Hello ladies and gents!

Hope everyone had a great week since the last update.

Anyways, we continue with Grunt's mission. I changed the ending of the mission a little bit so I hope you like it.

We start this chapter with some angsty/death and a little foreshadowing so yeah keep that in mind.

Oh and to Sun-Tsu Toriden's latest review: I added an extra sentence to the end of the last chapter. I forgot to do that as I did my last edit. It's not really important but it helps Mordin's 'somewhere sunny' quote as yes, Tuchanka is sunny :p

See you guys on the other side!

The Rite of Passage

December 15, 2185

Commander Alonso

I walk around, searching around in the night's sky. I am thankful that a full moon lights up the ground around me. At least a little. I could hear distant gunfire and see starfighters flying over destroyed skyscrapers above me. The rumble of the engines causes the dust to blind my eyes temporarily. Then I hear a loud, trumpeting noise off of the distance. Followed by another. And another. I heard ten in total and at different distances.

'I gotta get out of these buildings' I say to myself and I holster my Mattock and grab my Eviscerator and activate the flashlight attachment on the gun.

'Where's my team? Where's Shepard? Where's Miranda?' My brows furrow as I try and search for an exit out of these buildings. I walk for ten minutes in the dark maze before I am finally out where I finally see where I am...

Earth.

Or at least what is left of the city of Paris. The Eifel Tower is smoking in the distance and is sliced in half. Vehicles are left burning on the ground. Bodies are scattered everywhere. I walk around for ten minutes and I am met with similar scenes until I stop and freeze. I stare in horror and I fall on my knees and crouch down at the sight of a tiny body that is faced down. I gently turn the small figure over and see the little girl's face. 'No more than eight.' I bring her up to hold her tight and begin rocking her body back and forth, letting my tears fall down my cheeks.

'What happened? Why? Who is this girl? Where are her parents?' I repeat to myself over and over again. I pull the little girl's face away from my chest and brush aside her long, silky black hair from her face. My thumb brushes her now-pale cheeks.

"NOOO!" I hear a scream. I avert my eyes from the beautiful girl and look towards the voice's direction. There stands Miranda Lawson and she runs over to me. "Let go of her!" She kneels down and grabs the small child and shoves me away. Miranda convulses into tears as she holds the girl, rocking her back and forth. I stare and watch, at a loss of words when I realize who the little girl is.

"Emma! Please wake up." Miranda weeps as she brushes our daughter's face. "Baby, you have to wake up! Please!" I look down at my hand and see a gold ring covered with blood. I look back up and see a gun on my face. I look at the slender arm that is holding the gun and see Miranda glaring her eyes at me. "You were supposed to protect her!" She says through gritted teeth. "You failed her! You failed ME!"

I hear whispers nearby but I couldn't find myself to look away from Miranda's sudden glowing blue eyes. "Now," Miranda growls, "you will die!" Her voice dramatically changes. Deeper and more synthetic this time. Miranda's lips suddenly smile evilly and says, "That's right commander. Your lover is ours. We will destroy everything you hold dear."

'No.' I shake my head. 'It can't be! Not you.'

"ASSUMING FULL CONTROL."

I burst awake in a cold sweat, breathing heavily and holding my bare chest. I feel sick to my stomach so I get out of bed and run towards my bathroom. I lift the toilet seat cover and hurl my stomach contents. I lay still several moments before I hear the door to my cabin hiss open. Miranda walks into the bathroom, kneels next to me and holds me.

"Are you alright?" She asks.

Not wanting to tell her about my dream...about our child, I simply nod to her and say, "Must have been the food."

"You did eat a lot." I breathe a sigh of relief internally as she bought the lie and I push myself off of the rim of the toilet after I pull down the lever. I gingerly begin to stand and almost collapse and hit my chin on the sink before Miranda grabs me. "Come on, let's get to your bed."

"Our...bed." I correct her weakly while I wrap my arm around her waist. "What time is it?"

"Five past two." She replies as she sits me on the edge of the bed and lowers me on my back. I whimper at the loss of her touch and I grab her arm.

"Stay here." I plead in a low moan. "Please." I see Miranda nod before she climbs into bed with me. I desperately seek for her touch, her warmth and I pull her as close as our bodies let us. I give a light squeeze, which she returns and I sigh with relief knowing that she is here. To save me from my fears.

Six hours later...

