Elissa turned the wrench one last time, securing the bolt in place, "That's the last one, Steve."

"Great job, Shepard," said Steve who was laying next to her, replacing some wires, "you really know your way around mechanics."

"Garrus taught me," said Elissa as she looked around for anymore damage, "he said I needed to help out with repairs after all of the crap I put the Mako through."

"He's still sore about that?" chuckled Steve as he pushed himself out from under the shuttle.

"I swear he tears up when he thinks about it," said Elissa, smirking as she pushed herself out from under the shuttle as well, then sat up on the wide body creeper, they had been working on repairs to the shuttle since after breakfast and now they were finally done with the thrusters.

"I can't believe this hunk of metal was in such bad shape," sighed Steve as he stood up, looking over the shuttle, "you'd have thought the mechanics on base would have done a better job with her."

"Oh please," scoffed Elissa, wiping some grease from her forearm, "whatever gave you that idea, the fact they haven't blown up an engine in two weeks?"

Steve chuckled, "You've got a point there, Elissa." He offered her his hand and she took it, standing up with his help.

"Hey!" called James, carrying a couple bottles of water, "You two finished?"

"Yeah, no thanks to you, Vega," said Steve, feigning contempt as he caught the bottle James threw at him.

"Lighten up, Esteban," laughed James, handing Elissa a bottle, "you know I'm too big to fit underneath the shuttle."

"But not too big to fit underneath Miranda," mumbled Steve and Elissa nearly choked on her water.

"What?" asked Elissa, wiping the water from her chin, looking at James who had just turned a very dark shade of red.

"James has been seen around Vancouver with Miss Lawson whenever she is in town," said Steve simply, shrugging his shoulders as if this was not huge news, "What's the big deal?"

"You could have told me," said Elissa, playfully punching James in the massive bicep.

"I regret telling Esteban now," muttered James as he took a sip of his own water, glaring at Steve who was calmly wiping grease and oil off his hands.

"Calm down, James," said Elissa smiling, "I'm glad you finally found someone."

James gave her a small smile, "So, what's left on the long to-do list you've saddled us with, Lola?"

"Lets see," said Elissa wiping the sweat from her brow, "Shuttle's fixed, inventory's been processed, Kasumi's taking care of how we're getting supplies, Joker's run just about every test known to man on the ship, and Tali's taken care of the core. I can't think of anything else right now, unless you two can."

"Are you going to let us in on this grand scheme you've hatched, Lola?" asked James, leaning against the shuttle, eyeing Elissa suspiciously.

"Not yet," sighed Elissa, thinking about the crazy plan she had come up with less than twelve hours ago.

"Lola, you know you can trust us," said James pointing at himself and Steve. She smiled at them James had a point, she could trust him and Steve but right now, she wanted to wait to tell them just in case something went wrong, then they could not be implicated in her plan to maintain control of the ship.

"I'll tell you later," said Elissa picking up the hoodie she had discarded earlier, "I'm going to go and see if anything else needs to be taken care of, see you at dinner."


Elissa dropped against the wall of the elevator and sighed heavily, she had barely gotten any sleep the night before and now she had to make it through this day without cracking once, so far she was maintaining her composure. The elevator stopped at the CIC and she got off looking around for someone to talk with she then saw Samantha Traynor standing by the galaxy map, Samantha had always been a voice of encouragement since she had started working on the Normandy, and right now Elissa needed some encouragement.

"Commander," said Samantha happily as Elissa approached, "It's been so long since I've seen you."

"Yeah, I guess," said Elissa smiling, "although we have been on the ship together."

"True," said Samantha, "but you've been so busy with this trial and all, it's like you're a phantom, everyone knows you're here but not where you are."

"Didn't realize my absence was affecting the crew," said Elissa, looking around at everyone in the CIC, "I'll try to be visible as much as possible today, God knows what'll happen tomorrow."

"Do you really think it'll be that bad?" asked Samantha in a quiet voice, "I mean, are we really going to lose the Normandy?"

"I'll be honest with you, Traynor," said Elissa, "that's how it's looking right now, but I'm preparing for the worst, so just wait patiently we might be worried for nothing." She hated to lie to Samantha, especially since they had become good friends, but right now it was best for her to think that there was nothing to worry about.

"Well, Shepard," said Samantha, turning to face the terminal, "whatever happens, I know you'll come out on top."

"Thanks, Traynor," said Elissa smiling wearily, she looked up and caught a glimpse of Joker's hat over his chair, "If you or any of the crew need me in the next few minutes, I'll be in the cockpit with Joker." Traynor nodded as Elissa left and made her way up the cockpit, eager to speak with someone who would not ask why they were doing all of these checks.

"Alright, so the kinetic barriers need to be upgraded," said Joker, as Elissa quietly entered behind him, "Anything else, EDI?"

