Snippet #2380470

Octavia peered over a rather dainty shoulder for a Marine, even for a female Marine. But looks could be deceptive, just like her seemingly innocent countenance which was shot to smithereens as soon as she opened her mouth.

“That,” She said looking up at the armoured man from her position on the floor. “is exactly what I was looking for. My thanks Sergeant.” Octavia flashed him a smile that disappeared as quickly as it appeared as she slipped her Key Card out of his grasp.

Least that saved her a pretty penny. She was a USC Soldier and they sure as hell didn't pay her enough that she had money to spare for things besides necessities. That's why she economised; O mused with a smirk . . . And speaking of food . . . She was starving.

“All USC Spartans, report for dispatch. Repeat, report for dispatch. This is not a drill.”

Cracked the sharp voice over her wrist that Octavia recognised now immediately. She cursed John Shepard to the seventh hell of Hades. Wasn't enough for him to think he could order her about but now he was stopping her from eating.

Yet, O knew full well it was completely her own fault. She wasn't able to resist the opportunity this morning to make a little money off Watson – which he still hadn't paid her – instead of getting something to eat.

And she didn't work particularly well on an empty stomach. Octavia cursed herself into the same pit she had only moments ago been cursing Commander Shepard.

“By the way, we are being hailed.” Sergeant Volf broke her frowning thoughts as he exited the armoury bay.

“Yes, thank you Sergeant. I'm not deaf.” O replied cuttingly but unfortunately Volf had already exited the room to have heard her.

Sighing she got back to her feet and stuffed the Key Card without care into her locker as she began suiting up again. By the time she had booted the TIOS back up; the rest of the Marines were pouring back through the doors. All looking eager for the fight ahead.

Catching Barton's icy gaze, Octavia didn't pull her eyes away as she stared him down. There was no way on Earth she was going to let this asshole believe that he had won or that he had her scared.

As Barton turned and broke eye contact with her, a much friendlier face came and stood at her side.

“Already ready to go Sinclaire?” Remirez questioned with a raised brow and his ever present smile. “Thought you were getting a beer?”

Octavia laughed.

“My heart is unreliable. I tell it one thing it does another, unfortunately.” She replied casually as she replaced the ear piece back in her ear after the AI completed the system checks; foregoing her helmet till it was necessary putting it on.

O wasn't particularly fond of the HUD; she much preferred the use of her own eyes. However it was an integral part of standard USC Armour and she'd have to wear it before going out.

“I'll have to keep that in mind.” Remirez winked as he began gear up.

“You do that.” Octavia replied with a slight smile.

Her thoughts seeming to meander their way back to their Commander; feeling something Corporal Octavia Sinclaire didn't want to.

Excitement.

Her and John had never before actually been deployed on a real mission together. She wanted to see what the Legendary John Shepard was made of and again to her annoyance Octavia was in no doubt that Commander Shepard would not disappoint.

She had to just try not to shoot him . . . No matter how tempting . . .