Aftermath
By Spctre4hire
Descent
Ten hours till Descent…
Shepard had listed every available squad member as he silently walked through the bowels of the Normandy. Lucy would not go, she was still too important with rachni relations, as was Tali with the quarians, and Legion with the geth. Miranda was also out of the conversation because of the risk involved in bringing both the Captain and XO.
With a final mental check list through the names he compiled, he took a deep breath; all he had to do now was tell them.
He couldn't put his finger on why he felt the anxiety within his stomach, he had always welcomed the slight nervousness before any mission or the jitters but this carried a different feeling. It brought a different sense to the Commander, a sense of… foreboding, the danger they could face on this mission would be greater than any other.
He tried to remind himself that these squad members were his friends and would gladly come with him if asked. But he just couldn't calm his nerves as he prepared himself to meet with the first one. To tell them the misfortune that they would be accompanying him in their most dangerous mission yet.
Nine hours and forty-five minutes till Descent…
He entered the forward battery to see his best friend was too distracted by further calibrations to the ship's canon to have noticed that he had company. "Garrus,"
The turian turned around to see his Commanding Officer and friend; Garrus was still not able to recognize all facial expressions for humans, but the one he saw on his friend's face sent up red flags instantly. "Shepard is everything alright?"
Am I that transparent? Shepard mused to himself, his first instinct was to shake his head and dismiss Garrus's concerns but as he tried to engage in either action he found himself unable to, he knew that he shouldn't be lying to his best friend. "We got another mission it is for the rachni."
"Of course we do. Why is it every time we need someone's help, we always have to risk our asses to secure their alliance?" Garrus asked wryly, looking for a smile or a chuckle from his friend, he received neither. His jokes usually got some sort of reaction from Shepard even if they were 'bad or corny.'
"What's the mission?"
Shepard took a deep breath, knowing that this was not going to be the last time he had to explain the mission, "the queen has discovered a derelict Reaper on the planet below. It is somewhat active; my team and I are going down there to see if we get any useful information that can serve as proof for the Council."
"A functioning Reaper?" Garrus asked more to himself then to Shepard. "So I take it, you need me to watch your back again?"
Shepard smirked, thankful that Garrus could never stop with his bad jokes or teases. "Something like that, but the Reaper is active."
Garrus waved off his friend's concern. "I'm in Shepard. I'm in this till the end. You and me, so no need to try to dissuade me."
"Thanks, I appreciate that," Shepard said sincerely.
"When do we leave?"
"Less than ten hours."
"I'll be ready."
9 hours and thirty-eight minutes remaining till Descent…
Shepard felt slightly relieved that Garrus was so quick to accompany him, he was thankful for his friend's words as well. He didn't know why he felt such uncertainty or hesitance when it came to this particular mission, he had already been inside a Reaper before but this was different.
According to the queen this one was still active, something about that information bothered Shepard, his brief encounters with Sovereign and Harbinger always unnerved him. I must get use to it; we are going to be fighting an army of them.
Those words brought Shepard into the Observation Deck, to see the Justicar was meditating. She immediately stood up upon hearing the door open and turned to face the Commander. "I take it your meeting with the queen went well?"
Shepard nodded, "It did, but we also discovered a disturbing truth."
"Disturbing?" repeated a curious Samara. "How so?"
"The queen has been in contact with a damaged Reaper, which is on the planet below."
"That is unsettling, it sounds as if the queen has been able to deny the taint of the Reaper but it still needs to be taken care of."
He was thankful of how easy Samara was able to put it together. "We are, I am leading the team that is going down to the Reaper."
"I'm in," Samara volunteered before he could finish.
"Really?" asked Shepard, surprised by how quick she was to include herself on this perilous mission.
A ghost of a smile flickered on the Justicar's lips. "Yes, I am aware of the danger but my oath is more important. You will need your best."
"Thank you Samara, we leave in less than ten hours."
"I shall be ready," Samara said softly, going back into her meditation.
9 hours and twenty-six minutes till Descent…
Two for two, counted Shepard to himself as he stepped off of the elevator, his previous conversations were able to quell some of his nerves as he entered the cargo bay. He began to wonder if he was mistaken in being so worried that his crew might not want to make this big risk, well if anyone would be honest with him, it would be Eli.