"Not currently, Mr. Moreau," said EDI, "I will let you know if there is anything else."

"Much appreciated, EDI," said Joker as he used the intercom, "Hey, Jacob, EDI says the kinetic barriers need an upgrade."

"Alright, thanks, Joker," said Jacob.

"No problem," said Joker and he relaxed into his chair, releasing a rush of air in a long sigh, "I've never had to do so many tests so fast."

"If it's too much," said Elissa and she watched Joker jump in his seat, "then maybe you should take a break."

"Shit, Ellie, way to scare a guy," said Joker as he spun around in his chair, "and no, it's not too much, just a lot."

"What's the difference?" laughed Elissa as she sat down in the co-pilot's chair, facing him.

"Too much means I can't do it," said Joker, "a lot means enough work to keep me busy."

"Noted," said Elissa smiling, "Where's EDI?"

"Her body is in the AI core," replied Joker, glancing over at her, he felt a rush of blood to places he wished it would not go as he caught a glimpse of the skintight white tank top and black cotton shorts, her long legs stretched out gracefully.

"What's she doing down there?" asked Elissa, trying not to notice Joker's lingering gaze, though she could feel her body becoming flushed as he stared at her.

"Uh, not sure," said Joker snapping his eyes reluctantly back to the console, "she said something about a backup import or something like that, I wasn't paying much attention, too focused on reading Garrus' report." He hoped she would not catch him in his miserable excuse of a lie, Garrus had not sent him anything of late, and he was sure Elissa knew that.

"What did the report say?" asked Elissa slyly.

"Calibrations to the main gun are perfect while the starboard guns need a few more tweaks," said Joker, glancing at the report that just sounded off his omni-tool.

"Always something needing to be calibrated," sighed Elissa, facing EDI's console, "How'd you sleep?"

"Pretty well, actually," replied Joker, he looked over, seeing the very dark circles underneath her eyes, "Did you have any more nightmares?"

"Nope, just couldn't turn my mind off," said Elissa, closing her eyes, "I'm scared, Jeff."

Joker stared at her wide eyed, he had never heard her utter those words before, not once in the time he had known her. She had faced some formidable adversaries in the past that would have made the Alliance brass shit themselves, without hesitation, "What's scaring you, Ellie?"

"This is an enemy I can't fight," said Elissa, "this enemy moves in the shadows, pulling strings and tangling me up in red tape, I'd rather face Harbinger again than go through this bull."

"Please don't say that," whispered Joker, looking down at his lap, "I couldn't go through that again."

Elissa stared at him, "What did you say?"

"I said I couldn't watch you run into the arms of Harbinger again," said Joker sharply, he was trying to fight the tears that had welled up in his eyes.

"Joker, I didn't realize. . . " started Elissa but she was too stunned to speak, she knew she worried like hell about him, but she could not believe that he worried about her so much, he was the one always telling her that she was the unstoppable Commander Shepard.

"I know," said Joker, reaching across, putting his hand on her shoulder, "I'm sorry for snapping at you, just please, don't say things like that."

"I promise I won't," said Elissa, rubbing his forearm, then her omni-tool sounded off, "I have to go, message from Kasumi, hopefully she has an update for me."

She stood up as he retracted his arm from her shoulder, going back to his calculations, suddenly he felt something on his cheek and he realized she was kissing it.

"What was that for?" asked Joker, stunned.

"I'm not sure," replied Elissa, giggling behind her hand, surprising even herself. She bounded off for the cargo bay, still wondering why she had kissed Joker on the cheek, not even thinking twice about whether or not someone would see or he would protest.

Joker sat there in his chair and pondered why each trees' leaves changed a different color in the fall, why the ocean changed colors depending on its mood, and why in hell Commander Elissa Shepard had just kissed him willingly on the cheek. 'Another impossible question from the universe,' thought Joker as he happily went back to his work, suddenly, calculations were not as dull now.


Rupert had prepared a special dinner for what they all were now assuming was their last night with Joker and Elissa on board the Normandy, he had made spaghetti and meatballs in homemade marinara sauce with several large loaves of French bread coated in a butter-garlic mixture. The smell of the sizzling meatballs had brought most of the ship to the mess long before dinner was ready, it had been ages since they had had actual meat instead of the imitation crap they had been fed during the rebuilding of Council space, when trade and imports were limited. Joker was already sitting with Hannah and Tali, he was definitely going to miss these moments, when the whole crew could come together at meals and interact like one large and very loud family.

"You should definitely come to Rannoch, Admiral Shepard," said Tali, "you'd be amazed just watching the Geth and Quarians interact, both sides behave as if there had not been the war. Not only that, but we already have several settlements and most of the children are able to run around without having to wear their enviro-suit."

