A/N: Hello, people. I'm glad you guys are loving this thing so far, but do leave a review. I can always do better. I don't mind if you praise me, give me constructive criticism, request for a certain scene with particular characters, or just plain go 'this is a piece of crap! Awful!' (but of course, make sure you actually manage to point out why it's rubbish, or you're just plain trolling otherwise.). I really appreciate the reviews so far. Now that my exams are done and out of the way, all I can do is pray, and write. Never mind me. Let's welcome Kad Dawn, who's our 15th subscriber! Yay! If you asked me if I could reach ten subscribers three weeks ago, I would've thought that having five is already a miracle. Anyway, I think this calls for a celebratory chapter! :D

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-Normandy, Captain's Quarters-

Shepard

"Sometimes I don't know what you're thinking, Skipper. They fired at that dreadnought while we were onboard, and they knew it. And you told Han'Gerrel you agreed? ". Ashley shook her head in exasperation.

"Wouldn't you have done the same?"

"No!", she shot back. Shepard arched an eyebrow at her. "Okay fine... Maybe... But definitely not with you onboard! We could've all died! Because of him."

"I wouldn't be so sure.". The Commander's lips curled into a sly smile.

"What are you getting at, Shepard?"

"Well, for starters, if Cole knew that his girlfriend died under-"

"Woah woah, hold it right there!"

"What?"

"I'm not his girlfriend, Commander. We haven't even gone to first base yet."

"What? ". Shepard couldn't help but widen his eyes in genuine surprise. He'd always thought that the both of them had established a relationship, but were keeping it under wraps.

Ashley rolled her eyes at his reaction. "Just in case you didn't get the memo, those regs aren't removed yet."

"Don't be silly. You're a marine. He's under the army. You're under different jurisdictions. Besides, both my parents were navy personnel, but they still did the deed anyway. And look where it got me?"

"Yeah. First person in the galaxy to die, come back from the dead, and nearly killed on a Geth dreadnought by 'allies'. Not really my kinda thing."

"Hey, we could always get Miranda back and start Lazarus 2.0."

"No thanks, Skipper."

"Just kidding. Relax. But let's get back to the real question: why aren't you two getting together yet?"

"Gee. You're starting to talk like Sam now.". Shepard didn't reply, but continued staring at her with his you're-not-escaping look. "Fine. I don't know.". He didn't remove his gaze from her. "It's the truth!"

"How could you not know? For one thing, the attraction's obviously there. He got himself knocked out to save you, and..."

"Spit it out, Skipper, or I'll gut you inside out."

Shepard couldn't help but cringe at the threat. "Well... The Major told me quite a few stories about you two at the Citadel."

"I knew it! I'm so ripping him to shreds."

"Seriously, what's going on between you two?"

"Wish I knew.". Well, that's a bummer. The silence was broken with the beeping of his terminal. An incoming call.

Shepard walked over to his terminal. The wall displaying his ship models darkened, acting as a large screen. And a pair of familiar dark blue eyes brimming with energy appeared, right eye slightly covered by a strand of chestnut hair. "Hey Shep."

"Cole!". A large grin found its way up the faces of both Ashley and Shepard. "You're back!"

"And good as new.". He noticed Ashley in the background. "Nice to see you too, Ash.". He smiled warmly.

"How are you feeling?"

"Lawson's running checks on me to make sure everything's right. Last thing you want is me shooting you guys from behind."

"You won't.". Ashley's voice was firm.

"Anything can happen. I'm not taking any chances. Also, I've heard you gave my father VIP treatment. Lawson told me about the broken nose. Heard that you also knocked a teeth out."

"Sorry.". Ashley offered him a sheepish smile.

"Sorry? Don't be. He should've seen it coming. Apparently he doesn't know how badass a Williams is.". He gave her a thumbs up.

"So, you're acknowledging him as your father now?". Shepard couldn't help but blurt out what he noticed."

"Well, half the blood in my body's from him. Unless you've got a way to replace my blood, it's truth. Just don't expect me to call him dad or give him a present on Father's Day.". There was an uncomfortable silence. "Anyway, I didn't call to chit-chat. Lawson told me about the deal you made. What in God's name were you thinking, Shepard? "

"If I didn't, you wouldn't even be here talking right now."

"Then I'd rather die if I knew."

"Told you so, Skipper."

"Too bad. I'm the CO, not you two. Besides, I don't think you'd be in such a cheery mood if you're dead right now.". Ashley looked down at her boots, while Colburn shifted his eyes towards his keyboard.

"Thanks, Shepard. I'm sorry.". Colburn's voice was apologetic. "I just-"

"You don't have to explain. I understand."

"So what now?". Ashley looked up, her eyes locked on Shepard, saying thank you. "We can't possibly go back on our word. If we do, he's going to leak the footage of the Prothean data we got on Mars. The last thing we need right now is for Humanity to lose its trustworthiness again."

"Yeah. Hutcherson's pestering Lawson. He can't wait to get the hell out of this facility and straight to the Citadel."

"But he needs the approval of Shepard, the Councillors, and an Alliance commissioned officer at least the rank of a Rear Admiral or General to get the position.". Oh right, Ash doesn't know... Here goes...

"I'm planning on getting my mum to do it.".

Ashley's eyes widened at the mention of General Hannah Shepard. "What? You're just plain crazy, Shepard."

"I didn't have a choice. Besides, she knows everything that's going on. She's also trying to think of a way. But as long as we can't get that bargaining chip off his hands, Hutcherson's untouchable."

"I do have a plan though... But I need a certain contact of yours.". Shepard could see the mental gears clicking and turning in his brain. His XO always had a knack for unconventional methods.

"Who?". Now Shepard was confused. He hadn't known of anyone he knew who could help.

Colburn flashed a really, really, really cunning smile. "Kasumi Goto. Ring a bell?"

A/N: That's 26 for ya! Please, please, please, post a review! A lot of you subscribers haven't reviewed once yet. I need to know what all of you are thinking. I wanna get this right.

For more information on ranks in the Mass Effect universe, read chapter 1.