Elissa woke up, the sheets beside her had gone cold, 'Where the hell—?' she wondered until a split second later she realized that he was more than likely sitting up in the cockpit. Smiling to herself, she eased out of bed careful not to make too much noise that might attract the attention of Chakwas who's snores Elissa could hear coming from her desk, and she quietly dashed out of the door. Her abdomen was still sore but manageable enough for her to walk nearly straight up, she was grateful when she got into the elevator and was able to sit down for a few seconds before arriving at the CIC. Getting up off the floor proved to be a challenge she realized when she tried to stand and pain seared through her like fire, she rested herself again on the floor and carefully put herself on all fours, breathing deeply to control the pain. Next she pressed her hands against the wall in front of her and using that as a support, she walked her hands up the wall her, lifting herself with her knees until she was back in the standing position.
"Note to self, put metal bars in the elevator for times like this," mumbled Elissa to herself as she exited the elevator, amazed at how quiet the Normandy was when everyone else was asleep. She had never noticed the quiet since her cabin was already so far away from everything and everyone that it was always peaceful, not that she spent much time there anyway other than to sleep. Continuing her way to the cockpit, she stopped by the entrance of the bridge, mostly to catch her breath but also to admire the unique beauty of the Normandy, as crazy as it sounded she had never actually taken the time to look at the ship most days it was just a blur as she rushed from one point to another trying to get a job done. With renewed vigor she finally made it up to the cockpit, she stood at the door and listened as Joker whispered various checks to himself, not noticing that she was behind him.
"Jeff," whispered Elissa and she watched him jump slightly before turning around to face her.
"Ellie, what are you doing here?" asked Joker, surprised and pleased to see her.
"Could ask you the same thing," winced Elissa, the pain from her wound making her breathing slightly more painful than usual.
"But I asked you first," said Joker and he motioned for her to sit on his lap, but she shook her head.
"We just got you well," said Elissa in response to his hurt look, "I'm not about to be the reason you have a shattered pelvis and two broken femurs."
"You'd be the only good reason to have a shattered pelvis," sniggered Joker as he helped her into the co-pilot's chair, glad to see her smile.
"Is that so, huh?" asked Elissa with a smirk, grateful that the chair appeared easier to get out of than the elevator.
"You know it," said Joker as he sat back down in his chair, admiring the way the soft light of the console reflected off her face, "So why did you come here? I was going to be back up after I ran some diagnostics."
"Didn't like waking up alone," said Elissa quietly, looking out the windshield at the millions of stars around them, "Reminded me too much of being in that prison when I'd wake up and realize you weren't there with me."
Joker gave her a sweet smile, "Don't worry, Ellie, that won't happen again unless I'm forced out at gunpoint."
"That's a little extreme," smirked Elissa but she was glad to hear it nonetheless, "Why are you running diagnostics now? Chakwas forbade us from work for two days."
"Which is why I'm doing these tests now," replied Joker as his omni-tool beeped with the results from two of the ten tests he had run, "So she can't get onto me for working. Did you hear her snoring, that was my clue that it was safe to leave."
Elissa stifled a laugh, it had been her indication that it was alright to leave as well, "Yeah, lets hope she stays asleep until after we get back down there, otherwise we might get sedated until our medical leave is up."
"That doesn't sound pleasant," muttered Joker as he thought about Chakwas coming after him with a tranquilizer, "Are we really going to stop an Ardat-Yakshi army, Elissa?"
Elissa ran her fingers through her hair, thinking about Samara's request, "I need to talk over the logistics and intel with Samara, but yeah, that's how it's looking at this point."
Joker frowned, she was in no condition to be fighting crazy-ass genetically mutated Asari warriors, "I know it's a priority, but shouldn't we try to find out why we were arrested for charges that were dropped years ago? Shouldn't we go after Cerberus first?"
