The Citadel's artificial sun is three quarters across the sky as it casts soft shadows on the docked Normandy. The ship is eerily empty, aside from a few over-working crew members. The Commander of the ship lay on the bed, grappling with his thoughts. His mind flows through memories of the soft touch of Tali's hands, the warmth of her embrace, the way her luminescent eyes pierce through her purple visor...

Trying fruitlessly to break away from the thoughts, Shepard began to rest his hands over his eyes. Another thought crept into his head; Garrus' feelings for Tali. Even though Shepard was beginning to feel a strong connection with Tali, was it worth endangering his friendship with Garrus? Would a human and quarian even have the necessary compatibility to be together?

The Commander stood up from the bed and walked to the elevator. He pressed the CIC Deck's button, looking for help from the team's doctor and scientist, Mordin Solus. The elevator began its descent and Shepard held a hand to his chin in thought.

I'm sure Mordin's looked into quarian biology before. Shepard thought. But how to spring this on him…

The elevator slowed to a stop and the Commander stepped out and migrated towards the tech lab. The door hissed open, and Shepard, entering, noticed the scientist salarian bent over some piece of work, black eyes unblinking. Pausing for a moment, Shepard watched the Doctor work, seamlessly gathering data, the salarian's six fingers blurring as they record his progress.

After a few moments pass, Mordin says, "Shepard. How can I help?" without looking away from the vials that were currently capturing his gaze.

Shepard glanced up at the salarian, and said sheepishly, "Sorry, is this a bad time?"

Turning back towards the computer, Mordin begins to write down notes, saying, "Not at all. Running tests to see if Collector technology can be repurposed for possible substitution for fuel. Tests almost done. Can talk while they are processing."

"Alright. I wanted to get your professional opinion on something."

Mordin, fervently typing on the holographic keyboard, nods and quickly says, "Can do. Topic?"

Shepard takes in a breath. The question is on the tip of his brain, and he hadn't formed any round-about strategy to present the question in a more subtle manner. Oh well, Shepard sighed. The Commander was a soldier, not a politician.

So, he asked bluntly, "Inter-species relationships. Is it possible for humans to do so with other species aside from Asari?" Casually, Shepard leaned back against a table and crossed his arms, staring at the salarian levelly and gauging the reaction.

Mordin, still typing, breathes in deeply and says, "Yes. Has been done between turians and quarians. Has been done with other combinations of species as well."

"So," Shepard continued, rather unsubtly. "Then there have been relationships between, say, humans and quarians that worked?"

"Proper measures must be taken if the relationship is between a levo and dextro-chirality species." Mordin paused for a moment, grinned with slight amusement, then proceeded with typing again, saying, "And indeed possible, though must be handled with extreme caution." The salarian glanced up at Shepard. "Physical contact not recommended for extended periods of time. Possible for a short time with enough antibiotics, however. Given enough instances of safe contact, quarian adaptaptation to new bacteria can be acccomplished over time. Still, must be handled carefully regardless."

Shepard's eyes dropped down for a moment as he absorbed the information. The Commander straightens, and his arms fall to his sides. "...I see." The Commander nodded, hope a beacon in his chest. "Thanks for your input, Mordin."

Mordin, always curious, said, "Anytime. Though, must ask. This is about the quarian Tali'Zorah I would assume? Past relationship would make dalliance attractive as stress release."

Shepard took a step back, "Well, it is about her...but-"

Mordin interrupted, "Can recommend antibiotics and supplements for her. Suggest you self-sterilize as well."

"No, I don't think that will be necessary." Shepard said finally, hoping to put an end to the conversation. "I was just wondering what you thought about it."

Mordin stopped typing and turned back towards the vials, saying, "Ah, I see. No dalliance then? My mistake. Assumed you were curious about intimacy. Apologies." The salarian nodded to the Commander.

"Uh...no problem. Anyway, I should go."

Shepard began to walk towards the door leading to the CIC but stopped when he heard Mordin say quietly, "Will be here if you need me. Will run tests in the meantime." Shepard smiled, though the expression held tinges of embarrassment, and walked back towards the CIC.