Flames engulfed the downed shuttle. Shepard had to admire Vega's tactical decision to ram the craft before the Cerberus AI mech could escape, even if it did almost take out the squad on the ground as well. Ashley was down, but shook Shepard off when she approached, indicating that she was okay. Liara didn't fare as well; she injured a leg. Shepard waved down Vega in the shuttle as Ashley helped Liara up, placing Liara's arm across her shoulders to take the weight off the injury. They were nearly to the shuttle when the EVA synthetic burst through the wreckage, encased in flames. Ashley roughly pushed Liara away behind cover, pulling out her assault rifle and firing at the advancing foe. The rounds bounced harmlessly off the synthetic's armored shell.

Shepard watched in horror as the synthetic grabbed Ashley by the front of her helmet, lifting her in the air and shaking her like a ragdoll. "Ash!" She sprinted back towards them, drawing her pistol and aiming at the synthetic. "Let. Her. Go."

The synthetic appeared to communicate with someone, seeking orders, before pivoting with Ashley still dangling in the air and smashing the Marine against the hull wreckage twice. Shepard's stomach roiled at the crunching sounds that accompanied each strike. The synthetic dropped Ashley in a lifeless heap on the ground, turning towards Shepard. For a moment, all Shepard could see was her lover's body contorted into a still, unnatural lump. Her body vibrating with rage, Shepard charged the synthetic, howling wordlessly while firing her pistol repeatedly until the thing went down.

Shepard kept running until she reached Ashley. Sliding down to her side, Shepard cradled Ashley in her arms. "Ash. Stay with me, Ash. I'm going to get you out of here." She had no idea if Ashley could even hear her. Vega approached, stooping as if to pick up Ashley. Shepard held out a hand to stop him. "No!" she snarled. Vega backed away, hands up in surrender. "Get that thing." She indicated the synthetic. "Bring it with us."

She carefully slipped her arms under Ashley's form, gently lifting her and carrying her to the shuttle. "Don't leave me, love," she murmured.

OoOoO

On board the Normandy, Shepard again waved off any help in carrying Ashley. She brought her into the med-bay, laying her tenderly on one of the tables. Her breath hissed in as she removed Ashley's helmet. Multiple bruises were already purpling across Ashley's pale skin. One corner of her mouth was covered with a crust of dried blood. Her eyes were swollen shut. Shepard could only hope that Ashley was too unconscious to feel any pain.

Liara stood on the other side of the table, silently offering her assistance. Shepard gave her a small thankful smile, but shook her head. As she carefully removed Ashley's armor, Shepard discovered multiple additional injuries. One forearm was bent wrongly where the bones had been broken. Her ribs were obviously broken on the same side. Her back was nearly covered with black contusions. Shepard could only numbly brush the stray hair off Ashley's forehead, bending down to place a soft kiss on her lips.

"Shepard." Liara's voice startled her. "We need to get her immediate medical attention." Shepard could only stare at her. "Now, Shepard. We need to leave the Sol system. Give the order. We have to go."

Shepard took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Joker, set a course for the Citadel. Get us the fuck out of here."

"Aye aye, Commander."

Shepard's tags still hung around Ashley's neck. She carefully slipped them over Ashley's head and put them in a pocket. She didn't want those to get lost during the frenzy she anticipated at the Citadel hospital. Liara did what she could to stabilize Ashley, despite limping on what was likely a broken leg, but was unable to do much about the internal bleeding. Not until after she'd done her best for Ashley did Liara stop to find a splint for her leg.

Shepard refused to leave Ashley's side until they arrived. She held her hand, watching each shallow, labored breath helplessly. As much as she would have liked to just sit there, Shepard knew she still needed to prepare to address the Council once they arrived at the Citadel. To that end, she asked Liara to see what she could learn from the destroyed synthetic Vega brought back on board. She took her briefings from Liara in the med-bay.

