Disclaimer: (Forgot one last time) I do not own Mass Effect or any other characters therein.
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"Tali." The word was spoken directly into the Quarian's ear and she almost yelped in surprise. She had been so engrossed in her work, she had completely missed the soft blue light of her heads-up display indicating she had an incoming vox-message. Tal quickly finished entering a new line of programming code into the engineering console she was stationed at and blinked at the 'receive' icon in her helmet. A still image from a dossier popped up; a smooth blue face with eyes too hard and old for such youthful features.
"Liara?" Tali asked, surprised. The Asari scientist turned Shadow Broker was not on the best of terms with Tali'Zorah. The Quarian had always considered her a threat for Shepard's affections, and the rumor mill from the original Normandy was that the two had had a fling of sorts. Shepard denied it of course, and Tali couldn't work up the courage to ask Liara. Part of her didn't want to know if the beautiful Asari had melded with Shepard. It struck a bitter chord in Tali's stomach; all things being equal, Liara could easily steal Shepard away. She was smart, caring, gorgeous and more important she wasn't trapped in a rubber and synthetic weave suit. Liara was confident and menacing; her friends respected her and her enemies feared her. She was everything Tali wished she could be. The perfect woman for Shepard.
When Tali spoke again, her voice carried the unmistakable tone of guarded reluctance, "What can I do for you?"
"If you're free at the moment, I would like to see you in my office." Liara's raspy voice replied. Either she was unaware of Tali's resentment or worse didn't consider her a legitimate threat, "I have some things I wish to discuss."
"I well…" Tali looked around at her work station, searching for any reason to ignore the summons. A thought crept into her mind; what would Shepard do? Tali smiled. He faced down every horror the Galaxy threw at him. So the least she could do was talk with Liara for a few minutes, "I'll be right up."
"Thank you." The line went dead. Tali sighed. Liara's time as an information broker had made her already stunted interpersonal skills clipped and bordering on rude. As far as Tali cared though, the less time she spent with Liara the better. If the Asari could condense a five-minute conversation to a thirty second monologue, all the better. It meant that when Shepard did his daily rounds, he wasn't in Liara's office long…with the door closed…and soundproof walls…and…and….
Tali pushed the familiar line of reasoning aside. Shepard had been nothing but loyal to her. On the first Normandy she had been an actual part of his crew, not some pesky Quarian rodent to be shuffled into the corner. Shepard had been the one to invite Tail to the squad's weekly poker games, and it had been Shepard who had taught her how to play the human card game. He had held her close when her father died, defended Tali's reputation at her trial, and waited patiently for weeks while Tali worked up the nerve to go to his cabin for her first intimate experience. He had kept his promise of returning Rannoch to the Quarians. He had waited months just to see her face again. He was everything to Tali; how could she doubt him even if Liara was on the same ship again?
"I'm going up to the crew decks for a few minutes." Tali said to her fellow engineers. Adams looked up and nodded before going back to his works. Tali was glad the old grease monkey was on the Normandy again. Somehow she slept better knowing Chief Engineer Adams was keeping the Normandy afloat.
"Sure thing Tali." Gabby said with a smile.
"Can ya' get me a steak while ya' up there?" Ken asked. A second later a datapad smacked the side of his head, "OW! Damn woman, I was just askin'."
"Keep quiet." Gabby hissed at him. Adam gave a very audible sigh and rubbed his eyes. The two other engineers quickly returned to their work, their eyes never rising about the computer consoles. Tali rolled her eyes. Part of missed being the chief engineer, but the other part was relieved she didn't have to keep Ken and Gabby in line.
Tali left the engine room quickly and made her way to the elevator. Her mind raced as she tried to think of what Liara wanted. Tali bounced on her heels as she waited for the elevator. She glanced down the hall at Javik's room and felt a blush kiss her cheeks. Apparently she had called the Prothean the night she and Shepard had gotten drunk in the lounge. Shepard called it a 'drunk dial'. The phrase made her giggle every time; it just sounded so silly. Worse yet, she had been in Shepard's cabin during the call while Shepard was showering. Tali doubted Javik could tell, but she had been completely naked in Shepard's bed during their conversation. For the first time since meeting the Prothean, Tali was glad he didn't seem to care about almost anything. She would apologize one day…when she could work up the courage…
The elevator chimed as it reached her floor and Tali quickly shuffled in as if afraid the Prothean would emerge from his room at any moment. Tali eyed the button that would lead to Shepard's cabin and part of her just wanted to push it. She knew Shepard was going over reports from the war, and he would be spending a lot of time in the War room later. Tali doubted she could convince him to put his work down for thirty minutes or so but she knew it would be cruel to try. They were together at night, in the mornings and whenever they could scrounge free time during the day. Until the Reapers were gone that would be enough. She had her whole life to look forward to. A life with Shepard, her bond-mate and a home on Rannoch. It was worth a few hours apart on the Normandy.
