Note:One, I don't own any of these characters, I just get to play round with them. Thank you BioWare.

Another thank you to of you that is reading this every week. I do hope you are enjoying the ride. Plenty more in the weeks to come.

Enjoy

Chapter Nine

12 days later, Commander Shepard is reading through some of her messages. Seeing one from Councilor Anderson telling her she is required to meet him in his office in her dress uniform, medals included for a photo shoot. Shepard already gave the only interview she was going to do to Emily Wong two days ago. It is suppose to air on Citadel NewsNet the day after they depart for Palaven. Which is the first planet they are going to visit. "Why do I have to do this photo thing with the Council? Why? I did the only promo stuff when I agreed to the Wong interview." Shepard frustration was obvious, much to T'Soni's delight. Perfect, she is getting all annoyed and tomorrow she is going to have the best day. Or one of her best days in her life. I hope anyway.

Liara walks up the stairs and looks at the fish swimming around in the fish tank, "What else is the Hero of the Galaxy suppose to do when the whole galaxy wants to see you, Commander?"

Leia sighs heavily, "I get that, doesn't mean I have to enjoy nor like it. Anderson even wanted me to show off medals too." Shepard then sends the reply back to Councilor Anderson that just stated two words..."Yes, Sir."

"It won't be as bad as you think. They snap off a few photos and you get the rest of the afternoon off. What could be better?", comments Liara still standing next to the fish tank. Shepard thinks about that for a split second and realizes Liara is once again correct. It won't be that bad or at least she hope so anyway. Shepard then grabs her dress uniform and heads down to laundry to get it pressed and ready for tomorrow.

1300 the next day Commander Shepard can't find Liara, Tali, nor Dr. Chakwas. This made Shepard wonder what was going on, because something was going on. She could feel it. More times than not that type of feeling in Shepard's gut were dead on correct. "EDI, do you have any idea where Tali'Zorah, Drs. T'Soni and Chakwas are right now? Liara was free to do what she wanted and didn't have any assigned duties but she usually let the Commander know when she leaves the Normandy. Today, Shepard has no idea where Liara took off to.

EDI finally spoke after a longer than normal pause from the unshackled AI, "Dr. T'Soni and Tali'Zorah went down to the Zerka Wards to look for some spare parts. Dr. Chakwas is checking on medical supplies."

That's weird, none of them informed their CO that they were leaving the ship. I know this is a civilian ship, but I am is still running it like a military vessel, which it is. Thought Shepard then she asks,"Any of them say when they were going to be returning?"

EDI's mono-toned reply was, "No, Shepard." Shepard then went up to her quarters and changed into her dress uniform that was hanging on a hanger. It is all pressed and ready to go. All it needs it for the Commander to put all of her medals in their proper place and head up to the Citadel Tower for this BS photo op.

Shepard's medals fill the left side of her check almost completely and there are a couple hanging from the right side as well. She always feels uncomfortable wearing all the hardware she earned throughout her career with the Systems Alliance. Looking at herself in the mirror, Shepard notices a little note stuff next to it. It's from Liara T'Soni, all it said was...See you soon. Love you, L. Shepard smiles then goes back to inspecting her look. Everything is were is suppose to be. Her shoes shine, the buttons on her jacket shine. Even the medals shine. I hope all this shine ruins the picture and they can't use it. Leia just laughs at that thought then leaves the Normandy and heads towards Anderson's office.

It's a couple of minutes before 1500 and Shepard is patiently waiting for the human Councilman. The group in Anderson's office is actually making Shepard wait an extra 10 minutes. Dr. Chakwas is in her dress uniform that looks odd on the Chief Medical Officer. She usually wears the causal uniform when aboard the Normandy and neither Liara nor Tali have seen her in dress uniform. Tali is in her enviro-suit, but made she made sure it was a polished as she could get. Liara's dress is of course stunning. Liara wouldn't wear anything else. It's made of Thessian silks, a purplish-teal color that really pops off the tone of Liara's skin.

Anderson is the first to speak, "Everyone ready?" The ladies just nod. Liara hands Tali the boxes the have their bond bands in them. One is marked with a little 'S' on it and a little' T' on the other. Both rings are close in size and look identical. Anderson then hits his console to rely the message to the Normandy that the ceremony was about to begin and the crew was dismissed until 200 tomorrow. Then he hit the intercom to let the Commander that he was ready for her.

