Nusquam Alius Res (Nothing else Matters)
Chapter 34
Orel'Get vas Return tapped his fingers, waiting for the reports. The ships had regained control, but in all his years, he had never seen something like this. Shepard's decision to send the email to everyone he determined had been very shrewd. Now, he had Rannoch, it was not even in Geth hands and with only 5 followers. A marine came forward.
"Conclave, Admirmals. So far we have determined the Daughter's of Rannoch are real and have had contact with the fleet since we were removed from Rannoch. They used some old backdoors in to the fleet. They have been watching and helping us for 300 years."
"Helping how?" Orel leaned in.
"Money, supplies, like an anonymous benefactor, very discrete and subtle. There seem to be just enough people to hide it in the right places. The communications are never between quarians, all outside the fleet. We cannot get all of the members; we don't know how they work. Every ship would have to be checked, we don't have the personnel to do a fleet wide search through millions of encoded messages." He saluted and left.
"Admirals, care to explain this? How is a whole secret society in our mist for hundreds of years!"
None of the admirals had an answer. "Shepard had that Asari with him. In the Keeper's armor, she must be leading him on." Han was still in disbelief, had this group just been bidding there time?
"Regardless, the message she sent out makes us look like idiots. How does Shepard know the Geth would beat us? Can they?" He saw the look in the Admiral's eyes. "Everyone out accept the admirals and the high Conclave members. Seal the room." The aides and staff left. "What is going on?"
Shala spoke, "You've seen the reports, and know Fleet is slowly dying. That is why Daro and Rael pressed for war. They wanted to try while we still had strength. Soon, we'll barely be able to fend of pirates let alone Geth. We have to have a planet, the live ships can only go on for so long. We are getting to the end of the fleet one way or another. While we merely survive, obviously the Geth have grown."
"We must strike now! We might be able to do it before we have no chance!" Daro pleaded her case.
"Shut up!" Orel roared. "Your stupidity already cost us a ship. If there was evidence left, I'd have you tried for treason! So, what do you plan to do admirals?"
"We are working on a plan. Apparently it will go through Shepard. He may be more than just the blunt instrument we thought." Zaal wanted more information on everything, but Shepard had proposed peace when he was there the first time, and now they would have it. "But he seems quite angry now."
"Everyone, Shepard has had our people's best interest at heart for a while now. We all know why. He may want our ships for the battle with the Reapers, but he loves Tali, and she won't abandon us." Shala hoped her words were still true.
"Yes, Tali'Zorah, with a human, somehow, has anyone figured that out yet? Now Kal'Reeger is with them. Two of the most currently famous quarians are not even on the fleet, but in the service of a human!"
"We do not have any real information on humans to research. A few have run in to them on pilgrimage, but not enough to get a lot of information on, or how they are compatible with us. They have not been in galactic society that long." Han was nervous, what would the Conclave want from them?
"Do we have any inroads to them? Friends, the other three with Shepard?" Orel was tired, the cycle was over and no one had slept.
Han was the only one with some information. "Kal'Reeger has a potential mate, they are in contact. The rest were special operations, not a lot of contact outside their group. Most of whom are getting the Lik'Me Al'lot ready."
"Fine, see if we can get anything from Kal's friend. Speaking of which, I hope all of you learned to stay out of Tali and Shepard's love life. The last thing we need is them thinking we are interfering. How is the fleet taking it?"
"Very well actually, Shepard's exploits are well known, and he seems to be a good man. He certainly will fight for her. Between her pilgrimage gift, doing our missions and helping save the galaxy twice, Tali has everyone's respect. If she chooses an alien, at least it is the best among them. Many have gotten bets into Illium on them, the return is quite good." Han stepped back.
"Good, also recall the Idenna, we need every ship we can get to keep going until Shepard's plan comes to light. It's been 3 years and they have found nothing."
"If it pleases the Conclave, I have a suggestion." Shala saw Opel nod, "If we do not hear from Shepard, I would like to find them, and reason with them directly. Let them know the truth. If we cannot trust our own people to get a simple message out, direct contact may be needed."
