Hello, everyone! I am so sorry for the delay. Things have... well, life has been moving on. Let's just say things have not been all sunshine and rainbows. I hope you all enjoy the chapter and I hope I can get the next one out soon. I love you guys/gals for sticking with me. Thank you for reading/following/favoriting and reviewing.
Chapter 43
Jack lined up the shot. She lowered her head, closed an eye to double check, then went back to a more comfortable position.
"Just do it already!"
She spun the token in her hand, throwing it onto the table and watched in anticipation as it bounced off the table and sailed towards the glass. It clanged on the rim of the glass, then on the other side before bouncing out. "Son of a bitch!" she shouted.
"Tough luck, sunshine," Joker laughed. He picked up the token as she took a drink.
She put her drink down, glaring at him. "If you hadn't spoken I might have made it."
"No, you wouldn't," he said matter-of-factly. He spun the token in his hand before flicking it onto the table and it bounced perfectly into the glass. He pointed at Jack, "Keep drinking."
She flipped up her middle finger as she drank.
Kasumi shook her head, "How are you so good at this?"
"I get bored easily and as a kid I always wanted to procrastinate. And I'm just that good."
She peered out from under her hood, pulling it back just enough so she could get a better look before pushing it back down. Trying not to overthink it, she bounced the coin onto the table but completely missed her target. "Damn…" she whispered. "Can anyone beat you at this?"
"Shepard can hold her own. She's not as good as me but she gets some good shots in. Her brother John started playing this game with us and he threatened to dethrown me."
"I can't wait to meet this guy," Jack said. "So, does Shepard ever join these little outings?"
Joker nodded, "She has. I think she is just a little busy at the moment," he said. He didn't bring up inviting Jane out with them because he was sure she would be busy with another individual. He still couldn't wait to call her out on her sex-capade but for now, he would keep it a secret.
"So she does relax," Jack slouched in her seat. "She seems to be a little stressed out. I mean, damn does that woman stop working?"
"I've noticed that too," Kasumi said. "She's always either on rounds, on mission, training or doing paperwork."
Jack shook her head, "Woman needs to get laid."
Joker put his drink down and waved at the waitress for another round. Knowing that Kasumi had a tendency to disappear around the ship, he raised an eyebrow at her. "How do you know when Shepard is doing paperwork?"
"Umm… just an assumption," she smirked.
He decided to ignore it, "I'm sure she'll join us soon. Everything is still very… different for her."
"From my understanding, being dead for two years will do that to you," Jack finished off the last of her drink just as the next round arrived. "So why isn't John with us now? He military?"
"No, he was never military. Cerberus is keeping him busy, I suspect."
"I remember seeing his face during Shepard's memorial. I remember thinking him quite attractive."
"I wouldn't know," Jack said, "I was locked up at the time. Or… on the run, I don't remember."
Joker smiled and checked the time.
"Someone else coming?" Kasumi asked.
"Yeah he should have been here by now."
"Oh? A certain male someone?" Jack winked at Kasumi.
"Damn, what am I? Chopped liver? Don't my coin flipping skills impress you?"
The girls laughed at him but stopped short when someone arrived at the table.
"Sorry, am I too late to join?" Jacob asked, standing with his arms crossed.
Kasumi's mouth dropped a little before focusing it on her drink, making sure to keep her head down so she would be hidden.
"Not at all," Jack smiled. She crawled over Kasumi and the table to sit with Joker. "She motioned to the open spot she had vacated, "Have my seat," she winked at Kasumi who only stayed focus on her drink.
"Thanks."
The loud music filled their conversational silence.
"I appreciate you inviting me out. I know us Cerberus cronies get a bad reputation."
"I guess you're not all bad," Jack said. "Cheerleader isn't coming out, is she?"
Jacob laughed, "No. She's not really the social type. She doesn't believe you can have authority and a friendship with those you work and fight with."
"Good. Let's keep it that way," Jack grumbled.
Jacob looked around the table, "Is this it? Shepard isn't coming?"
