Loyalties:

Mass Effect Trilogy is a Bioware game. For any reference to the Official Game All rights are owned by Bioware. The Fan Fiction "Mass Effect At Dawn Again" is fruit of my imagination and my work, it is a free tribute, passionate and personal to a great video game. It is not allowed any use partial or total for profit and not.

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that, every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." (Agnes Mae Pharo)

Best wishes, everybody, for merry Christmas and a promising New Year! :)

Chapter 43

A One-Way Trip

"...they know we're coming. This will be a one-way trip for many of us. But, there can be no retreat, no stepping back. We move forward at all costs!"

Liara is quoting from memory, with narrowed eyes, heart fast. She feels the mood of that day still vividly imprinted into her own inner side. She let every dramatic detail reappears on the surface, and resumes its own original color, as countless and permanent brush-strokes of emotion, carefully restored on a precious canvas. Liara's poignant tone spreads through Shepard's regular breaths, and tactfully guides her along the tracks of a path never really forgotten.

L: I can still hear Admiral Anderson's resolute voice, easily penetrating the silence, like an incandescent awl can pierce a piece of butter. It made its way, with bold tenacity, in the captains of each team, and made their spirit of sacrifice flare up, like gasoline thrown on the fire, intentionally.

We of your Crew were waiting just outside the door, for the briefing to end, silently. Every second seemed like an independent engraving, carved in the texture of time. A ceaseless flow, but divided into single little units, each of them able to left an indelible mark in our expectation, like the scratches from a chisel eternally imprinted onto a slab of slate.

"Hooyah! Yes, sir!"

Tension slowly accumulated in my stomach, in a bitter lump of worried restlessness. The moment I heard your voice rise above all the others, a shiver of pride, mixed with panic, ran through my taut skin, and made me stiffen like a genuine piece of marble.

You believed it, unconditionally. Your mission had never been so obvious, simple and linear. Never give up, and go all the way... no excuse! We all knew we didn't get a second chance. We had to reach the Beam, at all costs. In a single and desperate attempt. Only two options in front of us: victory or... annihilation!

We joined to you, right after the briefing, eager to receive our orders. We all waited together for you to talk to us. One breathed an aura of solemnity that bordered on heroic predestination. You peered into yourself first, in silence, then through our resolute eyes, with the same rapt look. We were vibrating into your silence, brimming with expectations to be fulfilled. I knew, you were poking around in every fold of your soul, sifting through all that emotion, to scrape together any faint motivation, and return it to us, with the strength of a promise unbreakable.

Finally, our time of waiting went crumbled into your firm voice and deep. The warm and fearless tone of yours, pervaded our senses, like a tide of courage. Your eyes, bright and confident, moved over the each of us, slowly. When they lingered for a moment at the bottom of my eyes, I got caught in the magic of your gaze, so beautiful and sincere to take my breath away!

Your words knew how to wrap the heart of each of us, like a wave that embraces the cliff. Like a firm grasp, which doesn't allow to fall into the void. We felt so deeply close each other that we seemed like a single person. The same thought disseminated in a million of heads. All of them governed by the same unwavering will and inexhaustible. We felt as a single shield erected as a living barrier and invincible, against the deadliest of our fears!

"... Love and friendship are ungovernable variables and unforeseeable that the Reapers will never be able to decipher! Take heart. Look around you. You're not in this fight alone! We face our enemy together, and together we will defeat them! "

Your fearless words sparked chills on each of us, strengthened our hope, got our determination boosted. We had a thousand reasons not to give up. We were feeling like part of a single design, a colossal reaction that made us incredibly strong, proud, invincible. All of us had a future yet to be written, ripe for the picking. It was our own, belonged to us by right, and we ardently wanted it, and desperately. To get our future, we were willing to sacrifice everything, with the courage of our conviction.

Despite the dire situation, at that very moment, I felt to be extremely lucky because, the future I was fighting for... it was You! I totally focused on what I had to do, with a throbbing soul. I didn't think of anything else, and there was nothing I wanted more. I just wanted the unbearable waiting to end!

S: OK, folks! Anderson gave us tasks of supporting those tanks. We must guarantee them a safe path to the Beam. The Reapers left a less guarded swath, just west of here, through the heart of the city. We are going to pass from there.

You made it sound the whole thing positive and easy, as if we were about to face a routine mission. Although you continued in a more and more persuasive tone.

