A/N: The moment has finally arrived! Enjoy!


Liara and Miranda scrutinized the long, itemized lists and thick packets that were sprawled across the table in the war room, this was probably the most important task they had ever been assigned to and they were not about to let the Commander down.

"Have you spoken to Rupert about the rations?" asked Miranda and Liara nodded.

"Yes, he has some ground beef that he's pressing into hamburgers," replied Liara as she picked up a paper from the table. "That's the main course and he has some side dishes to accompany it, of course with dextro options for some of the other guests. Dessert has also been prepared and Traynor's making some specialty drinks, though she refused to tell me what they are."

Miranda nodded as she picked up another list. "And what about the wardrobe? Has that been seen to?"

"Absolutely," said Liara brightly. "The garments we requested have already been brought on board and Hilary is seeing to alterations, she should be done just in time. Accessories have also been accounted for and distributed."

"Good, good," muttered Miranda. "And I'm assuming you've also handled the décor?"

Liara hesitated before replying. "We're still working on that, though I am impressed by what Gabby and Tali have been able to create with just a few items. And I spoke to Tali about the other task, and she'll be more than happy to do it."

"Uh, excuse me," said Elissa curiously, "am I allowed to have any say in my wedding?"

"You already have, Shepard," said Miranda seriously. "You picked the groom, the place, and the time. The rest is just details, and Liara and I are very detail oriented so we thought it would be best if we handled the rest."

Elissa resisted the urge to roll her eyes. They had been like this for days, dragging her in for meetings about her wedding only to be pushed out of the conversation except when they asked for her opinion on a dress or a menu item. Planning this wedding had really brought out the best in her crew.

"Miranda, I organized an entire war against machines taller than skyscrapers," sighed Elissa as she twisted some hair around her index finger. "I think I could handle something as simple as a wedding."

Miranda chuckled. "Shepard, I know you. If this were left up to you, you and Moreau would be standing in front of an officiate in some backwater building in your blues, and then go off to some second rate motel for a honeymoon."

"And what's wrong with that?" asked Elissa defensively. "There's nothing wrong with having just a quickie wedding."

Liara and Miranda shared an incredulous look, apparently not impressed with her ideas.

"No offense, Lisa," said Liara as she dug through the papers, picking up one that had to do with payment of some vendor. "But this wedding has been a long time in the making, and having a cheap, quick wedding would be an insult."

"Fine," huffed Elissa, she knew her friends meant well but it was still a bit annoying to have them completely shove her out of the planning. She did not even know what her own dress looked like. "I'm going to see Jeff then."

"No!" shouted Miranda and Liara in unison, startling Elissa greatly.

"Why not?" she asked, confused to this sudden change in their demeanor.

Miranda rolled her eyes. "Lisa, it's tradition that the bride and groom don't see each other the day before or day of their wedding, not until the ceremony. Otherwise it's bad luck."

Elissa chuckled warmly. "I didn't think you were one for tradition, Miranda. Wasn't that more Kelly's thing than yours?"

"That might be true, but I'm firm on this, Shepard," said Miranda sternly. "You and Moreau are not to be allowed to see each other until you are walking down that aisle, am I understood?"

"Ma'am yes ma'am," said Elissa, snapping to attention and giving Miranda a mock salute. "Then what do you suppose I do in the meantime?"

"Perhaps you should go speak to Alenko," said Liara, as she read yet another sheet of paper. "He's been asking for you, apparently he's ready to make a decision regarding his son."

Elissa nodded, all humor melting away from her face. "Good, I was wondering when he'd make a decision. Took him long enough."

Liara smiled kindly at her. "Don't be too harsh on him, Lisa. It's been a hard few days for him as well, he's lost his wife and gained a son all at the same time. This is all new to him."

"I thought I have been pretty damn reasonable," argued Elissa. "I mean, I didn't throw him out of the airlock like everyone was suggesting. I kept him safe in the AI core after he had medical treatment, too!"

"No one's denying that you haven't been a gracious host," said Liara calmly. "You just need to realize that he's in a very fragile mental state, and need to be easy on him, at least for the moment."

Elissa rolled her eyes as she walked away. "Fine, I'll be nice to him. But if he tries anything, I'll kick his ass."

"That's fine," muttered Miranda as she made a few adjustments. "Liara, look at this."

They stayed huddled over the piece of paper as Elissa left, immersed completely in the world of wedding planning.


"Hey, Karin," said Elissa as she entered the medbay. "How's the pris-patient doing?"

Chakwas looked up at her with an amused smirk. "Impressive use of tact, Shepard. And to answer your question, Major Alenko is doing quite well. Most of his injuries were superficial and with sufficient medi-gel have healed quite nicely; some of the deeper wounds are still on the mend, however. He hasn't said much of anything after you left the other day, other than he wants to speak with you about his son."

Elissa nodded as she looked at the door to the AI core. "And what about his son? What did his physical reveal?"

"Considering I wasn't allowed to open the tank, not too much," replied Chakwas as she pulled out the file marked 'Baby Alenko.' "My preliminary scans didn't reveal anything that Cerberus might have used as a means of tracking him, and he appears to be a healthy two year old despite the obvious fact he shouldn't be two yet. I did notice a concentration of biotic energy in him, so I'm more than positive that he will be capable of producing biotic abilities."

"Thanks, Karin," said Elissa kindly. "I guess I should go speak with Alenko, then. Is he awake?"

