Yeah, I'm alive. Sorry to disappoint some of you.
I'm sorry I haven't uploaded in forever guys. This chapter was hell to write. Also, school started up again, and I got GIRLFRIEND! (Bragging. I know I DON'T CARE) Her name is Ash, and I like her, and she reads my stories. So chances are that some of the - scenes will be based off of our -. LOOK FOWARD TO NEW CHAPTERS ALL ACROSS MY STORIES!
Preparations for the trip went smoothly, mainly because of Shepard's determination for this to work. Kasumi had agreed without question when asked to accompany Tali and 23, while Zaeed required some persuasion. This "persuasion" came in the form of full access to the lounge bar inventory when they returned. However, 23 figured that the old mercenary was just acting up. He displayed more care for Tali than most other people, probably from the simple innocence she displayed towards him occasionally.
After venturing through the Mass Relay and entering the Valhalla Threshold, the four specialists entered the Kodiak without trouble, preparing for the long flight to the Migrant Fleet. Thankfully the ship had been outfitted with two small space cots, which would allow them to sleep in shifts, except for 23, who didn't require sleep. He did request that he be allowed to bring a medium sized tank of water for recharge if necessary. Finally, the shuttle departed, leaving the Normandy behind.
From the bridge, Shepard and Garrus watched the shuttle embark. After making sure it cleared the ship far enough, Alicia turned to Garrus, who was already looking strained. If they didn't make it to the Citadel soon, he might lose Fade, and by default, Sidonis. Shepard wasn't going to let that happen. The Normandy turned, shooting back through the relay, headed on a warpath for the Prothean superstructure.
Tali and Kasumi watched the frigate disappear from view, the flash of blue leaving the two of them impressed.
"Well, that's it. We're on our own. Lets get you to the fleet."
Tali nodded, turning back to the controls. She had studied the mechanics of the craft before, which allowed her to navigate the shuttle easily. Kasumi remained quiet, a small smile playing on her lips. Tali was focused, and she wouldn't shatter that calm. She had enough to worry about right now, and perhaps burying herself with piloting was the best course of action.
Meanwhile, the battle raging in Tali's head was far from calm. A mixture of emotions battled for control, along with her mind trying to distract her from the panicked sensation that was slowly starting to creep on her. It didn't matter that she had mentally checked her actions in regards to the fleet. She knew they wouldn't put her up on trial if they weren't absolutely sure. The frustration built, as her mind pushed even further to find some possible reason.
-Maybe I did something wrong on Haestrom? But Shepard helped! We saved lives, along with the data-
Her mind shifted back to Freedom's Progress. Veetor had survived, and provided valuable information on the Collectors. Perhaps it was the loss of her squad? It was plausible. The other Quarian squad assisting them did support her official statement though.
-I don't know what it is or could be…We need to get there fast-
Setting her mind back to piloting, Tali felt a stronger sense of determination take hold. Whatever it was, she would deal with it when it arose.
The Normandy glided into the Citadel dock with ease, creating a contrasting atmosphere between the outside and inside of the warship. Shepard was standing in the CIC, ready to move out when Garrus arrived. Her mind was wondering, as it usually did before missions. It helped her remain calm.
-I haven't seen him since we separated with Tali. Has he been locked in the forward batteries the entire time?-
The reality of what Garrus was after had started to sink into Alicia's mind. Sidonis had killed the Turian's squad on Omega, which made any attempt at revenge understandable. Alicia still carried a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. From what she had seen, this wasn't the usual song and dance.
Garrus had appeared to be possessed about finding this man, similar to what 23 displayed when they had first met. While his reasons were justified, it didn't really seem like a good thing for his mental health. The same could be said for Garrus, who had seen far less affairs in his life.
The sound of an elevator arriving caught her attention. Turning, she spotted the door opening, revealing that familiar blue armor, along with the comforting sight of seeing it. The look of determination, and what appeared to be unbridled rage, was new. Spotting Shepard, Garrus walked briskly to her, opening his mouth to speak.