My eyes slowly flutter awake and I am relieved to see Miranda still here beside me fast asleep. I inhale deeply through my nose and watch my girlfriend's serine face. I watch my Goddess' steady breathing, finding comfort in the deep breathing as she exhales through her slightly parted lips. My smile is only temporary as the images of our daughter, Emma, invades my mind. I turn away from Miranda when I feel a tear coming. I wipe it away, as well as the images of our future daughter. She's not going to die. I promise myself. She won't be raised like this, knowing that the Reapers are still around. I won't allow it. And then, I frown. Who knows if she'll even like that name...Who knows if we will even have a daughter. We haven't really discussed it. I shake my head instantly. We have to take things slow. I can't be thinking about this right now...no matter how badly I want a child right now. With one deep breath, I turn back and face the love of my life and I can't help myself but brushing loose strands of her hair behind her ear. One of my many favorite things to do.

Miranda moans and her cheek follows the palm of my hand as I caress her. One of my favorite sounds. Her eyes slowly open and she smiles sweetly. "Morning."

"Hey." I smile in return as my thumb travels up and down her cheek and jawline. "Thanks for taking care of me. I...I'm feeling a lot better."

"Glad to hear it." She continues to smile and it develops into a toothy one when I seek to grab her hand and hold it firmly but tenderly.

"Hell, I could use that more often." I grin. "I'm the one doing all the lovey-dovey stuff while all I get in return is abuse."

"Abuse?" Miranda lifts her brow questioningly.

"Your teasing." I state matter-of-factly.

"My teasing?" A coy smile plays on Miri's lips and she sinks her face between my neck, leaving scorching kisses, causing me to inhale sharply. "Like this?" She whispers as she continues her sweet, gentle attacks of love. She repositions herself on top of me and I instantly hold her hips while tilting me head the opposite direction of where her mouth is to give her better access. Her biotics flare, causing an even hotter sensation ever time her soft lips touches my skin. The torture become too much and I grab a bunch of her hair and pull back, gaining a moan from Miranda. "I think you enjoy my teasing." Miranda smiles mischievously.

My cheeks begin to burn and I look away. "You drive me crazy."

"Well that's good." She leans down and continues her attacks, now moving on my reddened cheeks. "Isn't it?" She whispers millimeters from my lips and adds a sultry wink that makes me sweat.

"Just..." I groan. "Just shut up and kiss me."

Miranda smirks and purrs, "Yes, Commander."

"Commander Alonso."

"Jesus Christ, are you serious?" I break away from my girlfriend and look at the omni-clock on my nightstand. "It's fucking eight in the morning." I frown. Fuck. With a sigh, I sit up and turn to face EDI's avatar. "What is it EDI?"

"Grunt is getting impatient. He is pacing his quarters and talking to himself." EDI reports neutrally.

"Looks like you need to control your pet, Commander." Miranda chuckles.

I roll my eyes. "Yes, make fun of me will you?" I turn to EDI's avatar and order, "Tell him and Shepard to suit up. I'll be ready to go in...an hour."

"Of course, Commander. Logging you out." EDI's avatar disappeared and I turned back to my girlfriend and pull her by the arm.

"You're coming too so in the shower, Lawson. Now."

Tuchanka - Urdnot Camp - Commander Alonso - 0945 hours

I strap on my death mask helmet before the shuttle door opens, not wanting to breathe in the dusty Tuchanka air. It might be toxic for all I know. I turn to Jane and see her putting on an N7 breather helmet. I shake my head and chuckle. I guess I'm not alone on this.

"This is the great Krogan homeworld?" Grunt steps out of the Kodiak. His once jumpy demeanor has now long disappeared and was replaced by disappointment. "This chunk of rock is barely worth standing on! Never thought I'd miss the tank."

"I'm not sure what you were expecting, Grunt." I walk ahead of him and wave the team over. You weren't going to find unicorns and a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I add to myself as we walk towards Wrex's throne. Once we reach him, we see the scarred Krogan headbutting another. I smile at the sight. He's still got it. I thought he might've gotten soft on us.

"Alonso." Wrex greets me before sitting down on his rock pile. "What can I do for you?"

I point my thumb towards Grunt and say, "I've got a Krogan on my crew. He has some kind of sickness and he needs medical attention."

Wrex waves Grunt forward and once he does, Wrex leans forward and measures our crewmate. "Hmmm. Where are you from welp? Was your clan destroyed before you could learn what was expected of you?"

