One week passes since Shepard recieved the message from Joker. Over that period of time Tali had began building up some of the gardens that Shala'Raan had began to graph out. They were working to create an enclosed park with special solar shielding that allowed only enough energy through to allow the plants to grow. Shepard had helped by building the planters and other items with imported wood from Earth. It gave the garden an exotic look to have materials from other planets used.
As the Geth finished putting up the enclosure Tali and Raan looked at what they had accomplished. Bringing the beauty of Rannoch back one garden at a time, a tear of happiness and pride came down both Raan and Talis faces.
Shepard came up slowely behind Tali and put his hand on her shoulder, she put her hand on his and removed her mask to kiss him. Raan tensed when she saw Tali remove her mask but said nothing, she knew that Tali's body had become accustomed to Shepard. Raal slowely backed out of the garden to allow them to have some privacy.
"Keelah, it turned out amazing," Tali said as she walked over to the flowers, reds and yellows dotted the flower garden giving off a sweet aroma.
"Yes it did, I'd say that the plants copied you perfectly. From your outer beauty to your inner beauty," Shepards face turned a deep shade of red as soon as he noticed Tali froze in place after that comment.
Tali was on the brink of busting out into a laughing fit, such a cheesy yet sweet line of him to say. "Well Shepard, do tell. When did you turn into a Krogan romantic?"
Her mask was still off and Shepard could see the cute little smirk she had on her face, she was about as red as he was at that point from trying not to laugh.
"Would it suprise you if I said Raan was giving me pointers?"
Tali couldnt take it, that was the final straw. She busted out laughing, Shepard joined in realizing the irony of the situation.
"I can't believe you actually listened to Raan," Tali was still recovering from the laughing fit.
"Haha yeah, I'm still learning how to live with your people. As they say on Earth, When in Rome, do as the Romans do," He put his arm around Tali still trying to regain his composure, they sat down on the stone path, his arm around her shoulders and her head on his shoulder.
..
One hour passes and they start talking to the Admiralty board to commission a ship.
"Shepard, Commander we may have a way to help you," a Geth Prime chimed in as the meating was finishing.
"Ok I'm up for an idea," Shepard was happy to here the Geth were helping with more than planetary repopulation.
"Our people wished to show you gratitude for your mercy, a ship is waiting for you on the landing pad half a click west of here. I will lead you to it if you wish,"
"Absolutely!" Tali exclaimed rather excited to have a ship all to herself and Shepard.
"We appreciate it Prime," Shepard and Tali followed the Prime to the ship.
The ship was small but seemed to be a mix of Geth and Turian design, The exterior used Geth technology while the interior was designed to be comfortable to organics. Instead of windows special micro cameras were placed on the hull and HUDS were installed to mimic windows. This ship seemed as if it was also equipped for long term living.
Tali was ecstatic to be able to witness the first ship of its kind, and then she noticed something that haunted her. The power source of the ship, was a piece of the reaper core they had killed on the cliff, Shepard became concerned when he noticed Tali shaking uncontrollably.
"Whats wrong Tali?" He rushed over to her and grabbed her holding her tightly.
"I nearly lost you to that, bosh'tet. Never again Shepard, I wont lose you again," She was in tears, Shepard pulled her over to a chair and sat with her for nearly an hour comforting her.
"Ready to go?" He asked softly, not sure if she was asleep or awake.
No response, she was out cold.
"Prime will you set autopilot for Illium," Shepard didn't want to get up, instead he found that the table and chairs converted to a bed. So he lay down next to Tali and slept next to her the whole ride.