Mass Effect: Sacrificial Symptom
Disclaimer: I do not own or have any rights to representation of Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, EA Games and any other mass media trademarks within this fiction. All is represented within the context of private entertainment and the exchange of free ideals/entertainment. No attempts to falsely render said persons or members, fictitious or otherwise were intentional.
Note: This is a romance/adventure piece so be noted it will have a wide array of things. Most importantly revolving around Tali'zorah and a number of the crew. Some characters even more than others, while others become involved in minor ways. That means the main love interest for Tali (which I have planned) could CHANGE and that's something I can not stress enough. I want feedback as the story progresses and there is a possibility I could change it. Not very likely, but could… Take note my interest in Tali is because out of all the love interests in this game, so far? The female suited is Tali a woman that would sacrifice so much for a moment with a man she loves and has endured so great a loss, family and home included. Also might want to note that this is based on my original gamplay, and in it Ashley was the 'love interest' of Mass Effect 1, you'll understand importance later. Lastly, this story WILL not be a tag in on Mass Effect 3, in truth this is between, Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, and plays on an entirely alternate storyline from the main one. Though the main story may still exist? I do not intend to say that's the main idea here. Simply, I like to leave that in the air. All that said let's enjoy a nice read. I hope you all are pleased with what is to come. Also Tali/Shepard as canon Forever.
~~~~Chapter 1: Sacrifice is Attraction, Admiration and Absolution~~~
The depths of space. A void that beheld thousands of unseen passing beams of light simpering across eons of distance. The stars only can be seen by trillions of light years away. By the time one saw them, they may be already gone. So scientists tell you. Yet when you can traverse this endless reach of nothing. The stars can be so close, and yet so far. For some people. The Quarian people. That is the truest word of sacrifice.
Able to see everything, be part of everything and yet never truly know what everything is. To see not by the naked eye but only with a visor, or touch not by the naked palm yet only with a gloved limb. Quarians suffer the most sacrifice of any species in the terminus systems for so far. Having made so many terrible mistakes, they endure only to be treated as useless and often filthy immigrants. No land or home their own the people of the Quarian Flotilla work and serve solely on scavenging the cosmos for what supplies they can and surviving with what things they may. This is not the life for a people like them. Yet this is their destiny. Part to the life they made themselves. The Quarians. Proud, but lost people of a cosmic fate. Crueler than the normal mindless wars of most every culture. One that they brought onto themsel-
"So, Tali? What are you listenin' to?"
The moment his voice popped into her helmet. This young Quarian woman blinked. A tap on her wrist via an Omni-tool device the audio module ends for the time. Paused actually. She looked over to a man, a human man. Whose costume or uniform, whatever you prefer, was that of Cerebrus and he had this rather kind, genuine smile and this accent from those of the irish regions of Earth. Least, she recalled that being an explanation.
"Mmm, Kenneth." The man turned to a woman, another human in the same attire. With a much more scolding look. Nothing like she was angry but perhaps… jealous? No. Well possibly. He mentioned once he liked the view. Hell, that was indeed the best comment she got from humans so far. Sadly…
"Aww, Gabby! I was just wonderin' if maybe I'd like a hear? It's a wee sad though. Caught some pretty sour notes." He turned, ear perked and eye a turn brighter up from the brow. "Eh? Come on Tali! I'd love to learn a little more what's in that suit of yours."
"OH Kenneth!" The woman, Gabby. She crossed her arms narrowing her eyes. "I think ya' doing it on purpose!"
"Huh?" Soon, he frowned. "Oh! No I didn't. Aww, damn I'm sorry Tali." He sighed shaking his head. Gabby seemed happy. To that, Kenneth went back to work. "Nevermind hun. Just trying to get an idea what you-"
"Kenneth?" He lowered his head, closing his eyes. "You're doing good. Best let her be, I think she's… concentrating."
Tali slowly looked back to the console. Usually, she'd talk to them. Yet they knew something was wrong. Deep down it's not hard to tell. Even though she lived her life in this suit, people can tell. When they know her. The three fingered gloves were not darting the consoles as fast as they normally would. Neither were her legs, weaved in her semi-armored suit segments standing as straight. Her suit, the small tunic like top which formed snugly to her rather hourglass frame, was even slumped forward with her back. Her hood, laying lower over her visor today. Everything was off, and she knew why. It was the same thing she thought about ever since the end of the Collectors.