"I have no clan." Grunt stands straighter. "I was tank-bred by Warlord Okeer, my line distilled from Kredak, Shiagur, Moro-"

The Krogan that had gotten up from Wrex's headbutt finally gets up and growls. "You recite warlords. But you are the offspring of a syringe!"

"Silence Uvenk!" Wrex orders. "You speak when spoken to." He stands and walks towards Grunt and walks around him. "Okeer is a very old name...A very hated name."

"So what's wrong with him?" I ask.

Wrex chuckles lowly and turns to face me. "He's becoming a full adult."

Puberty? I tilt my head. "Uhh is there any way we can help him?"

"He must venture into the Rite of Passage."

Uvenk shakes his head in disapproval before he steams off. "Too far, Wrex! Your clan may rule but he is not Krogan!"

"Idiot." Wrex huffs. "So, Grunt. Do you wish to join Clan Urdnot?"

Grunt pounds his fists together and nods. "It's in my blood."

Wrex grins and nods in return. "Good boy. Speak with the Shaman on the second level. Give him a good show and he'll set you on the right path. I'm sure your Commander will help you."

"Wait I'm doing this too?" I groan and scratch my shoulder. "I don't have to have sex with some Krogan do I? Because this 'Rite of Passage' sounds like some se-"

"CHUCK!" Miranda glares her eyes at me and I sheepishly smile behind my helmet and scratch my shoulder.

"Just speak with the Shaman. He will tell you everything you need to know."

With a nodding farewell, we make our way towards the Shaman's quarters finding Uvenk there protesting. "Your barking does not help your case, Uvenk." The Shaman turns and looks at Grunt. "So this is the tank bred. It is very life like." With a sniff, he adds, "Smells correct as well."

I was about to interrupt before Shepard beats me to the punch. "Let's just get this over with."

"Hmm, Commander Shepard. It is an honor to finally meet a warrior like you. Urdnot Wrex speaks highly of you...for an alien. However, it is my word that determines whether a rite will proceed."

Uvenk growls at Shepard, Grunt and me and says, "If this must stand ritual, then I invoke a denial! My krantt stands against him! He has no one!"

"He has us, you lizard brain." I glare at him. "And I would be happy to kill your krantt AND you if the Shaman allows it."

"Ha! Spoken like true Krogan. I like these two humans. Many do not understand our ways. I am glad to see you two do." The Shaman nods.

"Aliens don't know strength!" Uvenk protests. "My followers are true Krogan and not some tank-bred simpletons. Everything about Grunt is-"

*CLING*

I blink and stare dumbfounded as Uvenk stumbles back a few steps while Shepard falls on her ass. Did she just...

"You...You dare?" Uvenk says dumbfounded while rubbing his head as Shepard lies back on the ground, groaning while grabbing her head.

"Shepard?" I ask softly while the Shaman laughs hysterically. I kneel beside her and notice a large dent on Shepard's helmet. You idiot. I stifle a laugh and help her up as Uvenk growls and exits. I gingerly remove her helmet breathing a sigh of relief when I see Jane's lopsided smile. "You really are an idiot." I laugh before sitting her up. "You okay?"

"I've gone through worse." Jane blushes.

"Don't ever do that again. You almost gave me a heart attack." I brush her forehead, a light bruising starting to show. "I think you should head back up to the Normandy. If you pass out during our mission-"

"Not going to happen Charlie. If that asshole Uvenk shows up, I want to be there when he dies. Nobody talks to our Krogan like that."

"Alright," I nod. "But we've going to need more backup." I help Shepard stand, with the help of Miranda and I call the Normandy and our shuttle. "EDI, tell Garrus and Samara to suit up and be ready. I'm sending the shuttle up. Tell them to meet us at Urdnot's camp."

"Understood."

One hour later - Approaching Destination

"How many Tonka trucks are there on Tuchanka?" Shepard asks with an innocent smile.

I press the front of my helmet into the palm of my hand and groan. "Don't answer that Shaman." I lift my head and face the N7 operative. "For the last time, it's ToMka, Shepard. Not Tonka. Tonka trucks are those kiddie toys."

Amused, Shepard says, "Really? I didn't know that. Thanks Charlie." She winks at me and drums her fingers on her legs for a few minutes before the Tomka trunk came into a halt.