"Jeff, if we don't stop the Ardat-Yakshi there might not be any way to find out those answers," replied Elissa sternly, getting up from the chair and standing beside him, "As angry as I am at the galaxy right now, I'm not about to let it be destroyed by a sect of Asari that are more deadly than the regular commandos, I owe the people that much."
"Ellie," said Joker, taking her hand in his, "You don't owe the people anymore than you've already given them, you've paid with your life, what more do you have to give? Can't you let this one go, just for right now, after what almost happened with Morinth and then with her sisters. . . ." He stopped himself as he remembered the dangerous undercover mission Elissa had embarked on with Samara in order to get rid of her most dangerous daughter and then when they traveled to Lesuss to save Rila and Falere only to find out that Ardat-Yakshi could become even deadlier. The thought of her running again into immeasurable danger after having just gotten rid of the Reapers was almost too much for him, and it must have shown on his face.
"Jeff," said Elissa quietly, leaning down carefully and placing her hand on his cheek, caressing it softly, "I know it's dangerous, but this is what I do, you've known that since we first met and you also know that I'm not about to turn away a friend in need."
Joker leaned his mouth into her hand, kissing her palm, his eyes closed, "I know, I know, it's just. . .I don't think I could handle losing you again, it was hard enough the first time."
Elissa smiled, "You're not going to lose me, Jeff, you know I'm too stubborn to die twice. Besides, I have a future to fight for now, an even better and brighter one than I could have ever hoped for."
It was his turn to smile now, she was right about everything as usual, "I'm sorry, Ellie, for doubting your decisions, I've just never had so much to lose before and it'll take time to get used to this feeling."
"I know, Jeff, I'm feeling the same way," said Elissa and she kissed him, enjoying the calm all around her, glad that she had him to reassure her even if she did not voice her doubts.
When they broke apart, Joker pressed his forehead against hers, "I guess these tests can wait, lets get back up to the medbay before Chakwas comes chasing after us."
Elissa nodded as she helped him up out of the chair and as they made their way back to the medbay, she could not help but smile at the thought of a future with the man standing next to her, whom had never left her side and did not seem to be making any plans to do so.
"Alright, Samara," said Elissa, she and the some of the crew were standing in the comm/debriefing room with a projection of the galaxy map taking up most of the table, "Where is the Ardat-Yakshi army gathering?"
"Here," said Samara, pointing at a small cluster barely in the Terminus system, "on the planet Lilonani in the Jumpleakla nebula of the Disnea cluster."
"I've never heard of that cluster before," said Joker.
"It's too small to really be seen on any map," replied Samara as she enhanced the image, "it contains only the one nebula and the one planet, which until recently was uninhabited, now shuttles full of young Ardat-Yakshi are arriving weekly so far they have close to two hundred there now."
"Do you have any idea who or what might be rallying the troops?" asked Elissa, now pacing, her hands behind her back.
"That's what worries me most," said Samara, her tranquil face showing signs of turmoil.
"It's not your daughter, is it?" asked Liara who was sitting down, data pad in hand.
"Oh no," said Samara, relief in her eyes, "Falere is still at the sanctuary, I spoke with her last night, even asking to speak with her guardian who was also there. No, what worries me most is the woman responsible for rallying these Ardat-Yakshi together is another Justicar, Remaldia. She has always been vocal about what she sees as the Asari's mistreatment of Ardat-Yakshi, claiming that we need to embrace this genetic defect as something to utilize instead of destroy."
"Guess she finally got what she wanted," remarked Elissa and Joker could see the tension around her eyes, she was thinking and very worried all at the same time.
"Which is exactly why we have to stop her," said Samara, "If she succeeds in starting up her army, she will destroy both Thessia and Illium before moving onto the rest of the galaxy."
"You know for a fact she is targeting Thessia and Illium?" asked Elissa, no longer pacing, instead looking at the tiny cluster on the map.
"Yes, my sources have confirmed this," said Samara. Joker watched as Elissa bit her lower lip, the mention of Thessia being involved seemed to have escalated the situation, at least in her mind.
