A/N: Eeeeee I've been avoiding writing this because I can tell people want drama but, uh, I can't really write a cat fight? I'm really sorry, but to me Liara and Miranda are so far above that. I tried when I saw people wanted it, I really did, but it was too forced. It was all wrong for their characters in this story. Maybe someone more skilled than me could pull it off convincingly, but as soon as I tried the characters lost their voices so I went back to my first plan. :( Soooorry.
Luckily, Garrus was waiting with Joker on the Normandy, and as soon as they arrived the pilot's enthusiasm at seeing an old friend eased some of the tension that had settled between the three women on the trip back. They hadn't spoken more than necessary during their travels - Miranda not at all - and now they were all quite eager to be distracted by the outside world. The silence had been near intolerable but Joker's borderline obnoxious behavior was just the remedy they needed to relax for a few moments.
After their little reunion, Shepard and Miranda pulled Joker aside to get him set on the right course. They had no idea when news of Vasir's death would reach the Shadow Broker's ears so there was no time to waste. If he escaped or went underground for any length of time they would be back at square one.
"So what can you do for me, Joker?" Shepard asked as soon as he had taken a look at the Intel.
He contemplated the location for a moment. "I can promise an hour and a half."
That might very well be pushing their luck. "How about this-" Shepard started while leaning closer.
While they busied themselves, Garrus smiled down at his old friend. "It sounds like we have a bit of downtime and there's someone in engineering who would like to say hello."
Liara beamed up at him. "I thought I had heard Tali had come on board."
"Shepard mentioned you had become well informed. It's kind of creepy," Garrus teased as he led her towards the elevator. "Wait until you see it down there, way flashier than the old days."
Miranda listened to their lighthearted conversation until they were far enough away that it faded into indistinguishable background chatter, and she was forced to give her remaining two teammates her full attention.
"I don't know, Shepard. That's a tall order," Joker said, pulling her focus back to the topic at hand.
"If anyone can do it, you can," Shepard said with a grin while placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Plus, EDI will help you out. I want you two to pull out all of the stops, we can't afford any delays."
He let out a heavy sigh. "I'll do my best, Commander."
"I know," she replied, giving his shoulder a light squeeze. While he set in the coordinates they had retrieved she pulled away from his chair.
Sensing her work done, Miranda turned to make for the elevator, but Shepard's voice halted her progress, "Where are you off to?"
Miranda glanced back at her, confused. "To change?" she tried, unsure of why Shepard found the action worth questioning.
"I'm shooting to get there within the hour," Shepard reminded her. "I figured we might as well not even bother cleaning up until after we take the broker out."
Miranda's brow furrowed. "Shepard, I'm not coming with you." She had thought that would have been quite obvious, considering the circumstances.
Shepard's face fell at the statement, and she let a tired sigh escape before glancing back towards where Joker sat, bickering with EDI as he prepared to take off. They were well within hearing range, so Shepard gave Miranda a pleading look before making her way to a secluded corner of the CIC. There were only a handful of crew members milling about, so she knew they would be fine so long as they kept their voices low.
"Look, I'm really sorry," she whispered as soon as Miranda had joined her. "I know things got a little out of hand back there, and it wasn't fair to you. I shouldn't have gotten you mixed up in my personal argument, you didn't deserve that."
Miranda bit her lip, fighting desperately to keep from blurting out that it was hard not to get mixed up in the problem when she herself was the problem. Instead, she collected herself and responded in an even tone. "Even still, I think it would be best if I stayed behind. The Shadow Broker has already proven himself to be a dangerous enemy, we can't afford any," she faltered for a moment, embarrassed, "distractions."
She tried to make her meaning clear to Shepard wordlessly, pleading with her gaze for Shepard to drop the request herself. For the commander to shrug her shoulders, tell Miranda she was right, and take Samara or someone along instead. She didn't want to go back out there with them.
It had always been so much easier to hide, to lock herself up before anyone had the chance to push her away themselves. That's what she should have done the moment the whole complication had started. After all, that was what she had been doing her whole life.
What about Shepard had made her forget that?
Whatever it was, it didn't matter. Liara was back in the picture, and despite what others might think of her, Miranda certainly wasn't the kind of woman who would intentionally attempt to destroy a preexisting relationship. Especially not for something as uncertain and unstable as whatever Shepard was offering.
