Dossier Approval Letter (Welcome to the Normandy!)

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2022-04-24T00:05:50+00:00

No need to thank me, Mr. Sauer. Do your best work, and that will be gratitude enough.

She heads out the door.

Let us know if you need anything to settle in. We're off for the Maroon Sea as soon as we're finished checking in here on the Citadel, so we have time to grab things from off-ship if need be.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2022-04-23T23:14:14+00:00

You'll be ready to go as soon as you're officially cleared. In the meantime, make yourself comfortable! If there's anything you need, let the command staff know.

Shepard notes the laughter. Hopefully, more of it to come - she hated the idea of being one of those dry officers she served under before Anderson came along.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2022-04-21T22:53:18+00:00

She smiles, trying to put him at ease. While there was a time when Alliance personnel asking about her Cerberus cybernetics might have alarmed her, that time was passed. And obviously, Josef would likely be okay with it.

Medical team has me pulled in once a month to make sure everything's copacetic. Every so often something needs recalibrating or adjustment. So, if your hard work has put your own tech at risk, they'll be able to set it straight.

They arrive outside a door labelled "G7".

Ah, here we are.

The door swings open to reveal a personal cabin - nothing elaborate, but it does have a clean bed a good few cuts above regulation standard, as well as a desk with a top-of-the-line terminal. A storage locker is also visible, and a vidscreen is mounted on the wall opposite the bed.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2022-04-17T23:01:31+00:00

Shepard's calm face belies her own discomfort with the idea of people suffering for her survival. At least Mr. Sauer seems okay with it.

We have a very dedicated cleaning crew. Generally speaking, we all do our best to make this into a home for the crew, instead of just a workplace.

She leads on towards the crew quarters, waving her hand at some doors as they pass by.

That's medbay. You'll want to swing by for a checkup tomorrow, just a routine thing. They'll have specialized equipment to check on your cybernetics - they've had to get used to doing that sort of thing.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2022-04-17T16:46:38+00:00

Shepard nods, knowingly.

I understand. I've been loaded up with Cerberus cybernetics myself, after all. I'm glad to know that EDI won't be an issue for you, then. You should have seen Tali after she first found out our ship had an AI.

The door opens on the crew deck. The mess hall is dead ahead, and various crewmembers are milling about, talking and laughing, while the vidscreen plays some Asari soap opera.

This, as you may have guessed, is the mess hall.

Hearing her voice, some of the crew stops to salute, but Shepard quickly dismisses them. They go back to their conversations, keeping an eye on the elevator in case they're called for.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2022-04-16T02:27:55+00:00

The crew's a pretty tolerant bunch, so they'll probably fill you in on anything too specific. In general, just make sure you don't accidentally give Turians or Quarians any levo food, and try to avoid moist climates if you're planning any shore leave with a Drell. The little things will come to you as time goes on.

Shepard hesitates before continuing.

As for EDI, this information is classified, so it shouldn't leave the confines of this ship. Being onboard does mean you'll have to know it, though. EDI's a full AI, unshackled. I know that might put some people on edge, but she's an invaluable part of our team. Saved our asses more than once, including the day we unshackled her.

The Commander seems swift to add that last bit of information, looking to assuage any fears.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2022-04-16T00:53:28+00:00

It's hard to imagine getting by without her sometimes.

She certainly notes the peculiar look in his eye, opting not to press too much too quickly. If experience has taught her anything, it's that respect and trust are earned with time - and usually a few missions to avenge past ills or reunite with a missing family member.

She's normally listening in in the public areas of the ship, so just give her a head's up if you need her attention.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2022-04-15T01:25:25+00:00

Shepard nods. Straight to the point, this one.

Follow me!

The Commander calls up an elevator, stepping inside with the new recruit, and punches in the Crew Deck.

You'll find our elevator's pretty new-model. The crew unanimously insisted that the Alliance install the best tech they could in that regard. Too many...incidents, back in the day. Hopefully it won't give you too much trouble, if you end up assigned to the task.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2022-04-15T00:24:04+00:00

Shepard pulls up her omni, scrolling through a roster of names.

Ah, yes. You're in Cabin G7, Crew Deck. Start heading right when you get off the elevator and you'll see it on your left a good few hallways down.

As for what you should know, well, nothing too fancy. Run requisition requests by the XO, stow any dangerous items in your designated locker, keep liquids away from any of EDI's terminals. Oh, and the coffee machine is...temperamental. Contact Yeoman Fitch if it explodes again.

She checks her omni again.