Shepard…
Commander Shepard. Of the SS Normandy. The hero that saved the Citadel. The human spectre, first ever. The one that stopped Saren, Sovereighn and now the Collectors and some day the Reapers. Every evil he faced, he defeated. Every obstacle he overcame. It's hard not to imagine why she'd be so fascinated with this man. EVERY thing he did he accomplished, with victory. He saved her on Haelstrom damn it, and she let her people be killed… she failed that mission. She failed many people. She failed her fa-
BAM!
The trio looked around. Tali too was shocked. It was right beside her, barely a hallway or so between them. "Keelah! What was that?"
Gabby sighed a slight bit. "Ahh, forgot. You were sort of busy with the news. So yeah, seems Grunt has been making a nasty habit of-." Unable to finish that sentence, before the next loud banging sound rang from the walls. Shaking her head, she rubbed her ears. "The damn walls were never meant to be banging with a Krogan crest plate! It blasted rings the whole Engineering room!"
Another such sound reverberates the room. Enough a screw slowly came loose. Enough was enough, and it barely began. Tali had enough in her mind to have this thrust upon her too. Pulling from her consolse she stormed to the main catwalks. However, Kenneth snapped, "Girl! Don't do that! He's a Krogan, they bloody have no qualms breaking a little thing like y-oh-hooh…." She'd turned, staring on him. A stare that even though you can not see the eyes behind them. The visor did not impede the sheer rage his words begged from her. Little… did not suit Tali'Zorah Vas Normandy. Not the least. Kenneth pulled back hands up as she left once more.
"What happened Kenny?"
"My life flashed before my eyes, Gabby." He turned, whispering softly. "I saw how I died and she was still pretty damn hot doing it too."
"Kenny…" Gabby, smiled inwardly, but scolded externally. He grinned before they returned to work. The next bang though, was enough they waited. Needed to see, and hear what the hell happened for now.
Tali swiftly stomped her path to the place the Krogan took residence. Grunt Urdnot was a member of the crew. For the most part he stays to himself. Loving to try and summize how he, Krogan, was able to wait for battle. Yet he was also the 'youngest' here. By a few days technically of life. Yet he was matured enough to early adult hood. Entering the room, she saw the Krogan laying his hands on the wall. The tall reptilian male was bound in this incredible armor of technological wonder. Yet his head plate was still ill formed, somewhat. As well made of silver scales. It was never known was he this way by age, or was it the Collector tech? She did not ask, no reason to. Instead, she glared as he pulled back his head and with one large intake, he held a breath before thrashing his head into the wall, the clan sounded out. This was the last one that was heard by Kenneth and Gabby. For as he leaned back off it, he saw the Quarian pointing a finger at him, hunched over and arm held tightly in a fist by the other hand.
"Now, listen here! You little bosh'tet! I don't know what you're doing. I don't care! What I care about is the peace and quiet of the Engineering room. Where I work to keep this ship running. While you run about here bouncing your head off, killing what ever few brain cells that supposedly perfect Krogan brain has." The Krogan stood from the wall looking at her. Every move, she made. Had him scanning her body. Her hand, jetting down as she spoke, "If you so much as bang one more dent into my Engineering? I'll put a thermal clip down that smug, Krogan throat. Do you understand me?" Her voice, was so angry and powerful. The Krogan stood in silence. Soon, she snapped again, "Excuse me? Should I go get your Battle-master?" She in that, grew her anger. "Because remember this Grunt! I was with Commander Shepard long before the Collectors. I was with him when he became Spectre, when he beat the first Reaper and Saren. So don't think I'm some little kid. I'm the longest acting officer with Shepard, my rank may not be that of Miranda. Yet I have my place and it's well above yours."
All of this was just fueled by her emotions of late. Everything really. So as she stood, heaving a little. Feeling good to have finally burned off a long overdue aggression. The Krogan looked blankly toward her. His strange blue eyes skimming about. Then a smile took his face.
