Notes:

Amantia - lover (Thessian)

Breá Ber'ah - Combined form meaning beautiful and strange lover; Breá being a close lover, somewhere between Amantia and Siame (Thessian)

Grá mo chroí - love of my heart (Gaelic)

Mo cheann geallta - My promised one (Gaelic)

Siame - "one who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian)


For Better or Worse

Rio de Janeiro, Earth, Sol

Riana couldn't remember how she made it back to the Normandy; her mind was so filled with thoughts of Sammi and the list of things she wanted to do while in Rio that her feet practically directed themselves. She trotted to the Normandy's docking bay to find the specialist waiting impatiently at the base of the cargo ramp.

"Sounds like the presentation went really well," Sammi said. "And we have tonight and tomorrow to ourselves! What do you want to do first?"

By way of a greeting, Riana wrapped her arms around her Breá Ber'ah in a tight hug as she whispered, "There will be time for what I would like to do later this evening, Sammi. Right now, I am hungry for some food; is there any place close by… besides the academy… that is serving meals? Please tell me you have found such a place amidst all this destruction."

Sammi's eyes were alight with joy… joy in being held by her favorite person in the galaxy… elation at the thought of what Riana might like to do later in the evening, and delight that she had discovered a couple of places that had sustained only moderate damage, so were able to make repairs and begin limited operations. "I found one place that used to be well-known for its Japanese cuisine, especially the variety of sushi plates they served; it's just a short walk from the Military College. Their selections are pretty limited these days, as the fishing industry was pretty much decimated, but still, they do have some fresh fish and salads, along with a nice selection of beers."

Riana found it difficult to contain the enjoyment she felt in seeing Sammi so animated… so happy. "So then, I assume you are ready to go?"


Sammi very nearly got back into the air cab that had brought her and Riana to the Mitsabol Restaurant – the exterior of the building looked as if it had just encountered a near-hit by a Reaper weapon, with debris in the streets in front and on the side. Riana held on to her hand, saying, "The outside cannot tell us what we may find within. Come on, Sammi, let's take a chance... You may be pleasantly surprised."

With an encouraging squeeze of the hand from Riana, Traynor slowly led her companion to the door, which parted and slid into its pockets as if a war had never come to this city. As they stepped inside, they were met by a young woman in what appeared to be a starched white blouse, a short black skirt and dressy-looking black pumps. If she was surprised by the appearance of an Asari, she didn't show it as she asked, "Good evening. Two for dinner?"

Traynor answered, "Yes, please. We're visiting for two days and are looking for something different for dinner… We're from the Normandy."

The hostess eyes grew wide as she said in a voice filled with awe, "The Alliance space vessel? You both…" pointing to Traynor, then Riana, "… serve on the Normandy?"

Traynor breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes, we both serve on the Normandy; I am Specialist Samantha Traynor, and this is…"

Riana interrupted Sammi before she could say too much. "… Riana Iregos, special liaison from the planet Thessia. We're really very hungry, if we could…?"

"Oh my, yes! Yes, of course. It will be an honor for us to serve you dinner this evening. If you will follow me, Ms Traynor… Ms Iregos. My name is Cataleya."

After seating them at a table for two in a quiet corner of the dining area, Cataleya handed each of them a small datapad displaying a menu. "My apologies for the very limited selections we have to offer. It has taken everything my family has… had… to bring this place back to life."

"You look busier than I would have expected after seeing the outside," Traynor commented.

Cataleya looked around the room in agreement, saying, "Word is getting around… and people need to eat."

Riana had entered her choices on the datapad, prompting Sammi to quickly enter her own. Cataleya smiled as she took the datapads; giving them a cursory glance, she said, "Someone will be right back with your beverages. Thank you for choosing to dine with us."

Traynor reached across the table to grasp a blue hand, eliciting a smile from the Asari. "You seem so much happier since joining me in my quarters, Sammi. It would appear that sharing my bed is good for you."

