A/N: As promised another chapter. I don't expect to be updating tomorrow so you can all enjoy the cliff hanger at the end of this chapter. Bonus points to any reviewers with predicitions on how the teaser will come to pass.

Chapter XI: A Cold Welcome

Shepard wandered through the ship lost in thought. Passing by various crewmembers she acknowledged them with barely a nod. Her conversation with Tali had made a number of things clear to her. The realization that she was no longer quite human was perhaps the most difficult to accept.

Shepard's mind and subconscious still identified her as human but she had her doubts. There was little doubt that when confronted with the truth of her joining with Sira the galaxy would perceive her in the same way that Tali had. She was a hybrid of organic and mechanical technology. In some circles she would be a creature to be feared. An abomination who had turned her back on her humanity. In others she would simply be viewed as yet another Reaper agent in the thrall of an AI. Still others would even perceive her as a messiah. The next evolution of the human organism. All the strengths of a human being coupled with the strengths of a machine. The perception of others didn't help her though. While she couldn't answer the question of what she was she had a clear sense of her purpose.

No matter what, she was the only one who appreciated the threat the Reapers posed. Others knew that the Reapers were a threat but they didn't quite grasp it in the same way Shepard did. Shepard wasn't even sure if she understood it herself. All she was sure of was that someone had to stand against them and that no-one else seemed to care.

Shepard found herself standing in her favourite observation dome. A blue hand had wrapped itself around her shoulders.

"I didn't hear you come in." Shepard said.

"You were lost in thought." Liara replied. "You look troubled."

"It's just the same old doubts."

"That's not all it is."

"I talked with Tali. I found myself opening up the whole issue of who was guilty for the Morning War."

"I don't think Tali would have reacted well to that."

"She didn't. She stormed off calling me a devil. She's a smart woman, though, and I did sow a doubt in her mind."

"What got you on to the subject?"

"The quarians are in chaos. Tali thought that we might be viewed as a means to returning them to their homeworld."

"Wouldn't that be a good thing?"

"Not really. When I was talking to her I realized that our entire defence plan against the Reapers depends on the galaxy working together and using every resource at their disposal."

"Not to make it too dramatic." Liara replied with a grin.

"The problem is that there are so many hatreds. So many petty jealousies that will prevent races from working together. The quarians and Geth are just one example but the Turians are another. The ethnic tensions there are always bubbling away just below the surface."

"The asari are relatively unified."

"But you aren't particularly warlike. Your species is composed mainly of artists, diplomats, and scientists not to be blunt."

"I suppose you're right Shepard. A lot of the defence will depend on the humans, the turians, the quarians and the Geth. They are the only ones with major fleets."

"I don't know. It just seems so impossible to get them to all work together or even just to recognize the threat."

"You'll think of something Emma. If there's one stereotype about humans that's true you're an innovative species. You excel at out of the box solutions and you are a prime example of this."

"You say the sweetest things." Shepard joked.

"Emma, we are receiving a communiqué from the Illusive Man." Sira reported. "When you are ready I can patch him through."

"No time like the present Sira." Shepard responded.

The hologram of the Illusive Man swam into focus in the middle of the observation dome.

Before the Illusive Man could speak Shepard fell to one knee. "What is thy bidding, my Master?"

"Your arcane reference is crude and inaccurate Shepard. I do not enjoy being compared to a wizened old man with designs of galactic domination."

"Ah but you do have designs of galactic domination and I am your mostly cybernetic lackey so I think it is a most accurate metaphor." Shepard joked.

"If you insist on being juvenile then I can call back at another juncture."

"Spoilsport." Shepard muttered under her breath. "Straight to business then. I assume you received my report about the colony and the engagement following it."

"I did. The presence of husks and the swarm of insects are of especial interest. It is a pity that you didn't leave the colony intact for study."

"I didn't want it to become a breading ground for husks. Anyone who landed there would have succumbed to the insects." Shepard retorted angrily. "There also happened to be an Alliance fleet which would have taken all of the specimens."

"That would have been unfortunate."