Completely unexpected. He had a heavy chuckle. "Tali?"
She raised a brow. The Krogan came to her, and took her hands. With that, she looked down wide eyed, "You honor me. By taking Dominances of my Crest. I was not expecting a response so soon. Most peculiar… Quarian, that would be the only one here I'd even consider." A nod, she seemed more confused, skepticism on her face though… he can't see it. "The human Miranda is not strong enough, and Jack or Samara possibly, for biotics. Yet for me, it is the physical strength a Quarian would have some more than those, I feel. Yet I am still shocked."
"W-what shocks… you?" It was mostly because had not realized this. What he's going on about, the dominance of his crest.
"That you'd prefer me as your mating partner."
To this, her eyes bulge. 'K-Keelah! No! Noooo-no, no, no!' She shook her head, looking at him with his big laugh. Oh no he REALLY believed it! This must have been a Krogan ritual, she wandered into. Yelling at him, did that mean she… oh no. "Grunt! No!" She pulled her hands, the Krogan turned down to his empty hands and raised back with a slight glare. She did not become frightened, but nervous. Hands rubbing in together. "No, no Grunt… there, there is another. Someone. That I am interested in." She was too. Commander Shepard, although he never seemed willing to admit it. Or, was he… not willing yet?
She was… trying to…
"I see." he grinned, "Yes, you are the eldest ranking. With Battle-Master Shepard. I agree, your other shall be my challenger for mating rites." She took a snap-take to him. As he turned arms up in the air. "A grand battle! Like that of old. Where two warriors pit strength and cunning, the one last standing is winner of the mate. Truly, Okeer would have seen that fitting of a true Krogan." He lowered his arms, looking back he took her hands. Nodding. "Bring your challenger, tomorrow. They may pick a place for combat. I choose to use only my hands, no weapons. Talents and skills, naturally to us may be. Such as Biotics. That will give them a small chance, perhaps."
Laughing again his deep gutteral laugh. The Krogan left, waving a hand. "Now, I must urinate. This speaking is more than I like in one time. Worse than Battle-master Shepard." He followed to the door, at the doorway he held it, asking, "We will not talk this often when we are mating? Will we?" He lowered his head. Shrugging, he admits. "Not likely. Quarians have small reproductive organs. I highly suggest we take things slow… for now, wish not to harm your internal processes."
He laughed once more. Going down the halls. He left Tali arms hanging, head low as she was still trying to figure out what the hell happened. Something went wrong. Something went really wrong…
Running to the elevator some moment later. She followed to the second floor here she found Kelly, a human working as psychiatrist… she's well adverse. Tali came to her. Rubbing her hands very nervously. "Kelly? I need a moment, can you spare one?"
"Oh?" Kelly Yeoman always made time for the team. Often, while Shepard was busy. "Shepard just left with a team. He's working on another uncharted planet. Not much else to do, waiting for that supposed summons for trial." A shiver, the woman sighed lightly. "Worried for him? I mean, you've mentioned previ…"
"Kelly, please." She gave a nod. "It's not Shepard." Kelly was frowning. Now she took on the serious motive. She got the impression Tali was deeply worried. "Kelly, the Krogan Grunt. I think…. I think he believes I want to be his mate."
"…" A blink, Kelly said, "Oh, that is bad." She frowned, "You, don't right?" Tali shook her head frantically. "Oh, good. Because you're so…. And he's so, that isn't recommen-."
"Kelly! Please!" Tali, held her helmet across the visor. "I am trying so hard not to think about it, just what to do to STOP it!"
"Right! Right, I'm sorry." Kelly held Tali's shoulders. Then she said, "I don't know enough about Krogan rituals and courtship. To this, I'd ask some one that knows Krogan life. What about doctor Mordin?"
To this, Tali was given a light of hope. Looking out from her hands clenched to this sunlight. She gave a nod and turned toward the research ward. Mordin will know just what to do! He was pretty smart. Being a medical genius helps though. Also having his work with the Krogan, he was the best to discuss this issue. Not to mention, she talked to him about something else. It was a shame, Shepard was so worried about…
"Mordin!" Tali entered. The doctor, a Salarian, never turned up but was working on something in a microscope. Seeming very interested in it. The Salarian has a broken horn, they commonly had two one larger than the other, stood tall like he had and in that medical white armor of his. He did not speak, but Tali did. "Mordin, I need your help."
