Since we're nearing the end of the first Mass Effect, I'm trying to plan out the scene between Tali and Shepard before the final mission. If you have any suggestions or requests, just stick them in the reviews, I'll be glad to try to get them in. This chapter will be short, the next one will be longer.

They once again defeated the odds, destroying the the Thorian and it's Creepers. John had to admit, the Thorian was one of the most disgusting and interesting creatures that he'd ever met. Once again he had shown mercy, to an Asari, Shiala.

She was with Saren, but was offered as a sacrifice to the Thorian. Shiala requested to stay with the colonists, to help them.

They'd received word from the council to head to Virmire, they received word from a Salarian Reconnaissance Team that they have information on Saren. The message was very unclear and the Council believes them to be in danger.

Just great, more on their plate. Word from Joker was that they would be arriving on Virmire in a couple of hours.

John moved down into the Cargo Bay, he moved over to the table and started disassembling his pistol. Wrex was leaned against the crates and Garrus was sitting on a couple of boxes.

"Ready for the mission, Shepard?" Garrus asked from across the room.

"Of course he is, Turian." Wrex grunted. "If it weren't for the Salarians getting themselves into this mess we'd never be on this mission."

"We have to ready for anything that comes up, Wrex." John said.

"I know that but the Salarians have always been using other species to get them out of their messes." Wrex spat, referring to the Rachni Wars.

"We'll be there in a couple of hours, save your anger for the fight." John replied .

Wrex grunted and moved away from them.

Garrus moved over to him and watched him playing with the pistol for a while. "So I had a talk with Tali. Before the last mission."

Garrus took John's silence as means to continue. "She likes you, Shepard. Hell, maybe she even loves you."

"Why are you telling me this, Vakarian?"

"But the real question is, do you like her back…"

"Vakarian, this isn't a school yard and we're not children gossiping around who likes each other. We're on a mission, I'll let you know, nothing will get in the way of me completing this mission."

"So…you don't?" Garrus tested John.

John reassembled his pistol very quickly and pointed it at Garrus. "This conversation is over." He put his weapon in his belt and walked off.

After fighting through many Bases and Geth, they finally made it to the Salarian camp. John drove the Mako onto the shore and parked it.

Opening the hatch, Ashley and Tali jumped out followed by John.

Ashley made her way over to a Salarian that Kaidan was speaking with. The Salarian eyed John as he walked up.

They glared at each other for a second and the Salarian broke the silence. "I'm Captain Kirrahe." he introduced himself. "Third Infiltration Regiment STG. You and your crew just landed in the middle of a hot zone, Quarian. Every AA gun within ten miles has been alerted to your presence."

"I'm Shepard, I presume you are in charge. What are your plans of action?"

Captain Kirrahe chuckled for a second. "Plans of action? Saren's whole base of operations is over there." Kirrahe waved behind him. "It's crawling with Geth and Krogan. We're staying put until the Council's reinforcements get here."

"We are the reinforcements." Ashley said.

He jumped a little with shock, the tiredness being recognized on his face. "What? I told the Council to send a Fleet."

"I see." John paced around Kirrahe taking in what Kirrahe had told them. "I'll be taking over this Operation, we'll be meeting for plans of actions at sundown. By morning we will have a plan to take this facility from Saren."

"One more thing you should know, Shepard. Saren is using the facility to breed Krogans."

Wrex must have overheard Kirrahe, because that was when he chose to enter the conversation. "What? How is that possible?"

"Apparently Saren has discovered a cure for the genophage." answered the Captain. "We must ensure that this facility and its secrets are destroyed. "

"Destroyed?" Wrex questioned. "I don't think so. Our people are dying. This cure can save them."

Kirrahe exchanged glances between John and Wrex. He chose his words carefully "If that cure leaves this planet, the Krogan will be can't make that same mistake again."

Wrex approached the Salarian with heavy steps and pushed the him back. "We are not a mistake!" The Captain only looked at him. He spat and moved away from the group, mumbling curses under his breath.

Captain Kirrahe looked over at Wrex with annoyance. "Is he going to be a problem? We already have enough angry Krogan to deal with."

"I'll handle him." John said quietly.

He told Williams and Alenko to wait and he alone approached Wrex.

Wrex shot at the water in front of him. Seeing John from the corner of his eye, he started talking. "This isn't right Shepard," Wrex began, "If there's a cure for the genophage, we can't destroy it!"

"Wrex, I know your upset," he reasoned, "But you shouldn't be angry at us. Be angry at Saren."

"Really? Saren created a cure for my people. You want to destroy it." he pointed out, waving his hand in the air and turning around. He then turned around and glared at John. "Help me out here, Shepard." He took a few steps towards him. "The lines between friend and foe are getting a little blurry from where I stand." Wrex raised his shotgun at John.

"Wrex, I've had enough of your temper. Learn to control yourself." John raised his hand and backhanded Wrex across his face, using his biotics to add a little more power.

"S- Sorry..Shepard. I needed that… but when we get to Saren I want his head." Wrex angrily stormed off.

John walked back towards the tents. Garrus was sitting down on the sand looking at John amused. "You better be glad Tali didn't see that, she would've had Wrex's head."

John ignored him and walked further off down the beach.

"So we need an extra person, preferably one of your crew, to help in the assault." explained Kirrahe.

"So, you want me to leave one of my own under your command?" John questioned.

"That is correct." nodded Kirrahe. "I need one of your men to accompany me... to help coordinate the teams."

"He's right Commander," Alenko jumped in, "We can't do this without both teams at their best. I volunteer."

"Not so fast L.T.," This time it was Williams, "Commander Shepard will need you to help arm the nuke. I'll go with the Salarians." Ashley volunteered

"With all due respect it's not your place to decide." Kaidan snapped.

"Why is it that whenever someone says 'with all due respect' they really mean 'kiss my ass'?" Ashley shot back.

While they argued, John ran the possibilities and scenarios through his head. "Nihlus… Nihlus will go with the Salarians. A Spectre should be able to give you more than an advantage against the Geth."

Nihlus nodded at John and stepped towards the Salarians.

They dispersed, going in separate directions, Kirrahe and John went into a large tent together to discuss a battle plan. LINE

After an hour of formulating a plan in the tent, they finally exited to get some rest. Upon exit John saw Tali sitting next to the water, dipping her boots in the water.

He walked over to her and sat down next to her. "Why aren't you resting?" he questioned.

She shrugged. "I don't know… I'm not really tired… I guess I'm kind of nervous about tomorrow."

He put his boots in the water next to her, feeling the water swirl against the thin layer of his boots. "There's nothing to be worried about, nothing we can't handle." He put his arm around her.

She moved slightly against him and leaned her head on his chest. John reached into a pouch pulling out a small chip.

"Tali, we found this information on the Geth when going through this part of the galaxy, I think it will make for a perfect pilgrimage gift."

She looked at it stunned for a second and took it from him and placed carefully in a pouch. "Thank you John… Thank you very much…"

John abruptly stood up and said. "I have to get some sleep before the mission Tali. I'd advise you to do the same…" with that he wandered off into a tent leaving Tali alone by the water.