Of Ships And Stakes

Normandy, 2185, November 9th 5:17 PM

I don't know how long it's been since Jack stormed off, but it's been long enough. After everything that happened, I'm not letting this come between us. Sooner or later, she has to talk to me.

Stepping down the stairs, I find her in her usual spot, gripping the overhead pipe as she does pull-ups with her back to me. She hasn't noticed me yet… or maybe she has and just doesn't care.

I take another step closer, watching her for a moment before speaking.

"Jack…" My voice is quiet, hesitant, unsure if this is even the right time.

She pulls herself up and pauses at the top. For a second, I think she's going to turn. Instead, she exhales and drops down, landing lightly on the floor.

"What?" she snaps, still facing away, shoulders stiff.

I take a breath. "We need to talk about what happened."

"I'm good." She doesn't look at me, just cracks her neck and rolls her shoulders. "Don't worry about it. I'm over it."

She's not. It's obvious in the way she says it, too forced. I shake my head. "No, you're not."

Jack spins around, her face flush with frustration. "Oh, so you're a mind-reader now?"

Fighting the urge to roll my eyes, I hold her glare. "I didn't side with Miranda."

She wipes some sweat from her forehead, scoffing. "Sure as hell looked like you did."

I push down my irritation. I can't let her piss me off. "I was trying to stop things from escalating."

She scoffs again, but I see her shoulders drop slightly. A crack in the wall. "Just leave, Vex."

No, I won't. "I get it. You're pissed." I step closer. "She was out of line, but so were you."

Her jaw clenches. "Oh, fuck off."

"I'm serious." I try to get closer, not too close, but close enough that she doesn't feel like I'm keeping my distance. "You were going to kill her."

She rolls her eyes. "She deserves it."

My fists tighten. I exhale through my nose, keeping my voice steady. "No, she doesn't."

Jack's eyes flash with anger. "You don't get to tell me what she fucking deserves!"

"You think I like listening to Miranda defend Cerberus?" My voice rises slightly. "I get why you hate them. I get why you hate her. But we can't be at each other's throats."

She lets out a humourless laugh. "Fuck you."

I wait, taking another calming breath. "Jack, this mission is important."

She shrugs. "Fuck the mission."

I swear to God, I'm gonna…

Breathe. "Can you just calm down and listen to me?"

She exhales, easing a little. "Fine. Say what you came to say."

A small smile crosses my face. She's listening. "If we fail, none of this will matter. Miranda won't matter. Cerberus won't matter. You won't even have the chance to get them back because there won't be anything left to get."

I finally close the distance, hesitating before resting a hand on her shoulder. "Please, Jack. Just… think about what's really important here."

For a moment, she just stands there, breathing heavily. Then, with a quiet sigh, the fight in her seems to drain away.

"Fine, whatever." She looks away, muttering, "Fucking manipulative asshole."

I smile. I'm glad I got through to her. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

She doesn't smile back, but the tension in her stance finally disappears. That's enough for me. We're not all the way there yet, but this is a start.

"Sure, Vex." She nods, exhaling. "I just… I don't wanna be mad at you."

"I get it." I finally allow myself a moment to relax. "So… you wanna play poker with Kenneth and Gabby sometime?" I ask, hoping to lighten the mood.

Jack snorts, her lips forming into a smirk. "I can't wait to clean them out."

"Good." Without thinking, I pull her into a quick hug.

She stiffens immediately, her body going rigid against mine. For a second, I wonder if I've made a mistake. But before I can pull away, I feel the smallest shift as she loosens up. Then I step back.

Jack looks at me, startled like she doesn't know whether to hit me or laugh. I just smile.

She rolls her eyes again. "Fucking annoying."

But as she turns away, I catch the faintest smile.

Yeah. We're good.

Normandy, 2185, November 14th 6:38 PM

It won't be long before everyone's ready, so I have to be quick. Gardner would have restocked the kitchen by now. There should be something decent to grab for the game.

I round the corner toward the mess hall, slowing when I see Tali sitting alone at the table. Her focus on her omni-tool, fingers twitching like she wants to type something but keeps hesitating. She looks distracted.

