Apparently, pets still aren't that big of a thing on the Citadel, and everyone is still very wary of varren in general. We learned that just by the looks we got from everyone as we walked by. Grunt just casually walks in front of Shepard and I, munching on the food he got from a vendor. Quite loudly, I might add.

"That wasn't half bad," He says as he dumps his trash in a can. "Still hungry, though."

"Are you ever not hungry?" Shepard asks, and Urz makes a noise, seemingly in agreement. Grunt doesn't answer. He just keeps that grin on his face.

We keep walking, but I eventually have to stop and peek into the crate again. It's getting hard to hold onto with all the movement.

"These two won't stop bouncing around in here. Can you hand me the other leashes?" I ask Shepard, and she passes them to me.

I open the crate and quickly manage to attach the leashes before they jump out themselves. The second they're out of the crate, they take off, but don't get too far. Realizing they can't run wild, they seem to settle with just tackling each other. Both the same size, but one is red while the other is more blue.

"Oh, I forgot to mention. Those two are sisters. Don't have names yet, so you ought to have fun with that." Grunt says, and I find that I need to constantly untwist the leashes.

"Come on, work with me." I mutter. Between the crate and the pups, I'm having trouble. Shepard and Grunt just laugh for a bit before I hear her whistle, and both pups stop and look up at her. She reaches and takes the crate from me and hands it to Grunt.

"Make yourself useful." She says with a smirk. Grunt just grumbles.

"Impressive," I say. She smiles and trades with me, taking the pups and giving me Urz. With another whistle, she begins walking again, and they both walk at her side calmly.

"She's got a gift," I hear Grunt say as I watch Shepard walk away.

"That's not her only gift," I respond, and I find myself staring at her ass.

"Don't you know it!" Shepard calls back. Grunt grumbles again.

"I think I'm gonna puke."

We don't get too far before Tali manages to find us, and it doesn't take long for her to become completely enthralled by the varren pups.

"Ooohhh they're so cute!" She practically squeals as she kneels down to pet them. They get all excited and practically jump on top of her.

"So that's what you Quarians look like without your masks," Grunt says, seemingly pleased. "Hot. Better than Asari."

"Good to see you too, Grunt." She stands up again, and I think I see a blush on her cheeks. "Liara and James want to see you."

"We really should get them home," Shepard says, and the pups begin tackling each other again.

"EDI and Joker will watch them. Come on, trust me. It'll be worth it." Tali turns around and begins walking away, and we all follow her.

A while later, we come up on the room where Vega and I take the recruits for training, and everyone is waiting outside, all clad in what looks to be modified combat gear. Everyone besides EDI and Joker, that is.

"What's going on here?" Shepard asks.

"Your parties," Liara begins with a smile.

"I called in a favor. Doc and I came up with an idea that would be perfect for both of you." He pauses. "No dancers. I promise."

"Men versus Women," Joker begins. "EDI and I will watch from the side and keep score."

"I have come up with an algorithm that will accurately monitor and record every perceived point," EDI speaks up. "I just need to gain access to the cameras in the room."

"That... actually sounds fun." Shepard says with a smile. "Bridesmaids versus Groomsmen. I seriously can't think of anything better for us."

"I got to hand it to you, Vega. Not bad." I say, patting his shoulder.

"It's not over yet." He says before stepping to the side. A couple of boxes are laying on the ground, and he hands them out to Tali, Shepard, Grunt and I. We're the only ones in casual clothes, so that's a hint of what's in the boxes.

"That is modified armor, helmets included." EDI says. "If you get shot by a member of the opposite team, it will record the estimated amount of damage caused by both the weapon and the location of impact."

"So if I nail someone in the head with my sniper rifle from across the room," Ash begins. "It might register as a one-hit kill."

"If that is the case," EDI continues. "Then the person hit will be forced to wait until the next round. Each round will continue until one team is left standing. Also, one weapon is allowed for each person, but multiples of a weapon is forbidden. Shepard and Ashley will have to choose who gets the sniper rifle."

"I'll let Ash do the sniping," Shepard says. "But just let me say something before we get too far into this." Everyone turns to look at her, but she's looking at me with a smile.

"I'm only going to be 'Shepard' for another week. You guys might want to get some practice in calling me Jane, because soon... I'll be a Vakarian."