Notes:
CIC - Command Information Center
VI - virtual intelligence
Letting Go
After Garrus booted her out of the Main Battery, Shepard made sure to visit the rest of her crew, not in the least bit surprised to find both Samara and Thane quietly meditating and Kasumi flipping the pages of one of her old hardcover books. What did surprise her was the multilateral effort going on in the Armory. Grunt, Zaeed, and Mordin were all there with Jacob and they had every type of weapon laid on the bench. They were sharing secrets and weapons' mods they had garnered over time to do everything they could to max out each weapon's capabilities. Shepard provided them with the few tricks she had learned from her N-school training and Vanguard experience before leaving them all to their work. She was delighted with how well the team was working together to improve their ground capabilities and their chances at survival.
When she finally worked her way down to the bowels of Engineering, Jack was a different story. "What the hell, Shepard? How come you didn't take me down to the planet?"
Shepard looked at the biotic, ripples of energy coursing across her skin. "Because of a number of reasons, Jack." She shook her head. "Number one, I had to take Miranda, and the hammerhead only holds three. And it's Geth, so had to take Tali. Plus, given what just happened with Miranda, no way I was putting you in such close proximity with her. At least until I know I can trust you to work with her."
"Fuck that." Jack took a step closer and got in her face. "That's lame, Shepard, and you know it. I could have gone with Garrus when you called the second team down. What's your pitiful excuse for that?"
Shepard didn't budge and growled, "Stand down, Jack." They stared at each other until Jack finally took a step back.
"Still waiting, Shepard." Jack gave ground, but the expression on her face didn't change.
Shepard let out a deep sigh. "I needed folks with overload to take down the Geth."
"Bullshit. What about Zaeed? I coulda gone in his place! You know Grunt and I work great together." Jack sat down in disgust. "You robbed me, Shepard. I was ready to blow up some serious Cerberus shit."
Shepard laughed and then held up her hands in apology when she saw the expression on Jack's face. "Sorry, Jack, my bad. I honestly didn't realize it was that important to you... but you'll get your turn. We left that one standing, but we're now on our way to Pragia. This one's all yours, and by the time we're done, it's just going to be a smoking hole."
"Fine." Jack flopped back on her cot. "There's just not enough shit to do on this bucket. Too much sitting around and thinking, now that I know about Eden Prime and Pragia. I don't think, Shepard. I do."
"Got it, Jack. And don't worry. From here on out, we'll have plenty to do." Shepard smiled cautiously at the grin that spread on Jack's face with that statement and headed back upstairs.
Shepard returned to the loft with mixed emotions. While Jack's volatility worried her just a little, she felt she made a lot of progress with the rest of the crew, both the support personnel and her ground crew, but it didn't alleviate her growing feeling of isolation. On the old Normandy, she always ended her walk-about with a very special stop... Liara's quarters behind the med bay. The few familiar faces she had with her now were great, but not having Liara aboard and by her side left a hole that plainly couldn't be filled. She walked to her desk and ran her hand softly across Liara's photo, wishing the Asari was here, but knowing she couldn't risk taking her lover through the Omega-4 Relay. Liara's words, uttered somewhat unintentionally in a sleep-hazed moment of candor, resonated deep in her soul. Don't die.
Aethyta sat on Tevos' couch staring at the wall. The damn Reapers are in the Bahak system! A whole fleet of ships like Sovereign. The Matriarch realized they probably had less than a year before the Reapers would show up on their metaphorical doorstep and her daughter would be right in the middle of it all. She wasn't sure whether she should be thankful or hate the commander for hauling her daughter into the center of the storm. On one hand, Shepard had undeniably drawn her daughter into the biggest war they had ever known, but at the same time, Liara was probably in the safest place in the galaxy, being at Shepard's side. Her attention was brought back to the task at hand as Tevos spoke. "Aethyta. I need you to go to Thessia and do what you do best. Stir the pot. Ready the House T'Soni commandos for the upcoming war and talk to the other Matriarchs. Make them see. Urge them to get ready. We cannot rely on my ability to swing the Council. The best Anderson and I will manage is to draw attention. We are only half the vote and cannot force action with a tie."
Aethyta's gravelly voice was pitched with disbelief. "I don't know what you expect me to accomplish. The Matriarchs have never listened to me before, why would they start now? Especially if we don't have the support of the council."
Tevos hung her head. "I know, Thyta, but we cannot stand by and just let the ruin of Thessia happen. If no one else, at least speak with Matriarch Lidanya. I will tell her you are coming as a personal envoy. She was at the helm when Sovereign nearly destroyed the Destiny Ascension. Shepard's call for the Humans to intervene is what saved her ship. She should respect any warnings we bring from the commander and will do what she can to prepare the fleet. If the end comes, I at least want to go to the Goddess knowing we did all we could."
