CHAPTER 37: WHAT LIES BENEATH...
INT. NORMANDY – CAPTAIN'S CABIN – EVENING
Shepard places a call to Ashley Williams on a secure line from within his private quarters.
"Shepard." Ashley sat down in front of the vid terminal.
"Bad time?" Shepard asks trying to make out the background behind her. Ashley certainly wasn't on the Citadel. That much was certain.
"Surprised you called, Shepard. Didn't think you would with what happened recently."
Shepard rubs his hand over his bald head. "There's more important matters to discuss than holding a grudge. Like meeting my…"
"You're right." Ashley cutting him off.
"Probably better, if you meet me."
"It's rather late, Shepard." Ashley replies glancing at the time.
"Tomorrow, then?"
"Maybe, after breakfast?" Ashley hesitantly remarks.
"Still on Earth?"
"Visiting family before the Alliance ships me off on some big mission to save the galaxy." Ashley jokes.
"Well, I can't be the only one to fill those shoes." He mildly jests.
"Someone has too."
Shepard's raises his eyebrows. "I'll meet you down on Earth, Ash. At the peer and go from there?"
"See you then, Shepard."
Shepard hits the disconnect button and leans back in his chair staring up at all his model ships.
INT. NORMANDY – MESS HALL – EVENING
Miranda strolls up to kitchen counter refilling her empty glass with water from the cooler.
Orianna, Kasumi, Jacob and Joker were standing nearby.
"So, we're really having a Christmas party on the Normandy?"
"That's the plan, Jacob." Kasumi responds standing next to the kitchen counter.
"Unless Ms. Cerberus has a problem with it." Joker adds.
"It won't be a problem, Joker." Miranda replies candidly having finished filling her glass.
"Good! When are we going down to Earth to get that tree?" Joker asks staring at Miranda.
"I'm sure someone is, just not you." Miranda adds.
"I didn't say I was going." Joker remarks backs.
"I know of a place to…"
"We're not stealing a tree, Kasumi." Jacob comments.
"Who said anything about stealing a tree? That's like some bad omen or something? Stealing Christmas. Who'd do such a thing?"
"Right." Jacob folds his arms.
Orianna steps forward. "I've been compiling a list of what we'll need. All that's left is picking up the supplies."
"And since there's no space deliveries..." Kasumi firmly adds.
Orianna turns her attention away from Kasumi and back at her sister, Miranda. "I left the data pad next to your desk for approval."
Miranda silently thinks for a moment before leaving for her office.
Orianna turns to Kasumi. "You think she'll actually let me go this time?"
"Why not?" Kasumi places her finger near her mouth thinking. "You'll need someone of my skills and Jacob's body to…"
"Kasumi!" Jacob shakes his head in disagreement.
Kasumi smirks, teasing Jacob. "What?"
"Fine. I'll go. If it'll keep you two out of trouble. It's the least I can do, for Miranda's peace of mind."
"See, Orianna. I knew Jacob couldn't refuse."
INT. NORMANDY – MIRANDA'S OFFICE – EVENING
Miranda is about to sit down behind her desk when Orianna walks into her office.
"Miranda?"
"Yes, Ori?"
Orianna approaches the front of her desk. "Well?"
Miranda takes the data pad looking over the expense report. "Alright." Miranda bends over slightly, removing a small credit chit device from her desk drawer and hand delivers it to Orianna along with the data pad. "Should be enough to cover the costs."
Orianna watches Miranda head back around her desk thrill and yet surprised.
"Don't stay out too late, Orianna." Miranda slips into her chair.
When Orianna doesn't move an inch, Miranda asks staring back at her. "Something else?"
Orianna walks around the desk giving her sister a big hug. "We won't be gone long. I promise."
"Good. I'm trusting you with this. Be safe, Ori."
"We will." Orianna nearly runs into Shepard as she exits Miranda's office excitedly.
Miranda's fingers activate her terminal. "Shepard."
Shepard tilts his head slightly. "You coming to bed?"
"I suppose this can wait 'til morning." Miranda turns off the terminal.
Shepard and Miranda head out of her office and into the mess hall.
"What has Orianna overly excited?"
"Heading to Earth. She'll be well-guarded."
They continue walking towards the direction of the elevator.
Shepard was a little surprised.
"We still on for that getaway?" Miranda flirts.
"Trying to avoid the Christmas cheer in the mess hall?" Shepard teases as he hits the elevator button.
Miranda folds her arms. "It was your plan, as I recall."
