Nusquam Alius Res (Nothing else Matters)
Chapter 50
Tali looked out the window of the shuttle, they were nearing the city. They slowed and touched down on a flat piece of land overlooking the sea. A small cliff on one side and a beach on the other. Three Geth were building something in a grassy area 100 meters from the cliff overlook. They had just started and the worked seemed to be going slowly. As they exited the shuttle, the Geth left for a charging area just outside the building frame. Behind the area was a large flat field, it was marked and looked like it was being prepared for building. The area marked was quite large.
"John, what is this, the area back there?"
"What do you think it is?"
She smiled, another surprise, she had liked them all so far. "A new temple?"
"Funny, but no. It's keeping a promise to you someone and I made to you."
"A promise?" She looked at the building, just some steel at this point. She walked over as John trialed behind. She scanned it and her omni-tool found a match of something smaller in its memory. Tears formed and fell as she realized what it was. John came behind her and wrapped his arms around her torso.
"I made some modifications, but the basic shape is there. I went over it with the Geth, they found the structure types needed. Do you like it?"
She could only nod as she held his arms and leaned her head back. "Thank you again John. I wish they were here."
"I know, but soon everyone will be here."
"What's all of the land behind it?"
"If we are going to live here, we still to do something. It's going to a private spaceport for one particular ship, a training ground and some other amenities."
"Live here!" She turn and faced him. "You'd do that for me, for us?"
"When it's all over, we have to live somewhere. You deserve to be here, the quarians wouldn't be returning if it wasn't for you."
"Sure John, must you be humble all the time?" He chuckled.
"But I brought you here today for this, come on let's wait in the shuttle." John brought out some chairs and they sat under the open shuttle door waiting. As the afternoon progressed storm clouds quickly formed. As they crossed to land, it started to rain. John took Tali's hand and they stood in it. Tali reveled in the sensation. She held John and danced to their own music, swaying back and forth, enjoying each other's company. As quickly as it started, the afternoon storm stopped and the sun came out. Tali smelled the fresh scent in the grass, the ocean and marveled at it all.
That night they went over the rest of the house's building. Structure, shape rooms, and then some small extra rooms. "John, what are these rooms for?"
"Children."
Tali lowered her head, "We can't John, you know that."
"But, there will be children who need parents when this war is done. We don't have to make any plans right now. Just a thought, if not, they can be guest rooms." He smiled at her.
"Wonderful man, it may be nice someday. But, we can practice until then." A smile spread across her face and she lunged at John in the chair knocking him over. Tali thought making love in the grass was quiet nice.
They watched another sun rise, their last free day. John left it to Tali to put any place she wanted. She saw a small island, it used to be a resort, it would take the day. They packed up and left.
The island was lush, some birds flew off as they landed. Tali wanted to see how her people relaxed. The war had not touched the island. The buildings were in disrepair, but they stood. The Geth unit explained what happened when asked. Small waves washed up on shore. They took off their shoes and waded in the water. Small sea creatures scattered as they approached. They had another picnic on the beach, savoring there last bit of solitude. The stars shone brightly and one of Rannoch's moon was setting as they packed to leave. Everyone had to be back by 0800. The shuttle lifted off, John and Tali fell asleep for the ride, until Tali wanted to try another new location, in the sky with only them in the shuttle.
They landed at 0730 and unpacked the shuttle. Others had already arrive and waved to them. Everyone seemed relaxed and happy. John was glad the week went well for everyone. As he talked to Garrus about Grunt's progress, Tali sat at a table with Opel, Liadi, Kasumi, Gabby, Goldstein, and Jack. Jack seemed mellower to her, and mumbled hello. Miranada and Oriana walked up. Miranda studied the group in front of her.
"Tali, I have the reports on the progress the Geth have been making on the cities. It's amazing, they work nonstop, at this pace the city will be ready soon. Kal saw some of it, can you go over the completed report."
"Sure Oriana. I hope you didn't work the whole time?"
"No, just did this an hour ago. Miri and I had a lot of fun. What's wrong sis?"
Miranda viewed the faces in front of her, she saw the look on Opel, Tali, and Kasumi's faces. The look of being satiated, of being with someone who cared. She missed that feeling. She looked Goldstein again, the face didn't match the others. "Everything okay Goldstein?"
"No, Hawthorne and I didn't work out. We had some fun though. But, we still have others on our minds."
"I see, as long as you can still work together."
"No problem ma'am. We just weren't as compatible as we thought, we're still friends." Miranda arched an eyebrow, she wondered how friendly they would stay? "I see you three had a good time."
They nodded or blushed, Jack scoffed. One shuttle was having engine problems, but everyone would be back soon. Tali praised Oriana's work as it was quite good and proceeded to gather everyone's vids and readings on the planet. It looked like everyone had some fun, even Jack.