As the Normandy rolled into orbit around Pragia, Shepard, Jack and Miranda boarded the shuttle. Jack was amazingly subdued and quiet until they could actually see the planet's surface through the viewport. "If it wasn't for the automated defense lasers, the plant life would cover the entire facility in a matter of days. I forgot how much I hate this place. It was a mistake coming back here."
Shepard glanced at her calmly as she spoke, "Relax, Jack. It's not a mistake. You need to do this... so you can move on. Pragia needs to be relegated to your past, and we're here to help you put it there."
Jack hung her head and then spared a quick glance at Miranda before focusing on the commander. "Yeah, I know. Thanks. Let's just get on the ground and get this over with."
As they approached the facility, they could barely see it buried in the jungle. Jack growled, "Don't get close to the plants. Cerberus just couldn't control themselves and had to mess with them too. They mutated the poisonous stuff for hyper-growth to make the planet less habitable. They didn't want any competition moving in. Assholes."
The trio entered the facility and it quickly became apparent they weren't alone when they passed a recent varren kill and wondered who had shot it. The other thing that became apparent was that what Jack remembered was a child's stilted view twisted by years of nightmares, which wasn't to say her opinion of Cerberus was wrong; she just remembered some of the details incorrectly. Shepard was surprised by some of the recordings, indicating they were in fact keeping secrets from TIM, but when Jack commented on them, Miranda refused to rise to the bait and no arguments ensued. The only comment she made was after Jack pointed out a fighting arena and explained how the guards pitted her against the other kids in duels to the death. Miranda was shocked and had to make sure she understood what Jack was saying. In an incredulous voice, she asked, "They rewarded you for killing the other children?" Upon Jack's confirmation, Miranda's face twisted with disgust as she muttered under her breath, "That's... despicable."
Jack frowned in confusion, not truly ready to accept Miranda's support. "Let's just get in there and plant the bomb in my cell. I want to watch this place burn."
Shepard nodded in agreement. "Roger that, Jack. We've got things to finish. The sooner you put this behind you, the better."
The team moved onward through the facility and eventually ran into a merc group. Given the secrecy surrounding the facility, Miranda was somewhat surprised and wondered how anyone could possibly stumble upon it out in the middle of nowhere. The answer to that question was provided when they got closer to their destination. As they entered into the main control center, they were met by a group of mercs that included three Krogan and a number of Vorcha. The Krogan who was apparently in charge called in, notifying someone named Aresh that the 'intruders' had arrived. Aresh told him to kill them, but the mercs were no match for the Normandy team and soon enough the trio stood at the door to Jack's former cell.
Once they got inside and confronted Aresh, Jack didn't believe his story about being another Teltin survivor; she had absolutely no recollection of him from when she was there. Miranda's brow wrinkled in consternation. "It makes sense, Jack. How in the hell else would he have found this place? In all your years here, no one ever found this facility by accident."
Jack agreed, but her grudging acceptance of Aresh ended there, especially after he talked about rebuilding the facility in order to find out what answers Cerberus was seeking. Aresh glanced around the room in wonder. "I'm going to find out what they knew. How to unlock true biotic potential in humans. I'm restarting the Teltin facility."
Jack instantly came unglued; she whipped her pistol out and promptly aimed it at Aresh's head. Shepard's hand shot out like lightening and she gently gripped Jack's forearm. "Slow down Jack and think for just a minute..." Her gaze shifted to Aresh, her voice reflecting the confusion she felt. "You'd put more kids though the same torture that you were subjected to here?"
Aresh nervously scrubbed the back of his neck. "They did such horrible things to us! It all had to have a purpose... Didn't it?"
Jack's hand was starting to shake and she was barely able to resist pulling the trigger. "Are you nuts? If you lived through that shit, there's no way you'd do this! There's no reason good enough for what they did to us! I can't believe you'd start this up again!"
Shepard shook her head and looked sorrowfully at the second victim of Pragia. "Sorry, Aresh, but we can't let you restart this facility. If you want to make something of your experiences, the Alliance has the Grissom Academy now and I'm more than happy to give you a ride there. This facility is going to be nothing but a smoking hole in the ground when we leave here. There will be no rebuilding."
Jack lowered her pistol and laughed at the image that statement brought to mind. "Yeah. Two days from now, this place will be nothing but overgrown plants that are just as likely to eat you as any varren that were running around in here, and a hell of a lot harder to kill. So, you can go to Grissom or you can stay here and die. I don't care either way."
Aresh hung his head. "Fine. I can't stop you, so do what you will." He let out a deep sigh and walked from the room. After Jack placed and primed the bomb, they caught up to him on the roof, staring out at the jungle that would soon swallow the remains of the Teltin Facility. They all watched from the safety of the shuttle as the facility exploded into nothingness as they returned to the Normandy.
As soon as Shepard returned to the CIC, Yeoman Chambers grabbed her attention. "Commander Shepard. Tali'Zorah seemed very distraught after receiving a message while you were off-ship. I think you should check on her down in Engineering."