"You don't seem very surprised about there being an entire Alliance fleet."

"Should I be?" The Illusive Man replied innocently.

"You should when it's a fleet with a dreadnaught, two cruisers and six frigates. That isn't normal. Normal is a single cruiser or even a pair of frigates. The dreadnaught also happened to be under the command of my mother which is beyond a mere coincidence."

"So you suspect me?"

"Why did you do it?" Shepard asked accusingly.

"You have excellent powers of deduction Shepard and you deserve an answer. I leaked the fact that there was an attack in progress at the colony. I also ensured that your mother's battle group would be in the region and best placed to respond to any distress signals."

"So why risk me and other human lives on a whim?"

"Simple. I needed you to find some closure. I needed you to finally put the Alliance behind you. I knew you would either attack or negotiate. You already demonstrated that you weren't going back on the Citadel but I needed to be sure that your bridges were burnt."

"But they aren't. My mother knows I'm alive and what I'm doing. So do the crews of the Alliance warships."

"This was an unexpected bonus. Your valiant quest will gradually gain public attention within the Alliance. As the disappearances get worse, and believe me they will, soldiers and ships will rally against the inaction of the council. They will rally to you Shepard giving you a fighting force."

"You sound like this has all been planned out. Like you're using the crisis to forward your own agenda."

"I merely make optimum use of the events to ensure that humanity survives. The Alliance won't follow me. They won't follow Cerberus. They will follow you."

"And through me you gain power." Shepard finished.

"You misunderstand me Shepard. My goal is not military or political power. I don't want to rule the galaxy. I just want to ensure humanity's survival. I've had more than enough opportunity to take control of the Alliance."

"Do you expect me to believe you?"

"No Shepard. I don't. I believe that my actions will speak for themselves. I will do whatever is necessary and I make no apologies for that but I do not seek power for its own sake."

"We shall see. You didn't call me just to talk about the mission."

"No I didn't. I have devised a strategy for you. You have a powerful ship and an elite crew but you don't have the proper specialists to see a mission like this through. You need a scientist to develop your countermeasures against the insects."

"So you have someone in mind?"

"A Salarian on Omega. Mordin Solus. He worked on the genophage and was considered to be one of the leading lights in genetics and biochemistry. He would be perfect for this mission."

"Anyone else?"
"You should try to ensure that the quarian, Tali, stays with you. Her engineering knowledge could be profoundly useful."

"What about combat specialists?"

"I assume you've met Ms. Goto by now. There is an assassin on Illium who may be of some use. I have also arranged for the purchase of an unusual biotic convict as well as a mercenary. You should be mindful of individuals' talents and potential during your travels. Some could prove to be valuable assets."

"That Spectre who was chasing me, Senni, where is she right now?" Shepard asked.

"While a Spectre may be an asset, attempting to capture her could be a waste of resources. I would advise terminating her."

"Your opinion has been noted. What I want to do is lure her into a trap."

"Where did you have in mind?"

"Omega. It's lawless and from what I've seen Solus is there. It would be easy to lure a Spectre into a trap there."

"I can lay a few false trails if that's what you want."

"Do it as soon as we reach Omega. We still have to make a stop with the Migrant fleet."

"Be careful Shepard. I have no intelligence and no assets on the Migrant Fleet."

"I will be." Shepard replied as she cut the connection.

"So the Migrant Fleet?" Liara asked.

"The Migrant Fleet." Shepard confirmed.

It had taken nearly two days to reach the fleet. Two days of blissful rest from constant missions. Two days to get to know her team and drill them on Sira's systems.

Two days had also been enough time for Tali to calm down enough to speak to Shepard. She hadn't brought up their conversation again and she had studiously avoided Legion. When Shepard had talked to the Geth he had replied that he wasn't insulted by the lack of attention and accepted it as a consequence of the ongoing hostilities. When Shepard had broached the topic of peace between quarians and Geth Legion had responded that the quarians were generally hostile and that peace seemed to be an unlikely outcome to the Geth. Legion had gone so far as to explain that the Geth had modeled the various outcomes of negotiation and the consensus had been that surrendering the quarian homeworld would be the worst outcome. The end result would be a renewed quarian civilization and an even more protracted conflict than the cold war the existed at the moment. Shepard had merely sighed with regret and thanked Legion for his time.

