Chapter 11: Some Good News
[REDACTED] Building, Chicago, Earth
A dark forest. Whispers. Shadows. A note, no, a drone. A Reaper? Red lights shining down. Heat. Burning. The Earth on fire. Palaven, Thessia, Sur'Kesh, Tuchunka, The Citadel. Everyone gone. Alone. All alone in the dark.
Something was chocking him. Shepard's eyes flew open and he lunged forward, tackling his armored assailant to the ground. Instinct set in and in a second, his prisoner was pinned and just a move away injury. A voice drew him out though. Then he recognized, who was pinned under him.
"John..." Tali said through rough breaths. Her suit glimmered in the light from the city, multiple colors reflecting of the metal.
"Tali? Oh God." Shepard released her and he threw his arms around her in a tight hug. "Oh God, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize."
She rubbed his bare back gently cooing. "It's alright. I'm safe. You didn't hurt me." When he pulled back, the worry on his shadowed face was still evident. She brough up her hand to his face and pulled it close to her faceplate. "See, fine." A smile drew on her liips, even though she knew he couldn't see it.
He nodded and grabbed one of her hands. "I felt someone choking me and just reacted. What was going on?"
"You were yelling 'no, no, no' repeatedly. I tried to shake you awake, but you wouldn't budge. You started hypervenilating."
Shepard watched her as she talked, trying to remember what his dream was about. For the life of him, he couldn't recall. Something about a forest maybe. "I don't even remember what I was dreaming about."
Tali stood, pulling Shepard up with her, and went to the kitchen, holding onto his land as long as she could before leaving him by the bed. She looked through the cupboards for awhile for the coffee (they hadn't had much of a chance to sort everything). When she foud her quarry, Tali had to figure out how to make it using a small instruction label on the bag.
Shepard crept behind her and took a position leaning against the wall. He still felt guilty about what he did, but what really bothered him was the dream and fact he couldn't remember it at all. Whatever it was, it was over, and he was with his mate- even if she did have to stay in the suit. As if to puncuate this, she unsuccessfully held back a sneeze and unceremoniously flung coffee grounds all over. It was a feat to stifle the laugh that tried to escape. He went to find the broom if only to make sure that laugh stayed down.
Tali looked over dejectedly then down at the grounds on the floor. "Damn." She put the bag down and went to look for a broom, which Shepard kindly appeared with and started cleaning up for her, even stopping to kiss her mask. They managed to work well enough around each other and even got the coffee brewing. Tali stalked over to the couch and slumped down, quickly joined by the far more bouncy Shepard. "It's too early for this." She said, leaning against his chest and closing her eyes.
He stroked her arm and allowed himself to get relaxed as well. It was difficult with odd bits of metal sticking into you, but he found a position where they didn't hurt as much as were annoying. "I love you." He whispered.
It was Tali's turn to have a little laugh. "You know, I was wondering when you would say that to me." She opened one eye.
"Wait... what? I said it last night."
Tali giggled again. "I know. Took you long enough." She teased.
Shepard shook his head and smiled. "I wasn't that obvious."
"Oh yeah?" Even through her mask, her unbelieving expression was easily readable. "You don't remember what happened the night before we took on Saren."
That was true, he didn't remember. It was almost three years ago, well, more like almost one year ago for him. "You can't hold that against a dead guy." He countered.
"I thought you were only mostly dead."
"Well... yeah."
They were tangled in each other on the bed after, enjoying the cuddling almost as much as the sex. Shepard was running a hand up and down her flank while she closed her eyes and nuzzled his chest. She looked so peaceful lying in bed. So gentle too, quite different from the ravenous animal she was on the battlefield or even just a moment ago. It was the way he had always seen her though: a warrior in battle, but a quiet genius anywhere else. If there was anything worth fighting for, it was her. She meant more to him than he wanted to admit. Was this love? Is being willing to die for someone love?
Tali was thinking the same things: would she go back to the Fleet after this? Shepard couldn't come with her. That was almost enough to make it an automatic 'no'. But it was the her home. She couldn't abandon it. Did he feel the same as her? Did he fight for her? Did he love her? How badly she wanted to hear thosse words. How badly she wanted to say them too. It was difficult to sleep with these thoughts; however, when she heard the gentle snoring from Shepard, she found herself relaxing more in his strong arms.
"You mean you don't know?" Liara was shocked. It was so blatant that even Wrex knew about it the moment they first bonded. To think she wouldn't know...
"It's not like he's said anything." Tali was wringing her hands again. The 'girl time' that was happening now had been an accident: she was trying to ask Dr. Chakwas about it when Liara had walked in at the wrong time.
The cool-headed doctor remained silent with a sagely look on her face. It was interesting to watch the young woman be so nervous about something that should be easily seen. Maybe she was too focused to notice all the times the commander visited Engineering to watch her work.