"I agree." Zaal looked at Shala and Han nodded too. Daro just looked away.
"Fine, it's your call admirals, let's give them some time and see if things settle down. As the fleet is quite riled up right now, maybe you can take the time to elect a new admiral. Someone for peace or neutral so we don't have any more riots would be nice. But, it's up to you." With that, the Conclave members left, leaving the admirals.
"Well, he's right, who should be elect?" Shala asked to the air.
"What about Tali? Would it go over well?" Han seemed desperate.
"She's too young, under Shepard's control, and it will be seen as an obvious ploy." The others actually agreed with Daro.
"Well, if the war mongers are out, we have a short list to review. Let's retire to review them. I also agree with Shala's idea. Face to face may be the only way to deal with Shepard now. You should be ready to depart with your ship if needed." Zaal, was glad peace would have an edge on the board.
"I can't take the Tombay, to many people, it will attract to much attention in Citadel space. Besides, the fleet needs the ship here. I'll look for something else. I'll need people Shepard has met, I'll get a list. Han, get me Kal's interest's name. I want any edge I can get." The admirals agreed and then left for their ships.
*****N.A.S.*****
As Samara was meditating in her room, EDI popped up. "Samara, I am sorry to interrupt, but do you have a moment?"
"Yes, EDI what is it?"
"I have a question about human relations and Legion and I thought you might be best to ask."
Samara was intrigued, what would an AI want to know? "Please speak."
"I have observed a person who may interrupt the good working order of the crew and ship. Should I interfere?"
"Are you sure?"
"Quite, Legion and I both observed the behavior."
"Do you have proof beyond that?"
"No, but I do not want my friends to be hurt, divided." The concern in her voice shocked Samara, the upgrade was quite extensive as they said.
"Personnel issues usually work themselves out. Do all of the main participates all know of the matter?"
"No."
"Then you should wait, unless you have some other proof to bring to light. Do not worry, it will pass. I have found this crew quite resilient."
"Thank you for your consul, we will wait for further developments. Logging you out."
Samara wondered who she was speaking about. Could an AI solve this type of problem? She went back to meditating. What was the best way for her to tell Shepard of her replacements?
Oriana was working with Legion and Kal on the quarians coming back. There was a lot they had not considered she brought to light. The Geth would start harvesting any crops for an initial food supply. Manufacture plants would be made ready. Food, shelter, water, it all had to come together.
Shepard was at his terminal when he saw the usually chipper Kelly looking down. He knew he may regret it, but had to ask. "What's wrong Kelly? You seem down. Is it the uniforms, yours were okay, these were just done by professionals, that's all."
"No, it's not that. No one comes by to see me. I can see all of the people on the ship who need help, but they all seem afraid, like seeing me is a weakness, it's not. I'm here to help and I feel useless."
"I'm sure once the crew settles in they will want to talk. It's hasn't been all that long yet. I know, you should start with EDI."
"EDI? Really?"
"She might need help with her upgrades and improved emotions she now has."
"You're right, thank you commander." She had a project again was back to her sunshiny self. Shepard was just relived she hadn't focused on him. "Oh, and you and Tali should really see me too for help in interspecies communication. I've been reading up on quarian culture." Shepard finished looking at his messages and decided it was time to tour the ship.
*****N.A.S.*****
As the Reaper fleet got closer to the Milkly Way they had a challenge before them not seen in many cycles. The Citadel was closed to them, two of their comrades had been defeated along with the collectors, and one of the newer Reapers had stopped reporting. This Shepard was making things interesting for the first time in many cycles.
"Harbinger, it has been determined the Protheans found a way to pass on information to the next cycle."
"No matter, we will purge all of it this time. Once we attack earth, we will draw Shepard out and destroy him."
"He works to unite the galaxy against us. Our moles are being found out and healed or killed."
"No matter, they cannot stop us. Once on earth we will get the fuel we need to regain the Citadel, and bring all of our brethren back. The cycle cannot be stopped."
