Allers: Wow, that's a lot to take at once. As soon as the Commander was awake she as under fire?

Ashley: Yeah she was. Even in death she was looking for a fire fight.

Allers: It seems like it. How did the Commander manage take in all that information? That would have been too much for anybody.

Ashley: She wasn't just anybody. Everything that I told her definitely influenced her decision for where we would start first.

Allers: Which was?

Ashley: Illium.

The Illium skyline was a sight to see. Unfortunately at the moment we couldn't enjoy it, we were on our way to see the information broker that had given us the dossiers on Thane and Samara. The receptionist wasn't helpful and wouldn't allow us to visit her.

"We have an appointment to see the information broker."

"You and everyone else on this rock. You're not getting in until she comes out to get you. Now please just sit down and wait."

Such was the way with Information Brokers, you never got to see them in your time it was always there time. It's how they became who they are. Money, information and time all make up the mechanics of an Information Broker hence why most of them were Asari, they had as much time as they liked. The Commander sat down and waited very impatiently to be seen. So maybe we did have time to admire the view. Or then again maybe not.

"The broker will see you and your companions Commander."

"About time."

The brokers office was only opposite which meant she had most likely heard everything that had transpired either that or she had a bug somewhere in the waiting room. It's definitely one way to gain information. This time we were all surprised about who the broker really was.

"Shiala?"

"Shepard. Nyxeris hold my calls."

With a quick flick of her omni-tool she locked the door and did a quick sweep for bugs. If there were any they definitely weren't working any more. Which was a good thing, if anyone saw what transpired in the next couple of minutes then Shiala would be out of the broker business. The two came together and their lips quickly joined. The kiss lasted several minutes, they completely blocked out the rest of us in the room. But we didn't mind, it was nice to see the Commander having that someone to love, just like we do. Makes her seem more human, plus everybody needs that someone. The kiss came apart.

"Jane, I've missed you so much. It's been so long and I didn't know whether you'd still feel the same."

"I've been gone for so long. I've been technically dead for the better part of two years. If it wasn't for these two I most likely would still be dead."

"Two years, that's so long. Who knows what damaged could have been done in that time? Yet you still seem yourself."

"She's still herself. We ran tests once she was back."

"Thanks Miranda. So I'm still me Shiala."

"That's good to hear Shepard. I'm so glad your back."

"As am I. Come with us, we could use your help. An information broker would be very handy, not just that but I don't want to leave you again."

"I would happily join your crew again Commander. If I was allowed. You maybe the Commander but even my information tells me that it's not your ship. You belong to Cerberus, it's their decision whether I stay or not."

"Miranda, Ashley it seems like the decision is in your hands."

The whole crew and the dossiers had been handpicked and verified not just by us but also by the Illusive Man. The capacity and design of the Normandy had been done so that it would perfectly fit those that we are gathering not any extras. Quarters wouldn't be a problem she would share with the Commander if she was willing. Workspace however could be difficult. Although the Commanders personal terminal could work. If memory served she wouldn't use it and the Yeoman would monitor any emails or anything. So it would be plausible. A quick look to Miranda showed that she had just come up with the same idea. It was a good idea especially since it would give the Commander some sense of normality. The nod was quick and only detectable by me.

"You're more than welcome to come aboard Shiala. Just let us know what you need in order to carry on with your operation."

"I'll need a secure terminal that isn't hooked up to Cerberus networks"

"We can isolate one for you, it'll take some time but it can be done. We'll head back to the ship, I take it you can handle it from here Commander."

"I can. Dismissed."

We left the Commander with Shiala and headed back to the Normandy. We weren't in a rush so we admired the view. We spent time as a normal couple, taking in the view, spending time together. We even went to have a meal, we weren't in a rush and we guessed the Commander wasn't either. It was nice. The time flowed slowly and it almost felt like we weren't in the middle of a war. But time ultimately has a way of catching up with you and we were heading back to the Normandy. The night had been blissful, watching the sun set. We made our way to our quarters and headed straight to bed.

The morning was interrupted by an alarm call by EDI the ships VI with a message from Shepard ordering us to the conference room.

"She does realise she's not technically our boss right?"

"She's Captain of the ship Miri, so in a way she is."

"Well, I'm not prepared to get up yet and neither are you."

"Disobeying orders already. Who am I to disagree?"

When we finally reached the conference room the Commander wasn't happy. We'd kept her waiting for an hour, we had fun. But clearly she wasn't amused.

"Now that you two are finally here, we can get started on the briefing. The information provided by Shiala regarding the Assassins and the Justicar has paid off. As luck would have it they are both on the planet at the same time. But because we only have a short window in which to get them, we're going to have to split into two teams. What do you think Miranda?"

"I agree but we'd still need two three man teams. I'd suggest Shepard that you and Shiala should go and find Thane Krios and take Zorander with you. He'll prove useful. Whereas we'll find Samara and take Cara with us. Any objections?"

"No, you know your people best."

