Nusquam Alius Res (Nothing else Matters)
Chapter 23
After he got the message from the Admirals, Shepard assembled the rest of the quarians with him in the cargo bay.
"Look, I think I understand a little of how you feel. Guilty?"
Shepard was met with silence. "You're doing a greater good here. I hope you know that. You just have to adjust to an alien culture and our ways a bit."
"We understand Shepard, it's just hard sometimes when you see how everyone lives." Tali broke their silence.
"Well, you can talk to Kelly if you want; she is the ship counselor and is here to listen to anyone who needs it. Please contact her anytime. She would love to talk to you." Tali gave him a look he understood and backed off of the Kelly issue. Werl and Kasumi came out of the elevator pushing carts with a box each.
"Great, okay everyone take a look." Shepard smiled and pointed at the boxes.
Werl and Kasumi went over to a table and opened the boxes. Only Kal reacted, "Is that really the sword and dagger of Rannoch?" He approached the items.
The others joined him, "How Shepard?" Tali sounded quite joyous. The others were speechless.
Werl answered, "Shepard talked to Legion and thought it would make a good gift. Oh, Kasumi has more."
Kasumi wheeled out the stone tablets, "The complete works of Zesoh'Thal vas Rannoch, first edition, and The Scripts of Te'fal!"
"Impossible!" Liadi gasped, "They disappeared before the war."
"Well, Shepard gets around, I cleaned them up too." Kasumi was glad her gift would be enjoyed.
Liadi ran her fingers over the history before her.
"I plan on offering them when I mention the peace plan tomorrow."
"Peace plan?" They all said at once.
"Yes, the Geth want peace with the quarians. With some basic requests, it'll be the simplest peace plan ever. Basically, just don't attack them and leave them alone. That's it. I have already asked them to prepare a city large enough to accommodate noncombatants. Then I'll ask for help with the reapers. I'm guessing jaws are open."
Tali broke protocol and ran over and hugged John tightly. "How, when, what happened?"
"After talking to the admirals last time Han was right, and so was Zaal. Legion told me the Geth don't even occupy the planet, they have been repairing it for your eventual return. That's why I've been talking to him so much and learning what happened. Werl filled in some more pieces and we've been ready for a few days now. So, I figure I propose the idea, we bring out Legion, he offers these gifts as proof they want peace and hopefully people can return to Rannoch before you know it."
Kal started laughing. Kasumi looked at him, "What's so funny KR?"
"We've been fighting the Geth for 300 years. Real and Heretic, we've been attacking them the whole time. They left us alone. I find out most of what I thought I have been fighting for has been a lie. Now Shepard finds our greatest treasures and peace in a few months. I don't know what else to do." He kept laughing.
Werl placed a hand on him, "It will be great day indeed. I will go over some of the proper sayings with the Commander to make sure everyone understands it's real."
The sword didn't seem like much to Shepard. A straight steel blade with a guard, one big jewel in the handle which seemed to be made out of gold, by human standards it was small, like a short sword. The dagger was curved with a smooth handle and small guard which was steel.
Kasumi seeing her money leaving decided to find out what the deal was. "So, is this like the king and queen of the planet or something?"
"Oh no." Werl answered, "No king or queen conquered all of Rannoch. It was an accord that brought the planet together. The sword was a symbol. Accept when the planet was falling, the Keepers of Rannoch didn't have much real power. They were a line of last defense to rally around in the end though."
"Okay, well I've got to check on my other items." Kasumi went to the side of the bay. Werl followed her.
Tali finally let go of John, "Thank you."
"So, not bad for an alien?"
"Incredible, your name will live on in our history forever. The Admirals and Conclave will have to accept this." Still chuckling Kal looked over at Liadi, "I hope so, but don't doubt the stupidity of the admirals and Conclave."
Kasumi looked over and saw Werl following her. "I don't have any more quarian items, John made me gave them up."
"Miss Goto, I want to see what else you have. I know people with good taste and a lot of money."