Chakwas nodded. "He is indeed. It's strange but he still behaves like a Marine, waking early and doing what PT he can before dressing and making his bed. I guess he's trying to immerse himself in a familiar routine since so much about his life has changed drastically."

Elissa shook her head. "Sounds like him. I should be out of there in ten minutes or so, if I'm not, get Garrus."

"Understood, Shepard," said Chakwas as Elissa punched in the code to open the AI core. They had kept it locked since putting Kaidan in there shortly after the memorial, and only those with a code could gain access without incurring the wrath of EDI. She was taking her job as security very seriously.

Elissa walked into the AI core and her eyes immediately went to the cell they were keeping Kaidan locked away in, the orange glow of the force field dimmed slightly by the lights overhead. This had been the same cell Miranda had been housed in after the crew found out about her deception, though the strength of the force field had been increased to accommodate Kaidan's stronger biotic abilities. She took a deep breath and stepped closer him.

Kaidan looked up and jumped to his feet, saluting her before she had the chance to tell him otherwise. "Shepard, I wasn't expecting you so soon."

"It's been a few days, how're you holding up?" she asked, ignoring his statement.

"As well as can be expected, I suppose," he replied, standing at parade rest. "Which is why I wanted to speak with you, Shepard. If I could, I would like to see my son and make a decision about whether or not I will raise him."

Elissa was slightly skeptical, usually Kaidan had a plan figured out all the way through before making a move, but he seemed somewhat reserved about this one. 'Perhaps he already has a plan and just wants the reassurance that he's making the right one,' she thought as she activated her omni-tool. "Kal, Kolyat, could you two please join me in the AI core?"

"Sure, Shepard," said Kal. "I'll rendezvous with Krios and we'll make our way to the core. Should be there a.s.a.p."

"Alright, see you then," said Elissa and she crossed her arms as she stared at Kaidan, trying to figure out what he had planned.


"EDI, activate standard safety protocols," said Elissa as she opened the door to the starboard cargo hold. Kaidan was behind her in specialized handcuffs with Kal'Reegar and Kolyat flanking either side, weapons readied as they entered the room. When they were in, the two guards took point on either side of the door while Elissa and Kaidan went over to the growth tank.

"So, this is him," said Kaidan softly as he sat down on a crate opposite the tank.

"Yeah," whispered Elissa as she sat beside him, unsure of what to say or do in this kind of situation.

They were silent for a few minutes as Kaidan drank in the sight of his son, the child he thought he would never have. "I think he should be placed up for adoption," he said at last and Elissa was stunned.

"Why?" asked Elissa wondering why Kaidan would want something like this after he had expressed an interest in having children while they were dating. Something was wrong.

"It would be wrong for me to raise him, Shepard," said Kaidan, his brow furrowing as he looked at the little boy again. "I don't think I could give him the love and family he requires, I mean every time I look at him all I see is Cerberus and what they did to Rahna. And knowing that he was created against our will, sickens me to my core." He closed his eyes tightly, out of anger she was not sure but she knew he was making a mistake.

"Kaidan, this isn't what you want," she said quietly, putting a hand on his shoulder.

He tensed under her touch but did not throw it away. "Shepard, you don't understand," sighed Kaidan. "How can I be expected to raise this child normally when I hate the very people who created him?"

"So you hate yourself and Rahna?" she asked with a slight smirk. Kaidan gave her a murderous look but said nothing so she continued. "Look, Kaidan, forget who created him and under what circumstances; the truth is he's your son. He's the best of you and Rahna, and all you have left of her. If things were different and Rahna had died after having him naturally, wouldn't you raise him without question?"

Kaidan was silent for a moment as he considered her words. "You're right, Shepard. I would raise him and love him just the same. But, I'm not sure how to look at him and not see Project L7."

"You could start by giving him a proper name," suggested Elissa.

"Tristan Cole Alenko," said Kaidan softly and then he saw Elissa's face and chuckled. "Don't look so surprised, I had a few plans in place regarding my son. And the name sounds right to me, I think Rahna would've approved."

"I think so too," said Elissa pleasantly. "Do you still want to give him up for adoption?"

Kaidan thought for a moment and then shook his head. "No, I want to raise him myself. If what Karin told me is correct, then Tristan will be one powerful biotic and I'd like to help him through that, pass along what I know. Among other things, I always wished I'd had a parent who knew exactly what I was going through and could've helped me with my powers. And . . . I want the chance to be a father, more than anything. That must sound pretty pathetic to you."

Elissa shook her head. "Not at all, Kaidan. I mean, I've wanted to be a mother since I was small, so I understand the calling."

"Are you and Joker going to have any kids?" asked Kaidan suddenly. "Sorry, I guess that's too personal considering our relationship."

"Maybe someday we will," said Elissa wistfully. "First things first, though, if I allow you to raise Tristan, that would require a change of environment. You can't really raise a child in a prison cell."

"Where do you plan on relocating me to, Shepard?" asked Kaidan nervously, possibly anticipating her to kick him off the ship.

"I seem to recall that you were very fond of the starboard observation lounge," said Elissa kindly. "It's already been semi-converted into a family-suitable cabin. There would be some conditions, however. You'd still be under guard, and we'd have it so the force field would be applied over the door, you would be able to have at least an hour of recreation time around the ship but you would still have someone with you. And if the crew agrees, you and Tristan might be allowed to join us at meal times. If the situation changes, amendments to these rules will be made. Do you agree to my terms?"

