A/N:

Kellise - Glad you find everything working out just fine. I'm also happy to see that the OC's are a good filler for the story, but not trying to fight to get any center stage from the genuine characters like Tali, Shepard, and Garrus.

FosRoDerp-Believe it or not, Olasie developed really late into the story before my rewrite. I incorporated her into earlier chapters to help build her as a secondary to Juel and to bring her more into focus later on. I mean, she was in the story as early as like... chapter five I think? Don't really remember and too lazy to look around. A lot of people have told me in PMs though that Juel and Olasie should eventually become a thing. Who knows. I just don't want it to be a big focus though. You know what I mean.

As for your question, I do admit that I like to separate out a lot of sentences into their own paragraphs. A lot of the times, I separate it out because I feel like it provides more separation (I'm using that word too much now!) from thoughts between characters or describing something. Above that, I've had a lot of people tell me it makes the story a lot easier to read; because I've read fics on here where paragraphs become thousands of words in length with no spacer. I find it difficult to read at times. But, that's probably going to die a little more now as I keep writing.

Guest- I would definitely agree with you, Mr. Guest. I honestly don't care for Jack much at all; and see her more as a troublemaker for the crew than anything else. Granted, canon makes her out to be like a girl who'd been done wrong in life, but at the same time, the wiki states "a notorious criminal whose crimes include piracy, kidnapping, vandalism and murder."

That's the wiki. Just remember what murder really means too, for anyone who defends Jack's killings: "the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another."

I would be lying if I hadn't considered killing her off really early, or just doing a whole character delete. I'm aiming to make this story grounded in some degree of realism. You have a biotic who's committed piracy, and fucking murder. No go bro. No go.

Delphinous- Quite the juicy review! My favorite!

Well Delphinous, we come at a certain impass about Jack, because I don't like her, honestly. I most definitely see the distinctions you've made about how she doesn't seek out death, purposefully torture and all that. You're right. She isn't a psychotic serial killer. I would suppose that even criminals have limits. I have no idea what will happen to Jack in the future, but there will probably be more of Garrus and Jack in the future.

You're absolutely right about OC's. They're hard to keep track of. Unless if they have some really important role or memorable name, you'll see them as filler and might even forget their name! She'll get her time eventually. Don't know if she'll get as much cover as Juel would, but who knows.

I definitely agree with you on the devs chance on introducing a better way of Tali and EDI meeting. But right now, in this story, it won't be a happy beginning. Maybe it'll smooth over given time.

The dark matter will definitely be a thing for this story, but it won't be super technical. I got lots of stuff written down to keep things consistent. Hopefully there aren't any plot holes!

Lastly again: I agree with you about Mordin. At first, I was largely indifferent about his character. But he definitely grew on me. He was well written, had excellent backstory, and an equally good story arc. The canon is tragic, but definitely good.

Shout outs to DapperT, Reaperghostrider, one of my older story buddies, 1054SS325MP. He's got two fantastic stories that are just phenomenally written. Titled Warrior Ethos, with Tali/John & Garrus/Jane in an excellent military driven AU. He's been off the grid though for sometime. Here's to hoping for his speedy return!

As always, leave your review, and I'll get back to you with a reply on the next chapter!

Tali didn't say anything.

So John gave her a long sideways glance. A timid one.

She took in a long and unsteady breath before closing her eyes and channeling whatever was left of her patience into focus.

"…EDI." She said as evenly as possible, "That must mean something, correct?"

"Yes, Tali'Zorah." EDI replied, apparently unaware of the quarian's well-kept rage, "It's a phonetic pronunciation of E-D-I. Enhanced Defense Intelligence."

Whatever happy mood Tali was in just moments before was gone. Like, completely.

"You must be aware of the quarians'… animosity toward artificial intelligence, yes?"

"Yes." EDI answered, "I have categorized and logged thirty two thousand instances, essays, and opinions of quarians and their relationship to the geth via the extranet as you entered the hangar. As a precaution, I waited to introduce myself formally, in the company of Commander Shepard, to alleviate any concerns you may have. Do you have any queries?"

"…Queries?" Tali bristled before turning to John and forcing a laugh, "Queries."

EDI didn't say anything.

