"With every breath that I am worth here on Earth

I'm sending all my love to you

So, if you dare to second guess, you can rest

Assured that all my love's for you

My beating heart belongs to you

I walked for miles 'til I found you

I'm here to honor you

If I lose everything in the fire

Did I ever make it through?"

Last Night on Earth – Green Day

Cortez helped Joker obtain an apartment. Military personnel had commandeered one of the least damaged portions of London, on the rationale that they couldn't do anything to assist the general population if they couldn't care for themselves. Besides the soldiers themselves, the area was open to their families, and the families of those killed in the line of duty. Cortez and James were sharing a ground floor residence in a ramshackle building that would otherwise be called a tenement, but under current circumstances, qualified as luxury accommodations. Steve finagled Joker a larger flat on the third floor of the same building, on the assumption that Shepard and Hope would be joining him there, eventually. It had running water; electricity; and a working - though ancient - refrigerator, which made it one of the most coveted units available. His crew mates immediately stashed their perishable rations in his quarters after making Joker pledge, several times, that he wouldn't touch them, even under fear of starvation.

Sergeant Meyers was, indeed, delighted to meet Joker. The Alliance's current primary objective was getting supplies to the scattered pockets of resistance fighters, and anybody else who had survived, outside of the city limits. In addition, soldiers needed to be transported to locations that had significant populations in order to organize shelter, medical care, and the equitable distribution of provisions. Currently, the sergeant did not have nearly enough pilots at her disposal to accomplish these directives.

And so, Joker found himself once again back in the cockpit. The shuttles were easy to fly and the missions were usually short jaunts. He and his fellow pilots were restricted to flying every other day due to concerns about fatigue and burnout, so on his off days, he helped gather and sort scavenged and donated items. In the morning gloom, he walked through broken streets piled high with rubble to the makeshift base. In the evenings, he visited Shepard at the hospital. He sent Liara daily updates, as promised, and she kept him informed about the progress they were making regarding repairing the relays. She was optimistic that they would be able to use the data in the archives to achieve their goal, although she couldn't commit to a specific time frame.

Jeff,

I'm hoping that this message finds you alive and well. Extranet service has been spotty here on Chera, so we've had limited access to intergalactic news. We do know that the Reapers are gone, and I have no doubt that we have you and Shepard to thank for that, at least in part. Right now, I'm just hoping that we'll get the opportunity to do so someday. They tell us that the relay near Tiptree is operational, and that we should be able to go home soon. Despite the destruction we will unquestionably be facing, I'm looking forward to that more than you can know. No doubt those nesting instincts that go along with being hugely pregnant have something to do with that. I love you, little brother. I'm praying that you're okay.

Jules

Sis,

I am indeed alive and well, although how and why that should be, when so many others are not, is a mystery - even to me. As far as the Reapers' defeat goes, you - and everyone else - mostly have Shepard to thank for that. She once again achieved the impossible, at great personal cost. She's been in the hospital, unconscious, since the war's end, and Jules – she's pregnant, too. So, please, keep her and the baby in your thoughts and prayers. I love you, too. Stay safe.

Jeff

One night, perhaps two weeks after he'd abandoned his permanent post by the patient's bedside, Joker walked down the hospital's corridor to find Primarch Victus propped awkwardly against the wall outside of Shepard's room. When the turian spotted him, he straightened to his full height and steadily observed Joker's approach. When he was within earshot, Victus said, "Lieutenant."

"Primarch."

"I got a message that the crew of the Normandy was seeking information regarding the status of Garrus Vakarian. Unfortunately, Officer Vakarian was killed in action. I felt that it was only right to inform you in person. I owe the commander that much." Victus handed Joker Garrus' visor. "I thought Shepard might like to have this."

Joker was speechless. He thought he'd been prepared for this eventuality, but the words still hit him like a physical blow. Garrus dead. Shepard was going to be inconsolable. He felt surprisingly devastated, himself.

"What…what will happen to his, uh, body?" Joker asked, because he could think of nothing else to say.

"His remains will be released to his family once we're able to return to Palaven. The final disposition will be up to them. He died honorably, and his name will be recorded in Palaven's proud history."

"Yes, sir."

The primarch extended his talons, and Joker accepted them. "It's not likely that we'll meet again. I wish you luck, Lieutenant. The Spirits be with you and Shepard."

"Thank you, sir."

With a stiff nod, the turian took his leave. Joker watched him go, still feeling stunned. Chawas approached from the opposite direction, and seeing his face, said, "What? Is it Shepard?"

Joker hesitated. He could tell the doctor about Garrus, but if he did, word would spread. It wasn't that he didn't want the others to know, but he wanted to ensure that he was the one to inform Shepard, at the appropriate time. Even if he conveyed this wish, the chances were too high that someone would inadvertently let it slip. He wasn't willing to take that risk.

"No, I was just on my way in," Joker told her. "It's been a long day. It's hard seeing what some of these people are suffering through," he elaborated, which was a truthful diversion.

