Author's note: my apologies to everyone who has been following this story for the delay I've had in putting out this chapter. Real life is insanely busy right now, and on top of things I picked up a cold. Without further ado, let me permit the story to do the talking. I do hope you enjoy it.
Ashley got her questions roughly lined up, things she wanted to know from Miranda, but one question popped out immediately, something that had been on Ash's mind for some time now.
"What was it like, working with him these last couple of months?"
Miranda looked surprised by the question; it obviously wasn't something she was expecting right up front. She took a sip of her coffee as she framed her reply, searching for a way to realistically explain events that were sometimes completely unreal in nature.
"Honestly, I'm not sure there are words for the entire experience. Truth be told, I'm still a little shocked by the fact that I'm sitting here, alive and talking to you. Despite everything I had heard about Shepard, everything we went through before the Collector base, I didn't expect to make it out alive. It was a suicide mission and we all knew it. All of us said our goodbyes, closed outstanding personal issues and so forth knowing that we didn't really have a chance of making it. Shepard was the only one who truly believed we would make it in and out safely, and for the life of me I couldn't understand why. Now I know why," Miranda said, looking directly into Ash's eyes. Ash felt herself flush, but she didn't say anything. Miranda's posture indicated that she was clearly far from done.
"I think I know how people on Elysium must have felt after Shepard helped save them during the Blitz. He just never gives up hope or belief. Logically, my mind tells me that he shouldn't be able to do the things he does, yet somehow he does. Let me see if I can better explain things by starting at the beginning." Miranda finished her coffee and settled back in her chair, preparing herself to tell a long story.
"I'm a very different person now compared to the person who worked on Shepard almost three years ago. When Shepard's body came in, my only concern was to revive him at any cost. The Illusive Man said that he wanted Shepard to be exactly the same as he was prior to his death, which meant I had to study his past thoroughly. The more I read, the less I understood why he was so highly regarded, victory over Sovereign and Saren notwithstanding. Records only state the facts and don't explain how due to his friendliness and caring nature, he made friends all over the galaxy with multiple species. They can't explain the bonds forged during service together. Not knowing these facts, I simply thought that Shepard was an inflated poster boy for humanity. I thought that if we were successful in reviving him, he would be grateful to Cerberus for the chance to really do something and not parade around for the Council. How wrong I was," Miranda said, shaking her head at the memories.
"It seems that since the moment he woke up, we've been on the go. The Illusive Man placed Shepard in charge of the operation, perhaps one of the best ideas he ever had. While I've had extensive training as an officer, Shepard is a natural military man. It was thought that the crew would react better under his command, with me in the slightly more low key XO position. What I don't think any of us expected was how well the positioning would turn out to work," Miranda said with a chuckle. She stood up to refill her now empty coffee cup. The pot was simmering gently, ensuring that the brew would be just right whenever a refill was needed. Enjoying the fragrant aroma of the new cup, Miranda sat back down again. To her surprise, Ash's cup wasn't empty yet. Must be a slow drinker she thought, settling back down again.
"Shepard handled every situation with dignity and intelligence. If the mission needed diplomacy, he was the best diplomat you could ask for. If the mission called for stealth or heavy firepower, he provided that was well. Despite all the rushing around, he took the time to get to know each one of us better, something I think the team truly appreciated. A quick casual chat here, a longer more in depth one there and before you knew it, he was friends with everyone on board. At first I thought it was just a show to boost morale, but I later learnt how genuine he is with people he considers friends. When it came to me, I thought I could keep my secrets. Shepard kept prodding gently however, and before I knew it, I was telling him things. Funny thing is, Shepard's yeoman is a trained psychologist, yet most of his team opened up to him first before her," Miranda mused, wondering how Kelly must have felt about that. It seemed sometimes that Kelly took care of the ship staff, while Shepard took care of his away team.
"In short, working with Shepard has changed all of our lives, often dramatically for the better. People have said that I went from an Ice Queen they avoided to a normal person they wanted to be around. I don't think I can give Craig any higher credit than that."