And John didn't know what to say either. Or even what to show on his blank face. So he did the only thing he could do. Work his mouth without a thing to say and shrug apologetically at her.

"What did you learn on the extranet." Tali asked, turning back to face the camera in the elevator.

"First search inquiries comprised mostly of the quarians' progressive lineage of AI, social studies, and history. Due to the second to most recent AI/VI Proclamation Act of 1723 and its laws governing VI and AI in the past, the geth were labeled as VI until the quarian exile of their homeworld in 1882 and their eviction of the entire Perseus Veil by 1895. A galactic poll, titled: "A.I. and a philosophical belief", was conducted, based on age, sex, and race, twenty five years after their exile. Ninety-nine point seven percent of quarian participants viewed the existence of A.I. with hostility. Ninety-eight point six percent believed it to be at least a precursor to inevitable conflict. All logical given the events of the time."

"Still logical," Tali intercepted as she crossed her arms, "given the events of our time."

"Correct." EDI agreed, "The Raid of Eden Prime by the geth, allied by both Saren Arterius and Sovereign, do help support the allegation that A.I. will always be in conflict with organics."

"Allegations?" Tali spat with a harmonic rumble of anger, "Is that what we call it?"

"I did not mean to offend," EDI supplied with what had to have been a slight hint of apology in the AI's tone, "Nor do I intend to incite. I just wish to understand more."

"Here's what you need to understand," Tali said slowly, "There's a very important number in my society. Seventeen. Million. That number is the population of my entire. species. Tell me the pre-war population numbers of my people before our exile."

"Forty three billion."

"That's right." She whispered, "Forty three billion. When we left the Perseus Veil, EDI, we left with a humble number of fourteen million survivors. Less than one percent of who we were. It was genocide. In every way, the geth ended us." She shook her head and felt her teeth grind against each-other as a tear of hate welled in her eye, "They aren't allegations, EDI. They are facts. Do not mistake the two. Ever. Do you understand?"

Several seconds passed, which, as everyone knew, was an eternity for an artificial intelligence. Eventually, EDI finally replied.

"Yes, Ms. Zorah."

"I cannot believe Cerberus thought you were a good idea." Tali growled, "Actually, I can. It isn't hard at all."

Shepard stared at Tali with an unhappy look on his face before biting his lip and shaking his head. "EDI, take us to the engineering deck. And… don't introduce yourself to Juel and Olasie. At least for now."

"Yes, Commander." EDI replied, "Logging you out."

The elevator began its descent and Tali neatly flattened out her realk as she tried to make sense of it all.

"Don't say anything John, it isn't necessary."

He closed his mouth and relented. "Okay."

"I'm fine." Tali said anyways to try and reassure him, "It's just… Keelah, John. I can't even…"

"We'll worry about it later. Don't get too caught up in it right now."

"How can I? There's an A.I…. on this ship."

"We'll delve more into it later. Believe me. We will."

"What do you think of it? About having it with us? On the ship?"

"…I don't know." John answered truthfully, "It doesn't exactly make me feel comfortable, but Cerberus isn't stupid. There must be fail safes or blocks in place to prevent EDI from doing anything that could jeopardize us or the crew."

She sighed. "It's the principle."

"We both know they don't work on principle." He breathed before placing his hands on his hips when the elevator doors opened.

"But you do." Tali said, neither of them stepping out of the elevator, "And what's your say about it? You're the captain now."

"Tali," He took a deep breath, "I don't know."

Tali suddenly felt… disappointed.

"I thought you of all people would understand." She murmured before looking at the floor.

"I do."

"Then do something about it." She said before looking back at him, "Get rid of it."

"…I haven't seen enough to make that decision yet Tali."

She took a step toward him.

"Have the geth taught us nothing?"

John grimaced and severed eye contact with her before putting his hands on his hips again.

"We don't even know anything about them either. Even after all the time we've spent fighting them." John argued as delicately as possible before placing both his hands on her shoulders, "For all we know, the geth could have been forced to work with the reapers the same way Saren was. Indoctrination maybe. Just for machines."

Tali took a breath and took in what he had to say.

It's not like she hadn't thought of that before. The geth falling under the whim of what seemed to be an infinitely more superior machine. But hearing it…? it just felt… different. She couldn't really put her finger on what it was.