"Here we are." The Krogan Shaman stood and opened the door, letting us step out first. "This is Tuchanka's most recent scar, the last surface city to fall in the rebellions. They keystone was at heart." The Shaman waved us over and we followed him up what looked and smelled like a sewage pipe. Looks like I have to get someone to check the air filter on this helmet. I sighed as the Shaman spoke once more. "It survived wars and the passage of centuries. It endures just as the Krogan has." We ascend from the pipes and stare around at the broken pillars and sand surrounding us. This was a city? I wouldn't believe me if someone other than a Shaman told me. "If you wish to join Clan Urdnot, you must contemplate the keystone and its trials. You must adapt. You must thrive." The Shaman turned and nodded at every one of us and began heading back down the pipe. "Any Krogan will." The hatch began slowly closing behind him and with a loud clank, we were left alone.

"I guess now I can't just...leave?" Garrus pipes in as he grabs his Widow rifle.

"Guess not." I shrug. "Grunt, hit the key stone." Grunt nods and heads over to the pedestal and hits the large red button.

We were met by a thundering noise that made the ground shake and a Krogan's voice over the loudspeakers moments later. "First, the Krogan conquered Tuchanka and we mastered a natural world only we are fit to hold." Another thump shook the ground and low growls could be heard in the distance.

"Here they come!" Grunt bounces up and grabs his Claymore and primes it with a slap on the safety. "I'm ready!"

Packs of Varren crawled out of disabled fans and began charging us. "Garrus, Shepard: I want you to stay back and snipe them. Miranda, stay right next to me. Samara, I want you to back up Grunt as best you can and Grunt: Do what you do best."

"Right!" Everyone shouts and I grab my eviscerator and run towards a small pack with Miranda following close behind. "Right behind you, Chuck."

I flare my biotics and send a large singularity at the pack of six in front of us. Shepard takes one out before Miranda and I flare our biotics and warp the dark energy ball suspended in the air. The biotic explosion takes out four of them but with a round of my shotgun, all six are destroyed.

"Two Alphas!" Miranda warns. She switches to her more deadly Carnifex pistol and begins shooting at one of the big animals. I switch to a Mattock and help her, stitching between gunfire and biotics.

"Grunt! Take care of the other Alpha. Snipers help him out."

"On it!" Garrus yells and charges across the battlefield and lifts the Alpha Varren with brute strength. "I AM KROGAN!"

Samara enters the fold and helps Miri and I take down the Alpha. With the extra biotics, the Varren posed no threat to us and we easily put it down. Grunt came back minutes later covered with blood and a murderous smile on his face.

"Having fun?" I smirk once I see Grunt chuckle and nod. "Good. Let's hit the keystone again."

Round two. If it continues like this, it might be a stroll in the park.

"Harvesters!"

Fuck.

As the large Harvester landed, its powerful wings sent the team flying backwards. I groaned as my lower back hit the keystone button, causing it the earth to rumble.

"What the hell did you do?" Shepard yelled as she was already up and fighting a Klixen.

"Not my fault!" I slowly got up and helped Jane out. Sooner than later, we began getting surrounded by Klixen and Varren. We need to get out of this. I began lifting the Varrens up in the air and pushing them away from us. "We need to spread out!" As I ran back, I was able to take down most of the Varren before they could regain consciousness, leaving just four Varren left. I'll deal with them later.

"What the hell is that?" Garrus exclaimed, pointing behind me just as he finished killing a Klixen.

"What was what?" I asked when I turned and found nothing after I killed another Klixen with my intensified biotics.

"A little help here!" Shepard exclaimed as she was about to be cornered by two Klixen. I intensified my biotics and warped both of the bugs. Shepard rolled to safety before the two bugs exploded to death thanks to Samara's and Grunt's help.

"There!" Garrus pointed once more but when I turned, I found nothing. "Spirits. It's game over man! GAME OVER!"

"Are you drunk?" I asked with narrowed eyes.

"No! I just saw something pop up from the ground. I think it was a-"

"THRESHER MAW!" Grunt shouted.

What! My face felt pale and I slowly turned and looked up. Hooooly shit.

"Finally!" Grunt shouts, "An enemy worth fighting!"

"A-alright," I gulped. How did I get involved with this? "give it everything you got."

"Oh don't worry." Jane smirks as she reaches behind her back. "I got this."

"Please," I scoff. "It would take a collection of firepower and biotic powers to take that thing down. Don't kid yourself, Jane."