"Without hesitation," replied Kaidan, grinning. "Would it be alright for EDI to release Tristan from the growth tank? I'd really like to hold him."

Elissa nodded and then reached into the open crate for a blanket so she could bundle the little boy when he was released. "EDI, please open the tank."

"Of course, Elissa," said EDI and then the tank came to life. The fluid within started to move as it was drained out, slowly so it did not shock the child, and then it was gone; the door sprung open and the child opened his eyes. Elissa could not help but notice they were the exact same shape and shade as Kaidan's.

Tristan started to cough and he expelled some of the fluid that had filled the tank earlier, then he started to shiver; quickly Elissa went to her knees and wrapped the blanket around him snugly before picking him up. The little boy looked up at her and smiled, she saw he already had most of his teeth and looked absolutely adorable, she brushed some of his wet curls out of his face and he giggled. "Hi," she said kindly, kissing the boy's cheek, "it's nice to meet you, Tristan. I'm Miss Elissa."

"Hi!" said Tristan enthusiastically. "You a pretty lady."

Elissa chuckled and looked to Kaidan. "Thank you, sweetie. Do you want to meet your daddy?"

Tristan's hazel eyes lit up instantly and he nodded. "Yes!"

She motioned for Kaidan to stand up which he did and went over to her and Tristan; unshed tears brimming in his eyes. "Hi, Tristan, I'm Daddy."

"I know," said Tristan happily as he freed his arms from the blanket. "The tank said so."

Kaidan looked at Elissa terrified but she merely smiled. "It just means they implanted some things in his mind," she said in a cheery tone as she bounced Tristan on her hip. "There's nothing wrong with him."

"Nope," agreed Tristan and he reached out to Kaidan. "Daddy, hug!"

"In a second," said Kaidan and he held up his handcuffed hands to her, silently begging her to release him, which she did though she hesitated for a moment. When he was released she passed Tristan to him and Kaidan's arms wrapped around him protectively, tears streaming down his face as he held his son. He looked up at Elissa and smiled. "Thank you," he whispered.

Elissa wiped her own tears, unaware that she had shed any in the first place. "No problem."


Joker was going crazy, thanks to some old human wedding tradition, he was forbidden from looking at Elissa for at least the next twenty-four hours which apparently also meant he could not look at any of the camera feed either. He sure as hell was tempted, being forbidden to do something just made him want to do it all the more. Which is probably why Miranda had sent Miya to watch him.

"Don't," snapped Miya as he went to press a button.

"Kind of have to," huffed Joker as he pressed the button. "It's the one that opens the air lock, and allows Feron to get in so he can deliver all that stuff Liara ordered. Unless you want to be the one to explain to Miranda and Liara why—"

"No, it's fine," sighed Miya as she polished her Black Widow. "Let him in."

Joker rolled his eyes as he waited for Feron to enter with yet another delivery, he did feel a little bad for him, Liara was having him run all over getting the stuff she ordered and bringing them here. Apparently the Normandy was under a 'shoot on sight' order or so Liara's Intel said so they had to keep away from high traffic areas, which included the Kepler Verge, so Feron was responsible for making numerous trips. He had hardly been able to see his daughter and that was really why they had come this close to Citadel space, so he could see Talissa.

"Hello again, Joker," sighed Feron as he brought in another dolly full of boxes. He sounded tired and that was hardly his fault. "Miya."

"Traitorous bastard," muttered Miya without looking up from her task.

"Hey, Feron," said Joker cheerily. "Is this the last one or are there another eight orders waiting to be picked up?"

Feron chuckled mirthlessly as he brought in a crate full of items. "Fortunately for me this is the last one, and I can finally sit down and enjoy my daughter. She's really cute, isn't she?"

Joker nodded as he rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, adorable. She's also pretty smart, she's already figured out how to summon Glyph."

"Good," laughed Feron as he returned with another box. "Maybe he'll listen to her."

"I'm glad you're staying for the wedding," said Joker as he entered a few numbers into a console. "It would be kind of crappy of Liara to just ask you here and then tell you to go home."

"Well, I'm sure if she didn't invite me, Shepard would've," replied Feron as he sat down on one of the crates, not in a hurry to move them down to the shuttle bay. "I wish she'd come back with me to the ship, I really want to help raise my daughter and possibly . . . marry Liara."

"I heard you used to ask her every day to marry you," laughed Joker. "Do you think she'll start planning your wedding next? Or are you going to wait until you have a dozen little blue girls?"

Feron rolled his eyes. "I don't know, but I'll keep reminding her until she does. If we do get married, it'll probably be a small affair, unless Aethyta decides to hold it on Thessia or Illium then it'll be a much more grand event."

"Wouldn't a highly publicized wedding between you and Liara kind of blow her cover as the Shadow Broker?" asked Joker with a raised eyebrow. "Not to mention put Ali in danger?"

"Which is exactly why I'd be more than happy with forged photographs and some speedy documentation," sighed Feron. "I don't want Liara or Ali put in harm's way for any reason."

Miya let out a derisive snort but said nothing, which was probably for the best considering her past history with Feron. Though they had come a long way since Elissa's return, now they just ignored each other's existence instead of trying to kill one another, which meant the next step was snide insults before ultimately becoming friends.

"I think it might do Liara some good getting off the ship and returning home with you," said Joker thoughtfully. "Even if it's just for a little while, of course. You two could stay on the Normandy if you wanted to."

Feron smiled as he stretched before getting up. "Thanks for the offer, Joker, but for now I just want to focus on making my family in the home we currently have. Maybe someday we'll join you on the Normandy."