Ashley had been listening intently to Miranda's voice, soaking up the story. It occurred to her that the story sounded familiar for some reason, only for the connection to appear a moment later. In many ways, Miranda's experience was a lot like her own. She had gone from a lowly marine serving in the 212 on Eden Prime to helping save the galaxy. Along the way, she had made friends, broadened her horizons and learnt to respect aliens. Above all else, she had found love in the most unlikely of places and for the first time since her father had passed away, she had felt good enough about herself to stop pushing herself so hard for a short while. Ashley couldn't help but marvel at how Craig seemed to be able to motivate and bring out the best in people. Sometimes it came back to bite him on the ass, but more often than not his actions had resulted in saved lives. She recalled one incident where he had talked down a Corporal Toombs on one of their side missions. Ashley had been ready to put down Toombs if he so much as moved a finger, yet Shepard had somehow managed to convince Toombs to lower his weapon and turn himself in. She still didn't understand how he had done it, but it had been one of the most impressive and compassionate things she had ever seen.
The next question on Ashley's mind made her feel awkward. During Miranda's story, Ashley had been trying to determine if Miranda had developed any sorts of feelings towards Craig, based on everything he had done for her. The idea made her uncomfortable as she was starting to like Miranda, but Ashley knew that she would never be fully comfortable until she asked the question.
"Miranda, I'd like to ask you something personal if you don't mind. It isn't easy for me to ask this, but I have to know. You don't have to answer however," Ashley said.
Miranda nodded her head to indicate that she was willing to answer. Although she couldn't say for sure, a large part of her was willing to bet on what the next question would be.
"How is it that you and Shepard aren't together? You've been to hell together; he's helped you out with your sister and been there for you. He's one of the most handsome men in all the galaxy and you are quite stunning yourself. One would think that after all that, something would have developed?" Ashley said in a rush, trying to get the words out as fast as possible.
Miranda smiled rather ruefully at the rush of words from Ashley. Her guess a moment ago had been correct. She wondered why Ashley would ask such a thing however; as it was clear as day to her that Shepard only had eyes for one person. Ashley didn't seem like an insecure person. Then again, I've only just met her, so I shouldn't be trying to define her so quickly. Anyone can put on a tough outer shell to hide what's really going on inside. Hell, I should know Miranda thought. Miranda thought about offering a generic response, but decided to rather tell Ashley the truth.
"Chief, I'm not going to lie to you. The thought of being with Shepard has crossed my mind, I won't deny that. As you say, he is handsome like no other and is indeed one of the most desired men in the galaxy. That being said, I realised two things a long time ago. One is that I'm not the kind of woman for him, and number two is that as far as Shepard goes, there is only one woman for him in his eyes. I happen to be speaking to said woman right now."
Ashley was embarrassed by the reply, but that small annoying voice in the back of her head was finally satisfied at the news of Shepard's fidelity. Before she could ask her next question, Miranda spoke up again.
"Speaking of this actually reminds me of something interesting. In all the time I've known Shepard, I've only ever seen him down and depressed once. Despite the weight of all life in the galaxy on his shoulders, he was only ever lost for one day. When we came back from Horizon, he seemed lost. The drive which had started him off was nowhere to be found. He spent the entire next day alone in his cabin, locked away from the rest of us. The day after that, he was at breakfast with the rest of us when he snapped out of it. One moment he was staring into space, the next moment he shook himself, started eating and just generally looked like a man who had woken up from a long sleep. I've never seen anything like it to be honest," Miranda said. She didn't add how disheartening it had been for the entire crew to see Shepard so down and out for that day. It was then that Miranda first realised just how much the crew depended on Shepard's drive and optimism. That realisation had driven home that despite everything, Shepard was still human and could still be hurt.
"I later asked him about the whole incident. He didn't go into detail, but he told me that while things between you two had become very confused, he wouldn't allow himself to give up hope. I don't think he ever stopped believing that things would work out. What did happen I think is that he put it at the back of his mind to sort out later. Later turned out to be your date last night I think, a whole lot longer than I think he expected. After hearing him say that, I realised that I would never stand a real chance with him."
