Chapter 5

"Hey, Joker. How's it going up here?" John said leaning against the wall.

He spun around in his chair, tilting his head back to look up at his visitor. "John, what's up?"

"Not much, figured I would pay you a visit up here."

"Thanks, somehow people tend to forget that I exist up here. How the hell do you forget that someone is piloting?" Joker motioned to the co-pilot's seat for John to join him.

John gave a small nod of thanks and plopped down. "I don't know, man. How do you not go crazy up here by yourself?"

He gave a small shrug as if that answered everything, "You get used to being alone when it is harder to move. I can always hear people moving around behind me at least. And, of course, Jane always makes a point to come by. Kaidan does too actually, sometimes helps with the navigation."

"Kaidan, huh? So, how did you and my sister meet?"

"We met a several times during the construction of the Normandy. Got to know each other pretty well and we were both serving here and then, of course, she became the commander of it. I may even know her as well as you," he laughed.

"You never know. Once she joined the Alliance, we didn't get to see much of each other. We kept in touch of course, but, it's not really the same." John cleared his throat and decided to make the mood a little lighter, "So… did you know Kaidan before the Normandy?"

"Eh, not really. Met him once before we knew he would be on the crew."

"'We'?"

"Yeah, Jane and me."

"Um… did something happen between the two of them? Jane and Kaidan?" With Joker bursting into laughter, John began to feel a little uncomfortable; this was still his little sister.

"That's something you will have to ask her."

It was unusual to get everyone from the team together in the mess hall at the same time, even including Chakwas and Joker, but Jane was enjoying it. She liked seeing everyone together and getting along. Somehow, the seating had worked out to all the women on one side, and the men on the other. Jane was sitting between Tali and Liara, thankful that they had filled the spots before Kaidan could get there. Garrus sat across from her, grabbing the seat before Kaidan could reach that one as well, so he opted for the seat across from Liara. John was across from Tali, Ashley facing Wrex and Joker and Chakwas on each end of the table.

It was good seeing everyone relax; it wasn't often that Garrus took the time to search out his teammates and he knew that they didn't either. When they had first entered the mess, Shepard was already sitting down with Joker and Dr. Chakwas. Debating on where to sit, Garrus had let Tali and Liara pass him who sat on either side of her. Kaidan had passed as well and was moving to sit in front of Shepard. When she tensed at seeing the man, Garrus closed the distance and stole the seat. He didn't bother to look up at the defeated male but gave a small nod to Shepard when she mouthed "thank you". He tried not to watch her or look at her too often, but it was hard not to when she was directly across from him.

"You know, we should all go out for drinks sometime," Tali piped up.

"Can you even go out for drinks?" Jane said elbowing the quarian.

"YES!" Tali shouted indignantly, then much more reserved, "You know… as long as it is filtered."

"You know, that isn't a bad idea," Ashley said even as everyone's eyes turned to her. "What!"

"I agree, Commander. Maybe next time on the Citadel," Wrex agreed, and more mouths dropped.

Jane grinned and looked around at the table. "Alright, I'll try to schedule in some shore leave soon. Everyone has been working really hard, you all deserve it."

"So, where should it be? Chora's Den?" Joker suggested.

"Ugh! No, I don't think so," Ashley scoffed, giving several people a good laugh.

"Yeah, Joker, not everyone is the perv that you are," Jane joked.

"I think I can get a few to come along. What do you say men? John? Garrus? Kaidan? Wrex?"

"No, thanks, I'm good," John said quietly, giving a quick glance to Tali across from him.

Garrus simply shook his head; Chora's Den wasn't exactly "his scene".

"Go on, Lieutenant," Ashley smirked. "We all know how much you liked being there last time."

"Well, maybe I will keep Joker company, Williams," Kaidan spat.

"That's the spirit!" Joker rallied and Kaidan looked away sheepishly.

"Hell, now that Fist is gone, maybe I will join you. But I guess it won't be the same being there and not killing something," Wrex said in his rumbling voice.

"Woo!" Joker cheered. "But I guess if we are all going to hang out on the Citadel, we might want to meet the rest of you somewhere. I guess Flux is a good second choice."

Liara leaned forward, speaking up, "Shepard, you should join Tali and I when we reach the Citadel. We were considering going shopping and this is really the perfect time during shore leave. And Ashley, Dr. Chakwas, you two are more than welcome to join as well."