Shepard's eyebrows rose. "Did she give any indication as to what it was?"
Kelly shrugged her shoulders as she answered, "No, Ma'am, but she let out a string of words that I'm sure were expletives, but the translator couldn't pick them up." Kelly frowned and her brow knitted with worry. "Her voice actually sounded... more scared than angry."
Shepard scowled at that; she wasn't a big fan of the Yeoman's purpose on board the ship, but Chambers was pretty perceptive to emotions and even though her relationship with the Quarian was relatively new, she could probably read Tali as well as Shepard could. The commander had intended on returning to her cabin to put together some dispatches, but headed directly to Engineering instead. Tali was at her normal terminal, but her fingers were frozen on the keyboard instead of moving at their normal lightening speed. Shepard stepped up beside her and spoke gently. "Hey Tali. You doing ok?"
The Quarian didn't move, other than her head drooping just slightly. "Shepard. I'm glad you came by. I may need your help. I just received a message from the Migrant Fleet. The Admiralty Board has accused me of treason."
Shepard's face turned red with anger. "What the fuck? Nobody who knows you could believe you'd betray your people, Tali!"
Her head came up and she turned to the commander. "I appreciate your faith in me, but I'm scared, Shepard." Tali's voice was low and hesitant. "I don't know. They don't lay charges like this unless the evidence seems absolute."
"What the hell could it be? Is it because you're working with Cerberus?" Shepard could think of no other possible reason for such an outlandish charge against the dedicated Quarian.
"I'm not working with Cerberus. I'm working with you. And you saw the message. I got leave to serve on the Normandy again." Tali shook her head in bewilderment. "I have no idea what they're accusing me of. You'd think I would remember if I'd betrayed the Fleet!"
The commander's brow pinched in concern. "What happens when a Quarian is accused of treason?"
"There's a hearing, with members of the Admiralty Board acting as judges. We're family. This is just the worst kind of family meeting. My father is an admiral on the board. He'll have to recuse himself from judgment. I can't even imagine what he's thinking right now. Or Kal. Keelah!" Tali's voice actually picked up some strength and sounded almost angry. "The punishment for treason is exile. If they convict me, I can never go back!"
"And you have no idea why they're accusing you?" Shepard thought it a bit odd that they'd give no details on such a damning allegation.
"None. The specifics of charges like this are rarely discussed on open channels. I won't know more until I get to the flotilla." Tali let out a heavy sigh.
"So when do you need to be there for this hearing?" Shepard already knew she would do whatever was required to help her teammate.
Tali's shoulders sagged with the weight of the charges against her. "They'll wait a reasonable period of time for me to come and defend myself. It's much less formal than an Earth trial or anything you'd see on the Citadel, but eventually, if I don't show up, they'll try me in absentia."
Shepard pursed her lips and thought for a moment before answering. "I need you focused on the Reaper IFF mission, Tali. If you hadn't been with us on the Collector ship, we probably wouldn't have made it off alive." She looked at Tali and offered an encouraging smile. "Let's go find the Flotilla and get this sorted out."
Tali bowed and shook her head. "I was going to book passage on another ship. After your announcement, I didn't think there'd be time for you to help. Thank you, Shepard."
Shepard patted her on the shoulder. "You're an amazing engineer, Tali. This mission would come to a stop without you." Shepard grinned. "Besides. You're my crew and a good friend. No way I'm leaving you on your own for this."
Tali's voice sounded significantly lighter as she continued. "The Flotilla is currently over in the Eagle Nebula with salvage crews on Korlus. I'll give Joker the coordinates and let the Admirals know. Are you sure about this, Shepard? The Admirals will be waiting on us once I send the message..."
Shepard didn't even hesitate. "Absolutely, Tali. Since we're going to the Eagle Nebula though, give yourself an extra day so we can swing by Grissom and drop off Aresh on the way." Shepard hesitated before finishing. "And Tali... You know that whatever happens with the Fleet and this hearing, you'll always have a home on my team. Always."
Her throat suddenly tight, all Tali could do was nod.
Shepard's next stop was with Miranda to let her know about the treason charge levied against Tali. Miranda agreed that her technical and engineering skills had been key to their mission success on the Collector vessel and quickly agreed with Shepard's decision to rendezvous with the Fleet. "But we can't delay too long, Shepard. I think three days at most, before we need to head to the Reaper to collect the IFF."
Shepard's head bobbed. "Yeah, I know. Hopefully, their 'hearing' is faster than a traditional Human trial." She made direct eye contact with Miranda. "But you have to know, I won't leave Tali there alone. If we leave, she comes with us. One way or another."
"Understood, Commander." Miranda never flinched. "And for what it's worth... I agree."
