Loving the reviews! In fact I'd planned on giving it a couple days before updating but just for being encouraged I'll give you a couple more. I hope you'll find it interesting finding out just what has happened to Miri because it's not as straight forward as you may suspect, it's not like 'Seph' has just been flatly erased from Miri's mind. If you recall in Chapter 1 Miri likens Shepard's eyes to those of a Persephone Calleyuss... though it's going to take some time for the full extent of what's been done to BOTH Miri and Shepard to truly come out... there's a reason Sephs a biotic goddess, I hope you'll stick with me for it!
Last chapter was almost cathartic to write while it got me incredibly frustrated as well with Shepard taking Miranda to task about Cerberus and Miranda just not having anything substantial to throw back at her. Everything so far has been in Shepard's favour because Miranda is kept so in the dark by the Illusive Man, for reasons that will be revealed in later chapters, which feels completely unfair to Miri right now. As you pointed out Gemini1179 it really frustrated me in the game that you couldn't say anything about what I think are the most logical conclusions into just how Cerberus gets their 'shock troops' instead you get the 'poor me' from Miri and 'I like your perfect arse' from Shep. (Though gotta admit when playing mShep the whole pissing her off and shocking her with a kiss was pretty fun)
I realize there's been a whole lot of angst so far and Shepard really is starting to reach her limits with Miranda but there's still a little more to come before they come to any kind of neutral ground. I mean you gotta remember Seph's only been up and walking about for a couple days, her sense of self has been totally smashed by her teenage love and Miri doesn't do second in command well at all.
Enjoy! :)
(Sorry for the re-post of this chapter, simply got Shep's eyes wrong colour she's got amber eyes)
"Seriously?" Shepard crossed her arms and looked to Miranda with a mixture of disbelief and irritation.
"What?" Miranda frowned back at her.
"We're going to the Presidium and you're wearing that?" Shepard gestured to the skin tight white catsuit with black sleeves and the bright orange Cerberus logo over her breast.
"And you're wearing armour, what happened to not standing out?" Miranda countered.
"I'm going to convince the Council that I'm ready for duty and should be reinstated. That says 'I'm Cerberus arrest me'. Hell they'd probably be happier with 'shoot me' first." she didn't add that right now she'd almost be happy to oblige, "You're part of a clandestine organization. Why the fuck are you broadcasting it to everyone?" Shepard demanded heatedly. They hadn't spoken since their heated argument yesterday and both of them were still smarting from it not to mention the tension on the ship was palpable. The crew wouldn't look either woman in the eye, got out of their way quickly and cautiously glanced at them as they passed as Joker didn't have to broadcast their fight for just about everyone on the third level to have heard it, to have heard Shepard's take on Cerberus and some of their more nauseating projects.
Joker and Jacob exchanged amused looks as the pair of women were arguing just outside the airlock about clothes of all things.
"They already know I'm a Cerberus Operative your point is invalid." Miranda shook her head, "You have a meeting to attend and this is wasting time." she snapped, moving to brush passed her.
Shepard put her hand out and stopped Miranda firmly in her tracks, "Yes I have a meeting. Your attendance was never mentioned neither was amnesty for resurrecting me. Until my status as Spectre is restored and it's acknowledged that I'm using Cerberus resources you are still a target and as you just pointed out they know your identity." inside she grinned at the scowl that produced on Miranda's usually cool face but her fierce determination didn't waver a micron, "And frankly given your position within Cerberus and your super human intelligence you're a high priority target many would simply love to either get their hands on or take you out and not the date variety."
Miranda's scowl deepened and her eyes blazed at her while Joker sniggered behind his hand.
"Now either go get changed or I'll rip that logo off myself right here and now and you won't like what that does to your precious suit." she growled fiercely her glowing red eyes boring into Miranda's with indomitable authority and will.
Miranda went to snap at her in response but Shepard saw the spark and knew she wasn't backing down.
"Oh you want me to go ahead and try do you. Remember how well that turned out for you last time? You were out cold and on your arse in heartbeat. We can try that little dance again or I could hold your arse in a stasis field while I rip it off or you change your clothes or even simply remain on the ship. Your call Miss Lawson." She informed Miranda of her options in no uncertain terms.
Miranda took a deep breath and exhaled slowly to keep herself cool and composed telling herself to pick her battles and that this was not one of them. Most likely Shepard was still angry at her for yesterday and this was just a reaction, "I'll get changed and meet you at Councillor Anderson's chambers, Commander." she hissed through her teeth then spun on her heels and stalked off.
"I'd say that's three nil." Joker chuckled, "You better watch out Commander, she's gonna get you back when you least expect it."
