Chapter One

Friends

Its mere moments since Commander Kaito Shepard became the first human specter and had been given the importance mission of hunting down the person responsible for the attack on Eden Prime. Standing a short distance away from him is a young female quarian who is looking at Shepard with only respect, affection and admiration in her eyes. Only five hours before this happened Rouge Specter agent Saren made himself out to be the victim to the council. The council only heard his words ignoring all the evidence that Shepard, Captain Anderson and councillor Udina presented them. Realizing the council only hear Saren's words and not the words of the true victims of Eden Prime. Shepard turned his back on the council before they were finished talking. As Shepard walked away Anderson saw Shepard's hands clenched into fists that were shaking violently.

"Commander Shepard why do you leave we have not finished here yet," inquired the Salarian Councillor. Shepard's squad members Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko and Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams saw some biotic energy around his fists and Kaidan walked over to Shepard.

"Commander don't do it. It will only confirm what Saren has said about us. Your better than this Commander don't let your anger rule you," said Kaidan with concern in his voice. Shepard sighed and nodded and he turned to the council.

"Sorry councillors I assumed we were done here," stated Shepard.

"What gave you that idea?" asked Asari councilor.

"Well you seem to enjoying the bedtime story that Saren is giving you over the cold hard facts. So I thought we were done here," replied Shepard. Shepard and his squad members could hear the council races in the gallery above them laughing quietly from his reply.

"Yes... we are done here for now," stated the Turian councilor. A second after he said that the council members voted on their judgement of Saren and after a few seconds they red out their verdict which Shepard and the others knew was coming.

"In light of insufficient evidence we find Saren to be innocent of all charges placed on him. This council meeting is over," stated the Asari councillor. Shepard and his squad members walked down the steps and waited for Anderson and Udina.

"I can't believe they brought Saren's story. Aliens always look out for their own even when there is overwhelming evidence that proves their guilt," said Ashley with anger in her voice.

"Kaidan you might want to say Ashley what you said to me a few minutes ago," stated Shepard. Kaidan sighed loudly and Ashley started to laugh.

"Hey I may be angry but I'm not as angry as you were," replied Ashley. Shepard nodded and he looked at his hands. Anderson and Udina walked over to them.

"Shepard... this brought back memories for you didn't it?" asked Anderson. Kaidan and Ashley looked at each other and then at Shepard and he nodded.

"Yes it did. When I was younger I would of attacked them but I know that's no way to stop what's happening now," replied Shepard. Anderson nodded.

"What do we do now?" asked Kaidan.

"If the council won't accept the evidence we have from Eden Prime, then we have to find evidence from another source one that they cannot dispute," replied Udina.

"What about that Garrus guy we met on our way here. He said he was investigating Saren but needed more time. He could help us couldn't he," inquired Ashley. Shepard nodded.

"We start with him," replied Shepard. Udina nodded.

"Good. Anderson you should leave this to them. If you were to help get evidence the council might see it hatred for Saren and we can't have that now," stated Udina. Anderson nodded in agreement and Udina and Anderson left Shepard to it.

…..

Over the next few hours Shepard tracked down Garrus and a C-sec officer named Harkin hat Anderson told them about. They spoke with a number of people in search of information and they helped a few as well. At Garrus's suggestion they found a Krogan bounty hunter named Wrex and he confirmed something that Garrus only thought to be a rumor.

"So there's a wounded Quarian somewhere on the citadel and she has critical information about Saren?" asked Shepard. Wrex nodded.

"Shepard we have to find her. If this Fist guy we keep hearing about really has sided with Saren she will be in even more danger then we know," replied Garrus. Ashley nodded in agreement.

"He's right sir. We need that evidence," stated Ashley. Shepard noticed Ashley's choice of words just then how she didn't seem to care about the injured Quarian.

"Ashley go and tell Captain Anderson this and wait for us there," ordered Shepard. Ashley nodded and she ran off and Shepard turn to Wrex.

"Wrex we could use your help with this and hunting down Saren. Would like to join us?" asked Shepard. Wrex nodded.

"Sure. Fist is my last contract anyway with that out-of-the-way I'm free to do whatever I want. Plus I might get to shoot a Turian haven't done that in a long time," replied Wrex. Garrus glared at him and Wrex started to laugh.

…..

A short time later Shepard and his squad have put down all of Fists guards and his turrets and they are now staring him in the face and Shepard has his gun locked and loaded. Shepard look him over.

"So this is Fist?" asked Shepard. Wrex nodded.

"Yeah that's him... he looks a lot more uglier this time then when I last saw him," replied Wrex. Fist try to flee but Garrus shot the wall next to his head and he froze in place.