Chakwas put an arm around his shoulders and gave him a gentle squeeze. "It's good work that you're doing. Just don't overdo it, okay? Shepard's going to need you more than ever when she wakes up."

"Yes, mom," Joker said with an indulgent smile and a not-insignificant twinge of guilt. He was able to push thoughts of his fallen comrade aside during his visit with Shepard, but later, when he was alone in the apartment, twisting the visor anxiously in his hands, they returned, accompanied by the nauseating feeling of keeping a terrible secret, even if it was with the best of intentions.

Jeff,

I was so relieved to receive your message, and to hear that you and Shepard are both alive, though I was sorry to hear that she's in the hospital. But Shepard is strong, and so is the baby, if it's anything like its parents. I know that they will get through this. How far along is she? Do you know if it's a boy or a girl? We're having a girl (finally!) New life seems like just the thing we need to start the next chapter of our lives. Wouldn't you agree? All my love,

Jules

Jules,

Shepard is about 24 weeks along, they tell me. And we're having a girl, as well. Her name is Hope. I don't know what my future holds, sis, but right now, my only wish is that it includes Shepard and Hope. There's nothing else that I want, or need. The doctors keep saying that Shepard will wake up any day now, but each hour seems like an eternity. All I can do is hope that it will be sooner rather than later. And try not to worry myself sick…

Jeff

One morning, as Joker approached the hangar in the pre-dawn light, he could make out two hulking silhouettes lurking by the entrance. The Alliance guard at the gate stood facing them, his stance alert, but his weapon wasn't drawn. As Joker drew closer, he could see the rounded bulk of their armor, and his suspicions regarding the identities of the visitors were confirmed moments later as he drew abreast of them. He had a moment of panic, wondering if he'd left his translator at home – he hadn't had much use for it lately, here on Earth – but he found it in his pocket and placed it in his ear.

"Wrex. Grunt." Joker nodded cordially, but kept his distance. Krogan and brittle bones were generally not the best combination.

"Lieutenant," Wrex said. "Grunt and I have been concerned about Shepard, but we thought it was probably best if we didn't visit her in the hospital. We had a feeling that krogan found lumbering through the halls might be shot on sight."

"I don't know about that, but she's unconscious, Wrex." Joker saw the krogan frown at the word and guessed that it hadn't translated well. "She's asleep," he explained. "She can't see - or talk - to anyone."

"Oh." Wrex appeared to ponder this. "I heard that Shepard's having a baby."

My, my, but news travels fast. "Yes."

"Bakara's pregnant, too. We owe that to Shepard. Maybe we'll name our baby Shepard, and you can name yours Wrex." Wrex let loose his rumbling laugh.

"We'll have to get back to you on that one," Joker hedged, hoping the laugh meant that the clan leader was kidding. He wasn't naming his daughter Wrex. Or Grunt, for that matter.

Joker also had a flash of insight regarding how many of these conversations he'd had lately – Jules, Jacob, Wrex. Was there something about the world almost coming to an end that aroused the urge to procreate – the ultimate rebellious gesture, a "fuck you" in the face of death? Or was it merely something in the Normandy's water supply? Knowing that Mordin had been aboard, he couldn't entirely rule it out. He supposed they'd never know.

"The krogan have a camp just the other side of this base," Wrex said, interrupting his reverie. "I'd appreciate it if you could let us know when Shepard wakes up."

"Sure, Wrex. I know she'll want to see you." Finally, Joker gathered his thoughts enough to ask, "Do you have everything you need? Food? Supplies?" He wasn't sure how responsive the Alliance was being to the needs of their alien allies trapped here on Earth, and he knew that Shepard would want them to have what they required. But the krogan waved him off.

"Hackett has been taking care of us. He knows he never would have won this war without the krogan." His scarred, reptilian lips pulled back in what Joker suspected was supposed to be a smile, but looked more like a grimace. "We just want to get off of this planet."

"Liara and the other scientists are working on it, Wrex," Joker said. "I'm sure it will be soon."

"That's what she tells me. Tuchunka might not be much, but it's home." The krogan actually sounded wistful, and Joker felt a twinge of sympathy.

"Yeah."

"Well, keep us informed," Wrex said again, as he started away. Grunt, who hadn't spoken a word during this exchange, trailed in his wake, giving Joker a friendly slap on the back as he passed that sent him staggering. He winced as he recovered his footing. Damn krogan.

Jeff,

I know that waiting is hard, but you can't lose faith. The two of you haven't made it this far just to be struck by tragedy now. I truly believe that. Just hang in there, bro. We're pulling for you.

We're heading back to Tiptree in a few days. I'm excited, but apprehensive. I'm sure it will be hard to see our home ravaged, but we're a tight-knit community. We'll rebuild and come back stronger than ever. I sure hope that you'll be able to see it for yourself someday soon.

Jules

Joker was headed back to London from a run to Ipswich when he got the call from Sabrina.

