Ch 11: For old time's sake.
Tuchanka (The Wastes):
As night fell they quickly got into a sadistic rhythm.
Take fire, return fire, break contact, pull out. Take fire, return fire, break contact, pull out.
They would have taken more fire if Shepard hadn't been leading them. He read the ground perfectly, taking them around defended points and away from obvious routes that could so easily be ambushes.
Instead he pushed them up tough hills and across broken terrain, avoiding ridge crests and open ground where there silhouettes would give them away.
During one of the infrequent rest breaks Shepard knelt next to Garrus, "Still glad you signed on with me again Brother" he asked.
Garrus snorted, "At least this time I have impartial witnesses that it was me who saved your ass."
Shepard grinned, "Dream on Vakarian, I'm tired of you using you're association with me to pick up women."
Jacob stared at them and shook his head, "Damn, Mordin is it just me or are these two crazy."
The Salrian considered this for a moment, "Seems likely….but then must question sanity of you and me given that knowing this we still follow them… paradox, if they are insane so are we but as we question our own sanity we must be sane enough to question it so therefore they cannot be insane because we aren't."
Jacob snorted, "Yeah well this whole situation seems a little crazy to me…all we need is to find a beautiful woman for Shepard to rescue and we're in holo-vid territory."
Garrus snorted, "Don't Jacob, don't tempt fate. Last time he did that it was an Asari archaeologist with massive biotic potential as well as massive naivety. If Shepard wasn't so clueless about women we'd have been straying dangerously close to fairy tale romance."
"Oh I don't know that could work" chipped in Shepard, "We've already got the plucky hero, the vengeful warrior, the loyal strong man and the learned wizard right here."
"No you see the 'Plucky hero' has to be brave, strong and good looking…..you're the comedy relief" replied Garrus with a grin.
"Piss off Vakarian" replied Shepard with a smile.
There was a roar off in the distance and they swung their guns to cover it.
"Thresher maw" asked Garrus softly.
"Based on previous recordings seems likely" replied Mordin.
"We need to get over that ridge line, one's enough for this trip" Shepard commented, gesturing further north.
The rose and moved off into the pitch black.
Tuchanka (Urdnot Camp):
She slept, badly, in the Kodiak, the com frequency scanner and sensors set to detect the slightest evidence of Shepard or the others. Kasumi slept on the opposite bench while Grunt had gone off to head-butt members of his new clan…she had no idea why and right now didn't care.
She woke before dawn the next morning, stretched to get the knots out of her neck and swallowed a mouthful of bottled water before stepping out into the pre-dawn gloom.
She threaded her way through the shadows, the jet black and pearlescent white of her cat suit standing out against the grey of the industrial decay and took up her position on the ledge from the night before looking out at the waste.
Grunt joined her a few moments later, he'd clearly been waiting for her. "We should be out there Lawson, looking them" he barked at her.
Miranda sighed, "Grunt we've discussed this, you cannot go out wondering through the Wastes looking for Shepard."
"He is in danger and we sit here doing nothing like weaklings, it sickens me" barked the young Krogan.
Miranda felt the start of the type of headache she normally associated with Shepard, "What do you suggest Grunt, he could be anywhere, where would you like to start looking."
Grunt barked, "We cannot just wait here…..our krantt needs us."
"Grunt stop complaining I can here you from out here" said a sudden voice in there com.
"Shepard" snapped Miranda into the com, "Shepard is that you."
"Morning Lawson, we're coming in, do me a favour and make sure Wrex knows. Would be a shame to have walked all this way and get blown up because we get mistaken for Pyjaks.
They walked up onto a rise, deliberately silhouetting themselves in the breaking dawn light so they could be seen by trigger happy Urdnot guards. They cast long, thin shadows as they descended down the slope.
They walked into the camp through the hole in the side of the wall of the massive building. They looked like hell, stained with dirt, dust, blood and assorted filth. Jacobs arm was in a makeshift sling fashioned from a rifle sling and Garrus had a huge bruise on the side of his face.
The Urdnot Krogan stared, stunned at the two humans, the Salarian and the Turian as they walked into the camp, Shepard leading them. Miranda stared down from the railings, next to Grunt and Wrex, shaking her head in amazement, not because they'd all made it back…..but because they were all grinning like idiots.
Shepard paused by the Krogan mechanic they'd spoken to earlier and reached into one of his pouches and drew out a spare part, "Found this combustion manifold lying around the Weyrloc base….reckoned you might be able to use it."
The mechanic snatched it eagerly from his hand, "Thanks….but how the hell did you bring it back", Shepard shrugged, "I carried it….I told you I'd get you one."
Wrex exploded into laughter, "Shepard you miserable bastard, after all the crap you pulled in that Mako I should have known better than to trust you with one of my Tomkahs, still at least that one will be fixed soon."