Samantha blushed at Riana's statement and looked down at the tabletop; returning her gaze to Riana's face, she offered, "I am much more relaxed than when my quarters were in the crew compartment. Having you make sure I am taking my breaks… having lunch with you every day... and sleeping in your embrace every night? I can't begin to describe the happiness you've brought me." Traynor's expression changed for a moment, only to return to her smile of devotion. The brief cloud over her sunny disposition did not go unnoticed by the perceptive Asari.

"Sammi, what is it? There is something troubling you… I can see it."

They both looked up as Cataleya brought them their chosen beverages. "Your meals will be right out," she said as she set a filled glass in front of each of them.

After thanking her, Traynor looked back at Riana. "There is really nothing bothering me, Ri. It's just that…" Her brow knit as she paused and concentrated on the glass in her hand. She delayed by sampling her beverage as the hand holding hers across the table gave a gentle squeeze of encouragement. Firming her resolve, Traynor finally began her answer in earnest. "It's just that whenever we meld, I experience such incredible happiness… such a feeling of being made whole, as if our souls were meant to be joined… and when we make love, it's pure ecstasy!"

Sammi took another sip from her glass, prompting Riana to do the same. Traynor held her glass between thumb and fingers, idly spinning it in place as she continued. "The very first time you joined with me, I was so scared, so afraid I would not be able to enjoy it. Now, even though I realize we each need to be alone with our thoughts, I dislike having you withdraw from my mind; it leaves me feeling so… lonesome, as if all the peace and happiness in my life has been stripped away. Does that sound crazy?"

Riana took another sip from her own glass as she thought about everything she'd just learned from her Human lover. She knew a meld was a deeply personal experience for the one on the receiving end, particularly for a non-Asari mind. Sammi would never be able to initiate a joining, of that she was fairly sure; the only Human she knew capable of such was Commander Shepard, who seemed to be permanently linked with Mistress Liara. She sighed as she set her glass down and replied, "What you experience is not crazy, Breá Ber'ah. It is, I believe, a natural side-effect of our minds parting company." Riana's expression was solemn as she continued, "It is the same for me, even though I have done it most of my life. I always experience a brief sense of... isolation... immediately following our separation."

Sammi's jaw dropped at this revelation. "But… you're Asari, Riana. How can you feel alone when you initiate and terminate our joining? I'm gradually getting used to the feeling of being alone afterwards, but I never stopped to think about your feelings. My God, Ri! I am so sorry!"

Riana glanced up as Cataleya returned with their dinners, setting a large platter in front of each of them as she said, "We hope you enjoy your meals." Indicating their partially drained glasses, she added, "Would either of you care for a refill?"

After asking for another glass each of the delicious beer, Riana held Sammi's hand for several moments after Cataleya disappeared to get their refills, saying, "You have nothing to be sorry for, my sweet love. We continue to learn about each other the longer we're together. I never envisioned falling in love again after Ryati, least of all with a Human, but here I am."

She released Traynor's hand so they could give full attention to the sumptuous baked fish, side of brown rice and a nice salad; Riana had ordered nearly the same dinner, but instead of focusing on her food, the Asari continued speaking softly. "You simply need to comfort yourself the same way I do... by telling yourself that I am yours... and that you know I will always be there, eagerly awaiting your return and our next joining. How each of us knowing that the other craves our... together time... highlights the unique and special bond we share."


Normandy SR-2, Vila Militar Landing Zone, Earth

As they walked back to the Normandy, Shepard was atypically silent, even through the link. It had been a long while since Liara had been so completely shut out of Samantha's thoughts, yet the Asari did not press her and said nothing until they gained the privacy of the loft. The sibilant hiss of actuating pistons pushing the hatch segments together behind them seemed deafening in the inordinate quiet. Liara stopped with her back barely clear of the door, but did not release Shepard's hand... causing the commander to come to an abrupt and unexpected stop, jarring her out of her self-imposed solitude. As she swung around to face her Promised, Samantha's head jerked up and she looked at her lover; a blush of red crept up Shepard's neck and, indicating a hint of shame, her eyes were shielded as she spoke. "I thought you wanted to change and go find someplace for dinner?"

"I do." Liara stepped closer and practically whispered, "But not until you open yourself back up to me, Siame; you need to explain what is bothering you so much that you shut me out."