"Yeah." Shepard and Miranda step into the elevator. "We're still on."
"Good. A few things we need to discuss in private, among other things."
"Really?" Shepard teases.
Miranda gazes at Shepard and that grin of his emerging. God that deep voice and grin… does it every time.
INT. NORMANDY – CAPTAINS CABIN/BATHROOM – EVENING
Miranda heads into his quarters glancing briefly at Shepard as she tossing off her boots near his desk. "Care to join me?" Miranda adds before slipping off into the bathroom.
Shepard begins tossing off his clothing as Miranda begins lathering up her body with her expensive but wonderfully smelling soap.
She smiles back at him, their eyes drawing each other in.
Shepard gently moves away the strands of wet hair along her shoulder as he stands closely behind her. His soft moist lips softly kiss her shoulder. "Any closer to unlocking that location?"
Miranda remains quiet for a moment lathering up her arms and chest. "Perhaps." Miranda smiles at him as he returns a faint smile of his own.
Shepard's hands slowly make their way around her waist, moving downward.
Miranda slowly turns around facing him, looking deep into his eyes. She begins lathering up his toned-chest with soap all the while Shepard runs his palms along her arms, leaning in to connect his lips with hers for a brief moment. Turning into several more lingering kisses between each other.
"I have a better idea." Miranda turns around, turning off the warm water. Slipping her soft wet hand into his leading him out the bathroom. Both dripping wet as they carefully make it to the bed without slipping.
"What, no shower sex?" Shepard teases.
Shepard slips his arms around her waist planting several kisses on her shoulder and neck. Miranda smiles enjoying the closeness of their wet bodies, wanting so much more. She turns around giving him a small kiss on the lips before slipping into bed with him. He complies, as if under some kind of spell.
Moving her arms around his neck, legs around his as he climbs on top of her, guiding himself slowly inside of her, kissing her lips, her chin, and down her neck. Miranda gasps with pleasure. They continue in their pursuit, arousing each other, until both are spent and completely breathless.
Shepard flops down on his back next to Miranda with half a laugh and smile. "That nearly killed me."
Miranda chuckles with an overabundant amount of joy from her own sexual satisfaction. "Stop."
EDI Interrupts with a message. "Ms. Lawson, Orianna, Jacob and Kasumi have arrived safety on board the Normandy."
"Thank you, EDI."
"Logging you out, Ms. Lawson."
"See, Shepard. Nothing to worry about." Miranda winks at him.
Shepard moves his body next to hers. His index finger touching her cheek. "Exactly, what I needed."
Miranda leans up kissing his lips. "I know you far too well." She leans back slightly running her fingers over his cheek. "Ready for more?"
"Bring it on." Shepard starts to grin.
Miranda laughs slipping her body over his, kissing his lips as Shepard's hands runs up her back pulling her in closer.
INT. EARTH – VANCOUVER – WILLIAM'S ESTATE – MORNING
Ashley was up bright an early that morning straightening up the living room and kitchen area. Not that Mrs. Williams kept her house a mess, quite the opposite. Ashley wanted to make a good impression when she invited Shepard over to see Ethan.
"What's all this?" Ashley's mother stands at the entry way to the kitchen looking at the prepared breakfast waiting for her.
Ethan was happily eating his circles of cheerios from the bowl in front of him.
"You have plans for today?" Ashley asks curiously.
Mrs. Williams sits down at the table opposite of Ethan's location with a plate full of eggs and toast with a hot cup of coffee to the side. "Meeting Sarah and Thomas at Dock's Café for lunch."
"Good. I could use the house to myself for a few hours."
"You're welcome to join us, dear."
"Nah. Spending some quality time with Ethan is in order." Ashley faintly smiles back at Ethan sipping on his bottle of milk. "Before I'm shipped out again on assignment."
Ashley's mother nods in agreement as she enjoys her breakfast. "I hope it's not too soon."
"Hard to say."
"Still good to have you back when you're here, my dear Ashley."
"I feel the same way, mom. Thanks for everything you've done. Helping me get through it all and helping with Ethan." Ashley runs her hand over Ethan's soft dark brown hair.
INT. NORMANDY – CAPTAINS CABIN – MORNING
Shepard wakes up to the darkness of space as he looks beyond the window above his bed. He stares at small dots of light shining from some distance part of space long forgotten. Today was the day. He was excited yet anxious about seeing his son. His son. He still couldn't get over the fact he fathered a son with Ashley. He didn't know what to expect or how he'd feel about Ethan until he met him. A part of him regrets not being there and yet, it was beyond his control.