"I think she might be waking up," she said, without preamble, when he reacted to the pinging omni-tool.

"Are you sure?" His heart started to race with anticipation.

"No, but there's been more REM today and she's been shifting around a bit. Are you close?"

"Maybe 30 minutes out. I was planning to head over, anyway."

"Well, I don't want to get your hopes up, but I thought that you should know."

"Thanks, Sabrina."

"See you soon."

Joker made it to the hospital in record time. The door to Shepard's room was open, and he could hear raised voices as he approached.

"Commander Shepard, do you know where you are? What's the last thing that you remember?"

"She seems disoriented…non-responsive…"

Joker picked up his pace and entered to find Sabrina pressed against the far wall, looking exasperated. There was a doctor that he recognized as the neurologist, as well as another white-coated woman that he didn't know, conferring over a datapad, sounding flustered. Based on the snippets he'd overheard, he'd been prepared to greet a dazed and confused Shepard, but as soon as her gaze fell upon him, her eyes shone with recognition. He brushed past the doctors without acknowledgment, drowning in delight as she reached for him. He wasn't sure, but he thought that maybe they were both crying as he enveloped her carefully, pressing his forehead to hers. They murmured words, speaking over one another, confined in the cocoon of their embrace.

"You're alive. We're alive."

"You did it, Shep. The Reapers are gone."

"I can't believe it. I thought I'd never see you again."

"I've been so worried about you."

"I love you. I love you so much."

"I love you, too, Shep."

They clung to each other for a long time, until Joker became aware of the pain in his back from leaning at such an awkward angle, and Shepard got over the initial shock of waking up to find that she wasn't dead. When they eventually permitted some distance between them, the room was empty and the door had been closed to allow them some privacy. Joker was positive that they had Sabrina to thank for that, and vowed to find out what she drank and buy her the biggest bottle that he could buy, or steal.

Joker perched on the edge of the bed, the farthest expanse that he could endure for the time being. Shepard still clutched his hand, as if fearing he would evaporate if she released him. He had to admit that he could relate to the feeling.

"How do you feel?" Joker asked.

"Like I should be dead," Shepard admitted.

"You were hurt pretty bad."

A shadow passed over her face. "What about the others? Garrus, and James? The Normandy?"

He'd hoped that this wouldn't come up immediately. He should have known better. "Shep," Joker began.

"What?" Shepard begged, scouring his face for clues. "What happened?"

"Shep," Joker tried again, caressing her cheek, soothingly. "You've been asleep for almost four weeks now. A lot has happened, and I promise to fill you in on all of it. But for now, can we just take a few minutes to enjoy the fact that the three of us made it through this in one piece?"

At his mention of the baby, her eyes opened wide and her other hand dropped to her stomach. "She's okay?"

"Yeah. She's good."

"And the Reapers are really gone?" Her brow was furrowed in skepticism.

"Really, really gone," Joker confirmed.

Finally, a smile flickered across her lips. "We did it."

"You did it."

Shepard let that pass without comment. They chatted aimlessly, wonderingly, about what they would do with these brand new lives, once two became three, and all were joined together as a proper family. Soon her eyelids began to droop, overcome with fatigue, but Joker continued to regale her with idle ramblings until he was positive she was beyond hearing. He sat there, exhausted but elated, until Sabrina poked her head into the room.

"Is she asleep?" the nurse whispered.

"Yeah. Hang on." Joker extricated himself from Shepard's now limp grasp and slipped out into the hallway, closing the door soundlessly behind him.

"How does she seem?" Sabrina asked.

"Good. Really good. Thank you for earlier."

Sabrina shrugged. "I could tell as soon as she woke up that she wasn't going to give them anything. She was in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by strangers. The doctors here are excellent, but they don't necessarily understand the military mindset."

That piqued his interest. "Are you military?"

"Not me. My husband is British Intelligence." Sabrina hesitated. "We have a little boy. Three years old. If it wasn't for you two…" Her voice trailed off. "Let's just say, we're aware that we owe you a debt that we can never repay."

"Well, as far as I'm concerned, you already have."

Sabrina smiled. "At most, I've earned her a reprieve. They'll be back tomorrow, armed with their tests and interrogations."

"Yeah, well, I wish them luck."

"I assume you're staying the night?"

"If that's okay?"

"Of course. I'm on until midnight, and I'll let my replacement know that you're here. I'll grab a pillow and blanket for you."

"Thanks, Sabrina. For everything."

Jules,

Shepard's awake! And she seems to be her usual stubborn, impatient self - completely frustrated by the doctors' refusal to release her from the hospital immediately, as ridiculous as that idea is to any rational person. They did an ultrasound today (no signs of Vrolik's so far, thankfully!) and I'm attaching a holo of the blob that is supposedly our child to this message. They tell me that it's most definitely human, although I don't see it. If it comes out blue, or with scales, I'm gonna be mighty disappointed, although I suppose I'll love it, anyway.

Jeff