From what she could tell, the Archives held information about an enormous Prothean designed weapon that could defeat the Reapers. "It could be the answer, Shepard. If we can build it." Shepard looked up at Liara. Her skepticism was obvious, even to Liara. "I get the sense that you don't quite believe it, though."

"You didn't see what they did to Earth, Liara. How is one weapon supposed to stop them?" she snapped off bitterly.

"We have no other real choice. We can't win this conventionally." Shepard just stared at her. Liara tried another tack. "Isn't it worth trying?"

Shepard didn't address the question. "Make sure you have everything ready to present to the Council. You'll be taking the lead on that part." She looked back down at Ashley, silently dismissing the asari.

OoOoO

Liara had radioed ahead to arrange for emergency medical personnel to be waiting for the ship when it docked. Shepard reluctantly allowed them to place Ashley on a stretcher and transport her to the hospital, although she insisted that she be allowed to go with them.

Her heart sank as she listened to the med techs' chatter. "We barely got a pulse here." Shit, Ash. Don't you dare die. As Shepard followed the medical team and Ashley, a familiar face stepped in front of her, bringing her to an abrupt halt.

"Commander Shepard. Got word you were arriving." Commander Bailey stood blocking her path.

"Now is not a good time, Bailey. Get the fuck out of my way."

"The Council wants to see you immediately, Shepard. They're expecting you at Udina's office."

Shepard watched Ashley move further away from her. She called to the nearest tech, "Where are you taking her?"

The tech yelled "Huerta Memorial" over her shoulder without breaking stride.

Shepard turned her attention back to Bailey. Fucking duty. "Fine. I'll be there in thirty minutes."

Bailey scrunched his forehead a bit. "They asked to see you now."

"And they'll see me in thirty minutes." Shepard took a step forward. "Now get the fuck out of my way." Bailey considered his options briefly, then moved to the side without a word.

Shepard ran at full speed to catch up to the med team and Ashley, just as they were entering the lift for the hospital, willing it to move more quickly. As soon as the doors opened, Shepard bolted out ahead of the stretcher, almost knocking over a surprised Dr. Chakwas. With her attention focused solely on Ashley, Shepard didn't even register that her former medical officer was standing right beside her. She brushed by the doctor impatiently, muttering something about "fucking watching where you're going." Fortunately the doctor knew the commander too well to take offense, and fell in step behind the small group.

The med techs took Ashley directly to a trauma room, transferring her to bed behind closed doors. They prevented Shepard from following, going so far as to signal a nearby MP to ensure she complied with their request. Shepard settled for watching through a small slit of a window. She recognized Dr. Michel, who appeared to be directing Ashley's care. Her heart nearly shattered as the techs cut away any remaining clothing, exposing the complete scope of Ashley's injuries.

She was so absorbed in the scene unfolding before her that she was surprised by the hand that came down on her shoulder. She whirled around defensively, only to see the kind face of Dr. Chakwas. The hands that had balled into fists relaxed instantly, instead wrapping around the doctor as Shepard squeezed her in a desperate hug. Chakwas responded more gently, placing comforting arms around Shepard and allowing her to lean into her as long as she needed.

"It looks bad, Doc. I'm afraid I'm going to lose her." Shepard's voice was muffled against the doctor's shoulder.

"She's in good hands, Commander. Dr. Michel has proven herself a very capable trauma surgeon. She'll do everything she can for Williams."

Shepard released Chakwas and took a step back as realization crossed her face. "Doc, what are you even doing here?"

"I work in a research lab in a nearby ward. With the Normandy in dry dock, most of the crew was reassigned. When Liara called ahead about Williams, I came here immediately."

"Thanks, Doc. That means a lot. Can you help her?" Checking her beeping omni-tool, Shepard swore. "Fuck. I have to go meet with the Council. Goddamn bureaucrats. Can you stay here with Ash, make sure she's being taken care of? I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Of course, Shepard. Don't worry. Your marine is a fighter. If anyone can survive this, she can."

"I hope you're right, ma'am." Shepard cast one final look at her lover, obscured by the swarm of personnel working on her various injuries, and headed slowly back to the lift.

