Shepard laughed as she watched Wrex drunkenly endeavor to fit himself into his Civvies.

"I didn't even know you owned civvies!" Shepard gasped between fits of laughter. "I've never seen you out of your armor!"

Wrex turned to her, tangling himself in the incomprehensible mess of fabric as he did. He teetered to one side, losing his balance and crashed heavily to the floor. The resonating impact of the fall drew Kaidan's attention from the bar. He began to laugh loudly, brazenly pointing at the downed Krogan.

Wrex growled, pitching Kaidan a deadly look from his position on the floor. Kaidan abruptly pulled back his hand, placing it against his mouth in an unsuccessful attempt to suppress his torrential laughter.

"I don't normally wear these," Wrex grumbled, flopping over onto his back and kicking his legs into the garment. "But I'm in no condition to figure out how to get into my armor."

Shepard giggled, standing up and precariously walking over to help Wrex. "I think you're too drunk to figure out how to get into these, too. Here, let me help you." She stumbled over her own feet and came crashing down beside the felled Krogan.

"And you thought you could help me? You can't even walk!" Wrex tore the civvies off his feet and threw them across the room in disgust.

An unhindered bark of laughter burst out of Shepard. He was right. She was incredibly drunk. After Aria's dance, the party had really gotten unruly. There had been several drinking games accompanied by copious amounts of alcohol. At one point, Shepard found herself being lured into one of the private dance rooms by Garrus where they proceeded to have clumsy, but satisfying relations.

The strenuous workout did nothing but exasperate Shepard's drunkenness. She almost felt as if she were swimming, both heavy and light at the same time. She was far away from her own mind and in a world where everything was funny, happy and carefree. She was enjoying the vacation from herself immensely. She stared around at her friends and felt a newfound sense of pride and love for each of them. They knew what was best for her and they had all gone to great lengths to ensure she had a wonderful night. The overwhelming sense of comradery was almost more than she could bear. She looked down at Wrex who still lay mumbling incoherently beside her. She lightly poked him in the arm.

"Hey big guy," she whispered. "Thanks for coming."

Wrex grumbled, reaching blindly for Shepard, somehow managing to pat her arm. "Anytime, my friend."

"Need help up?" Shepard offered, climbing unsteadily to her feet.

Wrex waved at her from the floor. "I think I'll stay here and wait for the room to stop spinning."

Shepard chuckled and somehow managed to make her way to the bar without falling over again. She leaned against the bar and saw Tali was passed out on the bench. She was curled up in what Shepard referred to as 'the ball of regret'. Samara was kind enough to sit next to her, checking on her every so often. Out of entire group, Samara seemed to be the most in control even though Shepard had seen her drink just as heavily as everyone else. Dr. Chakwas rested next to Samara, looking remorseful about the amount of alcohol she'd consumed. She was nursing a glass of water, clutching it with a shaky hand. Shepard noticed there were several glasses of water available along the bar. Traynor must have anticipated that people would want them. Shepard saw that Traynor had managed to put a chair behind the bar and was lounging in it sleepily.

"Dios Mio!" James yelled, running up to her. The soldier had finally decided to put on some clothes and was dressed in his usual tight shirt and fatigues. He clutched the bar for support as he stood next to Shepard, shaking his head hard. "Traynor, I need something that's gonna make me forget what I just saw."

Traynor lazily lifted herself up, blinking several times as she endeavored to comprehend James' request. Shepard was surprised Traynor was even coherent enough to continue making drinks.

"What's the matter, James?" Shepard asked as Traynor fumbled with several empty bottles, discarding them carelessly over her shoulder before finding some that contained alcohol. She poured several different liquors into a glass and handed James the drink. Shepard's stomach turned as the smell of the heavy brown liquid hit her.

James downed it without pause and squeezed his eyes shut tightly, grunting at the acrid taste. "I went to one of those private rooms because I heard there were Asari dancers in there and…" He looked at Shepard and Traynor who shared a smirk with one another. "Don't judge me, alright? It's a party!" He groused. "Anyway, I went into one and got an eyeful of EDI and Joker doing… doing…" James shook his head hard, as if trying to dislodge the image from his mind. "I don't know what they were trying to do, but I can't get the image of Joker's ass out of my head!"

Traynor covered her mouth as she snorted and screamed in laughter. She collapsed against the bar and slid to the floor where she laid there and laughed until tears streamed from her eyes. Shepard was having quite the similar fit of laughter. She pounded the bar with her hand as the giggles came cascading out of her.