Finally, everyone was back and catching up on exploring the planet. Zan was coming over with Opel, he was quite happy, their bonding had gone well. As he sat down, he acknowledged Tali, Opel reacted, she bared her canines instinctively, and grabbed Zan close. Tali reacted and bared her own, but more, showing who was in charge. She caught herself, "Opel, I have no interest in Zan, I have my own Elz-hikic in case you haven't noticed." Liadi snickered.
"What was that?" Kasumi and the other people around them had seen the display. "It that what goes on under those helmets?"
"No, no. Opel and Zan are still bonding, quarians protecting their mates. Claiming them. Seclusion prevents this. Tali, didn't react as much as possible, more secure in relationship at this point. Will be fine." Junior looked at Mordin for approval and was greeted with a smile. Opel bushed and felt ashamed, she knew Tali had no plans on Zan. "Will be interesting to see how quarians adapt to seeing each other again without suit suppressing their hormones. Yes."
"You have nothing to be ashamed of Opel, I was there a few days ago myself, but no one was around to see. It's okay." Opel nodded and held on to Zan.
Shepard approached the group and everyone gathered around him.
"Has everyone been having a good time so far?"Everyone nodded. "Good, here's what's next. I want everyone to know, you're all involved. We will go back to Citadel and have a non-Citadel species gathering. It will be sponsored by the quarians. The quarians, Krogans, Geth, and maybe the Rachni will be presented for membership. Once the war is over, I expect everyone to be full council members. So, we all have to dress up and attend. Tali and I will be making our first public appearance too, I hope you got your bets done."
"More sitting around? I need to kill something." Grunt was tired of the training and anxious to get back to the mission.
"Well, on the way back we have a new cook to pick up, from a slave ship, so we'll have something to do. Kelly, I'll need your help in how to present this to the council. Maybe a way to fit in Omega too." Kelley smiled and nodded.
A newer small Geth ship landed just outside the camp. A slightly sleeker and taller version of Legion came out of the craft. All black and gray, it walked stiffly and up to the group as everyone stared. A broken piece of N7 armor was attached to its breast plate. "Geth reporting to Commander Shepard. We await a name."
"Legion?" Shepard looked over the Geth.
"Negative. This unit has been made to more adequately work with the commander on this mission."
"Where is Legion?" Shepard stood in front of the Geth and looked it in the eye.
"Legion is not the best for the mission anymore, he is being examined. We are the result of the improvements given by the Keeper. We thank you."
"No, I want Legion back, we are used to working with him."
"Organic attachment to the Legion unit was expected. We assure you this unit is capable of continuing the mission. Many improvements have been made."
"Then insert Legion in to this mobile platform, that will help with the mission and unit cohesion."
The Geth's head flaps moved as it processed the information. "We do not understand, we present you with an improvement and you request the familiar. EDI told us to expect this."
"I'm sure. If Geth can be in any platform, put Legion in this platform and upgrade him."
"It is not necessary, we are here."
"I'm leading the mission and I say it's best. You can stay here if you do not want to comply."
"The commander needs our assistance." The new unit looked out on the crew and gathered information.
"Hostility, new bonds will have to be forged. For unit cohesion we will consider the request." The Geth turned to leave.
"Wait." The unit turned to Shepard. "Why are you wearing my armor?"
"The unit called Legion said it would help. He has been changed by organics, we are examining him, and his processes. They think more as one now."
Kelly spoke up, "Legion is becoming an entity among the Geth. It's a natural progression."
"Possibly, we wish to understand it, what could be our future." With no more responses, the Geth walked to the shuttle, and the door closed.
"Speaking of EDI." Shepard tapped his omni-tool, "EDI, how are you doing?"
"Commander, it is good to hear you. I have been having an enlightening time with the Geth. They are quite nice. Our talks covered all that I know. They are quite enjoyable."
"Good, how are the repairs coming?"
"They will be finished tonight. I will do basic testing, and arrive in the morning. The five new units will be with me." Everyone raised an eye.
"Okay EDI, thank you. Everyone, after the Collector boarding we need some defense for the ship and crew. The Geth will provide platforms on each deck to help with tasks, and defense when needed. They will not be up to Legion's intelligence, but EDI can control them when necessary." Everyone seemed to agree with the plan. The small shuttle took off. The Geth from the shuttles came and asked everyone to enter a shuttle so they could proceed to the capitol.
Kasumi and Jacob entered the shuttle Shepard and Tali had been using. "Well, it seems clean enough, I guess I can sit here." Kasumi looked at the seats.
"The shuttle is clean Kasumi, how is the one you used, I see you're not in it. Any reason why?" Tali quipped and grinned.
