Allers: I take it you managed to get Oriana settled into a new home?

Ashley: We did, it wasn't easy but she finally relented and settled with a new family.

Allers: So was that it then, you and Miranda were to split paths.

Ashley: No she wasn't going to get rid of me that easily.

Allers: But there was no mention of her being on the Normandy during that time.

Ashley: Technically she wasn't.

After Oriana was sorted with a new family we left the Citadel and headed towards the Normandy's last known location, Virmire. Travel time was fairly short from the Citadel and we spent every moment discussing what would happen once we arrived at the Normandy.

"What are you going to do?"

"I have no current assignments so really I could do whatever I want. What I want is stay but I'm not sure if the Commander will take so kindly to it."

"Hmm, you have a point. She wasn't exactly favourable to you when you met."

"Normally I'd plan every situation out down to the last detail, but I think we should just see how it plays out."

"Really Miri, that's your great idea. Just to roll with it and see what happens."

"Pretty much."

"Well this is going to be interesting."

As we left the mass relay we immediately picked up chatter between the ground team and the Normandy.

"Joker, rendezvous with Alenko and the STG team at the AA tower and then get out of here."

"But Commander..."

"Just do it Joker."

The Commander was sacrificing her life in order to give Alenko and some Salarians a chance. If that was to happen then not only would humanity lose their first and only Spectre but we wouldn't stand a chance against Saren.

"We need to get the Commander!"

"On it Ash, I've already set a course to the Commanders location."

The approach to Virmire was horrible, the closer we got the longer it seemed to take. When we finally made orbit Miranda flew the ship to the co-ordinates straight past the Normandy, which was already speeding away. As we got closer to the Commanders location, we could see the Geth closing in on the Commanders position. Where she was sheltered next to what looked like a nuclear bomb.

"Damn it. No wonder she wanted the Normandy to leave. That's nuclear, Miri put us down."

The ship touched down and we immediately ran out and opened fire on the Geth, quickly decimating their numbers. The Commander was down and clutching her abdomen. We rushed over and quickly applied some medi-gel to her wounds. In her daze she didn't recognise who we were, but she was glad for the help. We got her onboard the ship and made our escape. As we entered orbit the device went off. Leaving its mark on the planet forever. Looking towards the Commander she was still out of it whilst the medi-gel did its work. By the time she was fully out of it we were in safe orbit around Virmire and out of view of the Normandy. They wouldn't be scanning for another vessel, they'd be too busy morning their Commander.

"This isn't the Normandy."

"Your right Commander this isn't."

"Ash?"

"In the flesh, we're currently orbiting Virmire."

"What about the Normandy?"

"The Normandy is fine Commander. They're currently orbiting the opposite side of the planet."

"How did you get here?"

"I had help."

"Who?"

"Me?"

"Miss Jane Doe. I kinda hoped I'd never see you again."

"We don't always get what we want, Commander."

With that said I slipped my arm around Miranda and brought her close, resting her head on my shoulder I gave her a quick peck.

"You're not serious? You two?"

"Deadly serious." The venom that came of Miranda's words was deadly. This was her first time in a relationship and the first person to know spat it back. "Listen Commander. We are serious about this, if you don't like it then you don't need to say anything about it. We're happy."

Okay, wow that was a lot to take. Not just for the Commander. In one speech she'd told both of us how she felt about our new found relationship and she was happy. For the ice queen this was a massive step. She'd exposed herself not only to me but to Shepard as well.

"Okay, am I going to get a name this time?"

"Sarah Walker."

So maybe she didn't trust the Commander with everything. I couldn't blame her.

"We need to get to the Normandy. I take it your back now then Ash."

"We are."

"Oh no, you're not coming with us. This is an Alliance vessel and as far as I'm aware you're not."

"Really Commander, that's bull shit. We already have some non alliance crew members, hell we have aliens on board. What's your real excuse?"

"This crew were handpicked between Captain Anderson and I. Everyone has shown merit and proved my choices right, she's only going to be here because you two are an item."

"How dare you! Sarah is more than ready to be on this crew, she's proved herself to me in combat with weapons and biotics. This is rubbish; you don't want her because you don't trust her. We didn't trust Shiala but you let her join. Why is this any different?"

"Your right, I proud myself in listening to what everyone has to say, but I've just been blind to it all. Miss Walker you're more than welcome to come aboard."

"I suppose you'll want to go back to your ship."

"Please."

We made our way to the helm, with Miranda taking the pilots seat and I took the co-pilots seat, leaving Shepard to stand on her own. After all it was technically our ship. We moved the ship out of orbit and headed towards the Normandy. Our communications were open and broadcasting a signal to the Normandy. The channel opened.

"Normandy, this is Gunnery Chief Williams."

"Ash, you've got some lousy timing."

"Why's that Kaiden?"

"We've just lost the Commander. She fell on Virmire caught in the explosion."