The trip gave Shepard enough time to squeeze in what she thought might be her last cybernetic enhancements, the muscle weave and the fifth of seven available skin weaves. Thinking back on Liara's words, she wouldn't complain about the pain they cost her as long as the weaves delivered as promised and allowed her to make those 'seemingly impossible jumps' and continued to reduce the damage done by weapons' fire. It was all about survival and making it back home to the one she loved.
As they approached the Migrant Fleet, Shepard called Tali to the Bridge. She looked to her obviously nervous crewmate and quietly asked, "What exactly happens if you're convicted?"
"Like I told you before, I'd be exiled. The specifics are up to the judges. If it's deemed only a tragic mistake in judgment, the guilty party might receive a small ship and supplies. Not that it really matters. Either way, if I'm convicted, I'll never see the Migrant Fleet again." Tali sniffed and her head dropped. "And most likely, Kal."
Shepard shook her head. "Don't worry about that for now, but know that if it comes down to it, he's also welcome on the Normandy. He's a hell of a soldier."
Tali shook her head. "He'd never leave the fleet." She looked at Shepard. "Could you ever leave the Alliance?"
She was surprised when the commander actually laughed. "Asks the Quarian of a Council Spectre standing on a Cerberus vessel." Her laughter died and she answered more seriously. "Tali. If I'm ever forced to choose between the Alliance and Liara? I'll be seeking asylum on Thessia faster than you can change a suit filter. There's no question in my mind."
Tali was silent for a moment before replying. "Well. Alright then. Let's hope we don't have to make Kal let one or the other go."
Shepard got them back on track. "So. Convictions don't result in prison? And there's no death penalty?"
Tali shrugged. "We don't have a planet, so we don't have the spare resources for long-term incarceration. A monitored work detail is more effective. And the Quarian population is so small, we can't afford executions. An exile can still have children, and those children are welcomed back to the Fleet. They are not judged for their parent's actions."
Shepard frowned for a second, thinking about the stigma Ash carried because of her grandfather. Not only did Humans judge, but they carried it through multiple generations. "How often does something like this happen?"
"It's rare. It must be something that affects the entire flotilla, not just one ship." Tali thought for a moment, digging through her memory. "The most recent one was Anora'Vanya vas Selani, an engineer who handed over Fleet defense schematics to the Batarians. She had good intentions. The Batarians were contracted to upgrade our systems, but they passed the defense schematics to a pirate gang."
"Ouch." Shepard shook her head. "Was she convicted?"
"No. She made a suicide run on the pirate gang. She destroyed them before they could attack the Fleet. She was pardoned... posthumously. Let's hope I don't have to prove my innocence that way."
"Oh shit." Shepard abruptly felt the sting of guilt. "Tali. Could this be because you provided us with the advanced barrier technology you developed? I mean, technically, we're Cerberus."
Tali answered slowly. "I... I don't know, Shepard. I suppose that's a distinct possibility. Damn it! I didn't even think of that." She shook her head. "If that's the charge, I'm guilty."
"Well, think of it this way." Shepard tried to make light of the situation. "If that's the case, with the trip to the Collector base, we have the suicide run defense in the bag."
After Tali authenticated with the fleet and they arranged for a security and quarantine team to meet the ship, they finally got to dock with the Fleet. They were met by a full squad of Marines and a representative from the Admiralty. "Captain Shepard. Captain Kar'Danna vas Rayya. Tali'Zorah told me a lot about you. I wish we could be meeting under more pleasant circumstances."
After a brief discussion about her being addressed as Captain, Shepard understood it was a title of respect, reflecting her command and the people who relied on her leadership and judgment to keep them alive. It had nothing to do with her rank or current lack thereof, within the Alliance military. Once the pleasantries were out of the way, Shepard got straight to business. "What are the charges against Tali, Captain?"
Kar'Danna got straight to the point. "The charges are that Tali brought active Geth into the Fleet as part of a secret project."
Tali stepped forward. "That's insane! I never brought anything but parts and pieces! I grew up on your ship, Captain. You know I'd never do that!"
Shepard was shocked, "You sent Geth parts to the Fleet?"
Tali nodded. "Yes. My father was working on a project that required materials for testing, but everything I sent was inactive. I triple-checked everything. I was careful!"
"Technically I'm supposed to place you under arrest, but I won't do that." Kar'Danna shook his head. "So, Tali... you have to stay on the ship until the hearing is completed."
Both Tali and Shepard responded at the same time, "Thank you, Captain."
He nodded and indicated the hearing would begin as soon as they were ready, and recommended they immediately join the judges in the garden plaza. With a nod, Tali indicated to Shepard she was ready to start, relieved that there was no mention of the cyclonic barriers. They rounded the corner to the garden plaza entrance and Tali immediately brightened. "Auntie Raan!"
As Tali stepped forward to give the woman a hug, Shala'Raan spoke. "Tali'Zorah vas Normandy. I'm glad you came. I could only delay them for so long."
Tali immediately stepped back. "Wait. What do you mean? vas Normandy?"