The batarian in question was busy working on the shuttle but Shepard was unclear of what in particular he was repairing or upgrading. "Eli can I have a word?"
Eli turned off his tool and turned around to face the Commander, "you survived Paragon. I was half expecting the rachni queen to feed you to her young."
Shepard chuckled, "you sound disappointed."
"There will be other chances."
"Such an optimist."
The batarian only smirked, he always appreciated the Commander's sense of humor. "So do we have the buggies alliance?"
"Yes and no. They are willing to help us but we have to take care of a problem."
"Problem? What kind of a problem?" Eli asked suspiciously.
"The rachni have discovered a missing and damaged Reaper on the planet below," began Shepard.
"Let me guess we get to go down there, search it, hack into its systems, get proof and then destroy it all before we become mindless husks."
"Yeah that's it," Shepard said, caught off-guard that Eli had guessed it so accurately.
"I'm in."
"How do you know I was asking you to join me? I just came down here to tell you to have the shuttle ready since my team will be leaving in under ten hours," Shepard smirked.
Eli laughed, "sorry Paragon, I am so used to you dragging me on all your missions. I just assumed I was being dragged into this one."
"So you have no objections in being 'dragged?'"
"Are you admitting you want me on the team?" Eli asked, who sounded as if he was enjoying this.
Shepard rolled his eyes, "I wanted you but now I am not so sure."
"Relax Paragon, of course I am going in with you. You need a skilled hacker and I am the best," Eli finished the statement by pointing to himself.
"Thanks Eli, we got less than ten hours," Shepard said, genuinely happy that his newest friend eagerly volunteered to be in this mission.
"When have I failed you Paragon?"
9 hours and fourteen minutes remaining till Descent…
Three for three, he soon realized the uncertainty he felt was now premature. He had thought they would accept in the end, but he thought it would be grudgingly and only because he was their superior officer, but now they were going because he was their friend.
Shepard was in the very slow elevator, wondering where he was going to find the young ambitious krogan to ask for his services when the doors opened on the third floor to reveal Odin waiting.
"Commander," Odin said respectfully, stepping into the elevator.
"Odin you're just the krogan I wanted to see," Shepard replied honestly.
"Really?" asked a surprised Odin.
"Yes, do you remember the last time we talked?"
The krogan nodded, "yes, you promised to take me on the next mission."
"Are you still interested?" asked Shepard, reading the krogan beside him carefully.
"Of course I am!" Odin said sounding hurt at the notion that he would change his mind on the Commander. "What's the mission?"
"It is probably the most dangerous mission we have been on. We are boarding a recently found Reaper, and are going to try to extract vital information from it."
"I won't let you down Commander, I promise," Odin said, nodding his head fervently.
"I know you won't Odin, that's why I sought you out," Shepard said truthfully, his words had quite the impact on the young krogan, whose head spun quickly to face him. The look on Odin's face was a pleasant mix of disbelief and honor.
"You really wanted me on this mission, not just because of your promise?" asked Odin, unable to believe the Commander's words.
Shepard patted the krogan's shoulder. "Of course I do. I saw what you did on Omega. You're very skilled. You will be taking the Rite of Passage in no time especially if you impress Grunt."
"Urdnot Grunt will be joining us?"
Shepard bit down a smile as he saw the young krogan nearly drop his jaw at this news, "yes he is." He was going to add more but the elevator arrived on deck 2 and the doors opened. "We leave in under ten hours."
Odin nodded, stepping out of the elevator before saluting him. "I will be ready."
"I know you will be."
Nine hours and nine minutes till Descent…
"Whatever it is, I am in Commander," Jacob said as soon as the doors of the armory opened to allow Shepard to walk in.
Shepard was taken aback by Jacob's willingness but he knew Jacob to be a good soldier and a loyal friend. "Don't you want to be briefed on the mission first?"
"That depends," Jacob said, putting down his pistol so that he could give his commanding officer his undivided attention. "It depends if I am going."
"I wouldn't be here if you weren't."
"Then what did I sign up for?" Jacob asked.
"Upon meeting with the rachni queen, we discovered that there is a disabled but functional Reaper on the planet below."
Jacob involuntarily shuttered at the thought of a functioning Reaper so close. "You don't have to go." Shepard stated, noticing his reaction.