Shepard sighed and closed the gap completely, tipping her head forward until their foreheads touched gently together as she took both of Liara's hands in her own. "I'm sorry. I just..." She momentarily closed her eyes and huffed, intertwining their fingers as she continued, "I can't believe that Nikki said those things. I am so sorry you had to hear that, Liara. It was incredibly rude of her... and, in my shock, I think I was unnecessarily cruel to the poor woman. I don't like who I became in that moment back there."

"So her attempt at manipulating you to feel guilty worked after all." Liara's brow furrowed in a mix of consternation and uncertainty as she disentangled her right hand to reach up and cup the side of Shepard's face. "You did not have any part in her choices, Shepard. She's had plenty of time to send you at least a dozen messages asking for forgiveness, yet she did not, even though you are not exactly difficult to find. And not only that... She completely disregarded your feelings and our relationship." Liara paused, almost imperceptibly, and her voice had a slight tremor as she continued, "But, if you feel badly about what just happened, perhaps you do still harbor feelings for her that must be examined before we can truly..."

Liara did not have the opportunity to finish as Shepard wrapped her now free hand around the Asari's waist to draw them tightly together. "Don't you dare even think that, Grá mo chroí! I am yours... Have been since before the day I declared myself to you and then, by the grace of the Gods, you actually accepted my proposal. No regrets, no second thoughts, and no chance of backing out of it now," a light smirk crossing Shepard's face as she finished her statement.

Liara felt the block drop only an instant before a stampede of emotion almost buckled her knees. The commander's grip around her waist tightened as Shepard also broke her other hand free to wrap tender, warm fingers around the back of the Asari's neck. Liara shivered in delight as those same fingers first slid unhesitatingly across the folds at the back of her neck and then up to the base of her crest, making her pebbled skin tingle as a rush of heated biotics passed through her like an incredibly bright flash of lightning.

Hot, eager lips crashed into hers and Liara felt the need to throw her arms around Shepard's shoulders to keep from drowning in the waves of loving devotion that swept repeatedly over her, eradicating each and every one of her fleeting insecurities, one by one. Her vision grew hazy, forcing her to push back and gasp for breath. By the Goddess!

Unrelenting, Shepard followed her attempted withdrawal until Liara was trapped against the door, with no more room for retreat. She wasn't sure exactly how or when it happened but, while they had continued their passionate kiss, Shepard's hands had left her neck and waist to undo the clasps of her armor; it was easy to ignore the clatter of the chest and back plates crashing to the deck as the commander's hands found their way beneath her underarmor to knead her breasts. She groaned as fierce desire gripped her... and Liara felt her entire body suddenly shudder with longing at the sensations that accompanied Shepard's words through the link. {I love you, Mo cheann geallta. Make no mistake; there is only room for you in my heart.}

What little resistance that remained within Liara's mind melted away without further delay. {By the Goddess, Samantha! Take me! I am yours...}


Liara's eyes fluttered open slowly and she drew a deep breath that resulted in a long, lethargic yawn. A light chuckle from somewhere off to her left caught her attention and she lazily turned her head to discover its source. Samantha was still lying in bed, but was up on her right side with her head propped up, elbow on her pillow and the side of her head resting in her hand. Liara smiled softly and rolled onto her left side to face the commander. "Siame. How long have you been watching me doze?"

Shepard laid her head back down on the pillow and scooted closer, whispering, "Long enough to know you're positively stunning when you're sleeping... so relaxed and serene."

Liara blushed lightly. "Only because I know you are watching over me, protecting me and keeping me safe." She moved forward, only far enough to brush her lips lightly across Shepard's. "I love you. Thank you, Sam... That was beautiful."

Shepard stretched out on her back and Liara moved in to cuddle closer, laying her head on Samantha's shoulder as she threw an arm and leg possessively across her lover. Sam gently stroked Liara's thigh as she responded, "I'm glad you asked it of me. I know I had to share my memories of the good times I enjoyed while in Rio... especially those from my time with Nik. I needed to get them out of my head and stop hiding from them... for me, and especially for you." She tilted her head to gently kiss Liara on the forehead. "And to have you be so understanding about it all is a blessing from the Gods."

