Chapter 3 - Miranda: Duty

"Shepard," Miranda says, walking out of the lift.

The Commander is stalking towards her, looking distinctly like she does not want to be bothered, but stops at the sound of her name.

"What is it?" Her tone is curt. Leave me alone. But Miranda is her XO, and she demands her time.

"I've been going through the final plans," Miranda says. She takes the pen from behind her ear, taps it against the clipboard she's holding. "With the upgrades we've made, I think we've just got a chance of making it through this alive." The lift doors shut

Shepard just nods, pushes past, and presses the call button. The doors don't open immediately, so Miranda waits, wanting more of a response. Shepard is tapping her foot against the deck of the ship.

"I can show you the scenarios I've drawn up if you-''

"Why are you here?" the Commander cuts in.

Miranda frowns. "What do you mean, Shepard? I'm showing you the plans."

"No, why are you here, on this mission?"

"This is my job, Shepard."

"But you have something to live for. You have Oriana."

Miranda's frown deepens. Shepard is losing it. She puts the pen back behind her ear.

"Do you need to speak to Yeoman Chambers?"

"No, I need to speak to you. Why are you here?"

Miranda looks around, but the corridor is empty. There is no easy escape. She fidgets with the papers for a moment, then sighs, and lets the arm with the clipboard hang down by her side.

"I have something to live for," she agrees. "But I also have something to die for. That's why we're all here, Shepard. Because we have something we believe in. Something bigger than us. Bigger than our family. Something worth fighting for."

"I've already died once," mutters Shepard, or at least that's what Miranda thinks she says.

"You've made more sacrifices than the rest of us," she agrees. "Because there was something greater that you believed in. You're an inspiration to us. That's why the Illusive Man brought you back."

"So I could die again?" The elevator doors open, but the Commander doesn't move.

"So you could lead again. You have the vision. And we believe in your vision. Now," she says and looks toward the beckoning corridor, "If you'll excuse me Commander, I have some final calculations to run."

"Dismissed," Shepard says, her voice tired, and steps into the elevator.