"Well, I won't be shopping. I'll really just be there for moral support," Tali said, her eyes crinkling in a smile.

"Hmm… getting out of these Alliance fatigues would be kind of nice," Jane said leaning back and picking at her shirt fabric.

"I know I would like to see you out of those fatigues," Joker whispered, none too quietly, and winked at Kaidan, shrugged at John and allowed his eyes to fall on Garrus last. Garrus looked away first and shifted under Joker's gaze.

"As much as I would like to join you girls, I am an old lady. I don't know if I would really fit in with a girls' shopping trip. I will just meet you at Flux."

"Um… I think I'll take you up on that offer, Liara. Thanks," Ashley said, looking a little uncomfortable.

"Damn, Garrus, you have been quiet," John elbowed him in the side. "You aren't planning on bailing on the group outing are you?"

"I'll be there. Just long enough for you to make a fool of yourself, John," Garrus replied.

"Or maybe you are hoping for an invite to the women's shopping trip," John said earning a few chuckles from around the table, "Do you even own casual clothes?"

Garrus decided not to pay attention to John's dig, "I wouldn't complain about being the only male there while they try on outfits. I could just sit back and enjoy the view."

A few 'oohs' went around the table and Jane watched, with interest, the exchange between her brother and friend.

"I thought you were only a 'turian' kind of guy. I remember you calling humans 'too soft'."

Garrus wanted to back down, he was feeling a little embarrassed, but he didn't want to give John the satisfaction. Instead of faltering, he gave a confident shrug, "I guess being around humans has shown me that some of you are… more formidable than I originally thought." Garrus looked around the table, trying to smirk in a joking way, but he barely got one sweep of the group before his eyes stopped on Jane's. She was smiling but in a way he hadn't seen before which made him smile back. Her eyes darted away, looking at the table while she reclined back in the chair; she brought her knee up to her chest, resting her chin on it and wrapping her arms around her leg. How can humans fold like that? he wondered.

"Alright, alright, mister smooth talker over here," John said.

"And with that, I think I am going to turn in for the evening," Jane announced standing up. "Kaidan, Tali, John, be ready at 0700. We are making a quick drop to a planet to complete an assignment before we hit Noveria. Team for Noveria will be Liara and Garrus. I'll get with you two once Joker fills me in on when we will get there. See you all tomorrow." There were a few mumbled goodnights behind her before her door shut them all out.

Sitting down at her desk, she turned on her music. She sighed as the music lifted her spirits even higher, a calm settling deep within her, yet also making her want to move. She started to hum along, getting ready to let loose.

She had a good team; she knew that without a doubt. In all honesty, she was having a hard time picturing having anyone else by her side, especially Garrus. He was the best she had ever seen with a sniper rifle. He always had her back, if anything, she was getting too comfortable on the battlefield with him. She never had to worry when he was with her.

How Garrus and John became friends hung in her mind. At first thought, they didn't seem like they could get along. Jane thought that Garrus and she were a little more compatible. They had good conversations, they were able to tease and one-up each other without getting too competitive. However, she and John got along just fine; she just thought that it had to do with them being siblings. Then again, Garrus and Wrex are even getting along.

She knew everyone was looking forward to the shore leave, even she was. But, Jane always found it a little hard to find that balance of wanting to cut loose yet still be "Alliance material". Sometimes, it was hard not to be bitter with the cards life gives you.

The door to her room slid open, causing Jane to freeze and quickly turn off her music. "Kaidan, what can I do for you?"

"What were you listening to?" he asked, moving behind a chair facing her desk.

Jane sighed and motioned for him to sit. "Something from a long time ago."

As he settled into the chair, he leaned forward, resting on his elbows, "Alright. Well, I had a few questions for you, if you don't mind me being too informal," he waited for her to nod, "I was hoping I might be able to go with you to Noveria."

"As you heard during dinner, I already promised the spots to Liara and Garrus," she raised her hand, halting him from arguing, "and before you say anything, my reasoning for it is because Noveria is primarily asari run and we have intel that Matriach Benezia might be there. I think Liara has the right to confront her mother."

"And Garrus?" he said a little bitterly.