"Sounds good, Feron," said Joker. "Anyway, let me know if you need any help with anything, except heavy lifting. That's Vega's forte."


"Maldita esta mierda de pesada," grunted James as he carried a very large crate to the corner of the shuttle bay. They were making room for Elissa and Joker's ceremony, which would be held tomorrow, and according to Miranda things in the shuttle bay had to be reorganized to accommodate the guests and other stuff that was coming. He really hoped there would be a crate full of liquor.

"What was that, Vega?" asked Garrus as he moved some smaller items out of the way. "You sound tired."

"Screw you, Scars," James bit out as he put the crate on top of another. "How'd you get the easy job, anyway? You weren't injured in the line of duty or anything."

"I have to make sure I look my best," called Garrus as he stacked a few boxes against the wall. "I'm the best man, after all, everyone's going to be looking at me."

James burst out laughing. "Everyone's going to be looking at Lola and Joker, Scars. Not at your ugly mug."

"Someone calling my name?" asked Zaeed as he rounded the corner.

"Close enough," mumbled Garrus as he went to open another one of Feron's deliveries. "Spirits, how many more deliveries are going to be made before this wedding? Half of this just seems like useless crap."

"Except for the liquor," said Zaeed with a wry grin as he held up a half full bottle of bourbon. "I think Shepard was the one who picked it, she really knows her spirits."

"I knew there was a liquor crate!" cried James and he snagged the bottle from Zaeed before he could stop him and took a large swig. "Damn, that's good. I'm going out on a limb and say you stole the crate?"

Zaeed shook his head. "Not at all, I merely helped myself to its contents. I don't remember Liara or that girlfriend of yours saying I couldn't."

Garrus chuckled warmly. "Just try to not drink it all before tomorrow, some people need to have a few drinks to be around this crowd."

"You referring to Pink Widow and Feron?" asked James as he took another drink of bourbon.

"Among others," said Garrus. "I'm sure Miranda and Jack are going to need a few drinks to be able to be in the same room with each other. And don't even get me started on Alenko."

James's eyes went wide. "Wait, that pendejo's coming to the wedding? Seriously?"

Garrus shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure, but this is Shepard we're talking about. So it's likely she would invite him, you know how much of a softie she is."

"You just don't agree with her keeping Major Alenko alive," said Jacob as he entered with a crate, carrying it biotically.

"You can't just stand there and tell me it's a good idea," snapped Garrus, his mandibles flexing as he did.

Jacob shrugged as he placed the crate on the floor. "I might not think it's a great idea, but I understand why she did it. She wants to keep a close eye on him, make sure he can't contact anyone that could present a danger to us and not cause us any more trouble then he already has. She following the old 'keep your friends close and enemies closer' model of thinking."

"Not to mention he's more valuable as a hostage," said Zaeed. "The man's currently the only human Spectre and an Alliance officer, keeping him hostage has many benefits."

"I prefer thinking of him as a prisoner than a hostage," sighed Garrus. "Hostage implies that we plan on letting him go for the right price whereas prisoner has such finality to it. Makes me hopeful that Shepard won't ever release him."

James shrugged, in all honesty he was hoping Elissa and Kaidan could work whatever was going on out between them, they were better allies than enemies. "Look, no matter how much we debate about it, the fact of the matter is it isn't up to us what happens to Alenko. It's up to Lola, and we shouldn't try to influence her decision in any way. And for god's sake, it's her wedding tomorrow, can we at least pretend we aren't ready to mutiny for at least one day?"

The men laughed, including James, in the years they had served under Elissa there had been ample opportunity and better reasons to mutiny than just over her choice of prisoners. While they may not agree with her choice, they respected it and knew she was probably making the right decision in the long run, she had hardly been wrong before and deep down they trusted her.


"This sucks," muttered Elissa as she threw her book down onto her bed.

She had more or less been confined to her quarters until the ceremony in the morning because Miranda felt she could not be trusted not to go see Joker. Though she hardly helped her case after she was caught sneaking onto the bridge at least four times since lunch, and that had been agonizing as well, considering Joker had been brought lunch by EDI. She could not help the slight flare up of jealousy when she saw EDI taking him a tray of food, knowing the AI was going to get to spend time with Joker while she was not even permitted to look at him. It really was unfair.

'At least Kaidan and Tristan are squared away,' she thought to herself as she activated her omni-tool, bringing up the feed from their room. Kaidan was currently trying to wrangle his son into the makeshift bed they had brought him earlier but it was turning into more of a wrestling match with each passing second. Tristan was laughing as his dad threw him up in the air and caught him with his biotics before slamming him gently against the pillows. She was both relieved and astonished at how quickly Kaidan had taken to becoming a father with little to no preparation; if anything it came to him as naturally as everything else he was good at. For a brief moment she imagined being there with him, tickling and playing with Tristan before kissing him good night and going to bed with Kaidan.

