Mass effect Aftermath Chapter one part one.
My eyes shot open. The familiar sight of my quarters in the Normandy appeared before my eye's, it was over I was safe. A smile spread across my face when my eyes fell on the sleeping quarian, who was lying against my chest. Tali was sleeping peacefully her white eyes tight shut. Her short black hair stood out against her pale purple skin. The hood of her black and red colossus enviro-suit was pulled down allowing her head to rest against my bare chest. I careful slid myself away from her placing her gently down on the pillow. What had I done to deserve her? I slowly slid of the bed so I wouldn't wake her. I picked up the black N7 shirt I had worn the day before and pulled it over my head. I tucked it into the alliance standard uniform trousers that I had fallen asleep in last night. It felt good to be back on the Normandy, three weeks in a military hospital had nearly driven me insane. I looked up through the skylight, at the stars shining through. They looked so peaceful, they were the stars that had captivated me when I was a child not the stars I had started at in fear. The reapers where gone, we'd won.
'' Shepard are you okay?''
I weak smile spread across my face.
'' Sorry I'm having nightmares again.''
Even if I couldn't see her I could tell Tali was smirking. I said nothing allowing the silence to speak more than I ever could.
'' What happened Ewan, I've never seen you so shaken? ''
I turned to face Tali who was propping herself up on her arms. The look of concern on her face went right through me. It hurt me to see her unhappy, her white eyes staring into my soul.
'' I was back on Akuze, I was with my team when the Thresher Maws they came from under the ground, I could smell the rancid breath. ''
I raked my brain trying to make sense of the horrid dream.
'' One grabbed me by my leg and started pulling me underground…''
Tali reached up and placed her right hand on the side of my face, her soft skin rubbing across my scared face.
'' It okay it was only a nightmare Ewan.''
I stared at Tali for a as I took her right three figured hand in my own.
'' I know what would I do without you Tali?''
A smile spread across her face.
'' Well you'd still be trying to find evidence to prove Saren was working with the reapers. ''
A smile spread across my face she did have a point.
'' And now look at me hero of the galaxy.''
My hand rubbed over the silver ring Tali wore over her suit. It had cost me a small fortune but it was worth every credit.
'' Engaged to the woman I love and I'm about to build her a home on her home world.''
Tali gripped my hand tightly, the look of love in her eyes was unforgettable.
'' We've come a long way haven't we?''
Before I could reply the familiar sound of EDI bleeped into life.
'' Shepard doctor Chakwas would like to see you and Tali down in the medbay.''
I sighed as I pulled myself of the bed. Tali was doing the same as she pulled the hood of her enviro suit over her head.
'' We'll be right down EDI.''
'' What do you think Chakwas wants?''
'' Probably just wants to pull us from our nice warm bed.'' I replied as I turned to face Tali as i offered my hand.
Tali turned to face me, her face now hidden behind her mask. Her three fingered hand gripped my own tightly. The tone of her voice was filled with nervousness.
'' It might have something to do with me, ever since I landed on earth I've felt sick I asked Chakwas to take a look at my blood for infections.''
I turned to look straight at Tali a look of confusion on my face.
'' Tali why didn't you tell me? ''
'' I'm sorry it just after earth you were so badly hurt and then when you asked me to marry you..'' I could hear the sadness in her voice.
I put my arms around her I could understand completely.
'' It okay I know you Tali just don't worry me like that again.''
Tali stared at me as she relaxed in my arms.
'' Come on Shepard, we don't want to keep the doctor waiting. ''
With that she pulled me in the direction of the lift.