It was John Shepard's birthday. Docked at the Citadel, the entire crew of the Normandy had been givin leave for two weeks. Shepard, Joker, and few other crew members were the only ones still on the ship.

Jokers voice sounded on the intercom. "Commander, do you mind heading down to the mess hall?"

Setting down the data pad he had been reading, Shepard made his way to the elevator. Smiling, he stepped inside. So its going to be a surprise party.

This was his first birthday with the new Normandy. Chuckling he remembered the party his crew had thrown for him on the old ship. Joker and Garrus convinced Liara that the way humans celebrated birthdays was to dress up as Santa Claus. Needless to say her attempt at surprising him by singing "Merry Christmas birthday" while in full Santa costume had been hilarious. It had been a fun day, with cake and presents. Wrex had given him the skull of a Varen he had personally killed. Garrus a brand new scope for his rifle. Liara's had been a book from her collection on the history of Asari and Human interaction. Kaiden and Joker had saved up and bought him a new set of armor. Tali had crafted a little clock out of Geth parts for him. Ashleys gift had been special, he would never forget that night.

Coming to a gentle stop, the elevator doors opened to a quiet and pitch black mess hall. As he stepped out the elevator started up for the main floor. He took another step.

"SUPRISE!"

The lights came back on with the whole crew, with the exception of Jack. Who he assumed was still on the Citadel. However, even Councilor Anderson was there. This he had not expected.

"Thanks everyone," he said, "but why aren't you guys all out enjoying the Citadel? You didn't all have to come back and wish me a happy birthday."

Anderson stepped forward. "Oh yes we did. You are the savior of not only the lives of this crew, but the tens of thousands of more who would have been victims of the Collectors. This is the least any of us could do."

Dr Chakwas handed him a glass of Ice Brandy. "A toast to Commander Shepard!" she shouted.

"TO COMMANDER SHEPARD!" the crew chimed.

Clearing his throat, Shepard spoke. "I would like to thank everyone for this. I mean I DID save the whole ship, and I DID destroy the Human Reaper-"

"With our help!" grunted Grunt.

"Yes, with EVERYONE's HELP. And so this next toast goes out to YOU, the crew!" The sound of dozens of hurrahs echoed through the ship.

After time spent mingling with the crew and several pieces of cake later, it was time for presents. Garrus had once again got him a scope. Grunt had given him the skull of a Vorcha. Anderson had given him a tailored suit that matched his own. Shepard was opening Tali's when EDI chimed on the intercom. Sir, there is a delivery for you here that just arrived, apparently it is from Jack. Shall I send the package down?"

"Yes, thank you EDI."

The package was small, and there was a note attached.

"What does it say?" Asked Tali.

Opening the note, Shepard read it aloud.

"Shepard, I wanted to get you a gift for your birthday but did not know what to get you. I could not decide until Miranda informed me that I was not invited to your party. That being the case, I believe I chose a gift that fit the occasion. It is a gift for the entire crew to enjoy, as well as you Shepard. Happy birthday."

As he finished reading, Shepard glared at Miranda. "Care to explain why she wasn't invited?"

Sheepishly, Miranda explained. "Well I didn't want her to cause any problems, she can be a hazard when shes angry."

Shepard knew she was lying but decided for now not to escalate things. "Well she sure is angry now. You are going to be the one to explain this to her."

Miranda nodded.

Joker, not able to contain his excitement any longer asked the question everyone else was now wanting to ask. "Whats in the box!"

"Well lets see," said Shepard as he unwrapped the small package. Opening the lid, he peered inside. The rest of the crew all leaned in. The object inside he was not expecting at all. It was an apple made of gold, beautifully laced with precious gems. On one side it read "She who has this apple will have the love of the man she desires."

Immediately Tali, Miranda, and Kelly started to fight over who the apple should go to. Finally Shepard had had it. "ENOUGH!" All three looked at him, the mess hall was now silent.

Finally, Miranda broke the silence. "So... who do you think should get this apple?"

Tali, Miranda, and Kelly all gazed at Shepard expectantly.

Shepard groaned. This was not how he had planned his birthday.

Hahaha just thought I'd play around with the idea of the Judgement of Paris by the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite that ultimately started the Trojan War when he chose the love of Helen of Troy. Stay tuned!