Chapter 36: One Good Thing

The trip to the Theseus System was unfortunately taking longer than Jack wanted it to. Even with the Normandy's advanced drive core, it was going to have to jump through several Mass Relays which would each take about a day or so. In the time it took to make the first jump, Jack stayed in his quarters keeping to himself. He definitely needed the rest so his ankle could heal, however, Jack just used that as an excuse. The truth was he wanted to give Kal as much space as possible, it was strange for both of them to be just friends. Sure, that had been easier when neither of them were aware of the mutual attraction and could pretend it didn't exist but, now they had baggage. Maybe it was better this way, the mission needed to come first.

Liara's contact claimed they would wait for her to arrive but, since Feros was a planet with Prothean ruins, Jack was worried that Saren would go there next. If there actually was a working beacon somewhere on the surface, it could be the key to finding the Conduit. Then again, Saren could already have the knowledge from this beacon but, could attack the planet anyways for asset denial. The SPECTRE obviously wasn't against kicking an enemy when he's down for an advantage, Nihlus' death proved that much. He still didn't think he could trust the 'person' who contacted Liara but, Jack didn't really have any other realistic options. Aria wasn't going to be in any kind of mood to help him find Saren in her sector of space. It would be like admitting she didn't have full control of her space.

Adam's distinctive knocking pattern made Jack sigh, uh-oh what now, "Commander, you might want to turn on Westerlund News. There's a pretty nasty story about you on right now."

He hated listening to the pro-Human activist channel, they had it out for him for a very long time. In fact, the group had started before he was born going after his mother for her stance on the Turians only ten years after 314. Hannah had worked with a Turian chasing down a mad scientist trying to start another war between the two races. She became pregnant with him in the middle and had to stop the search. Since then anything he did was somehow not enough or deeply flawed. For instance, for years they ran with the narrative that Akuze was his fault because he was so young, another N7 would've recognized the Thresher Maws even though Humanity didn't even discover them until the incident. He could only imagine what they were saying about the Luna attack.

Jack opened the door with a smile, "What is it this week? Am I a drug dealing criminal mastermind responsible for all the troubles in the galaxy?"

Adam chuckled with a shrug, "I suppose that's kind of close, still you might want to listen to it. Know what your critics are thinking and all that."

Jack debated on saying no but Adam seemed pretty stubborn and it could be entertaining, "Alright, just a taste will be fine. It's not like I have anything else to do really."

A female voice came from Adam's omni tool, "This is the first Human SPECTRE? I mean just look at the guy in this photo. His face is covered in blood, the armor he's wearing can't even protect him from a sword, a sword, and a Quarian is helping him to stand up straight. We should not be shown physically leaning on a Quarian for support. It's just not right for what a SPECTRE should project to the galaxy. I wouldn't be so upset if anything was actually accomplished but, yet again, he was running around the prison getting his ass kicked while the real terrorists stole our shipyard. This is what Humanity is bringing to the galatic table? What a joke-"

As Jack listened, he got more irritated with what she was saying. Yes the shipyard was stolen but, he had saved an AI in the process and killed multiple assassins. Hell, the terrorist groups' second in command had been captured alive so they could find out what he knew. Since all of that was classified information though, Jack just looked like the worst solider ever. He didn't regret punching the reporter at his mother's funeral now, all of these people were asses.

Jack stopped the recording, "I get the jist, are they asking for comment?"

Adam nodded with a cautious tone, "Yes but Commander, I don't think engaging with these people is a good idea."

Jack held up a hand to quiet the man's fears, "Don't worry, I've learned it doesn't do any good to reason with them. Anything else to report Lieutenant?"

Adam put his hands behind his back, "I think Kal wanted to see you in the cargo hold. He stressed it wasn't an emergency though. My sense was he just wanted to make sure you were ok after hearing the report himself."

Jack tried to not show any emotional response, "Alright then, your dismissed LT. Feel free to get back to your duties."

It was hard not to just want to rush down the elevator to see Kal but, wearing pjamas around the ship wasn't very professional. So, Jack went back into his quarters and put on more presentable Alliance fatigues. In one of the drawers he saw Kal's old sketchbook, and was surprised, having seen one in the medbay earlier that was similar. The Quarian must've just bought a new one in the time that they were apart. Jack took the old one to give it to him as another excuse to be down there. He deserved to have it back after all, Jack didn't own any of the art inside.

The trip down to the cargo hold was even slower than usual since they were in FTL. Still, Jack was seriously considering having an engineer look at the thing the next time they were on the Citadel. Either that or just have elevator music installed, this wait was ridiculous. Also, this slow speed was kind of dangerous if the ship ever came under attack. Jack had to wonder if the slow speed was part of the Human, or Turian design. When the door finally opened, Jack snapped to attention from the sound of a gunshot. Rounding the corner as quickly as he could, Jack saw Ashley holding her gun and Kal was holding an armored chest piece a few feet away.

Ashley grinned not noticing Jack's hurried arrival, "Damn, that didn't even leave a dent! Whatever you soaked that thing with really is good against ballistics."