Must be the trial tomorrow. I only found out about it this morning… treason. Bullshit. Tali isn't the type.

I step closer, resting my hands on the back of the chair across from her. "Tali?"

She flinches slightly, then quickly shuts off her omni-tool. "I know," she says, looking up at me. "I should get some rest before we reach the Fleet."

I shake my head. "That's not what I was gonna say."

She studies me for a moment before folding her arms. "Then what?"

Holding her gaze, I just shrug. "Just that you've got this."

She lets out a soft laugh. "I hope you're right." There's a moment of silence, then she fidgets with her hands. "What if they don't listen?"

"Then they're wrong." I pull the chair out and sit across from her. "No matter what happens, Tali, it doesn't change who you are. And it sure as hell doesn't change what you mean to us."

I reach down the front of my shirt, pulling out the necklace she gave me. The fragment catches the dim light as I hold it up. "You're part of our Migrant Fleet, remember?"

She stares at it, her breath catching. "I…" she exhales. "Thanks, Vex." Her voice is quieter, steadier. "You're… really good at comforting people."

I grin. "I try."

She places her hands on the table. "I wish you could come with us."

"Me too." I tuck the necklace back into my shirt. "But Riley will be there. And she'll fight tooth and nail for you."

Tali nods. Her hands twitch like she's about to fidget again, but then she stills them, shoulders straightening. "Okay. No more doubts. I'll clear my name."

I lean back. "I never had any to begin with."

She lets out a breath, and even through the visor, I can tell she's smiling. "Thank you."

"Always." I push my chair back and stand.

"What are you doing anyway?" she asks, tilting her head.

"Snacks for poker." I jab a thumb toward the kitchen. "Kenneth and Gabby finally have some free time. You want to join?"

She shakes her head. "No, you go ahead."

I round the table and squeeze her hand briefly. "If you ever need anything, just ask."

She squeezes back. "I know."

Normandy, 2185, November 14th 10:53 PM

Jack leans back in her chair, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at her lips. "You sure you wanna do this, Daniels?" she asks, eyes locked on Gabby. "Hate for you to lose all your credits."

Gabby rolls her eyes, shuffling the deck. "I work with engines all day. I know how to read a system. Like how your poker face sucks."

Kenneth lets out a chuckle, opening his omni-tool to add some credits to the glowing hologram pot. "Aye, and your bluffs are about as subtle as a krogan in a china shop."

I smirk, stretching my arms behind my head. "You're all awfully confident for people that are about to lose."

Jack snorts, grabbing her drink and taking a sip. "Big talk for someone that's been losing all night."

Scowling, I pick up my new cards, careful to keep my expression neutral. Ace and king of clubs. Not bad. Not bad at all.

"Guess we'll see," I mutter.

Kenneth's eyes light up as he looks at his hand, a slow grin spreading across his face. "It's the final round, and I'm feelin' lucky tonight."

Gabby shoots him a flat look. "You've been saying that for the last hour."

He shrugs. "Aye, but I'll be right eventually."

I think I have everyone's playstyle down by now. Gabby is careful and patient, playing the long game. Kenneth likes to stir us up and make big, reckless bets. Jack? She's unpredictable. Aggressive, even.

We all match the bet, and Gabby flips over three community cards. Queen of clubs. Ten of clubs. Six of hearts.

Okay. A possible flush. I can't fuck this up.

Jack smirks, tapping the edge of her cards against the table. "So, who's gonna start sweating first?"

Kenneth leans forward. "That'd be you, Jackie."

Jack scoffs. "Call me that again, and I'll make sure your next drink's coming out of a straw."

He lifts his hands defensively, but his grin doesn't fade. "Just trying to keep things lively."

Gabby rolls her eyes again while picking up a few potato chips. "Okay, Ken. What's your play?"

Kenneth is silent for a second before adding more credits. "Let's up the stakes a bit."

Jack raises an eyebrow but matches it without hesitation. "Sure, why not?"