S: Kaidan, EDI and you will return on board the Normandy. You're in command. I want you to join Sword and keep in constant radio contact. I'll call you from the extraction zone as soon as possible.

Kaidan's eyes widened as his jaw shaped in an authentic suffering face.

K: What... no! Wait, Shepard... I... I wanna be there! You know I'm ready for this! Why not to put in charge Garrus, or Miranda?

He stammered. The low voice of his and sorrowful could not hide the huge disappointment.

S: 'Course I know, Kaidan!

You answered back, firmly, looking straight into his eyes, intense gaze.

S: However, I need the best in each position. You really think I'd trust you with my ship, at a time like this, if you weren't my best option?

K: I... well, I suppose you wouldn't.

Kaidan agreed, involuntarily dropping his shoulders in obvious dismay.

S: Good. It's settled then.

You peremptorily said, pretending not to care Kaidan's disappointment. Although at that moment I was hiding it, mostly from myself, I perfectly knew your reasons for. Kaidan was a Spectre as well as a valiant Alliance soldier. You were leaving your ship as an inheritance, just in case you didn't come back!

Kaidan shook your hand like marines use to do. The moment he stared at you, deeply in the eyes, with no words, I've been sure he knew that too.

The major sighed, as was trying to cover his mood, and gave EDI a shared glance.

K: Come on, milady, let's move. It looks like our ship is waiting for us! OK, guys... I see you later! Good luck everybody, and... give them hell, once and for all!

We said goodbye to our friends warmly, with affectionate handshakes, and good luck pats on their shoulders, before focusing on the mission, permanently.

S: Vega, Javik, and Tali, you're gonna protect the left side of the convoy. Call their attention on you, but cautiously. Fold back if it's too hot. Garrus, Miranda and Liara, you are with me! We are going to handle the right side. Good luck, my friends. See you at the beam!

The moment the wait was over, I understood how hard I was missing it. The bulk of the reapers ground forces had been deployed. They were swarming around, like a myriad of hungry insects and venomous. Husks, cannibals and the marauders were leaving behind them only a trail of fires, rubble and death. Anderson directed the line-up. Foot soldiers were facing the enemy, creating a diversion, as Hammer was advancing.

The battlefield was everywhere. Many of our allies fell for clearing a path, so that others of us could move forward. We were about to cross a hot zone teeming with enemies. Therefore, us on the team were proceeding on ahead.

We walked through the smoke and debris. Our senses on high alert, constantly. After what we'd been through, we had no intention of ending our days in a bloody trap. The nauseating smell of the reapers was everywhere and unmistakable. We knew they were waiting for us. The hostile presence of them infected the air and scratched our nostrils, penetrating them like a poisoned dart. At every turn, behind every stone, in the dark smoke accumulated in the rooms of abandoned buildings, a deadly trap could hide.

"... We're taking heavy fire from the second story. Request assistance!"

When the urgent voice poured into our communicators, my heart was already pounding like a drum of war. Several reapers had barricaded themselves in a derelict building, and one of the convoy was being decimated from above.

S: Shit! We must take them by surprise, right now!

You sighed, with growing frustration.

M: Shepard, if we could sneak through that basement, they won't see us coming.

Miranda suggested, rationally.

S: Garrus...

You said with no instructions, in a low voice, just giving at our team mate a knowing look. We had just finished a furious fight versus a substantial number of reapers' heavy infantry, and we had taken position behind a large piece of steaming concrete. We flattened, like ghosts waiting, in the shade of rarefied ruins. We stayed in silence for Garrus to scrupulously check the perimeter, with the help of his sniper rifle scope.

G: Looks like that marauders over there was our last one, Shepard. No activity here. Looks clear.

S: Good. You girls stand ready with barriers. C'mon, pal, watch my back. I'm opening that door!

G: Yeah, as sure as hell!

The tension was growing, breath after breath, a pulse after another, powered by the warrior thrill vibrating the voice of our friend, and yours.

We went in. The basement was large and seemed completely deserted. However, the smell of husks was suffocating. My gaze was drawn to the light seeped through some ceiling hatches and made grim the environment along with my soul uneasy. Before I realized, I wrapped myself in a biotic barrier, instinctively. Miranda and you did the same.

As usual, tons of husks popped out of nowhere, panting and screaming like infernal beings. They tried to surround us in every way. Nevertheless, we got rid of them quickly. However, I realized some brutes prevented the access for the upper floors.