Even if Liara hadn't been an issue, it never would have worked out for long. She and Shepard clearly had different ideals, worked off a different moral code, and that was a disaster waiting to happen. They already bickered constantly when it came to decisions concerning the mission, eventually one argument was bound to grow too large to work past. It was inevitable. Shepard would leave in the end.
What was the point of even trying?
"Are you upset?" Shepard's concerned voice shattered her musings, and she realized with mortification that she must have been telegraphing her thoughts through her expression. Miranda quickly shook her head, but Shepard appeared unconvinced.
She studied the other woman, trying to read what was going through her mind. Miranda looked so uncomfortable, eager to escape, unsure. Why was she being so evasive about this? Surely they were far beyond skirting about the issue by now. Yes, having Liara thrown into the mix was bound to make Miranda uncomfortable, Shepard would be concerned if it hadn't, but this lingering uncertainty was rather perplexing.
It hit her then, all at once.
Shepard's lips quirked up into a soft smile as she remembered the days not so long ago when she had found the woman so insufferably arrogant it had made her blood boil, and now she could so plainly see the truth. Miranda had spent the day trailing behind her and Liara, silently observing, trying to figure out her place in the whole debacle, and now she was in doubt as to just how exactly she fit in.
Shepard felt a bit guilty. She had assumed that after what had happened that morning in her cabin, Miranda would have understood her intentions. After all, she had told the woman flat out that she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon, but apparently the words hadn't been taken to heart. It was funny, how clueless Miranda apparently was when it came to such things.
She almost wanted to laugh at the thought, but the look on Miranda's face let her know that wasn't the best idea. It was tough, but she managed to contain her laughter into a bemused smile.
"Miranda, have you been-"
Shepard cut herself off, glaring over Miranda's shoulder. One of the crew members was wandering suspiciously close, hovering over a panel as if he were extraordinarily busy. Too bad for him that if there was anything Shepard prided herself upon, it was her extensive knowledge of her ship. There was no need for any work to be done there during a departure.
It was frustrating, and had been happening more frequently as of late. Her crew had become very interested in overhearing her conversations since her display after recruiting thane, and more than once she had to scold a few eavesdroppers.
"Move along, Mr. Clarke," she called out with a sigh.
He nearly jumped out of his skin, and scampered off while muttering something about preflight checks. She merely let out a groan, but when she glanced back over at her companion she noticed Miranda was flushed, embarrassed. It was as if she had only just realized they stood in quite a public area of the ship.
She was shifting about from leg to leg, obviously keen to escape. "Shepard, you know I'll follow whatever orders you give me but-"
Shepard grinned at her, enjoying seeing her so flustered. If someone had told her when she had been revived that this is where she would find herself, she would never have believed it. Seeing Miranda in such a state, it was undoubtedly an astonishingly rare circumstance. "I mean I'm not going to pull rank and demand you come," she interrupted with a chuckle. "But I'd like you to."
"Why?" Miranda was absolutely bewildered by that point. Shepard's reactions were all over the place, she couldn't get a read on the woman's mindset. Here she was, trying to be the bigger person by bowing out gracefully, and Shepard was all but laughing at her. "How could you possibly think that's a god idea?"
"Because," the other woman replied smoothly as she shrugged, "we don't know what we're going to find out there and I trust you to have my back."
Miranda was tempted to bring up the fact that the ship was absolutely brimming with capable soldiers who had Shepard's back. Garrus, Jacob, Grunt. Hell, even Jack had proven her loyalty to the woman. Any of their squad could go in her stead, and yet Miranda couldn't bring herself to mention that fact.
She genuinely didn't want to go, yes. Miranda would much rather return to the safety of her cabin and sulk. Things would make more sense there she knew. It would be quiet. There would be time to think and work to busy herself with and little tension to suffer through. That was what she wanted, just to claim a few hours for herself to enjoy alone. Dropping the name of a crewmate would certainly allow her that, Shepard couldn't exactly dispute her point.
And yet, she didn't do it because as much as she desired to hide away from Shepard and Liara and whatever she had gotten herself wrapped up in, some twisted part of Miranda wanted to be asked along. She still wanted Shepard to want her there.
"Fine," she breathed out at length, bitter from being defeated by her own emotional weakness. Hadn't she promised herself she wouldn't put herself in this position again?
Shepard beamed at her as soon as she agreed. She was eager to find a more private place to finally have a proper talk with Miranda, but it would have to wait. Putting off the discussion she needed to have with Liara, no matter how much she wanted to, would only be digging herself into a deeper hole.
