Female Doe

Once sealed into your snugly fitting armor, you begin preparing the Normandy for a fight. You haven't seen combat since your **** on the collector base, and that was with a full crew. Granted, those who remained are some of the strongest people you've served with, but you can't help but think there should be more hands on deck. With a heavy sigh, you head into the communications room, to address the crew.

Of course, the instant you enter the room, Jack's mouth opens, but you don't give her the chance to interrupt.

"As I'm sure EDI's informed you, we've received an emergency message from Operative Lawson concerning the Collector base."

"And now we have to rush off to save her from your mistake, is that it, Doe?" Jack's voice is absolutely dripping with disdain. She never approved of your decision to spare the base, and she's been waiting for a chance to rub your nose in it.

"If the Reapers are coming, we'll need all the firepower we can get. Even if I have to go through the Illusive man to get it back." The answer seems to appease Jack slightly, at least her scowl lightens up a bit. Though Grunt flashes a truly frightening grin. The Krogan's blood-lust is every bit as useful as it is unsettling.

"The Commander's right, we smashed the base once, we can do it again. Especially now that it's full of squishy humans."

"That's the spirit, just remember which humans are on your side." No sooner than the words leave your lips, you realize Jack and yourself are the only humans actually fit for combat. But if anyone's offended, they don't mention it.

"Grunt is correct, humans are far inferior in comparison to the collector threat, greatly improving the odds," Legion begins, but you wave it to silence before the Geth starts trying to explain the math.

"Look, I know it's just the six of us, but you've all proven that we can handle this mission. If Cerberus is up to something, we'll put a stop to it." Just then, EDI's interface flickered into view.

"Commander Doe, we are approaching the Omega 4 relay. And Flight Lieutenant Moreau insists that I remind you not to get "carried away with dramatic speeches"."

You can't help it, a soft chuckle escapes your lips at the attempt at humor. "Tell Joker that it's bad enough with one of him, I don't need another pilot cracking wise." Before the ship's A.I. can reply, you turn back to the others. "You heard her, the clock's ticking, dismissed." As the crew files out, you take a slow, deep breath, preparing yourself for the mission ahead. This could be your last moment of peace for some time.