02 - Stage One: Denial

"Ok, so we have the pistol, the submachine gun, the shotgun, the assault rifle and the sniper rifle" Jacob said as he pointed at each weapon on the table.

Trev looked at the weapons apprehensively "Hm. EDI said all of them are shooting weapons. Well, I can handle a crossbow, the bow not so much but I'm really good with throwing knives."

The Cerberus operative hesitated "Well, the shotgun is crossbow-ish."

"Let's give it a go"

"Alright" Jacob nodded and began explaining the mechanics of the gun.

Slowly the duo made the complete tour of the weapons of the 22nd century. Trevelyan's performance was not bad overall. Nothing to write home about, but not bad.

Jacob seemed quite surprised and finally hummed "Well, you'll never be a sniper, that's for sure. But the rest was pretty good."

Trev sighed "The doctor said she would do something to make me see better after she runs some more tests. But even then I think I will always be a melee fighter."

"You're shortsighted?" Jacob asked in surprise.

"That is what the doctor said. Personally I think it's minor, nearly negligible. But she said she does only perfect work" the woman shrugged, "That's why she already gave me some… things. I want to say potions but I know that's not it. Supposedly they should make me stronger and faster."

"Of course, gene mods, right. Well, regarding melee the only ones that can make it work are biotics and those good with cloaking tech."

The templar grimaced "And I am neither."

Jacob smiled nodded back to the guns "So, which one you like? You did best with the pistol which is great since it's the pretty much mandatory secondary weapon. But you need a primary."

Trev took up the Predator again and weighted the pistol in her hands with a slight smile. Then her gaze moved to the other guns on the bench "Assault rifle. The submachine is disgustingly jumpy and I just don't like the shotgun."

"Really?" the Cerberus operative picked up the Mattock, "Here I had you pegged for a shotgun. No matter. Here, this is yours then. You know what to do, now you only need to practice."

"At least some things never change" the Marcher smiled weakly and went back into shooting position.

Jacob chuckled "True. But when I said practice, I didn't mean right now."

"It's strangely cathartic"

"Alrighty"

Trev continued shooting while the operative just watched on. After awhile Jacob hummed "You like the Mattock right? It's my favorite but we can get you a full auto."

"That means continuous shooting?"

"Yes"

"Then no" Trev said flatly and started shooting again.

Jacob shrugged and fell silent, sensing the woman just needed to destroy something. It might not be as satisfying as using fists or blades but it was still a good outlet.

It was an hour later that the doors to the shuttle bay opened and Shepard came through. Jacob snapped at attention and saluted "Commander!"

"At ease, Jacob" the red-head waved it off, "So, how goes my newest soldier?"

They both looked at Trev who was mechanically changing the heatsink and firing again, completely ignoring the byplay. Jacob shrugged "If she continues practicing like that she'll be mission-ready in no time."

"Really? That's great" Shepard smiled towards the templar who was still oblivious to the world.

"Well" Jacob hesitated, "To be honest we haven't moved past the shooting range. Ser Trevelyan really got into it and since it seemed therapeutic…"

Shepard sighed and rubbed her brow "Miranda wants to have another chat with her, so I'll be taking her with me. In the meantime prepare her armor, a lesson on grenades, get her an omnitool. The works."

"Aye, aye, commander" Jacob saluted again.

The spectre turned towards her newest passenger "Ser Trevelyan, could you stop shooting for a moment?

Trev sighed, finished her magazine and put the rifle down "Yes, commander?"

"Not bad shooting"

"Thank you" the templar said hesitantly, "I think I can get used to these weapons."

"Glad to hear it" Shepard smiled honestly, "If I could steal you from Jacob for a moment, we are compiling a dossier on you. We need you to help fill in the blanks."

"Ah" the Ostwick noble nodded and put her rifle down.

"Won't take long" the commander promised as she led Trev from the shuttle bay.

They rode the elevator in silence. Shepard shot tiny glances towards the blonde once in a while until Trev just sighed "What?"

"Just curious" the commander shrugged.

Trev nodded and they both exited the elevator on the crew deck. The templar attracted more curious glances from the Cerberus crewmembers in the mess hall but ignored them as she strode towards the XO's office.

Once in, Shepard greeted the Cerberus officer and sat down while the templar stopped in front of the table, standing at attention - ramrod straight, eyes forward, looking just left and over the operative's shoulder. In turn Miranda was keeping her face completely blank. Silence reigned.

"Pffff" the commander could not resist any longer and started laughing.

"Shepard!" Miranda frowned in reproach, "This is a serious matter."

The red-head grinned "True, but it's also hilarious. I lost count on how any times I stood exactly like this in front of a superior officer."

