Joker sat in the mess, he was still in shock, one minute she was alright and kissing him the next she was laying on the floor unconscious with blood spilling from her abdomen. He was surprised at how quickly everyone reacted, James had swept her up in his arms with Tali running ahead to tell Chakwas to prepare a space, Liara had been summoned by EDI to join Chakwas. All he had done was hand the ship over to EDI and walked in a daze to the mess, still unbelieving that she had been shot and that she might die, after all they had just gone through to get out of there in one piece, he still might lose her after just having gotten her.

"The next time I see that bastard, I'll kill him with my own hands," snarled Garrus to James as they emerged from the medbay, Joker looked up and beckoned them over to where he was sitting.

"I can't believe he did that," said James, shaking his head as he sat down across from Joker.

"Who did what now?" asked Joker, wanting to know what they knew about Elissa's shooter.

"Kaidan shot Shepard," said Garrus, his face contorting as if the very words were poison in his tongue.

Joker sat there trying to take in what he had just been told, he knew Kaidan was the biggest asshole that existed, but the fact he had shot Elissa was beyond being a dick, it was downright evil, "Oh my fucking God, he did not shoot her." His tone was menacing, he wanted Kaidan's blood for what he had done to Elissa.

"I watched him pull the trigger," said Garrus, his mandibles flexing in anger, "It was him, albeit was an impressive shot, even on my best day I would have a one in seven chance of making a hit like that."

"You better not be condoning what he did," growled Joker, "If she dies, I'll kill him."

"Relax, Joker, I'm just as bloodthirsty as you are," said Garrus, shifting in his seat a little.

"Lola's a survivor," said James, glancing at the medbay, "She'll pull through, that's almost a guarantee."

"Joker!" shouted Hannah, running down the hall, her hair disheveled and eyes frantically scanning the room as she came to a stop by Joker's table, "How is she? I heard she was shot, have you heard anything, please tell me you have."

"We just rushed her to the medbay, Admiral," said Garrus, his voice calm, "We'll find out anything about the same time you do, Chakwas went straight to work on patching her up."

Hannah sat down next to Joker, her head hung down and she buried her face behind her hands, he watched as she shook with silent sobs that wracked her entire body, instinctively he put his arm around her, "She's going to be alright, Hannah, it's going to be fine."

"Who shot her?" asked Hannah, looking up at James and Garrus, her eyes full of anger as tears rolled down her cheeks.

They both moved uneasily in their seats, neither one wanting to tell her the truth.

"Tell me who the fuck shot my only child!" shouted Hannah, pounding her fists on the metal table.

"Major Alenko," said James quietly and they all watched as Hannah's face contorted with pure rage, this was the look on a mother all people feared to see, it was powerful enough to bring full grown men to their knees and it almost did to James, Garrus, and Joker.

"Fuck," said Hannah, smashing her fist into the table again, Joker saw the dent she left, "I'll be right back, I have an important call to make."

The three men watched as Hannah strode out of the room, a woman on a mission, much like Elissa whenever an important assignment came about.

"She scares me," said James, a shudder moving through him, "I think I'll call her Diablo."

"Why would you call Hannah Shepard the Devil?" asked Tali as she sat where Hannah had just vacated.

"You didn't see her just now, Sparky," said James, glancing at the direction Hannah had exited, "She didn't look human, almost as she really had been possessed by some kind of demon."

"Has there been any word on Lisa yet?" asked Tali, now nervously wringing her hands.

"Nothing yet," sighed Garrus, looking at the medbay, "I have a feeling we're going to be waiting awhile for any news."

Rupert came over and gave them each a plateful of food, "To give you something to do while you wait, I think I'll be making more, it appears that everyone is coming to wait for news."

Joker looked up and saw several other crew members now occupying the tables: Ken and Gabby were holding hands, looking at the medbay, worried looks on both of their faces, Jacob was pacing with his hands behind his back, Kasumi was sitting by the door with her knees pulled to her chest and Joker thought she looked as if she were crying, Steve was leaning against the wall looking steadily at the closed medbay windows, Samantha standing beside him.

"I just heard," said a voice that nearly made Joker jump, he looked around and saw Miranda striding up, "I got here as soon as I could."

"It's good you're here, Rosa," said James as she sat down next to him and he put his arm around her shoulders.

"When did you get here, Miranda?" asked Joker, stunned that she was even on the Normandy in the first place.

"A few days ago," said Miranda, "Kasumi snuck me in, Hackett needed me here to oversee the the rescue mission, and I wanted to feel useful again."

"What have you been up to these days?" asked Joker, trying to relax in her presence, Miranda always had a knack for making him feel completely uncomfortable no matter the circumstance.

