Ashley Williams Romance
***
Ashley: I just want to know, is the person I followed to hell and back -- the person that I loved -- are you still in there... somewhere?
Shepard: Ash... I'm the same person I always was, Ash. And I want you with me, wherever this takes us.
Ashley: I guess I just need some time to get to know you again, to find the guy I used to love.
***
Shepard: Ash. Hey... it's Shepard. I should have known you'd pull through. You're stubborn. Always were. You got pretty banged up there, Williams. Had me worried. I just wanted to check in on you, see how you're doing. Despite all this, it's good seeing you again, Ash. Very good. Get some rest, okay? I'll come by when you're feeling better. We'll talk. You hang in there, all right? I need you up and reporting for duty ASAP, you hear me soldier?
You need anything, doc, let me know.
***
Shepard: Here, I picked this up for you. Figured you had some down-time.
Ashley: Thanks, that's sweet. I've been climbing the walls. But...where do we stand, Shepard? Did we cut all ties?
Shepard: Ash, it's always been you. When we didn't see eye-to-eye, I gave you as much time as I could. But that's done now. I'm not doing this without you. I need you.
Ashley: I...Shepard...dammit. You sure know to sweep a girl off her feet.
Shepard: You're already lying down.
Ashley: Romantic moment...destroyed.
Shepard: {Laughs} Sorry.
Ashley: Thanks. I needed something...good. It's been rough.
Shepard: A lot has happened Ash, but I'd like to work this out.
Ashley: I'm surprised.
Shepard: Why?
- Ashley: Just thought your taste had moved on to wanted criminals with shaved heads.
Shepard: You mean Jack?
Ashley: Hey, I'm not judging. Whatever generates your mass effect field.
- Ashley: Miranda Lawson? Ring a bell?
Shepard: What about her?
Ashley: I wear armor into battle, not swimwear. I'm a real person, Shepard. Flaws and all. Not sure if that's your thing anymore.
- Ashley: I just heard you and Tali were a thing. Look, it's okay.
Shepard: So...what do you think?
Ashley: Tali's like a sister. I totally approve. Not that you needed my approval.
Shepard: Hang on: You walked away on Horizon, not me. It was pretty clear you were done with me.
Ashley: I was hurt and angry.
Shepard: I needed a connection with you, and you shut me out. And now you're angry because I moved on?
Ashley: I can be angry about whatever the hell I want.
Shepard: Fine. I can see this is pointless. Take care, Ash.
Ashley: Shepard...wait. I'm...all messed up right now.
Shepard: {Pauses} What's going on?
Ashley: I don't deny any of it. We both have history.
Shepard: We can dwell on the past, or admit we might have a future.
Ashley: We take it slow, okay? Just give me some time.
Shepard: Okay.
Ashley: So...that's it?
Shepard: A lot of time has passed, Ash. Maybe we should consider this a fresh start for both of us.
Ashley: I'm a big girl. Wasn't sure what I was expecting, really.
Shepard: Let's just see what happens, okay?
- Shepard: Just focus on getting better.
Ashley: Believe me, this is the last place I want to be. It's just that if you're giving the orders, I need to be able to count on you.
Shepard: That works both ways.
Ashley: I get that.
- Shepard: It's a damn mess out there. All we've got is the people around us. We have to trust each other or this doesn't work. Deal?
Ashley: Count on it.
- Shepard: You can't rely on anyone. Sounds harsh, but it's true. It comes down to doing what you think is right -- and damn everyone else.
Ashley: I will.
Shepard: Good. As a Spectre, that's Rule Number One.
- Shepard: I better see you up and around next time.
Ashley: Shepard...wait. There's one more thing. I wasn't sure if I should mention it. I have family back on Earth. I...I haven't heard from them. It's making me crazy.
Shepard: Who's back on Earth?
Ashley: Mom plus my three sisters. The youngest, Sarah, was away on her honeymoon. Married a military man. Thomas. He got called back in and she was stuck alone. She called me. It's been pretty tough. I was always there to protect them growing up. Even when I was off on tour, they knew they could talk to me. I told her to come to the Citadel. We can wait for news together.