Shala'Raan shuffled her feet nervously. "I'm afraid so, Tali. The Admiralty Board moved to have you tried under that name, given your departure from the Neema."
Shepard stepped up. "I realize we haven't been introduced yet, but I'm Samantha Shepard, Tali's current captain. Is the ship designation important?"
"Keelah! Forgive me. Shepard vas Normandy, this is Admiral Shala'Raan vas Tonbay. She's a close friend of my father, so will also have to recuse herself because of her connection to my family." Tali nodded. "But to answer your question, yes. Stripping me of my ship name is practically declaring me exiled already."
Shala'Raan was clearly a friend. "It isn't over yet, Tali. You have friends here who still know you as Tali'Zorah vas Neema. No matter what the Admiralty Board says. And I may not vote, but I am the moderator, so can make sure they have to follow the rules of protocol. I'll ensure you get a fair trial."
Shepard nodded. "Well, we know which way they're leaning, so we go on the offensive. Does Tali have a defense counsel? Someone who speaks for her, or is she on her own in there?"
Raan nodded and her voice was steady. "Indeed she does, Captain Shepard. By Quarian law, the accused is always represented by their captain."
Shepard took a step back. "Uh. Ok. I'm not so sure that's a good idea. I don't know your legal system. Is there any type of exception to get her a real representative?"
Tali cut off Raan's response. "No. There isn't. They're trying to turn the crowd against me by assigning me the name of a Cerberus ship. The whole trial is a farce, but I don't care. I can't think of anyone I'd rather have speak for me, Shepard. If you can talk Wrex down while his shotgun is pointed at your head, you can handle a few Quarian Admirals."
"Tali. You do us an injustice." Raan's voice sounded disapproving. "You still have friends here, as well as enemies. We got the trial delayed and kept you from being tried in absentia, and got them to allow a Human in to represent you. Don't waste your chance here out of spite."
Shepard practically growled. "Oh, don't you worry about that. They'll hear the truth, whether they want to or not. And so will every Quarian present in the audience. They'll sense a set-up if that's what it is, and the Admiralty won't get away with it."
Raan nodded in approval. "Good. Now, I promised I would not delay you. We need to go in."
Tali had called it a hearing, but it had every appearance of a tribunal if Shepard ever saw one. The accused had a low table and the three judges sat before them on an elevated platform. Even the spectators had elevated seating. Shepard felt like she was standing in the center of an old Roman Gladiator arena. This is appropriate. This is a fight for Tali's life in the Fleet!
As the trial got started, Shepard learned the official name of the gathering was a Conclave and the first official act in the proceeding was a protest against Shepard's presence. The middle judge threw his hand up. "Objection! A human has no business at a hearing involving such sensitive military matters!"
Raan came through on her promise to do what she could to protect Tali's right to a fair trial. "Then you should not have declared Tali crew of the Normandy, Admiral Koris. By Quarian law, as Tali's Captain, Shepard must stay."
Koris was subdued as he quietly withdrew his objection, but his body language reflected everything but agreement with the decision. When Shepard was asked if she was willing to speak for Tali, she took advantage of that observation. "I shouldn't have to. When Tali helped me stop Saren and his Geth army, her actions spoke for themselves. Without her help, none of you would be alive to put her on trial today."
The Admiral on the right nodded. "Well said, Shepard. None of us should forget Tali's contributions to the Fleet."
Shepard continued. "Agreed. But I have to say that while I am her current acting Captain, Tali's heart is with the Quarian people and she's still a proud member of the Migrant Fleet. My only regret is that the Captain of the Neema has been forbidden to speak on her behalf."
Koris immediately got defensive and stepped forward aggressively. "Nobody has been forbidden from anything! It is simple-"
The Admiral on the right spoke again, this time with disdain. "Lie to them if you must, Zaal'Koris, but don't lie to me and expect me to stay silent! The Human is right!"
Raan cut in to prevent a public argument. "Admirals! Please. Shepard's willingness to represent Tali'Zorah in this hearing is appreciated. Let us not get off track and drag out the hearing any longer than necessary."
When the charges were read and Tali denied them, Koris again stepped forward and pointed at Tali in anger. "Then explain how the Geth seized your father's ship and killed everyone on board!"
The crowd roared to life, a hundred discussions exploding at the same time as Tali loudly blurted out, "What are you talking about? What happened?"
The friendly Admiral stepped forward. "As far as we can tell, Tali, the Geth have killed everyone on the Alarei... your father included."
Tali rocked back in shock and Shepard exploded. "This is bullshit! How can you justify springing this on Tali in the middle of a damn trial? She deserved to be told of this ahead of time! I thought you valued family!"
Raan shook her head, "Our apologies. Tali should have been informed."
Tali looked at the commander, "Shepard! We have to take back the Alarei! My father..."