Kasumi's eyes lit up. "How about the Mona Lisa, a turian battle spike, the Koh-i-Noor Diamond and a Domed Ceremonial Headdress from the Batarians."
"Nice, I'll take it all except for the Headdress, how much?"
"As I told another potential buyer, I prefer favors over cash, not traceable, you seem to understand."
"The Daughter's of Rannoch have a lot to offer in many places. Consider it done. Helping Shepard acquire these and giving them to the quarians is deserving of whatever you want. But, I'm sure you'll take a little something for your troubles?"
She smiled, "If you insist. As for the favor, I do need a rather large area to store some large ahhh….artwork on the citadel."
"I'll contact Matriarch Lehe and make the arrangements. Let me know when they are coming. Thank you for cleaning them too, very good job."
"Comes with the service." She bowed slightly, "What's in your box over there?"
"A Tree." Werl smiled and bowed back.
"I do some Bonsai tree work if it needs a trim."
"No, it's very special. It's for the quarians too."
The quarians were still ecstatic, maybe they could really go home. Shepard yelled out to Werl to meet him in the mess to go over sayings in a few minutes. She came back to the commander.
"Give me 15 minutes commander, I have to prepare the items. Tomorrow will be an infamous day in quarian history, I'm sure of it." She proceeded to store the items and put them in order. Everyone waited and they left for the mess hall together. Kasumi sent an email to her contacts to ready the mini mass effect relays for transfer and sent funding. It was rare she got to do such a good thing, she was happy about it.
*****N.A.S.*****
In the mess hall Werl and the quarians went over sayings, inflections, body language. Finally Shepard had to make a cheat sheet in his omni-tool and recorded some for the sayings to repeat later. They departed for the night and shifts. Tali said she would join Shepard in a few minutes; she had to check on something in engineering. After they left, Tali went to Kasumi's room.
Kasumi was in her room when Jack came in, mad as usual.
"Hey Jack what's up?"
"I need a drink. No nickname for me?"
"Jack's already it. Help yourself, nothing to strong, we're not on shore. Shep will get mad." Jack went to the bar and poured out some whiskey.
"What are you doing?"
"Completing a transaction. Who knew I could use the ship to keep my trade going?"
Jack smiled, "Right under his eyes, nice. He's too nice."
"Not quite unnoticed I have found, but we have an arrangement. Shep has his sore points, I just avoid them."
Jack grunted and swallowed a double shot. She wanted to say something. She was trying to reach out to someone, she thought a female who stole and was usually on the wrong side of the law might be a good place to start. Anything to get away from Kelly. As she thought about what to say next, Tali entered.
"Sorry, am I interrupting?"
"Of course not Tali, come on in. Jack and I are enjoying a drink."
"Oh. I just wanted to say thanks. I know you were involved somehow. How can we all repay you?"
"Don't worry about it. Well, actually," She grinned at Jack who was caught off guard. "You really want to do something?"
"Yes, anything."
"Just keep Shep happy, ya know?"
"Huh, I think I keep him happy, why what have you heard, is it bad?" Her hands started to fidget.
"Look Tal, we all know when you and Shep get it on. He becomes quite agreeable afterwards. Calmer I've been told."
Now Tali was blushing and looking around the room, why was she doing this with Jack here?
"We're fine."
"I know Tal, I didn't mean anything bad, but you're inexperienced in these matters. You can do other things you know." Jack caught on.
"Hell yeah. Take care of business, the ship depends on you."
"That's not right. It's not like that. It's.." Tali continued to stammer.
"Look Tal, I've been going over Mordin's book on you two.."
"WHAT! How, he said…"
"Look, how many doctors know a human and quarian couple. Not hard to figure out if you know what to look for."
"Keelah, the whole fleet will find out when they know about us."
"Anyways, what do you want to know how to do? This is my kind of girl talk." Jack came over and sat down next to Kasumi.
"Can't you get out of the suit of something?" Jack questioned.
Tali had to talk to someone, she was worried about Jack, but if Kasumi trusted her.
"Usually when you become bonded, you get two weeks uninterrupted to ahh figure things out. Then it's back to the ship."