Shepard: So what's all this Lieutenant-Commander business?
Ashley: Seems the old Williams family curse is losing its grip. Was sure I'd top out at gunnery-chief.
Shepard: You've worked hard. You deserve it.
Ashley: I thought so, too... until Eden Prime. Losing 212 was... well, you know. Just losing everyone under my command... it's tough to face. I'll never forget any of them.
Shepard: It was the Reapers, Ash. You did the best you could and survived to help us. Right now, we need you back on your feet.
Ashley: I'll be back. And first order of business is to shove their metal tentacles right up their...
Shepard: Copy that. But not too long. The bad guys aren't taking coffee breaks.
Shepard: I didn't hear from you while I was a guest of the Alliance.
Ashley: Okay, okay. What is this? Healing through guilt? I couldn't face you. Even when Anderson requested my presence... it was difficult. It's going to take time.
Shepard: It's okay. We're past that. Fresh start. Have you heard anything about Earth?
Ashley: We have reports coming all the time on what's going on. Half are wild speculation, and half are probably too optimistic to be true. When I thought you were dead, I lost hope. I'm telling you. But when you came back? I was ready to believe anything. I mean, maybe this problem can't be solved by some grunt shooting the bogeyman in the face, but if you think it might help, I'm game.
Shepard: That sounds more like the Ash I know. I should get back to it. Take care of yourself.
***
Ashley: Not exactly, Commander. I've been beached. I'm supposed to be "reassigned when an opportunity presents itself."
- Shepard: From what I heard, you didn't fail the Council, Ash. You took charge when their security team got wiped.
Ashley: They didn't say it, but it's pretty damn clear I failed them. Bodyguard, Spectre, whatever you call it, that career is over. And I don't want it, Skipper. If there's a place for me anywhere in this war, it's on the Normandy.
- Shepard: In the grand scheme of things, I don't think you're getting points off for being catty.
Ashley: Please, that's sugarcoating it. I of all people should have seen the ambushes coming. It was... it wasn't good.
- Shepard: You've been through a lot today, Ash. Combat stress, Udina, getting fired... I'm surprised you're still standing.
Ashley: I'm a Williams, sir. We may not always get it right, but we don't give up.
- Shepard: You look a little shaken. Are you going to be all right?
Ashley: Is it that obvious? Great. There's Udina, of course. I mean, I've dropped the hammer before, but... I knew the guy. I remember waiting in his office. And saying I hate politicians, that's... it comes off as bloodthirsty. I mean, everyone hates politicians, you don't just cap them.
- Shepard: Get your things and we'll find you a bunk. We'll be taking off soon.
Ashley: Aye-aye, Skipper. Uh... I'll be sleeping in the crew's quarters, right? Or is there a... never mind. Stupid question. Don't answer that.
- Shepard: Williams, you don't decide where you serve. In the case of the Normandy, I do. Let's review the 212 on Eden Prime, Horizon when the Collectors hit it, and what just happened to the Council security team. Death follows your units wherever you go, Ash. At some point we've got to acknowledge that fact.
Ashley: You're seriously... If I can speak freely, sir, you're making a huge mistake. You throw people out because they would drag a team down, sir. Or because they disobey orders or hamper combat readiness. Are you seriously going to toss out the second human Spectre because she's hard to kill?
Shepard: Just establishing parameters, Williams. I want you sharp when we enter combat, and I want your team coming home alive.
***
Shepard: Vega's got some eggs ready for you... Oh. I'm thinking a "no" on the eggs. Ash?
Ashley: Uh... Sir. I'm off duty. Your voice. Sir. Not... so... loud, please thank you.
Shepard: Why are you curled up on the floor?
Ashley: It's dark, the metal is so cool on my face. So very cool on my face. Uh... I'll be back to work in 30... maybe 40, I swear. Just... give me 45 minutes. Shh.
Shepard: Were I a cruel man, I might exploit this opportunity. Possibly with loud clanging noises.
Ashley: I'll pay you a million credits not do that, sir.
Shepard: Two million, and we have a deal.
Ashley: You're a damn space pirate.
Shepard: I could order Joker to sing to you over the comm.