"Not that I doubt you, Samara," said Elissa, "but could you run your sources by Liara, just to make sure we aren't going on a wild goose chase? I'd hate to show up at Thessia in full armor and there not be a threat."
"I understand, Shepard," said the Justicar, bowing her head slightly, "I will give Dr. T'Soni my contact's information and after it has been verified, we can head towards Lilonani."
"Wait," said Miranda, whom had been quiet for a change during the debriefing, "Shepard's not a Spectre anymore, we can't just go shooting around a city expecting to get away with it, there'd be too many consequences."
"I have already thought about that," replied Samara, ignoring the glare she was getting from Miranda, "Since I am a Justicar, I can bring anyone I deem essential with me on a mission, as long as they abide by the code they are exempt from any and all laws."
"I guess we should warn the government on Thessia who we're bringing with us," said Elissa thoughtfully, "hopefully it won't come to that, but just in case."
"I'll get right on that," said Liara, standing though with some difficulty as her baby bump was throwing her off balance, "Samara, if you'll forward me your contact's information, I can get started verifying his identity."
"Of course, Dr. T'Soni," said Samara and she left with Liara.
"What do we do in the mean time?" asked Jacob, who also had remained uncharacteristically quiet during the debriefing.
"Hope for the best, prepare for the worst," replied Elissa, "Miranda, I have an assignment for you."
"Of course, Shepard," said Miranda, stepping forward, her arrogance returning at the prospect of being given an important assignment.
"Almost two months ago," started Elissa, activating her omni-tool, "I was sent this message from an anonymous source, I had Liara run it through some software but she came up empty on the source and identity of the sender."
Miranda's omni-tool beeped and she opened it, "Beware the three-headed beast that guards the gates to Hell, it has many keepers. Is this the message you received, Shepard?"
Elissa nodded, "I want you to see if you can find out who sent this and where they're stationed out of."
"I appreciate the assignment, Shepard," said Miranda, "but if the Shadow Broker can't trace this message, what makes you think I can?"
"Wow, Miranda, I never expected to hear you doubt yourself," said Elissa smirking as Miranda scowled, "I know you and your abilities, Miranda, you were able to access Cerberus' private network with no problem and I also know you didn't access the Illusive Man's files out of respect even though you were more than capable of doing so at the time. Besides, we suspect Cerberus is behind my and Joker's arrests, if the sender is using the same network then it shouldn't take you too long to hack into it."
"Thank you, Lisa, I won't let you down," said Miranda smiling as she left the debriefing room with Jacob following behind her, leaving Joker and Elissa alone.
"Ellie," said Joker in a quiet voice, making sure not even EDI could hear him, "you never sent that message to Liara to be analyzed."
"I know," said Elissa in an equal tone, "I just wanted Miranda to still feel like she's still wanted on the Normandy, I get the feeling all the missionary work she's been doing is her way of making amends for having worked with Cerberus."
"If you say so, Commander," said Joker, taking her by the hand and they walked out together, not even noticing the members of the crew that were staring at them as they moved through the CIC heading towards the mess for breakfast.
"Commander Shepard," said EDI before Elissa and Joker had made it out of the elevator, "Admiral Hackett wishes to speak with you when you have a moment."
"Patch him through to my omni-tool," said Elissa as she and Joker walked out of the elevator, both anxious to finally hear from him.
"Will do, Commander," said EDI and Elissa heard her omni-tool sound off as the Admiral appeared on the screen.
"Shepard," said Hackett, he sounded tired, "I'm sorry I've been out of contact for so long, but it was a necessary precaution."
"Of course, Admiral," said Elissa as she sat down at the nearest table, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, no thanks to the assassin," replied Hackett bitterly.
Elissa's eyebrows raised in surprise, "Assassin? Someone was sent to kill you, who?"