"Your not going anywhere," said Garrus with disgust in his voice. Shepard walked over to Fist and he lifted him into the air and slammed him on the wall.

"Where is the injured Quarian" inquired Shepard.

"You shot up my bar and killed my men just to ask me about a suit rat?" asked Fist. Shepard grabbed Fist head and slammed it in the wall and then he slammed it down on his knee as he brought it up.

"Where is she?" asked Shepard. Fist shook his head.

"I don't know where she is now but I know where she will be soon," replied Fist.

"Where?" asked Garrus.

"Nearby in maintenance corridor. She told me she has information that links Saren and the Geth together. I said she could wait here but she left saying she will be at the meeting point," replied Fist.

"The people who are meeting her there don't work for the Shadow Broker do they?" asked Shepard. Fist shook his head.

"No their agents of Saren. Once they have the information the quarian is as good as dead," replied Fist.

"Garrus copy the files of everything he has. There might be more stuff either us or C-sec can use here. I need to contact Anderson," ordered Shepard. Garrus nodded.

"Wrex keep an eye on Fist. If he so much as breathes to loudly kill him," continued Shepard. Wrex nodded and Shepard moved to one side as he is about to call Anderson Garrus called out to him.

"Shepard the meeting is happening now. We need to move," said Garrus with panic in his voice.

"Shit... you two stay here deal with this. I'll go and rescue the quarian. Join us as soon as you can," replied Shepard. Garrus and Wrex nodded and as Shepard ran out of the room he heard Wrex shoot Fist.

Shepard is running as fast as he can for the meeting place and he is knocking people out-of-the-way and using his biotic powers to charge past some of them. As he is getting closer to the meeting point he can hear the quarian and the agents talking. Shepard took cover behind a low wall. He got his machine pistol ready for use, he quickly looked up and he saw the quarian in front of him speaking to her would be assassins. Her enviro suit clung to her body in the right places revealing her feminine curves and she has a light purple cloth around her waist and uses the same material as a hood to cover parts of her helmet. Garrus and Wrex joined Shepard.

"Shepard what we waiting for?" asked Garrus.

"If we moved now she could get hurt. We need to wait for the right moment," replied Shepard. Garrus and Wrex nodded and they saw the quarian spot the agents team members checking their weapons and using their omni-tools to shut the down the cameras in this area.

"No... deals off," said the quarian with fear in her voice. The main agent reached for her and Shepard jumped over the cover and he charged the agent with his biotics. The agent got slammed into a wall and his team members were shock. Shepard fired his pistol at a couple of them, the bullets hit the two agents in their knee caps and they fell to the floor. Shepard put a barrier up around himself and the quarian.

"Garrus, Wrex now," ordered Shepard. The two of them quickly put down the remaining agents with a flash-bang grenade. Garrus quickly walked over to them all and placed handcuffs on them. Shepard dropped his barrier and looked the area over. The young quarian found herself unable to say a word for the first time in her life. She found herself studying the human in front of her in painstaking detail. She started to take mental notes on every inch of his face. The way it moved and the way he moved. Shepard turn to her and smiled at her. Her faceplate hid her blushing face from him.

"Miss are you okay? Your not hurt are you?" asked Shepard. The female quarian shook her head.

"No I'm not hurt... and err thank you for helping me. Most people here wouldn't have done that," replied the female quarian with nerves in her voice. Shepard chuckled quietly as he put his gun away.

"That may be true but I'm not most people," stated Shepard. The faceplate on her helmet hid her smile from him and she nodded.

"Thank you again for helping me but who are you exactly?" asked the female quarian. The female quarian saw Shepard smiled again.

"My name is Commander Kaito Shepard I'm with the Alliance," replied Shepard. The female quarian nodded.

"I know it's a bit of a mouthful so just call me Shepard everyone does," said Shepard with Garrus walking over to him.

"Are you sure its okay... I mean you don't mind me calling you by something so informal?" asked the female quarian. Shepard looked at Garrus and Wrex and they started to laugh.

"I've only known him for a couple of hours I call him Shepard. So its fine you don't have to worry about it," replied Garrus. Wrex nodded.

"I don't normally agree with Turians its gives me gas... but just this once I'll agree with him. Shepard isn't like the other humans you might have met... he's a strange one," stated Wrex. Shepard sighed loudly and he has a smile on his face.

"Err my name is Tali-Zorah Narr Rayya and err he's the first human I met who wasn't a bosh'tet," stated Tali. Shepard and the others started to laugh.

"Well I'll try not to become one... whatever a bosh'tet is that is," replied Shepard. Tali giggled quietly, Shepard smiled from this and Tali saw his demeanor change.

"Miss Zorah we are looking for evidence to stop a dangerous man and he is linked to the Geth and is behind the attack on Eden Prime. While we were investigating this we learned about you and that you have information that can help us. Is this true?" asked Shepard. Tali nodded.