Liara smiled. "Well, it certainly helps us both when you aren't blocking the link. When I can truly sense how you feel about me, my faith is utterly unshakable." Her smile faded slightly as she resumed, "I'm sorry I said what I did when we first returned to the loft... to make you think, even for a moment, that I doubted your love for me."

"Enough, Li. It worked out." Another gentle kiss touched her forehead as Shepard continued. "It was a simple misunderstanding... which I instigated by blocking you out. It was my own uncertainty about how I treated Nikki that caused it; it had nothing to do with what you said."

Liara pushed herself up enough to slide over on top of Shepard and peered down into questioning eyes. "And we worked that out as well, so why don't we both simply move on?"

Shepard ran fingertips teasingly down Liara's sides. "Sounds like an excellent suggestion, Dr T'Soni. Any ideas on what to do for the remainder of the evening that still lies before us?"

"I've missed you, Shepard... this particular closeness." Liara's entire expression softened and her eyes misted with tenderness and desire. "I would ask for more of the same, but I am convinced we need to eat before partaking of any... additional extracurricular activities. I do believe we have both come extremely close to exhausting our reserves."

Shepard grinned and slid her hands teasingly across the folds of her lover's lower back, careful to not penetrate within. Liara closed her eyes and groaned, "Not fair, Commander. You keep doing that and you will be the one to explain to Karin how you drove me into biotic shock."

Concerned, the commander's eyes opened a bit wider and she withdrew her hands immediately. "Seriously? You're that depleted?"

"Not yet." Liara slowly pushed herself back to the side and rested her head on Samantha's chest, listening to the comforting thrum of the heart beating rhythmically within. "But I undoubtedly would be after another session of what we did just before our short nap... which was not nearly long enough to recover for a second round."

Liara's face held a promising smirk as Shepard rolled her gently onto her back and covered the Asari with her body, kissing her sweetly on welcoming blue lips before whispering softly, "In that case, we need to figure out what we're doing for dinner and make sure we both take our eezo supplements." She rolled away and threw the covers back, rising reluctantly from the bed. She stretched and groaned, "Gods, you're right. I'm not sleepy, but I am somewhat physically tired."

Liara laughed lightly and slid off the bed as well. "Then my suggestion is that we place a dinner order before slipping into the shower while our newly appointed chef prepares something to deliver... let's say... in twenty minutes, so we have time to get cleaned up and into some fresh clothes?"

Shepard grinned. "Make it thirty, and it's a deal."


Altakiril, Thal System, The Shrike Abyssal

Sparatus answered the call placed by a very pleased General Flavius. "What have you found?"

Flavius bowed quickly as he started his report. "Excellent opportunities, Legate, and excellent results." His mandibles flared briefly in a show of excitement before he began to relay his good news. "The Turian colonial capital of Estivus Erax was largely destroyed from space, but the Reapers never actually set foot planet-side, so there is a lot of salvage. We found a number of ships protected by bunkers and the population of over 13 million was reduced to pockets of no more than a few thousand each... scattered widely and unable to provide any form of unified resistance... maybe 200,000 total. All of them are greatly weakened by hunger and thirst, having received zero resupply in the seven weeks since the war ended. They welcomed us with open arms and were more than happy to give us the ships in return for promises of aid."

"And did you accept this offer?" For some reason, Sparatus appeared less than pleased, but the reasons behind his query were quickly explained as Flavius answered promptly.

"Of course not. We killed everyone we contacted except the select few ignorant children we need to spread the news of Omega ships and Blue Suns pirates being positively ruthless... exactly as you instructed, Sir."

"Excellent." The Legate's attitude shifted dramatically as he continued. "So, how many of what types of ships?" His smile widened as Flavius gave him the details. "That is most excellent news, indeed. A very successful first run. You've set a high standard for yourself, General. May the Spirits grant you such success on all our raids."

"Thank you, Sir." Flavius bowed one last time. "I've already sent word to the Operations Center to dispatch an additional frigate with five extra crews, as we garnered much more success than anticipated. They are simply awaiting your approval for departure; if they leave within the next hour, we'll be back at the station before tomorrow evening."