Our two groups set out at the same time; we separated when the time came. The Commander following up a lead with the port authorities and we moved onto discuss the lead with the local police. The officer on duty pointed us to the factory ports across the bay where the Justicar was last seen. From there we liaised with the police on sight who pointed us to the crime scene. The authorities weren't just going to allow us to encroach on an active crime scene. It took sometime but we finally managed to convince them that we were working on behalf of a Council Spectre. Which technically was true, the Commander was a Spectre. We were let through into the crime scene and made our way through the streets. Only to be set upon by eclipse sisters. They weren't much of a match with the combination of Miranda and Cara's biotics they were quickly dispatched. Leaving us with a straight line to the Justicar.

"I see three well armed individuals in front of me. Are you friend or foe?"

"Friend."

"Who are you?"

"I'm Miranda Lawson, this is Ashley Williams and this is Cara Mason."

"Now that I know you, you may speak friend and tell me what I did to deserve such a friend."

"We were actually looking for you Samara."

"Not many would openly admit they were looking for a Justicar. I'll admit you've picked my curiosity but at this moment in time though I can be of no help."

"Do you at least want to know why we've been looking for you?"

"I do. But know this my answer will still be the same."

"Very well. We're going after the Collectors, they've started abducting human colonies across the Terminus System. We believe they are working with the reapers. We're part of a team led by Commander Shepard who are looking for reasons as to why."

"Yet you are looking for outside help. Your missions is a worthy cause yet I am sworn to one all ready. If you truly do require my assistance then help me complete mine, it won't take long."

"It seems the only choice. We'll help you complete your mission."

"Very well. I'm currently searching for a creature called Morinth; she is an Ardat-Yakshi. If we do encounter her leave her to me, she's a powerful biotic and kills for fun. Yet I sense that you know exactly what an Ardat-Yakshi is."

"We do. One of our old crew mates found out she was an Ardat-Yakshi whilst we were on a mission since then we've lost all contact with her but she succumbed to her nature."

"I am sorry. It's always hard when that person comes into their heritage. At least you'll know the power they hold and not to get to close. It is unlikely we'll find her here. I believe she has already left, evidence of her departure will have to do."

Samara led us away from the crime scene and back outside. There was something graceful about seeing a Justicar go about her duty. Moving from subject to subject as she questioned them about any unusual activity. Never showing any emotion throughout her interrogations. When she finally got what she wanted she beckoned us over and we headed into an elevator that took us higher. As soon as we disembarked we were under attack from eclipse sisters and various different mechs. We took cover behind cargo boxes and Samara stood up and threw her biotics at the enemy. She sustained a biotic barrier around herself all the while throwing warps and singularities at the enemy. We didn't have to lift a finger; we instead just sat there and conserved our ammo. We weren't needed, not really. Samara was a Goddess of War on the battlefield. As we made our way through the buildings we encountered more and more eclipse sisters. We took it in turns sometimes Samara would annihilate the enemy and sometimes she would rest her biotics and allow us to take them down. The strategy worked it kept us alive. We reached the final door where we took a breather before a Volus came crashing through the waiting door.

"I am a biotic God. You should fear me."

"Biotic God. I hardly think so; your biotics are minor at most."

"You do not defy the Biotic God or he will destroy you. Previous transgressions aside I require your help. The Asari in there is blocking my path, she must be dealt with."

"If you're a Biotic God then you should be able to deal with it, since you're all powerful. Show her what you're made off and charge."

"I can't believe you just did that Ash."

"I couldn't resist. He had it coming and only had himself to blame."

We moved through the door and followed the Volus into the cargo bay towards the desk. Behind it sat an Asari who had to be the eclipse sister in charge and the person we were looking for.

"You again, just leave me be."

She lifted a singular hand and using her biotics she managed to lift the Volus up and throw him back out the door we just came in.

"Justicar I see you've gathered some help in order to track down your Ardat-Yakshi. You're too late they've already left. If you let me go, I might be persuaded to tell you where they're heading."

"I don't think so."

"Well in that case...urgh."

The body of the eclipse sister dropped to the floor. Whilst we had moved into the room Cara had gone for higher ground. Her shot sighted, her breathing slowed she pulled the trigger. The bullet hit its mark and the Asari dropped to the floor. A quick search was made of the Asari and the contents of the desk, the data pad she was holding held all the information we needed. Samara's prey was onboard the AML Demeter along with a Alira, presumably another Ardat-Yakshi. Either that or her next victim.

"We've found it Samara. They're heading to Omega. We need to head there anyway at some point so we could easily help clear up this mess."

"In that case my mission is yours. Before we leave there is something I must do."

Samara kneeled down on the floor, her biotics started to glow and she started reciting.

"By the code/ I will serve you, Miranda. Your choices are my choices; your morals are my morals. Your wishes are my code."

As the final word was spoken her biotics flared and let out a slight pulse. Her vow was complete.

"As long as I am under your command no harm will fowl you. Anything you do will fall under my code. Do not make me break my code."

"I won't Samara; it's time to get back to the ship."

It didn't take us long to reach the ship and when we did we were met by the Commander.

"Miranda, status report."

"Jane this is Samara the Justicar. She's given me her oath that whilst our morals remain true she will help us with our mission."

"Justicar, welcome aboard."

"Thank you Commander. Where will I be situated?"