Shepard stepped on to the bridge and surveyed the situation. Miranda and Tali were keeping Joker company at the navigation station. Liara was mulling over the sensor readings with Mahoney and Marisa was in consultation with the tactical officer. Miranda noticed Shepard first and strode over to greet her.

"Shepard. We're approaching the Migrant Fleet. Tali is about to initiate communications with the fleet. We should be able to shuttle our quarian passengers over and be on our way within the hour." Miranda reported.

"Let's get this over with then." Shepard returned as she joined Tali and Joker at the navigation console.

The comm came to life. "Unidentified vessel we have you on our sensors. Identify yourself immediately or you will be considered hostile."

"Tali?" Shepard prompted.

"This is Tali'Zorah vas Neema nar Rayya. My team and I are returning with the quarian we were sent to retrieve."

"Transmit the proper passphrase." The operator prompted. "After time adrift among open stars along tides of light and through shoals of dust I will return to where I began."

"Welcome back Tali'Zorah. You have a full debriefing with the Admiralty board. We also request that your ship dock with the Rayya. Shuttle travel is currently prohibited." And with that the operator cut the connection.

"Something about that conversation rubs me the wrong way." Shepard muttered to herself.

Miranda, who was standing close by, whispered to Shepard. "I had the same feeling. Why do they want us to dock? We're a massive threat to them that close to the fleet."

"Tali, was that the standard protocol for greeting an unidentified dreadnaught?" Shepard asked.

"While your ship is intimidating Shepard no quarian would ever divulge a proper passphrase to a hostile ship. The consequences would be horrible."

"So you're sure we can't drop you off in a shuttle?" Miranda asked.

"The fleet regularly prohibits shuttle travel when unknown vessels are on approach. It makes detecting incoming ordinance easier. It's just a security measure." Tali responded in confusion at the numerous questions.

"Alright Tali we had better get you and your team to the docking umbilical. We wouldn't want to keep you waiting." Shepard said, effectively ending the impromptu interrogation. As Tali left the bridge Shepard turned to address Miranda.

"Tell Samaurez to report to the docking umbilical with a squad of marines. Tell them to look casual but be ready."

"Expecting trouble?" Miranda asked suspiciously.

"Never hurts to be prepared. I don't want to provoke the quarians but I certainly don't want be caught with my pants down."

Miranda nodded, satisfied with Shepard's logic. Shepard walked over to Liara for a brief conversation only to find that Liara was already addressing her.

"Shepard, Mahoney and I have been going through the sensor logs for the time since we dropped out of FTL and when we made contact with the fleet. We've noticed a massive spike in the quantity of communication between the ships in the fleet. We also detected several anomalous readings as we made our approach."

"Where were the readings coming from?"

"Us Commander." Mahoney reported. "It could be some form of burst transmitter or covert communications. Someone has been broadcasting information to the fleet."

"It wouldn't be one of the crew it must have been one of the quarians." Shepard reasoned.

"What are we going to do?" Liara asked.

"We don't know what they want but we can be sure that it won't stand to benefit us."

"Shouldn't we be leaving?"
"What about Tali and her people?"

"It wouldn't be the first time you've abducted someone Emma." Liara replied.

"Not this time and not with her. We'll play this one through but we'll be prepared. Mahoney tell Miranda to sound the boarding alarm as soon as we leave. I want every single crewmember to be armed."
"We?" Liara asked questioningly.

"We should both be there in order to see Tali off. I also want you by my side where I can keep you safe."

"And of course I can't keep you safe." Liara scolded.

"Old habits." Shepard replied as they stepped into the elevator.

By the time they had reached the airlock the alarms had sounded in every location except in the airlock. Shepard did her best to act as though nothing was wrong despite the fact that she had a heavy pistol strapped to her waist.