"That's incredible," said Hannah, truly impressed with the rebuilding of Rannoch, "I think I should go, see if there is anyway I can help out, though I'm sure there won't be much need for an Alliance admiral with all of the Geth and Quarians working so hard already."

"Oh, no, Admiral Shepard," said Tali quickly, "there is always a need for help, and you would be an excellent ally to have at this time."

"Tali, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Hannah?" asked Hannah, smiling, "That admiral crap is just for the brass, not even my own soldiers call me Admiral Shepard."

"I knew I liked you for a reason," said Joker smiling at Hannah, "your informality when it comes to rank really resonates with me."

"I would assume as much," said Hannah, smirking, "I'm really glad we met, Joker, you've been a great friend to Jackie."

"I do what I can," said Joker, shrugging his shoulders, "I'm just glad I was given a second chance to redeem myself."

"You still feel responsible for her death, don't you?" asked Hannah, putting her hand on his in a motherly fashion.

Joker nodded, the knot in his stomach tightening even more, he was sure Hannah knew about Elissa's death but not that he had been the reason for her untimely loss. Thinking she had been aware that he had killed her only child now made him skeptical of whether she really liked him or was being passive aggressive.

"Please, don't blame yourself," said Hannah, he could see in her eyes begging him to let it go, "you were both doing your job, you saved a majority of the crew that day. She died to protect you, that's what she does best, you of all people should know that by now."

"Yeah, I guess," said Joker, the guilt was still there but at least he knew Hannah was not angry or bitter that he had been a stubborn mule that refused to leave his post.

"Hey, Lisa," said Tali as Elissa sat down next to Joker, her arm briefly brushing against his, causing the hairs to stand up on end.

"Hey, Tali, what did I miss?" asked Elissa trying to sound cheerful.

"We were just talking about Rannoch and the developing of some new settlements," said Hannah quickly, winking at Joker as she spoke.

"I should go there sometime," said Elissa, smiling at Tali, "see how everything's going, I'm really interested in seeing the Geth working together to build something instead of killing everything organic."

"That seems like so long ago," said Tali, shaking her head slowly, "I can't believe that it was only four years ago that we were on opposite sides of the Geth and now we're working side by side with them. All thanks to you of course, Lisa."

"I was very impressed when I read that report from Hackett," said Hannah, practically glowing with pride, "I nearly framed it but thought that would look a little silly."

"Mom, you were really going to frame my report?" asked Elissa flabbergasted, "That reminds me of when you hung up my acceptance letter from the Alliance above your desk, then Dad wanted to hang my promotion orders when I was promoted to Commander. They're both still there aren't they?"

"Yep, they're hanging in my cabin as we speak," said Hannah, her eyes misting over, "you've made me a very proud mother, Elissa."

"I always tried to, Mom," said Elissa, giving a small smile to her mother, "I never wanted you once to think that I had compromised my virtue or integrity for the sake of what was easy."

"I never doubted you, Elissa," said Hannah, caressing her daughter's cheek like she used to when Elissa was a small child.

"Dinner!" shouted Rupert, "Come and get it!" There was a mad scramble to get in line, everyone wanting to get a helping of the delicious food that Rupert had made.

"What's the occasion, Cookie?" asked Joker as he handed Rupert his bowl, Rupert gave him a look of contempt as he filled the dish nearly full of spaghetti.

"Just wanted to do something nice for you and the Commander," said Rupert trying to hide the truth with a flimsy lie.

Joker patted him on the shoulder, he had a feeling that the truth behind this special meal had to with the fact that this was probably the last meal they would have with the crew altogether for maybe months.

"Thanks for the food, Rupert," said Elissa as he handed her a bowl, "I really appreciate all you've done since you signed on, even though you started off working with Cerberus, I can't think of the Normandy without you."

"And I can't think of the Normandy without you either, Shepard," said Rupert, trying to sound cheerful but notes of melancholy were still evident in his voice, "I've enjoyed being part of your crew, it's been the greatest honor in my life, and I know nothing else can top having worked with you."

Elissa could feel the tears in her eyes, she knew if he kept on speaking he would eventually cause her to release them, "Thank you, Rupert, you have no idea how much that means to me to hear you say that."

"Commander Shepard," said Donnelly, standing up from his seat at one of the tables, "I would just like to say, it has been the second greatest pleasure in my life, having worked with you. I wouldn't trade my time on the Normandy for nothing else in this entire universe."

"Only the second?" asked Elissa, smirking as she raised an eyebrow.

"Well, even my beautiful wife outranks you, Shepard," said Donnelly, looking down at Daniels, their faces were both glowing with love and he sat down.

"I'm guessing you all have pretty much figured out that this is most likely the last night Joker and I will spend on the Normandy," said Elissa, eyeing her crew, they all nodded.