Grinning Shepard leapt up the step and caught Wrex's fist in a tight grip, "Nice to see you to Wrex you ugly asshole and there is nothing wrong with my driving."
He glanced at Miranda, "Morning Ms Lawson, sorry we're late, we took the scenic route."
Miranda tried to glare but it turned into an amazed shake of her head, "I'm….glad you're ok Shepard" she said finely.
Shepard smiled at them then gestured back at the group, "More or less, Jacob's arms broken and we'd ran out of medigel, Garrus got a rock thrown at his face by an irate….something, but all in all, could have been a lot worse."
Miranda looked at him, his eyes were bloodshot, he had a cut on his fore head crusted with dry blood, his armour was so filthy it had gone from black to brown….but he was in one piece, they all were. "Yes Shepard it could" she managed, astonished by his relaxed attitude.
As the others walked wearily up the steps to join them Kasumi suddenly materialised, looking very concerned, "Oh my god Jacob what happened" she asked.
Jacob shrugged, "I was slow, got bitten by a Varren."
Kassumi made a concerned sound, "Ah, really."
"No" replied Shepard with a grin, "He kept saluting me so I broke it for him."
Jacob snorted, "Dream on Commander, I can still do more pull ups one handed than you can with two."
The group burst out laughing, "You've been spending too much time with Garrus Jacob", laughed Shepard.
"Oh no you're the one who corrupts peoples respect for authority Shepard" replied Garrus, "I was a nice, steady cop until you came along now look at me…..fallen in with a bunch of reprobates on Tuchanka."
Wrex loomed over them all, "Well it is good to see some things never change, as I told you Lawson there back and as insufferably self-satisfied as ever."
Shepard smiled at the huge Krogan and nodded to Grunt, "Morning Grunt…..managed to start any wars in my absence."
The young Krogan shook his head, "I fear not battle master, Lawson would not let me. Now though we could go and find something to kill…."
"I wasn't suggesting it Grunt" replied Shepard with a grin, "Save it for the Collectors, right now what I need is a hot shower, something to eat and a cold drink."
He glanced at Wrex, "I don't suppose you'd consider coming with us Wrex, I could use your support and I guarantee they'll be some good fights."
Wrex snorted, "With James Shepard and Garrus Vakarian how could there not be…but I cannot my friend, someone has to keep these short sighted fools in line."
Shepard nodded resignedly, "I get it Wrex you have your own people to think of now and I'd never deny you that…..would have liked you backing me up."
Wrex nodded and the look on his face was one of respect, "I would like it to Shepard but we rarely get what we want. In the mean time you have a fine crew and as a member of my clan Urdnot Grunt will serve you well…..least he damn well better or I shall be extremely pissed off."
Grunt and Wrex exchanged a long glare, Miranda tensed wondering if they were about to see a Krogan leadership challenge…then Garrus burst out laughing.
"Oh spirits this takes me back."
Shepard was grinning, "Me to, okay Wrex I can't imagine anyone's stupid enough to launch a coup attempt if your gone for a few hours. Come up to the Normandy and scare the crap out of my cook by having something to eat with us, for old times sake."
Wrex nodded, "It would be an honor Shepard."
As they waited for the shuttle to warm up, Kasumi at Shepard's instruction helped Jacob with his gear and Garrus and Wrex exchanged good natured insults and abuse. Shepard didn't join them but walked over to Miranda where she stood apart and perched on the rail next to her.
"Good job keeping everyone in line Lawson, especially Grunt" he said quietly.
She glared at him, "I was simply doing my job Shepard" she replied.
He sighed, "You know you're a really hard woman to compliment" he said dryly.
She looked away her expression grim, "You took a hell of a risk out there Shepard."
He nodded, "Yes I did…..it paid off though. So what did I miss."
"Besides the CO going AWOL with half the team" asked Miranda coldly.
"Why do I get the feeling you're not going to let this one go" asked, his tone a mixture of sarcasm and amusement.
Miranda glanced at him, "I've been a little busy trying to find you…..EDI hasn't informed me of anything major" she admitted.
"How's the ankle" asked Shepard, catching her off guard.
"Its fine…..aren't you worried about the ship."
"I was worried about getting my team home, I was worried about Jacob's arm, I was worried about Mordin de-hydrating. At no point over the last twenty four hours did I worry about the Normandy and do you know why?...because I've got you to cover my ass on that Lawson" he replied with a smile.
Miranda's softened and she sighed, "I've made several critical errors since we've started…"
"Name one" cut in Shepard, "Name one mistake that you've made that actually significantly impacted the mission which you could have conceivably avoided making."
He watched her for a moment before smiling again, "You're going to get things right 98% of the time Lawson, the 2% is what I'm best at so don't worry…..trust me, when you screw up I'll let you know about it."