Tali pushed the button for deck three and the elevator smoothly and quickly rose. She opened up her omni-tool and sent a quick message to Shepard asking when he thought he would be free for the night. It chimed again and the door opened. Tali stepped into the hall, eyes on the orange glow of her omni-tool. She collided with something hard and stumbled into the wall.
"Whoa there." A hard, gravelly voice called out. Tali looked up at the smirking face of her Turian squad mate.
"Garrus." Tali said, happy to see her long time friend. The Turian gave his approximation of a smile.
"Tali, good to see you." He said in his craggy voice, "I was just about to get something to eat. Care to join me?"
"I'd like to, but I…" She wrung her hands together, "I have a meeting with Liara." Garrus gave her a leveled stare and clicked his peak.
"You two place nice." He said simply, "I would hate for Shepard to break up a cat-fight this close to the Reapers."
"I have no reason to fight with Liara." Tali said as much to herself as Garrus, "John loves me. I know he does."
"So its John now, is it?" Garrus smirked. Tali blushed. She had told herself she would keep it professional when not in the Commander's cabin.
"I'll see you later Garrus." She said and quickly tried to walk away. Garrus laughed.
"I'm still waiting on you getting me a new gun, by the way!" He called after her. Tali spun gracefully, a playful smirk hiding under her mask.
"I'd love to Garrus, but I'm afraid Shepard is the only man who can handle anything I can give." She teased. Garrus clicked again.
"I'll have to ask Shepard about that." Garrus said after a moment, "Maybe even share the details with Joker."
"Do and I'll add more scars to your face." Tali said, eyes narrowed. The entire crew knew of her and Shepard, but there were some details about their love life that were not for sharing. Even back on the Normandy SRII, Tali had taken extreme precautions when Kasumi was nowhere to be seen. She knew her thief friend would never endanger her immune system, but a spy-drone in Shepard's cabin was not unheard of. Most of the Galaxy wanted to know what Quarian's looked like, mostly to see if they were ugly; one more reason to hate Quarians. Kasumi on the other hand was simply curious and in desperate need of a reason to tease Tali more than she already did. Tali turned from Garrus and shook her head.
"Make you a deal; gun for Turian chocolate." Garrus offered. Tali stopped dead in her tracks and spun around sharply.
"You have more?" She almost pleaded. Garrus smirked.
"I might have a few bars left." He said casually and crossed his arms over his chest, "Make those modifications to my rifle's infrared sights and auto-target system and I might be able to part with a few."
"I'll have it done by the morning." Tali said instantly, her desire for the sweet treats almost answering for her.
"See you later Tali." Garrus laughed and rounded the corner to the mess hall. Tali stood in the hallway for a moment wringing her hands together. It was her nervous habit, once criticized by her father, now considered endearing by her human lover. Tali remembered her days on the first Normandy; Garrus had always laughed when she wrung her hands together, and Ashley Williams had said it made her look like a worried 'squirrel'…whatever that was.
Thinking of those days darkened Tali's mood. Ashley Williams was long dead; vaporized to atoms on Virmire. And Garrus…he was still Tali's closest friend, but there was a darkness in his eyes now. It was as if Garrus was always on the verge of a berserk furry and only his daily talks with Shepard or Tali herself kept the madness away.
Tali pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind. After she was done with Liara she had a rifle to mod in the armory. The sooner Liara had said what she wanted the better. Tali strode over to the Asari's office and paused outside the door. She bounced a few times on her heels to dispel some of her anxiety and knocked softly.
The light on the door turned green, indicating it was unlocked and Liara was ready for someone to enter. Tali took a deep breath and opened the door. The room was cluttered with computers, information crystals and wires. Instantly Tali's obsession with technology took over and her eyes darted across the floor as her mind mentally rewired and reworked the room. She could see at least two redundant surge protectors and a dozen wire access ports that needed to be tightened. And one of Liara's computers had a connection problem that caused it to flicker slightly every few seconds. Tali noticed all this in the time it took her to step into the room and for the door to swoosh closed behind her.
"Liara." Tali said carefully. The Asari looked up from the display of computers and offered a smile.
"Tali, thank you for coming." Liara said and quickly walked over to her bed. Tali noticed the bed was easily as big as the one in Shepard's cabin and had more than enough room for two occupants.