"I guess we could go in there with a team of biotics, but you know that I like balance within my team. This is a critical mission, I need a varied combination to go in with. Look, next assignment we go on, you will be on the team, alright?"

"Thank you, Shepard," he fidgeted in his seat. "There was one other thing… when we are on shore leave. Would you care to grab dinner one night? With me? Maybe, not the night the crew all wants to go out."

"I don't know, Kaidan. We'll see, okay?" Jane didn't like giving him false hope, but she did feel guilty about completely crushing him. He was a nice guy, but he wasn't what she wanted, or needed.

"Sure, sure. Think on it, though? Please."

"I'll consider it. But don't expect anything."

"Thank you. Um… I guess I should let you get your rest then."

Kaidan exited with a wide grin on his face. He placed a hand over his mouth trying to hide it but couldn't manage it. With his hand still hovering over his mouth, he rubbed his chin, taking one last look at Shepard's door before glancing over the room but not seeing the few people still sitting at the table.

Garrus watched Kaidan's movements along with John. They shared a look and Garrus, surprisingly, had to suppress a growl as the lieutenant left the room. What happened in there? Why is he so happy? Is he her lover? Does she shy away from him to hide their relationship?

"I'll tell you Garrus," John said shaking his head, "there must be something going on between those two."

Garrus practically jumped out of his seat, storming off towards the elevator.

John's eyebrow twisted up in confusion, watching his friend abruptly leave without a word. After hearing the elevator door close, John looked around to the only other people in the room, Wrex and Joker. "What the hell was up his butt you think?"

"Isn't there always a stick up there?" Joker laughed, "Or a branch, maybe even a tree?"

"I don't think I have ever seen him like that," the other Shepard said.

To both humans' surprise, Wrex broke the silence with a laugh. "Turians," he muttered before getting up himself.

The soft glow of the omni-tool lit his face and the underside of the Mako. Shepard actually hadn't done much damage the last time they took it planet-side and his upgrades were holding together well, but Garrus had to find something to occupy his time with. He didn't quite know what was bothering him. He knew that it had something to do with Kaidan exiting Shepard's quarters last night. Why would he go in there so boldly? Yes, we had all let loose a little last night but there should be more respect with your commander. Alenko hadn't even requested to enter. What if she had been undressing and he barged in on her? Every thought made him a little more upset.

Sliding out from under the Mako, Garrus turned to the computer. Maybe he could work out something with the targeting system of the guns. That is where he really liked to work. Guns usually seemed to calm him down, and since there wasn't a shooting range on the ship and no assignments planned, he would have to settle with calibrating.

Hearing the elevator doors open, he didn't even have to look up to see who had entered; there was the familiar Palaven scent that seemed to seek him out. He could sense her move to the far side of the room; checking in with Wrex and Ashley, her usual routine. It almost felt as if his throat was closing up when she began moving towards him.

"Hey, Garrus. Upgrading the Mako again? Or are you convinced that I did too much damage to her?" Jane stood directly in front of him, but he hadn't even looked up from the computer.

"Just running some numbers."

She gripped her mug with both hands now. This is an unusual way for him to act. "I know that there are no assignments planned right now, but is she ready to be deployed if we do get called."

"Same as always."

This was different for him, and for her. She was used to the cold shoulder from other people, even from John, but not from Garrus. First time for everything, I guess. Jane took a longer sip from her tea and wrapped her fingers around it to prevent from fidgeting. "Is there something I should know about? Something you want to ask me? Or have a quick chat, maybe?"

"Can it wait? I am a little busy."

Jane stood there a little shocked. She didn't really know why this was affecting her so much. It took a moment before she realized she had been holding her breath. Taking a slow blink and a long exhale she nodded and turned away, "See you around, Vakarian."

Her dry tone and use of his last name hurt him a little. He knew that she was upset with him; she never used only his last name unless they were joking around, and this was definitely not one of those moments. Upon hearing her receding footsteps, he finally looked up at her. He felt a little guilty not even looking at her while she stood before him, and it hurt even more as the scent from her tea lingered in his vicinity.

Jane entered the engine room to find Tali swatting John's hand away from the console. "I don't have to separate you two, do I?" Jane teased.

"Shepard!" Tali exclaimed quickly turning around and shooting a dirty look at John. "No, I am quite alright."

