I can't even remotely say how glad I am to have found this story. The characterisation as well as the romance made for a highly compelling read. Thank you for sharing this one.

The fall through the fish tank and this afterscene were probably the only outcomes of the evil clone plot that I liked, so kudos for that! :-)

An awesome mixture of funny and serious. Also, an interesting take on the relationship with Liara, definitely one I haven't seen before.

Such a touching detail from Shepard's past... loved that, as well as Garrus' support.

So much Shepard, even in childhood, always out to protect the weak.
I liked the touch on the Russian background, as well.

This. This, this, this. Why wasn't it in the game! I want a marriage ceremony, and a different one for each LI! This was simply perfect, and Tali's reaction pure gold.

These are awesome bits, and the characterisation of your Shepard is pure gold. She comes over as a real person of her own, not just a Commander. Thank you for a great reading experience.

This was such an endearing chapter about friendship. I couldn't help but fall in love with Tali even more! Such a sweet thing with the keepsake, being lost and then being found again, like their friendship with each other.

I really enjoyed this chapter. A Mindoir Shepard who is going through trials and yet has a Foster parent that does care about her future and well being. It isn't often I read a good foster parent experience for Shepard.

I love your stories! This is my favorite kind of story; a bunch of small intimate shots into Shepard's life.

I love Joker in this chapter! Especially this part:

"And I'm very glad to be wrong," he returned. "Up, Shepard. You're heavy."

"Wrong thing to say, my spiky friend," Joker called from the cockpit.

and also this one:

"You're not going to make out in my airlock, are you?" Joker shouted. "Because I don't need to see that, especially when both of you are bleeding."

Garrus ducked his head, looking positively embarrassed, and Shepard stepped back, laughing. Absent-mindedly, she ran a hand over her hair, and wished she hadn't; it was tangled and matted and sticky with something, and there was probably worse stuck to her gauntlet. "Right. Bleeding. Go check in with medbay, Garrus."

Garrus is such a sweetheart, too:

"Shepard," said a familiar voice behind her, and she turned to see Garrus in the corridor, regarding her with an expression... somewhere between concern and amusement, she thought. "Dr. Chakwas sent me up here to remind you that 'in a minute' is not 'immediately.' Also, that it's been at least five minutes."

"I'm fine," she said.

He reached out and poked her right shoulder. She winced. "Uh-huh," he said.

Aww! Happy endings all around! Thank you for writing this, I absolutely loved every minute of it :)

I've quite enjoyed this series of snapshots. I found your works through 'Variations' (one of my top 5 favorite stories of the past year), and you've maintained a consistent level with this one.

Can't wait to see what you do next!

Well done for seeing this through. It's not easy but you did it. I like Val, and do hope that's not the last we see of her. You know it's weird, I never really tried to imagine what happened after defeating the Collectors. They couldn't have all returned straight back to work after the ordeal all of the went through like the end cut scene insinuates. I think you got it pretty spot on.

Loved this:

""Shepard," he said. "Stop. Today was a win. Give yourself a break."

Her smile tightened. "Reapers are still out there."

"I know. We'll get them. But you still need rest."

"And medical care," said Dr. Chakwas pointedly, behind her. "Need I remind you, Commander, that medi-gel is a temporary solution to a medical problem? It is not intended to replace long-term treatment."

Shepard gave Garrus a wave, and he let the elevator door close. Dutifully, she turned toward sickbay, letting Dr. Chakwas's lecture wash over her. A win. He was right. She still had her life, her crew, and her ship. A good day, then, all things considered. She'd defeated the Collectors, told off the Illusive Man, and lived to tell the tale.

Yeah. A damned good day."

A great ending to a great story. I'm looking forward to reading more Val Shepard some day, as I've really enjoyed her in this collection of vignettes. Thank you for writing this!

Always sad to see a good story like this close up but I really enjoyed reading it! Happy writing!