James glared at them unhappily. "It's not funny! I might be scarred for life!" He motioned to Traynor who was attempting to pick herself back up from the floor. "I need another."

Shepard sniffled, her giggles dying down. "I can't believe you caught them and not me!" She blurted out as she reached for an unclaimed glass of water. "Garrus and I just got done doing our dirty little deed in one of those rooms."

James stared at her in bewilderment. "You're serious? Damn, why do I miss all the good stuff?"

Shepard shook her head as she prepared to take a drink. "I guess you're just unlucky."

James opened his mouth to reply when a commotion broke out, turning their attention to where Shepard had left Wrex.

"Help!" Garrus called out desperately. Shepard and James jumped to their feet. It took some effort, but Shepard kept her balance as they made their way over to the distressed Turian.

He squirmed uncomfortably beneath the passed out Krogan.

"Get him off me!" Garrus shouted.

"What happened?" Shepard gasped.

"I tried to help him up," Garrus explained. "But when I got him to his feet, he passed out and fell on me!"

Shepard's hands flew up to her mouth as she sputtered in an outrageous fit of laughter.

James grinned broadly. "See? Now that's funny."

Shepard grasped her aching sides and struggled to catch her breath. She was beginning to feel a little nauseous from the continuous laughter. She was finding a lot of things incredibly funny. Garrus on the other hand didn't appear amused.

"Hey, Lola, did you ever picture those two together?" James joked. "I always knew he would fall for you, Scars."

"James, I wouldn't try to be funny right now if I were you." Garrus growled.

James shrugged courageously. "Scars, look at it from my perspective. You're trapped underneath a passed out Krogan badass. How do you expect me to resist?"

Garrus made a futile struggle to free himself from underneath the passed out Krogan. He grabbed for James' leg. James danced easily away, laughing as he did.

"Help him, Jimmy," Shepard finally gasped out, wiping the tears from her eyes and composing herself.

"Oh, alright," James relented, sighing deeply. "You push, Scars. I'll pull."

James grabbed Wrex and grunted in effort as they tried to roll the unconscious Krogan off Garrus.

"Aye, you heavy son of a bitch!" James swore. He lost his grip and Wrex heavily tumbled back onto Garrus who grunted at the solid, crushing mass on top of him.

"Ow…" Garrus squeaked.

"You okay, buddy?" James asked, sounding as if he were actually concerned.

"I really don't want to die like this," Garrus wheezed, his voice straining with effort.

"We need to lift him," Shepard said.

"I tried that!" James exclaimed. "He's too heavy."

Shepard snapped her fingers as an idea struck her. "Biotics can lift him! Go get Miranda, Jack and Samara. We might need Aria, too."

"Right, I'll be back. Don't you die on me, Scars!" James yelled dramatically.

Garrus rolled his eyes. "He's pretty heavy, Shepard. We might need Kaidan, too."

Shepard looked up to see Kaidan laying over the bar, passed out. "I don't think he's in any condition to help."

Garrus reached out for Shepard, who clasped her hand around his. "This was one hell of a party."

Shepard chuckled. "It's not over yet."

Garrus shook his head. "When a Krogan Warlord passes out on top of you, the party is pretty much over."

Moments later, James returned with help.

"Holy shit!" Jack exclaimed. "What's going on here, Shepard? You try to have a threesome or something?"

Shepard and Garrus both glared at Jack. She put her hands up defensively. "Just kidding." She grinned widely. "You, uh, comfy down there, Garrus?"

"What do you think?" Garrus snapped.

Jack stood back, amused. "Well, you're grumpy. Maybe I should make you ask for my help politely."

"Just get him off me!" Garrus bellowed.

"This is going to take all of us," Miranda mumbled, holding her head. "I'm not exactly at my best at the moment."

"Pfft, step aside, Cheerleader." Jack derided, cracking her knuckles. "Let me show you how a real Biotic does it."

Jack began to lift Wrex up, her focus noticeably unsteady and her control unreliable. Wrex dipped slightly and Garrus cringed.

"Spirits, don't drop him on me!" Garrus growled. "I don't think I'll survive if he falls on me again."

"Here," Samara offered calmly, helping Jack move Wrex. Miranda stepped forward, helping the other two. The three Biotics faces contorted, clearly straining with effort. Slowly, they were able to lift Wrex up enough to allow Garrus to squirm out from underneath him.

"Thank the Spirits," he sighed in relief as he crawled to safety. Wrex thudded heavily to the floor, having exhausted the trio of Biotics.