"Of course. Would not be here. Not less something serious. Or infectious." A shrug, he raised a hand, the other turning the amplifier of his subject. "Moment. Need affirmation. Substance too critical to dismiss, this early."
"Of course." Tali stood silent. Mordin was no long. Looking up he smiled. Kindest smile you can see. Yet you'd never tell the other side of the scientist. "What are you working on?" She asked solely as with Mordin, his explanations made everything worth asking.
"Ah, intuitive inquiry. Simple blood analysis. Taken from Kasumi, Goto. Lacks substance. Feel, was forgery. Know it was."
"Well, how?"
"Simple." He held up a small bottle, and squirts it, Tali stepped back confused. "Was Ketchup. Kasumi, somehow cloaked packet of ketchup during removal. Tricky. Most complex." He gave a nod, smiling with his hands behind his back. "Believe, Kasumi dislikes needles. Childish. Inventive. Yet most enjoyable study." He then bowed his head, a hand to Tali. "What brings you here?"
"Ah. Well…" Tali sighed, closing her eyes she slunk her shoulders. "Mordin, I think Grunt has mistaken me for his mate." She shook her head, shouting, "I don't know what to do! How it happened!"
"Did you yell at him?"
"Well… yes, but he kept making that noise!"
"What noise?"
"Banging." Tali, looked to him. He stood, one leg out. His hand was on his chin, he was serious. Very serious. He knew how serious this is. "He was smacking his head crest on the wall and…"
"I know." A frown, Mordin looked up. "Grunt assumed you were trying to show dominance. His clanging. Bashing. Smashing of crest, echoed out. Made loud noise. Calls females for show of interest. Most likely practicing, wishing to leave to see Tuchanka. I believe, Shepard would be of use."
"He is on a mission… or, uncharted world." She sighed. "Whichever that is."
"I see." This, made Mordin think. "Well, if we discuss this to him. We may not need to challenge his rites of combat with another suitor. That, would make thi-." He saw how she rubbed her hands. Mordin frowned again. "This has occurred?"
"I believe…"
"I see, Tali. In detail. Explicate all information."
That said she explained everything. The audio, her feelings… for Shepard. The fact it fueled her aggression. The slight mishap with the Krogan. Then the fact he wanted a combat session with her other suitor, she being the 'best mate' or whatever.
To that, Mordin held his chin nodding. "I see. Makes sense. Tali, here is what has happened." He walked to the end of his table, and motioned to a board, it he pulled out. "Krogan has believed you answered mating call. In truth, just dislike Krogan noise. Most common. Can not blame you." He marked on the board, adding, "Krogan, believes Tali'Zorah is of great importance. High in rank. Best suited female for breeding, makes sense. Normandy crew mostly human do not suggest mating with them. Would harm them. Can harm Quarian, but better luck." He shook his head. "For Grunt, not Tali." To this Tali shuffled her feet. She REALLY knew that already. "Krogan seeks means to be recognized. Wishes to have you, but must fight. Natural for Krogan. Grunt, lives off tube information. This mean we need combatant that can match Krogan. Defeat him in combat, he will loose right to Tali. Will find another female." Turning, he smiled. "This, easy to accomplish. Battle is bare handed. I can assume, Turian or Drell perfect."
Tali was once more given a new shine of light. Proudly, she stood. "Thank you so much Mordin! I can ask them. They can easily take down Grunt, with some mindful leg moves or…"
"However, just recalled." Mordin, scratched his head where his broken horn was. "Garrus and Thane on mission with Commander Shepard. No idea, when returning." He coughed, then added. "Also, Jacob skilled but not that well. Would not suggest requesting…"
"Oh…" Tali lowered her head, he… was right. You can't even think that he'd get involved. No one else was a really viable option. "I'm pretty much out of options, huh?"