Jack interrupted, "Wait, what if the guy can't cut it? What if he's butt ugly?"
"It's always a chance. But the bond is more than physical and for life. If someone is lacking, you can program your suit to ummm….help."
Jack looked up. "No shit?"
"Look Tal, just look at options. Here in the pamphlet, pages 30 or 40 give them a try. Easy stuff." Kasumi offered.
Jack grew intrigued, "Then how often do quarians get to do it?"
"Sometimes it can be months or longer."
"And you see them every day?" Jack seemed shocked.
"It's not easy for some. The men have it harder. The suits can't do as much for them."
"Oh, that's why Reeger is so stuck up, maybe Garrus too?" Jack snickered. "Let me see that." She grabbed Kasumi's arm and brought the pages up. "That's it? Guess she should start on page 30 if we want all of his parts there tomorrow."
Tali looked up page 30. "Oh, what you do to Zaeed in your area sometimes?"
Jack's face changed to anger. "What? You watching how it's done?"
"NO! But you are not as quiet or discreet as you think. We are trying to work and you're louder than the engine!"
"Oh, okay. Well, I have to show Zaeed who's in charge." Jack calmed down.
Kasumi spoke again, "I've been meaning to ask, he can keep up?"
"Barely, but I may be done with him."
"Oh, I didn't realize, I'm sorry it's not working out." Tali felt sorry for Jack.
"No, it's not like that. It's just sex." Jack quipped and thought nothing of it.
"I forget, you humans can mate as you please."
"Yeah, not all it's cracked up to be. Has its moments though." Jack shrugged.
"Look Tal, try it, Mordin's descriptions leave no doubt on what to do, that's for sure." Kasumi was reassuring.
"Yeah, take control and show him who's boss." Jack grinned a bit.
"What if doesn't like…"
"He's a guy, he will, don't worry." Kasumi tried to sound encouraging. Tali nodded and started to leave the room.
Jack called to her. "Don't forget to switch hands!"
Tali ran into Jacob walking in the door.
"Hi ladies." Kasumi jumped up.
"They were just leaving, right."
Jack sighed and got up. "Guess Miss Cheerleader is the only one not getting any. Good. Serves her right." She exited with Tali.
Jack waited with Tali at the elevator, not sure what to say. The door opened.
"You go first Jack, I'm sure you have something to do."
"Not like you. Ha. See ya." Jack got in and went to the 4th floor. Had she just had girl talk? Couldn't be. May be she just needed to rub one out with Zaeed. She'd find the old coot and get what she wanted.
As Tali waited for the elevator Kal came out.
"I thought I heard you, Tali. High Traffic area."
"Wait, you called me Tali? About time I suppose. Why?"
Kal paused, thinking about his reply. "I know, I had to make up my mind about something. I wish you and Shepard nothing but the best. If you ever get the time, could you help me with Calda too? I've made a mess of it."
"Sure, and thanks Kal." The elevator opened, and Kal walked away. Tali thought it seemed strange. Why call her Tali now, what was on his mind? Thoughts for another time. She opened up to page 30 on her omni-tool, her engineering mind looked at the procedure clinically, the mechanics seemed straight forward enough, time to try something new.
*****N.A.S.*****
Tali had stopped off to give her blood samples to Mordin and continued to the loft. Shepard was already in bed, thinking about the next day.
"Hey, everything okay?"
"Oh yes. It was simple enough." She grabbed a hand towel from the head per the instructions and headed towards the bed. She took off her mask and hood, smiled at John, as she approached. "How did you keep this a secret? How do you do so much for so many?"
"It's what I do, what can I say. Besides, fifty thousand ships will help a lot too. It's not all about you, I'll need to mention that won't I?"
"They should do it willingly with the gifts you are about to give them." She slipped the top of her suit off. Shepard grinned and reached out. She playfully slapped his hands away.
"You know, someday I'm going to actually need clothes besides your shirts to sleep in."
"Not really, I'm fine the way things are." He continued to take her form in. She finished removing the suit and crawled in to bed next to him.