"She was… tied up with other business," Joker said.
He only nodded and Jack gave Kasumi a sympathetic look.
"So what is this?" Jacob grabbed the empty glass in the middle of the table.
"Oh, let me show you," Joker picked up the token. "Object is to get this into the cup after bouncing it on the table. You make it," he bounced it off the table and it landed perfectly into the cup. He pointed at Jack who grumbled just before she drank, "you make someone drink. If you miss, you drink." Joker flipped it to Jacob.
Turning it in his hand, he looked around at the group. "Alright, seems simple enough," he saw Joker smirk and with Jack's earlier grumble, Jacob put together that the pilot seemed to be the one dominating the game. He flicked it out of his hand with a fancy spin and it bounced into the glass. He smiled at Joker's slack jaw expression as the Jack burst out laughing and Kasumi was giggling next to him.
Jack went to punch Joker in the arm but pulled back and thrust her hand into the air, "Looks like you have some competition, Gimpy!"
Jane opened her eyes, staring at the edge of her bed. Everything was so peaceful, life just seemed right. She took a deep breath, feeling Garrus's arm press into her waist from holding her. Resting her fingers on his hand, she smiled. Up until almost two days before, she hated what had become of her life and she had wished she had stayed dead. She turned in the bed, moving to her other side so she could face him.
Her fingers traced the edges and scars on the plates along his chest. Never in her life did she want to quit her military duties and live a peaceful life more than she did at this moment. She thought about all the time they had spent together going all the way back to when they first met. Their relationship had always been a confusing one but now that it was a romantic one, she wanted to get lost in it. Forget her problems. Just be free.
Unfortunately for them, they didn't have the luxury of shirking their duties for long. Jane peered at the clock over his shoulder; by this point, everyone should have returned to the ship and be involved in their duties. She wanted to wake him up. Maybe sneak in a quickie. Instead, she groaned to herself, kissed him on the mandible and got out of bed. After freshening up and getting dressed, she left a note on the nightstand on his side and left.
Jane decided to start in the cockpit for her rounds and double check that everyone was accounted for before going to their next destination.
"Good morning, Commander!" a cheery voice called out to her as she entered the CIC.
"Morning, Kelly. And, again, you don't have to keep saying Commander."
"Of course," she smiled, "And, Shepard," she paused as Shepard stood in front of her, the woman looked… different, "Um… thank you for the shore leave. It was nice to get some time to relax. And, may I just say you look like you needed the time off too. You look great."
"Oh, you're welcome, and thank you."
She smiled back, "Everyone is accounted for and there are no new messages, ma'am."
Jane nodded, "Thank you," she said and continued to the cockpit. "Hey, Joker, Chambers just gave me the all clear for the crew. Let's head out."
"Aye, aye, Commander!" Joker said with overzealous enthusiasm.
Jane sat in the co-pilot's chair, as they left the docking station and began to make their way out of Citadel space.
"So… enjoy your time off?" Joker said, biting back a grin.
She noticed the change in his voice. She knew him well enough when something was up, "Yes...? I'm hoping you managed to get off the ship for a little while."
"Some, not much. Cerberus MacGyver'd my legs pretty well but long trips still tend to bother me."
"Did you go out by yourself or with someone?"
"I would much rather talk about your time."
"No, no, don't change the subject. You. What did you get into?"
He turned his chair at an angle to better face her, "Jack, Kasumi, Jacob and I headed out for dinner and some drinks last night. Most had already peaced out and had their own activities planned. Miranda, Chakwas, and Mordin were consumed in their own work. Actually… now that I think about it we assumed they were working but we never saw Mordin and Chakwas. Huh, weird. I mean, we would have invited you but we couldn't get a hold of you."
"I'm glad you guys went out. Sorry, I was a little busy."
"Yeeeeeah," he nodded with a huge grin, "I bet you were."
Jane cocked her head, "What… are you implying?"
Joker checked his surroundings and shut the door to the cockpit.
She watched the door slide closed, "Joker? What's going on?"