"He doesn't have to say anything, Tali. He's always watching you with a silly grin on his face. More often than not, you're the one he goes to see to talk. And how many times have you slept in his cabin?" Liara crossed her arms over her chest, feeling quite victorious.
"He cares about everyone. I don't get treated like that." She half thought that was a lie now that so much had been pointed out. But slightly special treatment it natural in a relationship. Love was... different.
"Liara has a point." Now it was Chakwas' turn. "When you speak, his eyes are glued to you. If you're even in the room, he'll look over to you no matter he's doing. If I have to have one more 'mating ritual' talk with him, I may start to record them for the extranet." She loosed a slightly sadistic chuckle at that.
"Record what for the extranet?" Shepard stepped into the med bay. Upon seeing the group of women all staring at him with smiles that said 'I know something you don't', he starting to leave again.
When he was almost out the door, Chakwas called out, "Don't leave, Commander. We would love for you to stay."
"Yes, Shepard, that would be lovely." Liara said.
Both were snickering at their jokes while Tali just sat quietly. This was another time she appreciated the mask. Without it, the color of her cheeks would be bright enough to be used as a flashlight. She half hoped Shepard would catch what they were talking about. No such luck.
"Right." He slowly said, holding out the 'i'. "Um, I should get back to work. Doctor, when you're free, I need to talk to you." He walked out, leaving the women alone again.
They all guffawed once he was gone. Even Tali couldn't hold in a chuckle. She never realized how much he cared for her. Even in that rather awkward conversation, he had locked eyes with her multiple times. This was something to think about.
As she explained all this to Shepard, even he couldn't help but admit how oblivious he was to his own behavior. And now he knew what some of those looks were that he received from kids on the Citadel. And where that ad about he and Tali came from too. "The things you learn from other people."
She put a hand to her vocalizer. "Now that I think about it, there were a lot of ways I was obvious too. And Chakwas made sure to tell me about those later too."
"At least I'm not alone in this then." Shepard teased as he stood to get a cup of coffee. He felt her hand brush his thigh as he left and thought he heard a quiet 'bosh'tet'. This time, it'd slide, but the next time, he had the perfect way to retaliate. The coffee had just finished brewing and was piping hot as he poured it into a plain mug. As terrible as black coffee tasted, it was too early to go sifting through the cupboards and fridge to find sugar or cream. Surprisingly, it wasn't half bad, but a nice mint twist wouldn't hurt.
Meanwhile, Tali went back to the bed and checked her omnitool. The headache was gone but there was a sneeze just waiting to happen in there somewhere. She had a minor infection, nothing that would last more than a few days. That's good. I hate being trapped in this suit with John right here. The time read 5:13, which meant it was almost dawn. Just another thing she'll have to wait to see.
And on cue entered Shepard. "It's been a long time since I've gotten to see the dawn from a planet." He flopped on the bed, careful to keep his coffee-wielding hand steady. The first rays of light were creeping over the horizon, highlighting the cityscape that stretched out before them. "You know, I've never been to Chicago before." He sipped on the coffee and gazed out wistfully. "It loses something without your friends." A three-fingered hand ran through his hair, and the eyes of the quarian were locked on his.
"You have me." She said contentedly. She slid next to him and cuddled up as close as she could get. Even though the sunlight had to be filtered through the visor, seeing it with Shepard for the first time made it more special. "I love you, John."
"I love you too." He replied, leaning his head against hers.
Ulysses Building, Chicago, Earth
The second meeting went no better than the first. Everytime the Reapers were mentioned, the Chair instantly changed topics. If it had been a dance, no partner could have kept up. The fury was building up in more than just Shepard. As the collect face of Admiral Hackett was wearing down. If he looked closely, Shepard could see his nose scrunch everytime the subject was changed. The only good news came during their lunch recess.
Anderson pulled them over, away from anyone who could listen. "So far one other admiral is on board with us. And Captain Shepard is working on another for me." He cast a quick glance over to Shepard then looked away.
Tali looked to Shepard too. She saw the hidden guilt on his face and wanted to ask him about it. But this was not the time of place to discuss family.
"Ms. Zorah, have you gotten a response from the Migrant Fleet yet?" Hackett's gritty voice drew her attention immediately.
"Not yet. It may take some time before they can get back to us." She said quickly.
The old admiral nodded. "I see. Inform me as soon as they respond. And it's good that you are better." He added almost seamlessly.
Again, Vega shot Tali and Shepard a look and flashed a smile, but quickly regained stoicism.
"My contacts in Parliament are working as fast as they can, but they're more worried about making sure everything is done by the books." Hackett was wearily rubbing his chin. All the running in circles was getting to him too.
Vega jumped into the conversation. "Good news is my superiors approve of urban combat training. They say the men don't get enough of it as is. Live fire drills start tomorrow." He felt slightly more pride than he probably should have, but at least not all their efforts seemed in vain.