"Oh trust me Charlie." Jane's grin grew wider, which began freaking me out. "That Thresher Maw has nothing on this." Jane brought out the gift I got for her weeks ago. The M-920 Cain. "Let's kick this worm's ass."

I nodded and looked at everyone else. "Everyone cover fire!"

The Thresher Maw began spitting a large acidic substance that I was lucky to dive out to the left last second before the large Worm dug himself back into the ground. Shepard and I cursed and we began searching for it. The Thresher came back up seconds later just behind us and immediately attack, sending the large acid towards us.

"Miranda move!" I yelled but it was too late. Miranda screamed in pain as a portion of the acidic substance hit her leg. "Miri!" Damn it! I ran towards her and picked her up carefully. "Cover me!" Samara, Garrus and Grunt covered me as Shepard began priming the Cain. I walked towards the keystone and gently set her down. Miranda screamed again once her legs touched the ground. Shit this is bad.

"It hurts." Miranda winced and said through gritted teeth.

I reached for one of my medi-gel kits and I cut out some of the catsuit's fabric around the infection and winced at the burned flesh. I twisted open the medi-gel canister and rubbed the gel on my hand. I looked up at Miranda's eyes apologetically. "I'm so sorry baby but this is going to hurt." Miranda nodded and wrapped her arms around my right. Miranda winced and cried silently, tightening her grip around my arm as I generously covered the large burn with medi-gel. Hopefully we can get to Chakwas in time.

"FIRE IN THE HOLE!" Shepard screamed. "Take this you ugly motherfucker!"

An enormous boom shook the ground and the explosion temporarily blinded me. The Thresher Maw squealed followed by Grunt's thunderous laugh could be heard before the ground shook once more. I turned around and saw a very dead Thresher Maw on the ground with Grunt punching it repeatedly. I rolled my eyes and turned back to face Miranda. "Everything is going to be fine."

"I hope we get back to the Normandy in time." Miranda said weakly.

Not wanting to risk her safety, I called our shuttle pilot. "Hadley, I need you to lock-in to our position and pick Operative Lawson up. Take her up to the Normandy. She's badly injured."

"Understood Commander. I'll be there shortly."

"I can keep fighting Commander." Miranda waved her hand dismissively and tried to stand only to fall back down from the pain.

"It's clear that you can't. Your leg could be infected. Have Chakwas take a look at you. I need you at 100 percent."

"Okay..." Miranda concedes before the shuttle arrives a few minutes later.

"Garrus, help me out here." I help Miranda stand up and with Garrus' help, Miranda was able to hobble up towards the shuttle. "Jennifer," I turn towards the pilot. "Take care of her."

"Yes, sir!" The shuttle takes off quickly and heads towards the Normandy. Just as soon as the shuttle disappears from eyesight another shuttle makes its way and lands near us.

"We have company! Good! I want more." Grunt ran off with his Claymore close to his body. I look to Shepard and notice that her helmet is gone.

Jane saw this and simply said, "The casing shattered."

Shit. "Grunt wait!" I sighed when he roared and barreled down the pipes. I quickly did an ammo check and reloaded my weapons. Everyone else did the same. The team looked at me and nodded and the four of us ran after Grunt, who was now long gone. "Come on, let's go!" Grunt was already crouching behind a low barrier, popping up a few times to shoot down a few Krogan soldiers. "Let's give him a hand shall we?"

I teamed up with Samara and together, we took down two Krogans that were attempting to pair themselves. Amateurs.

"Get Shepard! Kill them everyone else! I want that human for a pet!" I looked towards the back of the Krogan group and saw a very familiar face. Uvenk. I snarled at the coward who was hiding behind a pillar.

"Garrus, mine the bastards." I ordered as I weakened a Krogan's armor with rifle rounds.

"You got it." Garrus reached for one of his mines on his belt. He threw it up in the air and caught it mid air before tossing it between two Krogans. The mine exploded and tore the Krogan's sides into shreds. The two Krogan cried before Garrus and I put them out of their misery with a satisfactory head-snapping headshot while Shepard and Grunt took out another together.

"Do I have to do everything myself?" Uvenk yelled out. But beneath that rage there was something else. Fear. I crouched between Garrus and Samara and I looked at Shepard who stood behind a pillar.

"We got three left. Shepard, Garrus take the one on the left. Samara, reave the one on the right. I'll throw a warp. Grunt, take care of Uvenk."