The middle-age human female that served as Councilor Anderson's aide spoke up, "The Councilor will see you now, Commander Shepard." The aide had no idea what was going on in her boss' office. Not sure if she wants to know. Anderson then informs his aide she could have the rest of the day off. Shepard walks into his office and her eyes almost bug out of their sockets. "What...is going on..."

Back on the Normandy, Kaidan was sitting behind his desk waiting to hear from Anderson, so he could get the crew to the party. He knew what was going on, but promised Liara he wouldn't tell anyone. He was good to his word. The message he was waiting for popped up in his inbox. He clicks on it and all it said was, "It's starting".

Staff Commander Kaidan Alenko still finds it odd working with Shepard again. They are both Spectres, or he still is one at least. Shepard resigned from that post weeks ago. It's also weird because in rank, he actually outranks Shepard, but is the XO on her ship, the Normandy SR-2. Kaidan's view is that Shepard should be a Captain anyway instead of a Commander, but the Alliance refuses to promote her and now that she is a few months from retirement, it is a moot point. Alenko got up from his desk, while doing so told EDI, "Inform the crew they are require to put on their dress uniforms and are to report to what use to be Chora's Den in the Wards. They need to be there no later than 1530." Alenko then heads out of his office and to the elevator.

EDI's announces the order to the crew and some groan while other go, "Hell yea, more leave." None are heard complaining about the dress requirements. Joker is sitting in his chair talking to EDI when Kaidan approached. Joker turns his chair to face Staff Command Alenko while asking, "So, Commander. What is this get together for? And why do I get the feeling Shepard doesn't know about it."

Alenko answered with a deadpan look on his face, "That is because the Commander doesn't know about it, Dr. T'Soni set this up as a surprise for Shepard and for the crew. Dr. Chakwas, Tali, and I were the only ones to know about it. You ready to go?"

Joker was ready to go, he hated being in his dress blues, but does what his superiors tell him too. "Yes, I am as ready as I am going to be. Do I have to stay long?", ask Joker. He never seems to be one to go out very much. He is the best helmsman in the Alliance fleet. Just ask, he will even tell you that too.

"Come on, Joker, I walk with you.", comments Alenko as Joker slowly gets out of his chair. "Yes, you have to stay. I think you're going to be surprised too, Joker."

Joker retorts, "If you say so, Commander." Then both officers of the Normandy head off to what use to be Chora's Den.

"...Wait a minute." Shepard says a little too coolly. Oh my sweet blue asari, you did it now. Did you arrange this all by yourself or did you get help from Tali and Chakwas? Anderson motions to the Commander to come over by the balcony. "Can someone please tell me what is going on here.? Please." No one answered her.

Leia didn't even notice that Liara is standing behind her when T'Soni spoke, "You ready for the rest of your life, my love?" With those words, Leia's heart just melted and what annoyance she felt just washed away in those ten words.

Shepard turns around and takes a step back in awe. "Oh, my, Liara, you look gorgeous. Yes, I have been ready." Beams of happiness shower off the human/asari couple. Shepard offers her left arm to Dr. T'Soni. Shepard whispers into Liara's ear as she takes Shepard's arm, "You are amazing, how did you keep this a secret?"

Those words made T'Soni a little gitty and that made Tali chuckle to herself. T'Soni whispers back, "By doing what I do best, my love." Both turn to Councilor Anderson and he begins.

Tali is standing next to Liara and Dr. Chakwas with standing next to the Commander. Alliance humans on one side and aliens on the other. It was an odd looking group, but everyone there was happy for the asari/human couple. "Today is the beginning of the rest of your lives. Today is the day this human and this asari unite as one couple. A union such as shows the galaxy that anything is possible. It's possible for a harden human Marine to find the love that tames the wild heart. It also shows that a young asari scientist is able to grow pass being shy and blossom with love she has today. Without each other some things are only possible, but together anything is possible."

Tali is standing there with tears streaking down her check. Dr. Chakwas is trying to hold her back, but is having a hard time holding them back. "Today is a very special day because it is fill with love from these two beings." Anderson is smiling at Dr. Chakwas, "Do you have the ring?" The medical doctor hands the bond band that goes on Liara's finger to Anderson. "This ring is a symbol of both commitment to each other and shows their strong love for each other" He hands the ring to Leia Shepard so she could place it on Dr. T'Soni's finger.