"Yes its true. You saved me and I owe you my life so I want to do anything I can to help you," replied Tali. Shepard nodded and smiled warmly at her.

"Miss Zorah you don't owe me anything," stated Shepard. Tali blushed again and she nodded.

"Shepard we should take the quarian back to the human embassy so we can check out what information she has," stated Wrex. Shepard nodded and he looked at Tali.

"Miss Zorah I'm not going to force you to come with us. You can walk away and I will personally make sure that your wounds are tended to and give you a ship to take you anywhere and that is fine. However please I need your help to stop a dangerous man. Will you come with me?" asked Shepard. Her faceplate hid her smiling and flushed face.

"Of course... I mean yes I will come with you," replied Tali. Shepard nodded and as they were starting to move Tali saw blood on the side of Shepard's face.

"Err Shepard your bleeding," stated Tali. Shepard felt the blood on side of his head and he wiped it away and saw a small cut over his left eye.

"This is nothing. I'll get it looked at later," replied Shepard.

"Shepard you should take Miss Zorah and Wrex with you. I'll stay behind and call this in so we can get officers down here to process them. I'll wait for you and the others by your ship," stated Garrus. Shepard nodded and he led Tali and Wrex out of the corridor.

Some time later they arrived at the human embassy and inside with Anderson and Udina are Kaidan and Ashley. Shepard walked in first, then Wrex and lastly Tali walked in and she saw the other four humans watching them.

"Commander what is this I hear of you having a fire fight in the wards and why is a quarian here?" asked Udina rather curtly.

"I would explain it to you but you jumped down my throat before you gave me a chance to explain everything," replied Shepard. Tali saw Anderson smile from Shepard's reply.

"I'm sorry Commander this whole thing with Saren has me shaken," stated Udina. Shepard nodded.

"Now if I can explain myself and my actions then we can get to the part that matters most," replied Shepard. Udina nodded and everyone took a seat and Tali sat down near Shepard and he then started to explain everything and what happened.

"Commander I know you have a tendency to help any quarian you see because of your past but you should have thought your actions through more," stated Udina. Everyone in the room apart from Anderson looked at Shepard and they can see that those words shook him to his core.

"Udina I thought I told you this before. You don't speak about Shepard's past. You know it causes him headaches and makes him relive it all," said Anderson with anger in his voice. Shepard took a few deep breathes and as Ashley is about to say something Tali did first.

"Shepard are you alright?" asked Tali with genuine concern in her voice. Shepard smiled and he nodded.

"Yes... I'm fine its nothing to worry about but thank you for asking though," replied Shepard. Tali nodded and her faceplate hid a smile.

"Anyway as I was saying before Udina interrupted me Miss Zorah has evidence that links Saren and the Geth together," stated Shepard. Everyone looked at her apart from Shepard.

"Miss Zorah can you tell us what you have and how you came by it?" asked Kaidan. Tali nodded.

"Of course and please just call me Tali," replied Tali. Everyone nodded and Tali then started to tell them the long story of she came to find the evidence. She then played the audio recording and when they heard Saren say reaper. Shepard stood up and Tali paused the audio.

"Shepard what's wrong?" asked Wrex.

"I've heard that word before. I just can't place it," replied Shepard.

"Tali do you know this word?" asked Anderson. Tali nodded.

"Yes I got information about this from the same Geth. The Reapers are a hyper advanced machine race that wiped out the Protheans 50,000 years ago and the Geth worship them as gods. However after the Protheans died out the Reapers vanished," replied Tali. Images from the beacon on Eden Prime flashed in front of Shepard's eyes.

"The vision I got from the beacon I understand some of it now," stated Shepard.

"What do you understand?" asked Ashley.

"I didn't see the future of some war between organics against the Geth. The beacon showed me images of the past. I saw the Reapers killing the Protheans and this conduit the woman speaks of must be how to call them to get them to come back," replied Shepard.

"I'm not sure about this Reaper thing but the conduit does sound real and dangerous but that doesn't matter now. We need to take this to the council this is evidence that they cannot ignore," stated Udina. Shepard chuckled loudly and Udina and Anderson walked out of the room.

"Really I bet you a hundred credits that they take Saren's side again," said Shepard with amusement in his voice.

"I'll take that bet Shepard but let's make it more interesting," replied Wrex.

"Oh what do you have in mind?" asked Shepard.

"We make it a thousand credits and whoever wins gets to hit Saren first when we find him," replied Wrex.

"And if I lose this bet?" asked Shepard.

"You have to spend the next two days shirtless on board the ship and on the citadel," replied Ashley. Shepard started to laugh when he heard that and Tali found herself blushing fiercely when the image of Shepard being topless for two weeks appeared in her mind.

