**Author's note: My apologies for the long delay on this chapter. A broken foot, among several other significantly difficult life circumstances, really took the wind out of my sails. It's been one of those stretches that makes you empathize with Job. I will do my best to be timelier in completing future chapters. Thank you for your patience.
Chapter 3
A Night to Remember
Commander John Shepard hunched over the sink in the private bathroom of his quarters aboard the Normandy and prepared himself. He braced his hands on either side of the cold metal basin and leaned toward the mirror, staring hard at his reflection.
"Are you ready for this?" he asked himself aloud. His reflection didn't respond in any helpful manner. It just stood there looking anxious and none too bright. Shepard blew out a breath and bounced on the balls of his feet, trying to calm himself. He asked himself again, silently this time, why he was so nervous about this. He wanted this, she wanted this, so what was the problem?
"That's the problem right there", Shepard thought to himself. "You really do want this. And you never mastered the trick of turning 'want' into 'have' and not regretting it." Shepard was amazed at the storm of butterflies swirling in his stomach. He had realized he was helpless at this point to calm them. They had become a fixture, swarming about when he thought of being with Tali and, paradoxically, settling into a warm and joyful glow when he was actually with her. So really, that was the answer to the problem. Stop ruminating and go be with her. Shepard began to turn away to go back into his quarters, but paused, just once more he told himself, to check his appearance. He wanted everything to be as perfect as possible.
Shepard heaved a sigh as he looked at his newly appearing five o'clock shadow. He could have sworn he had shaved less than an hour ago, yet there it was. He smiled wryly at himself. Ah, well. Maybe it was part of what she found handsome about him. That was what she had said in the hospital. That she thought he was handsome. Shepard's smile became genuine as he thought of the flattery, trusting it, valuing it as a gift from the woman he cared about.
Shepard's broadening smile suddenly vanished. "Shit!" he hissed through his teeth and hurried out of the bathroom into the adjoining office area of his quarters. He had intended to find a gift for Tali, a small token, but meaningful, to express his pleasure at their first date, at the opportunity to be with her. All day inspiration had eluded him and, in the midst of his other duties and distractions, he had forgotten to find something appropriate. "Shit, shit, shit", Shepard mumbled over and over as he turned and looked around his quarters. He doubted there was anything appropriate to be had on the ship and he didn't have time now to get something from the Citadel, even if he could come up with an idea. He was meeting Tali at the airlock to begin their date in…Shepard checked his omni-tool. "Shit!" he exclaimed again. He was supposed to meet Tali in five minutes. He had no intention of being late.
Shepard put his hand to his forehead as he turned, scanning the room. He was debating the pros and cons of going to their first date empty handed when his eyes lighted on the bouquet of plastic flowers he had given to Tali as she lay recovering in the Nos Astra hospital. He walked over to the bouquet and touched the plastic, multi-colored blooms. He knew this was meaningful to them both. He drew out of the bouquet a single, long plastic stem topped by a deep purple flower, alien, but beautiful. Shepard's smile grew wider. Tali favored purple and it certainly favored her.
"Sometimes last minute inspiration is the best inspiration", Shepard thought to himself. He realized the butterflies were still swarming in his stomach, but now it was excitement, almost giddiness at the prospect of sharing this date with Tali that surged through him. He took another deep breath and said to no one in particular, "It's time". Shepard quickly stepped back to the mirror to take one last critical glance at himself. He sighed and accepted that he had done the best he could. He swept up the dark suit jacket and put it on over his white dress shirt. He couldn't recall the last time he had worn an actual suit and despite his usual self-deprecation he had to admit he wore it well. He picked up his Carnifex pistol from the desktop and stood a moment longer contemplating the weapon. Given his track record he was tempted to jam the weapon into his belt, but the civilian suit offered no real means of securing the weapon. He set the pistol back down, determined that gunplay would not be part of the evening's distractions. Plastic bloom in hand, he and his butterflies made their way into the elevator and descended to the CIC.
As Shepard stepped from the elevator into the CIC he realized he was the center of much covert attention. Crew members glanced up from their stations and quickly, a little too quickly, focused back on their interfaces and consoles. Other crewmembers watched from the corners of their eyes or stopped to look innocently toward reflective surfaces. Shepard hadn't hidden his impending date with Tali and he knew word and rumor would travel fast on a warship as small as the Normandy.
Shepard could feel the surreptitious stares follow him. Since this was a Cerberus crew he didn't doubt there was a mixture of curiosity, support, and disapproval. He couldn't divine which was which from the people around him. It didn't matter. He knew what he wanted and he had come to trust that the crew would do their jobs, whatever their personal feelings. Despite this, he truly hoped that most were wishing him the best this evening.
As he reached the crew stations leading to the cockpit, Shepard could see three people standing near the airlock. Tali was already there, hopefully waiting patiently, and chatting amiably with Kelly Chambers. Joker stood nearby, not bothering to hide that he was there to gawk as Shepard and Tali left together for their date. Shepard strode up to the group with an air of confidence he hoped was genuine, hiding the plastic flower behind his back. Shepard smiled broadly as he approached, "Tali, I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
All three turned to Shepard simultaneously. Tali simply said, "Whoa", before bringing her hands together in front of her, two fingers of each hand forming a frame with Shepard at its center as if she were taking a mental picture of him in that moment. It took a moment longer before she spoke. Shepard's heart pounded through the interminable few seconds as he waited. "Keelah, Shepard. You look…amazing."
