Author's notes: So, this was written for fun, really. Try not to take this too seriously. Suspend your disbelief, if you will. The only really serious pairing is Fem!Shep and Garrus. There's a part with Thane and Tali, but only if you squint. Enjoy!
Commander Ayn Shepard stood at the Galaxy Map watching the last of the crew file into the CIC. They had spent the last four days relaxing at the Citadel while the Normandy was restocked and repaired. Shepard occasionally nodded to one of the crew members as they passed by. She was still dressed in the evening wear Kasumi had bought her. All she had left to do before she turned in was to set a destination.
"EDI, is everyone on board?"
"Affirmative, everyone is present and accounted for. Although at least 50% are hung over and unfit for duty," EDI's cool voice stated practically.
Shepard chuckled. "It's all right. We all deserved to let ourselves go after surviving a suicide mission. Is Joker drunk? Please say no…"
"No, he is not. As per your orders, he stayed sober for the day. He is ready to take the Normandy to whatever location you choose."
"Thanks, EDI."
"Of course, Shepard."
"Looking good Shep, aren't you glad I got you some evening wear?" A soft, slightly accented voice asked from somewhere next to Shepard's elbow. Shepard tried not to smile. Apparently Kasumi really had taken to cloaking around the CIC ever since she spotted a security guard leering at her. Shepard reminded herself to talk to Burt. Kasumi hadn't been sure it was him, but at least it was a start. "I'll wait for you to finish up and take the elevator down with you."
Shepard turned back and set a course for Ilium. Once that was done, Shepard made her way to the elevator and waited until the door closed. "So you are really cloaking around the CIC, Kasumi?"
Kasumi de-cloaked. "Said I would didn't I? Thanks for coming down with me. I'm sure Garrus is upstairs waiting for you."
"It's no trouble. I have to see Miranda anyway. Seeing you actually cloak reminded me I need to talk to…Burt, right?"
Kasumi smiled enigmatically. "Maybe." Shepard gave her a look. "I think it'd be better if we just leave the matter alone. Might ruin team cohesion. I can deal with it, Shep. Besides, it's fun cloaking around the CIC."
"I'll talk to him anyway."
The elevator door opened and Kasumi stepped out. "All right, suit yourself. Don't keep Garrus waiting too long, Shep." She gave Shepard a little wave and started towards the port observation deck.
Shepard entered Miranda's office to find Miranda in her customary position in front of her computer. "Do you have a minute, Miranda?"
"Yes, I assume you want to go over the supplies and the repairs?" Shepard nodded. Miranda handed Shepard a datapad. "Well, the repairs went in beautifully and we've been fully restocked with food supplies and the ammo, including the heavy ammo, and medi-gel supplies you requested. Jacob's probably obsessively putting the ammo into order now. Doctor Chakwas is also probably ordering the medi-gel. It seems that the Normandy is as good as new and ready to pursue the Reapers." Miranda paused as Shepard continued to peruse the datapad. "If I may ask, where are we going?"
"I set a course for Ilium. Hopefully Liara T'soni can help us." Shepard gave the datapad one last glance before handing it back to Miranda. "Well, I'll let you get back to work. Hope you had fun during your four days off."
Miranda laughed. "I did, Shepard. At first I was just glad to be alive, but then I realized that was a very good reason to let myself go a little."
Shepard smiled and headed back to the elevator. There was someone she wanted to see and she didn't want to keep him waiting any longer.