Miranda provided him with an opportunity to know what it's like, what he missed, as he watches his unborn baby boy develop within Miranda's womb. Would he have felt the same way with Ashley? He sighs. Shepard knew deep down in his heart that Miranda was the one. The one he wanted to marry. He just knew. He couldn't help but think about it. Everything.
A part of him cared for Ashley but not in the same way. Miranda was different. He felt complete. He could be a man and not the hero to be worshiped. Miranda was his friend, his confidant, his lover and his partner. They were there for each other. They trusted each other. They could be themselves with each other.
He could hear Miranda breathing next to him. Her bare back facing him. He slowly moves onto his left side resting besides her. Breathing in deeply the aroma of her body and shampoo from last night. She always smelled great. The scent of lavender was always so soothing to him. Had she known it was his favorite?
Shepard's fingertip slowly and lightly runs down the length of her arm. Miranda breathes in a little deeper. Miranda could feel Shepard's warm breath on her bare shoulder. She could feel his soft lips on her skin. She smiles briefly.
"Morning, Shepard." Miranda turns her body around facing him.
"Morning."
Miranda affectionately touches his cheek, leaning in to give him a morning kiss. "We should probably investigate how much trouble they've gotten into in the mess hall."
"You think?" Shepard teases.
"Yes. We have a full day of work ahead of us, Shepard. I'll be glad once this missing child business has been dealt with."
"I'm sure she'll be glad to have her child back."
"Probably." Miranda slips out of bed naked heading towards the bathroom.
"Damn, you're beautiful."
Miranda turns her head and winks at him. "Not bad yourself, Commander."
"Heh." Shepard throws off the covers, getting up to follow her.
INT. NORMANDY – MESS HALL – MORNING
Shepard and Miranda enter into the mess hall later that morning to find the tables decorated with garland, containing small red bows in the center and at each end.
In the center of the room, just in front of the tables, is the large Christmas tree. Shepard notes how the tree's very top bends over slightly indicating it's too tall.
"Wow." Shepard adds. "The tree's a little big."
Miranda chuckles. "It's not bad." Miranda approaches the kitchen area finding even more garland spread around the island counter top. "Good. No fire hazard to report."
Shepard finds a Mistletoe just above his head. "Miranda."
"Yes?"
"Come here."
Miranda stands in front of him unsure what he wants. She glances upwards following Shepard's eye movement. "Shepard."
Shepard grins. "It's customary for a couple deep in love to exchange a kiss under the mistletoe." Shepard hands slip around Miranda's waist pulling her in closer.
"Really?" Miranda hands move up and rest over the top of his shoulders.
"The promise of happiness and long life. The promise to marry."
"But it's just a parasitic plant." Miranda adds.
Shepard tilts his head to the side but before Miranda could reply he captures her lips with his.
Dr. Chakwas walks by heading towards the coffee pot. "I was led to believe it bestowed life and fertility to some."
Shepard and Miranda compose themselves, Miranda especially.
"I'll be in my office, Shepard." Miranda slips out of Shepard arms smiling as she heads towards her office to work.
"Morning, Dr. Chakwas."
"How's everything going in the med bay?" Shepard places an empty coffee cup down on the sink next to her.
"Quiet as usual." She begins to pour herself and Shepard a cup of hot coffee. "I hope I didn't interrupt?"
"You believe that's true? A sign of fertility and life?"
"All sorts of folklore have developed over the years. What's wrong with a little bit of wishful thinking and hope?"
"None, I guess. Thanks." Shepard takes a sip of the hot cup of coffee without cream and sugar.
"They've certainly made the mess hall warm and festive with the holiday cheer."
"Yeah, it's nice." Shepard faintly smiles.
INT. NORMANDY – MIRANDA'S OFFICE – MORNING
Shepard steps inside Miranda's office finding her hard at work at her computer. He hand delivers her a bowl of fruit with whip cream and granola chunks. "The way you like it."
Miranda smiles at the thoughtful gesture. "Thanks."
"Yesterday you mentioned other facilities besides, Genomix?" Shepard asks standing next to her, at her desk.
"I did." Miranda taps on her computer terminal bringing up a map of Vancouver. "This area here..." Miranda points to the screen. "Is located on the far west of the city. Not as remote or isolated as the facility we infiltrated beyond the borders of the city."
"Looks compacted with a lot of buildings surrounding the area."