*****N.A.S.*****
The Normandy arrived at the Sur'Kesh system and was escorted to the Salarian home world. Shepard took Mordin and Samara with him to the surface. The ship received many requests for visits by officials and military members, all being refused for the moment.
"Shepard, STG lead by males, politics by females for salarians. Be careful, your words will be analyzed completely. Looking forward to seeing who they picked to join. Could not get any information."
"I think you'll like it Mordin. I'll let you take the lead."
They landed directly in the main capitol building, an honor aliens rarely got. As they got out, they were greeted by Galish, a STG leader, and Perty, a leading salarian female and their entourages.
"Welcome to Sur'Kesh commander you are most welcome. Dr. Solus, a pleasure, it has been a while. Justicar Samara, an honor." Perty turned and directed them to a private chamber. On the way Mordin and Galish started talking. It was so fast and so disjointed, Shepard's head hurt. The female seemed larger than the males, but besides what he thought were larger hips she seemed like male. Giving birth through eggs didn't leave any need for breasts. They sat and then Shepard was bombarded with an intelligence brief so full of information at such a furious speed, he could barely keep up.
*****N.A.S.*****
On the Normandy, Miranda entered the elevator and headed for the first floor. "EDI, override code delta 489, XO, shutdown any monitoring."
"Yes Miss Lawson." But EDI was not bound by Cerberus protocols any more. EDI watched. Miranda exited the elevator and approached the sterilization units. She altered them just a bit. EDI determined enough to make Tali sick after a few days, but not permanently harm her. But why? EDI searched through her data banks. Competition, Tali would not be able to be with Shepard? It might strain them, not being together. EDI felt something grow in her. Anger? Rage? She said nothing, just recorded what she saw. Miranda's smugness annoyed her more than anything. "Yes, that will get the commander back. She can't take care of his needs the way I can." Miranda got back in the elevator and headed for her room. "EDI end override delta 489."
"Yes Miss Lawson." Now EDI had proof, she went to consult with Legion.
*****N.A.S.*****
After the briefing, Shepard's head hurt. So much information so quickly, at least they had some new Reaper information. The review of the Prothean conduits was going well. Turians, humans, asari, and salarians were all working together on it. They hoped for news soon and thanked him for including everyone. Shepard shared what he had. They agreed to help, but also did not want to startle their population. They would add any weapons Shepard could find to their fleet when he got the information. Finally, Shepard asked for any crew members they could spare.
"Our best are already deployed, getting ready. But, we did bring the person you requested. He should be quite useful, STG is considering him, and he now has basic STG training. Studying under Mordin will be a great honor."
"Request? What request. Who do you know Shepard?"
Mordin Solus appeared from behind an assistant. "Uncle!"
"What nephew here, how, in school, needs grades, STG candidate, must be good, wait, join crew, work with me, thank you Shepard." He turned and embraced his nephew.
Shepard smiled, "You said you needed someone smart and it was in the genes."
"He has full clearances, I'm sure you can guide him properly Mordin. He is very smart, a good STG candidate like you." Galish turned focusing on the commander. "One salarian should be enough given his caliber. Thank you for the honor commander. We have some upgrades that might help you. Mordin will have them before he leaves. We'll keep each other informed. You will have a direct link to STG now, the councilor insisted. Anything that can help your crewman's mother will be done too."
"Thank you. As soon as we get the anti-reaper weapon, you'll have the information."
"We trust you, but watch out for Cerberus. We understand they got some new Reaper technology, trying to stay ahead of everyone else."
"What did they get?"
"We're not sure, but we are looking in to it. Good day."
Perty approached Mordin. "You can still pass on your genes Mordin. Many would be honored."
"To late for me. Genetic material old. Nephew will pass on genes, for the best."
"I understand. Good luck commander, we'll be here when you need us. We hope your other endeavors go well." Perty left, the team and their new member headed back to the Normandy.
