Ashley talks to Shepard

“Hey, Skipper,” Ashley said as she approached Shepard who was sitting on the steps of an alley way.

“How much did you know?” Shepard asked.

“Only what she told me,” Ashley said. “And it sounded bad enough for me to do what she told me to do. I take orders, Skipper. You know that.”

Shepard sighed and put her head in her hands. “I… I’m so lost, Ash… I should be happy that I won that Vasir is dealt with. But…”

Ashley sat next to Shepard and put an arm around her. Shepard buried her face in Ashley’s shoulder, crying. And Shepard never cried.

Ashley held her. “I get it,” Ashley said. “You feel betrayed. You feel like you could hate every asari out there because two of them nearly destroyed you. I get it. But you can’t let that cloud your brain. Liara only did what she did because she thought she was protecting you. And we all know Vasir was always fucked in the head.”

“But everyone… everyone betrayed me,” Shepard cried.

“Not everyone. And we only did what did because we care so much about you, Shepard. You have taught us that sometimes we have to do the tough things and that the end justifies the means,” Ashley said.

“But what do I do?” Shepard asked.

“That’s up to you,” Ashley said. “You could move on. You could forgive her. You could do both. But whatever you do, don’t turn it into hate. Don’t be the person I used to be. You’re better than that.”

Shepard nodded as she let Ashley hold her. “I just…”

“You just need a moment,” Ashley said. “You need to process everything and let it settle before you make any more decisions.”

“You’re right,” Shepard said.

“Oh… and one other thing,” Ashley said.

“What?” Shepard asked.

“Kasumi helped me beat you in arm wrestling,” Ashley said.

“Really?” Shepard said.

“Are you kidding? I could never beat you. Did you not notice Kasumi going invisible?” Ashley said. “I guess you were too busy focusing. Also… the contract never existed. I made it all up actually.”

“Oh…” Shepard said.

“And if you’re interested in talking to Miranda… she’s with Jack in the VIP section,” Ashley said.

Shepard sighed as Ashley got up. Ashley held her arm out and helped Shepard up. “I guess I should talk to her,” Shepard said.

Ashley nodded.