"I'm ready to head out. Let's move."
Shepard held a hand up.
"Wait, you just want it to be you and me? We can take someone else if you want."
Garrus shook his head, an impatient look playing on his face.
"There's no time. I can't risk losing this lead. We'll get the job done."
He started to walk past her.
"Just like we always used to."
It was a simple, friendly comment, but in the current situation, it was electrified, as if he expected so much more than what his words implied.
Shepard sighed, walking next to him. They had to head out to meet Fade. Hopefully she could find someway to make Garrus calm enough to work things out peacefully. If only he was so willing…
The airlock to the Alarei opened. Tali's feet carried her past the dead Quarian in the hall. She fought a small burst of panic, but when her suit interface identified the body, she relaxed. 23 was right behind her, water forming the two javelins on his arms already. Approaching the actual entrance to the ship, Tali glanced back at her three squad members, all of who gave a nod that they were ready. Unlocking the door, they went in with guns blazing.
The first Geth noticed Tali first, who walked forward, shotgun out. The blast ripped through it's chest piece, causing a burst of electrical sparks to extinguish it's power. The other two turned, opening fire on the squad. 23 leaped into action, launching a spear through the left shoulder of one. He followed up the sequence with a quick roll over the counter they were taking cover by, and grabbed the impaled weapon harshly. Pulling, he ripped the blade from the machine and whirled around, striking the Geth hard. The ice shattered, as well as did the armor surrounding his enemy's head. Next, he turned, throwing a ball of water at the next target,
The liquid hit the Geth in the torso, freezing the motors surrounding it's joints. Zaeed leveled his rifle at the disabled target, opening fire. The exoskeleton guarding the machine splintered under the heavy assault, and it eventually dropping to the ground motionless. The squad started to lower their weapons, while 23 walked around the table when the sound of a shotgun blast sounded.
The slug took 23 off his feet, sending him flying onto the table. Tali, sensing where the round had come from, fired her pistol in the general direction. Immediately the Hunter's cloaking device shorted, allowing Zaeed and Kasumi to focus their fire. Under the sustained assault, the combatant folded over, the loud electrical screech silenced.
Cole pushed himself up from the table, his ice already flowing back into the craters of the bullet holes in his armor.
-Damn thing chipped the ice off the block-
He turned to Tali, who was watching him with an air of worry.
"I'm alright. Now that I know what to expect, I'll be more aware."
She nodded, and they started to walk into the next room.
"We have to be careful. They could be hiding anywhere."
The assassin noticed a tone of urgency in Tali's voice. It sounded as if she was trying to hide it.
"I don't want to waste time though. I…There could still be survivors."
"Tali."
She turned to look at 23, who was staring at her from behind his black mask. He had decided to wear it on missions now, only opting to reveal his face on the Normandy. In his hands were dual machine pistols. He carefully loaded them, yet it appeared that his attention was more on his words.
"You search for evidence. I'll go ahead and clear the rest of the ship. If you run into any issues, Kasumi and Zaeed can help."
At this, Tali felt a strong burst of emotion break through. She didn't need protection! It hurt that he thought she was so incompetent.
"No, 23. We work through together. My evidence is the second priority."
Cole opened his mouth to object, but held his tongue. It was her mission, and right now, she was determined to find her father. 23 was sure that if he impeded her in any way, it would end with a shotgun blast to the face on his end.
"Then let's go."
The squad continued on, much to the desire of Tali.
-I'll find you father. Just a little longer-
23 sliced through the air, his fist landing against the Geth's chest-plate. As soon as his hand made contact, his blade ejected, spearing into the cold metal circuits. Jerking his weapon upwards, he sliced through the connective exoskeleton, essentially gutting the machine. To his left, Kasumi planted a firm kick to the leg of another Geth, making it stumble towards the ground. Reaching her SMG under the head-plate, she jammed it pointing up, releasing a torrent of shots. The Geth's head, effectively decapitated, fell to the ground, a few wires as the only connective tissue.