"What's this about, Liara?" Tali asked with more force than she meant. Liara returned with a black box in her hands.
"No need to sound so defensive, Tali." Liara cooed, "We're friends are we not? We've known each other for as long as we've known Shepard."
"I've known him longer." Tali deadpanned. Liara smirked.
"By a week, yes." Liara paused as if considering her words carefully, "I visited Shepard in his cabin last night."
"…You what?" Tali asked, body stiff and hands palled into fists. Why had she left her shotgun in the armory? Her blood boiled in her suit and she was sure her eyes were glowing an infernal red.
"Tali, it's not what you think. We-"
"I knew I should never have trusted you!" Tali snarled, "How could you Liara? Wait until I get my hands on Shepard. If he thinks the Reapers are bad, I'll-"
"Enough!" Liara s bellowed and her hands surging with biotic energy. Tali froze but every nerve in her body was stretched to the breaking point. Liara was now a true threat to her and she needed to treat her as such.
"Shepard is my friend and your lover; you will not disrespect him by jumping to conclusions." Liara said firmly. Tali was taken aback but stood her ground, eyes narrowed.
"Jumping to conclusions?" She hissed between her teeth, "You just said-"
"I said I visited him in his cabin." Liara said and softened, "I wanted to talk to him. Do you really think I would try to steal John from you?"
Tali took a long moment to answer, weighing the responses. She decided with the shortest and most honest, "Yes."
"Well at least you're honest." Liara smirked but there was no humor in her eyes. When she spoke again, Liara's voice was softer and carried a trace of sympathy, "I appreciate that you feel like you need to…protect Shepard from some of the more bold members of our crew, but I assure you I have no interest in being with Shepard."
"I'm trapped inside a suit, Liara." Tali said darkly, "Literally any other woman would be a better choice."
"It must be exhausting looking over your shoulder and only seeing enemies in the other female crew members." Liara said and sat down at her desk. She motioned to Tali to take the other seat. The Quarian was reluctant at first but obliged.
"Not enemies." Tali said defensively, "The Reapers are enemies. Cerberus is an enemy. The Geth were enemies. People like Miranda Lawson or Jack were not my enemies. I even consider Jack a friend of sorts…but they were still…"
"Competition?" Liara raised an eyebrow and grinned knowingly.
"…yes." Tali said and hung her head slightly.
"Miranda Lawson is the perfect human female, Tali." Liara said, "She was designed on a genetic level to be faster, stronger, smarter and more attractive than any other human woman. And yet…" Liara smiled, "Shepard still chose you."
"Perhaps." Tali said with a growing smile.
"'perhaps'." Liara echoed and chuckled, "Did Shepard ever tell you what happened the night before Ilos?"
"He…" Tali felt her blood drain from her face and suddenly she felt very cold. Her stomach felt tied in knots, "No. But I heard…rumors."
"I'm sure you did." Liara said and folded her hands over the desk, "I did visit Shepard that night. I had fully intended to sleep with him. To meld my mind with his for a few hours of pleasure."
"Liara." Tali squeaked, suddenly out of breath. Her heart was hammering in her chest and it felt like her lungs had been frozen.
"He turned me down." Liara said and laughed bitterly, "He was such a gentleman about it. Said he was too tired and just wanted to sleep. Back then I was so young and innocent I believed him. We were all strung out and ready to collapse on our feet."
"You didn't sleep with Shepard?" Tali asked, barely daring to hope.
"Not as such, no." Liara said and quickly added, "We simply lay in his bed and talked. He told me about his life on Mindoir before the Batarian raid and I told him about all the dig sights I had been to." Liara laughed a bit, "We even opened the bottle of Human bourbon he had stashed in his locker."
"That…that sounds like a great memory, Liara." Tali managed. Part of her still raged with jealously but she forced it away. That Liara would tell her this must have taken a lot of courage; the least Tali could do was respect her and not take offense.
"It was a night I will cherish for the rest my life, Tali'Zorah. That night I realized what it was I wanted from Shepard." Liara looked out her window at the flickering stars, "I wanted a friend. Someone to talk to, someone who would listen. I realize now a romantic relationship would have put too much strain on that friendship."
"I…I don't know what to say." Tali said. Her hands had begun to fidget again. This was not what her imagination had created for her. Tali had felt an endless spike of jealously at the idea of Liara and Shepard being intimate…of his skin on hers…his lips kissing every inch of her smooth blue body. Tali grimaced and pushed the thought away permanently. That was not what happened. They had shared a drink and bonded as friends. Tali would not begrudge them that.
"You don't have to say anything Tali." Liara said kindly, "I wanted you to know I respect your relationship with Shepard, and I really do hope you two find all the happiness you can if we beat the Reapers."