"There's no way Shepard would agree to a bet with those sort of stakes," said Tali inside her head.

"Fine we have a deal. However if I win the female crew uniform will be changed for 2 days from what it is now to something that I know Kaidan will like," stated Shepard. Tali looked at Shepard dumbfounded that he would agree to this bet.

"Commander you promised never to tell anyone about that," replied Kaidan. Shepard winked at Kaidan and he realized what Shepard has planned.

"Okay so what is this new uniform?" asked Ashley.

"A high school uniform," replied Shepard. Ashley glared at him and Kaidan and Shepard started to laugh.

"Wrex why is she getting so mad?" asked Tali.

"I have no clue kid but this starting to get interesting," replied Wrex.

"Fine I agree. So we had best get moving," stated Ashley. Shepard stood up and he saw Tali struggling to stand up.

"Tali what's wrong?" asked Shepard. Tali looked at the floor embarrassed.

"Err I can't get up from this type of chair," replied Tali with her face red. Shepard laughed a little and he offered a hand to her.

"Come on give me your hand and I'll help you up," said Shepard with care in his voice. Tali's faceplate hide her smile and she placed her hand on his. Shepard closed his fingers over her hand and gently helped her up. Even though she is now standing Shepard still has her hand in his and with each passing second her face got more and more flushed.

"Shepard... we should get moving. We shouldn't keep the council waiting," said Tali with affection in her voice.

"What... err yes your right," replied Shepard. Tali saw Shepard reluctant to let go of her hand and she even saw his face going slightly red when he realized he still had it in his hand and she smiled to herself when she saw that.

…...

Some time later Shepard and the others have just reached the council and they can hear Tali's evidence being played. Shepard walked up so he is standing next to Anderson and Tali and the others are waiting by the stairs. Tali is looking at the council gardens with amazement in her eyes.

"Commander Shepard how did you come across this evidence?" asked the Salarian councilor. Shepard moved to one side and pointed at Tali.

"I saved her from of Saren's agents. She believed to be having a deal with agents of the Shadow Broker. She contacted the broker asking for safety from Saren in exchange for evidence that you just heard. She noticed something off with the agents and called the deal off. They moved to attack her so myself, Garrus Varkarian and Urdnot Wrex put them down using non lethal means. By now Garrus has them in C-sec interrogation rooms, he also has files from a criminal named Fist. A former agent of the shadow broker that betrayed his old boss to work for Saren. After saving Miss Zorah I asked for her help and she gave me the evidence and we went to Udina and Anderson straight away," replied Shepard. Tali looked at Shepard when she heard him talking.

"Without her we never would have found this evidence," stated Shepard. Tali quickly looked away from him feeling her face going red and from embarrassment. Shepard smiled when he saw this and he then turned back to the council.

"Council is the evidence we found enough for you to believe us now?" asked Udina. All the council members nodded.

"Yes we believe you. Saren Artireus is now a rogue specter he will be hunted down and justice will be dealt," stated the Turian councilor.

"How will you find him?" asked Anderson.

"Saren is most likely in the Terminus systems so sending fleets is out of the question," replied the Asari councillor. Shepard stepped forward and Anderson saw that his eyes are clear.

"Send me after him," said Shepard with determination in his voice. Tali and the others looked at him.

"Your with the Alliance. Sending you there is the same as sending a fleet in," replied the Salarian councillor.

"Now hang on. There is a way that Shepard can do this," stated the Asari councilor. Udina and Anderson looked at each other and so did the council members.

"No. I will not stand for this. Finding the evidence is one thing but that does not make him from being a Specter candidate to being one. He has to be tested but his tester his dead," replied the Turian councillor.

Back with the others Tali looked up when she heard that and so did Wrex.

"What did he mean by that?" asked Tali.

"On our ship before Eden Prime we had a Turian Specter with us. We only found out shortly before we landed on Eden Prime that he was there to see if Shepard would be a good candidate for being Humanity's first Specter. However Nilus was killed by Saren, he was shot in the back on Eden Prime. With Nilus dead Shepard's Specter candidacy is in question," replied Kaidan. Tali and Wrex nodded.

"Why did they pick Shepard to be a candidate and not someone else?" asked Wrex.

"In the Earth's systems Alliance he is the closest thing we have to a hero," replied Ashley. Tali looked and Shepard and she saw him run his fingers through his short silky looking black hair and she found herself wishing it was her fingers doing that and not his.

"Councillors I'm standing right here remember I can hear every word your saying about me," said Shepard in a nonchalant way. Anderson shook his head and stopped himself from laughing.

