Chapter 23 has come! My brain has been hating me lately and seems to want to constantly fight what I want to do, so that's why this chapter took so long to come out... I wrote three different versions of this chapter and have finally chosen the one I want to use. Happy N7 day! Anyhow, Mass Effect is owned by Bioware, now enjoy!

Ch. 23: The Fleets

Normandy SR-2

Commander Shepard

Shepard and his crew stood around the CIC watching the video feeds of the Normandy; they were watching the unknown Quarian and how she had gotten through security. Somehow she had the complete biometric data of Tali and easily fooled the scanners. She also had the same body type and wore nearly identical clothing; had Shepard not discovered her she could have gotten in and out of the Normandy easily.

Shepard turned from the vid to his crew. "Well, I guess shore leave's over early again. Can't get a minute of rest, can we?"

Shepard sighed and continued. "Most likely this thief was after something, though I'm not exactly sure what. What I do know is the Leviathans are most likely involved in this."

James spoke up. "Don't the Leviathans need those artifacts to control people, Commander?"

Shepard nodded. "Yes, which means there's an artifact close to us, though I'm not sure how far their range is. We need to find it as soon as we can-"

Suddenly Kasumi came through the airlock door with an artifact in her hands; the artifact was neutralized by some kind of portable barrier in Kasumi's hand. "Hey Shep, I found this in a little nearby hidey-hole."

Shepard smiled. "Well, I guess we won't have to go look for it anymore, and this confirms the Leviathans are involved. I suggest we get ready to go to the Despoina again… Everyone prepare for departure, I'll send a report to the Senate. Hopefully we can end this quietly for once."

The crew dispersed to their stations and Shepard walked up to Kasumi. "So, how did you know where that thing was, and how in the galaxy did you even know we were looking for it?"

Kasumi simply smiled. "I have my ways Shep, you didn't seriously believe your messages were truly private, did you?"

Shepard shook his head. "Kasumi, it's not nice to look through other people's messages, especially your friend's messages, but I'm glad you found the artifact."

"Of course Shep, anytime. Amateurs really, they hid it in the least obvious place possible, which is why it was so easy to find." She winked at Shepard.

Kasumi handed Shepard the device and the artifact. "One more thing Shep, I asked a few friendly faces if they wanted to come assist you, hope you don't mind."

The airlock door opened and Zaeed, Samara, Jacob, and Miranda walked through the doorway.

Shepard chuckled. "Well, I guess I could use the help. Kasumi are you coming too?"

Kasumi nodded. "You're not getting rid of me that easily, Shep."

"Good, I'm glad to hear it. It's not everyone, but I'm still glad to see you all. Are you sure you guys can?"

Zaeed laughed. "Shepard, we really don't have much to do right now. We're big guddamn heroes, not construction workers."

Jacob nodded. "Brynn is visiting some friends for a few days, figured I could go on one more mission to save the galaxy."

Miranda spoke up. "Oriana is safe now, and I really do want to go on one more mission."

Samara kept her stance. "These Leviathans are unjust, and the greatest threat to the galaxy. By the Code I will follow you again, Shepard."

Shepard turned back to Kasumi. "What about Jack and Grunt?"

Kasumi sighed. "Jack is still teaching her students and Grunt went to Tuchanka with Wrex. They would've been helpful, but you get what you get Shep."

Shepard smiled and turned to the others. "Ok, talk to Traynor and she'll find you a place. Sorry, only Zaeed and Kasumi will be able to get their old rooms back."

They nodded and walked off to talk to Traynor. Shepard walked up the helm and noticed Joker in his usual seat. Joker spun around on his chair to greet Shepard.

"So, what a long shore leave. I for one had a greaaaat time." Joker remarked sarcastically.

"Joker, I don't plan these things you know. I just go with the flow and save the galaxy again and again." Shepard sighed.

Joker turned back to the controls. "Yeah, well... I wish this galaxy would stay saved for 5 minutes, ya know?"

Shepard took a deep breath and exhaled. He turned from the helm and began walking to his cabin to fill in another report; he had another mission to do.

"What do you mean I'm 'forbidden' from getting involved!?" Shepard yelled at the QEC. Hackett shook his head and began speaking.

"Shepard, you've saved this galaxy 3 times, I think it's time to let the armed forces do it for once."

"But you know I couldn't have done that without them, and they can't do it without me!"

"Shepard, if what you're saying is true then the Leviathans are a threat, I understand that. But sometimes you need a little break. Besides, we thought this would be a possibility the moment you discovered them, so we have developed a new kind of aquatic bomb that will blow the Leviathans sky high. You and the Normandy won't even be needed. We'll send in a bomb squad and blast them apart, then go home for drinks. They aren't like the Reapers, Shepard, we can handle them."

Shepard sighed in defeat. "Fine, but the second something bad happens I'm going to go help."

Hackett smiled. "Of course Shepard, now quit worrying and get ready for your wedding. I will warn you, however, the galactic media may have gotten wind of your upcoming wedding and who it will be with. Because it's a public event you will most likely have to make a statement in front of the press confirming your marriage and partner."

Shepard groaned. "Not the press..."

Hackett chuckled. "How do you think I feel sometimes, Shepard?" Hackett then nodded. "That's all Commander, Hackett out."

Hackett disappeared and Shepard turned to the war room. He walked through the room, the conference hall, and the scanner, and readied himself for an announcement.

Samantha Traynor turned around and saw Shepard walking towards the CIC. "Hello, Commander, ready to start this bird and take the fight to the Leviathans?"

Shepard sighed and walked up to the comm. "You'll see, Traynor."

Shepard turned on the comm and began speaking to the entire Normandy. "Normandy, this is Commander Shepard speaking. We've had a change of orders, we are to stand down and return to shore leave."

