Admist the debris, the chestplate of the N7 armour budges. Not long afterwards, the name "Shepard" is being shouted out by others as they dig out the soldier. Out cold, bleeding, and not breathing, it appeared that the spectre has finally went into a deep sleep.
Months later, with the last of all dead reapers being disposed off by the scientists and engineers, civilization rebuilds their homes with fast progress. No more threats of the Reapers, thanks to Commander Shepard's effort to unite the galaxy. But, that does not include the internal conflicts that resumed afterwards. The Eclipse, Blue Suns, and Blood Pack mercs continued their old rivalry across the galaxy, except on Omega. However, the military forces of the galaxy keeps them on a leash.
One whole year has passed since the defeat of the Reapers. Five months has passed since Shepard has awoken from his coma. Shepard finds himself visiting the graves of Legion, Admiral Anderson, Thane Krios, Mordin Solus, and Kaiden Alenko when it is convenient for him. Luckliy, his schedule is not as busy as it once was before, due to the fact he received a vacation for his efforts in the war against the Reapers. But, he has one issue... his wound from being impaled has been healing slow. He is nearly recovered since the wound is no longer visible, but he still feels the pain once in a while.
So our story begins with the Commander of the Normandy sitting at a cafe with his comrade, Garrus Vakarian...
"Hey, Shepard... It's still good to see that you haven't broken apart yet." Shepard looks back the Turian with a smirk and laughs it off. He takes a sip of the hot chocolate while reading the datapad. "Well hell Garrus, I know you're gonna be collecting every part that falls off and put it in a bag when I pay the hospital a visit." The two continue with their humorous conversation after they leave the cafe. The Turian helps the commander off the chair and into the cab.
While at Shepard's personal apartment, Tali'zorah goes through photos that were sent to her from those on the homeworld, Rannoch. It did not take long for settlements and cities to be renovated after the geth was rebuilt. "Oh... That's great news..." Moments later, Shepard and Garrus walk in the apartment. "Tali. I thought you left before Garrus and I..." She approaches Shepard with the pad containing the photos of Rannoch.
Tali: I came back to get this. (Hands over pad)
Shepard:... This is great. Now you can finally build that house you've always wanted. But, how did you get in?
Tali: I hacked the door...
Shepard:...
Garrus: Figures... I'd probably get shot if I told him that..
Shepard: You're welcome to try it Garrus.. (To Tali) But, why aren't you back home liked you told me?
Tali looks over at Garrus, who shakes his head at the two before chuckling. Once she looks back at Shepard, he nods his head and they head to the bedroom. Shepard closes the door behind him, before sitting down on the bed. "Ok how can I put this...I uhhh.. Just wanted to say... that I don't, no wait, I want to.." Shepard cuts her off by asking her to move in the apartment with him. The Quarian fell silent before sitting on the bed.
Tali: I don't know Shepard.. We can't eat the same food, I'll be a burden when it comes to extra cost...
Shepard: Tali, it's ok if you don't want to right now or ever. I just want you here with me... I won't worry you like I did when Harbinger gave us that serious blast...
Tali: SHEPARD! YOU KNOW I DON'T LIKE TALKING ABOUT THAT! I THOUGHT YOU WEREN'T COMING BACK!
Shepard: It's alright Tali, I don't either, but I want to see eye to eye with you again...
Silence fell upon the room again. Tali stared at Shepard for several seconds, before looking the other way. "Well atleast you answered my question... It's... gonna be awhile before I can adjust to this lifestyle Shepard." Shepard sits next to Tali and places his arm around her. She sits still for a moment, gathering her thoughts on the topic. Seconds later the Commander receives a nod from the Quarian.
Days later, Tali finally moves in without being sidetracked in anyway. After a shower, Shepard gets in bed to prepare for morning ahead. As the lights in the room dim, he looks over to find Tali asleep without her mask. He also notices that she has taken immune boosters, which are lying on the nightstand. " *sigh* I wonder what she was expecting to happen..."
The next morning Shepard cooks breakfast, following a Quarian recipe book. He sets the Quarian's plate next to his. The aroma was strong enough to wake Tali'zorah out of her sleep. She quickly puts on her mask and makes her way downstairs, only to find Shepard at the bottom with a tray. "For you Ms. Vas Normandy.." She looks at the food and drinks prep, then back to Shepard. "Oh.. Shepard I didn't know you wer... Excuse me!" She dashes to the restroom to vomit.
Shepard: (Sets down tray and leans on the wall) I noticed you took a few immune boosters..
Tali:... About that...(steps out)
Shepard: I thought by now the repaired Geth and our time together would've boosted your immune system.
Tali: Well, Shepard I still have an infection I've been fighting for a year now.
