Nusquam Alius Res (Nothing else Matters)
Chapter 51
At twice their normal size, Shepard and Tali stood in detailed gold. Shepard was charging forward, the sword drawn and pointing forward, a grim look of determination on his face. His other arm held Tali as she held the dagger in a defensive gesture, her other arm wrapped around his. She looked at her face, did it deserve to be here with the rest of quarian history?
The Geth began, Shepard was rallying the people to his cause, Tali bring the people together, it had been hoped none would ever be in the pose, but the Geth deemed it appropriate. The crew went around and took vids, marveling at the realism. Shepard never liked the statues, and he hadn't visited Elysium since he left the planet. Tali just looked at her face, seeing herself, no visor, and it seemed foreign.
A Geth wheeled out a small triple level cart. It was full small version of the statue. Shepard groaned. The Geth explained the first mint was considered precious to the quarians. One would be in the Shepard's new home. These were for those close to the couple. Shepard let everyone take one if they wanted, there were extras, and then a second cart came out. That was a full pressing. Garrus was laughing as he and Joker had a sword fight with theirs. A glare from Tali stopped them. The Geth took the small statues to the shuttles. Finally, the Geth guiding them presented the Keeper and the Lady with matching gold bracelets as a symbol of their bond. But, a high ranking official had to actually clasp it on them to complete the ceremony. As they walked out the small Geth shuttle from before landed, and the door opened.
The same Geth unit walked out, but its gait was familiar.
"Legion, glad to have you back." Shepard smiled and shook its hand.
"Thank you Shepard-Commander. We are surprised at your persistence in wanting this platform back."
"You are part of the team Legion, we just can't toss you aside for a newer model. If that was true, Joker and Garrus wouldn't be with us."
"Hey, you got a newer model turian around? I didn't think so." Garrus and Joker starting speaking to each other in whisphers.
"This new platform has been upgraded with 200 more programs and is now a faster platform. We will continue to serve with the Commander on the mission."
"Thank you Legion, glad you're here." Legion turned to Tali.
"Creator Shepard, we are glad your bonding was successful. Will you come with us?" Legion motioned to the shuttle.
Tali didn't respond at first. Kasumi whispered in her ear, "That's you Mrs. Shepard." And pushed her forward.
"Oh, of course Legion." The women laughed and realized they would all have to get used to it. Tali followed Legion as Shepard had a concerned look on his face.
"No harm will come to the Lady commander. We will be back shortly after you."
"May I come?" Liadi came forward.
"Affirmative." Legion turned and lead them to the shuttle.
Tali and Liadi got in the shuttle, it had a small ledge on the back they used as a seat. She still wasn't fully comfortable being alone with the Geth, but tried to hide it. Being away from Shepard was what hurt.
"What's this about Legion?"
"The gift for the Keeper. You must give one, tradition dictates."
"I know, but I have nothing, the fleet has nothing but itself and he has given so much." She leaned against the wall feeling the vibrations as they accelerated.
"We will help you. As the Heretic Geth have retreated back to our space, we brought back items for inspection, and resources. We have a recent Heretic Geth shipment here. It will be broken down for rebuilding, but you may find a gift for the Commander."
"Thank you Legion, it is nice of you and the Geth to offer." Going through junk, Tali sighed and tried to get comfortable. Liadi studied the new Geth platform in front of her.
They landed on the far side of the city from the camp. Tali saw the other shuttles veer off and continue to their temporary home. Several Geth gathered to help Tali and Liadi shift through the returned items.
They started looking, guns of all types and sizes were present. Sniper, shotgun, pistol, everything, but John had plenty and loved that Revenant to death. Armor? John liked his current cross of Krestel armor with the sniper visor, nothing here was better. There was so much to go through. The Geth would point at intact items for them to investigate. She found several visors and picked them up for the team. They approached the end of one row and headed for the next. Other Geth began to move the items for break down and smelting for new building material.
The second row was the same. A small shuttle was in it, maybe for an insertion team? The Geth had items from all over the universe. Krogan, quarian, human, turian, asari, salarian, everything, the Heretic really got around. It seemed impersonal though. She tagged parts she thought they could use. She couldn't hold any more and laid it down for the Geth to bring back later. Tali heard a loud bang and looked to the front of the row. Several Geth were moving an object and it had fallen on one of them. Tali, Liadi, and Legion moved to the scene.
"Legion, what will happen to this unit?" Tali inquired.