"Go relax while you still have time," she ordered kindly. "EDI will let you know when it's time for action."
Miranda blinked, clearly affronted by the command and dismissal. She offered Shepard a poorly concealed contemptuous look before doing as she was bid.
"We'll talk later?" Shepard called after her.
She turned her head to give a curt nod, before continuing on her way, wishing she had said no to the mission because suddenly she felt like she could use a stiff drink.
Shepard was dying to follow her. She could hardly stand the way everything had been turning out. The almostness of it all was driving her insane. Still, she loved Liara utterly and completely, she would never disrespect her with avoidance. The asari deserved so very much more than that.
"EDI, send Liara up to my cabin as soon as she and Tali are done speaking please."
"Of course, Commander," the AI chimed around her.
Shepard's nerves threatened to consume her as she waited for her guest. There was so much she needed to get off of her chest, and so little she actually wanted to admit to. Still, she knew she had to own up to the person she was, no matter how hard it proved to be.
When the cabin door slid open, Shepard found herself leaping up off the couch to greet the woman. She stood at the bottom of the stairs looking up at Liara with a shy smile. "Hi," she tried quietly.
Liara returned the smile, and then let her eyes wander about the room slowly, taking in everything around her, letting out a small laugh when she caught sight of the hamster. "I see you've upgraded," she mused after inspecting the fish tank.
Shepard chuckled and rubbed sheepishly at the back of her neck. "Not by choice, but I'm not about to complain." She glanced over at the empty couch. "Would you like to sit down?"
Nodding, Liara descended the short couple of steps to join Shepard's side. "It certainly is a beautiful ship," she offered, mind wandering to all of the upgrades Tali and Garrus had been excitedly relating to her. She had been surprised at how at ease the quarian in particular appeared in the engine room. Tali especially had reason to be weary of Cerberus, but apparently was overcoming her reservations. She supposed that was due to Shepard however. It seemed highly unlikely that either the quarian or turian would stay should the woman depart.
"Well," Shepard said with a shrug, "at any rate it certainly was expensive."
Liara shook her head, not wanting to drag the painful small talk out. She knew why she was there, they didn't have to dance around the issue. "Shepard, I want to apologize for the things I said back on Illium."
Shepard blinked, taken aback by the direct approach. Apparently they were getting right to the point then. "No, you were right, Liara. I just got defensive," she replied honestly. "Things have been a bit out of sorts since I've been, you know," she hesitated, not wanting to bring up her death once again, "back."
"Thanks to Cerberus," Liara mused.
"Yeah," Shepard allowed, "and you." She shook her head. "Look, I'm the only one who should be apologizing, for so much I don't even know where to begin."
Liara offered a wry smile, leaning back into the cushions. "Well, we have time."
Chuckling, Shepard mimicked her pose. "I guess I set myself up for that one." She sobered quickly. "Liara, before I say anything else, I want you to know you're one of my most trusted friends in this universe." She placed a gentle hand over her friend's. "I'd have been long since lost a thousand times over if it weren't for you."
"Then I suppose Miranda owes me a favor," Liara responded smoothly, pulling her hand away gently. There easily could have been, but there was no malice to be found in her voice. She sounded almost teasing as she spoke, playful. It was reminiscent of the days they had shared so very long ago.
Shepard smirked in response. "Probably not, I'm something of a nuisance I suspect."
Liara laughed, nodding with mock agreement, but said no more, so Shepard took the opportunity to push herself further. She didn't want to move forward with any regrets, having held anything back. It would eat away at her if she wasn't honest.
"Listen, about Miranda," she hesitated, trying to fight through the awkwardness of the admission. "I know I can't take back what I've done, but I want you to know it wasn't planned or meant maliciously. It just sort of happened, and god, Liara, I've been so torn up about it." She stopped, considering carefully what to say next. Shepard wanted to be truthful, but she was loathe to sound like she was making excuses for herself.
"I know, Shepard," Liara replied suddenly, breaking her train of thought. "And I know I didn't make things easy on you. Reacting the way I did when you returned, giving you to Cerberus in the first place," she trailed off, letting a heavy breath escape shakily. "I was so overcome when I lost you, but now, I need to make things right. I need to rescue Feron, I need to destroy the Shadow Broker for all of our sakes, and I need to let you go." She smiled softly at the other woman. "All of this started because I wanted to see you safe, Shepard. I want to see you happy."
