"So you expect me to sit here for an hour just focusing? Not actually using my powers, but just sitting and fucking thinking?"
"Improvement requires reflection."
"I know I'm strong. Stronger than every human, that's for fucking sure. But I thought we'd be doing shit, not just sitting and thinking."
"It's undeniable that there is great power within you. Raw, but great. If you wish to harness it, you must meditate on it. Close your eyes, channel your dark energy until it is sitting within your grasp but do not use it! Focus on the strength within every particle, focus on the manipulation of the energy around you."
Shepard had come down to the cargo bay to exercise to help herself sleep at the late hour, but curiosity guided her to the training area when she heard an unusual pair of voices. She allowed herself to slowly turn her head around the wall so she could gaze into the room, and she was greeted by quite a sight.
Jack and Samara were side-by-side. Samara was glowing with energy and hovering cross-legged above the ground, and Jack was sitting with her legs curled at her side watching.
"The average biotic needlessly wastes forty percent of their energy in battle, either on missed targets or incorrect power usage," Samara explained. "Spending your time away from battle focusing your energy and your abilities can assist in maximizing your power output. It can also bring calm to your life energy, helping you conserve energy for battle."
Samara lowered herself to the ground and smiled serenely at Jack. "You try. Focus your mind only on the energy within you. When you feel that you have rallied all of your energy and calm, release it around you."
Jack let out an exasperated sigh before crossing her legs, closing her eyes, and summoning her energy.
"There is too much anger in your energy, I can feel it! Put the anger aside and focus your mind on the positive emotions. If you let your anger take charge you will never have control over yourself."
Shepard watched as Jack began to glow brighter and brighter before letting out a growl as the energy exploded around her. She hit the ground again, hard, and was panting.
"Homework for you," Samara said in a disciplinary tone. "You need to learn to empty your mind of emotion. You believe that your strength lies in your anger, but it is restricting you from maximizing your capabilities. Find something that calms you, and before you sleep tonight, close your mind to everything but the calm. Tomorrow we will meet here again and continue our practice." Samara stood gracefully. "There is no longer a need to hide your desire for improvement any longer; the Commander has been watching us."
Walking with her usual grace, Samara exited the room, flashing a smile at Shepard in passing. Jack, however, remained seated, so Shepard took a seat next to her.
"I'm happy you're working on improving yourself, Jack."
Jack remained silent. "You haven't taken me on a ground mission since Pragia, Shepard. I don't know if I pissed you off or if it's because we have so many damn biotics on the ship now but..." She paused. "I want to be better."
Shepard shot a surprised glance at her. "I apologize, Jack. I didn't mean to leave you off my ground roster. Listen, I'd take you to the flotilla with me, but it sounds like it's going to be more talking than fighting. But the next mission is all you, alright?"
"Yeah. You know me; I'm not much of a fucking politician." She laughed harshly.
"Next time you have concerns, though, please bring them to me first."
"Yeah. Alright." Jack stood. "Listen, I'm gonna practice down in engineering. See you around, Shep."
Zoey sat alone in the training room for a long time, practicing on focusing her own energy until she was so drained that she barely made it upstairs before falling asleep fully dressed.