"Understood, General. I'll authorize the orders immediately. Good work."

The screen went black and Flavius turned to his men. "You heard him. Terminate the rest of the survivors here. We left enough alive at the first three locations to spread the necessary rumors once someone else arrives here. Just make certain they have enough supplies to live that long." As the soldiers turned to carry out his orders, he shouted out, "And remember... no names! We can't give them any information that can be traced back to us or our whole ruse is derailed!"

As they moved out to complete their grisly tasks, Flavius focused his thoughts on their next target... the capital of the Volus colony of Yila on Boro. Before the war, the city had been protected by the Turian military under a treaty agreement, but few ships were left there once Victus had made the call for the final battle on Earth, as both the Turian and Volus fleets had responded. It would be a bold move, but with the fleet the Legate now had at his beck and call, Flavius felt it would be easy enough to block the communications within the Satent system of the Pylos Nebula long enough to overwhelm the now small defending fleet and board and capture its ships, with the colony below not even realizing what was happening in orbit until far too late.

The core of the plan relied on internal system communications not being blocked, so the Turian ships could warn the colony to prepare their defenses in preparation for the pending Omega-led raid. Flavius chuckled. Of course, we have no intention of conducting such a raid, but they need to be convinced we are an Omega attack force... and to then brag about how their colonial defenses chased off the pending raid. They will all play directly into our hands.


Normandy SR-2, Vila Militar Landing Zone, Earth

The next morning came unusually late; Shepard, who normally woke between 0500 and 0600 hours, rolled over slowly and felt around her nightstand blindly until she located her omnitool. She brought it to her face and forced her eyes to open and focus, finally seeing the time; 0812 hours. "Wow," she whispered to herself. Quietly placing the large but unassuming bracelet back on the nightstand, she slipped out of bed to hit the head before returning to crawl back in and snuggle up to Liara's side.

The Asari stirred and mumbled, "Goddess. Your skin is cold, Sam. Do you feel alright?"

Shepard smiled and whispered that she had simply needed to use the bathroom and had gotten chilled because she hadn't bothered to put on any clothes for the short trip. "Mmmm. I see." Liara's consciousness came into sharper focus as she woke a bit more from Shepard pressing her cold body against her back... and a cold hand on her stomach. "Did you happen to check the time while you were up?"

Shepard placed a soft kiss on the Asari's shoulder. "It's just after eight, Blue."

"Seriously?" That shocked Liara the rest of the way to full wakefulness. "I don't seem to be able to recall you ever sleeping that late voluntarily, Samantha." She smiled and rolled over, snaking one arm under Shepard so she could wrap the commander in a comfortable embrace. "You honestly didn't wake before now?"

"No." Happy to be warm and snuggled under the covers with her lover, Shepard returned the favor as they lay happily entwined in one another's arms. "Guess you wore me out last night, you little vixen."

"And it was most certainly my pleasure, Siame." Liara laughed quietly as Shepard's face took up a light pink hue. "Shall we go out today, as planned, to tour the city and see how Legion is coming along, or do you plan on keeping me here all day and wasting our time off?"

Liara's voice had a teasing lilt to it and Shepard had to chuckle before responding, "No, we'll go out... but, just to clarify... in my mind, staying here, in bed with you, could not, in any possible way, be construed as 'wasting our time off.' Shepard hugged her tightly and snuggled into the Asari's neck.

"Ah!" A pleasing shudder ran quickly through Liara's body as Shepard's teeth nipped at the side of her neck and a tongue ran up one of the valleys between its ridges. "Shepard! Doing that is certainly not going to get us out of this bed any time soon!"

"You in a hurry to see what remains of a city turned to rubble, T'Soni?" Shepard's hot breath across her ridges, combined with a warm hand sliding enticingly up her inner thigh instantly had Liara questioning her day's goals as Sam continued, "We have nowhere to be until lunch..."