Shepard reaches for Liara's left hand and places the ring on her finger. Saying her vows, "Dr. T'Soni, I pledge my heart, my soul, and every fiber of my being to you. I will do everything in my power to keep you and our children safe. I want to grow old by your side. I want to see our children become adults. I will always honor you, love you, protect you, and most of all respect you. Will you be my wife?"

Liara feels the tears slowly racing down her cheek smiling more like beaming at Commander Shepard. "I will. It's my pleasure to be your wife." Shepard slips the ring the rest of the way onto Liara's finger. Leia Shepard now has tears streaking down her check with joy. Anderson looks over to Tali'Zorah vas Normandy. "Do you have the ring?", Tali nods and hands the ring to Anderson. He keeps going, "This ring is a symbol of both commitment and love this couple shares with one another." Anderson then hands the ring to Liara.

She in return takes Leia's hand into her placing the bond ring onto her finger then says her vows, "Commander Shepard, I pledge to you my heart, my soul, my entire being to you. I want to watch you grow old by my side. I want to provide the home you truly deserve. I will always honor, love, protect, and respect you. Will you be my bondmate?"

Looking deep into those blue asari eyes through her teary eyes Shepard replies, "It will by my honor to by your bondmate." Liara then slides Shepard's ring onto her finger. The ring felt weird on Leia's hand. She has not worn any type of jewelry since she was a kid long before being an Alliance Marine.

Anderson concludes, "With that, I am now happy to say, you two are now married/bonded." Looking over to Shepard and starts to say, "You may now..."And with that, Leia pulls Liara close and passionately kisses her.

When the crew of the Normandy SR-2 arrives at what use to be Chora's Den, a few that have been there before notices the huge changes in the bar. Well, it's much more than a bar now. More like a fancy night club in the middle of the Wards. The workers have put up a banner that simply states, "Thank You, Crew of Normandy SR-2". Who's idea was this, the crew wonders. They were not the only ones in the club. The club is closed to the public and it's grand opening is the next day, so where did these people come from. Over in one corner is Kelly Chambers talking to Oriana Lawson with Jacob Taylor listening in. The Consort, Sha'ira was chatting with Shiala. Admiral Hackett was standing next to the krogan, Grunt listening to Grunt's story about how they took out the collectors in their own base and everyone walked away. Dr. Solus was chatting it up non-stop with Garrus. Garrus couldn't get a word in because the salarian scientist talks too much and so fast. That is just Mordin, as Aria would say, "He never shuts up once he starts talking." The biggest surprise of the night was when several quarians walked in along with a drell.

Feron got Liara's message that she was getting married to Shepard and if at all possible she wanted him to be there. He talked them into the meeting with the Council, so he could get to the Citadel to be there for Liara and Shepard's wedding. The quarians came for two reasons, one they have a few meeting with the Council and they wanted to let Tali'Zorah vas Normandy know the Migrant Fleet was safe and she could join them when she wished. The Admiralty Board knows all about the demands the Council put on those serving under Commander Shepard. They didn't agree with that decision, but understood it.

Kal' Reegar notices Garrus from when he was with Shepard on Haestrom. Kal walks over to the turian and says hello and reintroduces himself. "Hello, Garrus, correct? I'm Kal'Reegar of the Migrant Fleet Marines. Not sure if you remember me or not, but we met on Haestrom when I was with Tali'Zorah on a mission that you and Commander Shepard saved our lives on." Kal offered his hand to the turian.

Garrus shakes Kal's hand and goes, "Yes, I remember you. Good to see you again, Kal. Not sure if you met Dr. Mordin Solus. He also worked with the Commander on taking out the Collectors and then he helped again take out the Reapers." The three of them started talking together telling each other stories of their past battles and some that involved the Reapers.

The two of the three quarians are from the Admiralty Board, Shala'Raan vas Tonbay and Daro'Xen vas Moreh. The third is Captain Kal'Danna vas Rayya. These three were talking among themselves waiting for Tali'Zorah vas Normandy to arrive. They were sure she would be here. Everyone else from the Normandy is here. Well, except for her CO and a couple other people. Within 15 minutes after arriving at what is now called LuLu's MooMoo Lounge. The last four members of the Normandy's crew show up along with Councilor Anderson. He is the only member of the Council at this celebration.

The first thing Tali noticed was Admiral Shala'Raan and immediately ran up to her hugging her tightly. "Auntie Raan., how are you?" Tali just rambled on and on talking to one of her oldest friends in the fleet. The other two quarians feel a little out of place and they decided to call it a night early.