'In another life perhaps, but not this one, this one's different,' she reminded herself and she glanced over at her nightstand at the picture Miya had recently dragged out of storage. It was of herself, Miya, and Joker shortly after N-school; they looked so young and carefree, ready to tackle the world and throttle it into submission. Remembering N-school made her think of her time with Dixon, and that made her think of her time with Kaidan. Looking back it seemed like she was trying to recapture what she had had with Dixon with Kaidan, and what happened with Kaidan later was just her attempt at continuing something from the past. Those relationships really had been in another lifetime; when she died and was brought back, a new life started for her and all she had done was attempt to make it like the old life. The normalcy and stability she had craved then had always been with her, she just had been too blind to see: Joker. Through everything, through her first life and now the second, he had been there for her, watching over her as if her were her guardian. He was probably the most snarky and sarcastic guardian ever, but that really did not matter; he had been there to pick her up when she fell, kiss whatever hurt and make her feel better. He rarely put up with her bullshit and made her feel alive, whenever she was around him she somehow knew that everything was going to turn out for the better. Which was why this forced separation might possibly kill her.

"Why did I ever agree to this stupid wedding in the first place?" she groaned, rubbing the heels of her hands in her eyes.

"Oh, I don't know, maybe because you want to marry me?" came Joker's voice and she jumped from the bed and ran to the door. She was surprised to see it slightly opened but she did not care, she would force it open all of the way if she had to just to see him.

"Jeff!" she all but screamed. "I missed you so much!"

Joker chuckled and slid his arm through the gap in the door, which was just big enough for it to get through, he groped around for a moment before she grabbed onto his hand gently. She was so happy to feel his touch again; it felt like they had not been around each other for months instead of just hours.

"Hold on, I can open this more," she said and went for the console but Joker jerked on her suddenly.

"Don't!" he said in a harsh whisper. "I might not be all that superstitious but I really don't want to deal with Miranda right now, I was just stuck about a dozen times with pins so Hilary could make some alterations to my blues. I'm not in the best mood right now."

"Oh," sighed Elissa and she let go of his hand, which withdrew back behind the door. "Maybe you should sit down then, if you've been standing for so long. And I promise, I'll stick to my side of the door and not try to pry it open, though you know I can."

Joker snickered as she heard him move to sit down, she smiled as she slid down the door herself, bringing her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs. It was good to hear him laugh.

"I know you can, Ellie," he said with a slight chuckle. "Which is why I'm not going to encourage you, God knows how little of it you need anyhow."

Elissa scowled and Joker laughed again. "Says you! And what the hell are you laughing at anyway?"

"The look on your face," he said with a slightly muffled voice, and she was sure he was trying to cover his mouth to keep from being heard.

"You can't even see me, so how do you know what my face looks like right now?" she hissed slightly. "Are you looking at the camera feed?"

"Nope," said Joker happily. "I just know you well enough to know what face you're making, I mean, just by the tone of your voice I know what your face looks like. Guess you shouldn't have sat beside me all those years."

"I wouldn't trade a minute," she said quietly and then she saw Joker's arm snake back through the door, and she instantly held it. "Has today been easy for you?"

Joker sighed and squeezed her hand. "Not really, I had to put up with Miya all day telling me that I couldn't touch buttons on my console because she was certain I'd try to see you somehow. She's taking this superstition too seriously."

Elissa laughed and rubbed her thumb over his knuckles. "I think she just enjoys torturing us, that's all. I doubt she actually believes it'd be bad luck for us, more like just another opportunity to screw with us."

"Yeah, I guess you have a point there," said Joker, he sounded somewhat upset. "Do you really not want to go through with the wedding, Ellie?"

"In all honesty, Jeff, I do want to," she said and heard him audibly sigh. "I was just blowing off some steam because it is infuriating not being able to sleep beside you tonight. I know we'll have all night tomorrow, and the rest of our lives for that matter, but damn it I want you here!"

"I know, babe, I want the same thing," said Joker and he started to laugh. "Do you remember the first time you and I played gin together? You know, before we used sex as our stress reliever?"

Elissa laughed. "I do, I believe I threw the cards on the floor after I lost six games. I told you I never wanted to play that game with you again, but you came back later that night and forced me to play, and when I won I celebrated by throwing cards everywhere. Then you came by the next night and we played, and the one after that. You always came back."

"And I always will," he said solemnly. "No matter what happens, no matter what you do, I'll just come right back to you."

"So I can do anything I want and you'll still be there?" she asked with a grin, purposefully needling Joker.

Joker groaned and shifted his weight slightly. "Within reason, Ellie. There are exceptions to every rule and if you do something I really, really don't like, I won't come back."

"I know, Jeff," she said softly. "Did you ever think we'd end up like this?"

"No," said Joker in a hushed voice. "I thought I'd still be with EDI and you'd marry Alenko, I didn't think I'd be anything more to you than a brother." He paused and she held her breath worried about what he might say next. "But that being said, I'm glad I was wrong. I've loved you for so long, Ellie and to have you as my wife is a dream come true, one I didn't think would happen."

Elissa's face cracked into a huge smile, she was thrilled to hear that Joker was looking forward to getting married to her. "Jeff, I love you."

"I love you too, Elissa," said Joker and he yawned. "I guess I should get back to my bunk before I pass out here, wouldn't go too well for me if Miranda or Liara caught me here. See you tomorrow, Mrs. Moreau."

"Good night, Mr. Moreau," she said with a slight chuckle, before he pulled his hand away she brought his palm up to her lips and kissed it, closing his fingers to keep the kiss safe. "Maybe this will help."

Joker chuckled as he retracted his arm and stood up, keeping his fist clenched. "Maybe it will, good night."

Elissa waited until she heard the elevator doors close before she stood up and went to her bed, crawling under the blanket and taking Joker's pillow, hugging it against her body. She could smell his cologne still trapped in the fibers of the pillow, the scent washing over her as she struggled to keep her eyes open. While she wanted to sleep, she also wanted to stay awake and go over their conversation again, it had been exactly what she needed and she did not want to give it up so soon. Sleep however had other plans, and soon she drifted off, dreaming that Joker was lying beside her.