OoOoO

The Council was useless. Again. Shortsighted, self-centered jackasses, all of them. Shepard stalked through the halls of the Citadel on her way back the hospital, spewing obscenities. The Council wouldn't agree to cooperate on building the Prothean device. And to add insult to injury, the Turian councilor offered help privately, but with several strings attached. Essentially she would have to divert from the defense of Earth and take care of some political bullshit for the Turians before they'd agree to offer a small slice of their forces to aid in fighting the Reapers.

Naturally the Council offered to reinstate her Spectre status. Because that was apparently their solution to everything. This time she reluctantly acquiesced, knowing she would need every tool at her disposal.

Upon entering the hospital, she spotted Dr. Michel. She wasn't much in the mood for pleasantries, but she was grateful for the doctor's treatment of Ashley so she tried to tamp down her anger. "Thank you for taking care of Lieutenant Commander Williams. How is she doing?"

"We located the internal bleeding, and took care of that. The head trauma was severe, but we've reduced the swelling. These types of injuries can go either way. She hasn't regained consciousness yet, but her vitals are strong. You can go see her, if you'd like." The doctor's eyes indicated she understood more than Shepard was saying aloud.

"Thank you. I owe you."

Shepard took her leave, hoping the doctor would forgive her curt departure. She hurried to Ashley's room, pleasantly surprised to see Dr. Chakwas examining her marine. "I didn't expect you to actually get involved, Doc."

Chakwas' face was full of regret. "I should have been with you when you went to Mars, Commander. I could have provided her with care so much earlier. I never should have allowed myself to be relegated to a research job. I'm meant to treat soldiers. Not stare into scopes. What if I could have spared her this pain?"

Shepard put what she hoped was a comforting hand on the doctor's arm. "Karin, I appreciate what you're doing now. But know that you'll always have a place on the Normandy. It's where you belong."

Chakwas offered a small smile. "Just say the word, Commander."

Shepard squeezed her arm, offering a smile of her own. "Pack your bags, Doctor. You can't miss the ship at the docks. We'll be leaving at 1400 hours. Welcome back."

"Glad to be back, Shepard. Someone needs to keep you in one piece if you're going to save our asses again."

"Before you go, what can you tell me about Ashley? Is she going to be okay?"

"Dr. Michel did an outstanding job. Although her head injury was significant, she has responded well to treatment. She hasn't regained consciousness, and likely won't for several days. Her body suffered serious trauma. Her broken bones are healing well. The internal bleeding didn't cause any lasting damage. The lieutenant commander is stubborn as hell, Commander. I think she'll do just fine, given enough time."

Shepard nodded gratefully. "Would you give me a minute?"

"Certainly. See you on the Normandy." Chakwas exited quietly, requiring no acknowledgment from Shepard.

Alone in the room, Shepard had her first opportunity to really look at Ashley since she'd been brought to the hospital. She was mostly bare, with a strategically draped cloth covering her chest and a sheet drawn up to her waist. She looked uncharacteristically small. Her body was still covered with angry bruises. Her broken forearm was wrapped and laying across her abdomen. Although Ashley was not conscious, her face held no sign of relaxation or rest. A deep line marred the space between her thick brows and her jaw was clenched. Shepard pulled up a chair next to the bed, holding Ashley's free hand in one of her own. She stroked Ashley's still dirty hair back from her forehead.

"Ash. I don't know if you can hear me. You fight, goddammit. You fight and come back to me, do you hear? I can't do this without you. I need you, love. Right now duty is calling me away, but I'll come back as soon as I can. Fight. That's an order, Marine." Shepard kissed Ashley's bruised mouth gently. "I love you." She placed a volume of Tennyson's poems that she'd had brought to her from the ship on a nearby table. It was her own worn copy, one she'd read when the Normandy was a Cerberus vessel. She took her old dog tags out of her pocket, placing them within the book's cover. With one more look at her lover, she headed out the door and back to the war.