She sighed and looked away, "We should check in with EDI" she said mechanically not able to decide if she was annoyed or happy or worried by his apparent confidence in her.
Shepard reached for his com with a shake of his head, "Normandy this is Shepard do you read over."
"Good morning Commander", came the AI's voice in their ears."
"Morning EDI, what have you got for me", he replied.
"All systems are operating within tolerance limits, no deficiencies to report. I have been receiving reports from Tuchanka indicating a substantial loss of influence for clan Gatatog following the death of Uvenk Gatatog."
Shepard smiled, "We'll anything that helps out Wrex is fine by me."
"In addition" continued the AI, "Killing the Thresha Maw during Grunts rite of passage has produced several breeding requests for Grunt…..and one for Shepard."
Grunt let out a below of triumph at the news which turned into laughter as the AI delivered the second piece of news, Wrex joined him chortling loudly.
Shepard's eyes flashed wide, he put his head in his hands and loudly snapped, "Shut Up Garrus."
The Turian put on an expression of wounded innocence's…..like a Varren caught in a hen house. "I didn't say anything Brother" he said in a hurt tone.
"You were thinking it" snapped back Shepard.
Miranda couldn't help it, she tried to stay composed but the lunacy of the situation combined with the lack of recent sleep made her grin and she let out a quite laugh, stifled so quickly she thought no one could hear it over the Krogan's deep bellows.
Shepard shot her a glare, "Oh great, now you find your sense of humor" he groaned.
Normandy SR-2:
"I think you should think about it…I mean not to put too fine a point on it, it's the best offer you've had in over two years."
"Garrus I WILL kill you" snapped Shepard jumping out of the Kodiak.
"You need to be more receptive to the idea of interspecies intercourse Shepard" replied the Turian jumping out behind him.
"Ok how about I ram my foot up your ass" replied Shepard.
Miranda sighed resignedly just as Kelly Chamberes bounced….literally bounced into view flashing a bright white smile. If Miranda hadn't been so meticulous about her observations she might have been inclined to agree with Shepard that chemical's had to be involved somewhere in that girls attitude.
"Good morning Commander, Ms Lawson, oh Mr Taylor what happened to your arm."
"He was in a horrible saluting accident" commented Shepard dryly, "Kasumi take Jacob to the infirmary and if he tries to escape you have official permission to use your EMP on him. Kelly this is an old friend of mine Urdnot Wrex."
Chambers seemed to reach new heights of excitement, "Oh my goodness it such a privilege, I've read so much about your time with Commander Shepard chasing Saren."
Wrex was clearly trying to work out what the hell was going on, he turned to Shepard who smiled, "Well apparently your reputation precedes you Wrex, this is Kelly Chambers my yeoman, she's enthusiastic so be nice and you are not allowed to pulverise, tenderise or consume her on my ship."
Wrex harrumphed unhappily, "Sometimes you take all the fun out of life Shepard."
Shepard grinned, "Grunt, Kelly look after Wrex for a little while. We all need a shower urgently then we'll meet in the mess for something to eat…..tell Gardener to tipple what he's got on for breakfast. Mordin you and I will have a chat after breakfast, then I'll show Wrex around."
He looked at Miranda, "We'll spend today getting our house in order XO, there's a few upgrades we found down there I want sorted, Garrus will inevitably want to calibrate the hell out of something and Jacob needs time to get his arm fused. We can all take it a bit easy OK."
Miranda sighed inwardly, she hoped this wasn't the start of Shepard trying to nursemaid her.
However most of her work would mean she was in her office today anyway and while the thought of a Korgan battle master on the Normandy was slightly alarming Shepard had shown remarkably good judgement so far and she wasn't picking up on any particular hostility from Wrex. Besides he'd been willing to help her, keeping him sweet was not a bad idea.
The day passed slowly for Miranda, having showered, cleaned her teeth and changed into a spare uniform she worked steadily through the accumulated work on her desk. It was all fairly routine, the Normandy was running reasonably well. The mission was not going as fast as she'd hoped with the regular diversions Shepard indulged in but as of yet there'd been no progress on ways to get through the Omega Four relay so they had time to play with.
After lunch, which as usual she ate alone she returned to her terminal to find a new email in Shepard's inbox from the illusive man.
Shepard,
Miranda was reviewing your weapons' auto-recorded telemetry, particularly the hit-to-kill ratio. Being the busybody she is, she sent a request for additional firepower. The techs think something long-range and anti-shield would be useful, so we've issued you an Incisor sniper rifle. It will be in the Normandy's armoury. Put it through its paces, and let us know what you think.
Miranda frowned. She understood the Illusive Man was using basic psychology to try and improve his relationship with Shepard.
However he could have done it without going behind her back and compromising the working relationship she'd developed with Shepard.
She felt slightly betrayed.