Aria walked up to Shepard. "I see my help wasn't required after all." She grinned. "Enjoying the party?"

Shepard nodded. "You throw a hell of a shindig, Aria."

"That I do," Aria's attention turned quickly to Miranda, who had become pale with her exertion.

Shepard followed her gaze. "Miranda, are you okay?"

Miranda nodded uncertainly. Jack laughed. "You gonna puke, Cheerleader? Can't handle a little alcohol and using your Biotics? You gonna…" Jack's taunts were cut off as she covered her mouth in a futile attempt to stop the projectile amount of soured alcohol that spewed from her.

Miranda turned away from Jack, squeezing her eyes shut tightly. "Looks like you can't handle your alcohol and Biotics. Maybe you need more practice."

Jack wiped her mouth. "Yeah, well, I had more to drink than…" She was cut off again as more liquid flowed from her mouth.

"Ugh," James groaned. "I can't be around that. I'm outta here." He trotted off to the safety of the bar.

Shepard swallowed hard repeatedly, turning her back to Jack as a nearly uncontrollable wave of nausea hit her. She covered her own mouth in fear of what was to come. After a few more moments, Shepard was able to successfully ward off her impending sickness. She glanced apologetically at Aria who looked surprisingly amused.

"Aria, I'm sorry," Shepard started.

Aria laughed. "For what? This is a club, Shepard. You act like this is the first time anyone's ever thrown up here. It just means she had a good time." Aria winked and turned on her heel, retreating to the safety of her throne.

Shepard felt a slight rush of relief wash over her, but the sickness from the nausea still swelled within her. A sheen of sweat had built up on her forehead and she felt unnaturally hot.

"Artemis, are you okay?" Garrus asked, his tone laden with concern as he stepped up beside her. He gripped her elbow, supporting her.

Shepard nodded, sucking in a deep breath, steadying herself on his arm. "I'm not feeling too good," she whispered. "I think I need some air."

"Okay," Garrus said softly, holding her up. He slowly took her to the doors which Bray still guarded.

"You look like shit!" Bray exclaimed. Garrus met him with a dark, menacing glare. Bray blinked several times, adjusting his attitude. "Everything alright?"

"She needs some air," Garrus replied flatly.

Bray nodded. "Follow me."

Bray led Shepard and Garrus through the doors of Afterlife and out into the commons. Even though the air quality in Omega was not wonderful, it was a change from the club and Shepard breathed in deeply, trying to calm the turmoil in her stomach. As the nausea began to quell, a heavy dizziness began to settle in on her head and her world began careening back and forth.

Shepard closed her eyes, blindly grasping for Garrus. "I think… I think I need to lay down."

Garrus pulled her close, his talons trailing through her hair soothingly. "Okay, let's get you to the Normandy."

"I'll escort you," Bray offered.

"Thanks," Garrus said, gathering Shepard up in his arms who was too sick and drunk to protest being carried. She placed her head against Garrus' shoulder, comforted by his presence. As he began to walk, the dizziness returned and she felt like she was being tossed upon ocean waves even with her eyes closed. She groaned at the unpleasant sensation.

"I think you may have overdone it," Garrus whispered in her ear.

Shepard nodded against his shoulder. "I think you're right. I'm really sick."

"Shepard, I just want you to know that I'll forgive you if you throw up on me, but I hope that you don't," Garrus remarked.

"No promises," Shepard replied groggily.

Bray chuckled as he led the way, enjoying the couples' exchange. Shepard cuddled against Garrus, desperate to crawl into her own bed.

"Hold on," Bray announced in a serious, brusque tone.

"What is it?" Garrus asked, dismay clearly evident in his voice.

Shepard's mind screamed for her to become alert, but her senses were severely dulled by the effects of the alcohol. She opened her eyes to see the Batarian bodyguard staring suspiciously at a docking bay door. He reached tentatively for his weapon. "The bay is completely deserted," he noted. "And this bay door is occupied. No one is authorized to be docked, only the Normandy has clearance."

Garrus clutched her protectively. Shepard struggled to regain control of her mind. She pushed against Garrus lightly. "Put me down, Garrus."

"You're in no condition to fight," Garrus countered. "You're safer in my arms."

Shepard didn't want to waste time arguing with him. "Bray, is it possible that someone granted clearance without informing you?"