"I suppose I could be convinced..." Shepard's hand reached a rather sensitive place and Liara terminated her sentence with a gasp as she felt a renewed spike of desire, accompanied by warm wetness. She growled and arched her back, pressing into Samantha's hand. {Goddess. Now you've done it. You will need to take care of that before we can go anywhere, Commander.}

"Well..." Shepard stroked the pulsing wet nub beneath her fingers as she answered, "It certainly wasn't my intention to leave you like this, Blue."

Looking for more, Liara pushed tightly against her lover's hand as she reached her own hand down to locate Shepard's equivalent body part. At the same time, she also pushed into her Siame's mind. {Meld with me, Sam. I want so much more than just a physical connection.}

Sam smiled and opened her mind as slender blue fingers began their initial probes; she welcomed all of Liara in... both body and mind... and quickly found herself pinned to the bed beneath the Asari, Liara's lips locked around her right breast as fingers tinged with blue power stimulated her slick sex. She growled and tried to control her jerking hips, to no avail. Liara knew her body too well and she was determined to bring Shepard to the brink of rapture... which she did, repeatedly, over the course of the morning.


Rannoch, Tikkun, Perseus Veil

The conversations with Admirals Koris, Gerrel and Xen had all gone as expected and, after a quick communiqué between Tali and Legion, the Geth had reactivated shortly thereafter. They had only been working for the better part of a day, but had already made what could only be considered astounding progress. They had relocated only half of their entire force on the planet to the southern continent, which still equated to a work group of 400,000 units. They had divided into four large groups, which then went to separate locations to clear and prepare large patches of ground for a settlement at each destination. Each location had already been preselected by the Quarians to optimize local resources, particularly sufficient fresh water and space for expansion as their population grew.

The Geth Consensus quickly designed and optimized city plans for each locale based on its specific terrain and surrounding natural features, easily providing the city's layout, along with complete coordinates, to each of the individual Geth workers within the first solar hour of their arrival. The clearing of land began immediately, in concert with the import of the materials that would be required for the massive effort. The Quarians had begun the import and distribution of materials, but were in no way ready for such a large workforce to descend en masse at each of the four future cities.

At least 60 percent of the workforce was required simply to keep supplies and materials flowing at the rate necessary to support the construction teams' rapid progress. There was no shortage of materials; much was simply salvaged from the destruction during the war and Geth refining and manufacturing facilities still dotted the northern continent. Unlike the rest of the galaxy, the Geth had been Reaper allies right up until the Reaper on Rannoch had been destroyed and its control signal eliminated. As such, the Reapers had taken no action against them and every facility on Rannoch was still standing and fully operational. Not only that, but since they had been enlarging the Geth Consensus storage facility at Haratar, the facilities had been operating at full capacity and had rather large stockpiles to draw from.

Within the first day, the water source had been secured, the land had been cleared and the city's infrastructure began to take shape. By sundown, the water, power and communications grids had been laid out such that, except for being a near-perfect circle, aerial views of the entire city area looked like a massive checkerboard, ready for each of the boxes to be filled. Tali looked at the progress for City One in amazement as she arrived via shuttle to speak with the Geth. Once they landed and the exterior hatch opened, Tali stepped out onto a prefab landing pad and was met immediately by a large Prime unit. "Creator Zorah. Welcome. I am known as Prime Conditor and it is my honor to serve. How may I help you?"

"This is absolutely amazing! I knew you would be fast, but the pace... I never dreamed! When do you anticipate the city being inhabitable?" Tali did not look at the Prime, but simply stared at the flurry of activity surrounding her, even as the light faded.

"We require neither rest nor nutrient breaks so will continue through the evenings. By morning light, we will have both the power and water flow control facilities ready for operation. The basic power and water piping grids will be laid out throughout the city which, when complete, will cover 100 square kilometers and support a population of roughly 100,000. Tomorrow, we will construct communications facilities, a community meeting hall and governmental facilities, as well as starting on the Quarian residential units."

Tali shook her head. "How do you know what to build? What are you using as a model?"

"You forget." Conditor turned his large head to stare directly at her. "We possess the corporate Geth memory from before the Morning War. We are simply constructing Quarian buildings as they were... before."