"Sparatus, Shepard may be young and brash but he has the potential to be something greater than himself. The consort said so herself," stated the Asari councilor. The Turian councilor looked at Shepard and nodded.

"Very well I know by now that what she says always comes to pass," replied the Turian councillor.

"Commander Shepard step forward," ordered the Salarian councillor. Shepard nodded and he slowly walked past Anderson and Udina and stopped on a small platform. Tali saw hover cameras appear all around the area. Most of them are focused only on Shepard and the council but a couple of them as watching her and those with her. The entire universe watched as they saw Shepard get named as the first human Specter and given the importance mission of hunting down Saren.

"You're the first of your race to be named a Specter Commander Shepard this is a great honor to your people and a great burden for you. Everyone will be watching you now Commander. Please follow the path that best suits you and bring law to the lawless," stated the Asari councilor. Shepard nodded and the cameras were turned off and everyone saw Shepard take a deep breath and Anderson started to laugh from this. Shepard turned to him.

"You still laugh when you see me do that," said Shepard with annoyance in his voice.

"I can't help it. Whenever I see you do that I'm reminded of the time you used your biotics in combat for the first time. You caused a shock wave by accident and you sent an explosive into a group of pirates and you were shaking like a leaf afterwards," replied Anderson with amusement in his voice. Shepard cursed him and he heard a familiar giggle coming from Tali. Tali saw him looking at her with an eyebrow raised and so she quickly looked away from him.

"Shepard your going to need a ship and crew for this all to work. Anderson come with me I'm going to need your help to set this all up," stated Udina. Anderson nodded.

"Shepard for now use this time as you want. I'll let you know when everything is sorted out," continued Udina. Shepard nodded and Udina and Anderson walked away.

"So what should we do?" asked Kaidan.

"You heard Udina. Do what ever you want until I contact you. Once Udina has told me what's going on I'll let you know as well," replied Shepard. The others all nodded and they all left him alone apart from Tali.

"Is something wrong Tali?" asked Shepard.

"Shepard can I stay with you. After what happened earlier I don't fancy the idea of being on my own here for now at least. Is it okay," replied Tali. Shepard smiled warmly at her and nodded.

"Of course its okay. Come on let's see what trouble we can get into," said Shepard with amusement in his voice. Tali smiled and nodded and they walked to the main elevator close to one another. They found themselves alone the elevator.

"Shepard I know its none of my business but what did Udina mean when you have a soft spot for my people?" asked Tali. She saw that the subject upset him and she regretted asking it right away.

"I'm sorry I asked Shepard I didn't mean to make you upset," said Tali with guilt in her voice and while wringing her hands. Shepard shook his head.

"It's okay you don't have to apologize. The truth is you're not the first Quarian I met but that time I was the one being saved and this happened a long time ago when I was 15 years old," replied Shepard. Tali nodded.

"What happened?" asked Tali. Shepard shook his head.

"Sorry Tali it's a really painful subject for me to think about yet alone talk to someone about it... but thank your for asking. Its been a long time since someone asked me about that," replied Shepard. Tali smiled and nodded.

"Its okay Shepard I... I understand what its likes to have a memory that you want to forget but you can't," stated Tali. Shepard nodded.

"What I told you about a few seconds ago. Its something I've never told anyone about. Anderson and Udina know but know one I considered to be my friend or an equal," replied Shepard. Tali looked at him.

"Did he really just call me his friend. We barely know each other and he already thinks of me as a friend," said Tali in her head.

"Shepard... when your ready to talk about... what happened in your past. Let me know okay," said Tali in a friendly and affectionate tone of voice. Shepard smiled and nodded.

"Of course and if you ever need someone to talk to about anything troubling you just let me know. I owe you a lot Tali for more than I can ever say so these words will have to do," stated Shepard. Tali looked at him.

"Tali... thank your for helping me. None of this would be happening without you. Us exposing Saren for what he really is, me becoming a Specter. The words thank you will never be enough for me. I will always be indebted to you Tali," continued Shepard. Tali smiled and she felt herself blushing again and she quickly looked away from him and Shepard smiled.

"Your... the first person outside of my people who has ever thanked me for anything. Most races look down on me and my people. They call us names and say we are thieves. So you just saying those two little words is enough for me," replied Tali. Shepard nodded and he sighed as well.

"I sorry you've had such a bad experience with my people and the others races. Some people are born to be idiots," stated Shepard. Tali nodded.

"Its okay Shepard I'm used to it by now," replied Tali. Shepard shook his head.

"But you shouldn't be. While your with me for the next well however long Udina takes I'll make sure no ones calls you those things," stated Shepard. Just as Tali is about to say something the elevator doors opened and Shepard walked out and Tali followed him. Shepard turned to her and she is cradling her right arm. Shepard walked over to her.