Shepard offered her a quick nod and returned her attention to the Board. "You said 'as far as you can tell.' Does that mean you haven't taken back control of the Alarei? There could still be survivors?" Shepard stared at them, incredulous. "You're holding this trial while the Geth actively control a ship in the middle of your Flotilla? This is unbelievable!"
The admirals didn't even bother to deny the allegation as Shepard continued. "The Normandy stands ready to assist in any capacity necessary. Screw the trial. Your first concern should be the safety of the Fleet!"
If Shepard could have seen his face, she was sure Koris was grinning in victory, knowing he'd just lured them all into his trap. "We tried to take it back without success. The safest course at this point would be to destroy the ship... but if you are looking for an honorable death instead of exile, we can wait for one more attempt." He almost sounded happy about the proposition.
Shepard had no time to respond as Tali shouted, pointing at Koris in anger. "I'm looking for my father, you Bosh'tet!"
Shepard scoffed. "This isn't about an honorable death. We cleared Haestrom without too much difficulty; we can take back the Alarei. The Fleet comes first, and Tali needs to find her father. I have no doubts my team will succeed."
The unknown admiral on the right spoke again. "Agreed. And if you die on this worthy mission, Tali'Zorah will be cleared of all charges."
Koris turned his way and ground out, "We'll discuss that later!"
Raan cut them off from yet another argument. "Be safe, Tali. This hearing will resume upon your return."
Koris grumbled a continuation. "Or upon our determination you've been killed in action."
On their way to the Alarei, Shepard asked Tali about the various admirals, learning Zaal'Koris vas Qwib Qwib was in charge of the Civilian Fleet and Shala'Raan vas Tonbay controlled the Patrol Fleet. The seemingly friendly admiral was Han'Gerrel vas Neema, in control of the Heavy Fleet, and Tali's previous Captain. It certainly explained his cordial attitude toward Tali. The admiral that had been silent during the entire trial was Daro'Xen vas Moreh and was in charge of special projects. Tali warned Shepard that out of all of the admirals, Xen was probably the most dangerous. She also told the commander to not judge Koris too harshly. Being in charge of the civilians, he always favored peace, and an event like this would surely be a prelude to war with the Geth. He was probably at a loss for how to stop such a thing from happening and his mood reflected his feelings of helplessness. As much as she disliked the Quarian because of his abrasive attitude, Shepard grudgingly realized she could relate to that sentiment.
Knowing they were going up against the Geth, Shepard had called for everyone who had overload capability, which included Garrus, Miranda and Kasumi. She added Jack to the list as an afterthought, which actually worked out very well. Once the Geth's shields dropped, Jack used her shockwave to toss them like bowling pins and the team of six quickly powered their way through the Alarei. They didn't finding anything that would exonerate Tali... and what they did find was not welcome news, figuring out that Tali's father had purposely reassembled and activated the Geth. One of the logs mentioned him by name, claiming that Rael'Zorah was convinced they'd have a viable weapon against the Geth in less than a year. The evidence was damning. Tali shook her head sadly. "If this is all true, my father has done a horrible thing, Shepard, and I provided him the pieces to do it. None of this shows I wasn't directly involved."
Shepard placed her hand on Tali's shoulder. "We're not done here yet, Tali. We'll find something."
They pressed on, clearing the Alarei room-by-room, passage-by-passage until they finally located Rael'Zorah. Shepard looked on silently as Tali shouted out, "Father!" and ran to his corpse. "No, no, no! You always had a plan. Masked life signs, or, or an onboard medical stasis program maybe. You! You wouldn't..." She fell on her knees next to the lifeless body. "They're wrong! You wouldn't just die like this! You wouldn't leave me to clean up your mess! You can't..." Tali started crying as her voice faded to silence.
Shepard's heart was breaking as she reached down and grabbed Tali's upper arm, "Hey. Hey, come 'ere." Shepard pulled her up into a hug.
"Damn it. Damn it. I'm sorry." Tali pushed away from Shepard's embrace.
"You've got nothing to be sorry about, Tali. I don't care what he did. He was still your father." Shepard shook her head. "I just hope he left something behind we can use to clear your name."
Tali drew a shuddering breath. "Maybe... He would have known I'd come. Maybe he left a message!"
She knelt back down and pulled his omnitool toward her and activated it. It immediately played a recording of Rael'Zorah's last words. "Tali. If you are listening, then I am dead. The Geth have gone active. I don't have much time. Their main hub will be on the bridge. You'll need to destroy it to stop their VI processes from forming new neural links. Make sure Han'Gerrel and Daro'Xen see the data. They must..." There was the sound of gunfire and the recording ended abruptly.
Tali's head was hung low as she uttered, "Thanks, Dad."
Shepard spoke quietly, but it still sounded amazingly loud in the silent ship. "He knew you'd come for him and he was trying to help you. I know it's not what you wanted, but it's the best he could do. He gave you everything he had left to give. Absolution."
Shepard thought about when her father had died and she could do nothing to save him. It didn't matter that she wasn't at fault. The words were empty. Absolution meant nothing compared to the love of a father, lost forever. "He loved you, Tali."
