It starts with a bet.

Victory had been achieved. The Reapers were defeated, Peace was restored to the galaxy, and Commander Jane Shephard and all her friends made it out alive. Now it was time to celebrate. Wild victory parties had broken out from Omega to Rannoch. Shephard herself had been invited to most of them and in the week since her victory had managed to make it to a few dinner parties, award ceremonies, and raves. However, she really just wanted to send time with the people who meant the most to her. So, after being awarded her 15th medal for outstanding service Shephard slipped away to have drinks with Joker.

"To the Normandy," Shephard toasted.

"To her Crew," Joker said before the two slammed down their drinks. The pair drank and made merry for over an hour until they were both good and drunk.

"N-No Joker I'm serious. You deserve just as many awards as I do. I wouldn't have gotten nearly as far as I did without my crew." Shephard said.

"And as I keep telling you I would graciously accept all those awards and more." Joker said, "But unfortunately that's not how the galaxy works. Sure, I unequivocally deserve more awards then the 'extraordinary air service' medal they sent me, but they just don't make as many flight awards as they do fight awards."

"Well, that's their lose." Shephard yelled slamming another drink. "Because you and the crew deserve it."

"Well maybe one day they'll make more awards for the people that get the heroes to the battlefield. That way Me and Garrus and Adams and Donnelly can get some more accolades." Joker said taking another sip of his drink. However, as he drank, he realized Shephard had gone silent for some reason. He turned and found the commander staring at him with an annoyed look on her face.

"Problem," Joker questioned putting down his glass.

"Garrus and Adams and Donnelly?"

"Y-yes what about them."

"Only male crewmates deserve credit. What Chakawas and Traynor and my dear Liara don't need awards."

"What no!" Joker said taken aback. "That's not what I meant. I was just referring to the crewmates who keep the Normandy operating!"

"What about Tali?"

"Y-yeah her too!"

"Hmm," Shephard exhaled not convinced.

"Stop being so weird commander." Joker said defensively. "It's not my fault most of required crew members are male. And it doesn't mean the female crew members are any less important."

Shephard said nothing instead turning back to her drink and pounding down a shot.

"Bet we could do it without you." She claimed red-faced.

"What?" Joker asked.

"I bet that the ladies of the Normandy could crew the Normandy all on their own."

"What!" Joker laughed. "You can't be serious."

"Oh, I'm dead serious," Shephard smiled, her sincerity written all over her face. "So, what do you say you in?"