L: Looks like they're waiting for us, Shepard. That ladder is our only possible way in, since the lift has been destroyed.

I sighed, as I replaced the exhausted clip of my heavy gun. The one of your Scorpion echoed, rolling on the floor, with a dull thud.

L: I suppose it's gonna be... dangerous.

I assumed, between irony and worried face.

S: Hell yeah! But, I'm gonna be more dangerous!

You hissed in dim light. Alert senses and a greedy face, like a cobra sniffing its prey. The gleam that shone in your eyes was pure intimidation.

G: Cool. It's gonna be funny!

It was the obvious Garrus point of view.

L: Are you having fun, Garrus?

I sighed, shaking my head with resignation. The turian carefully gripped his assault rifle. Fingers lingered on the trigger, as he tried to cover his own emotion, with a broad smile and embarrassed.

G: Well, let's say I got an excellent reason to get to that beam. I just thought, I'd have some fun along the way!

L: Oh, really?! And to think that your "excellent reason" has just recommended me to keep an eye on you!

I did my best not to show my concern as spoke. I was relieved to see you agreed with me. Not as much as I hoped, though.

S: Hey, Liara's right, and Tali asked the same to me! So, we're not gonna take more risk than necessary. Do you hear me, Garrus?

For a moment, you stared at Garrus with your commander eyes. However, I had the feeling that you were enjoying the typical turian diplomacy.

S: But... you'll have fun along the way. I promise!

G: Fine! I trust you.

The clashes had just begun, we were full of energy, vigor. Facing the Brutes, and getting the right amount of agility and heavy bullets, it was relatively easy. Fortunately, we got rid of the dangerous beasts, pretty quickly, and mostly unharmed.

When we finally reached the second story, the reapers were too busy shooting on our convoy to notice us. Garrus and you threw some grenades between them, while Miranda and I took care of the survivors with our biotics. Thank Goddess, the column was able to continue with no further loss. But, the beam was still far away!

We were moving quite slowly. Enemies were everywhere, and we were forced to advance very cautiously. From time to time, I looked into the dark sky, and shuddered. The blade of light, which cut the night into two, was getting wider, and more threatening.

We came in sight of a delicious little restaurant, which has been heavily damaged during the conflict. The bay window, reduced to pieces of different sizes, was scattered all over the pavement, along with large and still smoking blocks of plaster and concrete. Some tables and chairs, remained miraculously intact, had been thrown to the ground, haphazardly, and lay in the rubble, like frozen.

I gave an absorbed look to that melancholic view, while I was imagining the same restaurant after the renovation. The two of us pleasantly sitting at a dark wooden table, in a corner a little aside. An appealing atmosphere of warm colors, reflected all around by the dim light of colored candles. Soft background music, and our elegant clothes. I thought I could smell the strawberries and chocolate, and distinctly felt the emotion of receiving your smile, glowing with love and bliss.

Instinctively, I looked for you with my eyes, just as your right arm was raising to the sky. While I was distracting myself, you saw something move, just behind the destroyed window of the small restaurant. Your fisted hand ordered us to stop, and reported imminent danger.

Miranda and I instantly flattened ourselves against the wall, as Garrus rolled silently to the ground at nine o'clock and found cover behind a smashed car. Reality wide opened abruptly before my eyes, like a slap in the face, and it hurt. I clung harder to the grip of my Locust. I held all the air in my lungs, to try to slow down the messy gallop of my heart.

Adrenaline flowed through my veins like a river, and sharpened my senses, got my survival instinct improved. The surge enhanced my combat skills, and thanks the Goddess, kept my fear in check!

"... Bravo and Delta Companies have sustained heavy casualties. No word from Able or Charlie. Echo, Foxtrot, and India are here, but severely depleted. Lost contact with Golf!"

The thundered reporting in our communicators got the impetus of a storm. I heard you swear under your breath, attempting to improve communication.

S: Dammit! Able... Charlie... do you copy? Golf, do you read me? This is Commander Shepard. Report your location. We can provide support!

Unfortunately, the closer we got to the beam, the more interference jammed our radio signal. We were near a junction where several roads converged. We had to go out into the open and walk across, but the reapers were waiting for us in our only possible direction. They started firing from behind every door, from under every single destroyed window. We had to get moving fast, before enemies became too many!

S: We're going to clear our way through that restaurant. Able and Charlie are located on the other side!

You shouted over the noise of the battle in a firm voice and magnetic, able to focus our attention, completely.