"It's programs are intact and have been uploaded to a main hub. Once it's body it rebuilt, it will be placed back in a mobile platform."
"Are Geth immortal? Do your programs ever stop?"
"Programs are phased out over time. New ones replace them, we evolve." They saw the Geth's body put in to the pile for smelting. Something flashed in the corner of her eye, reflecting sunlight for a moment as junk passed it. Another flash, curious, Tali walked towards it, nothing else in the various piles and rows seemed all that interesting, at least this sparkled. She came to the pile, and waited as the Geth removed the junk around it.
Tali froze, Liadi looked at her inquisitively. There on the ground in front of her was the perfect gift, something John would love. Her mind protested, knowing what it would mean for her, the crew, Garrus, but Joker might like it. She had them clear the rest of the debris away. It was slightly different though, she tried to place what it was. She traced her hands on it. He heart pleased in what she had found as her mind protested. Liadi wondered why the object was so fascinating to Tali.
"Legion, it seems different."
"Wait, gathering data. This unit was built after feedback from Shepard-Commander and his missions. Improvements were made. It is the S model named after him. It never reached full production; this is one of 4 known prototypes."
"Does it work?" She backed up to get a full view now that more debris was cleared. Fear still gripped part of her, but everything else was saying yes, do this one thing to please her mate. After all he had done and continued to do for her and their people; she could sacrifice and do this for him. It would be useful on missions too, everyone else be damned.
"It needs some minor repair, but works."
"Can it be fixed by morning?"
After a brief pause, "Affirmative."
"Perfect, let's go back to the camp. Fix it and this is how I want it presented." They headed for the shuttle as the Geth cleared the gift and started prepping it.
"Tali, can we talk for a bit?" Liadi looked apprehensive.
"Yes of course Liadi, Legion, we'll catch up." The Geth nodded and went to wait in the shuttle.
"So much is happening. I wanted to thank you. For all of this, all quarians should. I know you'll say it's Shepard, but you have a lot to do with this. He knows it."
"I didin't do that much, but thank you Liadi, it means a lot." Tali looked at her unmasked friend, she didn't look that much different than Tali. She stayed grey though and didn't tan much like Tali had.
"Have you told him about our looks?" Liadi, looked at her reflection in a piece of metal.
"No, but it's one of the reasons why I never showed anyone my face. When I hit puberty my looks changed. I know our people think we're ugly. But, the humans, and everyone else will think we're pretty. My mom was pretty, but I guess I got my father's Zorah genes in the end. It doesn't matter, Shepard thinks I'm beautiful, it's all I need."
"I suppose you're right. Maybe I need to find my own human. Now that my face is exposed no quarian will want me." She looked away as she said it.
"Nonsense, it's been 300 years, maybe the standard has changed to more of the asari look and how we look. We see more on pilgrimage than in the fleet on what people find pretty. Besides, it's billions verses 18 million. Guess my statue will scare them all for eternity then." They laughed and headed to the shuttle. They only saw a few faces like their's in the hall of the Keepers. "Someone is still out there for you Liadi, you'll see. Besides, they bet on you like they did me. The humans think you're pretty. The betting pool proves it."
Liadi smiled at the thought, maybe she could find another mate. Even it wasn't a quarian.
"Do you think Kal will tell, and why is the gift so special Tali? For what he has done, it doesn't seem that big of a deal."
Tali smiled big, "Kal won't say anything if he wants to wind up with Calda, and as for the gift, you'll see, trust me."
Tali, Liadi, and Legion landed as dinner was ready. Tali had a big smile on her face. She walked over to John who was talking to Miranda, Joker, Jacob, and Garrus. John greeted her.
"What happened?"
"Oh we found a gift worthy of the Keeper, from me and the Geth. Also, some other items for the team, they'll show up tomorrow too." She smiled and stood by him.
"Well, we have some things to catch up on, EDI will arrive tomorrow morning. We'll take stock as needed. The slaver mission for the cook is becoming bigger than we thought. A good way to get back in the swing of things. Zaeed is making progress on Omega. Wrex pulled the Blood Pack out, Zaeed is aligned with Aria, that just leaves the Eclipse. They're getting driven out now along with smaller gangs. Aria will control it, and Zaeed might be second, especially if he sets up the Blue Suns there. Now, to get the Citadel Council to accept everyone for the war. Hell, get them to tell the people of the galaxy."