"The area suggests its being used mainly for educational purposes. Various campuses surround the area specializing in various scientific discoveries. Travel time from here to downtown is significantly longer as well but it fits within his criteria."
Shepard seemed positive and upbeat about this new discovery. "That's good."
"Thing is, Shepard." Miranda looks up at him for a brief moment. "The ownership of this particular building is not under any of my father's would be alias or associates. It's completely unrelated to him."
"But it is worth checking out at least?"
"I agree."
"Pull up everything you can. Thermal scans, you name it. See what else you can find out about the place and the surrounding areas. In the meantime, there's something I need to take care of down on Earth."
"Oh?" Miranda asks curiously.
"Yeah." Shepard was a bit hesitant in revealing his plans but comes right out and says it. "Meeting him today."
Miranda raises her eyebrows. "Oh! Alright then. I'll… have everything ready for when you return. Enjoy your time down there." Miranda focused her attention on the tasks at hand.
"I thought about giving him one of my model ships. Think he'd like it, Miranda?" Shepard wasn't sure and wanted her advice on the matter.
"I'm sure whatever you give him, he'll be fine with."
Shepard rubs the back of his neck feeling a bit uncomfortable. "Is this really such a good idea? Getting involved in his life? Wouldn't it confuse him? Let him down when I can't be there for him. You know?"
Miranda stops typing on her holographic computer and looks up at him. She faintly smiles. "I'll let you in on a little secret, Shepard. I felt the same way with Orianna. I would have never went up to her, met her, until you encouraged me."
"It worked out." Shepard added.
"Yes, surprisingly. It was never a temptation until I saw her, Shepard."
"I get what you're saying, Miranda. His safety is my main concern. Given how many enemies I seem to make on a daily basis."
"Do what you think is best, Shepard." Miranda resumes typing on her holographic computer. Shepard leans down and kisses her on the cheek.
"I'll be back soon. Thanks, Miranda."
Miranda smirks watching Shepard leave her quarters. "Of course." There was no doubt in her mind that he wouldn't return.
EXT. EARTH – VANCOUVER – SOBEN SHIPPING & EXPORT – PEER 21 – LATE MORNING
Shepard walks up towards Ashley waiting at the edge of the peer.
"There you are." Ashley starts walking up to him.
"I had to make a stop before I came."
Ashley eyes the medium-size gift wrapped box in Shepard hand. "What's this about, Shepard?"
"I thought that was fairly obvious last night. I want to meet him, Ash."
"And afterwards?" Ashley folds her arms.
"I don't know." Shepard replies honestly. "Let's just see how it goes?"
"Alright, Skipper." Ashley gives in. "We're staying at my mom house, temporarily. Better be on your best behavior, Shepard."
"I'll try." Shepard and Ashley walk towards her alliance-issued vehicle at the end of the peer.
"What's with the gift-wrapped box?"
Shepard raises the box in the air a little. "Thought he might like it."
"It better not have any sharp corners or small pieces, Shepard. Don't need him choking or dying on me."
"Heh. It doesn't. At least I don't think it does."
INT. EARTH – VANCOUVER – ALLIANCE VEHICLE – LATE MORNING
With Ashley at the controls, she drives along the busy streets heading in the direction of her mother residence.
Shepard glances out the window watching the two story buildings zoom past. "So. Everything okay with the Alliance? Not in detention, I see."
"Admiral Hackett took care of it. Which reminds me…" Ashley briefly glances at Shepard while focusing her attention back to the road in front of her, taking a right hand turn down Sypriss street.
Shepard watches Ashley. "What is it?"
"Hackett has me investigating the enemy. Heard you two were trying to find the leader. Any leads?"
"None, so far." Shepard turns his head to the right. "We've been focused on finding the missing child."
"How's that going?" Ashley asks curiously.
"Nothing to speak of so far."
Shepard watches as Ashley presses a remote button she carried with her. The gate to the Williams Estate opens wide allowing Ashley's alliance vehicle to drive inside and stopping within the designated garage area as the gate closes.
The property itself was surrounded with large, tall shrubs and black pointy fencing. The house itself was two stories high with light brown and gray trim around the large windows on the lower level. In the front lawn, a small fountain sprays up water. Small shrubs line the edge of the walkway and black fencing.
INT. EARTH – VANCOUVER – WILLIAM'S ESTATE – KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM – LATE MORNING
Ashley opens the door to the kitchen area and steps inside with Shepard following behind. Once inside, Shepard begins removing his shoes.
