Alexis starts run toward Richard just as Richard jump on the back of mech suit. He tell Alexis jump on the back of other mech suit.

I knew this was going to be fun. Alexis yell "now what?" Richard say "Alexis use your omni blade to cut the hydraulic line." Alexis quickly cuts the line the mech suit malfunction. As she jumps down smile.

Richard bring down the second mech suit. There was no time to celebrate. They were getting hit hard. Alexis and Richard hit each other fists together saying let's do this.

As for Ashley she was start shooting off some the enemies off of Alexis back. Richard run off toward where the intel is being held. Once they had clear out the enemies. Ashley runs towards Alexis. Ashley immediately see that Alexis was breathing hard. Ashley ask "Commander Alexis, you okay?" As she places her hand on Alexis back.

Alexis answer back " yes, Williams. By the way nice work back there." Ashley smiles. As Richard yell out "Alexis, there more intel on the northwest side of the complex." Alexis nod and say "let's go Williams."

Ashley remember that one of the sniper manger to bring down Alexis shield. Ashley was keep her eyes on Alexis for signs of shot actually getting through Alexis armor.

Alexis and Ashley reached the northwest side of the complex. It looks clear. I run a quick scan. It was clear. I tell Ashley to retrieve the intel. Ashley nods. When I get a message for Richard saying "Alexis, they have hostages. We must save them. You are 800clicks away. You are the closest one." I message Richard to grab the intel here. I tell Ashley "Change of plans have to saving some people."

We run off to the coordinators Richard had send me. I tell Ashley "how many enemies Williams?" Ashley answered "Commander Alexis there six." I tell her "we got this. Protect the hostages at all cost."

As we move out. One of the enemies spot me through his infrared scan. They all start shootings simultaneously in my direction. My shield goes down and they hit my armor. I tell Ashley through our coms to get the people to safely. As she asked if I was okay. I tell her yes.

I was happy all the attention was focused on me. It would make Ashley escorting people to safety easier. I see them ahead for me. I shoot two enemies down. I get down quickly as all four open fire. I get up and ran slide into a new cover position.

As four more enemies decide to join the party. They shoot some kind of sound wave technology causing my guns to not work. My only option was to fight with my biotics. I was feeling wear down from the previous fight. Since I used my biotics to fight also.

I get up and start hit them with my biotics and I also using my biotics shielding myself from there incoming shots. I was able to take five down. I was left with three. I was feeling it now and I was starting crap up. I decided to play quit. I get up with hands up in the air. This was a dangerous move to play.

This way they would be all up close. They come up and I let one of them hit me a couple of times. I see Ashley setting up to help. This is when I grab a guy slamming him to the ground and I grab his pistol. Ashley open fire one getting them down. As the other takes a shot at Ashley hitting her shield. I take the shot bringing the enemy down.

I was breathing hard. I asked Ashley if she was okay. I did see her get hit. She say she is fine and that the hostages were safe. Richard men had pick them up. I tell her "let's get back to shuttle."

Richard was already on board of the shuttle. He hands out water bottles to Ashley and I. I sit down and take a drink of water and wet towel to wipe down my face. I was sweating for the over used of biotics and the muscles cramps. I also was feeling the pain from when I let the guy hit me. Richard says nice work ladies. Richard tell me "we can leave now , Alexis." I nod.

I close my eyes as I lean back into the chair. It had been ten minutes. When I feel someone take my hand. As I open my eyes. Ashley say "ok, let me see where you got hit." I just look at her. I was feeling fine as I look at Ashley confused. Meaning that I don't feel like I got shot.

Ashley tell me she know I got hit and that it went through my armor. She gloves up and take my arm armor off then the chest armor off. She see a hole on my right side of my arm. She cut my sleeve off.

Richard whistles and say "I think that hole on the side of your can definitely fit a penny roll in there." Ashley smack him as Richard makes me laugh. I say "yeah, definitely pretty wicked." She pokes me in my ribs. "Aw, what was that for?" Ashley say "this is not a funny, Commander Alexis."

Ashley finished bandaging up my arm. I tell her "Williams, you owe me a combat long sleeve shirt." Ashley laughs at me. She know I was messing with her. As Ashley takes a seat beside me. Then Richard winks at me and smile.

As for Ashley she quickly message Miranda letting her I got hit in the arm but as okay. As Miranda message her back. I see the message "did she use her biotics? Because she shouldn't be using it in her condition. Do to the surgery." I quickly close my eyes pretending I didn't see what she was doing.

Ashley squeezed my hand gently and says "if your brother doesn't kill me. I will hurt you Alexis. Why did you use your biotics." I tell her "it got the job done Williams." Ashley response "yeah, but not that the cost of your health."

I sighs. "Here let me check your back part of your Alexis." Ashley lifts the shirt for the back and grasp. As she touches me back softly. Suddenly I feel a light pain. "Aw, Williams that hurt. Jeez." Ashley tells me "yeah, well you are bruise up from not following doctor orders."

