After the two had calmed down, they could not help but to enjoy this small moment on their own, yet they were again interrupted, the sirens across the streets warned them of one thing; C-Sec was approaching.
There wasn't much time, the remaining shops around Tali and Shepard closed their gates after warning the two of the Citadel's special corp, leaving the two to fend for themselves. The sirens were getting closer, and Shepard was the first to take action by attempting to pick Tali up.
"We better get going before—"
"Hands where I can see them! Don't try anything you're going to regret." screamed a C-Sec officer from the nearby stairs, two other men stood behind her, pointing their guns to the two.
Soon, another five policemen approached the scene from the other end of the street along with three more officers coming from the second and third floors of the market
"You're doing a grave mistake..." tried to grumble Tali in an attempt to stand up on her feet again, but knowing fully well the consequences of electrocution, Shepard prevented her from trying further.
"… Chrisa?"
With a polite squeeze on her shoulder, Shepard did her best to reassure her by resting her forehead against Tali's helmet, whispering to her with sweet, gentle voice. "It's okay, Tali... Let me be the one to handle this, too."
"Did you not hear what I just said? Hands in the air or we'll open fire!" hastily now, the turian's patience was clearly running low as she took the safety of her weapon off.
Shepard closed her eyes, and begged to whatever god there might be in the universe for a bit of luck. When she opened them again, and Tali felt a tremor completely different from before.
As if possessed by another being, Shepard stood out straight, puffed off her chest and turned her head aggressively to face the turian.
"You're quite the resilient woman, aren't you, Officer? You're pointing that gun to the wrong people, you know!" she stated with a tone of voice that set her as an authority figure above the officer.
Momentarily shaken, the turian quickly dismissed this sudden impression and instead humored the woman as her men closed in. "… enlighten me then, human. Why should I not be pointing my gun at you?"
Now at gunpoint from multiple angles, Shepard had little choice.
"You want answers? Fine, I'm going to give it to you..." She took another deep breath, and filled her lungs so everyone and anyone in the market could listen to her.
"… My name is Chrisa Jane Shepard, and you are trespassing a Spectre's operation!"
The officer snorted, not believing her lying mouth. "Spectre. A human! Like we would believe such—" but the turian had to pause for a moment, and think. There was a resemblance to the woman she had seen in the news before, and the more she looked at the self-proclaimed Spectre the truer seemed to be her words. "—wait, you couldn't be—no, it cannot. Who are you?."
"You don't believe me, fine. You can have my credentials if you want." Shepard declared before activating her omni-tool, quickly transferring her military credentials to the turian officer.
"Just know this, you keep pointing that weapon at me and you are begging for trouble with the council. Forget about just getting fired of C-Sec, you'll be the laughing stock of Palaven once I'm done with you."
Now nearly frightened by her words, the Officer ran a sweat down her forehead as she received Shepard's ID, solely reading the starting line to find out the truth.
Spectre Chrisa J. Shepard - N7 Special Unit no. 5923-AC-2826
"Quick, lower your weapons!" the C-Sec officer shouted in a hurry, holstering her weapon before straightening her back and earnestly salute the Spectre. "I'm so sorry ma'am, I did not recognize you—"
Shepard raised her hand, before the rest of the officer's squad saluted her the same way. "It's okay officer, I know you're only doing your job."
"Lieutenant, we've found three other bodies around the market, we'll keep our eyes open for any other casualties." informed a C-Sec scout through the Officer's open com, tensing the atmosphere even further.
Doubtful on how to put it, the Officer took a moment to pick her words. "... Would it be too much to ask for an explanation, ma'am? I understand a Spectre's businesses are highly confidential—"
This time, Shepard breathed out in disbelief, the kind of special, cautious treatment she was receiving was not something she was used to.
Nevertheless, the officer's 180º attitude change was far too stiff for her to ignore her petition.
"I'll do my best to be as detailed and brief as possible. That shoulder lower the amount of paperwork, right?"
"That would be... considerate of you, yes."
Perhaps that odd sensation in Shepard's stomach came with standing at the pinnacle of military command.
Tali could not believe it.
Never in her life or in the time of the council had a human ever managed to become a Spectre, yet there was one woman declaring herself as one. And Despite how crazy it sounded, she couldn't say it was impossible to believe in, either.
It did not take them long to discuss the situation and the turn of events. Not even ten minutes had passed and already was the C-Sec Officer shaking hands with Shepard as if it was an honor.
