Alone

"Got everything ready to go?" Joker asked.

"Yeah," Shepard replied. "I think I've done everything I can for everyone."

"I'll say!" Joker agreed. For the last month or so they had been running around the galaxy doing favors for just about everyone on the crew. She even picked up rations on the Citadel and some extra engineering parts for Donnelly and Daniels from Omega.

At first Miranda had told Shepard that all these favors were just a waste of time and that they should focus on the mission. However, Miranda quickly changed her view when her sister was in danger. She had asked for Shepard's help and without even blinking, Shepard set a course for Illium.

After that, Miranda seemed to become a lot more, dare he say it, friendlier. Joker swore he even saw her laugh in the mess once.

During this whole time, Shepard had started to teach Joker how to shoot too. And he was pleased to think he wasn't that bad. While he wasn't sniping targets with a perfect headshot right between the eyes like Shepard was, he at least hit the target each time, usually in the chest or stomach. He had even gained a preference too, preferring the assault rifles over the pistols and shotguns.

Shepard had laughed when he mentioned that after one lesson

"Why is that funny?" Joker questioned.

"Well, people like to say that certain guns appeal to certain personalities or fighting styles. For example, a sniper rifle can mean that you're patient but a bit of a perfectionist too. A pistol can mean you're very goal driven, and a believer in a 'less is more' kind of attitude, but also a bit short sighted as well."

"And?" Joker prompted. "What does an assault rifle mean?"

Shepard grinned and simply said, "Run-and-gun."

Joker replied with a confused quirk of his eyebrows and Shepard explained, "It means you follow your instincts, some might say to a fault, but you get the job done. You don't bother with cover or too much accuracy; you get in, get out, and shoot anything in your way."

"Really?"

"Really! And I think it's perfect for you too. You've pulled my ass out of so many situations and close calls without out a second thought. If you had stopped on any one of those situations to think instead of going with your gut, I wouldn't be here today."

Joker had liked that assessment he decided. He figured if he had trained to be an actual soldier and not just a pilot, he would most definitely be the kind to shoot first and ask questions later. "And that's why Shepard's in charge."

A few weeks after that, they had not only acquired the Reaper IFF, but their very own personal geth to with it too.

Joker smiled a bit at that thought. Only one person in the whole galaxy would be able to have a single geth on their side and not think it was weird. Shepard had even convinced Tali to work with it, although it did take a while to talk Tali down from shooting it.

Legion had then asked for Shepard's help in disabling the hostile geth and she agreed. Even though she hadn't laughed at Joker's robot impression on the bridge, he could see the smile in her eyes and knew she was simply trying to remain in 'soldier mode' at the time.

Now Shepard sighed and leaned against the side of the helm. "I don't know if I'm comfortable leaving you alone on the ship though."

"Alone? I'll hardly be alone Shepard," Joker countered. "It's not like the entire engineering crew can fit into a shuttle."

"I know I just… I'd feel better if I left one of my squad mates onboard with you guys."

"Hey," Joker reached out and held onto one of her wrists and gave it a light squeeze. "We'll be fine. I promise. If anything I'm worried about you."

"Worried about me? Why?" Shepard inquired crossing her arms.

"Stuck on a crowded shuttle with Zaaed, Grunt, and Jack? Not to mention a singing salarian as well? You're the one who's going to need some luck."

Shepard chuckled, "I suppose that's true." She rested a hand on Joker's shoulder which gave him a tingly sensation in his stomach. "Take care of her Joker."

"Aye-aye Commander."

A/N: I bet you all can guess what's coming next! With any luck I'll be able to post the next chapter by tonight. It's already written just going through revisions and crap. Hope you all are still liking it and thanks for everyone keeping up with the story. Hugs to all!