The shooting range wasn't very romantic. More like a high security jail cell. The walls and floor were made of cold steel. The large window at the back of the room was thick and sound proof. A work bench at one corner displayed a variety of tools for tweaking weapons. To Samantha they looked like tools a dentist would have.

"Shepard tells me you're a terrible shot," said Ashley walking over to the bench. She wore her blue Alliance uniform. It was designed more for fashion than for practicality. Hence the high heel boots, tight pants, and form fitting jacket.

"Yeah," said Samantha pushing the ends of her index fingers together nervously. I'm not that bad. She hated the idea of lying to Ashley. In bootcamp her marksmanship score was average at best but didn't warrant this much attention. "I tend to look away when I pull the trigger."

"We'll fix that," said Ashley. The armory held a wide variety of weapons. For Samantha she selected a pistol; the most basic of firearms. "This should do."

"Thanks for taking the time to teach me," said Samantha as the pistol was handed to her.

"It's no problem. Just try to hit the target," said Ashley. The targets were adjusted to the closest setting.

Samantha took a deep breath and fired the weapon wildly. Slugs hit everything except the target. When the thermal clip was empty she smiled sheepishly at Ashley. You're selling it too hard she thought.

"Good God, how did you make it through boot?" asked Ashley shaking her head.

"I got by on my technical skills," answered Samantha with a shrug.

"Here." Ashley took the gun from her and slapped in a fresh clip. "Just do as I say."

Ashley stood directly behind Samantha putting her chin on her shoulder. "Stand with your feet shoulder length apart." She took Sam's arms and adjusted them to hold the pistol properly out in front. "Good. Now look down the sights with one eye. Match the prong at the tip of the gun with the two near the top."

"Okay," said Samantha. The press of Ashley's body on her back combined with her breath in one ear gave her an electric feeling. Her hands couldn't hold the gun steady and her heart rate jumped.

"Don't be so nervous," said Ashley completely unaware of what she was doing to the specialist. Whispering in her ear she said, "Take a deep breath. Go nice and slow. Easy does it."

That didn't help at all.

The gun went off and Samantha missed completely. This time for real. "I'm sorry."

"Before we leave this room you are going to hit that target," said Ashley tightening her grip on Sam's arms. "Again."

This time Samantha concentrated. Firing three shots, she managed to hit the target twice in the stomach and missed the third shot. Turning her head, she took note of Ashley's lips which were mere inches from her own. "How's that?"

"Outstanding," said Ashley leaving the specialist's side. "Now try it again on your own."

Samantha fired again hitting the target with each shot. Ashley clapped for her. "You're looking a hell of a lot better than five minutes ago. Maybe I should have been a drill sergeant."

"Sir, yes sir," said Samantha mockingly.

Ashley smiled shaking her head. "I think we'll end today's lesson. You did well. Come back tomorrow at the same time." Ashley took the weapon from the specialist and returned it to the work bench.

A flash of dissapointment hit Samantha. Just when we were getting friendly. An idea struck her just then. "Hey Ash, can I call you Ash?"

"Sure," said Ashley as she locked up the weapons cache.

"I was thinking..." began Samantha. She scratched the back of her head nervously. Just ask her already. "Maybe we could grab lunch tomorrow? You know, get to know each other better."

"I'll see if I have time," said Ashley. That's when she noticed something strange in Samantha's eyes. A longing look. Then there was something odd about her smile. As if there was more behind those perfectly white teeth. Samantha seemed so... cute.

"It'll be fun, I promise," said Samantha. She gave Ashley's hand an affectionate squeeze before saying, "Thanks again for the lesson."

"You're welcome," said Ashley feeling confused by Samantha's mannerism. She watched the specialist walk away. There was definitly something strange going on.

/

"So you've landed yourself a date, congratulations," said Shepard while typing out a report. Samantha had rocketed up to her cabin to spill all the details.

"It's not really a date, it's just lunch," said Samantha. Sitting up on the desk she looked over the model ships. "Your collection is coming along nicely."

"Ashley still doesn't know you're a lesbian, does she?" said Shepard making a smirk.

"Uh... no," Samantha sighed.

"That's good, in a way. Your sexual preference shouldn't come up in your first conversation. Ashley doesn't like surprises, so don't spring anything on her," explained Shepard without looking away from the vid screen.

"Any other advice?" asked Samantha biting her bottom lip.

"People like to talk about themselves. Ask about her history. Maybe you guys have something in common," said Shepard. Her face twisted in a confused manner. "Is is an hour, or a hour? The word starts with an H but makes a vowel noise. An hour sounds better but is it proper grammar?"

"You're a soldier, not a reporter. I think the Alliance can let you slide on grammatical errors," said Samantha. Sliding off the desk she paced around the room. "I could buy her a book of poems. A book of sexy poems."

Shepard shook her head. "I already bought her a book of her favorite poems..." She scoffed continuing, "Sexy poems? Really? You're going to donk it all up."

"Donk?"

"It's from this show I was watching, nevermind," muttered Shepard. "Anyway, get her something simple. A bracelet or some sort of trinket."

"If you say so," said Samantha. "I've never obsessed over dating someone like this before."

"Keep in mind it's not a date. Until you come out to her it's just a luncheon between two friends," said Shepard. Taking a break from typing she leaned back stretching out her arms.

"Right, what kind of report is that anyway," asked Traynor looking over her shoulder.

"Oh you know, just letting the Alliance know that Cerberus was turning refugees into husks in order to control them," said Shepard. The tone in her voice hinted at another break down. "Thousands of men, women, and children slaughtered for the Illusive Man's twisted scheme. Nothing to get stressed out over. You go have fun with Ashley."

"Okay commander, don't work too hard," said Samantha backing away slowly. Turning around she quickly headed for the elevator.