Then she saw Shepard reply go out...
Count V Drakular,
Given the choice between Miranda's attention to detail and your selective memory when it comes to things like intelligence on the enemy I'll take the former every time. Her ability to anticipate requirements has undoubtedly saved all our lives on several occasions while I'm still not quite sure what it is you give me other than a constant bad taste in my mouth at the thought of working with you.
Yours pissedofferedly,
Shepard.
Miranda stared at the message, she was surprised at Shepard's aggressive defensive of her behind her back, it suggested he really did mean it when he said he respected her.
It was vaguely annoying, she didn't need anyone sticking up for her…..still it was surprisingly nice to know he was.
Later on she found Shepard with Garrus, Grunt and Wrex in the cargo bay throwing knives at the heavy bag Shepard had ruined a few weeks ago after his meeting with Ashley William's. She was slightly surprised to find Jacob with them…..and not at all surprised to find Kasumi watching them.
"Hey Miri" she said with a grin, earning her a scowl from Miranda, "The boys are having fun…..reckon it's not long before the shirts come off" she said with a grin.
Miranda redoubled the ferocity of her scowl, "Really Kasumi" she asked despairingly.
Kasumi grinned, "Hey there's an old Japanese proverb, 'Sore wa anata ga iru kagiri anata wa shinpi-tekina hibiki no koe de sore o iu yō ni seiyō ni iu kotode wanai mondai ni narimasu.'"
Miranda raised an eyebrow, "Seiyō anata ni hanashi ga bakadearu baai ni nomi kinō shimasu."
For once Kasumi was speechless, "You speak Japanese" she managed eventually.
"Since I was four" replied Miranda with a smirk as she turned back to the group practicing with their knives…..which for Wrex and Grunt meant a machete.
"You have a strong ship Shepard and a good crew…..with the exception of this idiot" he said gruffly as he threw the machete across the room and impaled the heavy bag.
"You're just jealous I have Thanix cannons" replied Garrus with a smirk, drawing back his knife and casting it, piercing the bag straight above Wrex's.
"They're a good bunch Wrex" replied Shepard, "Talking of which, your turn Jacob it appear the XO wants to keel haul me."
"We don't have a keel Shepard" replied Miranda as she approached them, "What are you doing."
Shepard shrugged, "We'll the bag was finished anyway so we're just putting it out of its misery", there was a 'thwack' as Jacob's knife struck the bag.
Miranda sighed, "Ah ha, can I speak to you Shepard."
He nodded and she led him away from the others, sheathing his combat blade.
"Have you made a decision about our next objective" she asked.
Shepard nodded, "I've read through the dossiers your boss sent us, I think our best bet is to go after Tali next, she's a known quantity and she's an engineer, a skill set we're lacking."
Miranda nodded, "Makes sense but she's deeply antagonistic towards Cerberus, do you think you'll be able to convince her."
Shepard pursed his lips, "It'll be difficult….but with Garrus with me I have a decent chance. But I'll need to know the full story which means I need everything on Cerberus's involvement with the Migrant Fleet, no censorship."
Miranda sighed, closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, "Those records are deeply classified Shepard."
"Then you'll have to trust me" he replied simply.
She opened her eyes and nodded, "Alright I'll get it to you. I'll go prepare the file now."
"Not tempted to join us for a round of knife throwing" asked Shepard with a grin.
Miranda gave him a level look, "I'm a grown adult Shepard, I'll leave that to those best qualified for it."
Shepard smirked, "Well I do hold the record Lawson, and it's probably for the best I wouldn't want to have to kick my XO's ass in public."
She looked at him and smiled, then stepped, twisted and moved. Whipping the combat knife from sheath on Shepard's waist, drew her arm back and cast a perfect throw. The glistening blade cut through the air towards the heavy bag on the other side of the room and slices neatly through the cord holding it.
The bag dropped to the floor with a thump and the knife struck the bulkhead with a metallic ring and it clattered off the floor, to the shouts of surprise and disbelief from the others.
Miranda turned and smirked at Shepard who was looking open mouthed at the throw, "Sorry Shepard you were saying something about a record?"
Before Shepard could think of a response she turned and walked out of the cargo bay.
Shaking his head Shepard walked back to join the others at the fallen heavy bag to retrieve his knife, to joyful laughter from Kasumi.
Wrex looked at them shrewdly, "Can I give you four idiots a piece of advice…don't piss her off."
Miranda got back to her office and allowed the smile she'd been repressing to emerge…that would teach him.
She sat down at her terminal and started to put together the information on Cerberus's activities when a red flagged email popped up in her inbox. She frowned and opened it up...
It was from Lanteia.
Oh no.
Oh Dear God No…
Authors Note: I apologies for what I'm certain is total butchery of Japanese. Unlike Miranda I don't speak it and have to reply on translation software.