"Clear!"
23 moved down the stairs, making his way towards the locked door. Tali was still in the previous room, her eyes scanning for tapes of her father escaping. Lost deep in thought, her mind worked it's way back to her fondest memory of her father.
The small workroom was crowded with machinery, making the cramped space even more difficult for the two Quarians to work in. Tali'Zorah watched with deep fascination as her father placed the electronic circuit within the gravitational unit. Upon completing the nerve-inducing task, he turned to his daughter, and with a tone that gave away a smile, his accent gave a tired account.
"There. That wasn't as bad as we thought now, was it?"
Tali nodded, eager eyes behind the purple visor. Rael'Zorah chuckled at the sight, standing from his seated position.
"Now it's your turn."
The young girl stood up quickly, her apprehension to the difficult task apparent in her stance.
"Are…Are you sure? I mean, what if I make a mistake? I don't want to-"
Rael placed a hand on his daughters shoulder, guiding her to the chair.
"You'll do fine, Tali'Zorah. You're good with tech. If I didn't think you couldn't do it, I wouldn't make you."
Staring at the seemingly impossible task, Tali immediately worried. Taking the tools in her hand, she carefully started the tedious task of beginning the rest of the repairs. The entire time, her father sat patiently, watching for any mistakes she could make. Upon finishing her job, she turned to him, looking for approval.
Standing, he walked over to the gravitational unit. His eyes quickly flitted over the machinery. After a short while, he raised his head, nodding slightly.
"Well done. You've preformed exceptionally."
She grinned behind the mask, leaping out of her chair and hugging her father as hard as she could. He patted her on the back, turning for them to leave the room.
"Let's get back to our room. I'm sure mother has food ready."
They left the cramped workshop, the gravitational unit humming slightly.
Tali sighed, the painful spasm in her chest growing stronger.
It had been so much easier back then. Her father wasn't so worried, and her mother was-
The sound of a gunshot was heard, followed by 23's yell.
"Tali! Get down here!"
Her heat nearly stopped as she ran out and around the corner. She sprinted down the stairs, spotting 23 leaning next to-
"Father!"
She fell to the ground next to him, her visor leaning over his. Cole rolled back on his heels, giving her the space she needed. The injured Quarian coughed violently as Tali gently lifted his head up, allowing him to breathe easier. 23 was startled by her voice.
"Check his wounds. He must have….He might not make it if we don't sterilize the…The…"
23 leaned over Rael, placing his hands onto the bloodied fabric. Looking up, he almost caught sight of Tali's panicked face. He spoke in as relaxing a tone as he could achieve.
"Hey, he'll be fine. He managed to shoot me, so he's tougher than he looks."
Tali nodded vigorously. Her father's coughing fit hadn't ended, but the sound of footsteps approaching from behind alerted Tali to the arrival of Zaeed and Kasumi. 23 took action here, figuring that Tali needed to focus on her father, instead of the remaining Geth.
"Kasumi, you and Zaeed go on. Take out the rest of them."
The thief nodded, stepping past the injured man and walking up the stairs behind him. Zaeed quickly followed behind. Tali didn't notice, as she was too busy preparing dressings for the gunshot. She was so focused in her work, she didn't notice her shaking hands, which made the task slightly more time consuming. Attempting to compose herself, she moved slower so as not to make a mistake. She was almost ready to start wrapping him, when something grabbed her wrist.
Looking up at the bloody hang clutching hers, she brought her eyes further up. She found Rael staring back at her, his silver orbs just as familiar to her as ever. He coughed once more, attempting to speak. Finally, his lungs were clear, and he took a deep rasping breath before speaking.
"Tali'Zorah…Why are you here?"