"It's okay, Shepard." Ashley faintly smirks. She certainly trained you well. Ashley mumbles under her breath.
Shepard could barely understand Ashley's remark, "Didn't want to track up your mother's floor."
"Yeah. That's not going to be problem unless you decide to run through a mud puddle or something."
"Copy that." Regardless, Shepard removed his shoes and walks with Ashley through the Kitchen.
At the archway to the living room, Shepard watched from afar as Ashley's mother was reading a book to Ethan on the sofa. Ethan seems more interested in smacking his palm against the page than actually listening to her read.
Mrs. William's glances up at her daughter and the bald man, dressed in black clothing near the archway.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Williams. You have a fine daughter." Shepard quickly corrects himself. "A fine soldier dedicated to the Alliance." Shepard takes a few more steps inside the living room.
"Yes she is, unlike…"
Ashley interrupts her mother before she likely embarrassed them both. "Mom, isn't it time for you to go meet Sarah and Thomas?" Ashley reaches down to pick up Ethan from her mother's lap.
Mrs. Williams gave her a faint smile getting the hint she's not needed here. Placing the book to the side, she stands up staring intently at Commander Shepard. "I'll be back in a few hours, dear. Nice to see you." She pats Shepard on the upper arm as she departs the living room. Shepard turns his attention back to Ashley and Ethan who sit down on the sofa.
Shepard was surprised by how small he actually was. He certainly had his mother's features, skin tone, brown hair and brown eyes.
"Hey, little guy." Shepard approaches sitting down on the sofa with gift in hand.
Ethan crunches up his eyebrows trying to figure out who this stranger was.
"Ethan, this is Shepard. Jon Shepard. Shepard, this is Ethan."
Ethan reaches his hands out to Shepard wiggling his fingers eagerly wanting the present. "Mine."
"Heh. Yeah." Shepard hands Ethan the present. Ethan began waving it up and down vigorously shaking what was inside it.
"Open it."
"Ethan, let see what's inside." Ashley was a bit surprised by the toy gift. "A model of the Normandy?"
"Yeah. Hard to find."
Ashley then notices another surprise she wasn't quite expecting to see on Shepard's left hand. Damn it. She said to herself. Didn't see that coming.
Ethan moves the toy ship up and down in the air within his lap.
It's none of my business. He can marry whoever the hell he wants.
"What is it?" Shepard asks noticing a change in her behavior.
"Nothing, Shepard." Ashley tries to keep things civil.
Ethan squirms in Ashley's lap, wanting to be let down on the floor. She complies. "Getting a glass of lemonade. Watch him for a minute?"
"Sure."
Ashley heads out of the living room.
Shepard watches his son toss the model ship up forward into the air, watching it fall down. Ethan excitedly screams and starts to walk towards it to pick it up.
"Careful there, little guy." Shepard watches totally captivated by Ethan and his actions.
"I'm sorry, did you want one?" Ashley stood nearby watching Ethan play with the miniature Normandy model.
"I'm fine." Shepard stands up. "He seems happy, Ash."
"Yeah, he is." Ashley takes a sip from her cold glass of lemonade. "So, you're married now?" Ashley couldn't believe that just slipped out of her mouth.
"Ah. Heh." Shepard scratches his right arm. "It's…"
"Its okay, Shepard. Just disappointed. I mean… surprised. We're not even… I'll shut up." Ashley takes another sip of her drink.
"Thanks, for letting me see him, Ash. It couldn't have been easy."
"Yeah. That's an understatement." Ashley watches Ethan continue to play with this model ship, throwing it up into the air.
"I'd like to be a part of his life, Ash."
"That's going to be tough, Shepard." Ashley replies honestly.
"I know."
Ashley turns and looks at Shepard. "Hackett asked me to uncover a Cerberus cell working out of Vancouver. Any hints where they might be?"
"I wouldn't know." Shepard folds his arms watching Ethan. "They'd probably be hard to find."
"Yeah. Maybe… Miranda Lawson?"
Shepard focus turns away from Ethan and towards Ashley. "I doubt she'll know where to find them. Let alone, contact them."
"She worked for them. Knows how they think, how they operate." Ashley adds.
"I'm not putting her life in more danger, Ash. It's bad enough Cerberus is targeting her for leaving."
"All I need is intel, Shepard. What to look for, where to look, how they operate. Don't tell me you don't want to find those responsible for blowing up the shuttle?"
Shepard watches Ethan walk over to his toy truck and tries to carry both with him.