Ashley downed the last of her coffee, the now cold liquid tasting as bitter as the emotion she felt inside. Once again, she was reminded how close Horizon had come to tearing apart their love. More specifically, how close I came to throwing it away she thought. I'm ashamed that it took a third person to see what I had and nearly threw away thanks to my temper. I will not ever make that mistake again Ash thought with a sense of renewed determination. Her relationship with Craig was never going to be the easiest of things going forward, but she would be damned if she walked away from it again.
Ashley stood up from the table to refresh her cup. She briefly thought about going back to Craig's cabin to see if he was up and about yet but she decided not to. There were more questions she wanted to ask, and it was still early in the day. Coffee cup refilled, Ash made her way back to the table. She took a moment to study Miranda as she moved to the table. The brunette's admission had been brutally honest and sincere, something Ashley appreciated. She suspected that Miranda would follow Shepard till the end of events now, and providing they survived, beyond that as well. If Ashley ever ended up back on duty on the Normandy, she would have to trust Miranda as a friend but also as a senior officer. Miranda's admission had gone a long way to building up that trust.
Ashley sat back down, next question on her lips. Before she could speak however, the sound of the elevator descending caught their attention. The doors opened a moment later. Ashley looked at Miranda, who shook her shoulders. A moment later, Shepard's body popped into view. He was dressed in simple grey Alliance boots, shorts and t-shirt. Like last night, he was clean shaved and his hair was done in the usual spiky pattern. The clothes did nothing to hide the ridges and contours of his muscles and chiselled frame. Ash openly feasted her eyes on the sight of him. She noticed a small movement out the corner of her eye and saw Miranda's face buried in her coffee cup, staring intently at something. Puzzled at the brunette's reaction, she went back to watching Shepard. He smiled at her, but walked right past their table. Ashley squawked at him, but he paid no notice as he made a beeline for the coffee machine.
Cup of coffee finally in hand, he made his way over to their table. Craig stopped for a moment as he passed Ashley. Mindful of Miranda sitting there, he leant down and gave her a soft quick peck on the lips. Settling down next to her without a word, he began to drink his coffee. Miranda looked at him. He looked at Miranda. He raised his eyebrow at her, at which she burst out laughing.
"Morning Shepard," Miranda said, still chuckling. There was no real reason for her mirth, apart from his silliness this morning.
"Miranda," he drawled, doing in Ashley's view the best deadpan impression of Wrex's greeting she had ever seen.
"So, what were you lovely ladies talking about that you suddenly had to cut off when I walked into the area?" he asked Ashley, clearly curious.
"Are you sure you want to know? I mean really sure Skipper?" Ashley asked, suddenly feeling very mischievous.
Shepard suddenly looked less sure of himself, hearing that playful tone in her voice, but he decided to bit anyway. "I'm not so sure anymore Ash, but go ahead."
Ashley waited until he had taken a sip of his coffee. The timing had to be absolutely right or this gag wouldn't work. "I was telling Miranda that I'm jealous over the fact that I don't have biotics like she does. You see, she was telling me that if I had biotics, I could hold you in place in the bed while I ravished you senseless. It's so old fashioned to use I've been told," Ashley sighed rather theatrically. Her timing was spot on as Shepard doubled over, choking on his coffee. By the time he straightened up, his eyes were red rimmed from trying to get air. He glared daggers at her while Miranda was looking anywhere but at him. By her face, he knew that if Miranda looked at him, she would burst out laughing. Trying to maintain his dignity, he switched back to staring daggers at Ash. Ash simply smiled sweetly at him.
Realising he wasn't going to win, Craig went back to his coffee. Luckily for him, he hadn't spilled the cup after Ash's joke. Taking his time, he had another sip of the brew. Eventually turning back to Ash, he capitulated. "Fine, you win. One point to you."
Ashley simply beamed like a smug angel at him. Her victory was complete when Miranda finally cracked and started laughing at their expressions. It was a start.