Jacob immediately shook his head, then his hand at the Commander. "No way. You can count me in. We got to get use to these things anyway if we are going to fight them in a galactic war."
"My thoughts exactly," Shepard agreed.
"When do we leave?"
"Nine hours."
"Who's the team that is going with you?" Jacob asked, seeing the Commander's raised eyebrow, he continued, "I can set upgrades for their weapons and armor."
"Good idea, I'll message you the list after my meeting. However try to get some rest before the mission, I don't need you working non-stop."
"I don't think I could rest if I wanted to Commander, with the thought of entering one of those… things," Jacob saying the last words with a mix of disgust and hesitance.
"I understand. I appreciate the help."
Jacob saluted, "any time Commander."
Shepard shook his head, "you know you don't have to salute me Jacob. We are in neither Cerberus nor the Alliance."
"I know but it's a hard habit to break," Jacob said sheepishly. "Besides if anyone deserves it, it's you."
"Between you and Odin, I feel like an Admiral."
Jacob smirked, "I didn't even know the krogan saluted."
Shepard gave an amused shrug, unable to provide his friend with an answer.
Eight hours and fifty eight minutes till Descent…
"You're late," greeted Miranda as soon as Shepard stepped into his loft. She was sitting at the foot of his bed; Hades was sitting at her side, purring gently as she scratched behind his ear.
He bit down his playful retort about being only two minutes late, remembering how seriously Miranda thought of punctuality. He instead flashed her an innocent smile.
She wanted to roll her eyes, at his boyish response but she found herself smiling. As she gave a playful shake of her head, before standing up, much to the displeasure of Hades. She looked him over as she approached him, pleased to note that he didn't look as bad as he did before they split back on the Normandy.
She welcomed his arms as they enveloped her, allowing them to pull her into his close embrace, letting her breathe in his comforting aroma. Neither two spoke, both welcoming the other's touch, putting all their words and feelings into their embrace, with times being so hectic, it was moments like this peaceful embrace that both had cherished in their developing relationship.
Miranda was woken from her own comfort by her nagging XO persona that was demanding for her to remember her responsibilities of the upcoming mission. She mentally sighed, knowing that the small voice was right, "how are you feeling?"
"A lot better, everyone accepted the mission without question or complaint."
"What were you expecting a mutiny?" teased Miranda, who was amused at how Shepard could be so humble about his importance to everyone on this ship. How he could be oblivious by how everyone on this ship would gladly fight for him till his or her last breath if he gave the command.
His fingers ran through her raven hair, he breathed in her sweet vanilla scent. He smiled at her bluntness, and her dry humor both of which were quite impressive. "No, but I was expecting something…"
"Blame? Anger? Dissent?" Miranda asked playfully, believing that such thoughts in terms of Shepard's leadership were absurd.
"I don't know," he admitted with a heavy sigh, "I just wasn't expecting full cooperation."
With her chin on his chest, she looked up at him, surprised to see how serious he was; she got on her tiptoes, her lips brushing against his. "You are a remarkable man." Kissing him again, her lips lingering so close to his, that she could feel his warm, gentle breath against her face.
"You have willingly put your life on the line for everyone on this ship. They would do the same for you."
"I know," Shepard said softly, thankful for her words and more so for her kisses. "It's just that I don't want them to underestimate this mission."
"They won't John," Miranda said firmly though her voice was soft as she kissed him again, this time her lips lingering longer. "They will be prepared when the time comes. They know what is at stake. I only wish I could join you."
"We can't risk it," Shepard said quickly. "If something were to happen…" but he couldn't push the words out especially after he saw Miranda's face, her eyes looking at him with such love, but they both knew what he was going to say.
"Don't say it John," she warned him. She couldn't even begin to fathom a life without the man whom she was currently holding onto.
"I won't but I need you on the Normandy as second in command it is up to you to keep this ship running," Shepard recovered, knowing it was a mistake to bring up the possibility of his death.
"As well as monitoring you," Miranda added, seeing his confused face, she smiled, "do you remember the Collector ship?" He nodded but didn't speak, allowing her to explain it to him. "The cameras and amps to monitor your progress, well we believe that we can do the same for this mission."
"Really?" asked Shepard pleased with the news; he remembered how beneficial those instruments were during the Collector ship mission.