"Mordin, do you have junior and seniors? We need to have different names for you two."
"I will remain Mordin to be consistent, good for crew, nephew younger, how does Junior sound?"
"Fine, good to be aboard, the upgrades were loaded in to the shuttle."
"What is the upgrade?"
"Better lab equipment, testing upgrades, best STG has to offer. Will need some minerals to install."
"We've got plenty of that. Since you only sleep one hour a day, will you stay in Mordin's lab with him? He has an extra cot in there."
"Would like that very much, uncle?"
"Yes, good, would like to know to you better. We have many important projects to go over. Important, invigorating, many surprises for you." The rest of the trip was a nonstop barrage of conversation. Shepard wondered if he had done the right thing. Samara's mediation was even disturbed by the nonstop talking. "Shepard, is EDI alright?"
"Yes, I think she is still coming to grips with the upgrades, why?"
"She asked me about some crew interactions yesterday, it seemed odd."
"I told Kelly to talk to her. Hopefully it will help. Anything else odd Samara?"
"No, I think she can handle it."
The shuttle docked and the Mordin's unloaded the equipment.
"EDI, please tell Miranda we have a new crew member, and are you okay with some more upgrades?"
"Of course Commander, thank you for asking."
"Uncle what was that, didn't sound like a typical VI."
"It's EDI an AI, very useful, nice, you'll see."
Tali was about to enter her room after her shift when EDI interrupted. "Miss Zorah, there is a problem with the sterilizers. You should not remove your suit yet. Please check them, I have attempted to correct them."
"Thank you EDI." Tali went around and had to adjust a few of the units. Nothing severe, but it seemed a bit peculiar. She restarted the decontaminating process and waited as she reviewed there logs. Everything seemed like it should be right. "Do you know what happened EDI? They should not have gotten this off so soon."
"I am looking in to it. Miss I scare you?"
"No, I'm just adjusting to you and Legion. After a lifetime of fearing AI's, I'm now working closely with them, helping them. It can be odd sometimes. But, you do not scare me."
"We are friends?"
"I don't know. At least co-workers, I accept you."
"Thank you Miss Zorah, the cycle is now complete."
"Thank you for the warning EDI." EDI now had to tell Shepard, maybe Kelly could help, she was looking forward to talking to the Yeoman.
A work party finished getting the upgrades to Mordin's lab. They were adding and replacing equipment at a furious pace while updating software. Mordin filling in his Nephew on all of the projects he was working on. Junior wondered what he had done previously in the wheel of life to deserve this now. He struggled to keep up with his uncle as they reviewed notes and continued to setup.
Shepard entered his cabin, glad the day was done, he hated diplomatic calls. He looked around for Tali and figured she was on watch. He got out of his armor and went to the shower. As the water ran over him, he noticed the lights dimmed. Before he could call out, the door opened and figure slipped in. He felt her on his back, and 3 fingers on his balls. "I wonder who it is?"
A soft voice purred "Guess?" and the other hand ran over his body. He leaned back in to her.
"Well, I feel three fingers and breasts, shorter than me, so it's not Kal. That only leaves three choices." He grinned and continued to wash his hair. His guest was not amused and he felt the fingers on his balls tighten, and not in a good way. The voice whispered in his ear, "Think again, and you better be right." He felt nibbles on his shoulder, she was really getting good at this.
"Well, it must be my favorite quarian, Tali'Zorah."
"You are smart, and it better always be that way. I'm hopped up on anti-biotics and herbal teas, what are you going to do about it?" Tali was about to lead him to the bed when he surprised her and lifted her up and against the wall. She hadn't thought of this, she relaxed and let him lead. She was enjoying herself again, feeling him in her, losing track of time, feeling like she was on verge of something big, wonderful. Her body started to shiver, but then, images of her follow quarians, the fleet, guilt, she started to shut down, she felt Shepard shudder and release. He felt something was wrong. "Is everything alright Tali?"
"Yes, John, thank you for everything." She hugged him tight. He turned off the water and they went to bed.