Shepard breathed an inward sigh of relief and smiled even more broadly at the compliment. Shepard was taking in Tali's appearance as well. He wanted to return her compliment in a way that showed he was as appreciative of her efforts as she was of his. Unfortunately, he took a bit too long in these thoughts and Joker chose to fill the moment as only he could.
"Yeah, Shepard. You really went all out. A-plus on the monkey suit. It's a shame we don't have a ball gown for Tali so she can be dressed up to match."
"What are you talking about, Joker? Tali looks terrific." Shepard realized that Joker was seeing things from a very human perspective. A Quarian's environmental suit was both barrier and connection to the surrounding world. Tali couldn't just throw fancy clothing over her suit, so she showed her effort with the suit itself and just the right accessorizing. Shepard didn't see a hint of grease or dirt anywhere on Tali's suit. The decorative fabric and hood was likewise spotless. Given her daily work on the ship that immaculate appearance represented an enormous effort on Tali's part. Shepard's eyes found something new. Tali's hood was held closed across her chest by a golden disc. He could see delicate engraving depicting a beautiful deer-like animal looking up from grazing, hills and a sunset behind it in the distance.
Shepard reached up to touch the disc, but hesitated. "This is beautiful, Tali. I've never seen it before. Where did it come from?"
Tali reached up and ran her fingers across the disc. She sounded wistful as she spoke. "This is very special, Shepard. The animal was called a Bulotha. I don't know if they even exist anymore. This came from Rannoch, from before my people were driven into exile by the Geth. As they fled my people couldn't take much. This has been in my family since then. It…means a lot to me." Tali paused, her mind clearly elsewhere. After a moment she shook her head and looked back to Shepard. "Anyway, it only took a tiny modification to turn it into a clasp for my hood. For special occasions only of course."
Shepard could hear how Tali used a light-hearted tone to cover the emotion that had welled up in her as she described the disc. He wasn't sure how he so often managed to trigger emotional mines with what seemed the most harmless of questions. Perhaps it was a special talent. Or a curse. "So, special and practical. Very Quarian, Tali. And very, very beautiful." Shepard turned to Joker. "You might need to get your eyes checked, Joker. She put at least as much effort as I did into preparing for this and I think she looks amazing." Shepard smiled as he said this, not wanting to darken the mood.
Joker held up his hands in mock surrender. "I yield. Clearly I was out of my mind. You have my apologies, Tali."
Tali leaned back and chuckled slightly. "It's all right, Joker. To be honest, you weren't really the one I was making the effort for."
The rebuke was gentle, but unmistakable. Kelly Chambers, who up until that point had been watching the byplay without comment, suddenly snorted. She looked at Joker and silently drew an invisible tick mark in the air. Joker, realizing how truly outnumbered he was, chose not to comment further.
"We should get going, Tali. But not before I present you with a token of my admiration." With a flourish, Shepard produced the purple plastic flower and held it out to Tali, bowing to her as he did so.
Tali took the flower and held it cradled in both hands. "Oh, Shepard. This is one of the flowers you gave me in the hospital. This is so…" Tali trailed off and Shepard pictured her recalling those events as he had. "I just had an idea." Tali gently separated the purple bloom from the stem. She stepped close to Shepard and reached up to his chest, deftly pinning the plastic bloom to his suit jacket with a sliver of metal she produced from one of her myriad pockets. "There. I've seen pictures of humans in suits wearing flowers like this." Tali stepped back and again framed Shepard with her fingers. "Perfect, Shepard. You're just perfect."
Shepard took Tali's hands into his own. "Hardly perfect, Tali, but closer when I'm with you."
Shepard stood holding her hands and just looking at her until Joker interrupted. "Okay, kids. Time to get going. Make sure you're back by midnight and have a nice time at the prom."
Joker was right. They needed to get going. Shepard walked with Tali to the airlock, holding her right hand in his left. Kelly Chambers spoke up as they moved into the outer airlock to disembark to the Citadel. "Have a great time you two. And Commander, remember what I said."
"I will. Thank you, Kelly. Take care of the ship 'til we get back."
The airlock door slid shut with a hiss and a moment later the outer hatch opened giving Shepard and Tali access to the Citadel. As they stepped away from the ship onto the boarding walkway, Shepard suddenly turned to Tali, grasping her hand tighter. "Let's make a run for it, Tali. Before something else follows us out the door and tries to spoil our date." Without waiting for a reply, Shepard took off at a jog, Tali quickly matching his pace. They ran, side-by-side, hand-in-hand, to the end of the docking platform and out of sight of the Normandy. Only then did Shepard pause at a bend in the walkway, looking dramatically back as if he expected pursuit. Tali couldn't help but laugh at the situation, much to Shepard's delight.
"I hope that wasn't too awkward back there, Tali. I don't think Joker has any other mode."
"Don't worry, Shepard. Another advantage of my previous time on the Normandy is that I think I've built up some immunity to Joker's behavior."