"Thank you ma'am, we'll take care of things from here on out."
But just as the Officer was about to turn around and leave, her eyes fell on Tali, whom, according to the public gossip, was making deals with the criminals now dead on the floor.
"Just one final question... what will happen with the quarian?"
Shepard, for once, didn't know how to put it. If she left Tali on her own, they would very likely interrogate her thoroughly, and C-Sec wasn't known for being nice with potential criminals.
"... she's with me." is all Shepard stated.
"Private matters?"
"Private matters."
The officer understood, and bowed her head in defeat at the woman's use of power to save her friend's skin.
A bold move, but the officer had other things to worry about, so she let it slide and instead focused on calling out enough people to clean up the whole market before sunset.
"Was it true what you said, are you a Spectre of the council?" spouted Tali, her gaze fixated on Shepard who was just crouching in front of her now once more.
"I just got the rank this morning." specified Shepard in return, offering a helping hand to Tali who was now holding her weight against the wall.
"That's... insane." Tali looked down, unable to wrap her head around how crazy her day had become from the moment she met Shepard.
Taking her aiding hand, Tali was soon back on her feet, her posture showing off more confidence than when she had woke up that morning.
"...Alright, I had already planned to do it, but you're a Spectre, so it has also become my duty to tell you of my research."
Though her mind was full of resolution, Tali still struggled over the chance of being ridiculed, just like in the embassies of before.
"I'm listening."
"See, the reason why I was so desperate to come here was to—" but just as she was about to spout the truth, the beeping on Shepard's omni-tool interrupted her speech.
"Shepard, we got word about the quarian we're looking for. Name's Tali."
"... thank you, Joker." responded Shepard as she tried to keep a composed face at the truly awkward timing of the events.
"So... it would seem you are the quarian I've been looking for..."
Not knowing what her words meant, Tali remained quiet, watching Shepard that kept her eyes on her omni-tool for a while longer, before directing her attention back to the quarian. "Can you walk?"
"Huh? Y-Yeah. My legs are still a bit numb but it's nothing to worry about."
"Good." Shepard nodded along with her response.
"Joker, inform the crew there will be a few adjustments done to the ship. I'll send you the info right now."
"Aye, Commander."
Shepard then caught, through the corner of her eye, Tali's knees bending to the side. Watching her collapse, Shepard didn't take any chances and quickly jumped to her aid, holding her body from the hips.
"Easy, there..." Shepard brought her to eye-level and, unknowingly, never letting go of her hips. "… before we do anything, you need to gather your strength. Besides, I think it would be best if you tell your story to the council first, Tali. They're going to want to hear this."
Tali had to reprocess what Shepard had told her to truly comprehend it.
Already finishing her ride on the elevator that led to the council, Tali was surprised the security teams at Citadel tower didn't search her before and after she arrived to the top floor
She assumed the reason for this special treatment was the over the top group of people that was accompanying her.
Admiral Anderson, a well-respected man among the military, not only between humans but over the Citadel itself.
Ambassador Udina, a man in pursuit of putting humanity alongside with the council of the Citadel.
Garrus Vakarian, a C-Sec officer tired of restrictions in his hunt for Saren and any evidence against him.
Wrex; a solo bounty hunter who just happened to cross Shepard's path, just like her.
And last but not least, the Spectre Jane Shepard, who had vouched for her and the evidence she carried against the skepticism of both Anderson and Udina.
One curious thing she noticed from all of them though was how nobody actually called her by name, and rather, it seemed to be almost a custom to call her Shepard, or Commander.
The gates to the council finally opened, and Tali was soon overwhelmed with the pressure she just on her own shoulders.
She was about to have the one meeting she could have only dreamed of until now, and it was all said and done simply because Shepard told them so. The expectations were heavy, and Tali prayed to her ancestors the evidence she had in her possession would be enough.
"So, this is the quarian you were talking about. Tell us, Spectre, have you confirmed her intel?" asked Valern, the salarian councilor, as the Shepard's group reached the hearing platform.
Giving off a cocky smirk, Shepard rested her weight on one hip, crossing her arms together. "I thought it would be best to find that out along with you."
Unconvinced at first, the councilors looked at one another and nod, all coming to the agreement of hearing the quarian out if Shepard was so confident about it.
Now that she was a Spectre, her word held weight on the situation.