Then Ashley spot the bruise on the side of ribs. Ashley gently brushes her fingers on side of my ribs. As I hiss from the pain. Then she decided to run a scan to check if I broken my rib. I look at her and I see her eyes are a little watery but Ashley always maintains professional. I close my eyes because I know how much Ashley hates seeing one of her friends get hurts.

Ashley puts a cream for my shoulder to help with the bruising. Ashley pulls my shirt back down. As for Richard he definitely didn't stop looking at me and smiling. I knew why Richard was smiling but I was to tried care. As Ashley wraps her arm around me pulling me close as she tell me to rest.

I just close my eye but don't fall asleep. I could hear Richard and Ashley talking getting to know each other. Richard says "well Alexis. Now that we finish the mission. Where we going?"

I open my eyes and tell him "well, I am going back to California. I am going to met up with Mandy. She said you are welcome to come."

I sit up straight as Ashley removed her arm around. "Wait. Mandy as in your ex girlfriend? The hot one." I look at him "Yes, Mandy and don't make it sound like I am some kind of hot shot because I am not." Ashley smile at Alexis reaction.

Richard says "well, this is going to be interesting. I can't wait." Richard ask if we were heading back to earth. I tell him "yes."

As we arrive earth we would touch down in Florida and fly out to California. Once we arrive in California we head out to Mandy house. Richard say "damn, your ex sure as a big beautiful house." I tell "well, she still mangers to ride professional but she a doctor now."

Ashley was nervous now as she was going to meet Alexis ex girlfriend in person. Alexis knocks on the door. Mandy open the door as she hugs Alexis. Mandy welcome them in.

Suddenly a yelping it was Alexis little dog name Sugar. Alexis grab her dog as the little Dachshund licks Alexis. Alexis put her dog down on the ground.

Mandy and Richard knew each other since Alexis would invite Mandy on some family trips they had. Mandy say "yeah, Alexis how is your shoulder doing." I say "just a little sore and bruised."

Mandy jaw tight as she speaks "Alexis, I told you not to used your biotics." Mandy grabs my hand and pull towards the room I will be staying in. Ashley feelings a little jealous by the way Mandy grab Alexis hand. Richard tilts his head towards the room.

Ashley looks at Richard all embarrass. Richard sigh and grabs Ashley by the hand heading towards the room. Richard say "Mandy, here Ashley to help you out with Alexis." Mandy say "good, maybe we both can knock sense in her." Richard leave quickly.

Mandy "Alexis? You know what doctor told you about your biotics. I was there with you as soon as the accident happen to surgery. " Ashley looks at Mandy then Alexis. Alexis response "I know Mandy and I am very grateful." Mandy continues " I know Alexis but you have to listen to us doctors."

Mandy tell Ashley to grab a five pound dumbbell. Mandy help Alexis remove her shirt and tells Alexis to grab the dumbbell with her right hand to hold it up. Then proceed to tell Ashley to get ready grab to the dumbbell in case Alexis let go of it.

I put the dumbbell up and I feel Mandy touching my right side of my back upper back side. Then she pushed down. I feel a sharp pain as Ashley grab the dumbbell from me. Ashley looks worried look that Mandy.

Ashley put the dumbbell down quickly. As she pull Alexis head to her stomach and Alexis arm around her waist. Mandy can see the back muscle better now. Mandy tell Ashley to keep Alexis like that. Mandy continue to push down. As Alexis say "wait." Mandy say "Alexis, it will get better. Just hang in there."

Mandy scan the back and touch the tender area of Alexis back. Mandy say "this is going to hurt." Mandy pushed down along the muscle and tendons. Alexis grunts in pain into Ashley stomach. Mandy look at Ashley say "sorry, Alexis but you are lucky. You didn't hurt yourself again that it would involve surgery again. I promise you will feel a lot better now. So much you won't feel stiff in the shoulder again. No biotics for two weeks got it."

Ashley smile at Mandy as Alexis just nods. Mandy clean up. As Ashley pull away to see Alexis face. A tear side down Alexis cheek as Ashley wipe it away. Ashley help Alexis put on her shirt.

As I say "Thanks, Williams." Mandy say "wait, Williams? As in General Williams? As in the first human to surrender?" Ashley felt like someone had pour an ice over her. As she looks at Alexis worried about if she would also prejudice. Alex wasn't prejudice maybe Alexis wouldn't be too.

Ashley take a breath "yes, General Williams was my Grandfather." Ashley see Alexis stare Mandy. Mandy say "wow, your grandfather was a great man. To surrender and save his men's lives. It not always easy doing the right thing."

Ashley just stare at Alexis smiles "it all makes sense now. I didn't understand why someone as skilled as you didn't get promote as fast as the other. Ashley your grandfather General Williams was a great leader even if everyone else thinks he not."

They walking towards the living room. Ashley asks "Alexis, I thought you read my file already." Alexis tell "Ashley, I only look that your fighting skill and how good you are on the battlefield. The part with family history I don't like to judge plus I didn't even get to that part."

