New bit from my fic in the works, Mass Effect: Razor.
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"Six months ago, you had a team of eight." Frost walked ahead of Ashley. "Now it's down to two. And even with my clearance, I can't get access to some of those missions. Now that, Lieutenant, truly interests me."
"Each of those missions was a designated success, ma'am." Ash easily kept pace with the shorter officer. "And Admiral Anderson..."
"I'm well aware of his recommendation on your file, it's why I selected you for this mission." Frost arrived at the elevator. "Operation Uppercut, fifty percent of your team was KIA, and the rest heavily wounded, but you managed to evacuate those refugees and the VIPs. During Operation Blackbriar you were captured and tortured. Not only did you escape, but you later returned to rescue the Alliance agent still captive on Zorya. And your most recent success, Operation Raptor Talon."
"I'd...prefer not to discuss that." Ash flexed her left hand slightly, the scar tissue still visible around the centre of her palm. "I lost my liaison officer from the Republic Commando Corps, Lieutenant Kaethon."
"And her sacrifice allowed you and Chief Blackburn the time you needed to set off a wildcat destabilisation of the Persephone's engines." Frost nodded with satisfaction. "An entire Cerberus cruiser, Lieutenant, for just one soldier. Wouldn't you say that's a victory?"
"Her life was worth more than every traitor on that ship." Ash forced herself to meet the N7 Shadow's eyes. "If I could swap them..."
"You wouldn't." Frost stepped inside the elevator with a dismissive shake of her hand. "Shepard would, but not you. You possess the capability to detatch yourself from your closest friends, send them to their deaths if need be, if it destroys a greater number of enemy soldiers, blows up a bigger enemy base, gets a higher value asset to safety. It's why you never requested replacements. You know that you're prepared to sacrifice them if need be. And once they're all gone, you'll sacrifice yourself."
"And you want me and my team backing you up?"
"I'm going to sacrifice someone, I want to know that they can accept it. And if I get sacrificed, it's good to know I'll be avenged."
"With all due respect, you're a real piece of work, ma'am."
"You noticed?" The corners of Frost's mouth curled sardonically. "There may be hope for you yet."
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Thoughts?