Miranda looked scandalized while Trev permitted herself a smile. She had similar experiences with Knight-Commanders Martel and Escott. Not to mention Cassandra and occasionally Leliana.

"Sit down and relax" Shepard prompted, "We just need more information about you if you are to join us on our mission."

Trev smirked at the Cerberus operative and obliged.

"Excellent" Shepard smiled, "Now, when you introduced yourself you said Ser Trevelyan, that I remember. Also knight and inquisition."

"Ser Trevelyan, officer of the Inquisition, Knight-Captain to the Grand Cathedral" Miranda corrected and wrote something on her terminal.

Trev was impressed "Former Knight-Captain, but yes."

"I have excellent memory"

Shepard smirked at her second in command and then addressed Trev again "So, what does that all mean."

"Well," Trev blinked in confusion, not sure how to explain "I am a templar knight, high in rank, stationed in Orlais as guard to the Divine. Templars are the military branch of the Chantry, the main religion. After the war broke out I joined the ranks of the Inquisition, an organization seeking to restore order."

"Alright" Shepard said after a beat of silence, "So… religion, eh?"

"Indeed"

"So what does a templar do? Fights the heretics?" the commander asked lightly, even as her eyes sharpened.

Trev hesitated "That's complicated but I would venture: no"

Shepard relaxed a fraction and made a 'go on' motion. Miranda's eyes did not leave the terminal as she wrote down the information.

"The main function of the templars is to defend the people against magic" Trev started somewhat clumsily, "You have fought the demons at that station. Those creatures come from the dimension we call the Fade. It is also the source of magic so mages and the Fade are connected. If they connect too closely they are at risk of being possessed. At such point they lose all reason and start killing indiscriminately. We call them abominations."

"What does apostate mean?" Miranda asked, her eyes flashed up to meet the templar's.

"How did… of course" Trev nodded, "Jack's biotics - I asked EDI, very interesting. An apostate is a mage that is not a member of the Circle. Under law, membership is mandatory as the templars, its guardians, are best equipped to handle a mage that loses control."

Miranda pursed her lips "Apostate, apart from the state. Your… mages are state-controlled."

"Yes" Trev admitted, "It is not the best solution but one that has served Thedas well. The Inquisition did seek reform though."

Shepard sighed "I realize we don't know much but this Circle does not sound fun."

Trev shrugged "Some Circles are, some aren't. It very much depends on the people, both the mages and templars alike. Each Circle is pretty much autonomous."

"Ah, the wonders of human nature" the commander rubbed the bridge of her nose and then shot a surprising glare at the Cerberus employee.

Miranda did not acknowledge the jab and instead asked "So, that technique you used on Jack was meant to control magic?"

"Indeed"

"And it works on biotics. Fascinating" the brunette murmured.

"So this holy smite of yours…" Shepard started.

"A Cleanse or Purge, actually. Holy Smite is something else" the templar corrected.

The commander waved it off "This thing, how does it work."

"Too difficult to explain and what explanation I have is very spiritual. It would not satisfy you" Trev shrugged.

"Alright, I accept it just works"

"Commander," Miranda interjected sternly, "This ability has to be studied."

"You have medical data and you'll see it in action" Shepard dismissed the operative cheerily. Then she turned back to Trevelyan "But I've got to ask, how often can you do it? You nearly collapsed on Bifrost after using it."

Ser Trevelyan hesitated. She knew she had no lyrium on her. Her use was always conservative - when she transferred to the Grand Cathedral she cut back her use and after the Inquisition was formed she took even less. But when Lady Motilyet had negotiated with the dwarfs for the substance she resumed the usual templar doses - it was war after all. Now she had nothing and knew she would lose her abilities eventually.

"Ser Trevelyan? Everything ok?" Shepard asked.

"Yes" the noble said quickly, "As for your question, I don't know. Everything is different here. Biotics is different from magic and I simply do not know. Before I came here I could use it several times before I got tired." Or had to take a potion.

"We can test that" the red-head hummed, "I'm sure Miranda here would volunteer to be your test subject. After all, it would allow her to study your ability up close. Right, Miranda?"

"Of course commander" the operative replied, refusing to be baited.

"Excellent!" Shepard clapped her hands together, "Now, I would grill you some more but since everybody wants to know, I'll leave it for the mess hall conversations and such."

"Very well" Trev nodded and stood up.

"Wait" Shepard stopped her, "Don't you have questions?"

"Many, but EDI has been helpful so far. Maybe I too will ask during meals" the templar replied and with a shallow bow she left the room.

The two women stayed silent for a little while and then Shepard asked "So, what do you think?"

"Cerberus would…"

"Nope. What do you think about her, I already know you want her studied and ability replicated"

Miranda pursed her lips but answered "We'll see."

"That's it?"