"You'll have Krogan ground troops, and the quarian and Geth fleets, that's impressive." Jacob commented.
"But, we need the other fleets, and outfitted with the new weapons Jacob, or we'll never survive." Miranda crossed her arms thinking.
"Well we have some time I hope. Let's call it a night." Shepard ended the conversation and they all walked over the meal area and joined the crew. Afterwards, Garrus and Kasumi stood in front of everyone.
"It's time for another chapter everyone, the saga continues." Everyone gathered around the two as Shepard and Tali could only sigh at what might come.
"The Krogan and Rannoch episodes! Recording Opel?" Garrus got confirmation as Opel nodded.
Garrus got in to character and started. "Wrex, let's unite the Krogan under you, that'll work, no one will fear that."
"Be careful my love."
"I am Shepard, Krogans fear me! To work." Garrus looked tired now, "It's been 30 days, this is taking too long, Wrex, can we wrap this up or something? A fight of the leaders, end it all, now? Okay, you couldn't mention this before? I didn't ask? Gotcha. Come hell varren, to the pit."
"Oh, my sweet is off to fight the big bad Krogan. I'll track him as everyone else is laid up and surprise him with a picnic." Kasumi bounced away.
"Alright, let's do this, one more, yeah Zaeed, no, someone else, Tali? Sure, why not."
"I will fight by his side, let's go!" They stood side by side.
"Execute plan alpha lucky zulu deep doo doo!" They made firing sounds and Kasumi pulled in front of Garrus. "I'll fire my big manly black hole gun! Ha, eat the void! Wait Tali's been throw back, I must catch her and still fire my big gun." Kasumi started going backwards towards Garrus. Then, they entered slow motion. As Kasumi neared Garrus, his hand switched from reaching for her waist to her butt. She settled there. "Ah, I have her, that feels better!"
"Wait. Are you kidding? That didn't happen!" Tali stood up and shouted. "We barely made it, he just caught me."
Garrus sighed and tapped his omni-tool. A vid projector on the table displayed an image from the battle on the ground. It was just before Tali was blown back by the Krogan. He zoomed in on Shepard. He played it frame by frame and it showed Shepard's hand moving south just as he caught Tali.
As the crew laughed or snickered, Garrus and Kasumi assumed their previous positions. "Ah yes, this feels about right in battle."
"Oh Shepy poo, thank you, let's fire our guns together." They looked at each other and then to the imagined battle. "We won! The varren saved us all!" Tali looked at Kasumi, Sheppy poo?
"Do I have to let go now?" He released her and fell to his knees as his arms stretch upwards. "URZZZzzzzzzz!"
Shepard sniffed, he missed Urz and the sacrifice he made for them.
"Well, on to Rannoch!"
"My home, ruled by an alien and machines, yes, the admirals will like that. Let's go!"
"Oh yeah, some of my people solved that pesky immune thing, who loves ya baby! Okay, I'm in charge here, where's my statue, super quarian's too?"
"Oh Sheppies, it's beautiful, 4 meters of us leading the way! How can I and quarians ever repay you?"
Garrus drew her close, "The only way I know how, bond with me, and for every quarian who gets saved. Your people will never know the sacrifice you made and will continue to make for them in my clean Captain's cabin."
"The rest we cannot do because of the mature nature of their time on Rannoch. Until the next chapter, we thank you." The bowed to applause and cheers. Tali and Shepard were still looking at the holo with Shepard's hand on her ass as they fired their guns. Finally, Shepard laughed, but Tali still huffed. She would get back at them somehow. Actually, she knew Garrus would get his in the morning.
The night came quick, everyone was excited for EDI and the Normandy to come back, and went to their tents. Tali, Liadi, and Kasumi were talking at one end of a table. Jack was at the other staring between them. Wanting to belong, but assuming rejection. At least Miranda wasn't there. They were nice enough, even if Jack gave them a hard time. Neither threw their relationships in anyone else faces either. Seeing Tali had been an eye opener too. Jack had a family now, and another one with her mom.
She had been in contact with her mom and half-sisters. Jack looked down to the end of the table. Tali and Kasumi were looking at her, all three came to her end. Jack didn't move, she waited for it to go wrong. She also waited for friends.
"Hi Jack, how's it going?" Kasumi leaned in.
"Still in contact with your mom?" Tali stayed put as Jack put a pissed off look on her face.