"Not sure," said Hackett, "but he obviously wasn't very good at his job, which I count as a good thing, for obvious reasons. Anyway, I just received word that you were off the Citadel and I had to make sure you weren't injured or anything."
"Little late for that, sir," said Joker from beside Elissa, "as we were leaving, she was shot, she's now in recovery."
"Thank you, Joker," said Elissa through gritted teeth and he smirked at her.
"You were what?!" exclaimed Hackett, apparently he had yet to be informed of how badly the escape had gone, "Was it serious? Who did it?"
"It was pretty bad but luckily Chakwas was able to patch me up," said Elissa, absentmindedly placing her hand on her healing wound, "and I was told it was Major Alenko who fired the shot at me."
Hackett closed his eyes, "This situation just got much more serious."
"Why's that?" asked Elissa, her eyes wide.
"You and Joker haven't been discharged from the Alliance yet," said Hackett, "I managed to convince the brass that you two were not how the Council had made it seem, and after speaking with you both, they believed me."
Elissa looked at Joker, her eyebrows raised in surprise, "The brass met with you?"
"I'm just as important as you are," scoffed Joker, rubbing her thigh underneath the table.
"So why does the fact Kaidan shot me escalate the situation?" asked Elissa, turning her attention back to Hackett.
"He's an Alliance soldier who's now shot another one," said Hackett, "it would appear he doesn't give a damn about regulations anymore and is working independently but now using the Alliance soldiers as a personal army."
"I don't think it's that serious, sir," said Joker, almost convinced that Hackett had gone crazy from paranoia.
"Hope for the best, prepare for the worst," said Hackett grimly, "and that is the worst case scenario right now, so make preparations accordingly. What is your current status?"
"Drifting in space about four or five lightyears away from both the Sol system and the Citadel," said Joker automatically.
"I'm close to Omega, managed to get there with my crew before too much shit hit the fan," said Hackett, "Do you think you could make it out here within the next few days?"
"Actually, sir, we've been drafted by an Asari Justicar," said Joker and Elissa rolled her eyes.
"An Asari Justicar?" said Hackett, obviously surprised, "What has she asked you to do?"
"Stop an Ardat-Yakshi army from wiping out Thessia and Illium," said Elissa before Joker could answer.
"Sounds serious," said Hackett thoughtfully, "alright, deal with that and then get the Normandy to Omega, we can regroup there, hopefully we'll have more intel by the time you arrive. Good luck, Shepard, Hackett out."
Elissa sighed as the screen went black, "That was certainly enlightening."
"Omega?" said Joker, astounded, "Hackett took an Alliance frigate to Omega?"
"Guess it was the last place he thought the assassin would go looking for him," said Elissa as Rupert placed a bowl of oatmeal in front of her and then gave one to Joker.
"Don't worry, maple syrup is warming up, I'll give it to you soon," said Rupert smiling as he went back to the kitchen.
"Did no one eavesdrop?" wondered Elissa, and then she saw that it was only she and Joker in the mess, no one else had arrived.
"Hey, Rupert," called Joker, "Where is everyone?"
"They've already eaten," replied Rupert as he scooped some maple syrup into a bowl, then placed it on their table, "in case you didn't notice, it's already zero-nine thirty, breakfast is usually served at zero-six hundred hours, so it's just you two."
"Thanks for the update," said Joker as he spooned some maple syrup into his oatmeal, "So, should I set course for Lilonani?"
"Later," said Elissa, running her hand over his thigh, watching its effect on him, "I want to enjoy my medical leave."
"Thought you hated time off," said Joker, trying to focus on his breakfast but her touch was making it difficult for him to focus on anything.
"I'm sure we can find a way to make it more enjoyable," purred Elissa in his ear, sending chills all over his body.
"I think you're right," said Joker in a husky whisper.
"Should we head up to my cabin?" asked Elissa, gently nipping his earlobe.
"Yep, right now," said Joker taking her hand, he stood up before she did and began pulling her to the elevator, eager and nervous about what was about to happen next.