Shepard chuckled at that. "I think I would have to agree. And I appreciated the way you put him in his place."
"I meant what I said to him, Shepard. I like Joker, for some reason, but I didn't do any of this for his benefit or approval. I did it for me and for you. For us. And it matters to me that you recognized the effort I went to."
Shepard took a moment to steady his butterflies. It did matter. To him as well, which reminded him of something he had noticed. "I don't mean to pry, Tali, but when you were talking about this beautiful clasp it seemed there were things you were feeling. Personal things. If there's more you'd like to share, I'm here for you, if you want."
Tali stood quietly for several seconds with her head bowed, her hand gently caressing the clasp. "It's… Well, everything I said about this clasp is true. It has been passed down through my family since our exile from Rannoch. It belonged to my mother and was given to me after she died. She loved this disc. She always called it an actual piece of the beauty of Rannoch. Not a ship, or weapon, or tool, but something that existed just to be admired…and to remind us of home. I'm actually not sure she would approve of me turning it into a clasp, giving it a function." Tali hung her head and continued to stroke the clasp in thoughtful doubt.
Shepard gently took Tali's hand in his. He reached up with his free hand and raised her chin so their eyes met. "I remember you telling me about losing your mother to a virus when you were a teenager. I hope you will forgive my presumption, but I believe she would be incredibly proud of the woman you've become. I regret that I will never know your parents, but I see strength in you that I think comes from each of them. You've taken those strengths and made them uniquely your own." Shepard smiled and placed Tali's hand back on the golden clasp. "Rather like this disc, I think."
Tali held her hand on the clasp for several more seconds, then surprised Shepard by stepping into an embrace, wrapping her arms around his torso and placing her head against his chest. Shepard hesitated for just a moment before embracing her in turn. Shepard felt his heart pound out a handful of beats before he heard Tali quietly say, "I knew I was right to trust you Shepard, to let you see me. I knew it was right to be with you."
Shepard didn't know what to say to this, so he let his embrace speak for him. Holding Tali as closely as he could, wrapping her in the security of his arms. In the powerful feelings he could feel swirling, but was still struggling to name. Finally, he whispered to her, "Your heart is safe with me, Tali."
He wasn't sure how long they held that embrace. Part of him didn't want to ever let her go. Finally, they leaned back and looked at each other. Shepard felt an overwhelming desire to kiss her at that moment. He leaned in and gently placed his head against her helmet, letting the contact convey the intent if not the reality.
After several seconds Tali leaned back slightly and took a deep breath. "Keelah, Shepard. Our evening has barely begun. I got the impression we were headed somewhere before we were…sidetracked."
Shepard took a moment to again calm his butterflies and his breathing. Things did have a way of simply…happening…when he was with Tali. Not that he regretted that. But she was right. They did have somewhere to be. "Actually, you're right, Tali. We're going to start our evening assisting some old acquaintances of mine with a task near and dear to both our hearts. Ridding the galaxy of Reapers."
Tali stepped fully back from their embrace and cocked her head in a smile. "Ooh, Reapers. How romantic. I thought we were going to be getting away from the mission, Shepard."
"Small steps, Tali. I figured we could start with helping a group that has recognized the threat the Reapers represent and wants to join the fight against them. We'll have some food and drink with people who will understand and appreciate what we're doing for a change."
"And then, Shepard?"
Shepard looked around at the dance of ships, coming and going, and had a thought. "Then, I whisk you off to a quiet corner of the observation deck. Just you, me, a passing ship, and the vast expanse of the nebula."
"Actually, that part does sound romantic. I particularly like the 'just you and me' part. So, let's go help these friends of yours. Can you tell me some more about them?"
Shepard extended his left arm to Tali and she slipped her arm through his. They stepped on to an elevator that would take them to the correct docking bay. "Acquaintances more than friends. I rescued them during the Geth attack on Eden Prime. They were working on the Prothean dig site there. Dr. Diane Warren and her assistant, Manuel. He is really an odd one, but he was one of the very first to recognize the Reaper threat. The two of them are part of a group that wants the galaxy to prepare for the Reapers."
The elevator stopped. Shepard made to step through the door, but Tali didn't move. Shepard was pulled around to face her by their interlocked arms. He let her arm go and looked at her with some confusion. "Is everything okay, Tali?"
"Shepard, how well do you know these people? How well do you know this group?"
"Just from when I saved their lives. They saw me on the Presidium earlier and recognized an opportunity to get assistance for their group in the fight against the Geth and Reapers. I got the impression their group was relatively new and in need of encouragement and assistance getting started. There's no doubt they recognize the threat of the Reapers. I trust them. I thought we could meet the other members of their group, mostly scientists from the sound of things, and give them a hand. Given the resistance we've run into from the Council when we've tried to fight the Reapers I thought it would be good to support a new group. Especially one that's also no friend of Cerberus."
"That's a lot to accept from a chance meeting on the Presidium, Shepard. Do you know anything else about this group or who the members are?"
Shepard frowned slightly. "Not…really, Tali. Just what I told you. But like I said, these are people whose lives I saved and who recognize how big a threat the Reapers are. A group of scientists like that could be an incredible asset. And they're really looking forward to meeting and talking with us."