"Very well, we'll hear what she has to say. Step forward, young quarian." ordered Tevos, the asari.
Knowing better than making the council wait, Shepard, along with the rest of her group, took a few steps away from Tali as to allow the hearing platform to extend beneath her feet, leading her closer to the gaze of the councilors.
"You currently stand at the presence of the council; it would be wise you didn't attempt to hide anything from us. Are you ready to make your statement?" spoke Quentius plainly, his cold stare rivaling asari commandos despite his turian origins.
Nearly choking with her own saliva, Tali swallowed strongly before even daring to speak.
"… I am ready."
"We'll now begin the trial." spoke Tevos before opening a visual channel, linking the entire room with Saren.
At Tali's surprise, his hologram was four to five times taller than she would have expected and it was clearly done with the purpose of allowing the accused to look down on those against him.
"Who is this?" asked Saren, clearly annoyed to see his time wasted for a quarian who seemed about to faint from the pressure.
Saren was about to call off the meeting, when at the corner of his screen he recognized Shepard, standing will with her eyes raised in her usual skepticism as they made eye-contact with one another.
"Oh? I should have known you wouldn't stop pestering me. So, tell me, Commander Shepard, how much exactly did you spend in this farce?"
"Saren, you will only direct yourself to the quarian now in front of you. Shepard has recused herself from taking part on this trial." said Quentius, stating the facts with a loud, authoritative voice.
Quickly giving up, Saren looked at Shepard one last time before returning his gaze on the quarian now standing at the hearing platform.
"Very well, let us get this over with. Show us this supposed evidence you have against me."
Before Tali could begin however, Valern's calm voice filled the room. "State your name and businesses first, young quarian. For the record."
Now, fully understanding this hearing was real, and the pressure and nauseating feeling in her stomach was genuine, Tali had to look back at the group who, not only expecting her to succeed, but also shared the same goal as she.
Her eyes fell, mostly, on Shepard who was at the center of them.
Though she tried to make it quick, Shepard's gentle smile made her stare for a few seconds longer before turning her head again to the council.
Surprisingly, the nausea was gone now, but the nervousness of her body was still very present.
After a small pause, Tali finally stated her business as clear as the helmet's speaker allowed her to.
"M-My name... is Tali'Zorah nar Rayya, I'm a young quarian that was fulfilling her pilgrimage, and I've brought information that will prove Saren as a traitor to the council."
The council, Saren, and the group behind them remained quiet. Tali took it as a sign to continue.
Though she gave a vibe of confidence, Shepard in reality was nervous just as well. Already could she picture how the council would nag at her if the evidence didn't turn out to be enough to find Saren guilty of treason, but seeing how desperate Tali was to have this hearing, she didn't want to pass on this uneasy sensation to the quarian as she was now making her case.
She was doing well so far, telling her story; Tali had found a group of geth in an ice world with no name, she waited for one of them to separate from the rest and then removed its memory core. Though not much was salvaged, the footage she now had in her possession was one of the things she had managed to save.
Just as she finished telling her story, Tali paused for a moment to decode the message on the omni-tool, and played it on the speaker for everyone in the room to listen.
"Good, Eden Prime was a major victory. The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit..." so spoke Saren's voice in the recording, though with considerable static.
"And then I have this piece..." stated Tali as she switched recordings.
"Indeed, we—to think—we will soon—one step closer to—return of the Reapers—" so spoke the voice of an unknown, but clearly powerful woman.
It was after hearing the last word that Shepard quickly took her head on her hands, and clawed her into her eye sockets. A wild, excruciating pain seemed to invade her brain, as the visions of Eden Prime seemed to play again in her head, her body entering a state where she could not even make a sound.
The pain only seemed to further intensify as the visions progressed, bringing her to her knees.
It immediately stopped then, before Tali and the Council could turn their gaze towards what was happening in the back, only managing to see how Shepard slowly stood back on her feet.
"You alright, Shepard?" asked Anderson as he held her tightly from the shoulders, giving her balancing support until she regained her full strength.
Shepard did not say anything, but instead shook her head as her eyes remained down on the floor, with one part of the vision sticking out from the rest.
Machinery.
"Saren, what is the meaning of this?" spoke the turian councilor out loud in clear annoyance.