The umbilical made a faint clunking noise as it engaged, linking the Voice of Memory to the Rayya. The marines gripped their rifles nervously while the quarians confronted them impotently. Tali seemed to be aware of the tension that hung in the air.

"Is something wrong Shepard?" She asked.

"No, just sorry to be losing you." Shepard replied, lying through her teeth.

"About what we had discussed, I thought about it. You may have had a point but I don't think the fleet or the admirals will ever see it your way. At least not the majority." Tali conceded thoughtfully.

Shepard was interested in the sudden shift in direction of the conversation and was about to respond when she was cut off by the airlock opening.

A group of armed Quarian marines stepped on to Shepard's ship. Samaurez's marine detachment raised their rifles in response and pointed them menacingly at the quarians. The environment suits did an excellent job of hiding the quarian's expressions but Shepard had the distinct sense that they were not even slightly concerned by the display of force.

The Quarians were followed by an officious looking male quarian who surveyed the Voice with a critical eye before settling it upon Tali. Tali recognized the new arrival and seemed, if anything, to be shocked.

"Admiral Zaal'Koris, what are you doing here?" Tali asked in shock.

"Tali'Zorah vas Neema in the presence of these witnesses I am placing you under arrest for smuggling active Geth onto the fleet, sedition, and passing information to the Geth."

"What?" Shepard exclaimed in total surprise. Of the possible scenarios she had envisaged Tali being arrested had not been among them. At least Legion wasn't there, which was probably a good thing, Shepard reflected.

Two of the quarians stepped forward to arrest Tali but Shepard stepped between them and flared her biotics as a thinly veiled threat.

"I won't let you arrest Tali until you show me some evidence beyond hearsay."

"You would dare interfere in quarian internal politics!" Zaal'Koris shouted.

"I would dare a lot of things on my ship when my friends are threatened!" Shepard retorted.

"You are the captain of this ship?"

"I am, Commander Emma Shepard."

"Then you consider Tali'Zorah to be your responsibility."

"I do."

"Then you will be responsible for defending her." Zaal'Koris responded smugly.

"What?" Shepard exclaimed in surprise. "Why wouldn't her own captain defend her?"

"You claim her as part of your crew which makes you her captain." Zaal'Koris explained.

Shepard glanced over at Tali who merely gave her a helpless glance or at least what Shepard took to be a helpless glance.

"Very well. If I serve as Tali's defence then I am entitled to see the evidence and hear the true nature of the charges."

"Simply put captain, Tali has sent Geth components to the fleet. Their destination was a research ship which has been overrun by Geth. It seems clear that she was sending back active Geth. She was also spotted in conversation with a Geth on the human colony of Freedom's progress."

"A traitor!" Liara concluded, "That was what the signal was!"

"Are the Geth still present on the research ship?" Shepard asked.

"They are. We intend to destroy the ship before they can attack the fleet."

"I seek leave to launch a boarding action. There could be evidence on that ship to prove Tali's innocence."
"That would be a suicide mission. It is perfectly acceptable for the accused to undertake such a mission but it would not be acceptable for you or your crew to mount a boarding action." Zaal'Koris responded stiffly.

"I want to hear the admiralty board say that." Shepard replied threateningly.

Zaal'Koris seemed to deflate slightly at Shepard's fierce tone.

"I will convene the board. In the meantime the accused must be taken into custody on the Rayya." Zaal'Koris ordered with a gesture to his marines.

Shepard's crew looked questioningly at her. With a swift nod Shepard gave them the signal to lower their weapons. Two of the quarians marched over to Tali and took position behind her. Shepard turned from Zaal'Koris to face Tali.

"Don't worry Tali. We'll find some evidence to clear your name." Shepard promised.

"Just remember what I said Shepard. Be careful." Tali replied as she was led away.

"You and a small number of your crew may board the Rayya, with the consent of her captain, of course. I wish you luck with the trial, Captain Shepard." Zaal'Koris said by way of a good bye before he too left the ship.

As he left Shepard turned to her crew. "Liara, you're with me. You too Samaurez. Full environmental suits in 10 minutes. We're going over there!"