Ashley: I hate you.
Shepard: "I hate you...?"
Ashley: Sir. I prefer embarrassing myself in private, sir.
Shepard: Mission accomplished, Lieutenant.
Ashley: No one likes sarcasm, Commander.
Shepard: I want you fit for duty in 20 minutes, Lieutenant.
Ashley: Aye, aye, Captain. Commander. Something.
Shepard: Are you going to tell your commanding officer how you ended up in this sorry state?
Ashley: Just wanted to let off some steam. Vega said he had "just the thing" to take my mind off stuff.
Shepard: And did that "thing" come in a bottle?
Ashley: Yes.
Shepard: This empty bottle?
Ashley: It's empty? Oh boy...
***
Ashley: Hey Commander, I was just about to go look for you. I have a question for you.
Shepard: What's up?
Ashley: I wasn't sure...well, it's not exactly regulation.
Shepard: I'm curious. Shoot.
Ashley: Laying there in the hospital, I had a lot of time to think. Lots of stuff going on, lots to try and deal with.
Shepard: I understand. I've spent more time in hospitals then my own ship.
Ashley: ...and thanks for coming by. Hospitals always make me nervous. Something about shuffling off our mortal coil, y'know? I couldn't wait to get out of there. I hate hospitals. Hate the smell. Hate the colors. Hate the reminder of...the end, Y'know?
Shepard: You...had a question?
Ashley: Yeah...well, I guess I'll come out and ask; you were dead...weren't you? I mean...really dead. Right?
Shepard: So I heard. I couldn't say for sure, but I think so.
Ashley: {Long pause} What did you see? Bright light? Dark tunnel? Anything?
Shepard: That's a big question, Ash. I'm not sure the answer will be what you're looking for.
Ashley: It is what it is, Shepard. There's no right or wrong.
Shepard: I was wondering when you would come out and ask me. People haven't really asked.
Ashley: That's hard to believe. You died! You saw what's next. How can anyone not be curious about that?
Shepard: All right. I'll tell you what I know. The truth is...I don't remember much.
Ashley: What do you mean?
Shepard: I remember floating after an explosion in the Normandy pushed me out into space. There was a sharp pain in my chest. I couldn't breath but could feel air being leeched from my lungs. I struggled, tried to stop the air from leaking- all pointless...but it doesn't take long before it was all blackness.
Ashley: Did you see anything?
Shepard: I did see a light.
Ashley: Really?
Shepard: It was the Cerberus lab, Ash. Nothing else. I heard voices, muffled for a bit. The next time I woke up, I had to escape the facility.
Ashley: So you don't know.
Shepard: I don't know. I'm sorry.
Ashley: I guess the big question won't get answered today.
Shepard: I'm afraid not.
Ashley: Well, crap. You failed as my life-after-death inside source.
Shepard: I could dance for you.
Ashley: Please don't.
Shepard: To tell the truth, I don't remember anything.
Ashley: Nothing at all?
Shepard: Even with my experience, I don't think I should be answering questions about your beliefs. When I realized what had happened. What Cerberus had done to bring me back...I panicked. I shut down. I pushed the fear away just long enough to deal with the Collectors...but it didn't stay away. The time alone in Alliance lock-up I had to confront what I was.
Ashley: What are you afraid of?
Shepard: Ash, I don't know if I died and came back...or simply died.
Ashley: What do you mean?
Shepard: I don't know if this is the Shepard you knew, or some incomplete copy. I don't know.
Ashley: Does it matter?
***
Ashley: Shepard -- thanks for coming.
Shepard: I wanted to be here for you, Ash.
Ashley: It's tough to see her go through this. Damn it, there I go again.
Shepard: This must be really hard on your sister. I'm very sorry for her loss.
Ashley: I'm glad I can be here for her. She wanted me to say something about our family. Wanted Thomas to hear it.
Shepard: Your family made you what you are.
Ashley: You're right. I'm so proud of her. She's no career soldier, but there she is, coping with all this. Reminds me of Dad. Whatever was going on, he put a smile on his face for us. He did his best with four daughters and a strong wife. He always said live fire exercises was good prep for facing "his girly horde."