"She keeps saying that I am in the way. I am just trying to give her some pointers," John explained, shrugging.

"I know what I am doing!" the quarian retorted.

"Don't worry, I am taking your side, Tali," Jane chuckled.

"You girls would stick together."

"Is there something I can do for you, Commander?" Tali asked, ignoring John.

"I just came down to see – "

The PA system clicked to life, "Hey Commander, I have a transmission from Admiral Hackett. He says it's urgent."

"I'll be up in just a moment, Joker. Thank you. Sorry, Tali, we'll have to catch up later. And John, don't get in the way," Jane nodded a goodbye and exited the room.

"Her job is never done, is it?" Tali whispered to John.

"Not really. She has a hard time saying 'no' to things."

"I wonder if that tea helps her calm down."

"I am more of a coffee drinker myself. I know there are different types of tea that are supposed to help you relax. Wouldn't be able to tell you what that kind is."

"It's odd," Tali said, her gaze still locked on the door where Jane had exited.

"Eh, not really. A lot of humans like tea or coffee. Sometimes both, sometimes neither."

"Not that. I am just extremely… surprised at the kind she is drinking."

"Wait… you know types of human tea?"

"No. But I know what she is drinking, because that is turian tea."

"Kaidan, Ashley, suit up. We are heading out in half an hour," Jane's voice sounded from Ashley's omni-tool.

Garrus couldn't help but look up at Williams; having exceptional hearing had its benefits. There was a small part of him that wanted to argue for the spot, but he refrained, knowing that he had been on more than his fair share of missions. Just as he had settled with that fact, his own omni-tool chimed. "Shepard," he said in short acknowledgement.

"Garrus, you will have to pause work on the Mako. I am taking a team to investigate a missing probe."

"She's ready, Shepard. And try not to damage her anymore?" he said, trying to lighten the mood. In response, he only heard the click of the terminated comm-link.

What Garrus hadn't expected, was how much that seemed to cut into him. Why would Jane act that way towards him? Even though he was friends with John, his friendship with Jane had been surprising but nice. Either way, why would she be so cold to him now? Oh, right… I started it, he realized. He hadn't even looked at her when she came by, what was wrong with him?

He would talk to her after they came back from the assignment. And this time, he wouldn't be so thick-headed.

Garrus saw them off then went up to the mess hall to wait for Shepard. He didn't really have anything to do until they got back, so needless to say, he was bored. His weapons were still down in the cargo bay and he was getting more and more tempted to go down to start messing with them. This is when being on a turian ship would be better. I could easily find a sparring partner and release some of this stress, in one way or another I suppose. Although his mind tried to linger there, he found himself really only thinking of fighting as the only option but neither idea really held his attention.

"Doing okay, buddy?" John said, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He peeked over his shoulder at the turian, this was the first time he had ever seen his friend like this.

"Sure. Fine."

"You know," John started as he sat across from Garrus, "I once saw a movie, from a long, long time ago, that said that 'fine' stood for freaked-out, insecure, neurotic, and emotional." John reclined in his chair, grinning at the turian while he sipped from his coffee. "Any of those seem to fit you right now?"

Garrus only glared at him, "You humans can't make up your mind on what something means. You have to find a double meaning for everything."

"Wow, alright, so we got emotional down. What's going on?"

"Nothing. Just a little tense."

"I heard that too much stress can kill a turian. Need to beat the crap out of someone?"

"Somehow, I don't think Shepard would approve."

"Hmm…" John got up and started looking through all the cabinets.

"What are you doing?"

"Tali told me that there is a type of turian tea that is supposed to help calm someone."

"There is, but I can't imagine that you would have turian tea on a human vessel; especially that specific kind." John finished looking through the cabinets then turned around to Shepard's room. "John, why are you going in there?" Garrus stood up just as the human went inside and waved back at him. He couldn't help but follow. "I know that she is your sister, but I doubt she would appreciate you snooping in her room. Why are we even in here?"

John didn't answer him, he just kept opening drawers. After searching half of the desk, he exclaimed, "Ah ha! This, my friend, is why we are in here," and he put the box on top of the desk.

Garrus recognized it immediately. It was a very popular tea because it did help calm turians, and quarians, down. "Why would Shepard have this? This is dextro-based."

"Leftover from when that other turian was on the ship?"