"For now"

"Fair enough"

Mess Hall

"So yer the knight" the Normandy's cook/handyman said jovially.

"Indeed"

"Heh" the man nodded and started dishing out the food, "I'm Gardner. Welcome aboard."

"Thank you" Trev bowed minutely in thanks as she took her meal. To be honest it didn't look overly appetizing but beggars can't be choosers. Still, it was better than some of the Orlesian experiments. Like that deep mushroom dish. Ugh.

Shepard seemed to notice her expression "It's not too bad. It probably looks worse that it tastes. Besides, I'll be picking up some new supplies on the Citadel. We'll be there shortly actually."

"That is the where the embassies are, right?" the templar asked, recalling it from the files she'd been given.

"Yup" Shep nodded, "And now let's go bond and mingle." She sat down among her ground team and put down her tray loudly to gain their attention "Alright team, listen up. This is Ser Trevelyan and she will be joining us. Be nice, she's a tiny bit displaced"

"Yeah, Cerberus sucked her up from home" Garrus chuckled, "Is anyone here surprised." Jack snorted and started muttering a long string of expletives directed at the human organization.

The commander chuckled "So, this is Jack, Garrus, Jacob. Miranda is in her dungeon and you already met Mordin."

"Well met" Trev inclined head in greeting.

"Fuck, she even talks medieval" Jack laughed.

"She is refreshingly polite" Jacob smirked at Jack.

"Fuck you"

"I rest my case"

Trev smiled slightly, it seemed banter was universal. She took up her fork and poked her food, gathering the courage to try the weirdly yellow thing.

"So" Jack said loudly looking at the dimensional traveler. When she got her attention she pointed her thumb at Kelly who was sitting with the engineers, "Perky air-head over there said we shouldn't ask about where you're from but, I just gotta…"

"Jack" Shep admonished.

The tattooed woman ignored her and continued with her question "Why the skirt?"

Trev arched an eyebrow and said flatly "Skirt."

"Yeah. Skirt. The purple skirt you are currently wearing"

"It's part of the templar uniform" the knight explained tersely.

"It looks ridiculous" Jack announced.

Trev eyed the almost-but-not-completely-naked woman before her "I take it you're dressed to the height of fashion of this universe. Right?"

Jack grinned "You can bet your skirted ass on it."

"But nothing can beat me, the dashing prince of the Normandy" Garrus turian-smirked.

"Well, the rocket to the face certainly did serve to improve your looks" Shepard quipped.

"You wound me!"

Jack laughed "You guys might not be so bad after all."

Jacob shrugged "Mostly."

"When the XO isn't around" Garrus winked.

Trevelyan smiled - that was a bit familiar too. Varric used to host games of Wicked Grace and during those everybody loosened up. And who was incapable of that, cough Vivienne cough, simply didn't attend.

"So what's that shit you blast me with?" Jack turned to the templar once more.

"Holy Smite" Shep said assuredly.

"Cleanse. Smite is something else" Trev sighed.

"I'm changing it. I like Smite better - all crushing the infidels"

Trevelyan crossed her arms an arched an eyebrow pointedly. It didn't work as Garrus nodded "Change approved."

Jack shrugged "Whatever. You do it again princess and I'll punch you in the face. I don't need biotics for that."

Trev grinned like a shark that smelled blood "Finally a melee fight!"

"You're on!" the convict grinned right back.

"Back up, kids" Shep chuckled, "No rough-housing on my ship willy-nilly."

"A duel then?" Jacob smirked.

All the pairs of eyes turned to Shepard who tapped her bottom lip in a show of thinking. The she smiled brilliantly "No way in hell."

"Aww, Shepard!" Jack definitely-not-pouted, "I really wanted to kick the princess' ass!"

"I'm not a princess" Trev huffed, "Father is Bann, not Teyrn. And we're from the Free Marches, we don't have princesses. Well, except Starkhaven, but they are weird."

"Whatever, miss silver spoon up your ass" the convict rolled her eyes. Trev blinked in confusion but let it be. The woman reminded her of Sera anyway, so Sera treatment it was - ignore everything.

"Speaking of" Garrus smirked like only a turian can, "Is Miranda leaving her office anytime soon? I only saw her at missions."

"Aww, are missing the ice queen?" Jack taunted.

"She's busy" Jacob defended his coworker.

"Yeah, I imagine bringing people from the dead involves a lot of paperwork" Shepard joked, but her eyes shone with anger.

Jacob took a breath to reply but Trev interrupted him "Wait, what?"

"Oh yeah," the red-head said with forced levity, "Lawson and Cerberus resurrected little old me."

"You don't have necromancers in your land of magic?" Jack asked with a sneer, "Necromancer does sound dark enough to be one of Cerberus' official titles."