Irrational anger?

Rational anger?

Fear even?

She sighed. "…I don't like it John."

"I know." He drew her in for a hug, "We'll cross that road when we need to. Come on. Let's go see that engine."

"You really think that's going to cheer me up. Don't you."

"Well, it wouldn't hurt to try." John replied with a small grin, "Plus. This'll be a great time to meet your new team."

They walk into engineering and they first thing they walk into is EDI discussing something with both the Normandy's engineers.

Tali couldn't help but grind her teeth at the chilling voice.

"—Of course, Ms. Daniels."

"Thanks EDI."

"Logging you out, Ms. Daniels."

Gabriella Daniels turned to Kenneth Donnelly. "You were right. I can't believe it."

"I'm always right." Kenneth said before hastening his smile with unneeded ego.

She rolled her eyes and suddenly caught wind of John and Tali behind them before losing her breath and finally working her brain enough to salute him.

"C—Commander Shepard!"

Donnelly finally turned around himself and sipped his coffee before giving the man a casual salute himself.

"Wow. Commander Shepard in the flesh." Ken exclaimed before setting down his mug and nudging Daniels' shoulder. "Told you he'd come an' see us!"

He then faced Tali and smiled brightly at her. "And who might this youngin' be?"

"My name's Tali." She replied with a small, partly forced grin (Only because of EDI ruining her mood), "Tali'Zorah vas Neema."

"She's your new chief engineer." Shepard remembered to add before nodding to them both.

"Look at that, Ken." Daniels smiled, "We've just got ourselves a quarian boss."

"No complaints there." Ken said with an appreciative nod, "You know them quarians. Ingenious little rascals."

"Glad you guys are okay with it." Shepard started, "And you guys can keep the military formalities on the minimum. We're on a Cerberus vessel. Not an Alliance one."

"Ah, sorry. Old habits die hard, commander. We were both with the Alliance up until a little after you, ah… passed."

John nodded. "I see. Good to have some familiarity then."

"And about us having a quarian boss? Of course we're okay with it." Daniels piped up assuredly, "It's Tali'Zorah, commander."

Tali couldn't help but slightly blush at the unintended compliment.

"Now, I'm assuming the boss wants to see the engines?"

Tali nodded to Ken. "Please."

"—and, of course, EDI the artificial intelligence aboard Normandy. Down in Crew deck just behind infirmary. Sure you overheard discussion I had with her."

Both Olasie and Juel give each other looks.

"…So…" Juel cupped his hands together, stared at them, and took a contemplative breath, "Do you, uh, think the AI is… necessary?"

Mordin turned around to Juel, away from his lab table, his empty mug forgotten momentarily as he thought over the question.

Finally he answered.

"Understand quarians have history with Cerberus. Also understand opinion of AI." He began as he crossed his arms, "Concern understandable. Animosity expected. Would be perplexed if wasn't."

He paced around his table and took a spot next to them.

"Short answer? Yes. Philosophy not strong suit of mine, but ends justify means at current moment," He said before removing his whistling teapot off a hotplate, "Must remind you, no such thing as absolutes in philosophy."

"What about trust?" Olasie wanted to add, "Do you trust them?"

Mordin sniffed, poured a mug full of hot water, and delicately placed a spoonful of salarian herbs into an infuser.

"Difficult to answer. Cerberus manipulative. Devious. Coercive even. But not short sighted. Trust more for personal relationship. Usefulness to sociopathic organization typically better. Worth more."

"That's… an interesting way of putting it." Olasie mumbled.

"But, true." Mordin supplied, setting the infuser into the mug, "Seen as resource. Usefulness necessitates job security."

"For your case." Juel intoned as politely as possible, "You're the only one who looks like he can even counteract the collector drones."

"Correct." Mordin smiled, "Case in point. Ex STG Salarian biologist of my field not easily replaceable."

Juel took a breath and shook his head. "Still can't believe there's a goddamn AI on the ship. Can only wonder how Tali's going to handle that when she finds out."

"Ms. Zorah has been made aware of my presence." EDI answered aloud for Juel.

"Oh." He paused for a second, "…How'd she take it?"