The Admiral and Captain run into Commander Shepard standing next to Liara with her arm around the asari's waist. Capt, Kal'Danna says, "Thank you, Captain Shepard for keeping Tali'Zorah safe."

Then the Admiral chimes in, "Yes, Commander Shepard, thank you, Tali is an important member of the Migrant Fleet and because you kept her safe, you are always welcome in the Flotilla."

Shepard smiles at them replies, "Thank you both. Tali is always free to return once we finish visiting a few of the Council species home worlds."

The quarian captain then asks, "What is this party for, if I may inquire, Captain.?"

Liara then spoke, "It's a party to celebrate Shepard and I getting married even though the crew doesn't know that is the reason. And to thank the crew for their hard work and dedication to defeating the Reapers. They deserve the party." Hell, they deserve a week long blow out, but this one tonight is enough."

Both quarians say almost in unison, "Congratulations." Daro'Xen then states, "You two do look very happy together. Maybe the stars shine brightly on you both." She then leaves the club with Captain, Kal'Danna right behind.

Anderson was already chatting it up with Hackett. Hackett also had a plan this evening. He plans on pinning medals on every member of the Normandy tonight and two on Shepard, Joker, and Dr. Chakwas. Arriving at the club was Chief Dillard, Hackett's aide. Dillard walks up and salutes Admiral Hackett then says, "I have what your requested, Admiral." then points to the table with stacks of boxes with medals in them.

"Thank you, Chief, dismissed." the Admiral snaps a salute back to his aide and Dillard left as quickly as he came. Admiral Hackett then taps his class of wine with a pen from his pocket. That got everyone in the rooms attention. He then proceeds, "Attention, attention everyone. I would like to make a toast or two. First off, this if for you, the crew of the Normandy. Not only have you done the System Alliance proud, you have made your commanding officer proud, you have made me proud, and most importantly, you have made the whole damn galaxy proud. This is for you."

Everyone took a drink. Hackett continues, "Secondly, this one if for the actual reason this party was planned in the first place. Will the happy couple please come up." The newly wedded couple walks up to Admiral Hackett then faces the rest of the crew. Hackett continues speaking, "This is for you Commander Shepard and Dr' T'Soni. I don't think I have seen a happier more content couple in all my years as an Alliance member. Maybe your future be bless with happiness and joy. May your children grow up in a galaxy at peace instead of a galaxy in chaos."

Shepard just wipes her eyes with a tissue Anderson passed over. He handed Liara one as well because she has tears of joy too. "Thank you, Admiral, for your kind words. Thank you, thank you again for being here tonight. Yes, Liara and I took our bond vows in private and wanted to celebrate this joining with you here. So, drink up. And don't tear up the place. The official grand opening is tomorrow. We don't want to mess it up before it get officially open."

There is laughter through out the club. Several crew members bellow out, "Aye, aye, Commander." This too brought a tear to Shepard's eyes. She is really going to miss being an Alliance officer, but at the same time, she is glad to be done being shot at almost daily for the past three years.

As everyone walked up to the newlyweds to congratulate them, Hackett informally hands everyone their citation for valor and bravery. Hackett even gave the non-Alliance crew members medals, they served Shepard and they did so in the same as any Alliance personal, so they deserved it as well.

Admiral Hackett makes one last announcement, "Attention everyone one last time, I know you don't want to hear me talk all night, but just give me this and I'll be on my way. I want to thank everyone here. Even those that are friends or former crew, thank you too. Anyone that knows this couple knows how special each of them are on their own, but they are stronger together. Keep working together and we as members of this big galaxy can make this into a peaceful place."

Admiral Hackett then tells Shepard he is leaving. He needs to get back to Arcturus Station. Then hands Shepard two boxes. One for her defeating the Reapers which is the same citation the rest of the crew received and the other is the highest award given to an Alliance Marine. "Thank you, Sir.", then she opens her citations and the first one she open is the Star of Terra.

Liara looks at the box Hackett gave to her as well. She looks puzzled and comments, "Why did Admiral Hackett give me this, Shepard?" She also got the Star of Terra.

"I have no idea, maybe for saving me so I could save everyone else?", shrugging her shoulders as she said that. Liara then wraps her arms around Shepard's neck and kisses her. The couple mingles for another hour or so.