"Is that the same wound you have since you first came here?" asked Shepard. Tali nodded.

"Yes but it's not so bad now," replied Tali.

"Right before I show you the grand tour that I just made up in my head we should get you looked at by a doctor to see how that wound of yours is doing," said Shepard as he looked around for the a medical sign. Tali smiled from seeing how much Shepard cared about her well-being so much after just meeting her a short time ago. Tali moved towards him but she felt light-headed and fell forwards. Shepard caught her and he picked her up and cradled her in his arms.

"Tali... Tali can you hear me?" asked Shepard. Tali only groaned weakly in reply. Shepard saw a C-sec officer nearby and ran over to him.

"Officer which way to the nearest medical station?" asked Shepard. The officer pointed at the far side of the level they were on.

"Far end of the level," replied the officer. Shepard thanked him and he ran for the medical station. The doors opened and inside he found the doctor from the NORMANDY speaking with someone here. Doctor Chakwas saw Shepard holding Tali and she ran over to them.

"Shepard what's going on?" asked Doctor Chakwas.

"She just collapsed a few minutes ago. Her right arm is hurt. I don't know how bad," replied Shepard. Doctor Chakwas nodded and she turned to the others doctors nearby.

"I need a sterile environment now. We have an injured Quarian to help," ordered Doctor Chakwas. The doctors nodded they placed a stretcher next to Shepard and he placed her on it gently. Doctor Chakwas saw concern for Tali in his eyes.

"Shepard she will be fine I promise," said Doctor Chakwas in a reassuring tone. Shepard nodded and Tali got taken away into another room and Shepard sat down in the waiting room.

…...

Shepard has been in the waiting room for a few hours now. Garrus and the others have just got there and they found Shepard fast asleep. A doctor walked over to them.

"Can I help you?" asked the doctor.

"The Quarian that came in with the man over there. Is there any word on her?" asked Garrus.

"The treatment went well. She had a mild infection from wound by a bullet scratching her arm as it went past her. Her arm got dislocated from the impact we put it back in place. She is sorting her suit out in the sterile room at the moment," replied the doctor. Garrus and the others nodded and Kaidan walked over to Shepard and slowly woke up him up.

"Shepard... Shepard wake up," said Kaidan in a demanding tone. Shepard slowly woke up and he yawned loudly and he saw the others here. Shepard got to his feet.

"Why are you all here?" asked Shepard.

"Udina couldn't reach you he's been trying for hours. So he contacted us and asked us to find you. We were told by a C-sec officer that you came here holding Tali. We only got here minutes ago," replied Wrex. Shepard nodded.

"What's her condition?" asked Shepard.

"She's stable. Her wounds are all treated. She had small infection from the bullet and it dislocated her arm. She's sorting her suit out at the moment," replied Ashley. Shepard sighed a breath of relief and they all noticed this. Shepard sat back down and rubbed his eyes a few times.

"I'll contact Udina. All of you wait here for her," stated Shepard. They all nodded and Shepard stood up and walked out of the room. He walked over to the railings and called Udina.

"Udina I'm told you were trying to contact me," inquired Shepard.

"Yes and I have been for the last 3 hours. Where have you been?" asked Udina.

"In a medical facility. The wound Tali got on her way here acted up so I had to take her here to get her treatment," replied Shepard.

"Okay. Shepard listen up while you were with her. Me and Anderson got everything sorted. When your able come to the NORMANDY's private dock," stated Udina. Shepard nodded and the call ended. Shepard walked back inside and he saw Tali and Doctor Chakwas with the others.

"Ah Shepard there you are. So what's up with Udina?" asked Doctor Chakwas.

"He wants us to meet him by the NORMANDY," replied Shepard. Everyone nodded.

"Shepard you take the others on ahead. I need to give Tali some medication and put her arm in a sling. We will be there shortly," stated Doctor Chakwas. Shepard nodded.

"Alright. Depending on what's going on I'll tell you where to meet us," replied Shepard. Doctor Chakwas nodded.

"Tali do whatever she says. She doesn't like it when her patients ignore her advice," stated Shepard. Tali smiled to herself.

"Speaking from first hand experience are we?" asked Tali. Shepard quickly looked away.

"Maybe. Right you lot come on," replied Shepard. The others started to laugh.

"Tali I'll tell you all about Shepard's misadventures with the good doctor later. There's a lot to go through," said Kaidan with amusement in his voice. Tali nodded and as the others walked out she saw Shepard wink at her and she started to blush again. Doctor Chakwas saw this and smiled and then Shepard and the others were gone.

"Tali I don't know how you did it but you've made Shepard smile more times today then I have ever seen him do during a mission or on ship," stated Doctor Chakwas.