"Missionary work, actually," said Miranda, "I've been working with several different colonies, helping them rebuild after the Reaper attacks, I've been applying any and all knowledge I've acquired over the years towards their defense systems."

"How'd you end up in Vancouver with Vega then?" asked Steve from behind them.

"We'd been messaging for months," replied Miranda, rubbing James' large forearm, "I had a few days off between traveling so I stopped off on Earth and met up with him, best decision I've ever made."

"Rosa," groaned James, blushing, apparently he was not used to being spoken of in the glowing terms she was using.

"I'm glad you two are together," said Joker, nodding approvingly, "Seems to be working out."

"Yeah, it is," said Miranda, smiling sweetly at James who blushed even harder.

"Chakwas!" shouted Gabby and everyone turned their heads, Joker practically leapt from the table when he heard her name being called.

"She's going to be just fine," said Chakwas wearily, and Joker could feel the relief reverberating through the entire room as they all heard the news, "Joker, she was asking for you."

Joker stood up properly, "Someone needs to tell Hannah that Elissa's going to be fine, you know, before she jumps ship to kill Major Asshole."

"I'll do it," said Miranda quickly, standing up as well, "I've been wanting to meet her, she's been a ghost these last few days, and I think the best way to meet her is with good news."

Joker nodded and he made his way to the medbay, his legs shaking so badly he thought he might not be able to hold himself up, he then followed Chakwas back into the medbay where he saw Liara tending to Elissa who was asleep in one of the beds.

"She's been sedated, though she should be waking up soon. She asked for you before she went under, I thought it would be best for her to wake up to you," said Chakwas as Joker walked slowly over to Elissa's bedside, he sat down in the chair that Liara had produced for him.

"How bad is it?" asked Joker as he took Elissa's cold hand in his.

"The bullet penetrated her abdomen and exited through the other side," said Chakwas, reading her data pad, "which caused the excessive bleeding, we were able to stitch her up, applied quite a bit of medi-gel to her wound and sedated her so her body could recover."

"Why is she so cold?" asked Joker, gently rubbing her arm, trying to warm her up.

"A small side effect of the sedation and the blood loss," said Liara, "the sedation has slowed the blood some and what blood she lost has yet to be regained. She should be fine in a couple of days, as long as she doesn't do anything too strenuous."

Joker looked up at Liara and was surprised to see a noticeable baby bump underneath her dress, "Wow, you really look pregnant."

Liara smirked, "Asari gestation is much shorter than any other species, the irony associated with our long lifespans, and I should be welcoming my daughter in about three to four months."

"Do we need to drop you back off at your base?" asked Joker, "So you can be with Feron when the time comes?"

"Actually, I was hoping to stay here," said Liara, "I want to be surrounded by friends and family when I bring my daughter into this galaxy and the Normandy is my home after all, the crew is my family."

"The medbay is more than satisfactory for delivering babies," said Chakwas, "I'm sure we'll be able to accommodate for you."

"Thank you, Doctor," said Liara, inclining her head slightly, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to contact Feron."

Joker watched as the Asari left, her walk slightly changed by the presence of the large belly weighing down on her, he was amazed that despite everything that had happened she had been able to take care of both herself and manage being the Shadow Broker.

"Jeff," croaked Elissa, her hand now gripping his weakly.

"Ellie," said Joker worriedly, pressing the back of her hand against his cheek, "How are you feeling? Is there anything I can get you?"

"I feel okay," said Elissa, her head still spinning, everything around her going in and out of focus as she tried to look at Joker.

"Do you want any water?" asked Joker, pouring her a glass from the pitcher beside her bed, trying to regain control of his shaking hands.

"No, no water," said Elissa, waving her hand the best she could.

"Yes, water," said Chakwas sternly, "You are dehydrated and you need to drink at least three glasses of water before I give you any pain killers."

"You're a helluva commander, Doc," said Elissa, a smile ghosting her mouth as Joker placed the rim of the glass against her lips and she sipped some of the water, she signaled to him when she had had enough.

"I'm also placing you and Joker on forty eight hours of medical leave," said Chakwas, putting the order through her omni-tool, "I'll let visitors come in once you're more awake, you have quite a few people waiting out there to see you, Shepard."

"I always do," said Elissa wiping her mouth with her blanket.

"You're pretty special to everyone," offered Joker, trying to bolster her morale, like she had so often done for the rest of the crew.

"Thanks, Jeff," said Elissa, giving him a small smile, her head was beginning to feel less clouded but she still felt very weak.

"James has decided to call your mother Diablo," said Joker, wanting to make her forget for a moment her pain, and she looked like she wanted to laugh but did not due to the pain.

"Why? What'd she do?" asked Elissa, glad that he was now starting to go back into focus.

"Slammed her fist into the metal table and left a dent," said Joker simply, and he watched as Elissa nearly laughed again.