"If?" Tali's eyes narrowed, "Shepard says we will. He wouldn't let us down…" She trailed off but whispered, "let me down. He promised that after-"
"I know Tali." Liara interrupted, "Or at least I know Shepard believes it."
"But…?" Tali said, suddenly feeling a cold spot in her heart. Shepard promised her! A home! He promised!
"If we don't succeed…" Liara let the words hang for a moment, "If the Crucible doesn't work or the Reapers destroy us before we can complete it…I didn't want the progress our cycle has made to be lost. So I created this." She motioned to the black box on her desk and pushed a button.
A ball of semi-transparent light floated from the device. The lights in the room darkened as if the ball drew energy directly from the Normandy's own supply. The ball exploded into thousands upon thousands of specks of light that filled the room. They hung gracefully in the air and as one, began to turn. Tali watched the display with her eyes wide and her mouth open in awe. Strings of light began to connect clusters of dots, forming shapes she recognized. Constellations. The imagery all sentient races used to familiarize the stars and identify their homes. The formations flicked and faded and were soon replaced by more. It was as if every constellation in the cosmos was being recreated in Liara's office with the original ball of light serving as the Galactic center.
"It's beautiful." Tali said, breathless.
"I wanted future cycles to know our stars and our stories." Liara said, smiling sadly, "This is a time capsule. I've been preparing it for a while. I've uploaded all the information we have on the Protheans, the Reapers, the Crucible…even the Citadel. I want the next cycles to have as long of a head start as possible. If we don't stop the Reapers I want the next cycle to be able to fight back with our entire collective might."
"That is a noble idea, Liara." Tali said, "No offense but I hope the next cycle won't need it. Or that it'll even happen"
"So do I." Liara laughed, "But it's better to err on the side of caution."
"This is what you visited Shepard about last night?" Tali asked suddenly. Liara nodded and pushed a button. A holographic figure emerged from the light. It was Shepard and Tali smiled at his familiar handsomeness.
"I wanted to get his opinion on what I thought was the last entry to make." Liara said simply.
"Last entry?"
"I have already included as much cultural information as I can. Music, art, theater…even weapons and history. I do not want our Galaxy to be forgotten like so many others. I thought it only right I included Shepard. He had been our vanguard against the Reapers. If anyone deserves to be remembered, it's him."
"What did you say about him?" Tali asked. Suddenly she was filled with an intense guilt. How could she have ever suspected Liara? She had never been anything other than a friend to Tali, and all she had asked for in return was that same friendship. Tali made a promise to herself; she would be Liara's friend no matter what.
"Shepard told me to tell the truth. Let the Galaxy see a man who fought for what was right." Liara said and called up a scrolling paragraph, "I said that John Shepard was an unstoppable biotic on the battlefield, and a peacemaker all other times. He led from the front with his heart, and could talk even the most bitter of rivals into peace." Tali was trying not to cry inside her helmet at Liara's words, "He convinced entire races to put aside centuries of war to face the Reapers together. He saw past prejudices and showed the Galaxy how to judge someone's character, not their race."
"Liara…that's beautiful." Tali said, unable to hide the quavering in her voice. If any sentient from the next cycle read that, they would have to take heart and unite to stop the Reapers.
"Thank you…but it's not finished yet." Liara said. Tali tilted her helmet to one side, questioning. "I couldn't retell the story of Commander Shepard without mentioning the one closest to him. The one he fought for." Liara pushed another series of buttons and a second figure replaced Shepard's glowing form. Tali gasped. It was her. A fully rendered micro Tali'Zorah Vas Normandy.
"Liara..." Tali breathed, "That's…that's me."
"I know Tali." Liara said and nodded, "It didn't feel right not to mention you. The story of how you and Shepard ended the war with the Geth and saved your entire race is one for the history books…so to speak." Liara laughed.
"I don't know what to say Liara…" Tali managed. She would never have considered herself worthy to be mentioned in the history of John Shepard.
"Well I was hoping you would." Liara called up an entry form on the box's display. Tali stared at the black screen for a very long time. Her thoughts and heart was racing as she tried to process what Liara was asking. She wanted to make Tali a part of history. Not just some side note, but an entire section for her and only her.
"Shepard said to be honest, right?" Tali asked quietly. Liara nodded, "Well if Shepard thinks that's what's best for him, then that's what's best for me."
"Somehow," Liara smirked, "I knew you would say that. You two really are perfect for one another."
"Thanks Liara."