"There's the Starboard Lounge area is free. You may take up residence there if you wish. Miranda we've required Thane Krios as well, he's made his residence in the life support room. I think that's it for Illium."

"Where to next then Jane?"

"Purgatory."

Purgatory, wasn't really the place I wanted to go to. The warden would remember us; there would be no doubt about it. Whether or not he would say anything about us or not would be a different matter. Then there was the problem of Subject Zero herself, luckily she was sedated whilst we transported her but she had a vendetta against Cerberus and it wouldn't do us any good if she couldn't control herself. Once we were back onboard the Normandy set of straight to Purgatory and we made our way to our quarters.

"Miri, we've got a problem."

"I know Ash. Purgatory."

"We can't go on the mission."

"It's not our choice, but we'll need to tell Shepard."

"But what do we tell her. I was kind of hoping we'd have gone to Omega first that way she'd have someone she knows with her."

"I know but it's too late for that. It should only be a simple job, the Warden will be practically just handing her over and that's it. So she can take Krios and Samara."

"Who's going to tell her that?"

"Operative Williams, Commander Shepard has requested your presence in her quarters."

"You are."

"I guess so."

The trip up to the Commanders quarters didn't take long, seconds even. Definitely not long enough.

"Commander."

"Ash, lets talk."

"What's this about Skipper?"

"Purgatory. What do you know about it?"

"It's a prison ship, held by the blue suns mercenary group. Warden Kuril seems to run a good ship. Other than that I can't tell you anything about it."

"It sounds like you think it should be a walk in the park. Pull up take Subject Zero and leave; you think it should be that easy."

"There's no reason for it to be otherwise. I have a request though. You can't take me or Miranda with you."

"Why not?"

"We've had dealings with the Warden before and we'd rather not have it influence the deal ahead of us."

"What had you there before?"

"I can't tell you that Shepard. You don't need to know."

"I'm your superior Williams and I'm, saying I need to know."

"You're not my superior just because you're the captain of the ship doesn't mean anything. I report directly to the Illusive Man. During missions, on the ship and anything that is relevant to the mission I can help. But anything that isn't relevant and that you don't need to know you can't order me to tell you. Neither myself or Miranda report to you."

"You've made your point. I'll take Shiala and Samara."

Turing I left the Commander alone. Hopefully now she'd understand exactly where she stood with Cerberus. With matters concerning Cerberus she wasn't in charge, let's hope she understood. Back in our quarters I relaxed.

"That didn't go as well as I hoped."

"Oh?"

"Hopefully she now understands that she isn't in command as much as she thinks."

"You actually told her that?"

"Yeah. In everything that is relevant to stopping the reapers then she's the golden girl, but in regards to Cerberus she's not. That would be me and you."

"That wouldn't have gone down well."

"It didn't. On the positive side though she's taking Shiala and Samara with her when we reach Purgatory."

"That's good then. We need the down time, even if it is just to go through all this paperwork. How is it that I have more paperwork than you?"

"Simple you're the XO of the ship, hence more responsibility. Plus you go through the Commanders correspondence, therefore more paperwork for you. I have less because I'm responsible for the armoury and they don't require anything paperwork wise."

"Look at all this. Half of these requests are rubbish. Donnelly has put in a request for a new set of cards, but not just any cards. Gold plated cards. What does he need them for? Gardner wants us to acquire some rare Asari cuisine."

"From the amounts required it looks like he wants us to wipe them out."

"You can deal with any ridiculous request. I don't have time for it."

"Miranda, I think you need to bring the Ice Queen back out."

"Ash, not now."

"It needs to be soon Miri. Those who serve under you have forgotten that you are really the Ice Queen. I think all they see now is you me and that ring. That's quite a big signal for everyone. It shows that you've gone soft. You're settling down, in love."

"I am all those things."

"You can't be though. With me you can be. But the crew expect you to be the Ice Queen and now that you're not they're taking liabilities."

"The Ice Queen was cold and calculated. I'd like to think that I'm not that anymore."

"You're not that person anymore, but you need to be. With me and with those you feel comfortable with you can be who you are. But for dealing with the crew and anything ship related then the Ice Queen needs to be back. Now either I can deal with these requests like I know you were gearing up for me to do or the Ice Queen can deal with them all with one email."

"I'll do it."

"Good and I'll await the email."

"Now shoo Ash. I've got some work to do."

The email arrived shortly afterwards addressed to the entire crew.

Recently there have been a lot of absurd requests coming through to me and the Commander. Be advised that any more erroneous requests will not be treated well. If your request is vital to the mission and the upkeep of the ship then ask, otherwise keep your ridiculous requests to yourself. We do not have time to acquire a rare Asari cuisine, nor do we need gold plated playing cards. All those that have sent requests recently will be spoken with; any future requests will face discipline.

The Ice Queen is back and everyone knows it.

A/N I know I like dialogue more than anything else. It makes for a good story in my opinion. I'm not too great at writing fight scenes so if anyone has any tips or ideas, I'm all ears. Also I'm looking for a beta reader, too make sure that everything is groovy with it before I post it. Any takers message me. Thats all for now. Till next time