May 2, 2174. "This Private Shepard looks promising," said Captain David Anderson, scratching his chin. "First biotic Honor Graduate...each of her commanding officers have given her high praise for her ingenuity and dedication. Under Major Kyle, she helped plan the defense of the thwarted batarian assault on Elysium."

"She's only been in the service for two years," protested Admiral Steven Hackett. The white-haired man's brow was creased with doubt. "Plus, she's a biotic, and I don't know too many stable ones."

"Steve, let me make this plain," said Anderson, frustration in his dark eyes. "The Alliance is going to have to reconcile their issues with biotics. There are stable biotics out there. Good ones, and you need to stand up and encourage that. This one, this Lauren Shepard, I've seen her, albeit briefly. She's smart and she understands a lot for a young soldier. More than I did at her age. You need to trust me on this one."

The men continued debating at Hackett's desk until a comm interrupted them. "Admiral Hackett, sir, I have a Private Lauren Shepard to see you."

Hackett glared at Anderson, who only volunteered a slight smirk. "You set me up," huffed the admiral. "Send 'er in."

Lauren walked into the office, her shoulders pulled back and her chin slightly raised. The men stood and Lauren stopped short, giving a salute.

"Welcome, Private," said Anderson, saluting in return. "Have a seat."

She nodded and sat, her posture as stiff as if she were standing. "Thank you, Captain...Admiral."

"So you know why you are here?" Hackett started, looking more toward Anderson than Lauren.

"I believe so, sir. Major Kyle nominated me for the Interplanetary Combatives Academy," she stated plainly. Lauren was a bit in shock at the moment, so what seemed to the men as a cool, calm demeanor was actually covering a nervous wreck, if she were honest.

"Indeed," said Hackett, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands in front of his face. "Captain Anderson, one of our first N7 graduates, seems to concur with the major."

"Private," Anderson said, giving Lauren a steely-eyed look, "The ICA is for the Alliance's best and brightest. It isn't often that we take a second year recruit in, but I see something special in you. In fact, since I'm taking over as headmaster of the Villa...that's what we call our training facility...I like to have a personal say in who goes in."

"Thank you, sir," said Lauren sincerely. "I'm really honored by your confidence."

"You should be," said Hackett matter-of-factly, "and if you find, N-School is beyond your ability, there's no shame in not being able to finish."

Anderson shot Hackett a dirty look. "What the Admiral means is that the training is tougher than you can imagine. You've seen a little bit of combat out in the Traverse, but after going through this program, batarian raiders and pirates will seem like a walk in the park."

"I have had a good bit of combat training during my time on Jump Zero, sir," replied Lauren. Suddenly she had a bad taste in her mouth from the memory. "I, uh, was part of a special program there as well."

"Yes, we've seen your records," said Hackett. "Though Commander Vyrnnus was obviously not fond of you or any of your biotic comrades, his notes on your abilities were...thorough." The last word sounded as if it had been chosen carefully. "It did not sound like he made it easy on you."

"No sir," Lauren answered. Before she could stop it and ever so briefly, she let her mind wonder how Kaidan was and if he had reconciled with himself for killing Vyrnnus.

"As far as I'm concerned it is settled. We start up the next class of N-School the first of June," said Anderson. "I believe we should inform Private Shepard's commanding officer of her new assignment."

"Agreed," said Hackett reluctantly. "And you'll be given a week's leave before you go. It is a brutal undertaking, so there won't be time for personal issues and contacts. There are no breaks, there are no leaves...only dismissal from the program for failure. Mind you, that won't reflect badly on your service record, but just to make you fully aware."

For the first time since she had entered the office, Lauren smiled and shook each man's extended hand. "Sirs, I'm ready for the challenge."

x-X-x

April 6, 2175. "Come on, Shepard! I know you can do better than that!" demanded Anderson through her earpiece. Sweat was pouring of Lauren's face and her body was bathed in dark energy. "You have to be ready at the drop of a hat for anything the enemy can dish up. I want to see you warp that bastard to hell!"

Lauren considered telling the captain to fuck off, but she knew it was only her body protesting. Anderson's voice broke through her thoughts. "Shepard! There is no hesitation on the battlefield! Get your ass in gear!"

As Lauren warped the vorcha coming at her, she took off running toward the mercernary base. The rest of her team quickly joined her at the wall of the facility. With the defenses taken out, the group had a brief chance to rest.

Anderson came up to Shepard, his eyes fierce and determined. "Shepard, I want to know what happened back there."

"Sir, I-," Lauren started.

"No, never mind, I don't want any excuses. You realize in two months you and the rest will have completed this training? N7s don't hesistate. Now I know, your biotics are probably taxed, but so is everyone else in this damn group. Something's in your head...what is it?"

Looking directly at Anderson, Lauren decided to say what she wanted to say. "Permission to speak freely, sir?" His nod to the affirmative loosened her tongue. "I don't care about this."

"What do you mean, Shepard?"

"I mean, honestly, sir, who gives a shit that these mercs are running drugs? We aren't the damn galactic police. Let the Citadel Council handle this. I have no vested interest in this fight."

Anderson's eyes were wide with what Lauren thought was fury, but his mouth stayed closed as he thought. Placing his hand on her shoulder, his voice came out calm but firm. "Shepard, one of the greatest things a soldier has is purpose. Whether that's your mama back at home or the greater good of the human race, I don't give a fuck, but damnit, you need to find one! Until you do, you get your head out of your ass and let your purpose be 'Don't let Anderson down.'"

Lauren stood there quietly as Anderson moved away to check on the rest of the squad. What the fuck do you know? I have a purpose! I'm here to be the best that I can be, isn't that enough? I here in this damn N-school, aren't I? And as soon as she thought it, doubt crept in and she began to realize that maybe it wasn't enough.

A/N: And now Anderson has joined in! Thank you all for the new follows and favorites. I see this story going for a few more chapters before I start Lauren's ME novelization :) Please let me know if you like this or not!