"Yes hopefully. Mordin and I still need to run some tests on them but we are certain that they will work just the same," Miranda answered.
"Leave it to you, to think of that," praised Shepard, and upon seeing Miranda's cheeks redden slightly, he bent down to capture her lips with his.
"It is easy when one can be properly motivated for the rewards," Miranda breathed after they broke their kiss for lack of oxygen. She didn't know what it was but he could always get her to blush when he praised her. Maybe because he was the first to actually notice you, she nodded at this mental reasoning.
Shepard smiled, "We do have some time before preparations need to begin."
Miranda returned his smile, amused at his hinting but she welcomed the chance for the two of them, to express their love to one another. "I think I can pencil you in." She let out a loud giggle as Shepard pulled her off her feet, and carried her to his bed, but he was hesitant to let her ago, as she began kissing his neck before moving up his jaw line. She could hear his soft groan of pleasure as she kissed traced his jaw line…
After a raucous round expressing their love for each other, both knew the importance of getting up out of bed and making the necessary preparations for the upcoming mission. However both were also contempt in bed together, so a simple compromise of just a few minutes of resting their eyes was made.
Five Hours and thirty two minutes till Descent…
Miranda woke up, blinking in the hundreds of winking stars that shined down upon her. She could feel Shepard's fingers gently on her shoulder; her head was nestled on his chest while he held her close. She was always happy to wake up in his arms, she reluctantly rolled away from him, careful not to wake him, while she checked the time, her eyes widened as she realized at how long they had slept. She ignored the impulse to leap out of bed, and hastily try to make up the time she missed, as would be her XO Persona.
She knew she had to get out of bed and she would, but she wanted to enjoy these few precious minutes with Shepard before she did. She could feel him stirring on his side of the bed, she knew he was waking up, and she was curious at what his reaction would be once he figured how long they were together.
"Oh please tell me that isn't the time," he groaned.
Miranda smirked, turning over to see Shepard was sitting up and stretching, the blankets falling down to expose his muscular chest which bore a handful of scars and permanent burns, he had received in the line of duty. "You sound disappointed."
Shepard turned to the beautiful woman he was sharing his bed with, she was cozily still wrapped in their blankets but he could see her bare shoulders. He ignored the rising temptation to continue where they left off. "No man should be disappointed on how we just spent our time especially when it's with you."
She blushed at the compliment before admitting to her inner but nagging XO persona. "Time to go back to work."
"Well we already over-slept, a few more minutes together isn't going to kill anyone," he replied honestly.
"I would like that," she smiled snuggling up next to him. She welcomed his touch as one of his hands went through her hair while the other gently traced circles on her shoulder. The two stayed silent for the first minute or so, both waking up and enjoying the other's touch but Miranda was reminded about their previous conversation that was interrupted by their pilot.
She decided this was the best time to continue, though she could still feel butterflies in her stomach, the uncertainty within her that. The confident XO was shaken by the idea of a conversation about their possible future with the one man she wanted to share it with.
"What's wrong Miri?" Shepard asked, noticing the small frown that appeared on her lips.
Her thoughts interrupted, she looked up to see him watching her closely, concern evident in his blue eyes. "I was wondering if we could talk about what we began before…"
"I would love to," he smiled, kissing her hair, hoping that whatever was bothering her could be corrected; he never liked to see her in such a state. It always hurt him too, a feeling he remembered vividly back on Ilium during Miranda's personal mission, when he saw her tears. He had to use all of his will power to resist the urge to hold her close and wipe those tears away.
Miranda tried her best to ignore any doubt and uncertainty she could feel creep in, reminding herself that he wanted to talk about this as well and that he loved her and as much as she loved him. She took a deep breath, "I can't lie Shepard after we talked so briefly on Omega about the possibility to spend a life together, I can't seem to shake the idea, I welcome the warmth I feel at the thought of us spending our lives together."
"Me too," Shepard replied soothingly. "I always thought about work and my career and that was all but I must say my hopes for the future slowly begun to change the more time I spent with you till the point I can't imagine my life without you."
The smile that came to Miranda's lips brightened Shepard's dark quarters; she immediately threw her arms around him, trying to put all her love, thankfulness, excitement all in the one hug. However even in all her excitement, she could not forget about not only Shepard's coming mission, but also the pending war with the sentient machines. "What about the Reapers?"