Shepard: He sounds like a fine man.
Ashley: Right. Here we go. Okay, remember the trip to the beach the summer before I left for basic training? Abby was grumbling. Missing some big party, remember? And Lynn had a new dress. She was so pretty. I always felt like a elephant next to her. It was a beautiful, sunny day, but we were fighting about stupid stuff; being kids. Remember when Mom came up and hugged us all? A big, fierce hug. She said, "This is one of the good days. Something you'll remember." She was right. I love you guys.
***
Shepard: This is a nice spot, Ash.
Ashley: Yeah. All the shuttles zipping around reminds me of when my Dad would get ready to ship out. My mom would bundle us all up, buy us ice cream, and cart us out to the shipyard to watch his transport depart. I still have to resist waving every time a big Alliance ship flies by.
Shepard: You should bring Sarah up here.
Ashley: I will. When she's ready. She'll like the quiet. She wasn't the loud tomboy crashing around like I was.
Shepard: Sounds like you were a handfull.
Ashley: Maybe. My dad got me. Shame you never met him. He would have liked you.
Shepard: You think so?
Ashley: I do. He would have liked you.
Shepard: A badass military woman?
Ashley: Definitely. He would have tried to use his Irresistible Williams Charm on you.
Shepard: Career military man?
Ashley: Yeah. He would have invited you over, cooked you something on the grill, and talked your ear off.
Shepard: That sounds great, Ash. But right now, I can't focus on anything but you.
Ashley: Well now. Those big, powerful Citadel arms giving you ideas, Commander?
We had something before... a long time ago. Something important.
You've seen me at my worst. Totally embarrassing.
I've... held a gun on you, Shepard.
Just had to kill the moment, didn't you?
***
Ashley: You were there for me when my baby sister was suffering.
Shepard: I want more, Ash. I can't see myself with anyone else.
Ashley: That's good. I'd hate to have to punch out whichever table-dancing tart is throwing herself at you this time.
Shepard: Such a romantic.
Ashley: You love it. Now get over here.
Shepard: I care about you, Ash. I rely on you and trust you completely. But... I don't want to risk that by making things complicated.
Ashley: I get it. End of the world isn't the best time for starry eyes and passing notes.
Shepard: We're okay, then?
Ashley: Yeah. I might still sneak a peek at that ass of yours.
Shepard: To tell the truth, I've had some ideas for a while now.
Ashley: Really?
Shepard: Yes. We've been through a lot, and I can always count on you.
Ashley: What are you saying, Shepard?
Shepard: We had something a long time ago. Something important. We've had good friends taken from us. We nearly killed each other defending what we thought was right. I'd like to be more, Ash. I want to know that whatever happens, we're together.
Ashley: More? You're catching me off-guard. I thought we were just playing around.
Shepard: I'm not playing anymore.
Ashley: Good.
Shepard: You might have helped me out a bit.
Ashley: Do I have to do everything myself?
Shepard: Just like seeing you enjoy life for a moment. You carry a lot of your past around.
Ashley: I know. I do.
Shepard: Hey, forget it. Let's just enjoy the view.
Ashley: Yeah. Yeah, that sounds perfect.
Shepard: This was a good idea.
Ashley: Nice to get away from the war for a while. I do feel a little guilty, though.
Shepard: Sure. But sometimes you have to step away or risk going crazy.
Ashley: You're a crappy commander.
Shepard: "You're a crappy commander...?"
***
Ashley: Hey, Shepard. I heard what happened. I know she was...important to you. I just wanted to say something... I admit what she did was just about the gutsiest thing I've ever heard.
- Shepard: It's O.K. Ash. This is tough to navigate. I appreciate the thought. It cost her everything, but she handed us Cerberus and shut down that place at the same time.
Ashley: Miranda sounded like somebody I would have liked to get to know better.
- Shepard: Thanks. You and her were a lot alike. Strong, opinionated, always came through.
Ashley: Something in common with a genetically perfect super-woman? Remind me of that next time I spill ketchup down the front of my uniform.
Shepard: Heh. Her father might have given her perfect DNA, but she was just as human as the rest of us. After seeing that, it make me appreciate people like you Ash.