There was movement in her cabin. Elissa could feel the presence of other people in her cabin, moving around as she laid there pretending to still be asleep, her hand clenched on the knife she kept under her pillow. Whoever was in her room was about to get a very nasty surprise.

"You two are so stupid," she heard a familiar voice say and she relaxed her grip on the knife.

Then Elissa heard Miranda's voice, so she knew the intruders were not assassins. "And why is that, Schafer?"

"Oh it's nothing important," said Miya casually. "It's just that Lizzie normally sleeps with a knife under her pillow and if you get near her without announcing your presence, she'll probably kill you."

Elissa heard Liara speak up next. "Perhaps it would be best to let her know we're here?"

"Too late," sighed Elissa as she turned over on her back and sat up, sure she looked like hell compared to her friends. "You're really lucky Miya's a loudmouth, otherwise we might've had to postpone the wedding."

Miranda snorted. "I had no idea you slept with a knife under your pillow, Shepard. How long's that been going on?"

"I don't know, years?" replied Elissa as she stretched her arms above her head before getting out of bed. "Anyway, what are the three of you doing here?"

"Miranda and I came to wake you up and help you get ready for your wedding," said Liara as she unloaded the bundles in her arms on the table. "Miya just followed us up here."

"To save your lives," huffed Miya as she flopped on Elissa's bed. "Damn this is comfy. Anyway, I knew you two would just sneak in here and then surprise her, unaware of the knife so I came up to at least let Lizzie know."

Liara nodded as she unwrapped the bundles, revealing a pair of white sandal heels, hair supplies, makeup, and some other bobbles Elissa could not make out from her position though she was sure they were for her dress.

Elissa was about to speak when she suddenly felt like she was going to be sick, she covered her mouth and as quickly as she could ran to the bathroom, hoping she made it before she was ill all over the floor. She made it just in time.

"Looks like someone has wedding nerves," chuckled Miranda as she let Hilary in with the dresses. "Might as well shower while you're in there, Shepard."

They heard a muffled "Fine" from her before more noises and they chose to just leave her alone.

"Is she okay?" asked Hilary as she put the dresses down, already wearing hers. "Do I need to get Chakwas?"

Miranda shook her head as she reached for her dress, very impressed with Hilary's handiwork. "There's no need to call the doctor when it's something trivial like wedding jitters. She'll be fine in a little while, just give her a few minutes to collect herself."

Hilary nodded and they went about making themselves ready for the wedding they had all been waiting for.


"Hold still, Shepard," said Miranda, tugging roughly on the brush in her hand to keep Elissa from squirming more than she already was.

Elissa sighed heavily and tried to keep herself from moving too much, but it was difficult to remain still for long, considering the position she was in was not really the most ideal. Not to mention she was having her hair tugged and pulled in various ways that made it almost impossible not to move, at least a little. She really hoped Joker appreciated all of the trouble she was allowing herself to be put through for his sake.

"Keep her still, Miranda, it's difficult to put makeup on a wiggling person," huffed Hilary as she swirled a brush in some kind of pink powder before brushing it across Elissa's cheeks, on top of the layer of cream and other powders she had spread on earlier. This was getting rather annoying; she really did not want to sit here any longer than she had to but she knew better than to protest, that would just drag things out longer than necessary.

"Love the face, Lizzie," snickered Miya as she painted Elissa's nails. "Keep it up, Joker will love to see how horrified you are at the thought of marrying him."

"If my hands weren't occupied, Miya, I'd—" started Elissa but Liara interrupted her.

"You wouldn't do anything," stated Liara as she buffed the nails on Elissa's other hand. "We don't have time for you to get into any kind of fight, we only have enough time to make you up once, not more than that."

"Shit," mumbled Elissa as she resigned herself to the torture her friends were inflicting on her. She still did not understand why she had to get dressed up like this when she knew Joker loved how she looked without cosmetics but in a way she liked the attention and she liked being pampered even if her friends were a little rough. This was not an everyday occurrence she reminded herself so it was all right if she just sat back and enjoyed herself a little.


"The hat stays on," said Joker, planting a hand firmly on the top of his beloved baseball hat. "I don't care what Liara said, I'm not getting married without it!"

James crossed his arms. "Joker, we can do this the easy way or my fun way. And if I were you, I'd pick the easy way."

Joker snorted as he tried to get his newly polished shoes on with only one hand, which was proving to be more difficult than he had anticipated. "You know you can't break my hand or anything, Vega, Elissa would kill you."

"I know that, but I have other means," he said cryptically and then Joker felt a tugging on his head, he made the mistake of relaxing his grip on his hat for just a fraction of a second and it was quickly removed.

"Kasumi!" shouted Joker and he lunged for the thief only to be stopped by Garrus. "Damn it, Garrus, I need my hat back!"

Garrus flexed his mandibles in irritation as he kept Joker in his seat. "No, you need to finish getting ready and that includes not breaking anything before we get you down to the shuttle bay. What you and Shepard do after is none of my concern but getting you to the alter in one piece is my job as best man."

"Wow, you are taking that role way too seriously," sighed Joker as he went back to putting his shoes on. There was maybe an hour left before the ceremony was supposed to start and he was finishing up getting ready, after having a relatively relaxing morning which he was pretty sure was contrary to Elissa's if the shouting from earlier was to be trusted. It was just in these last few minutes that everything had become stressful, and it was mostly due to Samantha and EDI constantly checking in with him to make sure he was indeed getting ready and not just lazing about. As if anyone had allowed him the chance.