Garrus shook his head, "It just doesn't make any sense."

"One more thing to ask her, I guess."

All of his questions were really starting to pile up; soon Garrus would have to start keeping a list.

"Medical team to the docking bay!" a voice sounded over the PA system.

Garrus and John both looked at each other and rushed to the elevator just as Dr. Chakwas was entering. They had all recognized the voice, it was Kaidan; which only meant that at least one person was hurt, and that was Shepard.

"Depending on how bad it is, I may request that you two help me," Chakwas said calmly. She looked over to see John wide-eyed, obviously fearful of how badly his sister was hurt. Garrus only nodded to the doctor.

Another click of the PA system sounded just before the doors opened, "Cancel that. No need to rush. Chakwas, I'll come to you." Shepard's voice allowed everyone a sigh of relief.

The doors opened and Chakwas moved forward with Garrus and John close behind. "Too late, Commander, I am already here."

"Damn you, Kaidan," she hissed. Jane clutched her left side and cradled her left arm in the same motion. Red blood crusted on her armor, but it had long since stopped flowing. At their entrance, she leaned against the Mako, struggling to stay upright but slid down to sit against the wheel anyway.

Garrus looked down at her as he approached with the two humans; John had seemed to relax, now that he saw Jane was more or less alright. "What fun did you get into this time, Shepard?"

"Oh you know," she chuckled and tried to hide her wince, but Garrus had already seen it, "crazy guy out for vengeance because I stopped the Skyllian Blitz. He tried to overload a stolen probe to blow me up. The usual, no big deal."

"Then how did you get shot?" John asked, kneeling across from the doctor who was inspecting the bullet holes.

"They were waiting for us by the Mako. There was no cover."

"And the lieutenant, here, opened fire too soon," Ashley grumbled.

"They saw us, Williams! We needed to get a jump on them!"

"If you just would have waited for Shepard's orders, we probably could have gotten into the Mako and blown them up with the damn cannon!"

"Hey!" Jane yelled, now struggling harder not to show weakness from the exertion. "Shut the hell up, both of you. Get out of your armor and go back to duty on the ship. Chakwas will take care of me."

"That is right, everyone needs to clear out. Commander, can you stand?" Chakwas asked.

"I think so," Jane tried to rock forward onto her feet but failed to get very far. "Maybe just a little help to begin with would be nice." She placed her good arm around John's neck when he offered to lift her and she carefully balanced herself on her feet. "There we go," she started to limp towards the elevator with Karin on her wounded side and Garrus moving up behind her. "Oh, John, do you mind bringing my guns up to my room? I shouldn't be in the med-bay too long, so I should be able to maintain them soon."

"I think I should be the one to make that call, Shepard," Karin scolded. "That is a pretty good limp there."

"I'll be fine. It just might take me a little longer to get there. The medi-gel stopped the bleeding, but I think the pain killers have worn off now."

"Hmm, well I would prefer to get there sooner. Garrus? Do you think you could help out with that?"

"Of course, doctor," Garrus said calmly and scooped Jane up in his arms, with her right side pressed against him. She half-heartedly smacked his chest a few times before giving up and grimacing at the pain. "Sorry, Shepard. Doctor's orders," he smirked.

"I'll make sure you pay for this. Somehow," Jane smiled at him.

Garrus carried Jane up to the med-bay and Chakwas had hurried him out quickly so she could treat her patient. As soon as he exited, he saw John come from Shepard's room and sit down at the table. They both sat together, both facing the med-bay, though the blinds were closed. Time seemed to drag by for them.

"Quite a scare she gave us, huh?" John said. "Knew I couldn't trust that idiot Kaidan."

"Yes, he should have waited for Shepard's orders. But, as much as I don't want to admit it, he was just trying to keep them safe."

"I don't care. He could have gotten her killed!"

"I am just as upset as you are, but she is safe."

"How can you be so calm!" John demanded.

"Because she is safe." And she isn't still mad at me.

"Did I hear that Jane is alright?" Joker said as he rounded the corner, his crutches assisting him awkwardly.

"She will be okay, no thanks to Kaidan," John muttered. At Joker's curious glance, John explained, "He opened fire too soon. Revealed their position and they were out in the open, no cover.

"How bad is it?" Joker asked, maneuvering himself into a seat across from them.

