Normandy SR-2, Crew Deck
*Shepard reviews data on the galaxy at large on a datapad, his feet on the mess table, reclining in the chair. Miranda takes a plate and sits across from him.*
Miranda: *playing with her food* So... Shepard. Now that the mission's over... did you have any... entanglements you wanted to get into with any of the crew?
*Shepard glares at her, raising an eyebrow.*
Miranda: It's kind of important. As Executive Officer, it might be something I needed to know.
Shepard: *shrugs, goes back to datapad* Tali, actually.
Miranda: Really?
Shepard: Yep.
*Awkward silence. Miranda plays with her food a bit more, then takes a few bites.*
Miranda: The Illusive Man had an agenda, placing me on this ship-
Shepard: *flat* You don't say.
Miranda: *continues* -and I had a feeling I wouldn't woo you over. I have had years to study you in detail...
Shepard: And I'm sure you read up on my history too.
Miranda: *represses a smirk* Okay, a little. But... just out of curiosity...
Shepard: *puts down his datapad* Miranda, I don't mean to bruise your ego, but even if Tali wasn't in the picture, you're not anywhere near the top of my list.
Miranda: Well, I know there's Jack... and maybe Samara...
Shepard: Keep going...
Miranda: *raises eyebrow* Kelly?
Shepard: Red hair, great personality.
Miranda: Kasumi?
Shepard: Beautiful personality, amazing... assets.
Miranda: Okay, I can see that. Then... me?
Shepard: Nope. You're barely on my list on this deck alone.
Miranda: *tilts head* Crewman Goldstein?
Shepard: She's got a wit. I like that.
Miranda: Crewman Saunders?
Shepard: Yep.
Miranda: She's pregnant!
Shepard: Yeah, she's just got that glow, ya know?
Miranda: Doctor Chakwas?
Shepard: Helen is a beautiful woman with a very dry wit and a heart of solid gold.
Miranda: ...Legion?
Shepard: No data available.
*The two stare at each other from across the table. Shepard cracks first and they both erupt in laughter, Miranda almost falling out of her chair. Eventually both recover and Miranda takes a drink.*
Shepard: Look, between you and me, personality means a lot to me. It's not that you don't have personality, it's just... well, until very recently it was pretty cold and really kind of... one note. I really do kind of hope you branch out now that you don't have to swim with the Cerberus sharks anymore.
Miranda: *sad smile* Yeah... yeah.
*A more comfortable silence falls on the two. An understanding has been reached. Miranda finishes her plate and stands from the table.*
Miranda: Well... I suppose we should get back to work.
Shepard: *puts datapad down* Probably.
*Miranda turns to dispose of her tray.*
Shepard: Though... if you were wondering, I meant every word about Doctor Chakwas.