Shepard heard a few groans and continued. "All crew is dismissed until further notice, so your shore leave can continue."

The crew began dispersing again and Shepard shook his head in defeat. He stood next to his private terminal and waited for the others to begin leaving...

Kasumi, Zaeed, Jacob, and Miranda all walked out of the elevator in defeat. Shepard walked up to them with a half smile. "Sorry, I guess we're not going on an adventure after all."

Zaeed grumbled and looked down. Kasumi shook her head and began speaking. "Oh well, I guess this means we get shore leave too. And I've heard from an undisclosed source you're having a wedding soon, Shep."

Jacob smiled and slapped Shepard on the shoulder. "Damn Shepard, you're faster than me and Bryn's pregnant. I'll have to congratulate Tali when I see her again."

Miranda chimed in. "As will I, she truly is a lucky woman."

Shepard smiled. "And I a lucky man. Anyway, I can't believe Hackett doesn't want me to go after the Leviathans with the fleets. I just know those bastards are up to something, and that I'm tied into it."

Zaeed began speaking. "Shepard, I can't name a guddamn thing you aren't tied into right now. You're Commander Shepard for Christ's sake, take a second to rest."

Shepard chuckled at Zaeed. "You're probably right, I'm sure the fleets can kill a few giant crabs without me. So, what plans do you guys have?"

Kasumi's eyes lighted up. "I actually bought everyone here a hotel room after I heard the announcement. And don't worry Shep, I paid for them with my own money."

Shepard nodded. "I'm sure you did, Kasumi. Which hotel is it?"

Kasumi smiled. "Same one you're in Shep."

Shepard eyed Kasumi. "Kasumi, what did I say about looking at my messages?"

Kasumi rolled her eyes. "Come on guys, I'll show you the hotel!"

Kasumi and the others walked past Shepard. Shepard turned back to the elevator and it opened its doors again. Tali, Garrus, Liara, Javik, and Kaidan all walked out of the elevator with disappointment in their faces. Javik, Liara, and Kaidan walked past Shepard with a nod; Tali brushed past him with glee in her eyes. Garrus, however, stopped in front of Shepard and awkwardly stood in front of him.

After a moment of silence Shepard spoke up. "Something you need Garrus?"

Garrus watched as the others walked out of the airlock. "I have something to discuss in private, Shepard."

Shepard eyed Garrus. "Again?"

Garrus glared at Shepard and Shepard sighed. They walked into the elevator and the door closed. "So, what is it Garrus? Did your little meeting with Doctor Michel not go well?"

"No, actually... it went really well." Garrus smirked.

"Oh, then please, enlighten me. What happened?" Shepard knew this would be good.

"I had no idea she was so... nice, Shepard." Garrus began. "I mean, I knew she was nice, but... she was really nice today. She still thinks I'm her hero for that time in the Wards... Anyway, we had a really pleasant chat, and then..."

There was silence for a moment, forcing Shepard to clear his throat and ask. "Then?"

Garrus shook his head. "I never considered cross-species intercourse before..."

Shepard's eyebrow raised. "So you and Michel, huh?"

"I'm not usually one for first date action..." Garrus chuckled. "But I think she's a special case, wouldn't you agree, Shepard?"

"Well she's been hinting long enough." Shepard shook his head. "I'm glad you found someone, Garrus. And hey, she has breasts!"

Garrus nodded lightly. "Yes she does..."

Shepard shook his head and opened the door. "Alright Garrus, thanks for filling me in on your shore leave love life. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a hotel room to finally see."

Citadel

Shepard opened the door and looked at the beautiful hotel room. After the sterilization door was the living room; there was a large holoscreen, several nice couches, and a few chairs. It almost looked like his apartment's living room, but smaller and with no gigantic window. Past the living room was the kitchen; utensils of every shape lined a wall and the several cabinets. The counters were shiny and white, and the stove top was a shiny chrome. Everything about the hotel room was beautiful...

Then Shepard walked into the bedroom. The bed was gigantic and looked soft; it was covered with clean white sheets and burgundy covers. The window to the right had its curtains opened; the window was closed but Shepard could see the view of the countless construction workers rebuilding. Shepard felt a head rest on his right arm and a three-fingered hand wrap around him.

Tali sighed. "It's a wonderful place, Shepard. I love it."

Shepard pulled Tali closer. "Glad to hear it... have I told you about the wedding plans yet?"

Tali lifted her head and turned to look Shepard in the eye. "Plans? I thought we were waiting a few months."

Shepard smiled and put his hands on her side. "Everyone else seems to think now would be a better time, and for once I agree with them. We're supposed to have it in a few days, Hackett's assistant sent me some plans on my omnitool."

Tali smiled with glee. "Let me see the plans!"

Shepard pulled away from Tali, opened his omnitool and sent the plans to Tali. Tali opened her omnitool and began scanning through it. After a few minutes she turned her omnitool off and looked at Shepard once more. "I... this is really happening, isn't it? We're actually getting married."

Tali stepped closer to Shepard and cupped his cheek in her hands. "I can hardly believe we're actually getting married."

Shepard smiled and stroked her arm with his hand. "I can hardly believe it myself, Tali, but this is real. I want you by my side always."

Tali leaned in and kissed Shepard on the cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too, Tali. I always have, and always will."

Author's endnote: So, I'm sorry again for the late chapter and it's overall shortness. This was the shortest of the 3 chapter 23s I wrote, but this is the one I liked the most; my brain keeps wanting to do things quickly, but it just won't make sense until the wedding occurs. *Talks to himself* Come on brain, stop it! Hopefully I haven't upset you for not updating sooner, but I do have other things to do with my time sometimes. ;P Anyhow, I'll try to actually update tomorrow with the next chapter, so I hope to see you then!