"Is Joker almost ready?" called Samantha from outside the door for the ten-thousandth time in the last fifteen minutes.

Joker tried not to growl as he finished tying the laces on his shoes, if anything he was looking forward to this wedding business being over so everyone would start to relax again or at least have this nervous energy focused on something other than him. "Yes, Sam, I'm almost ready," sighed Joker as he stood up. "Just like I was thirty seconds ago. If you'd like an itinerary of what I have left, please speak with my best man."

"Joker, can you not be a smartass for one day?" groaned Samantha as she slid from around the corner; having given him the necessary privacy he needed for getting dressed. She had already changed and gotten ready for the wedding herself, wearing a powder blue sundress with gold colored high heels and a silver chain around her neck.

"If I wasn't, Elissa might think she was marrying the wrong man," teased Joker as he accepted a hairbrush from her and started fixing his hair into a more suitable mess than it had been. He noticed that his hands were shaking a great deal more than before and he was struggling to keep the brush from falling to the floor. The more he thought about getting married to Elissa the more nervous he felt, perhaps because he knew in the back of his mind that everything they had done had been leading to this moment. All of those obstacles, all of the fights, the times when they could not see the light at the end of the tunnel; all of that had been leading to this moment right now. When he had first asked Elissa to marry him, he had not really thought about the true impact of that question, about how much it was going to change his life; he just knew he did not want to lose her in any way. Now that he knew this was indeed going to happen and he would spend the rest of his life with Elissa, made him sick, anxious, and incredibly excited all at once. Maybe being married would not be as terrifying as he had first thought.

"All right everyone, gather 'round," called Zaeed as he entered the room, a full bottle of tequila in his hand. "We don't have long before show time, and I think we all need some liquid courage to get through this circus. So line up."

Those in the room lined up in front of Zaeed and waited patiently for him to open the bottle and dispense its contents. Though just by the smell permeating from Zaeed they knew this would not be his first shot of liquid courage of the day, nor would it be the last.

"Uh, Zaeed, how long's it been since you've been sober?" asked James as he accepted the bottle. "And I mean within the last few days."

Zaeed shrugged as James took a drink and then passed the bottle to Samantha. "Not sure to be honest, I guess the last time I was sober was before that crate arrived. Which reminds me, I owe Shepard a few bottles to compensate for the ones I drank over the last few days."

"Have you considered the fact you might have a drinking problem, Zaeed?" asked Samantha, wiping away the tequila that had rolled down her chin.

"I only drink when I can get my hands on some of the good stuff," protested Zaeed. "Or if I really, really want to forget something. I've actually had less to drink since I killed Vido, Shepard's wedding is a special occasion and I couldn't help but celebrate early."

"It's fine, Zaeed," laughed Joker before he drank a mouthful and he shuddered at the bitter taste. "Just try to stay dry from now on, we don't need one of our best soldiers constantly drunk."

"I swear to you the next time we're in battle, I will be completely sober," vowed Zaeed dramatically as he took the bottle back. "Though you should be aware I've done most of my best work while drunk."

"Let's not go there," said James with a slight shudder. "Anyway, is it time for us to be downstairs, EDI?"

"Yes, you may start to proceed down to the shuttle bay," said EDI overhead. "Remember you are to stand close to the elevator until the music starts then Joker walks first then the pairs of bridesmaids and groomsmen, then it will be James and Elissa."

"Thanks, EDI," said Joker and he had to take several calming breaths. In just a matter of minutes he would be married, he and Elissa would finally be bound to each other by more than just friendship. Life as he knew it was about to change forever.


Tali adjusted a belt on her suit as she listened to the music start, the wedding ceremony was about to begin and she could not be more nervous. She had been asked to perform the ceremony seeing as how she was the only admiral on board and of course she had accepted but right now she was reconsidering. She had no idea what she should say. Everything she came up with sounded too formal or too overdone, nothing sounded like it should and she was quickly running out of time to come up with anything. If anything, she could always fall back on letting Joker and Elissa take control.

Joker was walking up the aisle in his newly cleaned blues, sans cap and with a trimmed up beard, ordinarily his walk was a bit more like a limp or very slow but not today. Today he was walking as if he owned the galaxy, head up high, back straight and legs moving as if he was not afflicted by any ailment. When he saw Tali he winked at her and effortlessly stood tall beside her, and in that brief time, the rest of the crew saw Joker as Elissa had always seen him.

Next up were the bridesmaids and groomsmen; Garrus and Miya led the way, him in his formal military wear and her in a skin tight, knee-length pastel green dress. When they reached Tali and Joker, Garrus winked at the Quarian admiral before releasing his grip on the infiltrator, both moving to the spots Liara had informed them of earlier. Joker glanced at Miya and was shocked to see a huge smile on her face, it appeared that she had been anticipating this wedding longer than he and Elissa had. Then again, she had been the one to make a bet with Zaeed over whether or not they would get together, so maybe she deserved to be happy over being right.

Kolyat and Hilary were next to walk down; she was wearing a dress just like Miya's though not nearly as tight but it was still flattering. Joker could hardly believe that the woman walking with Kolyat was his baby sister, she looked so grown up and beautiful; yet when he looked at her he could still see the little girl with long blonde pigtails jumping from the swing set claiming that someday she would fly. He made a mental note to start teaching her how to fly the Normandy, if she was going to learn she might as well have lessons from the best.