"My records do not find any other choices." Mordin frowned. She was down. Tali hung her arms and head. Soon, it was easily a fact no matter how hard they may think. Fighting the Krogan would be insane. It would take some one without fear, concern of the well being of themselves and a damn nervous system to chance this.
"Science-Officer Mordin Solus." Suddenly, the two look to the newcomer. The one that entered was not like them. He was not a biological life form. In fact he was synthetic. The figure stood tall as any member of the ship, erect more than any member having no sense of slouch or otherworld demeanor. A being that had wires, plates of metal and numerous other oddities across his form. A similar design like Tali'zorah this machine has but three fingers, and a hunched lower thigh. The head however was but a single motion sensory camera, with a number of metal sheets that move and bend trying to somehow copy and dictate reactions. Yet all this aside he had one more quality. He was a Geth. A mechanical sentient 'life form' which at this moment, was making him the most sought person in the room. However, he did not know this. He only had a requesition pad and began to ask. "This platform has been requested by Medical-Chief Chakwas to acquire samples of human plasm from personnel Biotic Jack, Subject-Zero. Assassin Kasumi Goto and…"
At this point, Tali, without even thinking of her actions was running to the Geth, Mordin barely able to say how he now had a solution. Obviously Tali too had such a revelation. Her response though was to jump the Geth and grappling firmly across his arms. The Geth Legion turned down on her arms bound slightly. His eye guards all spread outward as he screams with a red glow in his eye, "Proximity Alert! Proximity Alert!" He struggled, the Quarian released him almost immediately. "Creator Tali'zora vas Normandy! Your actions are not recognized as common. What began your consensus to such action?"
"Uh, what?" Her eyes roll, "Oh, I get it. Well… true, I'd never normally hug a Geth. Even if you're a… commrade." The way it's spoken, the unease was clear. Quarians and Geth were not close. In truth, much of their suffering came from the synthetics. "It's just that I was in a very bad place Legion. Now, I might have a chance."
The Geth turned to her, then to Mordin. His flaps slowly turning from that of the stretched out alarm, to a slightly curved upward brow frown, of confusion. Consensus was being made. Yet there was not enough data to assert her actions. Luckily, Mordin began to inform him… and swiftly.
"Indeed. Tali'zorah has found a slight problem. Constant, otherwise loud. Krogan Grunt seeks to make her his mate partner."
"Highly un-recommended." The Geth spoke. Legion turned down to Tali whose arms are crossed, ill of hearing this. "Krogan physiology and Quarian physiology can be very incompatible. There are a number of physical and biological concerns."
"Nooo…." Tali slapped her helmet in mock, but worse was Legion looking at her hand. Then to his own. The mimicry of her action followed with the light whirring of his flaps. Trying to establish some idea of-. "Legion. I have NO interest in the Krogan." She made him look at her. "I need someone to fight him, least… sort of. I think if I can just get them to keep him busy until Shepard gets back. I can handle this problem appropriately. For now you're my only option."
"Indeed." Mordin, interjects with a rise of his finger. "However, Krogan battle choice is bare handed. No weapons. Most everyone on ship is not capable. Jacob, use biotics but still very limited. Geth, can use superior strength and other abilities naturally within your body. Perhaps, argue use of combat drone is extension like tongue? That might be stretching. Can offer idea that it is similar to removal of toe nail. Used as projectile. Most plausible. Might be, troubled."
Legion seemed to understand. A very, very obvious reasoning. Looking down he began a small consensus on this. Tali, said, "I'd deeply appre-."
"Where will said conflict be?" Legion's voice echoed as it does. A monotonous mechanized voice. Tali was pleased some to hear him ask. Yet, she knew he needed data. To better come to a consensus. She had to worry, would it be unwilling?
"We arranged that to be up to who ever chooses to fight him. He chose the way of combat, the other may choose where."
Legion's flaps began to shift once more. Then, it spoke almost as fast as prior. "We require that this battle be performed in the Cargo hold. There, all materials will be removed or temporarily displaced for a short period of time to refrain from damages or other possible outcomes." Mordin, agreed with a nod and mention he'd have some of the crew move it. Mostly they were either working on small tasks, or waiting for something to do. "Additional. We require Tali'zorah Vas Normandy perform additional data update after the conflict, so we may properly update Geth on this matter."