Shepard stared at her, in awe at the warmth in the asari's gaze. There was no resentment being directed towards her, only unadulterated affection. This was the Liara she remembered, the one she had been waiting to see since Miranda had brought her back. "How are you so good?" she asked quietly, shaking her head in amazement.
"It's a gift," Liara shot back with an uncharacteristically smug smirk. It quickly faltered though, and a look of apprehension flashed across her features. "Shepard, just one thing, if I may?"
"Of course," Shepard responded without a moment's pause.
"Is this really a good idea?" Liara questioned softly. "You know how Cerberus works. Underhanded tactics, espionage." She caught Shepard's gaze. "Can you trust her?"
A grin spread across Shepard's face, and she rested a gentle hand over Liara's once more. "Undoubtedly."
They stayed there in her cabin, relishing in the company they had both at one time thought lost. The time passed quickly as the conversation flowed, feeling more natural with each second. Finally, Liara was beginning to feel like Liara again, and a weight was lifted off of Shepard's chest. More than ever she was determined to rescue the asari's friend, to help Liara reclaim her life for herself and stop living solely for the benefit of others.
And so, when EDI informed them that Joker was closing in on their target, Shepard all but leapt off the couch, ready for action. She was going to make things right.
Miranda was determined to prove that she was in fact the bigger person, if not to anyone else present, than at the very least to herself. The whole ordeal had left her faith in her ability to work with professional detachment through any situation shaken, and she was keen to regain that confidence in herself. She was going to tackle this mission with her usually proficiency and dedication, and then things would slowly get back to normal, all unpleasant embarrassment long forgotten.
That said, it was still a bit awkward as they travelled in the shuttle and she found herself standing side by side with Liara.
Though she kept her eyes trained solely on the floor, she could feel Liara's gaze evaluating her. It made a knot form in the pit of her stomach. The asari wasn't being outwardly aggressive, but Miranda couldn't help but feel as though she was going out of her way to make her feel uncomfortable. Why else would she stare like that? Whether the woman liked it or not, they were completing this mission together. There was no need for hostility.
Shepard appeared frustratingly unbothered by the whole situation. She rocked back on her feet eagerly, as though anxious to get the mission started. It was as if she had done a complete personality flip from their time on Illium. All of her resentment had apparently melted away, and now she was left with her usual cavalier attitude. It was pretty clear that Liara and Shepard had found time to discuss their issues, and Shepard was happily basking in the end results.
It was fine, really. Miranda had expected this conclusion from the very beginning, so it wasn't exactly a surprise. What was bothering her however, was the way Shepard kept sneaking sidelong glances at her.
Between the attention of both her and Liara, she was left feeling incredibly uncomfortable. Luckily the trip was short, and Shepard had stopped sneaking her little peeks when Miranda had caught her in the act a few times and offered up some stony glares. Shepard smirked in response each time, before finally pulling on her helmet.
Miranda rolled her eyes at the antics, but all annoyance was forgotten as soon as the shuttle doors opened and she realized what they would be travelling through. They jumped out onto the top of the Shadow Broker's ship and the shuttle pulled away. The wind was merciless, whipping at them from all directions, following no discernible pattern. A wild storm raged in the not so distant sky around the ship, and the floor beneath them constantly trembled. It was a nightmare.
Shepard was going to lose it.
She glanced at the woman beside her, trying to search for any signs of unease. Suited up as they were however, fully decked out in armor and heads covered by concealing helmets, it was impossible to read any emotion on Shepard's face. Even discovering her mood from body language was made into a much more challenging task.
Liara took point, with both Shepard and Miranda trailing behind, so the commander noticed the careful eye her subordinate was keeping on her as they travelled along the exterior of the massive ship. Her reassuring smile was wasted beneath her helmet, so she reached out tentatively to rest a gentle hand on the woman's forearm, trying to convey through the casual attitude of the gesture that she was handling the situation just fine.
Miranda at first stiffened at the touch, finding her eyes darting up towards Liara's back in alarm. As soon as she understood Shepard's intention however, she relaxed and nodded. They moved along quickly, cutting down all resistance with ease. Though Shepard had reassured her, Miranda still kept close watch on the woman, ready for any signs of distress.
It was her job, after all.
