I've got an author's note for this chapter!
Thanks to everyone who followed, favorited and reviewed so far. I appreciate it.
Essentially with these first few chapters I'm trying to focus less on the plot and more on the setting. I want to try and take the universe as it was after the "perfect" destroy ending of ME3, fast forward it five years later, and describe what my ideal version of a rebuilding galaxy would be while also making it seem likely and realistic in relation to the universe. So far I think it's turned out well! Additionally I'm trying to give Kal'Reegar a relatively large role as I think he is a cool and interesting character. And also, if you have a question for me, you can either PM my account OR leave your question in a review on the story and I'll answer it in an author's note when the next chapter comes out.
Speaking of that, I will do my very best to get chapters out on a consistent basis, but I'm also balancing 12 credit hours in college at the moment, so my schedule to write isn't always free. Please be patient - I will finish this one! I'm already loving writing it.
And don't worry - some classic characters are coming back in Chapter 3, so stay tuned...
Chapter 2: Departure From Rannoch
Tali placed a finger on her chin in thought. "So that means that this Phalanx was one of Legion's Geth. But...how did it survive the Crucible?"
Shepard sat down on the couch and sat back, trying to think. Tali took the seat next to him. "I'm not sure," he said after several moments. "My only thought is that Legion could have sent the ship into dark space. But even then, it would have been dangerous - nobody knows what's out in dark space."
Tali said, "Then Legion must have sent it into an area of dark space that he knew was safe..."
Shepard sat bolt upright, in realization. "He sent it through the Omega 4 Mass Relay. And then he had it destroyed so nobody could follow him."
Tali, catching on, said, "We originally thought that Cerberus had destroyed it after they studied what remained of the Collector base...but it was actually the Geth that destroyed the Relay..."
"Because Legion predicted that his species may fall victim to the way the Crucible killed synthetic life," Shepard finished. "He also must have guessed that the Crucible would use the Relays to spread it's energy. That's why he destroyed the Omega 4 Relay. So that the Crucible's energy wouldn't travel through it and kill Phalanx."
The two sat for a minute, taking in the information.
"Shepard, I saw Kal'Reegar today in the market. He survived the war."
Shepard only looked mildly surprised, but then he had just found out that a Geth survived. Tali wasn't surprised this didn't phase him much. "That's great news. I remember getting the report of his squad's death forwarded to me on the Normandy before we took back Earth. I'm really glad to hear that. How is he?"
"He's doing well. I told him that he could come over for dinner tonight, but..."
"You should let him know that he's more than welcome to visit when we return," Shepard said.
Tali nodded. "Will do." She opened up her omni-tool's communication link. "Reegar, are you there?"
"I'm here, Tali," he said.
"I'm sorry, but we are going to be...busy, tonight. Shepard is being called back to the Citadel on special Alliance business and I'm going with him."
"That is all right, Tali. May I ask what the sudden situation is?"
Tali looked at Shepard, who, after a second of consideration, nodded. Classified or not classified, Reegar was a Quarian that both Tali and Shepard knew could be trusted. "Alliance patrols discovered a single Geth warship - intact, and with an actual Geth aboard - by the site of the destroyed Omega 4 Relay. It survived the Crucible by going into dark space, and it asked to speak to either Shepard or I."
"That's...quite a shock, indeed," Reegar said. "Would it...be all right if I accompanied you?"
Shepard walked over and spoke into Tali's arm. "Of course, Reegar. It will be nice to see you again - and it sounds like this mission might require some tech expertise. Two Quarians are better then one."
"Thank you, Shepard," said Reegar. "Selling vegetables at the market stand isn't a life suited for a marine like myself."
"Grab whatever gear you have and be at our home in three hours. The Normandy is already en route to Rannoch via FTL."
"Understood, Shepard. I'll be there." And with that, Reegar disconnected the link.
"You know, I was informed that before his "death", Reegar was being considered for the Spectres by the Council," said Shepard suddenly. "I'm hoping that once the Council learns that he's still alive, they'll still be willing to consider him for the position. I'm glad he volunteered to come along - we can discuss the matter while we're with the Council on the Citadel for this Geth. Two birds in one stone."
Tali was in shock at this information. "Shepard! That's...that's amazing! Being given a Council position was already a surprise and a gesture of goodwill - my people will rejoice at the thought of Quarian Spectre! Do you think his chances of acceptance are high?"
Shepard nodded, smiling. "I put in a good word for him when I first heard about it five years ago. And I'm sure Garrus will support it as well - they fought together. Plus, Garrus is a Spectre now, too."
Tali sounded ecstatic. "Good point. I bet Reegar will be delighted!"
Shepard nodded. "I'll tell him when we depart on the Normandy. Let's relax until then."
Shepard and Tali spent the next three hours watching the Galactic News Network, seeing their efforts to save the galaxy five years ago rewarded through the latest report of a re-colonized planet or a new treaty being signed. Soon after the three hour mark, Reegar arrived, and the trio waited in the home together until an Alliance shuttle dispatched by the Normandy - a Kodiak - landed near the home.
"Alright, everyone," Shepard said to Tali and Reegar. "Let's go find out about this Geth situation."