"You two finally did it! Didn't you?! I swear if one of you fucked it up between getting into the elevator and into your room I will bitch slap both of you. I don't care if I break my hand in the process."
She froze before slowly leaning forward and facing him, "You… saw… what happened in the gym?"
"Uh, yeah. You know there are cameras all over this ship. I saw what happened up until you got into your room." He made a clicking sound with his mouth, pointed his hands like guns and winked at her, "Nice."
"I'm going to kill you."
"I figured as much. But come on, you can't deny that things are a lot better now that you both know, right?"
Jane shook her head with her eyes closed, "That is none of your business," she couldn't stop the smile.
"You dirty girl!"
"Joker, please don't say anything to anyone. We want to keep this quiet."
"I shut the door, didn't I? Come on, Jane, I'm still your friend. I'm not going to go around telling everyone. But, hey, if people start to figure it out, just remember it isn't my fault."
"Do you really think people will figure it out?"
"As much as you don't want to hear it… yeah. They will. You're a million times happier today than you were a week ago."
She could only smile in response.
"I'm happy for you, Jane. You needed this."
"Thank you, Joker."
"Just remember, I have access to all the cameras on this ship. So try not to have sex in any public places."
"You're disturbed."
"Oh, I'm not denying it," he laughed. "Alright, get back to it," he opened the door. "So where am I going?"
"Illium. We're going to pick up our drell and asari then heading to get our last teammate," she got up and headed for the door.
"Who is our last one?" Joker asked turning his chair to her.
Jane placed her hand on the doorway, stopping herself. She turned and gave a small smile, "It's Tali."
"You don't want to go there first?"
"I thought about it… and I want to… but I'm worried I won't be strong enough to take what she is going to say to me. I also don't know if she will even want to consider working with me again, let alone Cerberus. Maybe, by the time we reach her, she will have settled with the fact that I'm still alive. And will have forgiven me for being with Cerberus."
"I know… but I still think we should get her first."
Jane nodded, "I wish it were that simple."
"Alright, Mr. Shepard," Cara said smacking him on the shoulder. "We just got our orders. We're leaving."
John looked over his shoulder at her; she was already acting like she was browsing a terminal next to him. "You ashamed to be seen with me?"
"Yes."
"Ouch. So where are we going?"
"I haven't seen the orders yet. Just got the notification we need to leave. When we leave Illium space I can see it."
"There's an awful lot of cloak and dagger here. Doesn't it make you nervous?"
"A bit. But I blame it on you."
"You're probably right."
She waited but he wasn't making any indication of leaving yet. "Shepard?"
"Shepard is my sister. Mr. Shepard is my father. Just call me John." He waited and she didn't say anything else. "I'm almost done."
"What are you getting?"
"Something for my sister."
Cara peaked over his shoulder. "She collects ships? That doesn't sound like Shepard."
"It's a new thing, I think. I haven't really gotten a chance to talk to her about it," John selected the items, paid, and stepped back from the terminal, "For some reason." He glanced at her as he pushed by to pick up his purchase.
She waited for him to complete his transaction and they began to walk back to the ship together. There was nothing for either of them to say. John felt guilty for everything he and Liara had discussed. He was hoping that the next time he saw Jane they could go back to normal, whatever that was. The last time he had seen her, she still had the bright red scars from her cybernetics which only reminded him of when she had woken up on the table. He hoped that maybe now some time had passed she would look a little more like she used to and her personality would be more stable after having Garrus, their friend, with her.
Finally, they reached the ship and John stood in the doorway of the cockpit while she went in. The co-pilot had never warmed up to John and, frankly, he didn't care. "So, where are we heading?" He saw an urgent message pop up on her screen but didn't say anything about it.
"We need to leave now. The other ship is approaching," the co-pilot whispered.
Cara nodded, "John, you can go sit and wait until we get the official orders. I will notify you of our destination when I receive them."