As soon as they had made it inside the ship, the first thing Shepard did was rip off her helmet and greedily suck in a lungful of air. For obvious reasons, Shepard had only been wearing her helmet when strictly necessary on a mission. The small space and reliance on a limited air supply made her understandably nervous, and she always came out of the experience a bit shaken, even if nothing drastic had gone wrong.
Liara watched the display, bemused. Shepard noticed the look she was being offered and smiled sheepishly in return. "It's a bit stuffy in there," she murmured quietly.
The asari took her at her word and turned to press onward, leaving Miranda and Shepard to fall in line behind her. Miranda tried frantically to stamp down the smug satisfaction that had arisen at Liara's confusion, it was far too childish a sentiment for her to be flirting with.
Still, try as she might, she couldn't help how it made her feel knowing that Shepard hadn't shared her troubles with Liara. The very same ones she had so often discussed with her. It was a hollow victory, as in the long run it didn't help her situation in the slightest, but Miranda had begun to realize of late that her emotions were clearly not the most rational of things.
She was jostled out of her musings when she caught sight in her peripheral that Shepard was blatantly staring at her as they all moved along the empty hallway of the ship. She turned her head slightly, eyes narrowed in irritation.
Shepard seemed unperturbed by her anger however, and grinned stupidly, offering a foolish little wave.
Miranda's brow furrowed in response. 'What?' she mouthed silently, not wanting Liara to hear them conversing and turn around.
Shepard merely shrugged, still wearing that idiotic grin.
'What?' Miranda pressed, still silent.
Positively beaming now, Shepard seemed on the verge of laughter. 'Nothing,' she returned easily.
She claimed innocence, but her eyes were shinning with mirth, and it was seriously making Miranda upset. Being laughed at was not something she enjoyed, and especially not when she didn't even know the reasoning. Exhaling loudly in irritation, she quickened her pace to get some distance between them.
It only served to frustrate her more when a soft laugh from Shepard was earned in response.
Shepard had been almost enjoying herself if she were honest. The journey outside the ship admittedly hadn't been easy, but she had survived, they all had. Miranda and Liara had been beside her every step of the way, keeping her grounded and sane. Once they entered the base, everything became much easier to handle.
Without the added distraction of the tumultuous weather and the fear of losing herself to bad memories and ridiculous fears, Shepard became far more effective on the battle field. There were a lot of men to work through, but they plowed through the Shadow Broker's defenses steadily and efficiently, hardly running into any trouble.
She did find herself having a bit of trouble focusing however. Feron was on her mind of course, she wanted to see the innocent man set free for his sake as much as for Liara's. Still, Shepard's mind had the tendency to wander as they pressed on.
Miranda was clearly not in the best mood, and though she really should be leaving the woman alone, Shepard found the temptation difficult to resist. The entertainment possibilities were endless.
It happened after they had broken into the Shadow Broker's office. Feron had been discovered alive, but they wouldn't be able to get him to safety until the enigmatic owner of the base they traversed was either subdued or taken out completely.
Liara had labeled the massive figure they were now pitted against a yahg. Shepard had neither seen nor even heard of one in her travels, so a rush of excitement coursed through her. The years of life in the military had hardened her to some degree. She was more sarcastic now, more cynical and likely to pull the trigger when the situation called for it. Still, there would always be the bit of her that would react with wonder to situations like the one they currently faced.
Exploration. Discovery. That was why she had first taken to the stars.
It was when she was staring the alien down with equal parts wonder and fear that it happened. He stood up from behind his desk, dwarfing the furniture in his sheer enormity, and flung the object towards them in a fit of animalistic fury.
Shepard reacted quickly diving behind a low barrier for cover and dragging Liara gracelessly down with her. She was completely focused on their opponent until the moment she realized Miranda was nowhere to be found beside them. Her attention quickly zeroed in on the destroyed structure, and the body that lay crumpled beneath it.
"Miranda," She called out, panicked, but the woman didn't stir. Making a quick decision, she tensed, ready to spring out into the open. "Liara, cover me," Shepard shot back to the asari behind her, diving out of cover to reach Miranda's side.
As Liara drew the broker's attention, Shepard pulled Miranda from the debris of the demolished desk, knowing she had to get her to safety. The yahg was a monster, plowing through the room like a wild beast. It could easily crush an unconscious figure without even being aware.