"She does not like me." EDI said disappointingly.

Juel nodded mostly to himself before giving Olasie a look.

"Not surprising." He uttered.

"Not surprising at all." Olasie repeated.

Juel took a breath and realized they were digressing from the tour.

"Sorry for the interruption doc." Juel apologized, turning back to Mordin, "Please, continue from where you left off."

"Have feeling not too interested in cell tissue replication or microscopy." Mordin said rather sadly as he looked over several of his cultures sitting on the table.

Olasie started wringing her hands while Juel tried to rub the sudden kink in his neck.

"Sorry…" Juel said to express some form of regret, "We appreciate the science… but we don't exactly understand everything."

Olasie caught the awkward silence that would have ensued after. "Say… why do you keep drinking tea?"

Mordin looked down at his mug before smiling. "Did test earlier. Won't bore you with details. Tested collector countermeasure on self. Side effects for failure minor… if uncomfortable."

He took a sip and shrugged. "Helps discomfort."

"…right." Juel breathed in surprise, "Uh, what's next?"

"Conference room." Mordin said before urging them to follow him, "Then Armory."

"Wish they'd hurry their asses up and see me." Joker grumbled mostly to himself, but not out of earshot of Jacob.

Jacob decided to bite. "They said they'd be here soon after they check the engines."

Joker leaned out of his chair to look so he could get a look of the man standing behind him, "He's still the same right? I mean, nothing off or…?" He trailed off and Jacob took the hint.

"—From what we've gathered on the psyche history? He seems pretty much the same. Remembers everything he should at least."

"Yeah. I guess I shouldn't worry." Joker said, finally leaning back into his seat and sighing, "Tali is with him after all. She of all people would know if there was something wrong."

"Exactly. When we were all on Freedom's Progress, it was hell at first. The quarian was pissed. Thought Shepard was still alive and just up and left her."

Joker hadn't heard much of this. So he turned back around to face Jacob. "…No shit?"

"It was bad, yeah." Jacob panned with a sigh as he thought it over, "It took some convincing, but she was told the whole story and never looked unconvinced by it."

Joker shrugged. "She's a good judge of character."

"True that. She trusts Shepard that much."

Joker suddenly caught himself. "Whoa whoa whoa. Hold on. Why am I even talking to you about this? This is some kind of Cerberus hat trick to make me think you've actually did something right."

Jacob rose his hands sarcastically in the air. "Whoops. Caught me red handed. Fooled my plans to win you over to the baby eating side."

Joker's expression went blank before he sighed. "You're joking. You've got to be joking."

"Mr. Taylor overheard your criticism involving the overuse of the term 'baby-eater' and felt it necessary to remind you." EDI butted in.

"Oh." He waved his hands into the air. "Of course he did."

Jacob shrugged and gave the cripple a smile. "Sorry."

Joker ignored him and decided to click on the PA down to engineering.

"Ahem. This is Joker requesting both Tali and John to come up here ASAP to see your favorite pilot waiting for you. Please."

He waited for a reply.

"Joker!" John called through the PA. Jeff smiled at the voice, "Sorry you weren't the first thing we saw coming aboard. Tali here really wanted to see the engines."

"And what does she think of them?"

"They're amazing." Came Tali's silky voice, "Sure you can handle all that junk under the trunk?"

Joker didn't miss the intentional innuendo. "Ah, Tali. She rides just fine. Believe me."

Tali laughed a little. "We'll be right up, Joker. Sit tight. Okay?"

Joker felt himself nod out of habit. "Right. Got it. See you guys shortly."

He clicked PA off and felt himself lean into his seat. "Oh man. Life's going to be good now."

"Better than what it was?" Jacob prodded.

"What the hell do you think?" Joker quipped, "Ex-captain Miranda's a bitch and you're her side-kick. I've been waiting for a change of pace since day one."

Joker's tone told Jacob he was joking.

Mostly.

"Ah, Mr. Moreau." Miranda greeted as she entered the helm before looking over her tablet and a little display next to EDI's avatar, "Such flair to your vocabulary."

She didn't bother looking at him.

Joker squeezed his eyes shut and thought of the smartest comeback he could come up within the span of a second.