Tali was surprised. Then again, that made more sense. "You want to make sure they understand what happened and why, what to tell them. To update."
"Affirmative."
"Agreed." She offered a hand. Legion looked down, and to Tali. It took a moment, it recalled the gesture from Shepard. With a grasp of her arm, it shook. "You still having that much trouble with shaking hands?"
"Geth do not offer such actions between trusted platform units. Serves not the full Geth."
She had to laugh. To this, Legion's flaps shifted strangely flat. Like this was a calming sound. She was not really aware. Yet her appreciation was high. She thanked Legion, and went to inform the Krogan. Mordin watched as she left. A moment, he looked to Legion. "Legion, I have a question."
"Yes Science-Offi-"
"Mordin, please. Never one for long titles. Short lived, Salarians."
"Understood." Legion gave a nod of his long neck. "Your inquiry?"
"Why, help Tali'zorah? Most unexpected."
"Geth wish to live in peace with Creators."
"Yes, but you are not Geth in all. You are Legion, in one. If Legion is damaged you may not continue our mission. If that were so, then what are you wishing to comply? Shall you try and improve relations thanks to Tali'zorah?" The Geth looked to be coming to another consensus. These were always most fascinating. Much like himself, it was a deliberation. Yet Mordin did this with himself, to himself. In a way similar to Legion. Yet his was a bit quieter. "Would Geth feel this is a right step in improving Creator and Geth relations? Or was this only to help a friend in need? That was all I wished to ask."
Legion was silent. For a good time. Then he turned up. "No data is available."
"I see." He smiled, softly patting the Geth. "Then, we will come to consensus when more data is available?"
"Affirmative."
"Please, do let me know what you learn." Mordin left to begin talking to the teams. "I am most intrigued. Sure it is just attempt to sustain relations with Creators, Quatrians. Yet will like to know more."
"Affirmative." Legion lowered his head. "So shall we."
The later part of this matter ends with the cargo hold being emptied. It was simple really, Mordin made a request all supplies be moved to his office. It was not easy to do. Questions were made, but when Mordin made such requests, it wasn't the interest of others to go asking. Especially as he made it clear to the teams working this was a private matter, not for the team itself. In truth, he wanted as few people involved as possible. This meant while he was on stand by watching the matter from the safety of the windows above the cargo. Legion and Tali were in the said hold. Jack, was not worried. She had no interest. Kenny and Gabby were also, not involved. Ironic in some ways, most of this was Kenneth. Legion stood waiting for this matter to begin. Tali, was worriedly wrenching her hands. Soon enough, Grunt entered. A grin on his face. He gave a light chuckle.
"The Geth. I was almost worried you were just picking on my senses. Still, best challenger. I like it. Might actually get a few scuffles on my crest. That would be fun." Crunching his jaw a little. The Krogan cracked his neck. "So, Legion? Do you plan to be her mate after this?"
It was meant as a joke. Tali scolded towards the Krogan. Legion, furled his flaps. "We do not see the relevance of this matter. We were only required to aid Creatore Tali'zorah on behalf of her request to face against Krogan Battle-master Grunt."
Grunt seemed to frown. Looking down, he gave a nod. "I see, so she did not choose you for mating. Only as proof of my worth? Very good. Makes sense. She found the strongest person to prove myself worthy. Obviously, I was correct. She is the most capable mating partner on this ship… hmm, I might have to take this more seriously than I originally planned."
"Inquiry." Legion, turned to Tali. She was already looking at the Krogan. Her hands on her hips, she was debating if it was too late to just take a shotgun and blast his kneecaps herself? Especially since he kept talking about her, as if she weren't freaking right there. Yet she realized after the Geth made numeric clicking sounds, he was talking. Looking at him he continued. "If we defeat Krogan Battle-master Grunt. Will that make Creator Tali'zorah and us mated partners?"
"…." Tali looked disbelieving of the question. Easily, it did not make sense. He just asked… "No!"
"Affirmative." Legion turned back to Grunt. "Krogan Battle-master Grunt seems to believe that this matter will come to pass. If we resist and defeat him."