"It's a farce; obviously this quarian is trying to frame me for Shepard's own—"
"Don't lie to me, Arterius! No one can make evidence that convincing in such a short amount of time. Explain yourself!" now furious, Quentius went as far as calling Saren by his last name.
Saren remained quiet, and closed his eyes. He fixed his posture which he had lost as he listened to his own voice in the recording, and took a few seconds before he opened his eyes again, now as empty as the void itself.
"... to think you would find such a compelling evidence, I must congratulate you, little girl. You've angered me the same way only Commander Shepard has managed to do so far."
The tone in his voice was full of killing intent, freezing Tali on the spot as she could nearly feel a gun pointing down to her head. But, rather than letting this fear to consume her, she quickly snapped out of her instincts, and allowed her mouth to run wild for the first time in her life.
"I—I do not fear you, Saren! You are a traitor to everything the council stood for, and you are also responsible for many attacks against the flotilla. You had it coming!"
Saren, unmoved by her accusations, simply nodded in acknowledgment of her words. "So be it, if you think you have even a slight chance against me, then feel free to enact your revenge. But for today, I'm done with you lot."
"Saren, if you leave now you'll be—" so declared Tevos, but Saren did not even allow her to finish, and closed his visual com without spouting another word.
As his hologram vanished, Tali placed her hands on the borders of the hearing platforms, breathing heavily as if she had held it from the start.
Rapidly trotting to her, Shepard stood next to her as soon as the platform withdrew itself, a signal the council was done listening to her accusations.
"You okay, Tali?"
Though she was panting like crazy, Tali's face was filled with a wide smile at the odd sensation of satisfaction, though again, this was not visible for Shepard's eyes. "… That was... terrifying. Can't believe I just said that to a Spectre."
"Do not think he'll remain as one of them for long." so said Quentius as he tweaked around with his omni-tool. "We will immediately strip Saren of his rights as Spectre and declare him a running fugitive. This is a major blow to what Spectre's hold up, but this will also bring a fresh start to what we, the council, come to expect from the people who hold this title."
"We've long since noticed Saren's behavior as irrational, chaotic. Spectres are tools to end conflicts and spare innocent people from further bloodshed, not entice it, embrace it. The Council thanks you for your great efforts today, Commander Shepard, and you, Tali'Zorah nar Rayya."
Perhaps it was how Tevos excelled at politics and the means of speech, but the way she said her name made Tali feel extremely important.
Anderson then approached the Council, and bowed his head before speaking straightforwardly.
"If I may, councilors; I would like to propose we send the Normandy to hunt down Saren. She is the best ship, much more capable than any other in the entire galaxy."
Looking at one another again, Valern saw no flaw in the proposition, and spoke on behalf of his fellow councilors after coming to an agreement. "What say you, Spectre Jane? Is your team and ship up to the task?"
Shepard saluted in respect, as excitement seemed to ooze from her very being.
"Preparations are already on their way, but the ship will only be able to leave the Citadel in about four days. It's scheduled to some modifications."
"This will be a long journey; don't think we want you to finish Saren at the cost of your own life, Spectre. Take the time you need to prepare yourself and your team." so declared Quentius as he finished using his omni-tool.
"I appreciate it. Now, if you'll excuse me councilors, I still have a few things to take care of before we depart."
And just like that, Shepard turned to leave the room along with Garrus and Wrex, leaving Anderson and Udina to deal over the details.
She did not have to turn around to know Shepard was already on her way out without even saying goodbye.
But perhaps this was how it was meant to be, it was Shepard's task now to hunt Saren with the approval of the Council, Tali's business was solely to pass on her findings to them.
Clearly saddened, Tali kept her head down as she shuffled her fingers arounds. Tevos took notice of her odd behavior, and quickly spoke to her while the rest of the councilors cleared the room.
"What seems to be the hold up, Tali'Zorah nar Rayya?"
Caught by surprise, Tali looked up to the asari councilor in confusion. "… Excuse me?"
Tevos, knowing clearly what the quarian was thinking, stated her thoughts the simplest way she could come up with. "You are part of Jane's team, are you not?"
Now dumbfound by her words, Tali turned her head around, only to find Shepard, Garrus and Wrex still waiting by the door.
Not knowing what to say or even how to react, Tali looked back at the Councilor and bowed her thanks.
"… councilor."
That was all she managed to say without shouting from the enthusiasm that was now filling up her body, then casually ran past Udina and Anderson, who were perplexed over her lack of any formal gesture.