Well here's chapter 7, sorry for the delay, this was a chapter that i started a few time before scrapping and starting again. I also got lazy before that. sorry.
Disclaimer: Bioware owns the Mass effect universe, or atleast the characters in it.
"Care for a game of Skillian Five, Doc?"
The doctor didn't even look up from her terminal. "With you Joker? No" Joker sat down in the chair opposite the doctor, looking very disappointed. "Why not?"
Dr Chakwas turned to face Joker.
"Reason 1. You're too competitive.
Reason 2. Your extremely competitive nature leads you to cheat.
And Reason 3. I am only making a third of the salary that I had in the Alliance so I don't have the money to lose to reasons 1. and 2."
Joker shuffled the deck of cards in his hands, "I know what you mean about the lack of credits Doc. I always thought that privately funded meant better funded. I guess I was wrong." The doctor sighed, "I guess they figure that their cause is enough to keep people employed here." She picked up the cards Joker had dealt her, resigning to the fact that he's good at getting his way. "no credits."
As they were playing poker, Dr Chakwas was starting to regret not betting on the games as she seemed to be having a winning streak. She looked at Joker and glared. "I know what you're doing Joker. You're purposely throwing games to get my confidence levels up so that I start putting my credits into this 'friendly' game, and then you're going to strike." Joker looked at her with the most innocent eyes that he could manage. "I was just playing like I normally do Doc. I can't believe you think so low of me." The doctor lowered her gaze, "I'm sorry Joker. I did not mean to offend you." she took the deck of cards and started shuffling them. "We're still not going to play with credits though."
The doctor dealt out the Cards. "So where is the Commander taking us too now?" Joker looked at the cards he was dealt and shrugged, "no idea yet Doc. All Shepard said to me was "I just want out" and so we've left Illium. Don't know where we're heading next." For what seemed a long time, Joker stared at the cards he was dealt. Chakwas interrupted his thoughts. "Did I deal you a bad hand? Now aren't you glad we're not playing for money?" Joker chuckled, "sorry, was getting distracted by rumours I've heard. Doctor, do you think that it is possible for someone to go completely 180, personality wise?" This question seemed to distract the doctor from playing. " I wouldn't say it's impossible. It's true that certain events that happen to us can force us to change."
"Yeah I guess Doc, but to become completely different just doesn't seem right. To be sweet and naive two years ago and now be a heartless bitch, it just doesn't seem possible for a change to happen so quickly." The doctor put her cards down on the table, "Who are we talking about exactly?" Joker followed suit, " Liara. Apparently she was Shepard's source of info on Illium. She's become an Information Broker, a highly successful one." Dr Chakwas nodded in understanding, "In other words a ruthless one." "Exactly Doctor" Joker replied, "According to Tali, Liara was threatening someone when they first came to see her. She also asked Shepard to get her info so she could assassinate someone. This really doesn't sound like the mild mannered archaeologist we had with us two years ago." "No it doesn't." the doctor sighed 'Makes me wonder how much of that was an act.' She quickly buried those thoughts. " I guess the attack on the Normandy caused everyone there to change in some ways. In Liara's case it was just more extreme." Joker looked at her confused, "do you think that the Normandy attack is the reason for Liara's change in personality?" "It's probably not the sole cause but I'd say it's a major contributor to it." the doctor replied. " Do you think that attack really made a change in all of us Doctor?" Joker was still looking confused. "I do," the doctor nodded, remembering her new found need for stability after the attack. She decided against talking about that. "Look at Tali, since the attack, she has become more determined to protect others." "Yeah, and a lot more serious" Joker interjected, "I miss when she actually sounded happy while talking. In all honesty Doc, I don't feel like I've changed since that attack." Dr Chakwas narrowed her eyes on Joker, "So if this Normandy got attacked and the Commander gave the order to evacuate, you would still remain on the bridge like before."
Joker turned away, he looked deeply troubled in thought. Fortunately, before he had to reply, they were interrupted. "Mr Moreau, May I remind you that your shift at the helm was supposed to start at 1400hrs. It is now 1430." Joker found himself groaning, "Is there no where I can go to get away from you EDI?" The AI sounded perky in her reply, if that was possible, "I maintain a presence in all the commonly used areas aboard this ship. However I must point out the irony that in trying to get away from me, you actually got closer to me." Dr Chakwas giggled, Joker looked perplexed, "what?" "Didn't you know that's where EDI's processors are kept?" the doctor asked while pointing at the door at the back of the med bay. Joker looked at the door. A sinister look came upon his face, "really." The doctor just laughed, "Whatever it is you're planning Joker, I wouldn't bother. EDI doesn't even let Shepard in there." Joker's shoulders slumped.