He sighed, the reminders of the Reapers had intruded his happy thoughts too. "We're not going to delay our feelings for them, only our plans for a live afterwards."
"You have already made plans for our life?" Miranda asked, amused but touched at the idea of the famous Commander planning on their married life.
"Of course I did," he answered simply. "I can't imagine either of us not working even after the war, but I can see us spending our nights together in a nice house after long days at work, spending time together and with our varren pups."
"Varren pups?" Miranda chuckled, unable to smile at the thought of the life of her future self and Shepard, a life she was jealous of wanting to start now.
"You don't expect Hades to be alone do you?" asked Shepard incredulously. At the name of his name, the varren in question crawled out from under Shepard's desk, trotting happily to his side of the bed, where he sat down, his head on the bed, his black beetle eyes looking up at his two owners. Shepard immediately began petting his favorite varren, which purred comfortably.
Miranda smiled, she was surprised to admit how much the varren had grown on her, but wanting to get another varren and then pups. The idea would have been ludicrous to her months ago but now as she thought about it, she couldn't deny the pleasant possibilities. However her smile immediately dipped into a frown, with Shepard's next words.
"Our kid and Hades's pups will be the best of friends."
Miranda could feel her heart fluttering nervously within; she could feel the doubt and dread filling her stomach. Her thoughts haunted by a message she had received months ago, a message she put no stock or emotion in, now could be the key to bring about her and Shepard's plans down. She could feel tears threatening to burst past her blue eyes, as she realized she would have to tell Shepard that she was unsure if she could even have kids.
He would be devastated; it wasn't fair, she thought bitterly to herself at how her father continued to pester her even after so many years of leaving that life behind. She knew Shepard would be a great father but now because of her flaws, she would be unable to provide for him. However her plaguing thoughts and unwelcome emotions were interrupted.
"Miranda what is it?" asked Shepard noticing the sudden change in her mood.
"It is nothing," lied Miranda, forming a plan in her head that she would seek out Mordin, and hopefully the two of them could solve the problem.
He looked down at her carefully, knowing that there was more she wasn't saying, but he wasn't going to press her. "You know you can tell me anything. Nothing will change how much I love you."
She was touched by his genuine words, the sincerity glistened in his blue eyes, a feeling of guilt came over for her, for initially lying to him, but it was only temporary she reasoned. Besides I will tell him everything hopefully with the good news that whatever was wrong with me was fixed. "I know."
Five hours and three minutes till Descent…
After dragging herself out of bed and then being dragged 'willingly' into the shower with Shepard, Miranda was finally out and about. She made her way into the tech lab to see Mordin was hard at work. It was seeing the salarian doctor so engrossed in his work, that Miranda had realized how much she had missed her colleague and friend. She remembered that some of her first and friendly conversations she received from Shepard's squad were with Mordin.
"Mordin," she said loudly, knowing if her voice didn't carry through the lab, the salarian was likely to either not have heard her or possibly ignore her if he was too busy with his work.
The salarian scientist, spun around to face the ship's XO. "Miss Lawson a pleasure like always. I was just thinking how much I missed working here. Yes, Cerberus may have a troubled past but they didn't spare expense when constructing this lab."
"If I didn't know better, I would think you were grateful to Cerberus," Miranda teased gently.
Mordin blinked, "grateful for tech lab? Yes, grateful for what they planned and assembled for the Collectors? Yes, but still not grateful for Cerberus's past or the future they wish to force themselves in."
"I couldn't agree more," she said softly remembering the Illusive man's plans for the Collector base.
"Yes, it is very good to be back, I enjoyed my time with the krogan but their equipment was lacking," Mordin ranted.
"I can only imagine the tools of a krogan doctor or scientist," Miranda joked.
The corners of Mordin's mouth tugged upwards before he returned his focus on his current project. "I think I may have found a way to monitor the squad's brain activity when they are aboard the Reaper. That way we can detect any danger of the possibility of indoctrination."
"Really?" asked a surprised but pleased Miranda, she stepped into the lab before taking a spot on the salarian's left.
Mordin nodded, "yes. It is an amp, I got the idea from the ones Cerberus designed to monitor squad's distinct heart patterns. We place them in the left ear of the squad and the amp will be able to sync up with the brain activity, monitor it, record it." He finished, holding the amp that looked like a simple black earplug.