"I'll wait here." He stood in the doorway, watching through their window. He had an image in his head from when he was on the Normandy and everyone had crowded into the cockpit as they went to Ilos. That was not something he wanted in his mind. He rubbed his brow, squeezing his eyes shut trying to think of anything happier but each thought brought him back to the old Normandy and what had happened to the crew and his sister.
They flew out of Illium space with no issues. It was less busy than The Citadel but they also weren't in such a hurry this time. John couldn't help but wonder if they were leaving this time to stay ahead of Jane again. They still hadn't received their destination and John's feet were beginning to complain. He could hear the pilots mumbling between themselves about what to do and they decided to head towards the relay.
Just as it began to come into sight, a notification sounded on the console. Cara opened it, quickly scanning before typing a few commands and sending it to John. "Our location is Haestrom. You are to speak with our next dossier."
John opened the message and skimmed through it. His legs began to betray him. He had to sit down. "Um, thank you. I think I'm going to rest until we get there." Going back to the room that was set up as a small quarters for him, he sat on the bed. He didn't know where Haestrom was or why it was so important to anyone else, but now it was important to him. How can I face her though? What do I say to her? What will she say to me?
He read sections of the orders again, "It would be ideal for you to arrive as soon as possible so Mr. Shepard can intercept Tali'Zorah vas Neema. She is on a classified assignment for the Migrant Fleet Admiralty Board so she must be spoken to before she starts her assignment. Mr. Shepard should only approach to first speak to her about working for Cerberus, NOT to convince her to join. Intelligence implies there may be history between the Mr. Shepard and Miss Neema so keeping track of Mr. Shepard is key. You must leave with him before Commander Shepard arrives."
Cara definitely wasn't supposed to share this with him. She was risking a lot for him but now he knew what was expected of him and that they were hoping to keep him and Jane apart. This time, he decided, their plan wasn't going to work.
Jane continued with her rounds, leaving engineering and heading down to see Jack. Her boots clanged on the steps as she descended into Jack's area. "Hey, Jack," she said but as she rounded the corner she didn't see anyone there. Checking for any hiding spaces, she confirmed that the abrasive woman was not there. "Huh…" I already saw Joker and she wasn't up there. I would have been called if she was having it out with Miranda… Where could she be? Giving a shrug, Jane headed back up the stairs and stood in front of the elevator doors. She was just about to step through when she stopped and looked towards port cargo. She turned to stare at the door a little longer before moving.
Stepping into the room, she looked over at the tank holding the krogan. Vapor floated around the tank, the krogan almost looked harmless – almost. Coming to a stop to stare at the perfect krogan, she crossed her arms.
"The subject is stable, Shepard," EDI offered the information after watching Shepard stare at the tank. "Integration with on board systems continues to hold."
"Can he see anything in there? Does he know where he is?"
"Unlikely. Current neural patterns indicate minimal cognition. Barring ship wide power loss, the nutrients in the tank could sustain him for over a year."
"Any idea how dangerous this guy is?" The question made her think about everyone's warning to her and about how dangerous they all thought he would be. Garrus popped in her head, warning her to at least take someone with her when letting him out. Even though at the time they were hardly speaking to one another, she knew now that he meant take him with her. However, if this krogan were programmed with memories of his ancestors, having a turian, or even humans, could be dangerous enough. Jane assumed that if he were outnumbered, he would attack. It would be best if she were alone. She touched the gun at her back for reassurance.
As if EDI could tell what Shepard had in mind, she said, "He is a krogan, Shepard."
Jane smirked slightly at hearing the slightly different tone in EDI's voice. It seemed the computer was capable of learning human emotions, or at least a condescending tone.
EDI continued, "If you are asking whether he is actively hostile, I don't have the necessary data to answer. Okeer's technology could impart data not methods of thinking. The subject may know of his views but may not necessarily share them."
"What can you tell me about this guy? Anything unusual?"
"The subject is an exceptional example of the krogan species with fully formed primary, secondary, and tertiary organs where applicable. No defects of any kind aside from the genetic markers of the genophage present in all krogan. I cannot judge mental function."