Shepard growled, "For someone so brilliant how can she be so fucking dense." she shook her head, glaring at the retreating woman who was getting into the lift.
"She know about paintjob yet?" Joker smirked at her, thoroughly amused and hoping that he'd get to see the two of them come to blows. I mean who wouldn't want to get a piece of that action? Two of the hottest women known to man kicking and screaming and pulling hair... Then he remembered yesterday and thought better of it. Those two could rip a hole in the hull with a stray thought and he didn't think there'd be anyone who could intervene before it came to that... well maybe Chakwas could calm the Commander but there'd be little she could do if it came to blows.
"Oh she'll find out shortly no doubt." Shepard drawled wryly.
"Yeah and she'll get it repainted just to spite you." Joker pointed out, grinning from ear to ear.
"To which I'll have the entire hull painted black. It'd make us even less visible out in space adding to our stealth profile. Maybe we should do that anyway." Shepard smirked, calming down as she thought about it. "Well I've a date with an advertising station." she sighed, anything for a distraction right now.
After Miranda had reported to the Illusive Man that they were going to the Citadel first he'd forwarded another dossier for one Kasumi Goto, a master thief apparently. She was going to meet them via an advertising terminal at the customs area of Zakera Ward where they'd docked. It was far less profile than anywhere near the presidium and allowed them to more or less sneak in.
Jacob walked a step behind Shepard, also in armour although unlike Miranda he had chosen to clean off the Cerberus markings from his gear, albeit simply for the comfort of the Commander. Just about everyone had heard the argument between them yesterday or at least that they were yelling at each other. He'd noticed straightaway that she'd approved and was already far more relaxed around him than she was with Miranda, he'd also noticed that quite a few of the crew had altered their uniforms. It was certainly a sight seeing, well hearing, someone finally go toe to toe with the fearsome presence that was Miranda Lawson the Queen of Ice Bitches. Either Shepard had the quad of a Krogan or she didn't realize just who she was messing with.
Shepard looked around the fairly quiet dock and sighed at the numerous advertising terminals to choose from. "Guess we're going for a longer walk than anticipated Mr. Taylor."
"Please call me Jacob, Mr. Taylor was my father not me." He grimaced at hearing the name.
"Alright Jacob. I take it he's no longer with us?" she asked conversationally as they wandered up to one terminal and the regular advertisement came up.
"Nah, he was part of a consortium who settled habitable planets pretty much by squatting on them and staking a claim. His ship went MIA ten years ago and was written off as lost with all hands dead." he shrugged, it was no big deal to him anymore. He'd dealt with his past long ago.
"Or they found a really nice world they don't want to share with anyone." Shepard suggested cheekily, sensing he was okay with the past.
He chuckled, "Yeah maybe." he glanced at Shepard, knowing that her father had been murdered because an assassin had been after her had to have been hard, especially so young. They approached another terminal and Jacob watched as Shepard went on alert instantly.
"Shepard! Having trouble with debt Collectors? Try Kasumi's credit services!" A perky hooded young woman appeared on the holographic display.
Shepard smirked and moved to continue walking to see what she'd do.
The voice became more sultry as a second 'advertisement' came up, "We've got the perfect companion waiting for you Shepard, perhaps something petite, smart and Japanese is your style?"
Shepard chuckled and stopped to check something on her omni-tool, pretending she hadn't yet. The annoyance from the altercation with Miranda seeping away at the joviality of Miss Goto's attempts at getting her attention.
"Commander Shepard just enter the password for a fabulous prize!" a cheerful, albeit starting to sound a little frustrated Kasumi exclaimed.
Jacob glanced from the terminal to Shepard who was trying to stifle her laughter.
"You do have the password don't you Shep?" she sounded worried now. "Oh come off it how many times can you walk past the terminal and not hear me?" Kasumi groused.
At that Shepard burst out laughing, confirming that it was a live feed, "Alright I'm entertained. Silence is golden."
Kasumi chuckled, "Pleasure to finally meet you Commander Shepard. Kasumi Goto at your service, the best thief in the business." she bowed.
"So what's with the show?" Shepard asked, looking around to see if she could spot the woman but no one was standing out.
"Had to make sure it was legit. I mean last I heard Commander Shepard was, you know, kinda dead. Very sad. But here you are, I must say I'm very excited to be working with you Shep." Kasumi was practically bouncing on the terminal display.
Shepard chuckled, "Likewise Miss Goto, I can't say I've had the pleasure of working with a master thief before. Have your things loaded on the Normandy and when I get back from my meeting we'll chat."