"Brilliant," Miranda breathed, carefully taking the amp from him, so that she could examine it closely.
"Brilliant?" Mordin thought the word over for a few seconds before nodding. "Yes, it is brilliant but it is also necessary."
"What about the others? No two species share the same brain activity." Miranda asked.
"Yes an astute observation Miss Lawson, but I believe that I will be able to make the adjustments. The hardest part was designing it, but it should go quickly in making sure that each squad member has their own personal one."
"You know who is going on the mission?"
Mordin nodded, "yes, EDI messaged me a list of the squad. Theirs should all be ready before the mission."
"Do you think it is possible to make these in large qualities?"
"Preparations for the Reaper invasion?"
"Yes."
"I am not sure about large scale, but it is possible to equip these to soldiers, I will record my research and my notes."
"That would be perfect," Miranda said honestly who when she had the time would want to look them over. She was thankful that they had someone as smart as Mordin on their side. She then remembered the other reason why she came down here, but now she couldn't help but feel a little selfish if she took his time away from his preparations in keeping the others safe aboard the Reaper ship just so that he could listen to her problems.
"Miss Lawson?" asked Mordin, studying the silent and statue-like XO that now stood next to him.
"It's nothing," she quickly said, "I was going to ask you something but seeing as you're so busy, it can wait."
"I can spare a few minutes. I could use a quick break from the amps."
Of all the answers Miranda was expecting, that was not one of them, deciding that she had nowhere else to go. "Are you familiar with doctor-patient confidentiality?"
"Yes," answered Mordin quickly, studying her closely before adding. "Is this a personal query?"
Miranda nodded hesitantly.
"As a doctor I will do anything I can to help and to keep it between us," assured Mordin.
This is it, Miranda took a deep breath, comforted with Mordin's insistence and promise that he would help her, making sure the doors were locked and that EDI would not eavesdrop on them. She quietly revealed her biggest and most uncomfortable secret to him in hopes of being able to provide her and Shepard's ideal future together.
Four hours and Fifty four minutes till Descent…
"We leaving already Paragon?" Eli asked, stepping into the briefing room where Shepard, Samara, Jacob, Odin, Grunt, and Garrus were already gathered.
"Nice of you to be late again," Shepard replied, light-heartedly.
Eli chuckled, "I was busy working on the shuttle but if you don't want a functional shuttle…"
Shepard waved off his playful threat, before he turned to face his silent companions, "I brought you here, to give you some idea of what we are going to be up against."
"A functional and dangerous Reaper, what else is there to know?" Garrus quipped.
"Yes, that is it in a nutshell," admitted Shepard, comforted with the fact that none of those he chose looked concerned or doubtful. They all looked at him with determined faces ready and willing to do their part for the mission. "Do you remember our run in with the derelict Reaper?"
"A derelict Reaper, you're telling me this isn't your first time with a Reaper?" asked a disbelieving Eli.
Shepard nodded, "it might actually serve as an advantage to us."
"An advantage?" asked a puzzled Jacob, remembering the perilous mission that had brought Legion into their service.
"Yes, EDI?"
EDI's avatar appeared in 'her' usual spot, "yes, Shepard?"
"Can you please bring up the Reaper."
A picture of the derelict Reaper appeared before them allowing the squad to study the picture in silent.
"I do not understand how this going to help us?" Samara asked respectfully.
"EDI, the next picture," instructed Shepard.
The image of the Reaper disappeared being replaced by what looked to be the schematics or blue prints in the shape of the Reaper ship.
"Is this what I think it is?" Garrus asked, his mandibles twitching in disbelief.
Shepard nodded, "yes, EDI was able to create a set of schematics of the Reaper that we explored."
"How?" asked Jacob, impressed at the precise details, noticing the numbering of corridors, the catwalks, the shafts, the rooms that were included in the designs.
Shepard shrugged, "I think if EDI tried to explain it to us in full details it would go over our head. However the gist of it was that EDI was able to monitor our progress, recording the sights and positions we went through, the rest she was able to hypothesize with her previous knowledge of the Reapers."
"So this is just a guess?" asked Eli.
"A very accurate guess," reassured Shepard.
"This is something Commander," Jacob said, after letting out a low whistle.
