A- I'm not sure L. meant for you to use the comms device to send me such graphic messages, but I'm not complaining. Preparations continue for the final objective. In the meantime, I'm taking care of a few misc tasks for the crew. Everybody seems to want to have their affairs in order. Not sure that's an inspiring vote of confidence in our chances of success, but I'm still liking our odds. Back to your last comm. So what happens next? And what are you wearing right now? Love always, S.

OoOoO

S- They've kept me on the Citadel for a while now. Not sure what that means. Nobody is saying anything about my next posting. Spent a couple days with your mom when her ship was docked for maintenance. She said you told her to ask me about where you were for the last couple years. So I did. She took it pretty well, considering. She's a hell of a strong woman. She says to tell you she's proud, and that you better visit as soon as you're done. And now that I've talked about your mom I don't feel right about any dirty talk. You'll have to wait until next time. Love, A.

OoOoO

To: Commander Shepard

From Captain Shepard

Saw your marine. She filled me in on why I didn't hear from you for 2 years. That's a hell of a story. Sorry about giving you shit for you not contacting me - I can see how that might have been difficult under the circumstances. Still not entirely clear on your mission right now, but Ash assures me you're doing the right thing. I expect nothing less. You come see me as soon as you can. That's an order.

OoOoO

A- End game is now just days away. Wish you were fighting by my side. You're still the best fucking sniper I've known (don't tell Garrus - he'll pout). I'll ping you just before I head through, since I don't think these comms devices will work on the other side. That's probably already too much info. Sorry to be so cryptic. Also, I'm not sure I'm flexible enough to do that second thing you mentioned, but I think if I start doing stretches now maybe I will be. Love always, S.

OoOoO

S- I still haven't received my new orders. It's been weeks. Anderson has me reviewing some of our old mission reports and preparing summaries. I'm not cut out for desk work. My trigger finger is getting itchy and I haven't hit anything in too long. Been building up my endurance with long runs. We'll see who outlasts who next time. You don't think L. reads these notes, do you? She did set up the connection. Hope she's enjoying herself with that last one you sent, if she does. I know I still am. Love, A.

OoOoO

A- Heading through tomorrow. No idea what's on the other side, but that's part of the fun, isn't it? The ship is in its final stages of prep, so I'm stuck on the shuttle for one final task while I have time. I'll let you know when I'm back. Because I am coming back. I love you, Ash. Always will. -S.

OoOoO

A- Shit. Moved the timeline up a few hours. Going through now. I fucking hate it when the unexpected happens. Don't worry, though. I got this. Love, S.

OoOoO

S- Your last message wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but I have faith in you, S. Hopefully this is waiting for you when you get back. I love you, too. I'm yours, you know. Completely. Hurry home. Love, A.

OoOoO

S- I'm not going to say I'm worried, but I'd feel better if I heard from you. I can't… You have to come home. You just have to. Love, A.

OoOoO

S- Forget that last message. Damn, I sounded needy. I'll try to be more patient. Going for a run to clear my head. I love you. -A

OoOoO

A- Made it! Those motherfuckers didn't stand a chance! Nobody fucks with my crew. Nobody. Didn't lose anybody this time, Ash. Feels damn good. Also told TIM to fuck off. Felt even better. Decided maybe I'll keep the ship. I've grown rather attached to it. Should be able to do a real-time comm soon, love. I miss your face. And there's so much to tell. Love always, S.

OoOoO

S- Thank god. I'll save the rest for when I talk to you. I love you. -A.

OoOoO

A- Fuck. Best laid plans of mice and men, and all that. Hackett has asked for a favor. I don't owe him one, but at least this way he'll owe me. I might need that one day. He wants me to go after his friend who went missing after investigating something Reaper related. I can't not do it. Going in solo, no chance for live comms where I'm going. When I'm done, though, I'm going to dump the crew and give the Normandy to the Alliance. I hope they let me keep her. Care to join me? Love you, S.

OoOoO

S- Dammit, Sloane. Stop saving the galaxy and get back to my bed. I miss you. Hopefully we're talking weeks and not months, right? Stay safe. Remember I love you. -A.

OoOoO

A- Shit. That went tits up. Reapers were knocking at the door, minutes from a full-scale invasion. My only option was to destroy a relay. I'll explain more later. I hope. They're calling me a terrorist. I guess that's what happens when you wipe out an entire system and kill 300,000. Fuck. I need to talk to you, Ash. I need to see you. I need to hold you. I need you.

I had no other choice. But that doesn't make it any easier.

All of this doing a fucking favor for Hackett. You'll like this - I already had to call in the favor he owed me, so that he would allow my crew to disembark before I surrender myself to the authorities. He'll let them get off on Omega, and then I will be transported back to Earth for trial.

Goddammit, Ash. I'm sorry. I'll still come home to you. I just don't know when. I love you. Always. -S

OoOoO

S- Let me come meet you. I'll take whatever time I can get. Love, A.

OoOoO

A- No. It's not safe. Anyone associated with me right now is suspect. Per my agreement with Hackett, I'm only keeping Joker and Chakwas on board as essential personnel. Everyone else is getting the hell out before the Alliance shows up. Anyone with me is subject to arrest. This is the only way I can protect you. I'm sorry. Love always, S.

OoOoO

S- You're doing it to me again. Sending me away. I know you're right, but that doesn't make it hurt any less. I love you, Sloane Shepard. I will see you again. I just have to figure out how. -A

OoOoO

To: Operating Chief Williams

From: S. Shepard

Hey, Chief. This is a monitored communication originating from the Normandy brig. I've been shackled with biotic suppressors and locked down behind a redundant barrier. I guess they've already forgotten that part about me turning myself in willingly. This might be the last you hear from me for a while. I convinced this big ape that's guarding me to let me send out just one communication (I know you're reading this, Big Ape - Hi!). I don't know what happens next. I love you. And I'm sorry I can't keep my promise yet.

OoOoO

ORDERS 170-700

WILLIAMS, ASHLEY M., Operating Chief

You will proceed on permanent change of station as shown.

Assigned to: Vancouver, Earth

Reporting date: Immediately