Ashley: Her father sounds like a real peach.
Shepard: You come from good, solid people. You see things that are wrong, and you try to make them right.
Ashley: That whole facility was designed to deceive people who had lost everything.
- Shepard: The part that haunts me is not knowing if he was indoctrinated. If he was, it might be easier to comprehend what we saw.
Ashley: Some things are just wrong. My survival means nothing if it's built on losing myself. I'm not sure we'll ever understand. I'm glad. Makes me feel human.
- Shepard: He was looking to give our side a fighting chance against an enemy that seemed invincible. I'm not saying I agree, I'm saying I can understand desperation.
Ashley: I can't believe you saw anything that remotely resembled sanity in there. I'd rather small hope of what's real than the ugly false hope of that place.
Shepard: Don't get me wrong, he wasn't doing it for that. Not really. He just used it as an excuse for his own twisted legacy.
- Shepard: The Crucible...the fleets were assembling...all of it, do you think it will be enough to stop the Reapers?
Ashley: I don't know. The odds seem impossible. But is any war different?
- Shepard: I mean if a place like Sanctuary did give us an edge to win this...would we use it, or allow ourselves to be destroyed?
Ashley: {Slight pause}No. If it comes to it, we are better dead then surrerending our soul.
***
Shepard: Ash... I get what you're trying to do.
Ashley: Hey, no brushing me off. Talk to me. What's going on?
Shepard: I'm not brushing you off. I'm just thinking about everyone we've lost fighting this war.
Ashley: I understand. Man, do I ever.
Shepard: It just catches up with me sometimes.
Ashley: You know, I was lost without you. When I thought you were dead, it broke my heart. And then you found your way back. It was a miracle. Screw the science -- it was a goddamned miracle, Shepard.
Shepard: Ash...
Ashley: Shut up. It's a damn miracle.
Shepard: I'm looking for any advantage we can use, anything that'll help. The Reapers... they're not like any enemy we've faced. This isn't just some firefight. It's bigger than that, and it's on us to turn back the tide.
Ashley: And we will.
Shepard: You're pretty damn sure of yourself.
Ashley: Sure, we haven't faced them like this before... but the same is true for them. We'll win this.
Shepard: Damn straight.
Ashley: Yes. Good. Now mention the hair.
Shepard: Silky, stunning. How could I not mention it?
Ashley: My work here is done.
Shepard: You're not going anywhere.
***
Ashley: Shepard.
Shepard: How are you holding up?
Ashley: Restless. Everything depends on this. Think we have a chance?
Shepard: There's always hope. It's how we got this far.
Ashley: And you made it happen, Shepard. You're the reason we're here.
Shepard: I've had people like you picking me up and dusting me off when I stumbled. Lost count of all the times you've saved me.
Ashley: Almost as many times as you saved me, hero-man.
Shepard: Let's call it even.
Ashley: Feels like a thousand years since we met on Eden Prime. So much has happened. It's hard to figure out how we got here.
Shepard: Doesn't matter. We're here now: ready to fight, ready to die.
Ashley: We've had some great fights, Shepard. And I'm not just talking about the ones on the battlefield. Well, I've only got one life, but I'll make damn sure the Reapers know my name by the end of it.
Shepard: "Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of Hell."
Ashley: I hope you're right.
Shepard: I'm right. You're a fine soldier; a Spectre. We're lucky to have you.
Ashley: Thanks, Commander. {Deep breath} Okay.
Shepard: One more hill to take, Lieutenant-Commander. You ready?
Ashley: Aye-aye, Captain. I'm ready.
Ashley: I love you, Shepard.
Shepard: I love you, too.
Shepard: You ready?
Ashley: I'm ready.
Shepard: Then let's get it done and go home.
Ashley: Aye-aye, Captain.
Shepard: When I first saw you back on Eden Prime, I didn't know my life would change. Maybe I was scared to admit that I'd found something I had been looking for my whole life. Through all this, I knew you would be by my side, keeping me sane. I'm sane enough to know when I've stumbled across a good thing.
Ashley: Just shut up and kiss me.
