the table – I didn't want to lift it."

He looked under the table, there was a very big box there and it was indeed heavy. He hoisted it up onto the table, sliding the box out of it's wrappers.

"Oh wow!" Shepard looked back at Miranda. "This is fantastic Miri!"

He looked back at the box. It was a large, one metre long MAKO replica. Not only was it a model, but a fully automated replica, complete with a fully functional, pellet shooting turret. The box claimed that it could do up to fifteen miles per hour, and he fully intended to put that to the test.

"I am so storming the Council chambers with this."

"Well John, first you can check out the other...exotic...items I procured," Miranda was now standing next to him, her voice purring rather sensually. Shepard's eyes went wide, to be honest he was getting a little concerned with her ridiculous sexual urges. He turned around to face her, seeing her with a devilish grin and clasping a packet in her hands. "Sweet and salted popcorn – in one packet! Can you believe it, I've never seen something so amazing!"

There was a few seconds of silence before he couldn't hold it in, Shepard burst out laughing and she joined in pretty soon after.