She had to fight to keep her voice steady as she took his hand, squeezing it tightly. 23 took the bandages, applying them as best he could. The blood covered his armor, yet he worked past it like it didn't exist.
"I came to find you, father….The admirals…they…The Geth took the ship, and they thought I had something to do with it. I hurried, so I could get to you before….before…."
Her voice cut softly, as she gazed at him. Behind her mask, a tear started to slide down her cheek. Rael waited, then started to speak, his strong Quarian accent enhancing the words.
"It was my fault. What happened on this ship was our own doing. We thought we could control the Geth networking system, yet…We were unsuccessful."
He coughed violently once again. Tali leaned him up just slightly, allowing Cole to continue dressing the gunshot.
"It's a disaster…What we've done….Well, we knew the risks."
He reached upwards with his other hand, activating his datapad.
"Here. You'll need this to access the mainframe. Take the recordings. They'll prove your innocence. I worried about this coming back to you. I'm so sorry, my child."
She started to protest, when he cut her off. Even in his weakened state, his voice sounded commanding and protective.
"I don't want you to be punished for something you did not do. They won't believe you without it."
She found her voice, speaking against his logic.
"Father, please! We'll get you back to the fleet, and you can explain. You'll be welcomed with open arms."
At this statement, Rael's eyes grew tired, and he leaned against the cold metal floor. His voice carried his sadness, and his grip grew tighter around Tali's hand.
"Tali'Zorah….Tali..."
At this, she perked up. He never called her that.
"Do you remember when your mother died, and how angry you were? How much you wanted a reason why it had to happen?"
Tali nodded mutely, every bit of her attention focused on her father.
"In this world…In this life, you cannot always have the answers. I could never answer your questions about mother's death. Some things are unknowable, and will always be. But I do want you to know this."
He leaned up to her. She didn't want to hear the words. Involuntarily, she closed her eyes. The tears escaped regardless.
"I love you, Tali, more than you can imagine. You cannot comprehend how proud I am of you. I was not the father you deserved, and in my foolishness, I thought I could make that up with a home on our planet."
Tali's gave a small, quiet sob. It was now obvious that she was crying, and she felt a small release of anger at herself for seeming so pathetic.
"I only wish I could remedy the mistakes I made."
She opened her eyes again, staring at him with a strong gaze.
"Father…You're going to be ok. Don't sound so defeated."
It was obvious in Rael's eyes that he was smiling at her.
"Tali…."
She turned to 23, hoping for evidence of her father's survival.
"23! Tell him he'll be fine. Tell him how we'll get him back, and he's just being…"
The words died as she looked at 23. His mask was off, and the red blood covered sections of his armor. His eyes gave it away. In the back of Tali's mind, she wanted him to keep quiet, but she already knew what he was going to say.
"Tali…He…I'm sorry, but…I can't tell him that."
It hit her hard.
"What? No! Your…Your armor...On Adrun, you saved me! Why not him?"
He lowered his head, shaking it slowly.
"It's not the infection. He has massive internal bleeding. At most, he's got….well…"
Standing up, he stepped back a few feet, giving her room to grieve.
"Just say everything you want to. Everything."
-No. No no no no no. Why? What did I do to have this…I can't lose him! I can't! He's the only one I have. He's all that…no….-
"Tali…"
He gazed at her with a loving look. Her tears were flowing consistently now.
"Please….For me, do one thing. Only one thing."
She nodded before he finished, ready to do whatever he wanted.
"Take off my mask."
Immediately, 23 turned away, leaving the two alone. This was a family matter. Reaching for his mask, Tali realized this would be the last time she would have the opportunity to tell her father. As she unclasped the seals, the words slipped out.
"I love you, father."
The mask depressurized, revealing her father's face. The first time she saw it would also be the last.
" I love you, Tali. Thank you."
His hand went limp.
New chapter is going to be amaaaaaazing. AMAZING.