"There was a fair amount of bleeding, it was all crusted on her armor. At first glance, it looked like three, maybe four bullet holes in her armor," Garrus offered. "But I don't doubt she will be itching to get back into battle."

"Well, we should be hitting Noveria soon. Another day and a half."

"That isn't enough time for her to rest," John said, still grumbling.

"John," Joker said leaning forward, "I know that you are concerned, but I have seen her come back from worse than this. She will be fine."

Garrus watched the exchange. He was just as worried about Shepard as John. He was feeling tenser than he had been before; how he was able to stay calm under these conditions was a mystery, even to him.

When Chakwas exited, all heads turned towards her. "Just a moment boys. I'll let you know when you can go in."

"Why can't we see her now?" John asked.

"Right now, she needs new clothes. I will notify you when she is ready for visitors."

They all watched her enter Shepard's room and exit soon after with some of Jane's workout clothes. Once the doors to the med-bay shut, Joker spoke up, "If I moved faster I would have gone in for a peek," he chuckled, "What do you say, Garrus?"

"That is your commanding officer."

"And my sister!"

Joker shook his head at the two men, "Yeah, and she is my friend but I am just saying, wouldn't mind a glance is all."

"You can come in now," Chakwas said exiting again. "I will be back in a little bit. No one is to allow her to leave."

John helped Joker up and they all entered the med-bay together.

"Hey there, boys!" Jane said cheerily.

"You seem awfully happy for someone that just got shot," John said.

"I think it is the pain-killers," Joker laughed.

"Four times, too," she smiled. "One in the shoulder, one in the side and two in the leg. Unfortunately, I think the one in the side ruined a tattoo," she pouted. Joker and John both looked at Garrus. Her tattoos weren't necessarily a secret but she kept them well hidden until she wanted to share about them. Jane saw the exchange and flicked her good hand at their reaction, "Oh come on, he was going to find out eventually."

"Oh really, Shepard?" Joker smiled, "Planning on showing him the goods?"

Garrus cleared his throat, "I don't think she meant –"

"Just leave it, Garrus. Joker is just upset that I won't show him some of them."

"Please," John said covering his ears, "I don't need to hear this."

"God, John. I am not a teenager anymore. Grow the fuck up."

"Hmm, quick mood swings? Is it the medication or just that time of month?" John asked and took a step back from the bed so she couldn't reach him. Jane tried to go after him but Garrus pressed his hand into her right shoulder to keep her down. "Sorry, Jane, you know I am just joking. Glad to see you are alright. You should really get some rest."

"I'll head back up with you, John," Joker said. "Need me to beat some sense into Kaidan?" he smirked at Jane.

"Yeah, really knock some sense into him. I believe in you, Joker," she laughed. "And thanks for making a trip down here to see me."

"Always for a friend."

"I will see you when you are better, Shepard," Garrus said before turning.

"Actually," Jane said in a small voice, "Garrus, can you stay for a moment?"

The turian looked at his friends who were already in the doorway. They shared a look and raised an eyebrow at the pair then left just as Karin reentered.

"What can I assist you with?" he said folding his hands behind his back.

"Damn, Garrus, relax. You are acting like I am going to scold you or something. Hey, Chakwas, if Garrus helps me, can I at least go back to my room?"

"I am afraid not, Commander. I want you to stay here for observation for at least the next eight hours."

"Ugh, you're killing me, doc!" motioning to Garrus, they leaned their heads in together, "Think you can break me out of here?"

"Sorry, Shepard, I wouldn't dare cross Dr. Chakwas."

"Good choice, Garrus."

"Damn, she has ears like a turian!" Jane smirked up at him. "Well, since I can't leave, can you at least bring my weapons in here for me?"

"You will not have your guns in here, Shepard! Garrus, it might be a good idea if you left. I fear what the commander will request next."

"Karin! My guns need care and attention! I can't just have them lying around after a mission!" Jane protested.

"Then someone else will have to tend to them."

Both humans' eyes went to Garrus, "Don't worry, Shepard, they will be in good hands."

"I know they will be, thanks, big guy."

"Glad to help. And, Commander, I was wondering if I could have a moment to talk to you," after glancing at Chakwas and her stern look, he added, "after some bed rest, of course."

"Sure, Garrus. Just come by anytime."