Despite catching only a few hours of sleep last night, Joker finds he is reasonably well-rested as the Normandy approaches the Citadel. His night with Shepard had begun with a dreaded conversation but ended pleasantly. After a few hours of drinks and conversation, Shepard told him she was ready to get some sleep before the "bureaucratic timesuck" scheduled for the following day. She had walked him back to her door somewhat unsteadily thanks to her swimming head. She thanked him for "refusing to leave her the hell alone" with a smile. Somehow the usual sarcastic comment that would have followed was replaced by a genuinely reciprocating smile and a "Good night."
Now, sitting at the helm, reflecting over last night's events, he finds his face still carries that same odd smile that won't go away.
"ETA five minutes to the Presidium docks." Joker announces over the PA system.
He has visited the Citadel numerous times, but always finds the massive scale of the Citadel impressive. The five arms splay out from the central, circular axis in an elegant and yet imposing manner. He approaches the central ring, where the Presidium is located.
"This is the SSV Normandy, requesting permission to dock." Joker radios the Presidium spacetraffic control.
"SSV Normandy clear to dock in port number P352." A voice replies. "Welcome to the Presidium."
The Normandy slides easily into her designated port where metallic arms reach out to secure her. The outside terminal connects to the Normandy's exit door and the atmospheric pressures begins to sync.
Joker hears the murmur of voices and the clicks of shoes against the metal flooring. He turns toward the approaching party. Shepard leads the way with Garrus and Kaiden close behind. Clearly Shepard has dressed for the occasion. She has applied make-up and pulled her hair into an unusually elaborate bun. She wears a very diplomatic black tunic and pant combination with white accents. The high collar and long vertical stripe extending down the length of the tunic clothe her long, muscular body in soft curves which contrast immensely compared to her usual armor.
"Joker," Shepard says. "Message Udina and let him know we've arrived."
Joker moves his eyes back up to meet hers and finally loses that smile. "Aye, aye, Ma'am." Her face looks so serious, it's almost stern. She seems to have prepared more than her dress for the game of politics.
Shepard checks her omni-tool. "Gentlemen," Shepard addresses Garrus and Kaiden. "It's only oh seven hundred hours on the ship, but the time stationside is already eleven hundred. It's going to be bustling and we've got a lot of checkpoints to pass." She adds with a sigh. "We'd better get a move on."
Kaiden checks the airlock portal. "It's green. We're good to head out."
"Right behind you." Shepard responds. Her fingers move furiously across her omni-tool's holographic interface.
"I don't expect to be gone long." Shepard addresses Joker. "Keep the Normandy ready for departure to Ilos."
"Aye, aye, Commander." He says.
She walks toward the exit and stops for a moment to look back at her pilot. Her tense mouth breaks into a half smile after looking him over for a few seconds. "Be back in a few." She says and passes through the door.
"See ya…" Joker voices belatedly.