Dear Ms. Williams,
I was your sister's commanding officer during her final assignment. By now you will have been informed of Ashley's death, but I wanted to write and tell you what I can about it. As I'm sure you're sick of hearing by now, most of the details of our mission are still classified. I can tell you that we were fighting Geth similar to the ones that attacked the Eden Prime colony, operating alongside Salarian forces. Our landing force was separated into two parts, and when the Geth closed in Ashley volunteered to hold her position while other soldiers were recovered. We rescued them, but couldn't pick up Ash before she died. For whatever it's worth I plan to recommend she receive a medal for valor, and it's my understanding the Salarian commander intends to ask his government to do the same. And I know this must be small consolation, but she died protecting the Alliance and saving the lives of others.
I only knew Ashley for few months while she was assigned to the Normandy, but as soon as she came aboard I was impressed by her strength, determination, and courage. As time went by, I learned more. The first thing I learned about Ashley was that I could always trust her to have my back, in or out of combat. The second thing I learned was about her family, how much she loved you all, and how much she wanted to make the world a better place for all of you. The third was her kindness, though I would never have told her that, and how it could help keep all of us sane as well as alive. And the fourth, well...I suppose the fourth will be how much I'm going to miss her. It saddens me more than you can know that I didn't have the chance to know Ashley better.
The last thing Ashley said to me before we lost contact was that she didn't regret anything. I hope knowing that brings you some comfort. And if there's anything I can do for you or any of your sisters, please let me know. I should be reachable on the Citadel for at least the next few days before our next patrol.
I don't know how to close this except to say again that I am so, so sorry for what happened. If there was any way I could change what happened or take her place, I would do it. I can't. But you have my word that I will do everything I can to honor her memory, and to make the most of the chance she gave us all.
Sincerely Yours,
John Shepard
Commanding, SSV Normandy SR-1
A/N: Doing my first playthrough of the original Mass Effect now. Being thoroughly spoiled, I tried to set up events so Ash would be the Virmire survivor, but the game sucker-punched me. And then this showed up, unbidden. I'll let you figure out how the plot went- Shepard is saying a lot between the lines here, for a lot of reasons.