There were pillars about the room, and only when she had Miranda safely tucked behind one did Shepard allow herself to breath, scanning her body frantically for any major injuries. Miranda was breathing steadily, which was a relief, but her face had been cut up pretty badly in the wreckage. Luckily it seemed she had had a quick enough reaction time to raise her arms and protect herself from any severe harm however.
For a split second, Shepard had to fight a smile. Miranda would be absolutely furious when she awoke, she mused fondly, but that was fine because at least she would be alive. She would be irritated and grouchy and closed off, but she would heal, and then Shepard would finally be able to just sit her down and talk.
A rush of excitement flooded her once more. This moment felt important, pivotal even. More than anything she wanted to take the broker out as quickly as possible, to get off of that damn ship. She wanted to be back on the Normandy with Miranda, proving everything she was feeling, even if the woman had trouble believing it. It felt natural, right.
Cerberus didn't matter. The Illusive Man didn't matter. The Collectors didn't matter. The Reapers didn't matter. They could very well die after passing through the Omega four relay, Miranda could have very well died not a few seconds earlier, and Shepard now had a clear mind as to what her regrets concerning her second life would be should it come to an end.
If Miranda would have her, the only thing that stood between them was an irate yahg.
Hastily, Shepard applied medi-gel to a few of the deeper abrasions on her face and arms before readying herself to jump back in the fray with Liara. Her friend wouldn't last long against an enemy that fearsome alone, they would have to work together to survive.
And god, did she want to survive.
"Woah, what happened to your face?" The words were out of his mouth before he had even realized and Joker cursed himself for his awful lack of filter. Shepard and Miranda had just come limping past him, battered, bruised, and bleeding. Miranda in particular looked like she had been dragged through the wringer, and that was clearly who he had directed his inquiry towards.
Miranda was satisfied with merely shooting him an intimidating glare to warn away his curiosity, but Shepard was apparently in the mood for acting like a complete ass.
"Well it was pretty badass," she started excitedly, throwing an arm around Miranda's shoulder that her XO quickly shrugged off with a scowl. "This huge table came flying straight at us, and Miranda was so brave. She took it head on." Shepard winked at her pilot. "Literally."
Joker raised up his hands defensively as Miranda glowered menacingly at their commander. He wasn't touching that one with a ten foot pole. Shepard was the only one brave enough to rib the Cerberus operative, and she was probably the only one who would be allowed to live to tell the tale afterwards.
"I hate everything about you," Miranda muttered darkly before moving further into the ship with the intention of sulking about in her cabin for a bit. Her whole body ached, but her ego was what had taken the greatest beating. She didn't need Shepard and her infuriating comedy routine driving her up the wall.
Shepard sighed wistfully as she watched the woman depart, an affectionate smile on her face. "She's having a bad day," she explained to the man conversationally without taking her eyes off of the retreating figure.
Joker laughed as he turned back toward the control panel. "We're all having a bad day, Shepard. It's all we ever experience in our line of work. No Liara?"
Chuckling good-naturedly, Shepard put her hands on her hips. "She's got her hands full. A new employment opportunity arose. I have a feeling we'll be seeing her again really soon. Anyways, we need to get back on track before someone hits us with another delay. There are too many people in unprotected colonies at stake. It's about time we head for that IFF."
"Yes, ma'am," he replied with a nod.
Shepard offered him a gentle pat on the shoulder and then jogged off to catch up with Miranda before the elevator doors closed on her. "Miss Lawson," she called out warningly, "you had better be on your way to see Chakwas."
A/N: So I had Liara go on the Normandy first because in the game they take their ship to get to the Shadow Broker's base. But then, afterwards, Shepard invites Liara onboard and she's all like "wow this is beautiful I've totally never been on here before". BUT LIKE YOU HAVE THOUGH. WE JUST DID IT. I dunno, I get she was focused on feron so I doubt she took a tour but this just felt like it had better flow to me. I didn't want to be like "and then they stood around awkwardly until they reached the base" haha.
We are getting close to the non canon plot points. I hope you guys find it interesting when it eventually gets started. Also, we're not doing the suicide mission. It will be mentioned obviously, but I've done it before. Next chapter (or two) will probably wrap up the second game, and then it will be the in between 2 and 3 stuff. I'm sorry if anyone was looking forward to any more mission chapters but I'm honestly sick of game dialogue haha. Enough is enough, it's time to get creative. The good thing is, the more freedom I give myself the more quickly I write, so expect more frequent updates from here on out.
Thanks for sticking around. :)