S: They're getting heavy fire, protecting Thanix missiles. Earth-Reapers and Harvesters got both Companies surrounded. We must reach them yesterday and provide support. C'mon, let's go! Now or never!

We started running on your signal, shooting wildly. Miranda and I were keeping the whole team wrapped in a biotic protective dome, which sheltered us from enemy fire. Before us, Garrus and you were moving quickly, back to back. You both were very busy taking care of the variety of Husks and Cannibals who came out and threw themselves toward the barrier, before they lured us in a melee fight.

The moment we arrived a few steps from the door, two snarling Brutes came out from a side breach and stood there staring at us, like frozen. Fists stuck in the ground. Bloodshot eyes, which burned, like embers. It was clear they were determined to block our way, and tear us apart, in the process! Their grim hollow roar produced vibrations of ancestral fury all around.

We barely had time to stop before recognizing the unmistakable creepy cry that approached our backs. A couple of Banshees were coming behind us, levitating threateningly. They were blocking us from retreating, and I realized we were officially lured into a bloody trap!

M: Liara, can you keep the barrier by yourself? I'm gonna try to break away, and get those beasts behind me!

Miranda's unemotional voice caught me off guard. Every word enfolded me of discomfort, as icy mist deep into my bones. Each one caused a small and a sorrowful wound in my unprepared spirit. Our comrade, and friend was willing to sacrifice herself, so that the rest of us could go on. I was terrified at the mere thought, and every cell in my body was furiously rebelling to such prospect!

L: Y-Yes... I... can... I... I think! But... but, you're not... serious... ain't you?

I could barely stammer, while my barrier was risking extinguishing.

S: No way, Miranda! You'll get yourself killed, before we even take a single step!

Your reacted swiftly and firmly, as you stared at Miranda with huge, wide eyes. I could feel in your voice my equal desperation in an opposite reaction.

M: Shepard, we can't face those Brutes without getting all the other reapers upon us, in a heartbeat!

Miranda pointed out, in a glacial and measured voice, as if discussing abstract theories that was none of her business.

S: I said no! We can find another way!

You reiterated, raising up your tone, as you continued shooting at a small group of husks approaching threateningly the barrier.

M: There is no other way, and you know it, Shepard! We'll be all die before reaching the door. If they follow me, instead, the rest of us will go through the breach and find cover, easily. Once you've cleaned the restaurant you'll reach Able and Charlie. We've got a real bad need of every single bloody missile, Shepard! We can't afford to leave any in the clutches of the Reapers!

Miranda diligently pointed out. The very calculated, planned way of her behaving, resounded in our heads with the strength of a snowstorm. Every word stuck in our hearts, and left a cold wound, like a needle of sharp ice. We didn't wanna hear! We didn't want to admit it, desperately. However, we knew that Miranda's lucid and clear analysis was the painful truth.

S: Dammit, Miranda, I don't wanna let you do that!

You whispered at her, with a groan, from behind your rifle, eyes gleaming with pain. Miranda's cold gaze winced for a split-second, as she allowed your state of mind to penetrate through her heart, deeply. We wished to hell for something to happen! Whatever bloody thing able to prevent our friend from sacrificing herself for us! But, the bullets of reapers kept raining on us, as hurtful as hail. Seconds kept falling and hitting on us, as painful as stones. We couldn't wait any longer.

M: It's not up to you, Shepard, and I've made my decision!

Miranda's voice peremptory echoed, between the thin walls of our biotic refuge. Then, it became deep, sweet, moved. Our friend did something seemingly insignificant, yet so precious at that very moment. She gave you a warm smile, and called you by your name.

M: Emily... promise me you'll keep an eye on Oriana, if I'm not back. Tell her, I love her! Go now, before it's too late!

I could clearly sense your unbelievable effort to hold back your tears.

S: You'll tell her yourself! Good luck, Miranda. I love you, my friend. Thank you for everything!

You paused for a moment, your hand gently rested on Miranda's shoulder. Your deep eyes stared at Miranda's, in a gaze full of gratitude, sweetness, emotion. Your firm voice was affectionate, filled with hope and warmth.

S: I promise!

I could feel my tears rising like a tide, my voice cracking with emotion. I so wanted, to tell Miranda how much I cared about her. How deep had became my gratitude and the friendship that I felt for her. Instead, I was mad at myself, because I would not manage to chase away the lump of pain, which choked my throat, and made it so difficult to say anything.