"Ash. You made your point. What I do know… each cell is kept hidden from each other. Agents from one cell don't recognize the agents of another. Each cell has their own oriented tasks set by the Illusive man. When one cell bellies up, another takes it place. Find the cell's agents and maybe you'll find the cell's leader. Even if you do get lucky, Ash. They won't come quietly. More than likely, they'll kill themselves before getting any useful information out of them."
"Thanks, Shepard."
"Truwk." Ethan stands in front of Shepard trying to look up at him and plops down on his butt.
"Seems Ethan wants you to play with him." Ashley faintly smiles.
"I've got time." Shepard sits down on the floor next the sofa and pretends to play with the truck Ethan hands him.
"Dis?" Ethan points to the model ship standing next to Shepard.
"It's the Normandy."
"It's a ship, Ethan." Ashley corrects Shepard.
"Ship." Ethan repeats it.
"Yeah." Shepard faintly smiles. "That's it."
INT. NORMANDY – MIRANDA'S OFFICE – LATE MORNING
Orianna folds her arms. "You like what we did in the mess hall?" Hoping to get an honest answer out of her sister.
"The tree is little tall but it's a nice touch, Orianna." Miranda resumes working on her terminal pulling up reports she complied for review.
"It's kind of hard gauging the height of the room without dimensions. They didn't listen to me." Orianna sits down in the chair in front of Miranda's desk.
Orianna could tell Miranda was barely paying her any attention at all and more focused with the work in front of her. "Must be some Intel you have there… with your sister sitting in front of you?"
Miranda's gazes at her sister for a moment.
"I get it. No time. Guess, I'll go see if I can stir up some trouble with flying the ship."
"Ori." Miranda stops completely what she was doing. "It's very festive."
"Did you get caught under the mistletoe, yet?" Orianna asks curiously.
Miranda gives out a short laugh. "I did."
"I wonder if I can get Jacob to stand under it with me." Orianna jokes.
Miranda shakes her head. "I wouldn't risk it."
"Seems to be a man shortage on board this ship. Available, human males that is."
Miranda faintly smiles back at Orianna's continued jests.
"Life on board a ship isn't all that it's cracked up to be. We need to get out more. Get some fresh air."
"Hah. I knew you were leading me somewhere." Miranda smirks.
"Girls night out." Orianna stands up. "I'll book the arrangement. You don't even have to lift a finger."
"Maybe another time." Miranda replies. "I've got a lot to do before Shepard returns."
"Where did he go, anyways?"
"Earth. He should be back in a few hours." Miranda resumes her reading.
Orianna stands up and slowly walks around Miranda's desk. "Before you say no, maybe I can help."
Miranda knew she wasn't going to get any work done until she agreed to let her help. "Very well." Miranda taps on her holographic device transferring files to a data pad. "You can start by reading these files.
Orianna takes the data pad in hand. "What am I looking for?"
"A connection between fathers work and the missing child. A place, a building, anything that will lead us to where he might be hiding her."
"Alright." Orianna sits back down in the chair with data pad in hand.
INT. EARTH – VANCOUVER – WILLIAM'S ESTATE – LIVING ROOM – NOON
Ashley stands watch near the entrance to the living room, watching Shepard and Ethan on the floor placing blocks on top of each other. Until Ethan runs his truck crashing into them knocking them all down, laughing in triumph.
"Heh." Shepard watches as Ethan begins stacking the blocks on top of each other again.
Ashley moves away from the entrance way towards them. "It's time to eat."
Shepard stands up.
"Truwk." Ethan picks up his truck showing Shepard.
"Time to eat little guy."
Ethan shakes his head no as he continues stacking his blocks.
Shepard walks towards the entrance to kitchen and stops turning around.
Ashley squats down to his level. "Ethan. You can play with your toys afterwards."
Ethan scrunches his eyebrows at his mother. "No."
"Well play ball after."
Ethan stands up and runs over to the small blue ball in the toy basket, retrieving it.
Ashley stands up.
"Bring it here, Ethan." Shepard squats down.
"Shepard." Ashley wasn't too happy.
Ethan slowly carries it to Shepard. Ethan points to it. "Ball."
"Yeah. It's a nice ball." Shepard looks it over like it was something really special.
Ethan follows Shepard into the kitchen keeping a close on his ball.
Ashley scoops up Ethan and sits him down at the table in his assigned chair.
Shepard leans against the sink counter with the small blue ball in hand. Shepard raises his eyebrows at Ashley's glance.