Jane wrung her fingers in thought. "Standby, EDI. I'm going to open the tank and let him out. If something goes bad, get Garrus down here."
"Cerberus protocol is very clear about untested alien technology," EDI said in what appeared to be a frantic, unnerved tone.
"He's either a powerful addition to the crew or a time bomb. We've put it off long enough. I'd rather have time to earn his trust than put it off till it's too late."
"Very well, Shepard. The controls are online." EDI paused, "The switch and consequences are yours."
Jane hesitated before slowly stepping towards the tank. She typed in the code. A deep hum ran through the tank then the water began to rush out of the chamber. When it was empty, the doors popped out with a hiss. They slid to the side just in time for the krogan to fall forward before barely catching himself before hitting the floor. She took a step back.
He coughed up water making way for a clear growl. As he began to stand, his blue eyes focused on the creature –human, female – his mind said to him. She stepped back from him as he straightened. He grunted, glaring at the smaller thing in front of him. Somehow, he knew he was supposed to be feared. He was supposed to be a threat to be reckoned with. But still, to give the human credit, she stepped towards him. He blinked slowly as thoughts –memories? – flooded his mind. It was hard to pick them out but one began to come through. Humans, though small, can still be dangerous. Take out threat. Ask questions later. Or never. He growled louder this time and charged at her.
The growl echoed around her. She didn't have time to step back but reached for the gun at her back before she felt his body slam into hers, picked her off the ground and turned sharply, smashing her into the wall. All the air was pushed out of her and she struggled to breathe normally. The krogan arm crushing into her chest wasn't helping. But, she remained focused on her aggressor as he held his face inches from her. Her focus remained on him but she could feel the gun still in her hand.
"Human. Female," he said, trying to refocus his thoughts. "Before you die, I need a name."
Jane managed to control her breathing enough to speak evenly, "I'm Commander Shepard and I don't take threats lightly," she silently moved her hand with the gun in it to him. "I suggest you relax." There was hesitation but it was obvious he hadn't felt the gun yet.
"Not your name," he said a little quieter, "Mine." He paused. "I'm trained. I know things. But the tank… Okeer couldn't implant connection. His words are hollow. Warlord. Legacy. Grunt." He thought of that word, looking away from her a bit, "Grunt… Grunt was among the last. It has no meaning." His attention snapped back to her, "It'll do. I am Grunt. If you are worthy of your command, prove your strength and try to destroy me."
"You wouldn't prefer Okeer or Legacy?"
"It's short. Matches the training in my blood. The other words are big things I don't feel. Maybe they fit your mouth better. I feel nothing for Okeer's plan or his enemies. I will do what I am bred to do. Fight and determine the strongest. But his imprint has failed. Without a reason that's mine, one fight is as good as any other. Might as well start with you."
"Is it that easy for Okeer's perfect krogan to abandon his mission?"
"Okeer was just a voice in the tank. If his imprints are true then he created something stronger than him. So he's not worthy of me. And if his hatreds aren't strong enough to compel me, they failed too. I feel nothing. I have no connection."
Jane actually felt sorry for him. He had all this knowledge yet nothing to piece it all together. Then again, this made for a good opportunity to get the perfect krogan to learn something more than fighting and hatred, "I have a good ship and a strong crew. Strong clan. You'd make it stronger."
"If you're weak and choose weak enemies. I'll have to kill you."
"Our enemies are worthy. No doubt about that."
"Hmm," he grunted, "That's acceptable. I'll fight for you."
"I'm glad you saw reason," she smirked.
"Huh?"
Jane pushed the gun into his side harder causing him to look down.
He looked down and smirked, dropping her from the stack of crates and stepping back. "Offer in one hand but armed in the other. Wise, Shepard. If I find a clan, if I find… what I want. I would be honored to eventually pit them against you."
She assumed that was the best compliment she could receive from a krogan and smiled as he walked back towards the tank. "You're welcome to find another area of the ship to bed down in."
He grunted again, "No. This is fine. I think I prefer to stay to myself and it would be wise if your crew stayed out of my way too."