"So what are you going to do about it?"

"What can we do? Any evidence we had was lost with Shepard."

"Grow a spine LT. We're coming up alongside you."

"Starting docking procedures."

With that we ended the communication. If that was what all the crew would be like at the loss of their Commander, then I'm staying on here.

"Why didn't you tell them?"

"Because this way we get to see their reactions."

"You've changed Chief. I'm not sure if I like it."

With her piece said the Commander turned and left us. It would be for the best, she'd become more serious. It wasn't doing her any good. With docking procedures being automatic that left us with nothing to do. Once the airlock was connected all we'd have to do was turn of the engines and that hardly took two people. It gave us some time to ourselves, our arms locked around each other as we drew each other in. When you've found that one person you'll understand the true feeling of being with them, this was those moments. It was electrifying. Whilst the docking procedures were taking place we engaged in small talk, nothing important just chatting like two lovers do. When the alarm went to notify us that the docking had finished, Miranda got up and turned the engines, whereas I looked behind towards the door and saw Shepard just stood there watching us. She must have seen the love pouring out of us because she smiled. Sure that we were right together she turned and waited by the airlock. When we caught up with her the light above the airlock had turned green, telling us it was safe to enter. I led the way with Miranda by my side and Shepard behind us. After entering the Normandy's airlock we were greeted by the ground crew and Pressley. Never taking their eyes of us, some of them noticing the affection shown to each other and seem just staring Miranda out. How I wished I could stop them, it was just wrong.

"Ash, who's this?"

"This is Sarah Walker, and before you ask, yes we are."

"I wasn't going to and who's the third member of your party."

"You already know them."

"I – I do...SHEPARD!"

With that we stepped to the side and let the Commander greet her crew. It was going to be a while until the greetings and celebrations were going to be completed, so we made our way back through the airlock and back to the ship we called home. If anyone needed us we would be here, until everything calmed down. The ship itself wasn't very big, it had four main rooms, the helm, the mess, storage, and sleeping quarters. Since you only needed a two man crew for the ship there was only two beds, but in this case since the Cerberus shop owner that gave it us, saw that we were a couple had gone and given us one queen size bed, and a couple of two seater couches in the mess. It was all we needed and we weren't ready to get rid of it just yet. With it being a Cerberus vessel there were a couple of hidden compartments and weapon stores. We'd been sat on the couch snuggled up together for several minutes before someone must have realised that we weren't part of the celebrations.

"Ash, how come you're hidden yourself in here?"

"We're not hidden Tali, we're just out of the way. Too much traffic over there, too many people wanting to say how glad they are the Commander is back."

"Are you okay Ash?"

"Just tired Tali, it's been a long and emotional day."

"That's okay. Introductions Ash?"

"Sorry Tali, this is Sar...I need to tell her the truth. Tali's more like family, I can't lie to her."

"That's fine only Tali though. And Tali you can't tell anybody else."

"Tell me what?"

"Tali, this is Miranda Lawson, Miri, this is Tali'Zorah nar Rayya. Sarah Walker is her cover name."

"Cover name? What's going on here?"

"Miri, I don't know how much I can say."

"That's alright, I'll take over. I, that is to say we, belong to an organisation which is an offshoot from the Alliance. Both of us have cover names due to the nature of our involvement. Mine as you know is Sarah Walker, Ash's is Carina Miller. Due to the nature of Ash's current assignment she couldn't leave, so only the crew know her real name, and only few know mine. When I say a few you're the third person to know. And we only know due to the relationship between me and Ash, and yours and hers."

"You mean the Commander doesn't even know?"

"No she doesn't. I trust you with this Tali. You're like family to me."

"Okay, I'll keep your secret Ash and Miranda."

"Thanks Tali. So what's been going on since I left?"

A lot had happened apparently. Somewhere along the line the Commander and Shiala had become close. They had both bonded over the care of Liara, apparently everybody now new that she was an Ardat-Yakshi so most people avoided her. In between missions and looking after Liara they were always seen together. They had become the new item onboard. She also filled us in on the mission on Virmire; Saren with an army of Krogan wouldn't have been good. With Tali having filled me in on latest on the Normandy, the topic eventually turned around to me and Miranda. It didn't take long for the rest of the ground grew to come and see us as well. Turning what was supposed to be some quiet time into more noise than a Krogan could handle. Everyone clearly wanted the scoop about me and Miranda. With Miranda's help we filled in what we could and made up the rest, to her credit Tali managed to stay neutral, but then again the mask definitely helped, and helped remove everyone from our ship leaving just the three of us again. We talked a while longer before Tali made her move and left as well.

"Welcome home Ash."

A/N So yeah this happened. Honestly didn't expect to get this done so soon. It's more of a filler chapter, but I think it was needed. Back on the Normandy at last, not much more to go of ME1, will soon be time for ME2. Cheers