"…I'm a humble man of honest words."

"Better than spoiled child full of lies, I suppose." Miranda replied before selecting something off her tablet and walking back down toward CIC.

Jacob kept a straight face and didn't say anything. "She gonna write you up now."

"Who cares? I don't. Definitely don't care."

"Why do you try so hard to be on Miranda's bad side? Remember what Lewinsky did just yesterday by accident? Made her mop the grates with her own toothbrush."

"…I'm crippled. She can't make me get on my knees for manual labor."

"That just lets her get creative." He said, shrugging.

"She's not the captain anymore." Joker shot back.

"Doesn't change much. She's still your commanding officer. Even if she's just an XO now."

JOker didn't have anything to say to that, so he rolled his eyes.

"She didn't earn the title of ice queen for no reason, Joker. Remember that."

"You know what, Jacob? Just let it go."

"Fine. I'm gonna leave. They'll be here soon. I'll give you all your space."

"Thanks."

Jacob finally turned on his heel and walked down the Normandy's neck, past the CIC, and into his armory.

Which was phenomenal timing since both John and Tali stepped out of the elevator to the CIC.

"Hey guys." Garrus greeted from a console at the CIC, "Joker's at the helm, waiting."

John nodded to him. "Thanks Garrus."

"I'm going down to the forward battery. Have fun."

Everyone around the CIC cautiously glanced at their new visitors before returning to work.

"You know John, we should change the lights. Make it more like the old Normandy." Tali said, turning to John, "It'd save power too."

"Maybe a blue hue to compliment the walls?" He said when he finally laid his eyes on the galaxy map.

It put a twinkle in his eye and it made him smile. He should have suspected the new Normandy to keep true to its original design. Good to see the new and old mix in seamlessly.

"Maybe." Tali said before pointing with her chin toward the helm, "Come on."

They started walking. When they stepped up the Normandy's neck leading to the helm, John leaned in slightly to Tali and whispered.

"Think he's changed?"

Tali scoffed. "What do you think?"

He shrugged. "I don't know."

As they walked, Joker turned his seat around with a whopping grin spread from ear to ear. "Christ is it good to see you guys again."

"I'm back." John said before spreading his arms in the air in a welcoming gesture, "With a lot of strings attached as always."

Jeff's smile got brighter. "And hot damn, Tali's looking no worse for wear."

"Believe me, I haven't washed my hair in a week." Tali said before playing with the imaginary locks on her head since she had a helmet in the way, "You wouldn't be saying that if you saw me without the mask."

"Oh, don't sell yourself so short." Joker panned with a grin.

"So." John's hands found their way to rest on his hips, "What's up?"

"That's it? A 'what's up'? You've been gone for two years and that's the best you got, boss?"

John shrugged and smiled, "To me it's only been, like, what? Three months?"

"Somewhere around there." Joker said with a dismissive wave, "Nothing's been up, really. But I bet you're wondering why I'm not in the Alliance anymore."

"That would be nice to know, yes."

"Believe me when I say, the only reason I joined Cerberus was so I could fly again, and because of you."

"The Alliance grounded you?"

"Hell yes they did." Joker frowned, "Split up everyone. So I got out and left."

John nodded and decided he'd touch up on the subject later.

"What about Chakwas?"

"Only reason why she's here is because of me. And you of course."

"Ah. Makes sense." Tali nodded, "Always forcing the crew to keep up with their vitamins and whatnot."

"You think she's bad? Mordin's been handing out these weird supplements to the crew like candy. Running everyone like a freakin' experiment." Joker leaned in a little closer to them, "Mordin said he put Ralston on a placebo, but I saw him yesterday at lunch stabbing his food with the wrong end of a fork."

Then Joker stared at his elbow. "And just last week, after I saw Mordin for my appointment, I started to have this tickle on my elbow… and now there's this… bump."

"You… should take that up with him." Tali said in a slightly concerned tone.

Joker shrugged. "Ah. It's probably nothing. Mordin's a cool guy though. But enough about him and me. What about you guys?"

Tali leaned into John. "Well. We're a thing now."

"A thing? Huh. You weren't a thing on the old Normandy?"

"…Well, we were… kind of." John tried to remember, "It was complicated."