At the end of his sentence the door opened and Garrus came running in with an assault rifle drawn. He glanced at Shepard before targeting the krogan, but Jane looked okay. "Jane, are you alright?" He saw the krogan tense. Garrus could tell that the krogan was struggling to decide whether or not to charge him or not. Eventually, his shoulders dropped and he bent his knees, ready to charge. Garrus tightened the grip on the gun.
"Garrus," Jane stepped towards her turian and placed a hand on the gun applying a small amount of pressure asking him to lower it, "I'm fine. We came to an agreement."
Garrus was still tense, his eyes focused on the krogan but he lowered the weapon and saw the aggressive stance fade from his new shipmate. He looked down at Jane, "You're sure?"
"Yes," she placed a hand on his arm and he shut down the weapon, holding it at his side. "Thank you," she whispered.
Grunt studied the exchange, determined to figure out the dynamics of social interaction, no matter who he learned it from.
"Garrus, this is Grunt. Grunt, this is Garrus."
Grunt nodded a greeting to the turian.
Garrus couldn't help but smirk; the action reminded him of Wrex. "It's good to have you join us, Grunt." The krogan didn't say anything to him but instead turned away while giving a farewell rumble.
Jane pulled on her turian's arm and the left the room. "I'll have someone give you a tour of the ship if you like. We will also be arriving at Illium to pick up two other recruits. I'd be happy to have you join the team for one." He only grunted and nodded again. She left the room with Garrus and assumed he would start berating her as soon as the door shut but there was nothing. It wasn't until the elevator doors closed that anything was said.
"What were you thinking? We've all warned you about how dangerous that would be and I asked you before to take someone with you."
"I'm sorry, Garrus. But, let's be honest, you know it was better off being a one on one confrontation. We didn't know what kind of mental state he was in and you know how krogan are when they feel cornered."
"I still don't like it. You should have had me waiting outside the door when you first confronted him."
"And then you would have rushed in too soon and he would have still felt cornered."
They hadn't noticed how close they were standing until the door opened and they jumped back in time to see Jack and Kasumi standing together with food in their hands. Jane swallowed hard, her nerves sitting in her throat.
"Well, heeey, you two," Jack smiled at them. "Fancy seeing you here."
"Jack," Shepard said, "I was looking for you earlier."
"Yes. No. It's complicated. Well, you see, there was this thing a few years back… ah, you don't want to hear about it," she glanced at the turian before returning her attention to Shepard, "Are those the answers you were looking for?"
"I wasn't exactly looking for answers but just how you were doing. But sure, why not," Jane smiled. "Where are you two heading?"
"We are taking Joker some food," Kasumi said.
"Yeah, and we are going to go make a few requests on our weapon mods," Jack gave another knowing smile and a wink at Kasumi who lowered her head so the hood hid more of her face. "So, where are you two kids off to?"
Garrus was the first to speak, "Actually, I was supposed to get off there and head back to the battery," he turned to Jane, "I wanted to go over those proposals for the ship's weapons one more time before I sent them on to you."
Jane was impressed how quick and seemingly fluid his cover was. She opened her mouth to give her excuse but Jack was already talking.
"What? No, I'm sure your reports are already perfect. And I'm sure Shepard wouldn't mind if you joined her up in her cabin to go over your weapon."
"Jack," Shepard started, "is there a point to – "
"Nah, just saying that he might be able to explain it in better detail in person. You know, the pros and cons. Oops, here is our stop. See ya around."
The door shut behind them leaving Garrus and Jane standing in concerned confusion.
"Do you think they know?" Jane asked.
"No, she's just guessing. We have hardly even seen anybody since that night."
"Well, Joker knows."
"Why did you tell Joker?"
"I didn't! He saw the footage of us in the gym. But he said he wouldn't tell anyone."
Garrus sighed with half a chuckle escaping him, "Let's not worry about it. Right now, Jack just gave us a good excuse to hide away for a little while." He stepped closer to her and slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer until her body touched his.