Tali stepped from the elevator and took Shepard's arm again. "I understand your enthusiasm, Shepard, but you have to admit you don't have the best history with walking into unknown situations. I just don't want our date to take a turn for the…dramatic."
Shepard smiled again. "I understand, Tali. And I appreciate your caution. But like I said, these are people we can trust. Besides their ship is docked right here on the Citadel and we can call for assistance if we run into problems. Not that I want any of our crew along on our date. Besides, we're here."
They had been walking through the docking bay as they talked, passing ships of various size and design. Shepard had stopped at bay B15. The boarding tube had a security guard at the entrance wearing light armor and carrying a sidearm. The walkway led to a civilian light cruiser that was roughly twice the size of the Normandy. Shepard eyed the security guard, but Tali was eyeing the ship.
"That is one fancy ship, Shepard. It's the newest Stellar Dynamics design. Top of the line." Shepard could see Tali focusing intensively on the ship. He suspected she was examining it using the additional tools provided by her helmet. "Keelah, Shepard. That ship is armed as well. It's well hidden, but there's no question it's got firepower and barriers to match."
It didn't surprise Shepard that Tali would recognize the quality of the ship at a glance. "Are you sure about the weapons and barriers, Tali?" Tali turned toward Shepard and cocked her head slightly. Shepard didn't need her to say the words. He could read "I'm a Quarian" in her body language. Shepard silently conceded the point. "That tells us this group is well funded and able to defend itself. I would think that's a good thing given all the dangers likely to threaten anyone working against the return of the Reapers."
Tali crossed her arms in a posture that Shepard interpreted as skepticism. He gestured to the vessel and stated, "Regardless, we need to investigate further and see if we can help this group to be as effective as possible. My impression is that they would really value our input. And we can always leave if the situation looks questionable."
Shepard again extended his arm and Tali slipped her arm into his, the gesture conveying her trust in Shepard more clearly than any words could. Together, they approached the security guard at the entrance to the boarding tube.
"Excuse me…" Shepard began, intending to ask the guard for permission to enter the ship. Shepard didn't get farther than those words before the guard's eyes opened wide in recognition. The guard quite unexpectedly dropped to one knee before Shepard and Tali, head bowed and fist to his chest. Shepard got out a further, "Whuh" before the guard began talking enthusiastically.
"Sir! It's such an incredible honor to meet you in person! The great Commander Shepard! Face to face! Savior of the Citadel! Savior of us all. Please, sir. Go right in. The conference can't properly begin without you."
Shepard was taken aback by the fawning behavior of the guard. He could admit to himself he was hoping for some hero worship, but this was excessive. "You can't really do your job from that position. Also, you might take a moment to notice the woman accompanying me. This is none other than Tali'Zorah vas Normandy. When she helped save the Citadel from the Reapers and Geth she was known as Tali'Zorah nar Rayya."
The guard stood quickly back up, fidgeting with his hands. "Tali'Zorah nar Rayya! I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. I was so overwhelmed at meeting Commander Shepard. You've been with the Commander since the beginning. One of his original di…followers. True to him throughout his victories and struggles. It is an honor to meet you." The guard bowed low to Tali. "Please, proceed into the ship. Everyone was so excited when Dr. Warren told us you would be coming to the conference." The guard lifted his omni-tool and keyed in a command. This apparently connected him to someone aboard the docked ship as he then stated, "Doctor, Commander Shepard and his companion have arrived. They'll be coming aboard immediately."
Shepard reached to take Tali's hand and enter the ship, but Tali paused for a moment. She said to the guard, "It's good to meet you too…?" Tali ended her statement with a questioning tone, inviting the guard to provide his name.
The guard snapped to attention as he answered her question. "Heller, Joseph, ma'am."
Shepard noticed the reaction of the guard and his curiosity was piqued. It wasn't the way he typically saw private security guards behave, suggesting this man was more than a rent-a-cop. He asked, "Are you military, Heller?".
"Used to be, sir. Served in the Alliance, but now I work for Doctors Warren and Manuel. They're doing everything they can to save humanity and I want to do my part as well."
Shepard nodded and again turned to enter the ship. Tali slipped her arm into his and matched his stride. Once they were out of earshot of the guard, Tali leaned in close and quietly spoke to Shepard. "Did that whole thing seem odd to you, Shepard? Unless I'm misunderstanding some human cultural norm, that seemed like a strange reaction from that guard."
"No, you're right, Tali. It seemed a bit…excessive…but I told you these were people who recognized what we have done for the Citadel and the galaxy. I think it was just a bit of hero worship. I think he was just a little overwhelmed. I would expect the scientists to be a bit more level-headed."
"I don't know, Shepard. With the kneeling it seemed more like actual worship than hero worship. And what was that about 'saving humanity' comment. You said this group was going to fight the Reapers. That's about more than humanity. It made them sound a bit too much like Cerberus."