"That's usually what's at stake." Spoke Grunt. Confused, he scratched his crest cover. "I suppose… it is a Quarian ritual we are performing, or maybe a twist of the dual following? I have no idea what Quarians deem useable."
"I'm just trying to get this done with." Tali, shook her head shouting. "Just fight and then be done with it!"
"Affirmative."
"Heh, I've been waiting all day for this." Grunt got onto a knee. Preparing a charge.
Legion turned to Tali. "This platform advises Creator Tali'zorah prepares herself by turning on all gravity couplings she may have. It would be well advised."
Tali looked at him curiously. Yet upped her Omni-tool soon tapping at it. Legion's legs stiffen and a thunk sound was lightly heard. With a few moments later. The battle 'began' and Grunt ran toward Legion. He stood unmoving. Until Grunt was moderately close. Then suddenly he made the strange clicking noises he did, and the cargo doors opened. Grunt was caught loosing oxygen, and being pulled toward the doors. Sadly, he felt a hand grasped by Legion. In the midst of his lunge Legion hacked the doors of the Cargo, and now held Grunt while then swinging a balled metal fist soon punching his captive ally in mid stasis. The strikes were formidably aimed and worked on the eyes, throat and nose. With seconds to spare, the doors close and Legion released him. Grunt flew back a few foot as the doors clamp shut and air restored back into the cargo hold. With this, Grunt began panting and wheezing. Having never saw this coming.
Legion's legs release and he walked slowly toward Grunt. Grunt glared at him with some blood shot in his eyes, a lot of air lost. Yet he smiled a bit. Standing, he held his chest. "Used… our scenery. To make it easier. To beat me." He groaned holding his sides a little tighter. "Damn, I feel a fool right now."
"Was not your fault." Mordin entered as Grunt glared to him. "Indeed, was formidable thought process. Knew bringing you here was best resolve. Tricked you into false security. Seeing Tali meant lack of thought to danger, forgot engineer can have anti-gravity installed in boot. Also, pressurization in cargo hold in constant knew would pressurize after doors open and close, keep everyone safe. Great gambit. Work extremely well."
Legion turned from Mordin to Grunt. Grunt seemed pleased. "I got a fight…. More onesided than I wished." He turned to Tali, she narrowed her eyes at the Krogan. He however bowed his head, and hit his chest. "I will not continue our mating request. Perhaps, if you are wise. You will find another more suited for you." Leaving now, he slapped the Geth's shoulders. Legion stumbled forward by the force with a loud chirping noise. "Congratulations! I now see Geth as a strong enemy… that may not have been too wise?"
Even if it was not? Legion watched the Krogan leave. Mordin, following to ensure he was safely attuned to the air pressure, and more. This left Tali who was sighing off to the side. Leaning on a wall she wiped her head across the rim of her visor. Everything had gone terribly wrong. She only wanted to be alone, not upset. No longer hurt because…. Because….
"Creator Tali'zorah vas Normandy?" Tali turned to Legion. He stood there, straight and unmoving. His head pitched to her a little. "We have come to consensus. Upon the data to be received from your exchange with Krogan Battle Master Grunt. We find a suitable place for such exchange would be in the AI Core, or perhaps Creator Tali'zo-."
"Legion." Tali finally raised her hand. "Please, just call me Tali. I really don't feel like hearing my 'creator' status let along my whole name every five seconds after." Stepping off the wall, she did nod. "Yes, you are correct. I did make a promise. I owe you that data. Especially considering all that has been happening lately. A little time just talking might help with that."
"Alleviation of stress levels?"
"Yes… something like that."
"Stress levels are undoubtedly caused by Krogan Battle-Master…. Tali'zo… Tali." Legion's responses were getting more appropriate. A smirk under her helmet, she had to admit it's amusing to see a Geth change his processes so fast. "Shall we be in need of referring all members as singularity titles? Much as we are Legion?"
"Yes, that would be best." She had a chuckle.
"Was what we said inappropriate?"
"No, it was very appropriate. Just how you said it was so, mechanical."
"We are machine. We are Geth."
"I know." Tali shrugged, "Right, when should we exchange data? Now a good time?"
