Chapter 18: Orientation

As Jacob was putting on the coat of his officer's uniform, he looked at himself in the mirror with a sense of pride. For many years, he had been a proud member of the Alliance, and under the command of Captain Shepard, he felt like the time was right for his return. While he respected Cerberus, Taylor wasn't the mercenary type. Looking at the bars on his shoulders from his lieutenancy, he couldn't help but smile.

Miranda Lawson walked in the door wearing her own new uniform. Where Jacob looked happy, soon to be Lieutenant Commander Lawson looked decidedly less so. Instead of the tight fitting body suit she preferred, the formal outfit did nothing to make her stand out. Whether it was about looks or smarts, Lawson knew she was the best and didn't like the idea of chain of command.

"Don't you look so pleased with yourself," she said to Taylor.

He smiled back at her, oblivious to the sarcasm and said, "I put in a lot of years in these dress blues. It feels good to finally have some bars on my shoulders."

"I'd rather be at a bar," she said as she frowned. She kept readjusting her uniform as she swore it just didn't fit quite right. The silver leaves on her own shoulders were quite an honor, and she kept telling herself that, but she wondered if she wouldn't be better served as an independent contractor.

Taylor said, "Look at it this way. After we've saved the universe yet again, you can settle down with a nice little pension. Maybe you and Shepard can cause some havoc on your own, raise a few brats."

She laughed even though she wanted to cry. The idea of her and Jared having time to themselves made her very happy, but something almost nobody knew was Miranda thought she would be incapable of having a child on her own. She had ordered many tests, discretely, and whatever was done to modify her genetics to give her the advantages she enjoyed cost her the ability to have her own child. At least, that was what all the doctors said, though she refused to accept this.

Jacob who had known her longer than anyone had no clue about this, and neither did Jared. Miranda thought there might eventually come a day for this conversation, but first everyone needed to survive.

"Jacob," Miranda said, "I just realized something I like about this new position."

"What's that?" he asked, waiting for her reply.

"I can order you to shut up, lieutenant," she said as she placed a heavy emphasis on the final word.

Taylor could barely keep a straight face, not because of lack of ability, but just because it was a little comical seeing his long time friend now serving as the executive officer. She wasn't going to do things by the book, and neither would Shepard. In that case, it would fall to Taylor to keep the crew in line, and that was just fine by him.

"Yes, ma'am," he said as he offered a salute, clicking his heels with stiff military polish.

both of them dressed in the appropriate attire, they entered the adjacent room where they would be sworn into duty. To their surprise, there were only two people there, a captain whom they did not recognize and Sergeant Vega who had escorted them.

Taylor kicked the back of Miranda's leg to remind her, and they both saluted the captain, "Sir."

Not looking up from his datapad, he said, "Lawson. Taylor. A pleasure to meet you. I'm Captain Wilkerson, base adjutant and you already know Sergeant Vega. We're just here to go through the formalities."

He had a wiry look and light brown hair, and from his insignia, it was clear he was involved more with administrative duties than being out in space.

As a matter of discipline, Taylor and Lawson had remained at attention, and then the captain looked up and gave a half-hearted salute. "Very good."

In the back of the room, there was a desk with two chairs already set up. The captain motioned for the two prospective officers to take a seat.

"Your papers are a bit irregular. It seems that you're to be given special clearances on the highest authority. Usually, it takes months to get these authorizations, but the orders came down from the Old Man himself," he said referring to Admiral Hackett.

"We're going to be skipping standard testing, orientations, procedures, and, it looks like we're getting right to this," he said as he tossed the datapad. "I don't know what you two will be doing, and from the looks of it, I don't want to know either. I'm just here to follow orders."

"I've taken the liberty of ordering a standard set of uniforms to be sent to the Normandy. The ship provided the sizes, so we'll make sure you're well equipped before departure. I've also been instructed that you may want to visit the armory here before leaving."

Looking over at Taylor, he said, "I understand you have an impressive record when it comes to weaponry, Mister Taylor."

Jacob smiled and said, "I know which end to shoot with, if that's what you're asking."

"Sergeant Vega will show you where to go to stock up for the crew. Since you're going to be the Armory Officer, you'll want to make sure you plan for a full complement. We intend on staffing the Normandy to optimal capacity."

"Dr. Lawson, I've been instructed to provide any assistance you request, as well. We don't have much of a record here, and much of what we do have is classified, but feel free to call upon me for anything you need before your departure, and if we can get it, I will make sure we do."