I take a moment, pretending to think. I can do this. "I'm in." I tap my omni-tool, matching the bet.

Gabby hesitates, watching us all, then sighs. "Fine."

She flips the next card. Two of clubs.

Jack lets out a whistle. "Well, well. Someone might be sitting on a flush."

I keep my face neutral, though my pulse picks up slightly.

Kenneth sips his drink, eyes glinting with amusement. "Now this is where it gets interesting."

Jack casually adds a large amount of credits into the pot. "Since it's the last round, let's make this a real game."

Gabby groans. "Jack, you don't even know what you have yet."

Jack just smirks. "Doesn't matter. I know I'm gonna win."

I eye her carefully. Is she bluffing? It's hard to tell with her sometimes. I glance down at my hand again, then back at the cards on the table. I think I've got this.

Kenneth shakes his head. "You're crazy."

Jack's smirk widens. "And you're scared."

Kenneth grumbles something under his breath but matches the bet. Gabby sighs, clearly annoyed, but does the same. I follow suit.

Gabby flips the last card.

Jack's face falls.

Four of diamonds.

I did it.

Jack slams her boot against the table, the hologram pot flickering. "Fuck."

Kenneth bursts into laughter. "Oh, was someone betting on a bad hand?"

She shoots him a glare. "Shut up, Donnelly."

Gabby leans forward, flipping her cards. "Two pairs. Tens and sixes."

Kenneth grins, revealing his own. "Three of a kind, baby."

Jack groans, throwing her cards onto the table. A seven and three. "I had nothing."

I smirk, slowly placing my cards down. "Flush."

Jack blinks at them. "You're fucking kidding me."

Kenneth's jaw drops. "No way."

Gabby shakes her head. "I should've known. You were way too quiet."

Grinning, I transfer the winnings to my account. "Thank you, thank you."

Jack scowls, arms crossing tight over her chest. "I hate this game."

Kenneth chuckles. "That's just 'cause you lost."

Jack glares at him again before flicking a potato chip at his forehead. "I said shut up."

Gabby groans, stretching her arms above her head. "Time for bed. Some of us have actual work to do tomorrow."

Kenneth leans back in his seat, cracking his knuckles. "Aye, fine. I suppose I should be responsible."

As they start cleaning up, Jack turns to me, eyeing me with something between annoyance and amusement.

She smirks. "You got lucky."

I shrug. "Maybe."

She snorts, shaking her head, but she has a huge grin on her face.

Yeah. That's a win, too.

Normandy, 2185, November 15th 5:39 PM

The CIC is quiet as I lean against the galaxy map, my arms crossed, eyes on the airlock door. Like staring at it will make them get back any faster.

I'm not the only one waiting. Archangel stands near the bridge, scrolling through something on his omni-tool, but I know he's just killing time. Joker lounges in his chair, fingers drumming against the armrest, throwing glances at the airlock every so often. I think he's trying to pretend he's not paying attention.

Behind me, near the elevator, Gabby and Kenneth talk quietly. They spend a lot of time in the engine room with Tali. It's nice to see they care enough to wait for her.

My fingers tap against my arm. I hate this part… standing here, waiting, feeling useless. Tali shouldn't have had to deal with this trial in the first place. Treason? From her? I don't buy it. The thought of her being exiled, cast out by her own people… what the fuck even is that? But Riley's with her. That has to count for something.

I glance toward Archangel. It's the first time I've seen him since the night on the balcony. When he finally let go of all that anger. When he told me to… forgive myself. It's just not that simple.

As if he feels someone watching, he glances up at me. Our eyes meet, and I wonder if he's thinking about the same thing. He doesn't say anything, doesn't need to. He just gives me a small nod before turning back to his omni-tool.

It's nothing. Just a simple gesture. But I understand it. And maybe… he understands me too.

The silence stretches on and on. Then a console beeps.

Joker straightens up, glancing out the viewport. "They're back."

I push off the map, stepping forward as the ship's decontamination begins. The airlock cycles through the pressurisation sequence. Then, finally, the door unlocks and slides open.

Riley steps in first, her expression unreadable. And behind her-

Tali.