"Don't thank me, thank EDI it was her idea," replied a humble Shepard.
"Ugh thanks EDI," Odin repeated.
"You are welcome Odin, but I was only following my programming," EDI responded.
"How do we know the Reapers are built so similar battle master? What about the human Reaper we came across," Grunt observed softly, the young krogan's question brought everyone's attention to him, everyone except Shepard and Odin seemed surprised by such an astute observation by the blood thirsty krogan.
"I am glad you asked that Grunt, EDI?"
"It is in my hypothesis that the reapers force the species to create a Reaper in the specie's likeness such as the human Reaper. This imitation Reaper is then covered by a thick, outer shell so that it can bare resemblance to the other Reapers as well as keep the identity of the species in the past hidden."
"A sound observation," Samara concurred.
"Are we going to see who this Reaper bore its resemblance from?" asked Odin.
"No, that won't be necessary it is located in the inner shell of the Reaper, we will be moving around it so that we can make contact right here." Shepard answered, pointing to the schematics, which highlighted a large room.
"The control center?" asked Garrus.
Shepard nodded, "It's brain, where we can get all the information needed."
"How are we going to destroy it?" Eli asked, crossing his arms.
"A bomb centered in this room will take out the Reaper," answered Shepard.
"A good strategy Paragon but I don't know about you but I didn't pack any bombs," Eli commented dryly.
"A krogan always comes prepared," Grunt chortled.
"A krogan made bomb?" Garrus asked. He remembered the stories of the cruel bombs that the krogan were capable of making; they were dangerous but very unsafe. The krogan were more concerned with blowing their opponent to hell, then studying the proper and necessary components to make the bomb safe to handle.
"Effective and dangerous," commented Odin approvingly.
"Also unstable," noted Eli.
"The quarians modified it," Shepard replied.
"A krogan bomb modified by quarians, only you Shepard," smiled Jacob.
"You said this Reaper was still functional," Eli commented politely.
"It is," Shepard agreed hesitantly.
"What about the indoctrination?" asked Jacob respectively.
"Mordin and Legion have already solved that problem," answered Miranda stepping into the room, in her XO persona aside her was the hyper salarian scientist...
Fifteen minutes till Descent…
One moment Miranda and Mordin were explaining the brain amps, with the entire squad being taken aback by the salarian genius and Shepard was sure they were all thankful. He knew he was.
After the meeting the hours seemed to melt away for Shepard and his crew as he now found himself in his room, putting on his ebony battle armor. He looked up to see Hades was sitting in front of him, watching him closely, the varren looked at his master expectantly, waiting to be put in his custom varren armor.
"I am sorry Hades but it's too dangerous for you," Shepard said softly, bending down so that he could pet the varren's head.
Hades snuffed, turning away from Shepard, looking insulted at the thought that it was unable to accompany him on a mission. Shepard smirked; he was always surprised by how intelligent Hades was and its ability to understand what people were saying. "Come on Hades don't be like that, I am leaving you can't stay mad at me."
Hades seemed to soften as he turned its beetle black eyes to him and allowed to be scratched behind his ears.
"Good boy, I'll make it up to you I promise, next mission."
The varren growled approvingly at this promise and after a few seconds went back under Shepard's desk.
"You ready?" asked Miranda tentatively, walking in.
Shepard nodded, grabbing his helmet, the two approached the open elevator. The Commander and XO walked in silence with Miranda pushing the bottom level. The doors slid closed and the elevator began its descent.
She gently put her head on his shoulder, he responded by wrapping his arm around her and pulling her closer to him. "I love you."
"I love you too," he said softly. "Is everything ready?"
"Yes, Hawthorne and Mordin are waiting down below, the terminal is set up."
"Good."
"Everyone believes in you Shepard, the squad is ready," she said softly, knowing that he was still anxious about this mission.
"I know but I will be thankful when it's over," he replied honestly.
"I will be too," she agreed. Seeing as they were about to approach the fourth floor, Miranda's XO personality was informing her of protocol and the reaction from the crew if they were seen in a compromising position. She half-heartedly agreed and was about to pull away from him, when his grip only tightened around her waist. She curiously looked up at him. Their pairs of blue pools met, but he did not speak, she did not need him to, his eyes were more convincing than any words could be.