Miranda nodded her head in appreciation saying, "Thank you, sir."

"Usually, there would be a series of forms for you to complete about your term of service and benefits, but I've been instructed to skip those as well and get right to the business. If you'll both stand up please," he said, "and face the wall on the left that'll be perfect."

"Lieutenant Taylor, you'll be first," said the captain. "Jacob Taylor, do you pledge to defend the Systems Alliance against all threats offering your life if need be in defense of humanity and this government?"

"Yes, sir," he snapped without thinking.

"Congratulations, Lieutenant."

"Lieutenant Commander Lawson, it's your turn now," he said as he looked at her. She stood as straight as she could, feeling somewhat ridiculous to be going through this charade.

"I do," she said. "Is that good enough?"

Wilkerson looked a little cross as he said, "We have regulations for a reason, Lieutenant Commander. You've skipped through most everything else, so let's get this last part right."

She stood and waited as he said, "Miranda Lawson, do you pledge to defend the Systems Alliance against all threats offering your life if need be in defense of humanity and this government?"

"Yes, sir," she said, trying to sound as sincere as possible.

"Good. Welcome to the Fleet," said the Captain. First, he shook Taylor's hand strongly and then he offered his hand to Lawson next.

"Why don't we all walk down to the armory together?" suggested the Captain, and they fell into rank. Wilkerson led with Lawson, Taylor, and Vega behind him in that order.

"Lawson," said the captain, "As ship's xo, you'll have to let us know what you need before you depart. We've been told to assign the highest priority to getting whatever supplies you request, but I can only give you what you ask for. And it makes life easier for our guys if you can tell us quicker."

She already resented the way this pencil pusher was telling her how to her job. With the Lazarus Project, she had managed an effort with hundreds of people worth billions of dollars that succeeded in cheating death itself. As she thought that, she said, "I'll have a request to you by tomorrow. Will that suffice?

A bit surprised, Wilkerson said, "Yes, it would work nicely."

As they reached the door, Wilkerson waved Vega ahead to tell the people in the armory who was coming and said a few last words.

"I wish you both well, and I'm sure we'll be in contact." Wilkerson then walked down another aisle, leaving them standing at the doorway .

"That was odd," said Miranda. "I would have thought Shepard would have been there or something."

Taylor offered his own theory, "I imagine they don't want it going around too much that officers are being created out of thin air. People don't look too kindly upon that around here."

Rolling her eyes, Lawson said, "Great, is there any more good news?" She didn't feel like having to re-establish herself after all she had done.

"At least blue is a good color for you," he said, as he laughed and she scowled. They entered the room together and spotted Sergeant Vega by an array of mechanized weaponry.

"Lieutenant Commander, come and take a look at this," he suggested, as Lawson and Taylor both came to the display he was showing.

"These are the newest rifles being deployed by the Alliance. Since we've been facing so many synthetic opponents lately, this pulse rifle both packs a hell of a punch and it also can disrupt the internal circuitry of a foe. It holds 800 ultra-light rounds, and we call it the Ghost."

Lifting the weapon, Taylor picked it up and felt how it had excellent balance. "Tell me more, Sergeant."

"Infrared scoping is standard, but can be used or not used. The ammunition is not only heat seeking, but logic seeking. If a target is in communication, these bad boys will pick that up and focus in on the transmission point."

Taylor was impressed, saying, "Who thought of that?"

"When they examined the Geth, they realized they don't fight as well when their transmitters weren't working. It stands to reason the same might prove true for any other synthetic enemy as well."

Clicking a round in place, Taylor said, "I hope so, Sergeant. But the Reapers aren't mechanical. They think on their own too. They're like bad cyborgs from one of those old action movies."

As Miranda watched the boys play with their toys, she felt a vibration on her omni-tool. She had just turned it back on when she got into this room, and Joker was trying to reach her.

"Miranda here," she said to the pilot of the vessel. "Are you still on the ship, Joker?"

"Yeah, they needed someone to keep EDI from blowing her lid, so I've been here the whole time," he said. "But more on that later, I've been trying to get a hold of the captain for twenty minutes now. Is he with you?"

"Negative," she said, "He's with some admirals and it could be a while. Is it urgent?"

Joker said, "I think it could be. Liara is trying to reach him."

Stopping for a moment, she wondered at all the possibilities. While this could be just a social call, Miranda knew Jared and Liara T'Soni had once been more than just friends, but she also knew Liara could be trying to share vital information. Although it was never passed along in any reports, she had assumed the identity of the Shadowbroker, and for that reason, Miranda knew whatever message was being transmitted better come quickly.

