#*oac

I wouldn't be able to match the salary you could definitely receive elsewhere, my own is barely anything to write home about. But I'm not sure if it's ever been about the money for you. More the challenge of low odds. 

And, admittedly I have an ulterior motive-- I enjoy your company on a non-professional level. You've helped me whether I've wanted it or not. And, I know we got off on the complete wrong foot and I don't think I've fully fixed that yet. I'd like a chance to as we continue to work together. 

Your expertise and skills fill the gaps in my own. And I'm pretty damn sure I'm gonna need whatever you can offer in the months to come. I've delayed the end of the galaxy but not stopped it, as you are well aware. 

Most of the crew have agreed to continue working on board so it's not as if you'll have to get used to all new faces, and Alliance to boot. If you care about that. I will also be granted new resources no doubt to prepare for the Reaper threat we both know is at our doorstep. Once I've been reinstated, anyhow. 

Regardless of your decision to stay or leave, I would ask if you could compile any and all information on Cerberus that you can so I can present it to Admiral Hackett and the Council. 

As a Council Spectre, I can grant you immunity so you won't have to worry about running and going to ground. 

Please let me know as soon as possible. We can of course discuss things in person if you wish it. Just let me know when. I'd like to see you anyways. 

-S. Shepard

**END ENCRYPTION**

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With an exhalation of breath she didn't even know she was holding, the Commander pressed 'send' on a message that had taken a lot longer than expected to write. And it still didn't look right to her. Yeah, she'd made a few remarks but... No, Miranda was smart. She'd figure it out. 

She'd be able to figure out just how much she was wanted on the Normandy, rather than it being a courtesy invitation. If she didn't, it would feel like Shepard had made a serious miscalculation of the ex-Cerberus operative's ability to 'read between the lines'. 

Either way, the Marine put her face in her hands while resting her elbows on her desk. With the message sent, another one that had come in from Alliance brass was now visible. It was from Hackett. She had already accepted the mission she had only barely mentioned in the e-mail. She had no idea what to expect, honestly. But it didn't sit right with her at all. She had a sinking feeling she couldn't explain. 

"Nothing t' do but wait..." she murmured to herself. She went and grabbed the whisky she'd bought some time back and poured herself a glass to nurse while she waited. She wasn't entirely sure how she'd take any response that wasn't a resounding 'yes'. Move on, definitely and there were always other people to recruit.

The simple problem was they had had so long to work together Shane was comfortable around the ex-Cerberus operative, now. Plus, if something happened to the Commander, the woman who put the Marine back together again would be on hand. It was funny that Shane had come to enjoy Miranda's company and trust her so much despite the first impression and everything else. 

But, if she kept worrying over it she'd work herself up into a lather and most likely over nothing. Her gaze turned to the countdown clock. They had some time to discuss and-- if Miranda agreed-- plan for what they had to do to see to it the galaxy was a lot more prepared to meet the Reaper threat.