"True, Tali. But this group seems new to the fight and people often frame things in familiar terms. It could be that the easiest way for this group to start fighting the Reapers is in terms of saving humanity. We'll see what we can learn and what we can do to help them. Once we've done that we'll leave and have that time to ourselves." Shepard started to wonder if he had made a mistake bringing Tali here as their first date. He had hoped to meet a new ally, share ideas about defeating the Reapers, and bask in their admiration before departing on a high note with both he and Tali feeling energized and appreciated. Instead it felt like Tali was on edge. Not the direction for their date he envisioned, especially after her appreciation of his earlier support. They really couldn't just leave now. They were literally walking toward the airlock of the ship having already been announced. Suddenly bailing out now would only magnify the awkwardness. Hopefully Dr. Warren and her eccentric assistant would help put things back on track. Shepard walked into the airlock with an air of confidence that was feeling less and less genuine.
The airlock closed behind them and the white light of a decontamination cycle swept over them. Shepard looked over for the few seconds and smiled reassuringly at Tali. Moments later the inner airlock door opened. With some relief, Shepard saw that Dr. Warren and Manuel were standing at the entryway to greet them.
Dr. Warren smiled and stepped forward, her hand extended to shake Shepard's. "Commander Shepard. We're so pleased that you could make it. You honor us by agreeing to our invitation. Welcome aboard the Pilgrim's Progress. We and our colleagues are looking forward to the insights you can offer us."
Manuel stepped forward as Dr. Warren finished her greeting and bowed low to Shepard. ""Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo, a star shines on the hour of our meeting. Though Tolkien could not have understood that it is you, Commander Shepard, who are the star that shines and lights the path to our ascension."
Shepard found himself as nonplussed as ever with this behavior. "Er, right. Hello to you as well, Manuel. Or is it Dr. Manuel? I just realized I'm not sure which is correct."
Manuel smiled an odd smile apparently the only kind he knew. "I have been called both and responded to both. The universe does not seem to mind the redundancy and if the universe does not mind then why should I?"
Processing this reply delayed Shepard's intended introduction of Tali. Manuel showed no such hesitation and bowed low to Tali as well. "I had expected to find Dr. T'Soni at the Commander's side. But you appear to be a Quarian while I understood Dr. T'Soni to be an Asari. Unless we have all been mislead and you are an Empusa here to deceive and devour us. The fly in the ointment. The wrench in our works. The unaccounted for variable."
Shepard winced inwardly as he realized he had not specifically told them who his companion would be. It had not occurred to him that he would need to. He regretted it now as Manuel blundered into the intersection of his previous and current relationships. Tali simply reached out and shook Manuel's hand and stated, "I am Tali'Zorah vas Normandy. Commander Shepard's date this evening. Thank you for inviting us to this conference. I don't have any intention of devouring anyone, but I am quite capable with a wrench when required."
"You are very kind, Miss Zorah. Please forgive Manuel. I believe the excitement of the evening is aggravating his eccentricities. Perhaps a bit more medication is in order, Manuel. It won't do for you to be troubling our guests before they can even share their knowledge with us."
Manuel did seem particularly excited. Or perhaps agitated. "Pharmaceutical blinders cannot conceal the truths the universe reveals. The threads of fate converge. Our masterstroke against the great enemy shall be delivered with the aid of Commander Shepard."
Shepard had begun to consider how they could extricate themselves from the conference sooner rather than later. "Perhaps we could meet the other attendees and assist with how your resources might be best employed in preparing for the Reapers. It would also be helpful if you could explain what resources you possess and who is supporting your group. You appear to be well-funded."
"Of course, Commander. We should introduce you to the attendees and make use of your time with us. Please, follow me to the auditorium." Dr. Warren gestured for Shepard and Tali to follow her down the interior hallway of the ship.
As they walked Shepard leaned in close to Tali and whispered to her. "I'm sorry Tali. I didn't think to specify that you were my date. I hope it wasn't too awkward dealing with Manuel. I have to say, I thought you handled the situation well."
"He is every bit as odd as you suggested. I won't hold his behavior against you, but I'm thinking I could really use something to drink."
"Right away, Tali. I'll see about getting you something when we get to this auditorium." Shepard looked behind them and realized that Manuel wasn't walking with them so much as following them. Shepard was put in mind of a lost puppy looking for its owner. A split second later the image of their small group as a herd of sheep with Manuel a wolf stalking them sprang to mind. Shepard was unsure why two such disparate images were occurring to him simultaneously, but they both felt strangely appropriate. Shepard had been finding explanations for the oddities they were encountering, trying to keep the mood positive and light. Now, Shepard's own tension climbed a notch.
Shepard noticed they were approaching a large set of doors flanked by two more security guards. He had not seen any sort of control consoles or apparent ship's crew. They seemed to be in an area given over entirely to use for meetings or trainings. Shepard turned to Dr. Warren as they approached the set of doors. "Dr. Warren, I would appreciate if you could provide some food and something to drink for Tali and me. It would be nice to have something while we are speaking with the other members of your group."
They paused at the set of doors as the guards came to attention. Dr. Warren turned to them, the corners of her mouth pulled down into a frown. "I'm so sorry Commander, Ms. Zorah, we didn't realize we would be having a Quarian as a guest. We don't have any dextro amino supplies on board and I'm afraid the food and beverages we have would be toxic for a Quarian. If you would like I could ask one of the crew to order some more appropriate food from somewhere on the Citadel?"