"I don't know what's worse; thinking he never really cared, or knowing that he did, and that this was the only way he could show it." Tali turned from her father and faced Shepard. "It doesn't really matter. I cared, and now he's gone... and one way or another, we're ending it today." She turned and walked away. "Let's shut down that hub."
The six-man team easily worked their way to the bridge and past the four Geth guarding it. Tali walked directly to the main console and logged on. She spoke while she worked. "This controls the hub Father mentioned. Disabling it will shut down all of the remaining Geth we missed." Her hands hesitated briefly. "It looks like some of the recordings remained intact. They'll tell us how this happened, exactly what my father did."
Shepard noticed that Tali's hands had stopped moving. "You don't really want to know, do you?"
Tali spared her a glance. "No. But I know we have to. I just... this is terrible, Shepard! I don't want irrefutable evidence that my father is... was... one of the worst criminals in Quarian history!" Her voice grew quiet. "I don't want confirmation that he was a part of all this."
Tali played the recording and it was obvious her father led the research and was also responsible for keeping it a secret from the Admiralty, in spite of the risks involved. Tali gasped when her worst fears were realized, when she heard her father confirm what he had done. "No, we're too close. I promised to build my daughter a house on the homeworld. I'm not going to sit and wait while the politicians argue."
Tali shook her head in disappointment, but let the recording play on. In spite of what Rael'Zorah had done, he was adamant about protecting Tali. When one of the researchers suggested he ask Tali to start sending working material, he didn't even hesitate. "Absolutely not! I don't want Tali exposed to any political blowback." He left no room for doubt as he continued, sealing his own fate in the process. "Leave Tali out of this. Assemble new Geth from what we have available. Bypass security protocols if need be."
As the recording ended, Shepard shook her head. "I'm so sorry, Tali. He did this for you, but I know you'd rather have your father than a house on Rannoch."
"Keelah, Shepard. I never wanted this." She turned her back on Shepard and took a few steps away. "Everything here is his fault. When this comes up in the trial, they'll..." She spun back and stepped quickly to her captain. "We can't tell them! Not the admirals, not anyone!"
Shepard shook her head. "No. Tali, without this evidence you're looking at exile! I can't let this go and let you sacrifice yourself for a dead man. I'm sorry."
"You think I don't know that? You think I want to live knowing I can never see the Fleet again? Maybe lose Kal'Reegar? But I can't go back into that room and let them hear this!"
Tali was too upset to listen, but Shepard tried anyway. "Rael'Zorah doesn't want your protection, Tali! He wants you protected from the politics of it all!"
Tali sighed heavily. "You don't understand us, Shepard. They will strike his name from the manifest of every ship he ever served on. He will be worse than an exile... he'll be the monster in cautionary tales to our children. A traitor to our people!" She threw her hands up in frustration. "I can't let all the good he did be destroyed for this one lapse of judgment while trying to save our homeworld. I just can't, Shepard. Please."
Shepard glanced at the group, all of whom had remained silent up to this point. Miranda shook her head. "Why don't you wait until you get back to the trial? Maybe you can find some way to convince them without having to use this. You won't know unless you try... for Tali's sake."
Tali gave her an appreciative look before turning back to Shepard. "You're my captain, Shepard. It's your decision, but please... don't destroy what my father was." She gestured at the door. "Come on. If we take too long they'll declare us dead and decide how they want, evidence be damned. If that happens, none of this will matter anyway."
Tali was right. As they walked in, they heard Raan speaking, "Very well. Is the Admiralty Board prepared to render judgment?"
Shepard's face turned into a scowl. "Hey! Wait just a minute! We're not dead. You didn't wait very long before declaring us a lost cause. You can go get your damn ship."
Tali glanced at her, and then turned to the admirals, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Sorry we're late."
Admiral Gerrel looked pointedly at Koris as he spoke. "We apologize, Shepard. Your success in taking back the Alarei is... very unexpected."
Raan's voice was filled with joy. "But also very welcome!"
Gerrel continued as if Raan hadn't even spoken. "Did you find anything on the Alarei that could clarify what happened there?"
Shepard and Tali looked at one another and the commander hedged her bets, saving the damning evidence as a last resort in an attempt to grant Tali her wish. "We got your ship back and the Fleet is safe, the rest shouldn't matter. Tali's achievements are the only evidence you should need. That she was willing to risk her life to do so proves her loyalty to the Quarian people."
Koris wasn't willing to give up so easily. "Her loyalty was never in doubt. Only her judgment."
Shepard's tone was mocking. "Seriously? Defeating Saren and the Geth isn't enough? Taking back the Alarei isn't enough?" Shepard shook her head. "All you really need to know is I'm her captain and I trust her with my life."
Koris was fuming. "We still don't know what happened on the Alarei!"