L: Good luck, Miranda and... don't you dare get yourself killed!

I finally was able to say in a thick voice, with a grit I didn't expect. While my barrier was getting brighter.

G: May the Spirits be with you, Miranda Lawson. It was a pleasure! And, just remember the Collectors Base. You'll see, that's a walk in the park compared to jump through the Omega4 Relay! See you on the Normandy. I'm afraid I still owe you that bottle of Bourbon, remember?

We have been wildly grateful to Garrus, for the surge of optimism that we all so desperately needed.

M: Hell yeah! Of course, I remember every bet I win, perfectly! It'll be my pleasure, Garrus, see you soon!

No doubt, Miranda needed it most!

Thanks Goddess, Miranda is a woman with an undisclosed number of skills. Some of them extremely useful in combat. She has strategic abilities at a higher level. So, we expected her to plan every move down to the smallest details.

When Miranda quickly turned on her heels, rolling with agility to the ground, getting out of the barrier right behind us. We got our prompt confirmation. For a brief moment, she used our biotic dome like a cover, as she drew her gun and aimed.

She fired into their eyes a couple of short bursts of incendiary ammo, before the Brutes had time to target her. While the two pachyderms were still stunned, Miranda jumped in front of them, like a cat. Then, another couple of shots that she fired, standing right out in the open and screaming in Brutes' face, did the rest.

M: Hey, you jerks! Here I am. Why don't you try to catch me?

As Miranda had planned, the last volley of slugs caught the attention of the crude creatures who pointed her, furious eyes. Their grim growling trembled the ground beneath our feet, and stank the air all around.

Miranda turned her back on the Brutes, and started to move away from us. She ran in the opposite direction, as fast as she could. She rolled to the ground and often changed direction, with intent to get them confused. The two mad things fell into the trap, and began to hunt Miranda, like hungry predators. Exactly what our friend was hoping for. So that the three of us got a chance to move towards the restaurant.

S: C'mon, everybody in, go, go!

You shouted loud, from above your shoulder, as you kept shooting. Garrus had my back, as I cast a singularity against a group of husks, which was very close to reach us. The pack waved around in the air, while we ran full speed towards the breach. A full collection of bullets was whistling over our heads in every direction, like a mortal rain. Macabre trails of fire were painting in scarlet red the gloomy sky. Many slugs crashed noisily on our shields as we'd dive through the narrow passage in the wall, adventurously.

The last time we saw Miranda, she was running with feline moves towards the burnt out carcass of a big transport. The brutes behind her, were picking up the field, dangerously. The Banshees' cry grew louder, squawking through the smoke-soaked air. Miranda stopped abruptly, two steps from the fumy vehicle, then turned to the two beasts of prey, calmly. Lips illuminated by a mocking smile and unexpected. Suddenly, she disappeared into nothing!

Brutes stopped, simultaneously. They looked around in disbelief, sniffing the air and roaring their wild disappointment. Their prey had inexplicably vanished, and they couldn't figure out where she was.

L: Goddess! She used a tactical cloak, to vanish without a trace. That woman is a genius! Oh, Shepard, I'm starting to believe that Miranda can actually do it!

I exclaimed in an uncontrolled impulse of euphoria.

S: Yeah, if anyone can do it, that's Miranda Lawson!

You nodded, with great relief.

G: So... how about Bourbon... wanna bet?

Garrus wanted to know.

L: Serrice Ice Brandy...

I pointed out with a knowing smirk.

G: Okay, it's a deal!

Our friend grinned back, as we made our way through the Restaurant.

"Shepard, do you copy? ... Can anybody read me? ... This is Miranda Lawson. I'm surrounded by Reapers' heavy forces. I've lost contact with Hammer. Request assistance. I'm sending my locat..."

An energy ball hit hard the abandoned vehicle at the Restaurant crossroad. Sinister gleams colored the mist with melancholy bluish shadows. Two Banshees were floating in midair full of rage, venting their murderous fury at what remained of the carcass. Their shrill wails scratched the night, like shards of broken glass rubbed against naked skin. Empty and wild eyes announced disturbing omens, getting a strain on Miranda's proverbial self-control.

The two Asari corrupted gave each other a grim and arid look made of frost and darkness. They seemed able to communicate with no words, in some sort of sick mental connection. They apparently expected to find a trembling human to impale, hidden somewhere behind the noisy scrap metal overturned. Instead, all they could see was nothing but dust, silence and desolated rubble.