Shepard winced inwardly again and he felt his stomach churn. His joyful butterflies were nowhere to be found. He glanced sideways at Tali. He knew her well enough to read body language that others would miss. He saw her shoulders tense and she began fidgeting, tightening her fists. Her voice, though, revealed none of this. "Don't trouble yourself or your crew, Dr. Warren. The Commander has promised me dinner and I'm sure he will make good on that promise as soon as we are done here. In the meantime, if I get too hungry, I always carry nutrient paste with me."
Dr. Warren smiled and shrugged at this, turning back to open the doors to the auditorium. Shepard, on the other hand, flinched from the blow to his ego. The well-deserved blow, he amended to himself. Things were not going as well as he had hoped and it was his own doing. He had painted a picture in his mind of riding in a hero, accepting toasts to himself and Tali, and dispensing pearls of wisdom before sweeping Tali away to a private rendezvous. In creating that fantasy he had made more than one faulty assumption. And unlike Manuel's Liara faux pas, this one was entirely his fault. He had to fix this. "Tali, I am so sorry about this. It's entirely my fault for assuming they would have dextro supplies available. I swear I am going to make this up to you. I'll get us out of here as quickly as I can and then I am getting you the best meal we can find on the Citadel."
Tali cocked her head slightly as she looked toward Shepard. "I may not know about human dating, Shepard, but I can tell when things are not going according to plan." She reached and took hold of his hand. "The date isn't over yet, Shepard, and you've always been better scrambling to pick up the pieces of a wrecked plan than executing one that's been carefully laid out. To be honest I'm actually curious to see how you handle this. I imagine it can only get better from here."
Shepard couldn't help but smile at Tali's reaction. He was reminded how he always felt better when he talked with her. Apparently that was still true even when he was in the midst of letting her down. He would have said so, but they were interrupted by Dr. Warren. She had fully thrown open the set of double doors and was announcing to the room, "Friends, I present to you Commander John Shepard, bane of the Reapers and savior of us all and his loyal follower and companion, Tali'Zorah nar Rayya!"
Shepard was growing tired of wincing inwardly. That faux pas seemed minor in comparison, but they were piling up. Even if that name would be more familiar to these people from when she helped save the Citadel, she couldn't possibly enjoy correcting her name for these people, assuming she even bothered. Shepard's thoughts turned again to getting them out of this situation. Perhaps after some introductions he could find out who was funding and directing this group. Then he could share information and answer questions via e-mail. He wished now he had thought of that in the first place.
Shepard stepped up next to Dr. Warren, Tali at his side. He saw that they had entered a large room. To one side of the room there appeared to be a stage with chairs arrayed in front of it. At the moment, however, the small crowd of people in the room were standing in groups talking. At Dr. Warren's announcement and his appearance there was a split-second of silence before the entire assemblage broke into applause.
Shepard finally was able to give an inward sigh of relief. This was more what he had been hoping for. He waved to acknowledge the small crowd now expressing their appreciation. He held Tali's hand up as well, making sure everyone here knew that their applause was also for her.
After several seconds of this, Dr. Warren raised her hands to quiet the attendees. "Thank you all for being here. Our guest of honor has arrived and our keynote speech officially opening this conference will occur shortly. I invite all attendees to enjoy the appetizers and drinks. You are also welcome to meet Commander Shepard." Dr. Warren turned to Shepard. "I'd be happy to bring you something to eat and drink, Commander."
Shepard glanced over to Tali and shook his head at Dr. Warren. "No thank you, Diane. Since Tali isn't able to eat, neither will I, but thank you for the offer."
Dr. Warren frowned slightly and waved away what appeared to be a staff member who was bringing over a tray of hors d'oeuvres. "Of course, Commander. I hope you don't mind taking some time to meet some of the other members of our group. I have to admit they are fans of yours."
"I'm happy to meet with your members. I hope I can provide encouragement and answer questions. I should explain though that Tali and I can't stay for long. We have other plans to pursue this evening." Shepard looked over to Tali and smiled, however, Tali gave no acknowledgement. She was surveying the room, watching the crowd that was watching them. "I was hoping to learn more about your group. Who is financing you and more about what resources you can bring to bear in preparing for the Reapers. That should make it easier to keep contact by e-mail in the future and better coordinate our efforts."
"I couldn't agree more, Commander. I have a few things to prepare, so I will speak to you in a bit. In the meantime, there are a number of people waiting patiently to meet you. I'll return shortly."
Dr. Warren turned and stepped away, but was almost immediately replaced by a tall, thin man. Shepard could see others waiting behind this man. They appeared to have queued up to each wait their turn to meet him.
Shepard extended his hand to the man in front of him. "Hello, I'm Commander John Shepard. And you are…?"
The man just stared for several seconds. He looked at Shepard's outstretched hand. He reached for it, but hesitated. Finally, he took Shepard's hand with both his own. He bowed to Shepard and nearly touched his forehead to Shepard's hand. When he spoke, it was clear he was having difficulty getting the words out through his emotions. "Oh, Shepard. It is such a blessing to actually meet you. I never imagined I would have the honor of speaking with you. The things you've sacrificed to save us. I just…I wanted to express…I just wanted to thank you." The man bowed his head again to Shepard's hands.