Then they run in to LuLu as they are leaving. "Commander, doctor could I please have a moment of your time?", asks Ms. Montana. "I hate to ask, but is there anyway to cut this short. One of my workers noticed that there are few things not hooked up properly and if we don't start fixing it soon, the club will not open on time."

Shepard then walks over to the latest human Spectre Kaidan Alenko and tells him he needs to break this up because they are being kicked out for being too loud. Kaidan looks at Shepard, "Huh? Loud? This is tame actually. People are happy for you two, Commander, but if you say so."

Shepard smiles, "I was kidding about the loud part, but LuLu Montana has asked us to break it off early. This was a trial run for the club and they found a few problems they want to fix before they officially open tomorrow. Make it happen, Alenko. See you in a couple of days."

Shepard walked over to Ms. Kelly Chambers and gives her a friendly hug. "How have you been, Kelly? I am glad you are here, I was afraid you were still pissed at me about my falling out with Cerberus and The Illusive Man."

Kelly was one of the more dedicated members of Cerberus. And took the news badly when the Commander went back to the Alliance after destroying the Alpha Relay. "I was very upset with you, Commander, but when I found out that the Illusive Man sent people after you, I left Cerberus. I've been working here on the Citadel as a councilor for the many people affected by the Reapers. I wish now I would have stayed working with you, Commander. Oh, and before I forget, congrats on your wedding. I'm not sure which one is luckier, You or Dr. T'Soni."

Shepard gives her another friendly hug, "Thank you, Kelly. That means a lot. This isn't the time, but would you meet me at the Normandy four days from now? We are in a hotel on the Presidium for the next three nights, but I have something to ask you, if you don't mind." Kelly agreed to the meeting. Shepard then mingles some more. Liara is lost in the sea of Alliance uniforms talking to everyone being sociable.

Shepard then walks over to where Shaila and Sha'ira are talking. Shiala gives Shepard a giant hug. "Congratulations, Shepard. No wonder you blew off my advances back on Illum.", saying that will a smirk on her face. "Seriously, I don't think I have ever seen Liara this gitty before. I knew her when she was younger. When I was serving under her mother, Matriarch Benezia. She would be extremely proud of Liara today," beams Shiala.

Liara was standing near when she heard her mother's name being mentioned and proud too. She turns around and hugs Shiala from behind, "Thank you, Shaila. It's good to see you again." They start talking about Benezia and how both miss her. This gives Shepard a ping of regret. Regret that she had to kill Liara's mother while hunting down Saren. Even more regret that she did it with Liara present.

Sha'ira smiles at the two asari talking then moves her attention to Commander Shepard, "Thank you for inviting me. I feel very out of place, but I didn't want to leave without saying congratulation to you and Dr. T'Soni."

Shepard smiles back, "Thank you for coming. It means a lot. I have to ask. Why did you instruct Ressaa, I do believe that is her name at Thessia's Finest Jewels to give me a discount? I have been wondering that since I bought Liara's ring."

The Consort runs her hand across Shepard's arm and replies, "I own the place, Shepard. I wanted to do something nice for you and Dr. T'Soni. Without you two, we would all be gone from the galaxy just like the Protheans. Liara got a discount when she bought your bond bands. My best jeweler crafted them after Ressaa sold you the three stone setting with the wrapped white/yellow band. Your bond band have the same design. That ring you bought was the best ring in the store. I am glad you were the one to buy it and not someone else."

Leia then took a closer look at the band on her finger. She didn't really give it a good look before. She didn't care what it looked like, all she care about was that Liara picked them out. Wow, it does match the ring I bought Liara Sha'ira thanks. This is something I don't know if I can repay. Shepard looks up and the Consort was heading towards the exit. A few seconds later, Kaidan stood on a chair and announced that it was time to leave even though it was only 2000.

Grumbles could be heard from the crew then someone yelled out. "Let's go to Flux" Someone else yelled out, "Or Dark Star!"

Shiala and Liara walk over to Leia. "You ready to go, Leia?", asks Liara.

"I'm always ready to leave with you, my love." is the response Shepard made. The happy couple then goes to their hotel on the Presidium. Every other member of the Normandy except for Tali, Joker, Garrus, and Dr, Chakwas head to either Flux or Dark Star for more drinks. Tali went with her "Auntie Raan" while the other three headed back to the Normandy.

LuLu's workers begin working on the sound system and a few lights that didn't work properly once the club was empty. LuLu was glad they got this chance for a dry run on the club because they did find a few small, easily fixed problems.

See you next week.

Reviews are always welcome.