However, the evil creatures knew that human could not be far because the brutes were still sniffing her. Miranda could count on a matter of seconds, before the cruel harpies understood the trick and pounced on her. If she wanted to survive, had to be able to separate the ruthless slayers from their ravenous hunting dogs, first. What it was supposed to happen right away.

She materialized behind the stupid beasts, like a silent shadow, holding her breath. The cunning human threw two adhesive grenades on Brutes' backs, with surgical precision. Before they could react, Miranda hit them with a biotic slam to blow them up.

The powerful explosion erased the darkness around, and overheated the surrounding air. Both brutes fell heavily to the ground, their faces brutally smashed into the floor, as if ran over by a train. The wily human woman used her tactical cloak once again, right before the Banshees were above her. One of them has been foolish enough to approach the brutes and check their status. Miranda appeared behind her, silent as a snake, and shot a flurry of warp ammo in her scalp.

Before the emaciated creature had time to regenerate, the former Cerberus heavily damaged her barrier with a warp attack. The corrupt Ardat-Yakshi fell on her knees, suffering, defenseless, terrified. Cold blue eyes, no mercy, nor emotion, Miranda shot her in the head with another series of warp ammo. The moment she was about to finish her lethal enemy with a biotic slam, the skilled soldier felt some sort of uneasiness in her biotic powers. She realized the other one had to be behind her.

Miranda disappeared altogether, as she fell down on the ground, instinctively. By some miracle, the energy ball passed over her, and hit the wounded Banshee hard, killing her. Unfortunately, there was no time to gloat. The second enraged Banshee was blindly throwing balls of energy in all directions, in an attempt to hit Miranda, who had never been so grateful to have integrated a tactical cloak in her own armor. She was aware that, without it, she could never have survived the lethal creature. A harsh shiver went down her spine at the mere thought.

To make matters worse, one of the brutes had come dangerously close, and started sniffing her. The huge beast threw abruptly himself against nothingness, trusting his own instinct and nose. Stifling a groan, Miranda moved to the side, rolling around the ground, as far as possible. The colossus failed the charge, but was defenseless for a few seconds. The woman took the opportunity to throw a blinding grenade into his face, and fire on him the last shots of her own M11, cold-bloodedly.

The thermal clip fell down to the ground, exhausted. Just a small puff of pearlescent condensation embroidered in the dark night. The savage creature was lying on the dusty ground. The head of him was hanging down. Hollow eyes stared at Miranda, with no longer trace of life. The brave girl took a breath of relief. However, the heavy ammunition magazine of hers was close to be empty. She looked at her own belt with concern. Only two grenades and one last thermal clip have remained.

"It's never over, until it's over. Well, I'll be darned... it's not over at all!"

The words echoed in Miranda's head, like a mantra. They held her strength together, enhanced lucidity and, in spite all odds, kept the flame still alive.

Under the weight of her determination, the woman looked up. A thin wedge of moon dimly lit her path. It seemed clear. With a little luck, she could venture toward the restaurant.

The brilliant mind of hers had carefully studied every inch of the route, and calculated the best path. Nevertheless, it was crazy dangerous. Truth be told, Miranda knew that stood without ammunition face to face with the other one brute, it would have been fatal, indeed. At that very moment, she would have given 40 years of life for a damn supplement! On the other hand, her biotics were badly in need of regeneration, but that fiendish killer Banshee didn't seem willing to wait.

Thus, the tireless fighter acted in the only possible way. She raised her head. The path was clear. With any luck, she could make it. Mathematical probability invaded every cell of her mind, which was desperately trying to freeze fear.

With the protection of her cloak, the human woman came out into the open. Every silent and precise step brought her own goal a little closer, slowly. Deep breaths, frozen heart, senses at the peak. Step by step. Again and again.

"It's never over, until it's ov..."

The lethal sphere of energy hit Miranda in the hip. Her body rose instantly, like a feather. Immediately after, it fell heavily down to the ground, like a stone. The pain came fast and blazing.

"Sorry, Ori... I've tried my hardest... love you... farew..."

The impact kicked all the air out. Nothing but black in her eyes. Just a slight puff of blue in her heart.

"C'mon, you fucking bitch... take a fucking breath!"

Despite a strong aptitude for spouting profanities that she used to flaunt every time she wants to disguise her own fear, discomfort, or some strong emotion. The young woman seemed terribly worried, almost suffering. The slender tattooed figure bent over the inanimate body, was moving feverishly. Agile hands were intent on detecting even the slightest sign of a heartbeat.