"Um…you're welcome. But I wasn't fighting the Reapers and Geth alone. I had many allies helping in the fight, including the woman next to me. This is Tali'Zorah vas Normandy," Shepard chose to correct Dr. Warren himself rather than Tali being forced to do it. "I'm hoping that you're group will be new allies in the fight."
"We are at your service, Shepard. Like your followers before us we will walk the trail you blaze. You are the guide that lights the path forward. The North Star of our journey."
"Okay." Shepard realized he was becoming uncomfortable with the man's apparent adulation. Perhaps Tali had been right about these people's view of him. This did feel like it had quickly gone from admiration to adulation to canonization. Tali had not even reacted to the man's behavior. She simply stood looking at Shepard, her arms crossed in a way that made it clear she had pretty much expected this and was annoyed the Shepard was still figuring it out. "Okay, that's enough…" Shepard realized he still hadn't gotten the man's name. He also realized he didn't really want his name. He just wanted him to stop being so obsequious.
The man backed away, bowing the entire time, and two people, a man and a woman, immediately stepped up to Shepard. They both started talking at once. "Shepard, what you've done for humanity is amazing." "Shepard, thank you so much for saving us."
"Whoa, whoa. For god's sake, please slow down and tell me your names. Are you scientists or researchers as well?" That seemed unlikely to Shepard as these two appeared much too young to be doctors or professors.
The man and woman looked at each other a moment. The woman turned back to Shepard. "We're just…students…with Dr. Warren. We were thrilled when we were allowed to join this group. Our apologies, Shepard. We don't mean to overwhelm you, but it's not every day you meet someone who saved the whole galaxy, or his follower. We're all just so…excited…to have you here. This is an opportunity like no other. Please forgive us."
Shepard was overwhelmed. Mostly with frustration. These two had barely glanced at Tali and referred to her as his follower in a way that couldn't be interpreted as anything but dismissive. He glanced up at the rest of the people waiting near him. They were staring at him in wide-eyed awe. What appeared to be distinguished doctors and researchers gawking like teenagers waiting to meet their favorite band. He suddenly realized that none of them were asking him any questions about combatting the Reapers.
Shepard was slow, but he liked to think he did eventually figure things out. He had told himself he was bringing Tali here to connect with a new group that was willing to fight the Reapers, but he was also hoping for their praise and admiration. After all the doubt from the Council, the questioning of his sanity, dying for this damn fight, he thought he deserved to be recognized as the hero for a change. It had been selfish and he needed to stop trying to force it to work. The best thing he could do to show Tali he cared about her was to get her out of here and hope there was still a date left to salvage. Shepard turned to her to say as much, to get her out of this place, when Dr. Warren returned.
Dr. Warren took in the expression on Shepard's face and frowned. "Is everything okay, Shepard? I stepped away to make a few preparations and come back to find you looking extremely unhappy."
"Things are not okay, Diane. I think my presence here may be a bit too…disruptive for this conference. I think it would be best if Tali and I left and contacted you through e-mail to assist how we can." Shepard thought he heard an audible sigh of relief from Tali.
Dr. Warren looked alarmed. "Oh, my apologies, Shepard. These are good people, but they spend most of their time in laboratories. I'm afraid we're all a bit overwhelmed by your presence. I understand if you want to leave, but stay just a few moments longer. It would be an honor if you would join us in a toast. To the defeat of the Reapers. I think you'll agree that's a goal we all can and should commit to. Please stay for the toast and the keynote speech. Just a few more minutes of your time could mean so much to binding this group together and providing motivation to carry the fight forward. After that I'll personally escort you back onto the Citadel."
Shepard glanced at Tali, but she gave no indication of whether she would tolerate such a delay. He honestly did want this group to fight against the Reapers. They certainly needed as many as possible joining that fight. "Okay, Doctor. We'll stay for that long. In the interests of defeating the Reapers."
"Thank you so much, Shepard. You truly don't know what this means to us. How much this will help us in our cause. I know you don't want to drink since Tali is not able to join us, but I hope you'll make an exception for this one toast." Dr. Warren reached and took a drink from a tray and held it out to Shepard. He hesitated, then took it and looked around at the expectant faces surrounding him. He suddenly realized that he wasn't just joining them for a toast. They were expecting him to make the toast. Shepard knew he often got carried away making speeches. He could go on at length. Not this time. Not now. He simply said, "To unity, to defeating the Reapers, and to saving the galaxy" and tossed the drink back in one swallow, not even tasting it.
Dr. Warren took the glass from Shepard. "Thank you so much, Shepard. The keynote speech will be starting immediately. If you'll have a seat we'll proceed and then get you on your way."
Dr. Warren directed Shepard and Tali to a pair of seats in the first row, right in front of a speaker's lectern. The seats appeared to be simple folding chairs, easily stored and not terribly comfortable. Seating technology that had improved very little since cavemen had held their first seminar brainstorming how to make and control fire. Shepard noticed that the other attendees filed into the remaining chairs, but left room on either side and behind him and Tali. Good, he thought. Fewer people in the way when we make a run for it.