Shepard waved her hand dismissively at Koris. "No, Admiral, you don't. And you don't need to. You gave her my ship's name and I'm telling you on my word as her Captain that she's innocent."
Koris shouted his response in anger. "These are formal proceedings! That is insufficient!"
Shepard had enough and finally yelled back. "You have GOT to be kidding! Just what evidence are you claiming is insufficient? I give you Tali's exemplary record of service with the Fleet. I give you one of the heroes of the Citadel. We give you back the Alarei! Where's your evidence of her guilt? You don't have any! You present trumped up charges with no proof. You slander her character and can't even bother to tell her before the trial that her father is dead!"
Shepard paused and glanced back at the audience. "Look at them! All of you! All they care about is their war with the Geth. They don't care about Tali. This whole trial is a sham!"
Her focus shifted back to the admirals. "Not a single part of this trial was ever about Tali. It's a lame excuse to debate the merits of war! None of you give a shit if Tali's life and the good name of Zorah get destroyed in the crossfire!"
She had shocked the room into silence, leaving the admirals stammering for some type of response to regain control of the situation. She threw her hands in the air in disgust. "Do whatever you want with your fleet, but leave my crew out of your political bullshit!"
She stepped forward and glared at the Board. "You can accept Tali's and my word, or you can exile the woman who saved the Citadel from the Geth. Just make your decision and quit wasting our time."
Suddenly Veetor'Nara nar Rayya stood up. "Wait! Shepard is right! Tali saved me on Freedom's Progress. She doesn't deserve to be exiled."
Kal'Reegar stepped up and joined him. "Damn straight. Tali's done more for this Fleet than you assholes ever will. You're pissing on everything I've fought for. Everything Tali fought for. So, if you exile her, you might as well do the same with me, because I'm leaving with her."
Veetor nodded in emphatic agreement. "Me too!"
The crowd was in an uproar as the Admirals looked on in amazement. Daro'Xen immediately recognized what the commander had just accomplished and raised her omnitool, entering a not-guilty verdict. She had no desire to lose her admiralty position through the vote of no confidence that would imminently follow if they found Tali guilty. Koris saw what she did and glanced in the other direction, just in time to see Han'Gerrel do the same. Finally, he too pulled up his omnitool and entered a verdict. The room grew suddenly still, in quiet anticipation. Shala'Raan spoke quietly. "Tali'Zorah. In light of your history of exemplary service to the Fleet, we do not find sufficient evidence to convict. You are cleared of all charges." Her focus shifted. "Commander Shepard. We cannot thank you enough for taking back the Alarei and for representing one of our people."
Shepard looked at Tali and stood tall, her voice filled with disdain. "With all due respect, Admiral, I didn't represent one of your people. I represented one of mine."
Admiral Gerrel's voice reflected honest appreciation as he answered her. "So you did, Shepard."
Raan quickly cut in before things got out of control. "This hearing is concluded. Go in peace, Tali'Zorah vas Normandy. Keelah se'lai."
As the group dispersed, Tali turned to Shepard in amazement. "I can't believe you pulled that off. What you said..."
Shepard looked at her and finished the sentence, "...was nothing more than the truth, Tali."
The dumfounded Quarian shook her head. "I've never had anyone speak like that on my behalf. Thank you for being there for me." She glanced downward. "And for defending the honor of my father when you had absolutely no reason to."
"You asked me to. For me, that's reason enough." Shepard smirked. "But if you're disappointed, I'm sure we can go back in and get you exiled if you want."
Tali actually laughed. "Thanks, but I'm fine with things like this. It's fun watching you shout."
Kal'Reegar stepped up. "I'd have to agree. You put on quite the show, Commander."
Tali clasped his hand. "You didn't do so bad yourself, Kal. Thank you."
Kal shrugged. "Figured I had to say something when you didn't use the evidence you found on the Alarei."
Tali frowned. "I didn't say anything about finding evidence, Kal."
Reegar grinned. "Noticed that, Ma'am. But you? Not finding what you're looking for... especially with Shepard along? Wouldn't believe that for a minute, but I'm sure you had your reasons. And as the commander said, that's reason enough for me."
Shepard nodded in approval. "Any idea what your next assignment's gonna be, Kal? I'd be happy to request you for the Normandy."
"Hmmm." Reegar glanced at Tali before he answered. "That's tempting, Commander, but I'm still on the Dark Energy project. It's not finished yet. And you're right; we're probably headed for war with the Geth. The best bet would be for us to find another way, but I can't leave my fellow Marines if the Admiralty is thinking about trying to take back Rannoch."
Shepard stuck her hand out. "Sorry to hear that, but I respect your decision. Take care of yourself, Reegar."
Kal took her hand. "Will do, Shepard. And you take care of yourself and yours. I expect to get Tali back in one piece."
Shepard smiled. "I promise. Now..." She shifted her glance to Tali. "Take a few minutes. I'll wait for you back at the dock."