"Why doesn't Shepard smile a lot?" asked Tali. Doctor Chakwas sighed loudly and Tali saw sadness in her eyes.

"Its... not my place to say but if you really want to know just look him up on the extranet everything about his past is on there. Just don't expect him to talk about anything before he joined the military," replied Doctor Chakwas. Tali nodded.

"I know he told me that one of my people saved him when he was 15 years old but he couldn't tell me any more than that," said Tali with concern in her voice. Doctor Chakwas looked at her.

"As far as I know you're the only person he has ever spoken to about his past. Even if it's just a bit. I have psychological sessions with the crew some times even though I told him talking about his past can help him move past it. He just couldn't open up but he can with you. So do me a favor when he does talk about his past to you try to help him come to terms with it," stated Doctor Chakwas. Tali smiled to herself and she nodded.

…..

Shepard and the others have just reached the NORMANDY and they can see Anderson and Udina waiting for them.

"Commander this ship is yours now. Captain Anderson has stepped down," stated Udina. Shepard, Ashley and Kaidan were shocked to hear this and they looked at Anderson.

"Sir are you sure about this?" asked Shepard. Anderson nodded.

"Yes its the way it has to be Commander. Specters report only to the council I can't stay on the ship. Besides you know the ship and the crew. Its quick and silent its the perfect ship for a Specter," replied Anderson. Shepard sighed loudly.

"Okay but I don't like the idea of you giving up your captaincy for me," stated Shepard. Anderson smiled and nodded.

"Well Udina did kind of force me to do so if that makes you feel any better," replied Anderson. Shepard nodded.

"So are there any other people you want added to the ship?" asked Udina.

"I want Wrex, Garrus and Tali as well. I know Wrex wants to come, Garrus does as well. I'm not so sure about Tali," replied Shepard.

"You want non humans on the most advanced ship we have?" asked Udina. Shepard nodded.

"Yeah I do. Oh wait I don't know why I'm asking for permission. Like you just said Udina the ship is mine now," replied Shepard. Anderson smiled and Udina glared at him and he walked off. Shepard sent a message to Doctor Chakwas asking her to come to the ship with Tali. The airlock on the ship opened and the ships pilot walked out slowly and he walked over to Shepard.

"Commander the ship is ready to leave when we're ready," stated the pilot. Shepard nodded.

"Good work Joker. Joker Garrus and Wrex here will be coming with us. So watch the jokes for now," replied Shepard. Joker nodded.

"Okay okay but I can't make any promises. You know how I am when I see a chance for a joke. I'm just like a Krogan when they want to head but something," stated Joker. Shepard sighed loudly and Wrex started to laugh.

"Ooh this is going to be a lot of fun," said Wrex with amusement in his voice. A few seconds later the elevator stopped on their floor and out walked Doctor Chakwas and Tali with her right arm in a sling.

"So that's the quarian I heard about from Anderson," stated Joker. Shepard and the others nodded.

"Commander... Shepard does she know the one that you once told me about?" asked Joker. The others looked at the two of them and Shepard shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know I haven't asked her yet. Don't worry about it now we have a lot to do," replied Shepard. Joker nodded and Tali and Doctor Chakwas stopped in front of them.

"So what's going on? Where's Captain Anderson?" asked Doctor Chakwas.

"He's staying here. He's given the ship to me and the crew as well," replied Shepard. Doctor Chakwas nodded and Shepard spotted Tali checking the ship out.

"Kaidan show Garrus and Wrex where their lockers are going to be and get them added to the hot bunk shift list. Joker do a last run through of the systems. Ashley make sure the weapons the council gave us are in good condition," ordered Shepard. Everyone nodded and they walked inside the ship and Doctor Chakwas went with them. Once they were inside Shepard walked over to Tali.

"I see you eying my ship Tali. What do you think?" asked Shepard. Tali turned to him quickly.

"Your ship is amazing Shepard. I've never seen anything like it in the Flotilla or from the others fleets. Your ship is beautiful," replied Tali. Shepard chuckled from her reply.

"Tali the choice of people for my squad is up to me and I was wondering if you would like to join me... I mean us on the mission?" asked Shepard. Tali noticed Shepard's little slip-up and she smiled.

"Of course I will join you... the team I mean. I'm just wondering if it will stop me from doing my pilgrimage," replied Tali.

"What do you mean pilgrimage?" asked Shepard.

"Oh right I never explained that part. When Quarian's reach maturity we leave our families and our home ship in search of something that we can bring back that will help my people. A pilgrimage gift can be anything from a new ship to some new technology to help make living on the ships easier," replied Tali. Shepard nodded.

"I see. Well I have no idea where we will be going but I'm certain we can find you something for you to bring back to your people," stated Shepard. Tali nodded in agreement.