John noticed the look in her eyes, "Why are you nervous?"
"Nothing, just excited from the day. Mordin said I'd been ready in a few days again. I think that tea is helping. Keelah, I forgot to drink it today."
"It's okay, Werl can make some more I'm sure."
"I know, what you deserve better and more. Men have needs."
He smiled, "And women don't? Or just not quarian women?"
"That's not what I meant and you know it. But, I've got something to try."
John's curiosity was peaked. He saw Tali reach for the draw next to the bed and get some lubricate.
"I thought you couldn't…"
"Shhh, just let me try something." Tali hoped he would like it. Quick and simple as Jack said. Tali traced a finger down John's chest and with her other had applied some lubricate to his crotch. She tried to remember what Mordin's pamphlet said. Before she could finish the thought, he was hard in her hand. John seemed to relax and smile on the pillow. Step one was easy, what's next? Right, pressure and stroking at the same time. She grasped him and started moving her arm. John squirmed a bit.
"It's not too hard it? Does it hurt?"
"No, you're doing fine, squeeze harder, it's quite nice." It felt a little different with three fingers instead of five, but it was still very nice. John wasn't going to stop her.
Tali squeezed a little more and start moving her hand again. What's next she thought? Right, varying tempo and caressing. Her hand was still very mechanical in its movement. She kissed John's chest and cuddled against him. It started to click for her, she found a rhythm, John's breathing increased, his arms relaxed. John seemed to be purring at times, she could handle this. According the manual the time to finish could vary, how long had she been going? Her arm was getting tried. She remembered Jack's words and switched her arms, but the angle was wrong. She raised herself up and remembered another picture from the pamphlet; she sat on John, straddling him facing away. That made it better. She continued and looked down at what was in her hand. Didn't seem so big from this angle she thought.
John looked up and saw a most glorious site. He reached out and fondled her cheeks.
Tali was startled, "Hey, stop that, I'm trying to concentrate here, you're distracting me." John sat up and kissed her neck. She elbowed him back, he fell back on the bed.
"I'm in charge, lay back and enjoy." She said rather nervously and without any convection.
John grabbed her again, "Really, you don't sound so sure."
Tali started felling hot, and wet. She needed to gain control again. Another picture from the book entered her mind. She wrapped both hands around his member and increased her pace. John fell back on the bed.
"Yes, I'm sure." She said, more confidently. Why was she getting so turned on by a simple act? John started to groan, she felt him pulsing in her hands. That meant she was almost done according to the file. That meant more pressure and speed and finish. She wondered what would happen, she tried to remember what the pamphlet said. She brought the towel as the book had said. Was it needed? John was squirming more, she looked over her shoulder, "Keep still, bosh'tet I'm trying to do.." then she heard John call her name and felt something warm on her stomach.
Tali stopped and looked down. She had done it, that wasn't too bad. She remembered she was supposed to keep going until the member reduced in size again, but at a slower pace. She started slowly pumping again and used the towel to clean herself and John off. She felt John started to slip from her fingers. Her arms felt alright, John was mumbling his thanks and not moving. She slid back to his side.
"Was that okay? Would you want it again sometime?" She thought she knew the answer, but wanted to be sure.
"Yes, that was wonderful. Just fantastic." His eyes were still closed. She brought the covers up.
Tali smiled, her mate had called her name, and because of something she had done, she felt oddly happy about it, more than she would have thought. The pamphlet was mostly correct, once she let herself slip into the mood instead of just calculating what to do, things went pretty easily. She could do this for him until she fully adapted and could do more. She was excited, happy, she felt her dampness subside. John was asleep, a goofy grin his face. Maybe page 50 would be next.
*****N.A.S.*****
On the Normandy and the Neema many people were heading to bed or asleep, each one thinking tomorrow would be great day for their own vastly different and divergent reasons. They were all right about one thing; it would be a day all quarians would remember well.
*****N.A.S.*****
Author's note.
Okay, finally the return to the fleet! It's a two parter, but I think it will live up expectations. Let me know after chapter 25 what you think! Thanks for the feedback.