"Joker, tell her Shepard is busy. I'm coming up now to take the transmission up on the Normandy if she'll talk to me."

"Alright, let me send it," he said. A moment passed and then he had confirmation that Liara would speak to Miranda. "We've moved to a dock at Alliance HQ in the last twenty minutes, so we're right by your position. I'm sending coordinates to you now."

Miranda went to Jacob and said, "Something's come up on the Normandy. I'm going back to check it out."

His senses immediately drawing to alert, Taylor prepared to leave before Miranda said, "No, it's just a message. No danger as yet, but you better get some of those guns. Better yet, you better get some that can take out something bigger than a foot soldier."

Not waiting for the salutes that happened behind her back, Miranda sprang into action sprinting down the hallways to get back to the Normandy. As people saluted her as she walked past, seeing as she was senior to most of the people on station, she thought how all this pomp and circumstance was just a waste of time.

When she got to the Normandy, she found it was docked by a cargo bay where there were many crates of items already in place. Not knowing what was in any of them, she walked right by the confused dock workers and onto her vessel. The airlock was already open.

As she walked by the empty stations, wondering what the future would be for this proud and decorated vessel, she said, "EDI, I'll be in the communications room. Please tell Liara I am ready."

"Yes, Lieutenant Commander," said EDI. "Congratulations on your promotion."

Miranda thought even the ship was now having fun at her expense. "Just Miranda will do, EDI. I might be wearing a uniform, but this is so not me."

"You sound just like Jeff, Miranda," quipped the computer. "Transmission is now open."

"Thanks, EDI," said Miranda as she entered the room and established a secure transmission. "EDI, make sure this is quantum encrypted.

An Asari with round eyes and delicate features appeared before her on the screen.

"Miranda, I never thought you would be wearing an Alliance uniform," said Liara. "Are congratulations in order?"

Lawson responded icily, "Hardly. This was Shepard's idea. He said we needed to unite the races, beginning with our own. You know how he is."

"I do," said the Asari. "Is he okay?"

Miranda didn't know how much to share, so she said, "He's being promoted to captain and is currently meeting with an admiral. I don't know anything else at the moment."

Liara said, "He deserves it. He's worked harder than anyone I've ever met, and he deserves some recognition." She stopped for a moment, before saying. "He deserves happiness too."

Miranda didn't know what to say in this uncomfortable moment, so she said nothing.

"He told me how he felt about you last time we were together. Take care of him, Miranda. He's a good man."

Lawson was surprised to hear this as she had always wondered how close Liara and Jared had been. They had been lovers, she knew, and shared a bond that humans alone could never replicate.

"I will."

For her part, Liara still loved Shepard and had gone around half the galaxy to make sure he had another chance to live. She would do anything to see him happy, including seeing him with one of his own species. She would live for many years, and though she treasured the time she shared with Shepard, she knew she could not be both Shadowbroker and the woman he needed. He needed someone there, someone physical, someone like Miranda

"Good. There's a lot of traffic coming through from Batarian channels. They're afraid of getting their hands dirty in a real war, but it looks like they are hiring a lot of mercenaries so they're up to something. My agents are looking into it. I'd expect the Blue Suns if it involves Batarians, though others may be included as well."

It wasn't welcome news, thought Miranda, but it fit the Batarian style. They were always more likely to act as pirates, and knew they couldn't win a one on one fight. "Do you know if they intend to declare war?" asked the lieutenant commander.

"I don't think so," said the Asari. "There has been no fleet mobilization, and they can't compete with the Alliance."

"Okay, I'll pass along the message to Jared. Thanks for letting us know and keep us informed if you hear anything else," said Miranda.

"Keep safe," said Liara and then the image went away.

Miranda thought how lucky she was to have Shepard in her life and how she would do anything for him. She would make sure he knew that fact, and that he had the chance to show proper appreciation once he returned.

As she sat back in her chair, Lawson actually found herself itching for a fight so she could get off this station and away from all these rules and regulations. It didn't help that she also felt her neck itching because there was too much starch on the collar of her uniform, and she went straight to her quarters to switch into something more true to form.

Author's Note: Thanks for the kind words, as always. I took some time today to plot out the next section of this story and to think how it will all play out. If it seems like I am focusing on some characters more than others for a bit, that's because I am. But while I want to resolve one subplot, rest assured they are not forgotten.