"Heh! My pleasure!" Grunt grinned and charged forward just as Garrus and Shepard killed their target with well placed sniper shots.

Samara reaved the Krogan on the right and I warped the Krogan, burning and disintegrating it. Which left Grunt to fight Uvenk. Surprisingly all it took was Grunt's charge to knock the Gatatog battlemaster on the ground. Grunt held Uvenk down with his heavy foot while Shepard and I walked to stand behind our Krogan pup.

"Any last words?" Shepard and I said in unison with a grin on our faces as Uvenk tried to break free from Grunt but to no avail.

"My men will seek revenge from what happened here. Grunt could have been the turning tide to rule all Krogan. My men will lead the Krogan and find revenge-"

"No." Grunt shook his head and stomped the Krogan. "I will never join you. You are a disgrace to our ancestors. My mom and dad are who I will follow."

"Mom and dad?" Shepard and I blinked. Did he mean us?

"My parents are just as strong as any Krogan alive and dead." Grunt continued. "Though they are aliens, they are true Krogan. They are strong. They are both leaders. If it wasn't for them, Urdnot Wrex wouldn't be here leading all Krogan just as he should. Wrex will lead us to salvation and we will regain our honor." Grunt cocked his massive Claymore and brought it to Uvenk's skull. "As for you. You will rot in hell." Grunt pulled the trigger and Uvenk's head exploded into a million pieces.

"Ugh! Not again!" Shepard grimaced as piles of brain matter and chunks of flesh covered her face and armor. I looked down and grimaced as well. This is going to take forever to get off. I'm glad I wore a helmet.

"We should inform Wrex that Uvenk is no more." Samara suggested.

"Yeah." I nodded, "Let's get out of here and go home. I'm tired of all this sand."

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Crew Deck - Commander Alonso - 1240 hours

I removed my helmet and ran to the elevator and took the ride up to the crew deck. I ran to look through the med bay window and watched Chakwas run scan's over Miranda's body while Mordin worked on a workbench nearby. I looked on with a dreaded look on my face as Miranda's face looked paler and her body was shivering while unconscious.

"Charlie!" I heard Amanda gasp as she looked at the blood covering my armor. "What happened?"

"Grunt killed some asshole Krogan point-blank with his claymore. Trust me, I got it easy. Shepard didn't wear a helmet." I snickered as I could hear Shepard curse profanities while on her way to her quarters. I looked back and saw Chakwas heading out. "Doc, how is she?" I asked Karin as she approached me.

"She is suffering from infections of the acidic content from the Thresher Maw. Mordin is working on an antidote. She is very lucky. Another minute or so and she would have been in a much more critical state."

I frowned and turned to look at my girlfriend. "She's shivering." I whisper.

"She was pretty bad when we got her settled in." Amanda frowned.

"One of the many side effects of the venom. She will be under constant observation so we will have to wait and see in the next few hours." Chakwas offered me a smile and I nodded.

"Can...can I see her?"

Chakwas smiled once more and said, "Of course but be careful."

I took a deep breath and followed the good doctor into the med bay and slowly made my way to Miranda's cot, blinking back my tears as I heard her shiver. "Oh Miri..." I grabbed a rolling stool and sat beside her, grabbing her hand and running my thumb softly across her hand. "I'm so sorry." I frowned and brought her hand up to my lips and kissed it. Miranda's shiver temporarily stopped but continued shortly thereafter. I could only stare and watch. I feel so helpless. Seconds felt like minutes and minutes felt like hours. I wanted her to get better right away but this isn't something that can be fixed with medi-gel. I stood minutes later and said to my girlfriend, "I...I'll let you rest. Get better okay?" I brought my lips to her forehead, jumping back at how cold she was. "I love you, Miranda. Keep fight, Lawson." I could no longer stop my tears from falling as I whispered to her. "That is a fucking order okay? I need you. Don't you dare do this to me. I can't lose you." With one final kiss on Miranda's shivering cold lips I back away. "I love you." I repeated.

Feeling defeated and guilty, I walked out slowly out of the med bay and stepped into the elevator and pressed Deck One. I stepped into my quarters and stripped out of my armor and letting them drop on the floor as I made my way towards the bed. I slipped myself under the covers of my bed and wrapped my arms around me as I cried myself to sleep.

We'll be heading to the Citadel next to a quick break before we go out into the galaxy once more.

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Until next time!