She walks into the CIC with her head held high. No one speaks. Everyone's waiting.

"So?" Kenneth asks. "What happened?"

Tali lets out a slow breath. "I won."

Relief sweeps over the room. Gabby claps her hands together. Archangel gives a nod of approval. Joker laughs, leaning back in his chair.

Kenneth sighs, shaking his head. "Not that there was ever a doubt."

I study her, expecting some kind of relief, maybe exhaustion. But there's something else. Something off in the way she stands. In the way she holds herself.

She won. But she also lost something.

I step forward, lowering my voice. "You okay?"

Tali hesitates, just for a second. Then she nods. "I will be."

I want to believe her. But I know that tone. The same one I've heard from Jack when she shrugs off her past like it doesn't matter. Like if you say it enough times, maybe it'll be true.

Best not to push it. Not now.

Instead, I squeeze her shoulder, just for a second. She looks at me, and though I can't see her face, I feel something change. A tension easing, just a little.

Joker clears his throat from the cockpit. "All right, emotional moment over. Can we get the hell out of here now?"

Tali exhales, a small, tired laugh escaping her. "Yes, please."

Riley nods at Joker. "Take us out."

Joker turns to the controls, and I take one last glance at Tali. She seems okay enough, but I know whatever happened will take some time to settle.

Still, she's not alone.

Normandy, 2185, November 15th 7:54 PM

I step down the path to the cockpit, looking for Riley. Instead, I find Joker leaning back in his seat, twirling a stylus between his fingers, staring at the flight controls.

"You're quiet," I say, resting my hands on the back of his chair.

He flicks the stylus into the air, catching it without looking. "Nah, you're just loud."

I roll my eyes. "Seriously."

Joker exhales and turns his chair slightly toward me. "It's been a weird day."

Taking a step back, I sigh. "You mean Tali's trial?"

He holds the stylus up. "Ding, ding, ding." Tossing it onto the console, he leans back, folding his arms behind his head. "It's just got me thinking, you know? About what it means to belong somewhere. What it takes to keep belonging somewhere."

I lower myself into the co-pilot's seat, watching him. "What brought this on?"

Joker spins his chair toward me. "Tali had to stand in front of her entire species and prove she was still one of them." His voice is unusually serious. "Like, she's out here risking her ass for the galaxy, but that isn't enough. She had to fight just to stay in the club."

I rest my arms on the chair, humming in agreement. "She won, though."

"Yeah." He taps a few buttons on the console, not really focused on them. "And lost her dad in the process." His fingers pause, and he glances at me. "I mean, hell, I get it. I stuck with Shepard, right? Joined up with Cerberus for her. There's a lot of people that think that means I agree with them." He shakes his head. "I don't. Never have."

Holding his gaze, I nod. "I know."

He snorts softly. "Tali had to pick between her people and this ship. Me? I never even had a choice. Shepard, the Normandy. This is where I belong. No one else was gonna put up with me."

I smirk. "That's probably true."

He smiles back, but there's something a little forced about it. "Point is, this crew… it's home, right? Even with all the bullshit. Even with Cerberus breathing down our necks."

Leaning back, I glance toward the CIC. "Yeah, I think I understand what you mean." I let out a short laugh. "It's like some dysfunctional family."

Joker's smile turns a little more genuine. "Dysfunctional is right."

I tilt my head. "It's almost perfect, besides the Cerberus part."

His smile fades, and he groans. "Well, that part isn't great."

"Agreed." I stand up, stretching. "I'm off to bed. Have a good night, Joker."

He nods, already spinning his chair back toward the controls. "Night."

I start down the path, but before I get far, his voice stops me.

"Vex?" he asks, sounding a bit off.

I glance back. "Yeah?"

He hesitates, shifting slightly in his chair like he's second-guessing himself. "Thanks for, you know… checking in."

I stare at him for a second before giving him a small smile. "Anytime."

Turning back, I head toward the elevator, leaving Joker alone in the cockpit. He's still the pilot of this ship, still exactly where he belongs.

Thank you for reading.