The lights in the conference room dimmed except for a light illuminating the lectern. Shepard's focus began to drift even before Dr. Warren had made her appearance. He was trying to plan how to redeem himself with Tali. Food, definitely, before any effort to be romantic. He had to reestablish the goodwill from earlier. Damn it, he cared about her. He wanted this to work. Recovering from how badly he had mishandled the evening would take effort. He had to do this right and the slight headache that had started up wasn't helping. Or the mild nausea. Probably from drinking on an empty stomach. It was making him feel a bit light-headed. He refocused on where he might take Tali. Perhaps that sushi place that he had seen advertised, although the thought of sushi immediately made his stomach churn. It occurred to him that perhaps his butterflies were pissed with him too. It didn't matter. He had done so much to derail this evening that he'd be damned if he let a sudden illness make him throw in the towel. He'd make it up to Tali. Tonight. Just as soon as he figured out how. He was so focused on this question that he was startled when the hall was suddenly plunged into darkness.
Shepard tensed for action. He'd seen, been in, too many situations where darkness was a prelude to danger. He listened for any indication of such danger as he reached over and took Tali's hand. He squeezed it gently and was reassured that she returned the gesture. The darkness and silence hung in the room for several seconds before a voice broke that silence.
"In the beginning there was darkness." Shepard recognized the voice and was surprised that what was shaping up to be a theatrical keynote address was being delivered by Manuel rather than Dr. Warren. Shepard would not have expected such an…eccentric individual to be the speaker for any group wanting to be taken seriously. Manuel continued. "Out of that darkness emerged the light." As Manuel delivered these words a single light, illuminating the lectern, grew brighter. Manuel stood at the lectern, delivering an oration that already felt more like a sermon to Shepard than a speech. He wore a brilliant white lab coat, brand new and perfectly pressed, that glowed in the growing light. "That light grew into knowledge, intelligence, dreams, imagination, beauty…love. It grew until…" Manuel suddenly slammed his hand palm down onto the lectern. The amplified impact sounded like a thunderclap through the room. "The demons lurking in the darkness snuffed the light. Again. And again. And again. And again." With each repetition, Manuel brought his hand crashing down. His voice and the crack of his palm seemed to be the only sounds in the room. Shepard couldn't help but think that however unbalanced Manuel might be, he certainly had his audience's attention. If only the noise weren't aggravating his headache.
Manuel continued. "This cycle, this story, had repeated itself across the centuries, millennia, eons. Eternal. Unbreakable." Manuel raised his hand for another blow, but it did not slam down. He held it there for a handful of seconds. He looked up at his own hand and jerked with surprise. "But then, something truly miraculous occurred. The light of humanity, next in a long line to be snuffed out, instead survived. A hero had seized the stylus from god's hand and rewritten the tale, altered a narrative that could not be altered. In so doing, this Savior had shown us the way."
The light that illuminated Manuel suddenly shifted. Shepard found himself and Tali at the center of the light with the rest of the hall in darkness. As bad as the earlier darkness was, this was worse. The rest of the hall was dark while he and Tali sat in stark illumination, highlighted targets for any lurking danger. A realization pushed through Shepard's growing headache and nausea. He realized that at some point he had begun thinking of this situation in terms of potential threats, but had been ignoring those instincts. Those instincts were screaming at him now. He looked now to see what might stand between them and the exit, but the light was blinding him to where anything else in the room might be. It suddenly dawned on him that it could be intentional.
Tali suddenly grasped Shepard's hand more tightly. She shifted her feet on the floor, pressing and sliding them against the surface of the deck. She leaned in close to Shepard, placing her head on his shoulder and looking up into his eyes. Quietly, she whispered to him, "Shepard, this ship's engines are powering up."
Shepard couldn't feel anything different, but knew he would be a fool to doubt Tali. A bigger fool than he already was. Too trusting, he thought to himself. Manuel had continued, no longer a keynote speaker, but a preacher exhorting his followers. "He had shown us the way! Seize the narrative! Make the story your own! He was our guide and protector! Shepard to our flock! But, when the wolves howl and circle in the dark, it is sometimes the Shepard that must be sacrificed that the flock might live."
Manuel had taken almost an apologetic tone with that last statement. A fact that did nothing to reassure Shepard. It had finally worked its way through into his awareness that he had ignored Tali's warnings and led the woman he cared about straight into a den of fanatics. Worse, he had trapped them there until they acted. He also realized that, blind or not, they had to make a run for it. He surged to his feet, intent on battering through anyone and anything that stood between him and the exit, intending to make a path for Tali. Instead, the room began to spin about and his nausea surged. He dropped to his knees, realizing how completely he had misjudged the situation. Realizing he had been poisoned. He had lost Tali's hand as he fell. He heard her cry his name and he looked up, reaching for her. She was reaching to take his hand, to drag him out of this place when she was struck by a burst of electrical energy. Tali jerked and collapsed back into the chair she had risen from, stunned or worse. The lights came up in the room and Shepard saw through the haze of his dizziness that the various attendees were kneeling, heads bowed and fists held to their chests. All except the trio of guards that now approached him and Tali.
Shepard heard Manuel speaking again, directing. "Gently now, brothers. The ceremony of our ascension cannot proceed without the proper offering."
