The hesitation to show Scream is another part of why the Chief wants to know. Is it really that bad? It's become an equal motive with wanting to get the jokes about Reaper.

Then she remarks on Wash's apparent talent for finding things.

"You know him?"

It's not surprising, he's a more social person than the Chief is and is on casual terms with a lot more Legionnaires. But it's worth asking.