Joker turns around to the sound of footsteps.

"What's up, Commander? Did you need something?"

"How long before we reach Noveria?"

Joker checks the screen. "ETA 12 hours."

Shepard nods and sits in the co-pilot chair.

He turns to her and asks, "What exactly are we expecting to find on Noveria?"

"Geth, at the very least. The Council has received reports that the Geth are interested in Noveria and they want to know why."

"Damn," Joker exclaims. "That doesn't sound good. Those robot bastards are really getting around the galaxy these days."

"Tell me about it," Shepard agrees. "It's a good lead, but it's going to be cold as hell there, too. It's a frozen planet."

Joker makes a face. "Glad I don't have to leave the ship. I hate snow."

Shepard gazes off through the cockpit windows. "Me too," she finally says.

"Well," Joker says. "Everything is good on the Normandy's end. She's fit as a fiddle and in the best hands the Alliance has to offer, aka mine."

Shepard nods. "Good to hear."

"So…" Joker says awkwardly, noting the current time according to the Normandy's clock. "Was there something else you needed? Shouldn't you be resting before the mission or something?"

Shepard crosses her arms over her chest and gives Joker a side glance. "Who's mothering who now?"

Joker starts to protest when he catches a glimpse of her half smile.

"Touche. You're welcome to stay here."

"Kind of you."

A few moments pass. Each weighs more heavily on Joker than the last. He hates silence. It's too awkward.

"So… How many Asari does it take to screw in a lightbulb?" Joker asks.

Shepard offers him a thoroughly confused look.

"Just two... the question is: how do you get them in the light bulb to begin with?"

Shepard lets out a half-hearted laugh, clearly more from the surprise of his random joke than the humor of it. Joker laughs to himself more genuinely. "Haha. How indeed…"

"I don't think I'd tell Liara that one." Shepard warns lightheartedly.

"I've got more, if you want to hear them," he offers temptingly.

Shepard shakes her head with a smile. "Fire away."

"Why do Quarians always flee from crime scenes?"

"I give." Shepard responds.

"Because they hate law suits!"

The commander chuckles. "Where do you come up with this crap?"

"Well, as you know, I spend a lot of time up here alone. I find ways to occupy my time. That is one of the G rated things I do. Really, you should knock when you reach the threshold. You know, just to be safe. You've been warned."

Joker's snarky remarks are met with silence. He turns to see her arms still crossed and her eyes closed. He waves a hand before her.

"You still here?"

Shepard nods.

"Should I shut up? Are you crashing here tonight?"

Shepard shrugs, eyes still closed. "I'm just content to take up space somewhere other than my quarters. Let me know if I'm bothering you."

Joker thinks about it. "No. Not at all."

"Good deal. Then keep talking, if you'd like." Shepard yawns audibly and readjusts. "Just don't expect me to answer."

"I can talk." Joker says. "Damn, can I talk. When your legs don't work, you learn to run your mouth instead. At least, that what my mom always told me."

Joker continues talking at an unresponsive Shepard only to find that she's undoubtedly asleep after a few minutes.