AN: Part 4. I don't have much to say about it. Basically a transition scene to keep the story going.
"So," Shepard began, "we're headed for the IFF today. Joker tells me we'll be there in about fifteen minutes. EDI has proposed the idea that we're probably not going to be alone, seeing as the research team stopped responding to transmissions. Now, I'll need someone who can watch my back, and another who can help me get up close and blow the bastards heads off." She glanced at everyone individually for a couple seconds, but avoided Thane's blank stare; Shepard thought her eyes would linger on him too long and she'd be lost in daydreams once again. "Garrus, you keep to the back and support me with your sniper and concussive shots. Grunt, I'll need you beside me with your Claymore. "
Grunt sneered. "Finally. Get to knock some heads in. I've been aching for a fight."
"Everyone else, standby. I'll radio in if anything comes up. We clear?"
Everyone nodded and kept silent. Garrus on the other hand cleared his throat. Shepard turned to him. "What's up Garrus?"
"Commander. I think Thane would be better off supporting you." Shepard glared at him, making Garrus quite nervous. Thane stole a glance at him as well, concerned and delighted by his suggestion.
"And why's that?" She kept her 'commander' voice on, yet Garrus could tell she was pretty pissed; he knew her well enough.
He cleared his throat again. "Well, I was just thinking, my concussive shots will knock them down for a couple seconds, but Thane's biotic throw has a larger impact radius and can keep them down for longer, especially for those husks." He paused. Shepard kept staring at him. "And, uh, if we run into anymore of those scion things, his warp will do some decent damage against them. Not to mention, he's handles a sniper better than anyone in this room. Not that I'm implying my skills are lacking, but I'm just saying."
"He raises a fair point, Commander," Miranda chimed in.
No fucking shit Operative Bitch Lawson. Damnit Garrus, why the fuck do you always have to catch these things? She sighed. He's right. Thane would be more useful. Fucking hell… She finally turned to Thane. Her chest slightly tightened and she let out another sigh. "Alright, Thane, you're up. And grab the Mantis. If we do see those scions, it'll do a hell of a lot more damage than any of the other rifles." Thane nodded. He kept his poker face on but shot another glance at Garrus. Garrus returned his glance. "Dismissed."
They all turned to walk out. Garrus caught Thane and quickly whispered in his ear, "You owe me." A small smile grew on Thane's face as he headed to the armory.
-x x x-
Thane took a bit of extra time preparing his gear in the hopes that Grunt would make his was to the hangar, leaving him with some alone time with Shepard before the mission. Grunt was hasty and quick, eager to get 'bashing skulls in' as he put it so eloquently. After a couple minutes of idling around, Grunt finally left.
"Tell Shepard I'm already at the shuttle," he said bleakly. "Also tell her to hurry her ass up."
Alone at last. All Thane could do was stare at his rifle until she walked in. Shepard immediately headed to the back of the room, securing her armor in place and grabbing her desired weapons. Thane knew she was the deadliest vanguard he had ever seen in battle. She propped her weapons on her back, yet kept her M-6 Carnifex in her left hand. He hesitantly walked up behind her. He paused for a moment before speaking.
"Siha. About last night. I wanted to talk to you about it." He was tentative and anxious.
"Thane…" She turned to him and placed her free hand against her temples, closing her eyes. "I just… I don't know." She lowered her hand and gazed into his dark, endless eyes. "You know how I feel about you. That hasn't changed at all." She holstered her pistol and took his hands in hers. "I really do care about you Thane."
"I as well." He beamed at her words, his face lit with joy. "I truly meant what I said last night. I'm drawn to you siha, and I don't believe I'll be able to let go." He leaned closer towards her, slowly tilting his head. "Siha… I'm falli-"
"Shepard," EDI rang, "we are arriving at the Reaper in two minutes. I suggest you make your way to the shuttle bay. The same goes for you, Sere Krios."
"Yeah thanks EDI." Shepard muttered. She turned away from him and headed to the elevator.
"Shepard," Thane called.
"Thane. We'll continue this afterwards, alright?" Shepard was flustered and slightly embarrassed as she continued to make for the elevator. "I need you at one hundred percent."
"Yes. My apologies," he mumbled before the doors hissed behind her. He lingered for a moment in the armory. There was that word again, continue. But siha, I do not want to wait. I need you now. He took a deep breath to clear his mind.