J: Come on, Cheerleader of my nuts! You can't really croak, just when I was starting to like you!

For a moment, the tone of the eccentric girl was intimate, sweet, almost affectionate. However, it soon resounded shrill, biting, nervous again. The biotics trainer looked up and gave the student standing beside her a stern, reproachful glance.

J: Hey, Ramirez, you got your head out of those tits! She could be your mother!

A few timid smiles and an embarrassed silence and clumsy barely hidden behind the confused darkness of the night. Then, a slight blue glow, right in the middle of Miranda's chest, caused an involuntary movement of her bust. An instant later, a pulse, a breath coughed out of the soul, and finally the light again.

J: Come on, Rodriguez, crank you up with that medigel! And, you guys down there, keep that damn barrier alight! There may be other ones crawling behind each of these crappy stones.

M: J-Jack? I-It's you?

Miranda blinked. The blue reflections of dazed amazement sparkled the night, as she stared in disbelief at the inscrutable darkness, which dwelt in Jack's deep eyes.

M: Thanks! Hell, you bolted from the blue, as right as rain! I never thought I'd be so happy to see you!

Miranda added in a breath. The grateful voice of hers full of relief did not give Jack time to say a word. Oddly enough, Miranda didn't even try to control a tremor of joy in her throat, as she was realizing to be still alive.

J: Yeah! And I never thought I'd be so happy to save your sorry ass! Are you OK?

Jack wanted to know, with thinly disguised apprehension. Although she has been just grazed by the lethal sphere of energy, an intense pain was devouring Miranda's right hip. Ache obstinately climbed up to her chest, piercing at every breath, like a knife. Nevertheless, the night seemed clearer, as she smiled at Jack, with heartfelt emotion.

M: Y-Yes, I believe. Just a couple of broken ribs, a dislocated hip. I must have fainted, but... no broken fingernails... So, I'll be fine!

Jack nodded a restrained relief. The smile of hers leaned over her own amused lips, as she reached for the former Cerberus, who sat on the ground, still head dazed. The desperate darkness in Jack's eyes seemed definitively eclipsed. Both women had genuine faces and satisfied as they shook each other hand. Grateful arms wrapped Jack of thankfulness. Just a slight lump in her stomach, before the former Subject Zero, unexpectedly, shared the embrace with the same level of involvement.

M: I owe you my life, Jack! Thanks to you, and to your guys! I thought it was over! I ran out of ammo, and lost comm. I can't imagine how the hell did you find me, but I call it excellent timing!

J: Anytime! My guys and I had a ton of fun! Well, radio signal was actually gone. Nobody except David here could pick up your support request. He's the one you've to thank.

Jack lifted up her chin to point the boy, proudly. Miranda approached David, and hardly recognized him. The guy had changed a lot. David's dramatic past had deeply touched Miranda's heart, and, if Shepard hadn't stopped her, David's brother would have got a bullet between his eyes.

Although the boy's condition, on board the Atlas Station, seemed really desperate, he survived. Hard to believe that he had completely overcome that terrible trauma for both body and mind. However, he looked good, and quite tranquil eyes.

M: I'm so thankful for your help, David. And, really glad to see you're okay!

Miranda's words came from the heart, and David clearly perceived it. So, for a moment he stopped counting.

D: Hello, Miranda Lawson. You're a friend of Shepard. She made it quiet. I remember you. You were kind to me! I can boost the signal, for you.

The measured voice of David conveyed gratitude and spirit of acceptance. Miranda felt deeply moved to be welcomed into David's world like a friend.

J: OK, Cheerly, if you can walk, it's time to move on!

Jack's friendly tone, but urgent, burst into Miranda's thoughts, and brought her back to the painful reality, with immediate effect.

M: You can bet on that!

Miranda nodded warmly, in a firm and determined voice. The expert fingers of hers slipped a thermal clip into her Suppressor already set on warp ammo.

M: I was wondering, if you can lend me a supplement, casually.

J: Rodriguez!

Jack glanced over her shoulder as she called out. The two women exchanged a meaningful look, as the crew began to move. No reaper around. The road to the restaurant was finally clear. Miranda walked at Jack's side, with pride, and a less frozen heart.

J: Good. Let's move. We're gonna radio Shep, with David's help.

To be continued...