Just a bit of a filler chapter that adds a bit of depth to other characters

This one does not own Mass Effect. This one regrets this fact, but will continue to write. This one would like to thank Bioware

Chapter 10:

Friends and Krogans

Not that Ash was superstitious, but she began to worry when Shepard did not come back to the Normandy after another three hours. That's five hours total Raquel has been out in that frozen wasteland. After enjoying her shower Ashley went to her station, only to find that every rifle was already finished.

"I took the liberty of completing your duties," came Garrus' duotone voice. "I wasn't sure how long you would be out, and I thought you'd appreciate the gesture."

"I guess," Ash said glumly. "But I was kind of looking to doing something since I'm out of action."

"Oh," Garrus blinked. "I'm sorry Chief I…I,"

"Don't sweat it Garrus," the Chief dismissed with a wave of her hand.

"Yes, well I am perspiring a bit," Garrus noted as he wiped a cloth over his head in a surprisingly human manner.

"Human expression Vakarian," Ashley said, patting the turian's shoulder. "You'll get used to it."

"I'm sure I will, but until then I think I'll stick to literal English unless you want to learn the native tongue of Palaven," Garrus said with his mandibles flexed in good humor.

"A turian with a joke?" teased Ashley. "Aren't you filled with surprises?"

"As are you Chief Williams," Garrus said with bow of his head. "I'm sorry to have taken away any needed distractions, but you are welcome to help me with the Mako."

"Uh, no. That's your project, and I would only get in the way. My new task is to annoy our favorite pilot," Ashley said with a wry smile as she made her way towards the cockpit. Once there, Ashley peered over Joker's shoulder trying to catch a glimpse of the HUD displays.

"Pull up a chair and pop some popcorn Chief. I call this one, 'The Return of the Rachni'," Joker said, pointing to the chair next to him.

"Not as stealthy as I used to be I guess," Ashley complained as she shuffled to the copilot chair.

"Right now, you fall under the category of anti-stealth," Joker said. "In case you're wondering, the Commander got the coordinates of the Mu Relay, unfortunately Benezia died, and she just released the big friggin rachni queen into the wild."

"Rachni? Somehow I'm not surprised that Shepard managed to do battle with a species that's supposed to be extinct," Ashley said, grinding her head on the cushion of her crutches.

"Tell me about it. She's on her way back in case you want to get a head start to the debrief room," Joker said, unable to resist mock Ashley.

"Hilarious," Ashley said, rolling her eyes. "But the truth," she groaned as she slowly got up.

Shepard was the first to enter the debrief room in her casual military fatigues. "Why hello there beautiful," Raquel said, shaking the remain snow still in her hair. My snow angel. "Damn it was cold down there."

"Boo hoo," Ashley said sarcastically. "I'll warm you up Shepard."

Raquel's eyes shined at the notion. "Maybe later."

Ashley shrugged as the rest of the crew filed in. So now that we have the Mu Relay coordinates, we don't even know where to go from there. Still, there's Virmire to investigate. With the debriefing over, the crew left Shepard to deal with the Council. All except for Ashley, who was struggling to her feet in order to leave when Shepard firmly put a hand on her shoulder to indicate she could stay.

The holographic image of the Council sprang to life. "Commander," began the asari councilor. "We've received your report on Noveria."

"Yes a rachni queen," continued the salarian. "How extraordinary."

"Was it wise to let her go?" queried the turian member. "The rachni have a violent history."

Raquel tilted her head. "This queen had no part in the Rachni Wars and has vowed to stay peaceful. Besides," she continued. "She's a giant bug, she's not leaving Noveria anytime soon."

"We see you also encountered Matriarch Benezia, her death is unfortunate," the asari said.

"In the end, she was remorseful. We tried everything, but she would not surrender," Raquel said sadly.

"Well Commander, we have suggested you investigate Virmire, and we'll be awaiting your report. Goodbye Shepard," the turian said, ending the conversation.

Raquel sighed heavily and sat into the chair next to Ashley. "So, you miss me?"

"A little, but don't make a habit of leaving me behind Shepard. I'm not one to just sit around here and twiddle my thumbs."

"But I thought you and Joker were getting along so well," Raquel teased.

"There's only so much I can take of him before his sarcasm begins to piss me off," Ashley responded.

"I heard that," Joker said of the PA system.

"I know," Williams called. "So how was it?"

"Cold, full of backstabbing, and of course, lots of firefights," Raquel said simply. "Same old same old."

"I still can't believe you let that rachni queen go. If it weren't for the fact that it was trapped on Noveria I might be upset with you."

"Yes well, I wasn't about to be the cause of extinction for an entire race," Raquel said, holding Ash's gaze. "That's kind of what we're fighting against love," Shepard said, after turning off her radio.

"I know," Ash said quietly, as she rested her head in Shepard's lap. "Ugh, my leg."

"A well earned injury babe," Raquel said between kisses upon the Chief's forehead. "I uh, never really thanked you did I?"

"No, but this will do," Ashley said with a smirk as she craned her neck to reach Raquel's lips.

"You weren't kidding when you said that everybody would risk their lives for me," Raquel noted, remembering a previous conversation.

"Well I'm a special case, but I think the crew would do it because they know you would do the same," Ashley said, struggling to right herself. "Come on, you should probably talk to Liara about her mother."

Raquel assisted the Chief to her feet and put on a mock pout. "But I don't wanna."

"Now now young lady. She's your friend, and we help out our friends when they need us most. That way, they'll do the same for us," Ashley said, as she hobbled down the steps with Shepard. "I'll be downstairs if you want to talk some more, but I'm sure the rest of the crew needs your attention."

Ashley wished Shepard luck and pushed the button for the elevator, when Tali came down the steps. "Hey Williams."

"Hey Tali," the Gunnery Chief said as they stepped into the elevator. "I want to thank you."

"Hm?"

"You know, for saving my life and all."

"Don't mention it Ashley. I wasn't about to let a friend die," the quarian stated simply.

Friend. Such a simple concept and yet I didn't think the others saw me that way. But between Garrus and Tali, I guess we are friends. As for Wrex? Well it's Wrex.

"Still, thanks Tali," Ash said, squeezing the quarian's shoulder thankfully as the elevator doors rolled open.

"Sure thing," Tali said, and walked towards engineering.

Ashley shrugged and took a seat in a stool at her rifle table, which was filled with frozen firearms. "Great."

"I'm sure you and Shepard could warm those rifles right up," chuckled Wrex.

"I'm sure you could too if I shoved them up your ass far enough."

"Touché."

"Attention Air Joker passengers. We'll be making a stop at the Citadel before making our way towards Virmire. Please take the time to stock up on anything you may need on our brief four day stay."

Now you know that those four days are for you.

Wrex looked knowingly from Ashley's brace to her eyes. "Shut up Wrex."

"What? I was just going to say that I wasn't betting anything this time."

"That rifle up the ass threat is still on the table," Ashley warned, grabbing the krogan's own extra stocky shotgun.

"Noted," Wrex said simply with a nod.

A bajillion thank yous go out to the following people that reviewed more than once: Heir of Seth, Death12, Hunter-Killer360, and the unseen but loved Kendrene