Tali blinked and swallowed the lump in her throat. "Thank you, Prime Conditor. You and the Geth have most certainly provided us with an incredible gift."

"But I have not yet answered your question. Once we complete the first block of housing units, you may begin moving people into the city. We recommend prioritizing those who will work directly for the city, so they may take over infrastructure maintenance and repair." He paused only slightly before continuing, "The majority of the Geth can then move on to other tasks. The basic city will be complete and ready for full occupation within nine days; there are too many variables so, while we will not construct the business district, we can leave a relatively small team behind to assist in the construction of individual businesses."

"I'm sure that would be much appreciated, Prime Conditor; though, once our basic needs are met, you should prioritize your time toward greater needs. Construction of the businesses themselves will provide the jobs our people will need to get our new city working. The rest will come naturally."

"Thank you, Creator Zorah. We will proceed as you direct and shift our available assets to higher priority requirements." The lights on the Prime dimmed for a moment; he continued once they returned to full brightness. "However, I have been instructed to inform you that Creator Zorah is to receive priority service. Should you require assistance, of any kind, you must merely ask and a unit will respond as quickly as possible."

Tali frowned. "Who directed that... and why?"

"You were an original member of Shepard Commander's team. Despite Quarian historical imperative, you worked with Geth unit Legion to help free us from Reaper control... twice; first on Heretic Station and again on Rannoch. You defended our bid for sentient status against the other Admirals, even after Heretic Geth took the life of your father, which resulted in charges of treason against your person. You have proven yourself to be a true ally. The Consensus is simply repaying that... trust... in kind."

"Please pass my thanks to the Consensus. I will not abuse the trust you have placed in me. I promise." Tali took a final look around and realized it had gotten rather dark while she was speaking with Prime Conditor. "It's time for me to be going. Please, let me know if you encounter any difficulties while on Rannoch and I will do what I can to resolve the issue quickly."

"Understood." The Prime extended his arm and Tali shook his hand. As she turned away, the Prime's parting words caused a shiver to run down her spine. "Travel well, Creator Zorah. We are watching. You will be protected."

After she reboarded her shuttle and had gotten underway, Tali asked a question, seemingly of herself, as no other persons were traveling with her on the shuttle, and she was piloting the vessel. "Are you my monitor, as well as my environmental controller?"

At first, she didn't think she was going to get an answer, but Medica eventually responded. "I am, Creator Zorah. The Consensus humbly apologizes for not informing you of this from the very beginning. We have committed a violation of trust and I am prepared to disable the function and upload immediately to the Geth server should you no longer desire my presence within your suit control system."

"Why did you not tell me?" At this point, Tali was more curious than angry.

"We feared you would decline the offer of medical assistance... A function we consider essential to the future of the Quarian people. We deemed our potential discovery worth the risk for your protection."

Tali sensed... more... behind Medica's statement and felt an undeniable urge to continue her query. "And what, exactly, are you protecting me against?"

"Not what. Who." Medica paused as the Consensus contemplated exactly how much to reveal. "We have already hidden information from you, which caused you to be displeased. We will do so no more. We are concerned; you have politically challenged and bested experienced leaders within your Conclave and we have intercepted communications indicating they are conspiring against you. As we experienced with the Heretics, such internal divisions can result in unexpected... and often hazardous... conditions. We do not wish to see you injured in such a conflict and desired to ensure your safety."

"Who?" Tali's voice ticked up an octave with concern, feeling she already knew the answer. If she was correct, they were dangerous enemies, indeed. "Who are you talking about?"

"Gerrel Admiral and Xen Admiral are extremely annoyed that you have our trust and our assistance. They refuse to accept their own actions as sufficient cause... and believe you responsible for our being unwilling to aid them."

Tali's heart dropped to her stomach and she suddenly wished Medica had a physical body. She wanted to have a being in front of her to talk to... a friend at her side instead of just a simulated voice. When she thought about that for a moment, she realized the one she truly wanted was Kal Reegar. Tears slipped down her cheeks within her mask and she sniffed, never having felt quite so alone as she did at the current moment. "Oh, Kal. I miss you and your advice. Keelah! What, by the ancestors, am I supposed to do now?"