Miranda and Steve were the last to walk down, and Joker was surprised to see that the operative looking as well as she did given the fact she had only been out of her cell for a couple of weeks now. She and James had reconciled for the most part, after several explanations as to why she did not tell him about the bug and why she did nothing to try and disable it, and from what James had said it was because she had no idea where the trace was exactly. She had thought it on her omni-tool originally but she knew it could have been implanted on her body and after what happened on Omega, she was sure that was the case. Either way, James and the crew had all told her that the next time she suspected she was being tracked to tell them. She did not have to do everything on her own.

Now that everyone was in their positions, the music changed to the wedding march though it was not the traditional one they had heard at Hackett and Hannah's wedding, it sounded more like a rock ballad. Joker laughed before he could stop himself, even now Commander Shepard enjoyed making an entrance. His laughter quickly subsided when he saw Elissa coming around the corner, and he felt his jaw fall open at the sight of her. She was breathtakingly beautiful; her dress was white satin with two thin straps holding it up on her shoulders, the fabric was hugging her curves in just the right way, not to mention the deep V-neck. Elissa looked sexy yet at the same time modest. Her hair had been swept up and pinned in intricate ways, showing off her long neck in the process, with a large fabric flower placed amongst the curls.

The make-up her friends had spent several minutes applying brought out the very best in her features, enhancing her natural beauty to almost surreal heights. When she saw him her grin was brighter than he had ever seen it and the light in her eyes danced, he felt himself returning her smile with one of his own, it was so large his face was hurting after a few moments but he hardly cared. They had earned this moment and they were not about to let it end too soon.

James was walking her down the aisle and Joker could not remember a time when the Marine looked prouder than he did in this moment. After all he had accomplished in his career, after everything he had been through in his life, it appeared that the most monumental moment was this: walking the woman he respected and considered his sister down the aisle. Joker could not think of a more appropriate person to walk Elissa down the aisle, he seemed the more obvious choice even over her parents.

"Are you here to give this woman away?" asked Tali when James and Elissa stopped in front of her.

"Yes," answered James solemnly.

"And who are you to her?" asked Tali, her voice carrying across the shuttle bay.

"I'm her brother James," replied James and Tali nodded, motioning for Elissa to take her place in front of Joker.

Before he sat down, James kissed both of Elissa's cheeks and whispered something in her ear, which almost made her cry, and then she stood across from Joker. Tali motioned for everyone to sit down and then she cleared her throat, still searching for the right words to start this ceremony. She looked for a moment at Joker and Elissa, already they were standing with their hands clasped together, their eyes had yet to leave the other's and they seemed to radiate the love they held for each other. Tali knew what she wanted to say now.

"Today we are here to bear witness to a moment many years in the making," started Tali, looking out at all of the people. "Joker and Elissa have loved each other for many years in several ways, though it has never waivered. It has already been proven for all to see that not even death could break the love they hold for each other in their hearts, so it is only fitting that they finally come together and proclaim to the world how deep their love runs. In marriage, they dedicate their lives and hearts to each other a bond that cannot be broken by anything or anyone, it can only be strengthened. The couple will now recite their vows to each other."

"I'll go first," said Joker and Elissa nodded, he could feel her shaking though she was still smiling. "Ellie, the minute I met you I knew you were trouble. You have always been a determined, inspiring force to be reckoned with and that will never change, much like my feelings for you. Together we've endured so much, from stealing the Normandy twice to taking on gigantic mechanical squid, and I haven't mutinied once!" There was laughter through the crowd; they had all had the same thought. "Nor will I ever, because I don't want to be without you, not again. So, today I give you all that I am, and all I ever will be from now until I die."

Elissa nodded, unable to form words at the moment as tears were spilling down her cheeks at an alarming rate. She had no idea she would be this emotional, even if it was her wedding day. "I accept you, which I guess makes it my turn" she finally said with a slight chuckle and Joker laughed as he wiped her tears. "Jeff, the fact you have stuck with me through the hell I've dragged you to speak volumes to me. It shows me you are a capable, reliable, unwavering person who had every reason and several opportunities to mutiny. You're also probably the only person I know who has deliberately picked a fight with me and been completely justified for it. Yet, despite all of that, you stayed by my side. And today, I make the same vow; to be by your side through whatever hell life throws at us next. To you alone, I give everything I am and all I am to become, until a gigantic mechanical squid says otherwise."

"I accept you," laughed Joker and he squeezed her hands as tight as he could.

"Now, please exchange rings," said Tali, though her voice was noticeably clouded as she spoke.

Joker and Elissa looked at each other terrified; neither one of them had a ring to give.

Miya cleared her throat loudly and poked Elissa in the back; Elissa turned around saw her friend holding a grey-blue metal band in her hand. Without hesitation she took the ring and when she turned back around, she saw that Joker had a band to match hers, though it was just a little slimmer. She silently asked where he got that ring and he motioned with his head at Garrus. He slipped the ring in his hand on her finger and she did the same to him.

"By the power given to me by the Quarian Admiralty Board and Migrant Fleet," said Tali when they were finished. "I now declare you husband and wife! You may now kiss!"

They hardly needed to be told twice. Joker and Elissa's arms wrapped around each other and they sealed their union with a passionate kiss as their friends cheered around them. They were finally married, after all the waiting and all of the obstacles, they had made it.