"Sounds like my mom," said Elissa, squeezing his hand, "God, it's so cold in here, can you get me an extra blanket, please?"

Joker had a better idea, he let go of her hand and took off his shoes, carefully he climbed into bed with her making sure that he did not disturb her stitches or anything else as he lifted her up and put his arm around her for support. When he was under the covers he pulled her close to him, making sure she was comfortable, "Isn't this much better than a flimsy blanket?"

"I have to agree with you there," said Elissa as she snuggled against him, "I feel warmer already, thank you, Jeff."

"You're welcome, Elissa," yawned Joker, he pulled his cap over his eyes, then held Elissa a little bit closer to his chest.

"You should sleep," said Chakwas quietly when she noticed him in bed with Elissa, "you've been through one hell of a day."

"Way ahead of you, Doc," yawned Joker, and he felt his eyelids droop closing out all light around him.


"They're asleep," Elissa heard Chakwas say a few hours later, rather irritated with whomever she was talking to, "I'll tell you when you can come and visit!"

"Doc," managed Elissa as she eased herself into the sitting position, avoiding Joker's limbs as best she could, "they can come in."

Chakwas sighed heavily and reluctantly allowed a rather large crowd of people into the small medbay, they all sat in various places trying to get as close as they could to Elissa and Joker's bed.

"How are you feeling, Shepard?" asked Garrus, his voice had lost its edge.

"Much improved," said Elissa, "How's everyone else? Anymore gunshot wounds I don't know about, was anyone else hurt?"

"No, Lisa," said Tali, putting her hand on Elissa's hand, "We all got back on the ship just fine, we've just been worried to death about you."

"Shepard," said a calm voice and Elissa looked up to see Samara standing in the corner, "I'm glad you are awake, I was concerned that your injuries might have been more severe."

"It's good to see you, too, Samara," said Elissa, smiling at the Justicar, "If you don't mind me asking, why are you here?"

"The injustice of your incarceration called me here," said Samara, walking over to the bed, "I could feel it halfway across the galaxy, it was so strong I felt compelled to come back to the Normandy and see you. I will stay and aid you in your fight to finding out who is responsible for these actions against you."

"You're too kind, thank you, Samara," said Elissa, inclining her head in a small nod.

"What's going on?" asked Joker as he woke up, slightly startled by seeing everyone around the bed, staring at him.

"We have visitors," said Elissa, nudging his arm gently with her elbow.

"I can see that," smirked Joker, then he saw Samara, "Glad to see you again, Samara."

"Likewise, Joker," said Samara smiling kindly at him.

"Lisa, glad to see you're feeling better," said Miranda, stepping forward.

"Mira, I heard you had a hand in our breakout," said Elissa smiling as Miranda hugged her carefully before sitting on the bed next to Elissa's.

"Hackett brought me in on the plan, that's all," said Miranda brushing away the mention of her part in the breakout as if it were nothing, "I'm just happy that you're doing better."

"Thanks for the concern," said Elissa, "Did Bailey make it out alright?"

"We don't know, Shepard," said Garrus quietly and Elissa closed her eyes against the brewing tears.

"I'll try to find out, Lisa," said Liara kindly from her seat, "I'm sure there will be quite the report on your breakout from the Citadel's maximum security prison, there hasn't been an escape in several centuries and they just had two in one day."

"Always causing trouble, aren't you, Lola?" asked James, smiling at her from behind Miranda.

"Kasumi," said Elissa and the master thief emerged from amongst the crowd.

"Yes, Shep?" asked Kasumi, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"We'll set course for that colony of yours as soon as Joker gets out of this bed," said Elissa, playfully pushing Joker towards the edge though he barely moved an inch.

"Absolutely not," said Chakwas, "You and Joker are on forty eight hours medical leave, and you are not to go anywhere or do anything dangerous until you have recovered."

Elissa pouted and Joker wanted to laugh, her pout was too adorable not to, "Alright, alright, we'll wait. Sorry Kasumi."

"It's quite alright, Shep," said Kasumi, rubbing Elissa's leg, "I need to gather some more intel anyway before we go there, I just want you back in fighting condition before we get anywhere near the colony."

"Jackie!" exclaimed Hannah as she came rushing to her daughter's side, embracing her tightly but avoiding the injured area, "Thank every god that exists you're alright."

"I'm fine, Mom, no need for dramatics," sighed Elissa smiling at her mother who did not seem very amused by her comment.

"Sweetie, do you even know who shot you?" asked Hannah, her eyes filled with worry and anger, "Do you realize how close we came to losing you?"

"Chakwas said it was pretty close," said Elissa looking at the doctor who had resumed her post at her terminal, "I don't remember who shot me, all I remember doing is turning around as the doors were closing then running to the bridge."