"Okay... commander I'll join your team," replied Tali. Shepard smiled and nodded and the two of them walked inside the ship. When they were on the ship Joker turned in his seat to face them.

"Shepard the last system check shows no problems. You have anything to say to the crew before we go?" asked Joker.

"I'll be back in a few minutes Joker I'm just giving Tali a tour of the ship," replied Shepard. Joker nodded.

"So your Tali. Anderson told me you enjoyed hearing about Shepard's misuse of his biotics right?" asked Joker. Tali giggled and nodded and Shepard rubbed his eyes and sighed loudly.

"Yeah I can imagine Shepard doing that more than once though," replied Tali. Joker started to laugh really hard and Shepard went a little red in the face.

"Easy Joker don't crack a rip from laughing to hard," stated Shepard. Joker nodded and he sighed loudly.

"Fine. Tali if you really want to get a good laugh ask Shepard about the time he thought using his biotics as means of getting himself dressed when he was in a rush for a meeting was a good idea. He couldn't walk straight for a week after that," replied Joker. Tali reacted to that my covering her mouth piece with her left hand to stop her laughter from coming out.

"Why did you mention that... oh Joker sometimes your very lucky to have Vorlic syndrome," said Shepard in a half-joking half serious tone. Joker turned his back to them.

"I thought you were giving Tali a tour not reminiscing about your little mishaps. Jeez Shepard you tell me off for slacking some times but your no better," replied Joker. Shepard sighed loudly and he walked off, Tali followed him and they can hear Joker laughing.

…..

After a tour of the ship they found themselves in the hanger bay. They can see Garrus checking out the Mako and Wrex is playing with his shotgun. Ashley is checking some gear over.

"So that's it Tali. Is there any part of the ship you would be most familiar working with?" asked Shepard.

"Engineering. That's what I trained as back with my people, I think that would be the best place with my skills," replied Tali. Shepard nodded.

"Follow me and I'll take you to Adams," stated Shepard.

"Adams?" asked Tali.

"He's the ships chief engineer so you'll be working under him. Don't worry Tali I'm sure you'll like him and I'm sure he'll like you as well. What's not to like," replied Shepard. Her faceplate hid her blushing face and Shepard walked past her and led the way to engineering. Shepard led Tali to a man checking the system over.

"Adams I have someone here I'd like you to meet," stated Shepard. Adams turned to them and he saw Tali standing a short distance away.

"Adams this is Tali she's a very skilled engineer so I'm placing her with you alright," stated Shepard. Adams nodded.

"Of course Commander. I can use all the help I can get now. I found a small problem and I'm having some trouble trying to think of ways to fix it," replied Adams.

"What kind of problem?" asked Shepard.

"Oh its nothing serious. Just that stealth systems aren't venting all the heat in one go like their meant to do. Only 75% of the heat is venting. If we don't find a way to fix it we will be spending more time venting heat then looking for Saren," replied Adams. Shepard turned to Tali and he saw her at a console typing some things in and Adams and Shepard walked over to her.

"Tali what are you doing?" asked Shepard.

"Oh I fixed the issue Adams just mentioned so it's no longer a problem," replied Tali. Shepard smiled from this and Tali looked away from him.

"How did you fix it?" asked Adams. Tali put the equation she typed in on the console screen.

"I changed the venting equation from what it was to this. There was a small glitch in the old one that's why not all the heat got vented. The glitch was so small you wouldn't have spotted it if you hadn't fixed something like this before," replied Tali. Adams checked her work over and nodded.

"Shepard what ever you do. Do not get rid of this one she is already better than any one else on my team. I always said you had an eye for talent Shepard. With Tali on the ship things will be a lot smoother now," stated Adams. Tali blushed brightly and looked away from them both.

"Good work Tali. Now I need to head back up to the CIC I'll come by to check on you later alright," stated Shepard. Tali nodded.

"Adams don't work her too hard for the next few days or Doctor Chakwas will come after you," continued Shepard. Adams nodded and Shepard walked out of the room and made his way to the elevator.

…...

When Shepard addressed the crew of his ship Tali saw everyone stop what they were doing and listen to Shepard words. Tali saw some of the crew nodding in agreement to what Shepard is saying to them.

"We will show Saren and the galaxy what humanity is capable of when we are backed into a corner. Its our time now to step up and show the races that hate us that we deserve to be here just any other race does. Shepard out" stated Shepard. Tali pondered Shepard's words.

"What humans are capable of huh," said Tali out loud. She heard Adams laughing.

"Same old Shepard he still has a way with words," said Adams with amusement in his voice.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Tali.

"In the past when Shepard has led men and women on missions he always gives them a little speech like the one he just did to boost their morale," replied Adams. Tali nodded.