Ethan begins taking several small pieces of green beans into his mouth.
Shepard notes the extra place setting at the table.
"Wasn't sure if you were hungry." Ashley says sitting down at the table to eat her grilled cheese sandwich with Ethan.
Shepard places the ball on the counter and joins them for lunch. "I probably should be getting back after this."
"Yeah, it'll have to wait till mom gets back. I don't take him out in public view. At least I don't, if I can help it."
"Copy that." Shepard faintly chuckles at the thought.
Ethan watches both his mother and Shepard as he eats.
"It is kind of nice having you here, Shepard." Ashley reaches for her glass of water.
"Kind of?" Shepard asks confused.
"I mean. Wasn't sure how he was going to take meeting you. Not use to having a male figure around. Just us girls."
"You're not dating anyone?" Shepard takes another bite of his sandwich.
Ashley takes a sip from her glass before placing it back down again. "Does she know about him?" Ashley stares at him waiting for a response.
"It won't be an issue. Trust me."
"You wouldn't be here, if I didn't."
Shepard leans back having finished his toasted cheese sandwich. "Thanks, Ashley."
"Yeah." Ashley smiles at Ethan watching him drink his milk.
INT. NORMANDY – MIRANDA'S OFFICE – EARLY AFTERNOON
Miranda walks into her office with two glasses of cold water. She hands one to Orianna on the way around to her desk but before Miranda had a chance to sit down, Orianna stands up.
"I think I found something." Orianna meets Miranda's standing next to her desk chair. Orianna places her glass of water down on the side desk before continuing on with what she discovered.
"What is it?" Miranda just as intrigued by the information she failed to detect from earlier readings.
"Reads like some kind of projection plan."
Miranda stands next to Orianna and takes a look for herself.
"They're using some kind of Synthetic Biology to transform the development of human therapeutics." [1]
"Sounds familiar." Miranda adds recalling her work in using Bio-Synthetic fusion on Shepard. "Father was obsessed with curing genetic disease in humans."
"More like rare genetic diseases and neurodegenerative diseases that caused nervous system damage and cardiac arrest in young patients."
To Miranda, it sounded a lot like the effects Biotics would experience, the neurodegenerative disease and damage to the nervous system. The loss of biotic power. Jack came to mind but in her case her powers were increasing not diminishing and yet she still had the disease. "What else?"
"Just mentions something about it being an inherited disease caused by gene mutations. They did mention gene therapies and genetically-modified cell therapies a couple paragraphs back."
"It does." Miranda folds her arms and ponders the information.
"I guess they wanted to develop DNA-based therapies to repair or replace broken genes."
"Interesting... wouldn't put it past father to fix what he broke." Miranda walks slowly towards the edge of the desk and stops as Orianna continues to read off the information.
"This might be up your alley. Ever heard of a company called HeliXon?"
Miranda turns her focuses towards Orianna. "Never heard of it."
"HeliXon focuses on the development and discovery of new treatments for infertility using synthetic biology platforms for the maturation of high quality eggs. Seeing how they have already found ways of preventing inherited disease for future generations. Why not?"
Miranda releases her arms and asks to see the data for herself. "Give it here."
Orianna faintly smiles handing the data pad over. "Knew that would get your attention."
Miranda feigns ignorance slowly walking to the other side of the room as she reads over the company's approach.
We collect women's own immature eggs cells from around the outer edges of the ovaries to be used to identify, isolate and mature eggs into high quality eggs without the need for hormone injections. [1]
"Certainly would have come in handy a long time ago."
Miranda snorts briefly as she continues to read on. "Apparently father was a busy man, by perfecting the process of helping women with compromised eggs or those unwilling or unable to undergo hormone hyper stimulation. Like they ever had a choice."
Orianna follows Miranda into the back room.
Miranda shakes her head at the remaining line. Women diagnosed with cancer may seek to preserve their future fertility and can do so with our help. With our new procedure we can create mature fertilized eggs without the need for hormone injections improving the overall egg quality and increase the success rate of IVF. [1]
Miranda tosses the data pad down on the coffee table, sitting down on the sofa contemplating this new information.
EXT. EARTH – VANCOUVER – WILLIAM'S ESTATE – BACKYARD – EARLY AFTERNOON
Ashley smiles happily sitting on the porch's top step watching Shepard run around the backyard with Ethan kicking and chasing after the ball. Ethan laughs hysterical as Shepard chases him.