Jack looked between the two of them with a surprised smile, he didn't think they would get along at all, "While I approve of improving our armor, maybe do it outside the ship next time? We are right next to the drive core and sensitive systems don't mesh well with bullets."

Kal put the armor down and saluted him, "Sorry Commander, I took the liberty of fixing your armor sir. It had several puncture wounds from those swords and I knew I could improve the design."

Ashley added, "And let's be honest, we aren't going to have a bunch of time to field test on Feros."

Jack looked at the armor not seeing any marks, how long did it take Kal to do that? He turned to Ashley, "Can you give us a minute Chief? I have some catching up to do with an old friend."

She smiled wiping her forehead, "Sure, I need a second round of coffee anyways. Let me know if I can help with anything else red."

Once she left, Jack raised his eyebrow questioningly, "Red huh? I didn't think nicknames were your thing. Well... appropriate ones anyways."

Kal chuckled awkwardly looking over the armor, "I don't mind it, and she seems to act better with some banter. What brings you down here Commander?"

Jack smiled trying to keep a light mood, "For what it's worth, I think blue or purple would be better. I'm just checking on the crew and Adam told me you wanted to talk. Are you ok?"

Kal sat on the equipment table, "Yeah I'm fine, how's your leg? Chakwas said you needed to stay off it for awhile since the cut was deep."

Jack took just a step closer with a curious tilt to his head, "She told you that too huh? It's ok, a little sore but I can't afford to lay around for two weeks. Saren is surely on the move."

Kal rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm the only one listed on your family contact thing now so she had to tell me while you were out of it... You think Saren will be on Feros?"

Jack suddenly felt a little bad he hadn't removed Kal from the list, "Oh, sorry about that I just didn't think about it for a long time. And I don't know, I'm hoping not just so we can get to the beacon in peace. Thanks for the armor upgrade by the way, it needed it."

Kal bowed his head taking an awkward tone, "Yeah, you don't have to mention it Shepard. I saw that news broadcast and wanted to do something. Well, something besides punch Ms. Allers in the mouth. That bosh'tet has no idea all the things you've been through and done for her."

Jack couldn't help but laugh, "Oh I know, how do you think she became the new girl over there? Before I go, Tali gave me this shortly after we met and I thought you should have it back. I admit I may have taken a peek..."

The Quarian grumbled taking it and putting it back on his desk, "She's stubborn when she wants to be.. Thanks Shepard, I have a new one but it's fun to look back at the good old days."

The two Quarian's must still not be really talking if Kal's tone was any indication. Jack didn't want to cross any lines with Kal but, calling her stubborn was silly coming from him. He understood the cultural norm for the flotila was to keep exiles apart from the general population but, a mission like this seemed more important than that. They might need to talk to each other on a mission and knowing Kal, he would stick to the rules. Ok, not in a life or death situation but, it would be more convenient if they just got along well. Tali made it seem like they had been close before the exile.

Jack took a delicate tone but joked too, "And your not? Kal I'm not telling you to do anything but, maybe you should talk to her. If the Admiral's find out you two were both here they'll assume you talked no matter what. If she's willing to take that risk so should you."

Kal took a deep breath, "It's not that simple but, I appreciate the advice. We're... talking about talking if that makes sense. I should really get back to work, I want this armor ready for Feros."

Jack took the hint and went back to the elevator without a word. The conversation certainly hadn't gone badly but, he could almost feel the barrier Kal had put up to keep his distance. It was perfectly understandable after what happened on Torfan, Jack was lucky the Quarian was even talking to him at all. The realization that they would never be together like they had planned made him depressed but he just had to move on. Luckily, the Reapers were definitely a big enough threat to keep his mind occupied. When he made it back up to the main floor, Ashley was busy making a cup of coffee and already sipping on another.

Ashley turned to look at him, "You know, I think you and this crew have made me realize how... wrong my father was to teach us like that..."

Jack raised an eyebrow and approached her curiously, "What do you mean Williams?" He didn't want to say, 'yeah racism is bad,' it was better to be diplomatic.

She sipped her glass looking out the viewport at stars flying by, "My dad raised me and my sisters to always fear aliens, to think the worst of them. I think his experiences on Shanxi and other places made him feel that way. After working here, seeing Garrus and Wrex contribute to the group... seeing Kal interact with that little boy. I realized they're all just as complicated and messed up as us."

Jack smiled feeling good he helped her get here, "It's understandable your dad felt that way, he dealt with a nasty first contact. It's been forty years since then though, I think if the Council wanted us dead, we would be."

Ashley set her glass down, "I know, really I do. I think it's just going to take a bit to fully figure out we're all messed up in our own way. I'm happy Kal's with us though sir, I like explosions from time to time."

He smirked, "Then you should probably get ready for Feros. I have a feeling Saren is going to force our hand there."

Ashley saluted him, "Aye aye sir, let's go out there and kick some synthetic ass."

Jack limped back to his room with a smile, at least one good thing came out of the Luna attack. Now they were a united squad ready to face whatever Saren wanted to throw at them.