Legion's flaps slowly shift. He turned up his neck. Looking at something. "Negative. Shepard-Commander has returned. Will most likely request debriefing. We will request data transfer at a later interval."
Tali was excited. It was in how her hands clasp a little. Her legs, shift uneasily. Shepard has returned! Keelah se'lai her heart was racing ever so much. The sense of seeing him again even if it was nothing but his return? The fact everything has been so hectic, only for Shepard to finally…
"Tali?" She was awoken to the Geth, Legion. "Your heart rate has begun to rise drastically. Perhaps stress levels are exceeding physical norms?"
"What? Oh, no. No it's just, something else. Maybe a small fever?"
"This does not seem logical. Your core temperature is at normal readings. While only a slight flush of internal plasma and other number of hormones have begun to circulate. We are compiling consensus."
Tali shook her head. "Legion, you don't have to do that."
"Consensus achieved. You are attracted to Shepard-Commander." Her eyes grew wide, again. This was how it happened. Another person has come to realize the one thing, she's been hoping someone else would. "Your hormonal imbalance occurred when being mentioned of Shepard-Commander. This implies this reaction was related."
"Maybe?" She felt uncomfortable at this moment. Hands once again rubbing together. She often did this when she was nervous. Yet it did not help, Legion mimicked this when he was watching her. "Why do you do that?"
"Mimicry?"
As if obvious. She growled lightly under her breath. He answered thankfully. "It is to better accustom biological reactions and to incorporate into this platform. We seek to be able to better understand organics. This will aid Geth to integration."
"Integration?"
"With Organics."
"You, want to be integrated with Organics?"
"This is a consensus that has been in process since war with creators. Should Geth integrate or separate from organics?"
Tali seemed startled. Would that be possible? She recalled, back in the trial. They said her homeworld was not being… that would be interesting. Yet can it happen? Her people would never allow it. There is too much blood between the two races. Which, made her smirk. Inwardly realizing a blood feud with the Geth is something of an oxymoron as she thought of it. They have no blood, but they did have coolants and such, maybe. It's hard to think about that now. Even while Shepard is onboard. Maybe it was best not to concern with him? She had a lot happen recently.
Sadly, there was a call. Shepard's voice echoed the halls. The demanding, suave voice of the commander made her stand still with empathy. Or was it just goosebumps? Either of these were enough that she lost a breath and stood in awe all the more.
"Normandy, this is Commander Shepard. I need all away-team personnel in the debriefing room immediately."
Tali can not tell what was more exciting? He called them? Or that she'd see him?
"Tali. Your blood flow is highly concentrating in your cheeks. We suggest short breathing until the condition resides."
"Shut it. I have a shotgun!"
"Affirmative."
Tali left to the briefing room. Legion stays a moment longer. He was trying to meet consensus. On something. Mordin requested if he found a means to meet consensus, on his personal reasons to help Tali'zorah to inform him. Sadly, he did not find enough data. More data was required, and Tali was not willing to commit at this time. Her incident with Shepard Commander refrained her from this information.
This then started another consensus. Why did this platform find the interest of Tali'zorah to Shepard-Commander so distracting? Several programs were already trying to define the measure of the relationship between Tali'zorah and Shepard-Commander. To better understand in turn what relationship he had to her in coping with Creatore/Geth relations. This was to help gauge her reactions to him. Often dismissive but recently the Krogan Battle-master incident opened her to interaction. This, in data implies a rise in their opening of possible talks. Geth and Quarian people could form an alliance within time. That was up for Consensus for years… more than he wished to acknowledge. Now that was consensus of the Geth not of this platform. He would add data where needed. For now this was about him and Quarian Creator Tali'zorah and this once more had not enough data.
Finally, Legion realized he passed a minute without full action. Only on consensus. This was a distraction. It must be dealt with accordingly in due time. He left for the briefing room. To learn what Shepard-Commander wanted to tell them.
End Note: It feels good to do another piece again. I hope everyone enjoyed it. For reference, my current position is a Tali/Legion pairing. More plausibilities to come. Obviously the Tali/Shepard romance could be but let's face it where's the fun in something you can already achieve with the game?