Ashley was very happy to know Alexis wasn't like her previous superiors officers. Ashley say "well, I am glad you think that way." Alexis tell she is a damn good solider.

Richard was playing with sugar outside and Mandy say that she was cooking dinner for all of them. Alexis and Ashley they wanted to help but Mandy say "you guys freshen up for dinner." Alexis heads outside with Richard.

Ashley looks at Alexis outside. Mandy smile "I can see you love her." Ashley looks at Mandy. Mandy say "I just want Alexis to be happy because some of ex girlfriends were only trying to take advantage of that girl good heart. No one has that look in there eyes like you do."

Ashley say "she a great friend and leader." Mandy smile "I understand, you don't have tell me you love her. One I can tell you please take care of her she been through a lot of thing. Some of them will catch you by surprise when you learn them." Ashley tell Mandy "oh, I got her back trust me. I won't let anything bad happen to her."

Ashley then ask Mandy if she had a avocado for a mask. Mandy say "yes, go head." Ashley grabs the avocado and heads toward the room. A couple minutes later Alexis walk in ask "Mandy do you have an avocado to make some guacamole with chips."

Mandy smile an evil smirk "um, Ashley grab my last one. She in the room you guys are share." Alexis take the bag of chips with her to the room. One chip in hand.

Once I get to the room I don't see Ashley but then I heard the bathroom open as I turn. I scream. "Very funny Alexis." I see Ashley with avocado on her face. I fuck with her "what is that on your face?"

Ashley only looks at me. I had one chip in my hand. I walk up to Ashley as I quick scarp avocado off Ashley face. Ashley say "Alexis!?" I quick put the chip in my mouth as Ashley grabs me. "Alexis, don't eat it." As we fall on bed Ashley on top of me. I grab a other chip as I scrap off more avocado off her face. Ashley grabs my hand with the chip. As I say "Ashley, I wanted guacamole and you took the last one."

"Alexis,stop it." I say " I will used my finger, Williams." Mandy and Richard can hear the commotion for the room. They both head toward the room. They both peak into the room. They see Ashley on top of Alexis. They both smile at each other.

Ashley put Alexis hand up by Alexis head. Alexis say "you can't win, Williams. You can't stop me for licking it off if I have to." Ashley say "you wouldn't." "Yes, I would. Don't you dare test a Shepard."

Mandy and Richard couldn't take it no more a chuckle escape them. It's gets quite in the room. The both run towards the living room.

Ashley let's go Alexis as Alexis scream running towards the living room. Mandy looks Alexis "oh, my god help me the swamp thing is in my room it ate Ashley." As Sugar comes to Alexis side.

Richard laughs as he see Ashley heading towards Alexis. As Sugar barks at Ashley. Mandy laughs at Alexis comment. Ashley had a towel cleaning her face. "Oh, she alive." As Alexis put a chip in her mouth. Mandy couldn't help but laugh. As Sugar pulls at Ashley pants. I call Sugar toward me and pick her up. I say "good girl, Sugar."

Ashley say "Alexis, you are not sleeping on the bed tonight and you sleep on the floor." I say "hey, my back hurts still hurt I can't sleep on the floor. Plus I am your commanding officer and Sugar is sleeping with me."

Richard say "I don't see the problem Alexis. You can always sleep with Mandy in her room." Mandy laughs. Ashley say to herself "nice, going Williams." Mandy "no, these two clearly have issues they need more team building skill. You two are going to work this out. Plus sharing is caring ladies."

They all laugh. Ashley say "I can't believe you ate the couple chips." Alexis say "it's didn't taste to bad." Ashley say "all fun and games until you get sick." I wave it off.

Mandy tell us dinner was ready. We all sat down enjoyed dinner and chatted. It was great to have the opportunity to enjoy each other company.

Mandy say "hey, Alexis do you and Ashley want to go horse back riding tomorrow?" Ashley say yes. I nod as I say "sounds good to me."

We head to bed. I get dress for bed as I step into the bedroom. I get on my D pad. Message Alexis telling about successful mission. Then Ashley comes out of the bathroom with a tight T Shirt and small tight short as she smile at me. You could tell she was very well toned.

I quick go back to my D pad long enough for Ashley to get in bed. Ashley sit in the bed say "Alexis let me see your hand. Mandy said to watch for swelling on your hand." See grab my hand it a bit of swelling. She tell me to put down the D pad. If I needed help writing a report that she would write them.

I sat the D pad on the nightstand. "Alexis, You feel okay?" I nod "because your fingers are a bit swelled." Ashley really take good look into my eyes. I smile "let go to sleep? I am kind of tied."

She tell me to laid down that she would turn off the lights. Once she turn off the lights she pull me toward. Her body heat just knocked me out quickly to sleep.

Ashley felt how fast Alexis body relax and fell asleep. Ashley sighs as Alexis scoot over closer to Ashley. Ashley grab the extra blanket placing it over Alexis. Ashley thinks to herself how she was going to win Alexis heart over. Ashley says in her mind "Ashley it time to make Alexis fall in love with me. Its now or never, Williams. Starting tomorrow morning."