"Mm. Complicated." Joker repeated with a drawl, "Hmph. Well. Congratulations guys."

"I'm surprised," Tali rose a brow, "No jokes? No witty offhanded sarcasm?"

""fraid not. I approve. Completely."

"Thanks Joker." Tali smiled, "Got a girl in your life yet?"

"Not exactly." Joker said with an exaggerated frown, "All I need here is Lucy. She's good enough for me."

"Who's Lucy?" Tali wondered, "She a crewmember?"

"No, Ms. Zorah." EDI replied, "Mr. Moreau is referring to his right hand."

Tali would've laughed, but she forced herself to remember who was saying the joke.

Joker rolled his eyes. "And there's the down side to the new Normandy. I'm surprised Tali hasn't peppered your blue box with buckshot yet."

EDI didn't say anything and Tali felt relieved enough to know Joker could shut it up.

"Sorry for the AI, Tali. It wasn't my choice. Believe me. It was nicer when the old Normandy was quieter."

"I concur." Tali said with a sigh.

"But if it brings you any comfort, there's nothing she could ever do to hurt us."

"It's the principle though, Joker." Tali had to repeat herself, "That's the only thing that bothers me."

"It's Cerberus, Tals." Joker shrugged, "Sorry."

Joker immediately perked back up as if he'd just remembered something. "Hey. You saw the engines, right? I was hoping maybe later we could start up with a list of refinements I've got here that I'd like to make with you. Dampeners and mods. Stuff like that."

Tali nodded brightly at the idea. "Of course. Just give me the list and I'll get started."

"You made her chief engineer right, Shepard? Cause she should be."

"Already done." John assured him.

"Good. So. Ah, what's this mission we're doing exactly?"

"Mission brief's in two hours. Get anyone who needs it up to speed with what's going on." John answered.

"Can you give me just the gist?"

"It involves the Reapers." Tali said to get his immediate attention, "The system we're going to has a star that erupted into a red giant prematurely. And Sovereign was studying it when he was alive."

Joker's face went serious and he glanced between the both of them to make sure they weren't joking. "What."

"Yeah. We're going to find out why Sovereign was there."

"Shit." Joker panned with a long sigh, "Reapers."

"Collectors too." John reminded, "And they could be working together."

Joker frowned. "Yeah. I know. What're we expecting there?"

"We're not entirely sure." Tali explained, "We're hoping it's nothing. You'll get the finer details in the brief. As for what we could be facing? Geth probably. If we're lucky, just the sun. So bring sunscreen."

"Funny joke Tali. Is that all?"

"I can't think of anything else. So I guess that's it." Tali said.

"Fine." Joker turned back around his chair, "It was nice catching up with you. But I think it's Chakwas' turn now."

"Oh come on Joker, sick of us already?"

"Would it hurt if I said yes?"

John smiled. "Don't change Joker."

"Definitely won't."

"I guess it is a good time to go and check on Chakwas then."

"Do it. She'll be excited to see you guys."

"Bye." Tali waved.

"Bye, Tali." He said with the dip of his head, "You too Commander."

"Where the hell's Shepard?"

"Talking with Joker." Garrus replied without ever glancing at the half naked girl next to him, "Why?"

"I wanna see him."

"For what reason?"

"Uhm. Because?"

"Maybe if you put on one of the shirts we gave you, he'd be more opted in meeting you, Jack."

She cupped her breasts mockingly to try and get the turian's attention. "Why. You don't like my jugs?"

Garrus finally faced her with a glare. "What do you think? I'm not human, Jack. You're not taunting me with anything but balls of fat."

She frowned and put her hands back down.

"So, shirt then?"

Garrus finally stopped his calibrations on the forward battery and stood up straight to finally face her. "Look. You want to see him. I get that."

"But?"

"You should wait until he comes to you."

"Why?"

"Because, Jack. He needs to find reasons to stay on the Normandy, and right now, you're not one of them."

Jack actually looked offended by Garrus' well put remark. "Whatever." She said, "I don't give a shit."

Garrus returned to his computer.

Jack still didn't leave.

"You're still here." Garrus panned with a monotone.

"Was wondering why you're the only one who wanders around while your gang sits in that room in engineering."