Ashley turns her head back towards the porch door opening. Her mother was back from her lunch date with Sarah and Thomas who just happened to accompany her back home.
"Is that?" Thomas asks a bit surprised.
Ashley stands up. "Yeah. It's Jon Shepard."
"They look like they're having a ball." Sarah says watching Shepard scoop up Ethan tickling him a little.
Shepard turns his attention towards the people watching them. He carries Ethan towards them but Ethan starts to squirm wanting to be let down. Ethan follows Shepard towards the porch.
A tall young man walks down the porch steps to meet Shepard face-to-face.
Ashley introduces the two. "This is Thomas, Sarah's fiancé."
"Nice to meet." Shepard shakes his hand firmly.
"Sarah, this is Shepard."
Sarah also extends her hand.
"Nice to finally meet you, Sarah. Heard a lot about you from, Ash."
"All good I hope?" Sarah smiles briefly looking back at her sister.
"Yeah. Watch out for Sarah's left hook, there Thomas."
"Oh, god." Ashley sighs. "You've meet our mother, earlier."
"Yeah." Shepard nods.
Ethan arms wrap around Shepard leg.
"Won't you stay for dinner?" Mrs. Williams asks sincerely.
"I'd love to but I can't. I promised to meet up with my XO, to discuss our next mission."
"Oh, right." Sarah says cautiously.
"You're with the Alliance, right?" Thomas asks.
"I was, yeah." Shepard replies picking up Ethan to give him a hug goodbye. "You be good for your mother. Okay?"
Ethan rests his head on his shoulder.
"He's getting tired, Shepard." Ashley comments combing her hand over Ethan's hair. "Sarah, watch Ethan for me while I give Shepard a lift back?"
"Come here little man." Sarah takes hold of Ethan as everyone heads into the house.
"You really wore him out, Shepard." Ashley faintly smirks.
"Yeah. I'd like to come by and see him again, Ash."
"Won't be a problem. Just call first." Ashley smiles.
"I can do that." Shepard nods. Glad to see Ashley was agreeable to him visiting again.
INT. EARTH – VANCOUVER – ALLIANCE VEHICLE – EARLY AFTERNOON
The drive back to the docks was quiet and uneventful until Shepard spoke.
"You have a lovely family, Ash."
"Thanks. Ethan seemed to enjoy your company."
"And you didn't?" Shepard teases.
Ashley finally breaks a smile. "Seems like old times."
"But different?" Shepard adds.
"Yeah."
"I don't want you to get the wrong idea but you look good, Ash."
Ashley smiles a bit wider.
"Like a proper lady."
"Just had to kill the moment, didn't you?" Ashley turns into the peer stopping the vehicle.
"Heh. Sorry." Shepard adds getting out of the car.
Ashley hesitated for a moment not sure whether to follow her instinct or let it go.
Shepard walks towards the table next to the peer. "Joker, send the shuttle to pick me up."
"Aye, Commander."
"Commander?" Ashley walks towards Shepard.
"Ash?" Shepard turns around.
Stopping within arm's length of Shepard, Ashley stops. "I… god." Ashley looks towards the ground. "Why can't this ever be easy?"
"I had fun today." Shepard replies knowing how much of a word person, Ashley is not.
"Me too." Ashley laughs too hide her nervous reaction. "Ethan, did too."
"Its okay, Ash. I know."
"Glad you're back." Ashley says trying to keep it together. "You know how to find me if, you know?"
"I do. Friends?" Shepard holds out his hand.
"Yeah." Ashley squeezes his hand for a moment remembering how warm his hand felt against her skin.
"Take care, Ash." Ashley's hand slips from his palm as he walks towards the peer waiting for the shuttle to arrive.
"You too, Shepard." Sneaking a peak of that ass of his.
"And Ashley?"
Ashley turns around. "Yeah?"
"If I hear anything, about Cerberus, you'll be the first to know."
"Thanks, Shepard. It means a lot."
Shepard nods.
Ashley slips back into her alliance issued vehicle and heads for home.
[1] Miranda's conversation with Orianna was gathered from reading company Web sites devoted to finding ways to combat/treat genetic diseases and alternative methods of IVF in the United States. HeliXon is a fake company I made up but the letters do hold some significance to this story.
It's fascinating to find some similarities between what's really taking place in the real world and then having them connect to the Universe that is Mass Effect. Synthetic Biology is real. I'd link the Web URL but can't. Send me a PM and I'll send it along.
Thanks for reading and leaving me a review. Until next chapter…