Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or any of the characters in it.
Author's Note: This is a dialogue based one-shot. I have reformatted this so that it complies with the site rules as I understand them.
I always fet that it would be nice if Shepard could say one final goodby before activating the crucible. In this case, male Shepard decides to talk to Ashley.
John Shepard is on the Citadel at the end of ME3. Just before taking the final walk to activate the crucible, Shepard contacts the Normandy. He asks to speak to Ashley Williams.
"Ash. It's Shepard. Is everyone safe?"
"Yes, everyone is here. Where are you? Are you alright?"
"I don't have a lot of time, Ash. It will all be over soon..."
"Give us your coordinates. Is Anderson with you? We will arrange for pick up..."
"It's too late for that, Ash. Anderson is dead. This is the last time we will speak..."
"Oh, Shepard. No. Surely there is some way out."
"No Ash. Not this time. When I activate the crucible, that will be it..."
"No, Shepard. We won't leave you behind..."
"No, Ash. You must. It is the only way."
"No. Shepard. We can't leave you...I can't lose you again."
"I'm sorry, Ash...I am so sorry..."
"Oh, Shepard...We need you...I need you..."
"I know how you feel. Ash. And I just want to let you know. I feel the same way. As I have always done. From that very first day I saw you..."
Ashley starts sobbing. "On Eden Prime..."
"Yes, on Eden Prime. I need you now, Ash...I need you to stay strong for me now...I need you to carry on for the others..."
Ashley continues sobbing. "I understand, commander...I will never forget you. I will never forget us..."
"Farewell, Ash. Tell the others that... that I am thinking of them."
"I will. You will always be in my thoughts...in all our thoughts...over and out' Commander..."