"Already done that Shep. Hope you don't mind but I kinda claimed the starboard side lounge. Oh and very nice show down with that Miranda Lawson by the way. You were hot!" Kasumi boasted cheekily.
Shepard just shook her head in surprise at that revelation, "Well I see there's no point keeping anything valuable on the Normandy then."
Kasumi chuckled, "Oh don't worry, I wouldn't steal from you, you're my partner after all."
"Well then I'll see you..." she stopped as Kasumi de-cloaked right in front of her, the stealth field flashing as it disabled.
Kasumi grinned up at her, "Sooner than you think."
"Show off." Shepard smirked and motioned for her to follow. Kasumi was going to be an interesting travelling companion, hell she already found her presence calming after Miranda.
Kasumi shrugged, she'd made a suitably impressive entrance and could see that Shepard was pleased and more relaxed than when she'd exited the ship though she was still pretty damn tense.
"I take it you're ready to start working. I'd like you putting that cloak to use and keeping an eye out for trouble." Shepard nodded to her.
"Can do Shep." Kasumi saluted cheekily and shortly vanished from sight again.
Now that Shepard knew she was using stealth technology she could make out the faint flicker of the field as Kasumi strolled away. Heading to the security checkpoint they were joined by Miranda who had changed into a purposefully eye catching black skirt, pale blue shirt and heels.
"Satisfied Commander?" Miranda growled to her rather smugly as they fell in step.
"In many, many ways Miss Lawson." Shepard smirked and her eyes sparkled at the flicker of surprise in Miranda's eyes. "Now were you aware that our resident thief has already taken up quarters in the Normandy?" she asked softly.
Miranda looked to her warily, "I know you were meeting her before going to Anderson."
"But not that her things are already in the starboard lounge she's decided to claim as hers?" Shepard wasn't sure whether to laugh or yell at her lax security.
Miranda glared at her, "This isn't another of your ideas of asserting your superiority over me is it?" she growled.
Shepard stiffened, "Bloody hell Lawson, that's never been my intention. I thought I was clear yesterday, you want to fight and I will, you challenge my authority and I'll stand my ground but that's not how I..." she clearly needed to try another route and snapped her mouth shut for a moment as she considered an alternate approach.
Miranda glared at her with an 'oh really' look.
"Let me try this another way. You were put under my authority by your boss yet have challenged my authority on numerous occasions. Veetor was clearly needing psychological help your people wouldn't have provided him, you wouldn't give me five minutes alone with Tali on Freedom's Progress, you reacted when I used assets that weren't from your organization and lashed out at me both verbally and biotically. I tried to get you to see things from my perspective and open your eyes to understand more of what your organization truly does as I'm sure everything you've read about different projects has been filtered by your boss to keep you loyal and believing the company line. And surely you can see the logic in not parading certain insignia, which promotes a purely human agenda, in the heart of galactic politics." she shook her head at the pride and stubbornness of the woman beside her, "I understand it must be frustrating for you," she took a step forward, her eyes were beginning to glow, "I mean hell I'm just a genetic mutt compared to the perfection that is you." she growled sarcastically.
Miranda stiffened but stood her ground, she was hardly about to say there was nothing 'mutt-like' about Shepard's genes right now, which were damn good before the rebuild.
"But this mission is the reason you brought me back and I've been given the authority to run things my way by your boss." she was being careful not to mention Cerberus or the Illusive Man as there was no telling what was being recorded here. Stepping back she kept her reddened amber gaze piercing through those cobalt blues, "Miss Lawson this may come as a surprise but I don't wake up in the morning thinking of how many ways I can assert my authority over you or piss you off. Frankly this," she gestured between them, "is getting old real fast. I've been conscious for a little over three days and if I haven't been fighting for my life I've been fighting with you."
Miranda was struggling to keep her cool but what aggravated her further was that Shepard actually made some valid points. She had been overreacting to being demoted then again Shepard knocking her out on Freedom's Progress had seriously crossed a line to which she was still furious about.
"It's going to take time and effort for us to understand each other enough to work together effectively. You're the best, Miranda, and I'll value your input but I'm not one of your agents and this mission will work best not waving the flag of who you work for in everyone's faces, especially mine. Most organizations in known space have issues with who you work for and will immediately begin any interaction with us just like the Quarians did. I want to avoid that." she took a deep breath and lowered her face a little as well as her voice, "I don't want to fight with you Miss Lawson, we've both got better things to be doing and how can I trust someone at my back who I can't even trust to get in a conversation with that doesn't divulge into an argument?" she implored softly.
Miranda glared at her, "The guilt card? Really Shepard?" she snapped swiftly.