"Major Asshole shot you," said Steve bitterly and Joker beamed.

"Of course he did," sighed Elissa, leaning back into her pillows, Joker's arm around her shoulder bringing her more comfort than words right now.

"Shepard," said Samara stepping forward once again, "I know this is a terrible time, but I must ask your help once again."

"It's fine Samara," said Elissa, silently urging the Justicar to continue.

"I have it on good authority that there are Ardat-Yakshi gathering in the outer reaches of the Terminus System," said Samara her tone was calm but her eyes showed fear, "I know this is too much to ask of you, but we must stop them from forming the army I fear they are becoming."

"Is your other daughter alright?" asked Elissa, her mind racing with possibilities and tactical scenarios.

"Yes, she is still at the sanctuary," said Samara, a sad smile on her lips.

"Do you think she'd be willing to help us against this army?" asked Elissa, she could feel Joker tense next to her but she ignored it.

"I could contact her and ask," said Samara her tone now slightly melancholy, "I hope I am wrong but there is too much of a imbalance in the galaxy for it not to be true."

"We'll stop them, Samara, you have my word," said Elissa solemnly.

"Thank you, Shepard," said Samara, "If you need me, I'll be in my old quarters, I hope you feel better soon."

They watched as the Justicar left the room as silently as she had entered it, entrancing the entire crew as she exited.

"I think that's enough excitement for today," said Chakwas, ushering the rest of the crew out of the medbay, all of them groaning and protesting her demands.

"Thank you, Chakwas," said Elissa wearily as she made herself even more comfortable in the bed next to Joker.

"You're welcome, Shepard," said Chakwas, "Now, I want you two to rest up, no Ardat-Yakshi hunting just yet."

"Yes, Doc," said Elissa and Joker in unison, both smiling as the doctor left the room to get some food for them both.

"Are you sure you're feeling alright?" asked Joker, concern written all over his face.

"Yeah, I am," said Elissa though she was having a hard time convincing herself of that.

"You're lying," said Joker firmly, he could always tell when she was being less than honest with not only him but with herself as well.

"I don't know, Jeff," sighed Elissa, resting her head on his shoulder, looking up into his grey eyes.

"Are you okay knowing it was a former shipmate that shot you?" asked Joker, refusing to even use Kaidan's name, rank or anything else they had come up with as a reference to him.

"I'm not exactly thrilled about it but I can't change what's happened," muttered Elissa, rubbing her side where her bullet wound was.

"You are taking this better than the rest of us are," said Joker bitterly, thinking of every different way he could kill Kaidan with just the Normandy, coming up with quite a few scenarios all of which involved a painful and fiery death.

Elissa chuckled, "I always expected him to betray me at some point even after we made up, he had showed me his true feelings twice before, once on Horizon and then on Mars. He never really trusted me, status symbol or not, trust seemed to mean everything to him ironically enough."

"It's weird," said Joker, and Elissa gave him a questioning glance, "He seemed to trust me and Chakwas, but not you, even though we all worked with Cerberus."

"You hadn't slept with him," sighed Elissa and she watched him shift his position uncomfortably.

"Point taken, but," said Joker wishing he could erase the image of Kaidan with Elissa out of his mind forever, "even though you were his commander, leading him into battle, he didn't think twice about trusting a doctor who could screw up his body in more ways than one and a pilot that could crush him with just a few maneuvers."

"I guess his trust was in the wrong place," laughed Elissa, and even though it hurt to laugh, she felt she needed to.

"No doubt," said Joker, smiling brightly at her, he loved hearing her laugh and was glad that he had been able to do so.

"I'm glad Chakwas made everyone leave," said Elissa in a sultry voice.

"Yeah, now I have you all to myself," said Joker pulling Elissa back to his chest, he caressed her cheek, his fingers tracing her jawline as he lifted her lips towards his own. He leaned down and brought his lips to hers, feeling the euphoria and relief he had come to know and welcome whenever they would kiss, everything in his mind vanished except thoughts of Elissa and he tumbling around in the hospital bed.

Elissa deepened the kiss, her tongue darting into his mouth, she moaned when he took in her lower lip and gently sucked and nipped it which only heightened her excitement and she could feel that it had the same effect on him. She felt as if something had finally gone right, she had him, she had someone she knew really cared for her and she deeply cared for him in every way a person could possibly feel affection for another person. She knew it would be difficult for them, as they currently had no possibility of settling down and having the chance at a normal life, but that had never been how she worked anyhow, living a calm life was not for her and she knew it was not for Joker either. They both enjoyed being in the thick of everything too much to step away, she could always depend on him to have her back and she to have his, that much she knew and that was the advantage they had over every other relationship: they had proven their loyalty to each other long ago, now all they had to do was prove their love.