[Shepard has always been a rather good judge of character. It was practically a necessity to survive the slums where she grew up, reading between the line, decisions made on the fly, and it served her just as well in the transition to military life. Even now, she's scrutinizing, summing him up, trying to surmise how best he could fit into this plan. Although trust was fragile, she was still putting her her life in his hands and in a way, he was doing the same in making this choice. Seeing it like that, the various shades of him start to come out.

The clothes, that style, even the form of his deference spoke of a time long past to her, one that the vision confirmed. She is vaguely familiar with it, in spite of her informal education but she can't help thinking that Kasumi would be able to fill in all the detail she's missing. Her expression remains impartial although the memory hits her deep. What she wouldn't give to have them now, as a sounding board, as support.]

I need a partner.

[She says the words as soon as the thought springs to life and it sounds right. She doesn't speak of loyalty because that's a given and she doesn't speak of obedience because it's already implied with the question.]

I need someone who can think for themselves. Someone who can see what I don't and who isn't afraid to tell me so. [Still with her hand in his, she levels him with a meaningful look.] Can you do that?