Chapter 1 - Back to the Citadel (Bioware owns all)
-The scene opens with Commander Milla Shepard on the Normandy, headed for the citadel.-
The Normandys' helmsman was in high spirits. It's not everyday you get to go home after a trip through the Omega 4 Relay. With the memory of his most recent aerial display playing back in his mind and a smug grin permanently etched on his face, Joker brought the Normandy down from FTL to more acceptable speeds as he approached the Citadel.
"This is SSV Normandy requesting a vector and a birth."
Shepard looked at the comm screen as it crackled on, while taking position in his usual spot behind the Normandy's Helmsman. Arms crossed, N7 armor on and armed to the tooth, he knew the exchange that was about to take place would most likely ruin his otherwise good mood. Although The Illusive Man was now out of the picture, and he and his team were successful in taking out the Collectors, it was still only a bitter sweet victory. He still had the Reapers to worry about, and getting the Council on his side was more important now, than ever.
"SSV Normandy this is Citadel Control, request granted, please proceed to dock 422."
As Joker brought the Normandy in to dock, Shepard looked out the window and saw what looked like a maintenance crew just coming off the elevator. He knew what would happen if they got inside the Normandy, and he wasn't about to hand over his ship to C-Sec or the Council or anybody else for that matter.
"EDI." he said as he turned around to face her console.
"Yes, Shepard?"
"Do not let anyone but the Normandy crew board you while i'm gone."
"Understood Shepard."
"So, do you think you'll get them to listen this time?" Joker said without his usual tone of sarcasm.
Shepard turned around and looked at Joker with a crooked smile.
"What's the matter Joker? Losing faith in your old Commander?" He was using light tones. Always trying to keep morale up for his crew. He remembered the last time he had a serious conversation with Jeff. It was in this exact room that not a few months ago they talked about old times. For most people reminiscing would have made for a pleasant conversation. For Milla Shepard, it only brought back memories of sadness, pain and loss. Joker recognized the facade of his superior and decided to play along. He couldn't be serious for too long anyway.
"Oh, well in that case i'll start the popcorn." he said with obvious excitement for the events to come.
"You really need to get out more Joker. Why not ask Chambers to join you for a meal while i'm gone?"
"That's funny Commander." he said with a smile and a grimace. "Brittle bones, remember? I think we both know how a night on the town would end with her sir, and i'd like to be able to walk much less move after today. Besides, I'm pretty sure her interests lie somewhere in the lower decks these days."
Once Shepard stopped laughing, he looked back down at his helmsman with the remaining hilarity on his face.
"Is she still after Thane?"
"What, like you didn't know. I feel bad for the guy honestly. The other day I grabbed a bite with him and he slipped into one of those memory things. It was something about, she walks in, she starts dancing, I ask her to leave, she comes closer." he said casually, lacking that usual sense of in the moment feeling it would've had when if he'd heard it from Thane. "Poor guy had to get up and leave, though I'm not so sure it's cos he was embarrassed, if ya know what I mean."
"Well, to be honest i'm not so sure we're going to see the Yeoman around much longer. I can't have her distracting the crew and potentially the mission but now that we're no longer with Cerberus I wouldn't be entirely surprised to see her go on her own anyway." He turned on his heels in the direction of the Normandys' main exit, waving his arm in a gesture of departure. "I'd better head down to the embassy. I wouldn't want to keep the Council waiting." he said sarcastically.
"Oh sure. The N7 Spectre gets to have all the fun." he shouted as Shepard disappeared around the corner.