Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 57

MilkyWay/Kepler Verge/Normandy SR-2

Earth year: 2185 CE –September

"Commander?" Miranda looked up from her desk, surprised to see her. "I didn't expect to see you so soon."

"Well you asked me personally, so I thought I'd see you first." Now that she was here though, she had no idea where to start. "You said you wanted to talk?"

"I did." Miranda acknowledged, moving to gaze out the small window in her room. "I wanted to thank you for your help with my sister. I couldn't have done it without you Shepard."

"You're welcome Miranda. I'm just glad I could help. You didn't say, but will you see Oriana again?"

"I don't know Shepard. We talked a bit. She loves the adagio movement of Neilson's fifth just like I do, wants to work in colonization. She told a joke. She was really funny, unlike me."

"She was okay with finding out who you are?"

"She was. Her parents were confused of course, but she took it in stride.I'll keep in touch but I can't focus on that right now. Not until after we've stopped the Collectors." She added, moving back to her desk.

"It's a start." Callie reminded her.

"It is. And I owe it all to you. I wasn't sure you could do it, but you've helped me more than I can ever repay. I won't forget that Commander."

"You're part of my crew Miranda. I help whoever I can."

"You're an amazing woman Shepard. I admire you. I don't have what you have, that fire that makes people want to follow you."

"I'm just me Miranda." Callie protested. "I do what I can with what I've got."

"It's more than that Commander. I understand if you don't see it that way, but you have to know you're truly something special. And it makes you a force to be reckoned with."

"I don't know what to say."

"It's alright, I don't expect you to. Just know that I'm here for you if you need anything."

"Thanks, I appreciate that. Anyway, I should go. I need to speak with the rest of the crew."

"Of course Commander."

----xxx----

Callie stepped into the hall feeling slightly dazed by Miranda's admiration. She hadn't expected it and it took a moment before she could remember why she was on the crew deck.

"You all right Commander?" Asked a male voice to her left.

Turning, Callie saw Mess Sergeant Gardner regarding her with a look of concern. "I'm fine Sergeant." She assured him. "Just gathering my thoughts."

"I know what that's like." He sympathized. "I get that way sometimes when I'm cleaning the toilets or washing out the shower stalls. Forget where I am you know?"

"Uh sure. So what's on the menu tonight?"

"With those provisions you provided my recipes have improved. I'm trying out an old asari seafood recipe, calamari gumbo. Here, try a bite." He said, offering her a spoon.

Shrugging, she took the spoon and swallowed. Smiling encouragingly, she wondered at the ingredients. A ship's mess typically didn't offer much by way of variety, but she had to admit he'd done a good job.

"It's good Sergeant, keep it up."

"Thanks Commander."

----xxx----