Chapter 25.5
Shepard entered Miranda's cabin, his shoulders taunt and jaw set. Miranda looked up from her piles of work. A flash of surprise swept over her face before it returned to its usual guarded, stern demeanor. It was painfully obvious to both of them that neither wished to be in the presence of the other for a multitude of reasons. Still, they needed to work together if they were going to stop the Collectors, so they dealt with the situation as best they could.
"So, we're finally going after the Collectors," Shepard stated, trying to get the uncomfortable air to subside. "How's the crew holding up?"
The attempt wasn't successful.
"There has been no drop in efficiency."
"I meant how are they doing. Are they scared, worried, excited?"
"You should speak to Yeoman Chambers. She would know."
"So should you."
Miranda leaned back in her chair. "Why? We have other people more qualified than me to perform those tasks."
"Because you're this ship's XO. It's your job to make sure the crew is ready for whatever could come our way. They are supposed to be able to come to you to express anything they care to express. You are supposed to be the intermediary between them and me. I can do what I can-"
"By staying in your cabin and only interacting with the aliens on board? Sounds like you're sure are doing everything you can."
Shepard wanted to answer her. He wanted to yell back everything he was trying to keep suppressed, about how he felt like a traitor, about how he couldn't look at Cerberus' logo on everyone's clothing without seeing the death of his squad, about how he was barely keeping it together. But that's what she wanted. She wasn't going to get the satisfaction from him. He tried to breathe all that away as best he could.
"Fine. I'll make you a deal. Both of us will start having conversations with the crew. We'll try to get a feel where their heads are at, and I will stop by sporadically to discuss each member. We will have discussed everyone onboard in a month. Okay?"
"I have enough work, Shepard. I can't possibly-"
"I'm sorry. I made a mistake. When I said 'make you a deal,' I meant 'this is an order.' Do I make myself clear, Lawson?"
Her jaw tightened. "Crystal, Commander."
She knew he hated it when she called him that. His lips were pressed into a small line and his back straightened ever so slightly.
"Good," Shepard said curtly. "You should get back to writing your reports. I'm sure the Illusive Man will be very anxious to hear about our new arrangement."