A/N: Hey folks. If you're reading this because I'm on your author alert, I'm sorry this isn't the next chapter of WttNF. I got this idea in my head, and it wouldn't go away until I wrote it. I promise WttNF is next. Basically, this is a Shepley ending based on Extended Cut. So that means some very minor spoilers for those of you who haven't played it. But other than that, I'll let the story speak for itself. Enjoy.

A Final Message

Boldly they rode and well,

Into the jaws of Death,

Into the mouth of Hell.

Ashley couldn't get those words out of her head. He had said it with such...conviction. She couldn't help but wonder if he had known the rest of that poem. Well she did, and she once again silently cursed him for choosing those lines.

Why? Why did he have to go and do that? Why did he order her back on the Normandy while he kept going?

Into the jaws of Death,

Into the mouth of Hell.

Damn it, Skipper. It's not fair. Ashley once again looks down at the plaque clutched tightly in her hands. She manages to read his name one more time before the tears obstruct her vision. She shuts her eyes tightly, trying to will the tears away, while she brings his name to her heart.

Then they rode back, but not

Not the six hundred.

Not the six hundred, not Commander Shepard. They searched and searched, and she kept searching even after everyone else had given up. Well she found him...at least...what was left.

When Ashley finally searched the area where the Crucible connected to the Citadel, she found a pile of ashes in front of two objects that looked like capacitors. She didn't know how she knew, but she did. It was him. Her Commander, her Skipper...her lover. She didn't-and still doesn't-know how he did it, but she knew in her heart that this was the reason the Reapers suddenly stopped attacking.

It was him.

He did what the Illusive Man only dreamed of doing: control the Reapers. He gave his life to stop them, ensuring that they would actually help the galaxy rebuild.

But what about her? How is she supposed to rebuild without him?

Still clutching his name tightly to her breast, she walks away from the wall of names. She can't bring herself to put his name with the others. Still fighting the tears, she goes back to the room where they had spent their final night together.

The terminal in his room blinks with an unread message. She sits at the desk and opens the message. She's sure he wouldn't mind. The sender is simply displayed as "Unknown".

To my ever varying Madeline,

Now lies the Earth all Danaë to the stars,

And all thy heart lies open unto me.

Now slides the silent meteor on, and leaves

A shining furrow, as thy thoughts in me.

I love you, Ash. I'll always be here for you.

Skipper.