Trevelyan eyed Shepard intensely and then shrugged "Sure we have, but their projects usually don't talk or are actually completely sentient."

"Zombies! I know that one" Garrus exclaimed triumphantly.

"Good for you" Shepard patted her friend in his arm.

"I don't" Trev volunteered.

Jacob shrugged "Animated corpses, not sentient. Their only drive is the need to feed. Oh, and they can infect other via bites. Well, in the vids at least."

"Oh" the templar grimaced, they didn't sound fun. And a bit like darkspawn.

"The Reapers have something similar too - we call them husks" the commander sighed.

"Yes, Reapers" Trev said somberly, "I have read the file and asked serah EDI, but I find I would like to know more. By all accounts, you commander are the person to go to."

"Yeah, unfortunately" Shepard sighed.

"Pssst, the Cerberus puppy is out of her lair" Garrus stage-whispered and nodded towards Miranda who rolled her eyes.

"Ser Trevelyan, the Illusive Man would like to talk to you"

"Ooooh" Jack dramatically, "You better ditch the skirt and put your armor back on."

"Especially the back plate" Garrus nodded.

"Nah, I'd recommend the helmet" Shepard added.

"Right, because they fuck with your head. Smart" Jack hummed approvingly.

Miranda ignored the comments and was staring expectantly at the templar. Trev sighed and wiped her mouth with a napkin, her dinner over "Very well. Lead the way."

"Good luck" Jacob piped. Miranda shot him a cold stare and he leaned back defensively "He can be creepy."

"No! You mean those glowing eyes or the bag-of-dicks attitude backed by billions of credits?" Shepard gasped theatrically.

"Let's go" Miranda said in a voice that bore no rebuttal.

The templar followed the XO in silence. When they got into the elevator Miranda's eyes narrowed "Despite what Shepard might feel, the Illusive Man is providing her, us, with the best shot we have against the Collectors, and the Reapers by extension. I trust you'll reserve judgment until you see for yourself. And that would include being polite to the Illusive Man."

"I'm not in the habit of swearing as Jack seems to be"

"Good"

"That said, I am… unhappy with Cerberus, ah, 'sucking me from home' as serah Garrus put it" Trev said bitterly.

"An accident for which I apologize" Miranda replied swiftly but rigidly.

Trev grimaced but said nothing - 'sorry' really doesn't fix anything. The templar was already on the severely-disliking-Cerberus train, but she was willing to play ball for the greater good.

"Through here," Miranda gestured to the door they stopped in front of, "His image will… appear."

The templar arched her eyebrows but shrugged minutely and entered. True to Miranda's words, the Illusive Man appeared same as the room seemed to disappear around her. It was really strange, a bit like the space/time warping in front of Radcliffe when the Inquisition met the mages.

"Ser Trevelyan," the man spoke lighting up something in his mouth, "I'm the Illusive Man. I'm the sponsor of Shepard's expedition."

"Messere" Trev said without any inflection.

"I understand you volunteered your services for the mission. Good, we need every available asset if we hope to defeat the threat humanity currently faces, and the universe will face in a short while" TIM exhaled a long trail of smoke, "Your abilities will be useful."

"Yes, Messere" Trev nodded in acknowledgement.

The man didn't seem to be put out by her lack of reaction "What had happened at Bifrost station was regrettable but I'm glad it hadn't dampened your spirit and resolve to make some good."

This time the templar just nodded, not letting the irritation show on her face. She just wished TIM just got to the point. But alas, there seemed to be none, other than stressing the importance of his organization. After that, she was released.

Shepard was leaning on the wall near the doors of the comm room "How did it go?"

"You were right, he is creepy" Trev said dryly.

The red-head chuckled "That he is. Did you get the 'yay humanity' speech?"

"Indeed"

Shepard eyed her newest recruit for a moment and the smiled "Did you get that a lot at home?"

Trev nodded "Yes, especially with the elves."

"Hm. Well, I'm glad you have no problem working with aliens" the commander smiled.

"They are actually very interesting," the templar perked up, "Serah EDI has given me fascinating reading on them. She has been most helpful."

Shepard's gaze turned speculative "She has been rather talkative recently."

"We were discussing the stereotypes and behavior of different races, she has thought of adding humans to the list. She has an interesting perspective" Trevelyan smiled.

"Hm, just don't give her any ideas about enslaving organics" the commander smirked.

"Ser Trevelyan has displayed marked distaste for slavery" EDI chimed form up above.

Shepard sighed "It was meant as a joke."

"Acknowledged"

The commander turned back to Trev "I suggest you tackle humor in your discussions as well."

Trevelyan grinned "Acknowledged."

"Abort! Abort!" Shepard threw her arms in the air in a dramatic fashion, "We have a minion of the robot overlord here!"