"I'll say that Tali'Zorah Vas Normandy was born on the Quarian migrant fleet, and put the needs of her people above all else." Liara said softly, "She alone rekindled the Galaxy's faith in the Quarians and fought with all her heart to retake her lost home world. She was a genius mechanic who could repair anything." Liara smirked, "And she would wield a shotgun like no other. Shepard would not have been the man he was without Tali'Zorah."
"I…" Tali was speechless for a long time.
"Is there anything else you would like to put?"Liara asked after a moment. Tali gulped hard to regain her emotions. Tears of...something were stinging her eyes and her mouth had gone dry. Her heart hammered and she felt completely overwhelmed. It took her brain several long moments to restart, and when it did Tali decided to ease the mood.
"…Shepard snores." She said simply. Liara stared blankly at her for a moment, but a smile quickly spread over her features. She laughed, long and hard. The two laughed together and Liara wiped a stray tear from her eye.
"I'm not sure how much that will help defeat the Reapers, but it is certainly a welcome piece of information." Liara said and took a deep breath to stop her laughing, "Thank you Tali. I had forgotten what it was like to laugh after all this time."
"Please, I'm the one who should be thanking you, Liara." Tali said quickly, "I was such a bosh'tet to you for so long …I…I'm sorry Liara."
"Apology accepted." Liara said, not because she had ever taken offense to Tali's behavior, but because the Quarian needed to hear the words, "Hey, I was going to work through lunch today, but now…would you like to have lunch with me Tali and talk? As friends?"
"…Yes." Tali said and nodded several times, "I'd like that."
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Tali felt the bed shift beneath her and rolled over, groaning. She felt the calloused hands of her captain run along her bare face and brush away her hair. Tali had taken to sleeping without her visor when in Shepard's cabin. It kept her immune system strong and allowed her to kiss him whenever she wanted. Of course Tali had installed new air-filters and EDI had come up with a brilliant way to decontaminate the cabin with a medical scanner. Tali opened her opal eyes and smiled at her human lover. Shepard's face was tired, and the lines under his blue eyes were deep. He was still in his Alliance crew uniform, but it was wrinkled from a long day of work. He must have just finished up for the day.
"Hey." Tali whispered as Shepard leaned down to kiss her. His lips were dry, but they were warm and she loved it.
"Hey yourself."
"What time is it?" She asked and reached for the clock. Shepard stopped her hand and instead kissed it gently.
"It's late." He said simply and put his head down on a pillow. Tali instinctively curled up on him and rested her head on his chest.
"I was getting worried." She said her mind still half asleep.
"Looks like you were sleeping." Shepard said with a smile.
"Quarians do our best worrying with our eyes closed." Tali teased and sighed as Shepard put an arm over her shoulder.
"In that case, close your eyes." Shepard whispered, "I have something for you." Tali looked up and saw his face was half playful, half serious. She sat up on her elbows and closed her eyes. She expected a kiss that would lead to another passionate night. Keelah, she wanted it! Instead she heard a soft crinkle, as if something was being unwrapped. There was barely audible snap and something pressed against Tali's lips.
"Bite." Shepard commanded. Tali did and let out a low moan of pleasure. Her head lulled back and she collapsed onto the pillow. The taste buds in her mouth were alight with a rich, creamy flavor that slowly melted in her mouth. It was better than the most gourmet nutrient paste.
"Turian chocolate…" Tali moaned and blindly reached out for Shepard's hand. She easily found it and found more chocolate, "Where…?"
"Garrus gave me a bar." Shepard whispered, "Said something about it being a down-payment for a modification?"
"I'll have to be extra nice to that bosh'tet." Tali teased and took another bite. Again it was ecstasy in her mouth. Tali let the piece melt in her mouth and sighed. She was about to reach for the entire bar when Shepard shook his head and put it on their nightstand, next to Tali's photo and their promise relic for a better life. Shepard broke off one last piece for her but folded the wrapping back over the rest of the bar.
"No more for tonight." He said, "We have to make it last until I can get you a constant supply."
"I might get fat if you buy me all the chocolate I want." Tali laughed and reached for the last piece. Shepard gave her an amused look and pulled his hand away.
"Oh really?" He asked, and narrowed his eyes, "Well then, I might have to think of a few ways to keep you in shape." Tali smiled wickedly at him.
"I'm open to suggestions." She said and traced a finger over his jaw line. Shepard placed the last piece of chocolate in his mouth but was careful not to bite it. He simply held it in place between his lips. Tali felt the color drain from her face. She had never imagined Turian chocolate and Shepard could be combined into one pleasure. Tali lunged at his lips, not really caring if she got Shepard or the chocolate.
It was ecstasy either way.
