Sorry it's been so long since I uploaded guys, will try and make this story more regularly updated in the future. Please review and hope you enjoy ^_^


[Set after Freedom's Progress]

Miranda Lawson charged into the holographic communication with the Illusive Man, she looked noticeably agitated.

''Miranda, I have talked to Shepard and it would seem as if your mission on Freedom's Progress was a success, our suspicions have been confirmed, the collectors are indeed behind the abduction'' The illusive man sat back in his chair, taking a long slow puff of his cigar, seeming quite pleased with himself.

''With all due respect sir it wasn't my mission, but perhaps if it had been we would have that quarian here with us now to interrogate''

The illusive man sat forward in his chair once again and raised an eyebrow ''I don't see what the problem is Operative Lawson, we have the data from the quarian's omni-tool, that should tell us everything we need to know''

''My problem is that Commander Shepard is too soft and she lets her emotions get in the way of her better judgment'' Miranda pauses for a second, shaking her head ''I knew we should've implanted that control chip whilst we had the chance''

The Illusive Man stood up and stared straight at his best operative ''That's enough Miranda, I'll hear no more about this control chip you wanted to install, if we had installed that control chip then Shepard may have not been able to convince Tali Zorah's squad to help and it may have taken you even longer to locate the quarian in question! I'll tell you the same thing I've told you for the past 6 months. We need the Commander Shepard, the hero, the woman who achieves the impossible.''

''The Commander Shepard is going to get us all killed for the sake of preserving friendships which have no place in a crisis like this. Her emotions make it impossible for her to make the hard decisions, she, alone, is not capable of achieving what you expect of her''

''What must be done cannot be done without Commander Shepard, we need a squad willing to give their lives to stop the collectors and when that is done we will need to raise an army to defend against the reapers and no-one else can inspire others like she can'' The Illusive Man pauses for a second to take a sip from his drink ''However, I do agree with you that even Commander Shepard will struggle to do this on her own, which is why I am going ahead with the plan to place you and Operative Taylor on her ship, as part of her squad, until the Collectors are defeated.''

''You're making a mistake, she isn't capable of this…'' Miranda was cut off by the Illusive Man.

''From this moment onwards you take orders from Commander Shepard and I expect daily updates on the mission progress along with full psych profiles for each of the squad members recruited and a full mission report on every mission completed. Is that understood?''

Miranda was obviously not happy with what was being asked of her but she wasn't one to disobey direct orders and it was clear that any pleas she tried to make to the Illusive Man would fall on deaf ears.

''Of course, I'll need a minute to pack my things and stock up on a few supplies but then I'll be ready to leave''

The Illusive Man smiled, Miranda was his best operative and he knew that any concerns she voiced were with good intentions and in cerberus' best interest.

''I appreciate your co-operation Operative Lawson, I await your first report'' with that The Illusive Man cut communications.

Miranda closed her eyes for a few seconds, deeply inhaling, taking a moment to think about the situation at hand. Miranda composed herself and walked up the stairs towards the waiting room, she lifted her head to see Jacob waiting for her at the top of the stairs.

''Great'' she muttered under her breath with a sarcastic undertone.

''Shepard told me everything, looks like we're going to have one last mission together Miranda'' Jacob grinned ''Just like old times''

Miranda stopped when she reached the top of the stairs and glared at Jacob.

''Make no mistake Jacob, the only reason I'd ever choose to bring you on a mission like this is because every suicide mission needs cannon fodder. I don't want or need your friendship Jacob, you watch my back and I'll watch yours, nothing more, nothing less. Understood?''

Jacob rolled his eyes ''Do you always have to be such a bitch Miranda?''

''Only when I have to deal with someone as dim-witted and incompetent as yourself, now grab your gear and report to the ship immediately'' Miranda walked off in the opposite direction to Jacob to collect supplies for the mission ahead.


[

[An hour later aboard the Normandy SR-2.]

''Jacob and I should return to our posts, come find us if you have any questions''

With that Miranda headed for the elevator, Jacob saluted Commander Shepard before chasing after Miranda.

''Hey Miranda wait up!''

''What is it now Jacob?''

''So I was thinking I may set up shop in one of the observation rooms on Deck 3, I'm guessing you're still taking the XO's office?''

Miranda rolled her eyes. ''Actually maybe it would be a better idea for you to settle down in the armory on this deck, given your knowledge and expertise in repairing and cleaning guns?''

Jacob smiled he wasn't used to being praised by Miranda.

''OK, if that's really what you think''

''Actually I was just hoping I could flatter you into moving a deck away from me, looks like it worked'' Miranda smiled and entered the elevator, which closed its doors and set off toward deck 3.

'Bitch' Jacob muttered under his breath before retiring to the armoury.


I know that the story so far has been rather Miranda-heavy but that will change as the story-line moves on and more squad members are recruited. Anyway hope you enjoyed, I'll try and post the next chapter soon, I encourage reviews however as they motivate me to write new chapters so more reviews= quicker posting of new chapters. Thanks for reading ^_^