Anderson, however, wasn't any more pleased. "Damn it, why is this so hard. It feels like we're dragging our feet through the mud. Sometimes I almost wish a Reaper would appear just to kick Command in the teeth." He shook his hanging head slowly. That sentiment was widely shared.
Just as Shepard was about to speak, Ensign Hawkes walked over with a brilliant poker face. "The Committee is ready to resume whenever you are ready. Though they do wish to get underway." He stood quietly by the group, watching their every move despite the arguably dirty looks he was getting. With a quick look to eachother and an unspoken descision, they followed the calm ensign back to the chambers.
Again, the precedings were bland and uninformative. There was an interesting bit about the Council ordering a dozen or so dreadnoughts to be built by the turians. Something about "replenishing the Citadel Defense Fleet." At least some waves were being made. There was another short qwip about the batarians moving in on human colonies, but that was brushed aside quickly. Another meeting where Shepard felt more like a set piece than someone who helped.
"So this is what statues feel like." he muttered under his breath. By now, his head was resting so hard in his hand, there was a print.
Tali nudged him a bit to make sure he was paying attention. Even though she knew just how pointless and dull this meeting was. Looking around, she even noticed the Committee twidling their thumbs and barely listening. At least they weren't the only ones bored.
Then: "Mr. Shepard, we have recieved word from a friend of yours about a delegation coming to Earth. It seems turian High Command wishes to speak with you." The chairwoman said blandly.
That perked everyone at the table up, Shepard most of all. He stood straight up and muscled into the conversation before the woman could go on. "When is this delegation to arrive?"
She was surprised by this outburst but moved on quickly, if unhappily. "A week. You will be sent for when they arrive." She glared at the former commander in the most intimidating way trying to seat him, but Shepard wouldn't budge. "Please take your seat, Mr. Shepard."
He stood up taller and returned her stare with far more force. This meeting had already taken most of the day and nothing had been accomplished. The intensity of his glare was enough to unnerve the woman and make her break first. He regained his seat once the victory had been achieved.
"Looks like someone was listening to you yell." Vega said, adding in a cough to hide it more.
Shepard nodded. "I should make a few calls."
The meeting ended another two or three hours later, leaving everyone feeling anything but energetic.
"If I have to sit through those boring meetings for the rest of the time we have left, I may resign." Hackett mused, giving his neck a much needed rub.
"Agreed," Anderson added. "It's been a week of nothing but talk. Nothing's even been started or planned."
Shepard crossed his arms over his chest. "At least the turians are trying. Maybe this delegation can convince the Committee to move their asses."
"Shepard, you said you had to make a few calls." Hackett pointed out.
"Yes, sir. There are a few friends who mightbe able to help."
Hackett gave a curt nod. "Good. We'll need it to move these stones." His expressionless face twitched momentarily at referring to the Committee, but never revealed itself.
They all parted company, the admirals going their own way and Shepard, Tali, and Vega going theirs. "Garrus?" Tali asked, tugging on Shepard's arm as they walked.
He smirked. "Hopefully. He's the only turian whose stick-up-the-ass attitude I can handle." There were other thoughts he had, but he kept them to himself. Besides, Tali would never approve of male bonding time between them since it usually involved beating eachother up, alcohol, or both. I hope he's forgiven me for what I said. That thought retracted his smirk.
Something Tali noticed. "Are you alright?" She asked, a lovingly worried lilt in her voice. When she received no answer, she let the matter drop for now. There were a few things that she wanted to ask him in private anyway.
[REDACTED], Chicago, Earth
It twilight when they returned to the apartment. Since everyone was tired, Vega quickly left them alone and Shepard dropped onto the couch, holding his hands over his face. "We have less than a year before the Reapers come and they want to talk about a batarian cargo ship flying into Alliance space rather than the giant death robots."
"Why haven't you talked about your mother?" Tali interjected, garnering a peek from Shepard.
There was a pause, as if he was trying to fabricate a good answer for that. Finally, "It never came up." He said, nonchalantly.
Tali sat down hard next to him. "Have you talked to her yet?" She tried to take his hand, but he kept it away. "John..."
Shepard leaned back and dropped his hands to his knees. Now that he looked at it, the ceiling actually had an interesting pattern on it with little swirls. But that wasn't what should be on his mind. "I guess," he started. "I never found time."
It was too bad that Tali had to wear her mask, so Shepard couldn't see her jaw drop. Though the sight of her eyes going wide was more obvious.
"It's not that I'm trying to avoid it." He defended. "It's just... what do I say?" He looked to Tali as if asking her.
She stared for a moment then shrugged. "I guess I don't know. You did come back from the dead."
"Yeah." He sighed heavily. Shepard grabbed her hand and gave a light squeeze. A stiff drink sounds good right about now. He thought.
So Spring Break is on, so I won't be working very much this week. I need a bit of a break too: I felt this chapter was a bit forced, which means it's time to relax. So I'll play through Mass Effect a few more times and get right back on this :) Have a great week!