"I…" she fumbled with her words, "I still have rounds to finish."
"I'm good, Jack's good, Kasumi's good. We're all good. You can finish before we arrive."
"You're terrible."
He pressed his forehead against hers, "You love it."
"FOOOOOOOOOOOD!" Joker yelled as he saw Kasumi and Jack coming down the hall. Still, he wasn't ready when Jack tossed him a muffin. He fumbled with it and barely caught it in his lap before it fell to the floor, "Saved it."
"God, you're pitiful," Jack rolled her eyes. She plopped down in the co-pilot chair with her feet dangling over the armrest.
"Hey, Kasumi," Joker said, "Fancy, well… seeing you. You know, actually seeing you on the ship."
"I don't know what you mean, Joker," she said quietly and sat on the floor.
"I have access to the ships cameras, I see you cloak all the time, just never see where you go afterwards." He could only see her smile in response, "Fine, don't talk about it. Sorry I don't have more seating. I usually never get this many visitors."
"No, I'm fine. And I like seeing how people act when they don't think anyone is watching."
Joker shifted in his seat, "Um… like, during business hours right?"
"No," she said flatly, "and you should be ashamed of yourself."
Jack laughed, "Let's not focus on 'Jackin' it Joker', anything interesting you found on anyone?"
"Not everyone is happy about the aliens on board. And there's only two actively on the team! It's quite sad how many want to ignore the universe around them."
Jack and Joker shared a look, "That's all well and fascinating," she said, "But that's not what we meant. Is there any good gossip?"
"I'm surprised you would be interested, Jack," said Kasumi.
"I've been hiding out down below just going over Cerberus records. I'm bored. And there isn't much to do on this ship. Why not fill our time with gossip?"
"And your reason, Joker?"
"I'm barely mobile and people hardly visit me. And I'm nosey."
"Let me think…" she chuckled, "I think there might be something developing between Mordin and Dr. Chakwas."
"Ew!" Joker shouted, "Come on, I don't want to hear about that. She's like my mom."
"Okay, okay… well this latest stop on the Citadel definitely had a lot of the crew hooking up off ship. But, I'm pretty sure it was just stress relief no relationships were really developing out of that."
"What about Garrus and Shepard?" Jack prodded.
"I didn't keep track of them while on leave. I had… other matters to attend to. But I assume with your comment to them in the elevator you figured out they were together."
"Oh no, I was just raggin' on them. According to Joker they have had a thing for each other for a long time but won't act on it."
"Ah," Kasumi nodded, "then I guess Kelly is going to be quite disappointed."
"Kelly?" Jack leaned forward.
"Chambers. Yeoman Chambers. She has been attracted to Vakarian from when he first boarded the ship I think. Though she may have figured out that Jane wants Garrus because Kelly doesn't act on any of her feelings. But I've seen the way she looks at the turian and the few times she goes around checking the 'mental status' of us I can see the way she interacts with him."
Jack shook her head, "To save everyone a lot of wondering and hope those two need to just bang and figure out if they want to stay together so they can move on with their lives together or alone." She looked over at Joker who was munching on his food looking down, "Hey, Joker… You've been awfully quiet."
"Hmm?" Joker pushed a large piece of food into his mouth, "Wmph marpmh tampkli abup?"
"He knows something," Kasumi said.
Joker shook his head.
"They are together!" Jack shouted.
"NOMPH!" pieces of food flew out of Joker's mouth.
"Gross," Jack said. "Did she tell you? Or did you figure it out?"
He sat quietly.
"Wait! He said something about security cameras!" Kasumi pointed at him.
"Joker," Jack warned, "just tell us what time to look at."
He didn't say anything.
"Here, let me do it," Kasumi said, switching seats with Jack and bringing up all the videos on the ship and started to scan during their leave. When they were closing in on the time, three of the screens went black. "What?"
EDI popped up, "Unfortunately, it looks like my files have been corrupted."
"Hmm, how convenient," Jack said. "We already know. We'll get the details eventually."