Shepard felt a wave of calmness wash over him. The admirals had just saved an entire species by listening to him.
He was still hugging Tali, the woman he loved. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally let her go, and looked into her magnificent eyes.

"Tali, let's go home." He said to her, smiling.

"I'll follow." She replied.

Both started heading back to the Normandy. Along the way, Shepard was congratulated by various quarians for his speech. He spoke with the Admirals also before leaving, and they supported him. Even Daro'Xen, but he suspected she would try and use the situation to her advantage later on.

when they finally got back to the Normandy, most of the crew were at their stations. Joker was arguing with EDI again when they entered the airlock. He didn't even notice them, and continued arguing.

Shepard went to the armory to take off his suit while Tali continued on to the elevator. He was surprised to find her waiting there for him after he had finished.

"Are you coming up with me?" Shepard asked her before picking a destination.

"Where else would I go? Kenneth and Gabriella have engineering covered for the moment. If you want, we could take a shower." Tali replied, and pressed the button that went up to the cabin.

"Feeling adventurous today?" He asked her on the way up.

"You have no idea." She replied with an eagerness to her voice.

Once they got up to the cabin, Tali went to Shepard's desk and took out the immuno-booster that he kept there.
She injected it to her suit while Shepard went to turn on the shower. When he turned around, he found Tali already of her suit. Before he could say anything, she pounced on to him, pushing him into the shower. The water was cold, but they didn't care. She kissed him passionately. When they finally broke, they looked deeply into each other's eyes.

"I love, Tali'Zorah vs Normandy." He said to her.

"I love you too, Shepard. I always will." She replied, and kissed him again.

4 hours later

Shepard laid in bed with his love, Tali. Before he drifted off into sleep, his thoughts went over the day's events.
He had chosen salvation over destruction, preventing the extinction of two races. But it wasn't over yet. The Reapers were still coming, and he had to do much more before he could even hope to defeat them.

But that is what he had. Hope was stronger than any weapon, no matter the power. With it, the galaxy could defeat the Reapers. But they needed to be united. And that was what Shepard was. He and his team were their hope.

"We'll be ready for them." Shepard thought to himself, before falling asleep.

----------------

This is last part for long time. Story will continue one day, but will be while. In meantime, will attempt to write different story,
with different plot. Hope you have enjoyed reading Salvation or Destruction, like I have enjoyed writing it. One day, will return to this.
But for now, am putting away. Appreciate all of support that have had from fans and friends while
writing story. Keelah Se'lai, and hope have enjoyed Salvation or Destruction.