Shepard straightened and her expression closed, "My apologies Miss Lawson, it wasn't guilt I was trying to make you feel I was appealing to your common sense. Though if it's guilt you feel perhaps you should examine why you feel it." With that Shepard turned and strode towards the security check point, aware of the few spectators who'd picked up on the verbally soft but visually clear altercation between the two women.
Miranda started at having that not only come to such an abrupt end but having it so clearly turn on her. How was Shepard able to do that so easily? What was it about Shepard that was messing with her mind so much, making her usually cool and stoic mask melt into emotional pettiness? She was perfectly fine taking orders from the Illusive Man and he'd ordered her to be Shepard's XO which meant being under Shepard's command. But there was just something about Shepard that she couldn't identify and it was causing her no end of frustration.
They didn't get far as when the scanner caught sight of Shepard it immediately didn't like her, the alarm went off and the doors slammed shut in front and behind them.
"I swear to god I didn't touch anything!" Kasumi's voice piped up innocently.
The scanner zoned in on Shepard who looked over to the Turian C-sec officer curiously, "What seems to be the problem sir?" she asked crisply.
"Uh..." his predatory eyes widened as the console before him identified the woman as Commander Shepard, the Commander Shepard whose status was dead but there she was standing right before his eyes. "I'm sorry Commander, the scanner seems to think you're ah, dead." he was flustered with embarrassment.
Shepard smiled though it didn't reach her eyes, "Yeah, I've been getting that a lot. Try finding mostly dead on the government documents."
The Turian chuckled, "You'll need to see Captain Bailey to get it sorted out." he nodded to her, "An honour to meet you Commander Shepard and sorry for the delay." he unlocked the doors and waved her through.
"No harm done, but I'd appreciate it if you kept this to yourself. It's not common knowledge I'm back and I'd like to keep it that way for security concerns." she appealed to his Turian sense of duty.
He nodded, "Of course Commander, Captain Bailey is just to the right."
With that she went through the doors to find this Captain Bailey. He turned out to be an older human male with balding gray hair but the physique of a hard working man, average height but muscular from decades working in an active law enforcement career.
"You'll have to make him scream a little, he's not gonna tell you everything just cos you asked nicely." Bailey was growling at one of his officers.
"Yes sir." A reluctant woman nodded and went off to carry out some kind of interrogation.
Shepard decided not to ask, "Captain Bailey?"
Bailey took one look at her and nodded, "Well I can see what the problem is right now. See security seems to think your dead Commander."
"And how do you know I'm not a clone or something?" Shepard smirked, crossing her arms and liking his no nonsense attitude.
"Hell these scanners can detect unregistered DNA mods from skin flakes. They'd know if you weren't the real deal." he smirked, "Ordinarily you'd have to jump through a damn lot of hoops, spend hours in lines at the embassy and financial offices to get your status reinstated as alive. Faking your death is an excellent form of tax evasion." amusement coloured his tone at the look on her face.
Shepard did not look amused.
"But I can see you're a busy woman, so how about I just press this button right here and get you squared away?" he winked.
"That sounds great to me." Shepard relaxed and nodded in approval.
"I suggest you head on up to the presidium, let the Council know one of its Spectres aint as dead as they thought." Bailey grinned up at her, this was a day to mark on his calendar that was for sure.
"That was the plan. As I asked your officer in the scanner, I'd like this kept quiet. It's better for everyone involved if I get as little attention as possible." she looked to him pointedly.
"Understood Commander." he nodded, there was no way he was going to question or piss off the first human Spectre, she knew how to kill him in far too many disturbing ways, "Pleasure not meeting you ma'am." he grinned.
"Likewise Bailey." she grinned and continued on her way up to Anderson's office.
"So as I was attempting to say before we got a little side tracked," Shepard picked up her conversation with Miranda as though she hadn't shut it down as hard as she had, "I don't know if I should be extremely impressed or absolutely terrified that Kasumi snuck onto the Normandy with you two on security and an AI on board."
"Terrified. Be terrified." Kasumi's voice whispered in her ear over her comm with a chuckle.
Miranda sighed, still reeling but Shepard was either trying to put it behind her or test her, "Well she is supposed to be the best, she wouldn't have made the list if she wasn't." that was definitely highly concerning, she'd be reviewing their security that was for sure.
"I'd like to take precautions to ensure it doesn't happen again, Kasumi might be on our side but if she can sneak on board someone else could and they might not have good intentions." Shepard murmured to her seriously.
Miranda agreed wholeheartedly, "I'll review our security procedures."
Shepard nodded, relieved she wasn't going to get a fight over this one.
When Shepard said nothing more Miranda was relieved. If it was a test hopefully she'd passed it.