***
Ashley: Everything's ready, Shepard. Let's get it done and go home.
Shepard: We're not getting off that easy, Ash.
Ashley: No? Is this going to be a rough ride?
Shepard: Ash, there's no going back for any of us. No doubts, no hesitation.
Ashley: I doubted you once Shepard, and I lost you. I won't let that happen again. You've been fighting so long you don't know how to stop.
Shepard: I can't stop. Everything depends on this.
Ashley: The only thing that matters right now is us.
Shepard: I have to save them. Ashley...I have to save...you.
***
Ashley: Everything's ready. You can't do anymore until we get there.
Shepard: What about you? You ready?
Ashley: As ready as I'm ever going to be.
Shepard: Ash, please.
Ashley: No. You listen to me. We both know what's at stake. We both know what's out there waiting for us. We have a good plan-- But right now, I don't need ship schematics or platoon numbers.
Shepard: I never would have made it without you.
Ashley: Then trust me. All of us.
Shepard: Is that an order, Lieutenant?
Ashley: That's an order soldier.
Shepard: Aye, aye ma'am.
Ashley: I dug out some letters my youngest sister wrote when she was in high school. She was... having a hard time; teen drama and all that. Just needed her big sis. I guess with everything that happened down there... I just wanted to read them again.
Ashley: So the geth had a few new tricks up their metal sleeves... Heard you were back in form blasting away flashlights down there. Maybe I should be more open-minded, but I'd rather scope down some tin can than a person. I'm right. Right? Fine... I'll shut up.
Ashley: Can't believe Tali's gone. I know you did what you thought you had to, but... I don't-- I just wish I never had to see that. Tali was like a little sister, you know? I... I think I need some time. I'll be fine.
Ashley: I'm shocked you picked those machines over the quarians. I know we're up against the wall here with the Reapers, but I-- You know what? You're in charge. Let's just hope it was the right decision.
Ashley: I know that wasn't an easy call, but I'm glad the quarians came out on top. I just can't see the geth as "real," you know? Ever since Eden Prime, losing the 212... I'll never forgive them for that. Plus, how would it look if we killed a living, breathing race to take up with a bunch of machines? Anyway, I'm glad that's all behind us now.
Ashley: Heard about what happened down there, Commander. Got me thinking about the value of a good leader. ...And how many lives should be sacrificed to protect a truly inspired one. Hope I never have to find out.
Ashley: Despite everything I heard about her, Jack surprised me. Doing the teaching-thing... It's impressive, I gotta say.
Ashley: I'm sorry I didn't get to meet Jack. Just... curious, you know?
Ashley: You're never really prepared for war, but... the kids did well. Broke my heart to see them fight.
Ashley: Commander...we need to talk before you ship out. Things got pretty crazy. I'm trying to go over everything in my head. Make sense of it. I can't believe it came to that. We were so close to...
Shepard: Ash, it's okay. We figured it out.
Ashley: Well, that'll be the first and last time I wave a gun at my commanding officer.
-Shepard: You followed your instincts and kept a clear head.
Ashley: Doesn't feel that clear-headed now.
-Shepard: That could have ended very badly.
Ashley: Very badly. Glad we're both still standing.
-Shepard: Last time you doubted me, you walked away. Why not this time?
Ashley: I couldn't. Too much at stake if I made a mistake.
Shepard: It almost meant blowing my head off, but you were willing to die for what you thought was right.
Ashley: I'd rather be shooting the bad guys than my commanding officer.
Shepard: We stopped Udina and got to walk away. That's the important part.
Ashley: I can't believe he was responsible for all of it. Was he indoctrinated?
Shepard: It's hard to say.
Ashley: How do we fight something that can worm its way into your head?
Shepard: Your bandages were still fresh -- how did you end up working with Udina?
Ashley: You saw me in the hospital, I was going crazy. Felt like I was letting everyone down. A war going on and me stuck in the hospital? Doing nothing was driving me crazy. When Udina offered to make me a Spectre, I thought it was a chance to do some good.
Shepard: I couldn't just sit back and watch, either.
Ashley: Yeah. But it sure turned into a mess. I never wanted to put you in that situation. We're on the same side.