"I also want to say something," said Daniels, standing, "I will always be in debt to both Shepard and Joker, they risked the safety of the ship and their lives to rescue all of the crew from the Collectors, and because of them I am now happily married and have had the greatest adventures of my life."

"I have worked with both Shepard and Joker from the beginning," said Garrus, "Shepard is one of the best marksman I have ever had the pleasure of upstaging, and my truest friend, I am proud to have worked beside her in many a battle. Joker, although his mouth may get him into a few tight spots, he has never said anything that was not already what the rest of us was already thinking. He might not be part of the ground crew, but he is a warrior in his own way, using this amazing ship as his weapon and making it dance under his expert hands."

Liara stood up, smiling at both Joker and Elissa, "Lisa has been my friend from the start, she trusted me when most would not, and supported me with whatever harebrained theory I had come up with. With her help, I was able to save the love of my life and now am happily pregnant, if it had not been for her I might be having a very different life. Joker, I have always envied your mastery as a pilot, after having seen you in action I was inspired to try and master certain skills of my own but I still do not come anywhere near your level expertise in comparison."

Tali was the next to stand, even from a distance, Elissa could see her visor was already steamed on the inside, "Lisa, I have always looked up to you like you were my older sister, entrusted my life to you, and we have had each others' backs from the start. You have given me more than I feel I deserve: you allowed me to bring important technology back to the fleet from my pilgrimage, defended me during my own trial and mourned the loss of my father with me, and then you go and return my homeland to my people. Joker, you have kept me safe just as much as Lisa has, comforted me when the rest of my people all but threw me in the nearest airlock and been my dearest friend. I will remember those memories just as fondly and often as I remember those of Lisa, keelah se'lai."

Elissa was practically in tears, all of these speeches touched her heart in a very special way, she was aware of all her accomplishments and attributes but to hear how her friends spoke about her made everything she had done just that much more important. There were not any words she could say that would be equivalent to those that had just been spoken, and she was not going to even try to, instead she walked up to each of her crew members if they had spoken or not and hugged them then thanked them for their service and loyalty.

Joker stood there in awe as he watched her work her magic, even without words she was still able to convey to her crew how she felt about them and how much she truly appreciated their service. He was so enraptured with her act of benevolence towards the crew that he did not hear Garrus walk up beside him.

"Are you ever going to tell her?" asked Garrus quietly.

"I really don't know, Garrus," said Joker sighing, "I want to, but right now, that's probably the very last thing on her mind and I don't want to complicate anything for her."

"Joker," said Garrus, "just grow a quad and tell her, spirits, if this was happening between Turians then you would have been beat out for her a very long time ago."

"I was already beat out, remember?" sneered Joker, "She probably doesn't want to get involved with anyone right now, I'm just going to leave her alone about romance, see what happens if I do that."

Garrus shook his head, "Just don't let too much time go by, you might not get another chance, just saying."

"I appreciate the optimism," sighed Joker as Elissa got closer to where they were standing, still happily embracing each individual crew member, she winked at him as she went in to hug Garrus. He had never heard of any other commander doing what she had, taking the time to go and thank each person of the crew one-on-one, she was truly a unique person.

Elissa finished hugging Tali, who's visor was now clear of any steam though she could still hear Tali sniffling, and then she looked at Joker surprising him with a warm embrace. She pulled him into her tight, enjoying the feeling of her chest pressed against his, his arms snaking around her torso.

"What's this for?" asked Joker into her neck, resisting every urge in his body that was telling him to nip the soft skin.

"I didn't want you to feel left out," replied Elissa, smiling as his beard tickled her nose and cheek, the smell of spices filling the air around her. Reluctantly she pulled away, there was something important she needed to say to the crew, give them an insight into what was happening and to give them a choice.

"Everyone," called Elissa in a raised voice, "I can't let you in on everything that is going on right now or what my true plan is, but I will give you a very important choice that does not need to be made now: you have the choice of staying on the Normandy until I return or you can leave and go back home. If you decide to leave, you will not be treated or seen any differently from those who stayed on the ship, and the reverse is true as well. Like I said, you don't have to make the choice now, but you must have made up your mind before Joker and I leave tomorrow and if you are going to leave you must do so about the time he and I go to our trial."

There was some muttering amongst the crew as everyone talked about the choice they had been given and they all started to eat, Elissa sat with her mother and Joker, though she hardly had an appetite. Walking away from the Normandy for a second time was going to be the hardest thing she had ever done, it was difficult enough the first time but at least she knew who was going to be looking after her ship, now she was not sure if she was handing it over to a friend or an enemy. She felt something touch the hand that was sitting in her lap and she looked down, seeing Joker's hand covering hers, and in some strange way she had a feeling that everything would work out for the best.