"No, no, it's fine, just wanted the company." She looked around for anything to rib her friend about. The shuttles streaked across the sky to the capitol city, which was mostly rubble. Kasumi broke the small talk of the shuttle, "So, fully bonded, what did that entail?"
Shepard smiled as Tali blushed. The Geth was heard over the speaker system. "Bonding requires and has both a mental and physical part. They have a strong bond due to amount of time spent together as a unit."
"Really." Kasumi grinned in a way that made Tali nervous. "How much bonding was done?"
"We have learned from the unit Legion that this can be a sensitive area and we should not give specifics." Tali relaxed. "The commander and creator Shepard were the most active physical organic pair on the planet."
Tali blushed again, she was about to speak when Kasumi cut her off. "By how much and over who?"
"The next pair was Kasumi Goto and Jacob Taylor. They were 95% of the Shepard pair."
"You said no more betting on us Kasumi, you promised!" Tali was still blushing as the rest of the shuttle snickered.
"I won't, I just asked a question." She held Jacob's hand as he shook his head in disagreement of the conversation. They were approaching the city. Tali looked out and saw nothing but ruble and a bombed out ruins. She blinked as the reflection of a lone golden dome reflected the light of the day, it was the only building standing. Geth worked on it, fixing the exterior.
The shuttles landed, everyone gathered and followed the Geth inside.
"What is this place? It's not the halls of government." Tali tapped her omni-tool trying to get information on their location.
"Affirmative, it is the Hall of the Keepers." The quarians stopped.
"What's that?" Shepard asked the Geth.
"It is a sacred hall where the Keepers are immortalized. The wisdom from their time collected for the next ones."
"Shepard, if I remember right, it's supposed to be like a museum." Kal looked around anxious to see the history. "How did it survive?"
"It has been rebuilt, all of the specifications were known. The statues are back in place."
The crew continued on, the Geth reciting the parts of the building like a tour guide, and answering questions. Finally, they turned a corner and proceeded down the Hall of Protectors. The first had his sword drawn as his mate clasped his arm, as they proceeded, the rest were just standing, with or without mates. The statues were in silver, and quite detailed. The Geth explained the process to make them and what was symbolized. They were life like representations in their actual size. The rows and columns lined the Hallway as it proceeded to the main oval chamber. At the end of the row, a Geth statue stood in one of the pedestals. The quarians could barely look at it. It was there for 300 years, longer than any quarian.
The end of the hallway had new statue, a Geth unit wiped it off and disappeared. As they approached, they realized it was Kal. They all gather around and took vids, making Kal stand next to it. Kal noticed the space for a mate to be with him. He signed and thought of Calda. The Geth explained the current Protector had the active place and would be moved to the wall when his time was ended. The sword was out of its hilt, and by his side. A call to arms for the quarians to be ready, it was meant for the Reapers, not the Geth.
After some vids and an official oath by Kal, they proceed to a huge oval chamber under the dome. In here, the Keeper's statues were arranged. They were gold and twice as large as the people they emulated. The crew knew what was coming and raced to the middle of the room. A large cloth hung over a statue in the middle of the room. The quarians took their time, looking at some of the heroes they learned about growing up. The first had a sword drawn and at his waste, while his mate had her dagger seethed with her hand over it. It was bringing the quarians together, symbolizing that weapons would not be needed between them.
Tali looked at the faces of the mates, so happy it seemed. A few seemed stern, but these were graceful women looking out for their planet. She didn't think she fit in with them. She stopped in front of one, the name ending in Zorah. She looked the face looking at her mate. Shepard commented on the resemblance. Most of the others were not Zorah's. She noticed the look most of the crew gave the statues, not good it seemed. She felt her emotions boil up, how could they have thrown it all away? What would they think of their descendants roaming the stars with no home? The last statue was again a single Geth.
As they approached the middle of the room Shepard had some questions. "Why is this being rebuilt, how long ago did it start? Why are the Geth represented?"
"As soon as the war was over. We have been cleaning and repairing the planet as resources allowed. This was deemed important to the creators. After proper burial of the dead, it had been an ongoing effort. The Geth are present because Rannoch must always have a Keeper and Protector. The creator history told us this was paramount. We honor the request."
"Can a human be in it? How long have you worked on these?"
"Affirmative. Asari mates have been present. These were started when you accepted the position. The machinery to make them continues to build missing Keepers and Protectors. Resources are used as permitted."
They all arrived in front of the covered statue, Shepard and Tali nervously shifting back and forth on their feet. Neither wanting the attention it would bring.
"The Protector reveales new statues." It handed a rope to Kal.
"Well Shepard, you think this will piss off the fleet enough?" He grabbed the rope and pulled, the covering was yanked off. He smiled at the couple to whole time. Everyone looked and cheered.