The elevator arrived at level four and its doors slid open, the Commander and XO walked out together. The squad was too busy to notice at first, all of their backs were turned; many were making last minute adjustments to either their armor or weapon. While Mordin and Hawthorne were looking over the pair of amps and cameras, making sure that all were ready for the mission.
"Paragon," grinned Eli, who was the first to see the pair together.
The other squad members' heads turned in unison, their expressions were hard to tell, Garrus looked to be pleased, Jacob remained stone-faced, neither Samara nor Mordin seemed surprised, and neither Grunt nor Odin seemed to care.
"Everyone ready?" Shepard asked, reluctantly pulling himself away from Miranda's comforting embrace, so that he could examine the squad.
"As ready as anyone can ever be for entering a functional Reaper," Garrus remarked wryly.
"You know with the coming Reapers, this could be the first of many opportunities," observed Eli neutrally.
"I'm not complaining," Grunt chortled before cocking his shotgun.
"You never do," observed a smiling Shepard.
Miranda stepped towards Hawthorne who was holding a rectangular tray, with star shaped amps, the mental amps that looked to be earplugs, and cameras the size of a human thumb, the lens the size of a fingernail.
"These are cameras that will be attached to your helmet to help us monitor and record your position."
A silent Hawthorne stepped up to allow the squad to grab their designated camera.
"Like old times," Garrus observed, referring to the Collector ship mission, he and the others attached them to the right side of their helmets.
"These mental amps should be placed in your right ear," Mordin instructed. "It must be your right ear."
"What happens if we put them in our left ear?" Jacob asked curiously.
"Probably nothing but possible that a lethal charge might be sent to your brain," answered Mordin matter-of-factly.
"He's kidding Jacob," Shepard smiled, seeing Jacob's face before he turned back to the serious looking Mordin. "You are kidding right?"
Mordin didn't reply which left Shepard wondering if he wasn't. He reluctantly put his amp into his right ear as instructed; he could hear a soft buzzing sound.
"What about the buzzing?" asked Garrus, who placed his in the equivalent of a human ear as did Samara, Odin, and Grunt.
"That is normal, it is simply syncing with your brain waves," assured Miranda.
"What about these amps?" Odin asked, pointing to the last remaining amps, which were star shaped ones, with their names written on the bottom.
"These will monitor your heart rate," answered Miranda, who grabbed the Commander's and handed it to him.
"Do you mind?" he smiled.
A smile that she returned, strapping the amp into his chest plate with a soft click, the action was reminiscent of the Collector ship mission. Before the mission she and Shepard had admitted to developing feelings for each other. Her fingers lingered on his chest plate before she took them to his chin, as their eyes met. "Be safe."
He nodded, "I will, I have too much invested not to."
She smiled at the conversation that he was referring to, one that they had shared only hours ago. "I do too."
Eli cleared his throat, "any time Paragon."
Shepard rolled his eyes, turning his head to see his squad was already inside the shuttle while Mordin was watching them curiously. Hawthorne looked to be using all his mental discipline to look anywhere else then at the Commander and XO. "You're in charge XO."
She nodded, dropping her fingers from his chin, she stepped back, she wanted to kiss him soundly but the self-conscious XO stamped that idea out as soon as it came. Looking up at Shepard, he seemed to be battling similar emotions but he bent down, gently pushing back a few strands of her raven hair, which he tucked behind her ear before he kissed her forehead, an action that received immature chuckling and chortling from Garrus, Eli, and Grunt.
"That's it Paragon?" asked an amused Eli, as Shepard stepped into the shuttle with the doors closing behind him.
"Shut up Eli," Shepard said with mirth.
"About time Commander," Garrus commented.
"Battle master what should I tell those back on Tuchanka that sent you mating requests?" Grunt asked innocently. The krogan's words sent everyone in the shuttle into friendly laughter even Samara and Jacob were unable to hide smiles and chuckles.
Shepard sighed, his eyes meeting Grunt, he had no proof but he was sure Grunt had said that on purpose to tease him. "Let's just get out of here before I decide to pick a new squad."
"You're bluffing paragon."
"Punch in the coordinates and fire up the engine," said an exasperated Shepard.
After the shuttle engines revved to life, lifting it off the ground the cargo bay doors opened, revealing the wide vastness of space.
"It's time to begin our descent."