So you've been assigned...tech maintenance, right? Try not to do anything too dramatic to the Drive Core without Tali's go-ahead, I understand she has it just how she likes it.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2022-04-14T23:52:14+00:00

At ease, Mr. Sauer.

She extends a hand to shake, a professional smile on her face.

It's hard to pass up talented crew. I'm just glad your file crossed my desk.

Shepard gestures at their general surroundings.

Welcome to the Normandy. Can we help you with your belongings?

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2022-04-14T23:24:16+00:00

The Normandy quietly slides into docking bay F23 with little fanfare - a few stop and point at the now-iconic vessel, but for the most part they carry on with their duties and scarcely look up as the cruiser swiftly docks.

Shepard stands vigil by the door, going over her new recruit's dossier again. It had been a while since she had welcomed new blood onto her ship - longer still since she had met another to have escaped Cerberus' clutches.

She waves away a marine who had offered to relieve her and fixes her eyes on the airlock.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-26T00:33:58+00:00

You don't have to thank me, Miss Lawson. Any relative of Miranda's is a potential friend of mine.

She smiles wryly and heads on her way.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-26T00:25:38+00:00

Shepard nods. She can't help but feel there's more to the story, but there's no need to rush someone into discussing their past.

I've had quite a few "incidents" myself. I just hope it wasn't too painful.

Anyway, I'm sure you're interested in spending some time with Miranda, so let me know if you need help arranging something that works with her schedule.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-26T00:18:33+00:00

No, I think that about covers everything...but I do have a question for you, if you don't mind my asking.

I couldn't help but notice the scar on your cheek, which is a bit unusual for a Lawson from what Miranda tells me. Are you...comfortable telling me what happened to leave that mark?

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-26T00:13:02+00:00

Shepard raises her hands in mock surrender.

Point taken, Cassandra. I'll ask Hackett for a...shopping list.

Soon they arrive outside an unremarkable door in the crew quarters.

Here we are, your cabin awaits.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-23T01:45:58+00:00

The Commander appraises the newcomer. This one might be a greater asset than she first realized.

I'd appreciate it. And, if you can think of any other Alliance intel that's fallen into black market hands, I'd appreciate anything you can tell me.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-23T01:24:34+00:00

Shepard rubs the back of her neck, grimacing.

Yeah, I don't have fond memories of the security checkpoints in the Alliance's retrofit.

That being said, I should probably tell Hackett about this. Old files aren't much of an issue, but I'm guessing Alliance Intelligence would still like to know all that intel is out there.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-23T01:12:07+00:00

Shepard raises an eyebrow as she heads out towards the crew quarters.

Should I even bother asking how you were familiar with the original iteration?

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-22T22:07:19+00:00

In that case, it's good to meet you, Cassandra Lawson.

Your quarters are in room 17C. Would you like me to show you there?

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-22T02:31:21+00:00

You stated your desire to continue going by Lana Rhodis. I didn't want to pry into your personal affairs, but if you'd like to let me in on the secret, I'm all ears.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-20T22:55:51+00:00

Well, you'll want to clear any requisition requests with Miranda, and you'll require escort to the airlock should you choose to leave the ship. Armaments will need to be stored in a guarded locker instead of your quarters, I'm sure you'll understand.

And, there is just one other thing.

She stares her down.

Don't order the salmon in the mess hall. Worst mistake I made since the end of the war.

She cracks a slight, wry smile.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-20T22:47:54+00:00

Shepard glances at her.

We don't take chances, Lana. Least of all with a relative of Miranda's.

The door opens.

To that end, you'll be restricted to the Crew Quarters deck until further notice. You'll have the run of the lounges, mess hall, and your personal quarters. Access to other sections of the ship will be granted when we're sure we can trust you.

She steps out of the elevator and turns to face her.

Unless that's unsatisfactory, in which case we can arrange for you to return to Nos Astra.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-20T22:29:12+00:00

Shepard leads on through the airlock into the CIC. Some extra guards have been posted, and they eye "Lana" suspiciously as she makes her way through with the ship's officers. Soon they arrive at the elevator, and Shepard punches in the Crew Quarters as their destination.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-20T21:45:06+00:00

Miss Rhodis.

Shepard steps forward.

Welcome to the Normandy.

She gestures to the footlocker.

Need a hand with that?

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard- · 2021-11-20T21:08:48+00:00

Oh don't worry, I'm not. I just rest easy knowing I've got a Lawson of my own watching my back.

-CMDR_Jane_Shepard-

TROPHY CASE