42Sorry I haven't updated in about 4 or 5 months, my entire file had been deleted so I kinda had to start from scratch. That and there were multiple test I had to study for and now I'm on winter break. After a while I was just to lazy to update but someone's review reminded me to start up again. So thank MEluvr and McDouggal for this chapter update. If you guys want a Christmas chapter please tell me in a review or PM me.
Chapter 8 What had happened
It had been over an hour since the incident ,since they had brought an unconscious Kristen and Kaidan to the medbay. The moment they had set them on separate beds they'd were shooed out by Dr. Chakwas. It was for the best. Although they hardly even knew the girl, they had an overwhelming sense of concern for her, and would undoubtedly hover over her and get in the way of the damage examination that Dr. Chakwas would need to preform.
Once out of the medbay, along with their concern came anger. Ashley had stationed herself to the side of the medbay doors in a rigid stance, standing at attention and staring with badly concealed anger into the space ahead of her. Every now and then a frown would appear but would then be instantly replaced with a leveled expression.
After a bit of deliberation Jane had adopted a somewhat similar pose ,but less tense and more refined and her arms neatly crossed. Each stood in place with their thoughts zipping through their minds. Looking toward the Gunnery Chief, Shepard could see a wide variety of emotions with each passing second. There were some that even she couldn't quite put a label on. Shepard herself felt something strange she couldn't really describe. She tried to shake the feeling off. Another look at the Chief showed that she looked just about ready to burst. Deciding that that there had been enough silence the Commander had opened her mouth to speak when Ashley suddenly started.
"Any idea what happened Shepard?" Ashley's voice retained a tense strain that didn't seem to be leaving any time soon. She had set her jaw and a put a hardened at the Commander, eyes asking for answers. Shepard internally sighed and preceded to rub her temples tiredly. Williams isn't going to like this, not ne bit. Jane slowly let out the breath she had been holding.
"You've been informed or have already noticed that Kaidan is a Biotic, correct?" She received a curt nos.
"Yeah Shepard, I also know the standard that all Biotics now should have the Lx3 implant, is that right Shepard?" Here it comes.
"Yes. You are correct, but that is not the case with Kaidan." At this Ashley's eyes just about narrowed to slits.
"What do you mean Shepard?" Hearing how sharply it had been said Shepard knew that the Chief was holding herself back. Explaining what was next was going to be difficult. Another breath went in and then out as she Looked to the Gunnery Chief to see the still expectant expression trying to drill hole in her face and the Chief's back was just as ramrod straight it had been when they'd first stated, if not even somehow straighter and her arms crossed.
"Before I continue I'll ask that you'll try and keep your... temper in check?" Another nod, this that was even more tense than the last. Alright, here we go.
"Yes, Boitics now have the standard Alliance Lx3, but there are a few exceptions." Seeing no large reaction so far she continued.
"There are a handful of Alliance soldiers that still have the Lx2 implants seeing as because it would be far too dangerous to surgically remove the implant without having serious damage that would most likely result in death." Ashley was getting impatient.
"I already know this Shepard."
"I am aware of that, but do you know that Alenois in fact a Lx2 Biotic?" Silence.
"..."
"There are some...side effects I'm sure that you know. Such as the minor ones like having intense migraines along with nausea, dizziness and fatigue." These were easily listed of the tip of her tongue unhesitant to be spoken.
"These problems were only on the surface. What has happened here was on a deeper scale of having a Lx2." There was a sound of grinding teeth.
"In recorded investigations there have been incidents where insanity was developed causing the user to go mad with rage." Jane flicked her eyes to the Chief to see that her clenched knuckles had gone from her healthy tan to a startling white. Shepard quickly resumed as the Chief audibly grinded her teeth louder than before.
"I-this was a rare episode for Alenko, this has only been the fouth-" A mistake on her part.
"Only the FOURTH fucking time!? This has happened before and now to Kristen, and that is all you can say!" Finally breaking from her rock like posture and furiously stalked her way to the Commander until they were nose to nose. Jane could tell by the twitch of Ashley's fingers that she was a single hair away from exploding. Her voice was low as she continued.
"You said this was the fourth time this damned thing happened, and you let him stay aboard this ship! He is a danger to the crew!" The situation was getting out of hand fast.
"Gunnery Chief Wi-"
"What if it happens again? Then what? Are you going to let it continue? No. There is no way I'm letting that Biotic idio-"
Thump
Ashley's rant was cut short when Shepard's hands firmly gripped the woman's shoulders and held her still.
"Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams." The tone in the Commander's voice stopped her dead.
"You gave me your word to try with your temper Williams, don't break your word now. There is also the facts that we are talking off record, but that does not mean I will tolerate these kinds of outburst. Understood?" A moments hesitation gained her a reluctant nod and a guilty face.
"Are you calm now Chief?"
"Yeah Shepard I...I'm sorry...it's just that there's something about that girl Shepard. I know that you know what I mean. I can see it. Her untainted innocence that just seems to cling to her, I want to protect that."
It was true. Ashley wasn't the only one to notice the innocent air around the younger woman. She thought back to Eden Prime when that first met her. Kristen seemed unaware of her own body's reaction. When Jane first saw Ashley and Kristen running from the Recon Drones she was able to see the fear and confusion, her untrained grip on the gun she held in one hand. When saw watched the brunette shoot she'd cringe as the gun was shot and close her eyes and turn her head away. This resulted in many missed shots. It was also in the way she stood, the way she spoke, her presence. It was all too innocent. It didn't add up.
Soldiers, store clerks, colonist and even children knew better of how to handle a gun with much better ease than what Kristen had done. Those younger than Kristen had a focus and stance that she simply didn't have. A thought came to mind from an old lesson. It was as if Kristen had no experience of any kind with this level of violence. Jane remembered from her old school studies, from what she learned about before the discovery of relays and the mass effect. It was some few generations ago, it was a peaceful time in most areas with little no violence. Only in some areas that it was on a large scale of violence. It was uncommon for anyone to die in large numbers and aliens had not yet been contacted with. Anything that happened would send people into panic.
Fire arms were hardly legal.
It's as if she's been isolated from anything outside a peaceful life. This is something that will have to be put in some light at a later date. Definitely.
During her internal conversation and observations Ashley had taken to leaning up against the wall next to the medbay doors. One leg bent slightly with her arms lightly crossed and her head tilted down in silent thought. Unlike before she looked for all in all, completely calm and poised. Shepard chose to follow her example and mimicked her on the opposite side.
"Shepard?" Her name reached her ears softly.
"Yes Chief?"
"I'm...sorry for my outburst earlier. It was uncalled for." Williams sounded as tired as she felt.
"It's easily forgivable Williams. I can understand your frustration. You need to understand that if I and Captain Anderson found Alenko too much of a danger he will be immediately taken of this ship. I all I ask is that you can keep your emotions cool."
"..."
"..."
"Shepard?"
"Yes Williams?"
"Call me... Ashley"
"Alright...Ashley." From the corner of her eye she could see Ashley's lips lift up in a ghost of a smile.
A peaceful silence settled that was only marred by the overwhelming concern for the small brunette. Yet the silence was soon broken by the sound of Dr. Chakwas's footsteps as they neared the door.
Hmm. I think I'm going to put a pull up for pairings. Your choices may or may not make an impact on the story. ;)