Shepard: Really? Why didn't you tell me?
Tali: You were hospitalized and I was on the homeworld.
Shepard: How bad is it?
Tali: No need to worry, it's almost gone. (Picks at the plate)
Shepard: You need to leave your mask on when you sleep next ti..
Tali: I know I know, it won't happen.
The private terminal starts bleeping. Shepard immediately answers the call, only to find Admiral Steven Hackett on vid comm.
Tali enters the room and sits at a distance. She iverhears that Shepard's retirement request was declined. Once the call is disconnected, she calls for Shepard. He only looks back at her after the second call. "Message Garrus"
Garrus enters the apartment, only to find Tali sitting on the couch. "Tali you seem frustrated..Where's Shepard?" She leads Garrus to the kitchen, where they both find Shepard, who is angered. Garrus slowly approaches the commander and places his hand on his shoulder.
Garrus: I came as soon I could..
Shepard: I see...
Garrus: Don't think of me as a therpist, but what's going on between you two?
Tali: He's unable to retire...
Garrus: Shepard...
Shepard: They won't let me retire, they want me to become admiral.
Garrus: Why not take it? I know being unable to retire sucks, but more pay.
Tali: I told him to insist if he doesn't want it, but that Bosh'tet Hackett is giving him a hard time.
Shepard: Me and Tali's plans been ruined for the day because of Steve.
Garrus: Sounds like he's coming here.
Tali: Yep...
Garrus: Well, I better make myself disapper soon before the old man comes knocking at the door.
Moments of chatter later, Garrus leaves. Tali decides to make herself scarce once Hackett enters the apartment. "Shepard! Glad to see that you're awake." Shepard, reluctanly salutes the admiral, "Let me cut to the chase. It wasn't my idea Shepard, the council kept pinching the Alliance to revoke your retirement. They believe there is something admist the Citadel."
Tali leans on the railing on the second floor, observing the meeting. Seeing that Shepard is irritated, she think of an idea to allow Hackett to leave sooner. She walks back to one of the bedrooms and digs through the drawer. Within minutes, the admiral breaks eye contact with Shepard, discovering Tali'zorah looking at the both of them. "Can we try something a little different Shepard? Oh! Admiral Hackett, didn't know you were here." He looks back at Shepard and back to Tali. He rubs his eyes, before saluting Shepard. "It's alright, I was just leaving. I'll forward the rest to you Shepard."
Tali quickly puts the handcuffs behind her and her mask back on. Shepard, now confused, looks back at Tali. The commander slowly sits on the couch to avoid any side pain. His partner sits next him and cuts the TV on.
Shepard: What did you do Tali?
Tali: Besides making him leave early?
Shepard: Yes..
Tali: Took one immune booster and removed my mask... (Leans against Shepard)
Shepard: Would those be hand cuffs?
Tali: WHAT!?
Shepard: I heard them before you sat.
Tali: Whoops... So what did the Admiral want?
Shepard: I'm back on Spectre duty and the Alliance is going to be funding my mission.
Tali stands up angrily. She understands that it isn't Shepard's fault, but she was looking forward for Shepard not boarding the Normandy again. She pleads with him to listen to her about insisting on retirement. The commander goes against her pleas, upsetting her more. He leaves the apartment, with Tali beside him.
Tali: Shepard, don't be a run and gun when you're still recovering!
Shepard: I'm not Tali, the mission begins once I heal.
Tali: But.. that doesn't mean you have to haste it!
Shepard: I can't sleep in this one. It's important.
Tali: What's important? Your mission or your health?!
Shepard:... They belive there are some Cerberus scientist trying to revive a dead Reaper.
Tali: Keelah... What proof do they have?!
Shepard: I don't know yet, but the council will show m..
Tali: (Grabs him by the arm) Please Shepard, not this time! Please rest this time today!
Shepard: Tali, you I can't... (See's the tears behind her mask)...Alright..
Tali, feeling rejoiced, hugs Shepard. He wraps his arms around her, listening to her sobbing. Her fear of losing him has became more obvious after the battle of Earth. She remembers when she became heavily wounded, Shepard sended her away for her saftey. That day, the crew of the Normandy has never seen cry as long and be that depressed.
Another memory Tali has, was that some of the members of the Normandy becoming upset about her not placing Shepard's name on the memorial wall. Her belief that Shepard could still alive made her appear silly to others. But, her love for the commander has lead to the crew of the Normandy to find him under debris that same day, but hours after the defeat of the Reapers. Ever since then, she visited the comatosed commander every day at the hospital. What disappoints her the most is that Shepard is unable to share her memories.
Now Shepard has to make a choice:
A) Wait until tomorrow and see the council.
B)- Leave and see the council.