Bray shook his head slowly. "Heads will roll if I wasn't informed," he grumbled, reaching for his Comms. "Security, this is Bray. Who gave clearance for a dock?" He paused. "Security? Security, answer me! Koif, if you're sleeping on the job again, I'm going to tear your spine out of your…"

Bray was interrupted by the clatter of a canister that rolled past his leg and came to a rest between him and Garrus.

"Oh, shit!" Bray barked. "Get down!"

Garrus reacted quickly, turning his back to the canister and covering Shepard with his body. The canister exploded almost instantly.

"Garrus!" Shepard screamed, mortified that he had used his body to shield her.

"Artemis?" He gasped in surprise.

"Are you okay?" She asked hurriedly, her hands grasping at his back, feeling for wounds.

"I'm fine," he said, astounded. "It wasn't a shrapnel grenade."

"What?" She asked confused.

"Gas!" Bray yelled from across the room. "Get out of here! Don't breathe it in!"

Garrus got to his feet with Shepard still in his arms and made a run for the door. It slid closed in front of them. Shepard pushed against Garrus and he let her slide from his grasp. He pounded on the door angrily.

"What the hell is this?" He growled.

Shepard watched Garrus maul the door and looked at Bray who was doing the same to the other door.

"Security!" Bray yelled. "Get down to the docking bay! We're under attack!"

Shepard backed up against the door beside Garrus and watched as the thick cloud of gas began to rise. "Garrus, can you bypass the control panel?"

"On it!" Garrus called out, ripping the panel off the wall and pulling on the wires.

"Bray!" Shepard shouted. "What's going on?"

Bray shook his head, coughing as the gas began to envelope him. "I don't know! There's no answer from security." He took a step towards her and faltered on his feet, supporting himself against the wall.

Shepard felt her stomach leap up into her throat. "Bray?"

He waved her back. "It's not toxic. Knock out gas… get...out…" He slumped against the wall and then slid to the floor.

Shepard fought against her urge to go to Bray. The gas swirled menacingly towards them.

"How you comin' on that panel, Garrus?" She asked nervously.

"Almost got it," Garrus answered. Shepard pressed herself flush against the wall as the gas began to swirl around her legs and glide up her body.

"Don't breathe!" She yelled before taking in a lung full of air and holding her breath.

The gas hit her face. The wispy mist burned her eyes and she strove against an innate urge to breathe out the pain.

The gas enveloped them both in a fog so thick that she could barely see Garrus' silhouette crouched beside the door panel.

The door panel sizzled and Garrus growled, abandoning the panel and pushing against the door. Shepard activated her omni-blade, sliding it into the space between the doors. With their combined efforts, they were able to slide the doors apart just enough to fit Shepard through.

Between the exertion and the poor quality the alcohol had left her body in, Shepard's lungs shortly began screaming for air. Without consciously deciding to, she breathed in a tiny sip of air and began coughing.

"Artemis!" Garrus yelled, grabbing her and pushing her up to the door. "You can fit. Go!"

Shepard looked back at Garrus, her world beginning to waver in front of her.

"Go!" Garrus commanded again, his head dropping against his chest. His legs swayed under him.

Shepard forced herself through the incredibly tight opening they had created. She looked back, reluctant to leave Garrus.

"Artemis…" Garrus reached for her and then collapsed to the floor.

Shepard screamed inwardly, fighting against the door and spilling herself out on the floor on the other side. The gas followed her. She stumbled to her feet, sucking in a deep breath, only to fall again. Her hands shot out, bracing against the brunt of the descent. She collided with the metal floor and began coughing again. The gas was already in her lungs. She struggled to crawl away from the doors.

The lights of Omega began to melt together as she gasped and strained against the influence of the gas. Patches of darkness began to seep into her field of vision.

As she clawed her way across the floor, her hand fell to a boot. She looked up, unable to discern the figure in front of her.

"Help...us..." Shepard gasped.

The boot moved out from under her hand and collided with her head.

Pain shot through her skull and she was immediately devoured by the darkness that eagerly awaited her.

The mysterious figure rolled Shepard over onto her back, making sure she was passed out.

"Pick her up and take her to the ship. We don't have much time. And put your mask on!" The mysterious figure ordered.

"Affirmative," a gruff voice followed. He placed his gas mask over his face and then bent down, hoisting Shepard up and over his shoulder. The unidentified person pulled out a remote and activated the emergency override system to the docking bay. The doors slid open easily, revealing the dissipating traces of gas. The two kidnappers walked through the door, stepping over the downed Turian and Batarian with Shepard in tow. Moments later, the unauthorized shipped undocked from Omega and disappeared into the vast ocean of stars.