"I told them too." Garrus answered finally, seeing as how telling her that wouldn't hurt, "It's to keep things quiet around here."

"They scared of me?" She laughed.

"No." Garrus said before glaring at her harshly, "You should be scared of them."

"Garrus. Fuck, dude. Can't you see I'm trying? I'm pouring myself out here and you keep stonewalling me."

"We're not here to be friends, Jack. It hasn't been a day since you left that cell. It takes longer than that to reconcile your mistake of killing my men."

Jack felt a pit wrench around her stomach. "...I'm sorry." She mustered to say as she swallowed whatever was about to come up as a tear, "I know I fucked up."

Garrus didn't give her the luxury of replying. Nor did he offer his attention anymore. She didn't really deserve it.

He was still pissed two of his people died at the hands of this pent up psychotic. Which made him wonder how the hell this 'relationship' was going to pan out for all of them in the future.

Would he really get over it?

What about his team?

He didn't know. And as much as he didn't want to admit it to Miranda, he wanted her gone.

At first, when he released her from the cell, he felt sympathetic from all the stuff she'd been through. But the more he thought about it, the more enraged he felt over the whole ordeal.

Part of him wished she'd just try and do something stupid so he could shoot her and be done with it all.

"Garrus, I said I was sorry."

"Leave, Jack."

Jack flexed her hands and fought away the pain she felt welling in her heart. She hadn't felt these feelings in a long time. Why did she even care as much as she did? Why was she even looking for his acceptance anyways?

She didn't want to know, but she did.

Garrus was the first person who'd ever been straight with her. And the first to ever look like a person who actually cared for people. And to see that for the first time? To see the disappointment, and anger, and pain that radiated from him killed her inside. Made her felt like she'd finally woken up to smell the ashes of all of the terrible choices and mistakes she'd made in her life.

She worked so hard in her life to get back at the universe for what it did to her. But now she realized she had become the thing she hated most.

"I'm sorry." She repeated in a whisper before finally leaving the man and walking out of the main battery.

She needed to go back to her hidey hole and rethink her life even more.

Things to do.

Stuff to say.

Habits to change.

And it would start with a fucking shirt.

But before she could even make it down to pass the sleeper pods, she bumped into the two quarians and Mordin.

"Erhm. Hi." Olasie said before extending her hand awkwardly for Jack to shake.

Jack stared at the hand for a moment.

"Hey." Jack said as she finally took the hand, "What's up."

"Just touring." Juel replied curtly as he couldn't help but ogle her breasts with concern.

"Hello Jack." Mordin greeted, "Know you haven't had proper time to acclimate to Normandy. Maybe joining us in tour would help?"

"Ah, no thanks." Jack said as she stared between the three of them, "Got things to work out."

"Very well. Please take supplements next to bed. Helps brain and biotic symbiosis."

"Uh... Right."

As Jack left, Juel felt like cringing at how awkward of an encounter that was.

"So, she a recent addition to the Normandy?"

"Yes." Mordin answered as he stepped up next to a sleeper pod, "Was released from Normandy cell earlier this morning."

Olasie looked flabbergasted. "You're kidding me."

Mordin only shrugged, "Not my decision. Personally consider Jack dangerous. Witty. But very capable. Reckless also."

"What did she do to get into a cell?"

"Jack originally on prison ship run by Blue Suns. Cerberus negotiated contract to transfer her to us."

"So, you just put her in a cell in the meantime?" Olasie tried to figure out.

"No." Mordin shook his head, "Contract terminated due to Zaeed Massani's attendance."

"Who's Zaeed?" Juel asked.

"Zaeed Massani. Formerly Blue Suns founder."

"Formerly?"

"Yes." Mordin nodded, "Affiliation and history contributed to partial mission failure."

"You say partial..." Juel said worriedly, "What happened to make it partially fail?"

"Jack attacked team on purgatory unprovoked. Killed several of crew. Two of Garrus' team members included."

"And she gets to waltz around like it... didn't happen...? What."

"Need her." Was all Mordin could say.

"Keelah." Olasie breathed, "If that's how desperate you all are willing to go, then John's got quite the plate ahead of him."

Mordin sighed. "Indeed. All do."