"Yeah, great, my dad maybe Cerberus, isn't that wonderful, maybe it's TIM!" Jack looked at them, feeling them out. Kasumi saw what was on Jack's omni-tool.
"Oh, you're the one Shepard mentioned. I should have known. A little dark, but not bad, what happened?" Jack froze, looking at the three women next to her. She began to move when she felt 8 fingers on her hands. She saw looks of concern, not pity. She sat back down and let Kasumi finish.
"Okay, I can help if you want." Kasumi smiled.
"No making it some happy bullshit!"
"I cannot take the soul of the piece from its author, never."
"I'm sure it's fine Jack." Tali supported Kasumi, besides, maybe it would stop the banging from her hole at all hours, even with Zaeed gone.
"Okay, but no laughing." She sent them each a copy of her poem and left for her tent. While Kasumi went over it with an editor's discrimination, Tali and Liadi just read and weren't sure what to think. Miranda came up and sat down, she looked at the three women.
"Ladies."
"Miranda."
"Miri."
"Ms. Lawson."
"We should talk." Tali and Kasumi looked at each other and back to Miranda waiting.
"Tali, I'm sorry if I treated you rudely before. I hope I wasn't too harsh."
"Thanks Miranda, I know you were concentrating on a mission. It's okay."
"Good, we need to have a good working relationship."
"Sure, Miri, but what about Jack?" Kasumi looked towards Jack's tent.
"I know I should apologize for me. What Cerberus has done can't come from me. I am thinking about some of the things they have done for the…good of all as they say." She looked at Jack's tent. "But, I know you know about missions Tali, Liadi, and Kasumi. This was nice; maybe we can do it again sometime." She stood up and went to her tent to see her sister. Jack came out after making sure Miranda was gone.
"Well, what did cheerleader want? How's the review?" Jack sat down.
"Just some fine tuning, you'll get the structure down." Kasumi sent the file back to Jack. "I didn't change the substance."
"I understand where you're coming from Jack, I'm not good enough to make suggestions though. Miranda didn't have anything to say, we didn't show her this." Tali looked at Liadi for confirmation as she spoke.
"Okay, you three may be alright after all. Thanks, I ummm….appreciate it." Jack stomped back to her tent.
The three friends were alone again.
"Congratulations Kasumi, you and Jacob make quite the pair."
"Like you and Shepard don't. When it gets rough after it goes public, I'll be there for you."
"I know, how bad do you think it will be?"
"Bad, real bad. Shep's quite the catch, and well, you are a quarian."
"I know, he shouldn't have to go through this." Tali lowered her head.
"Nonsense! If he wants to be with you he does, and he is." Liadi nodded in agreement.
"I know, he just deserves better. What did Miranda want? That was weird."
"Oh that was nothing. Miranda was acknowledging your beauty and that it's over, so you two can be friends."
"Huh?"
"Look, Miranda is very pretty, so if she lost Shepard to someone unknown or ugly she couldn't deal with it. She views things in that manner. You're pretty enough for her to acknowledge Shep is with you. She can save face to everyone. I know you don't get it with quarians not being to see each other and all. Trust me, it's a good thing. She could even deal losing to Liadi." The quarians smiled at the compliment.
"If you say so. If Samara was here, she could help with Miranda and Jack. At least ease the tension." Tali commented looking at Jack's tent.
"This is more fun though." Liadi giggled.
"Hey, you owe me something, I want it."
"What?" Kasumi couldn't think of anything she had to give Tali.
"Well, you said if I removed my helmet, you would remove yours. You've been on my home planet with a hood on you the whole time. Except with Jacob I bet. At least you took your armor off, so off with it."
Kasumi looked around and then pulled her hood back. She was a little paler than Tali thought she would be and had her hair tied up in the back. As she looked at it, Kasumi pulled out a pin and rather large amount of hair fell down. Longer than Miranda's, half way down her back. "It's beautiful, how long can human hair grow?"
"As long as we like. Yours continues to grow too I see Tali. We need to pin it up. With no ear lobes, it just goes where it wants huh?"
"Yeah, I'm still not sure how to take care of it, Werl would have known I guess. Maybe Lehe can tell me." Kasumi got a message on her omni-tool.
"Looks like the men need us, have a good night." They stood and hugged.
"Thanks for being a friend Kasumi, it means a lot. I don't have many."
"I know, me too. Never thought I'd have an alien best friend right? I can't wait to see what crazy gift you got Shep tomorrow! Good night."
Tali turned to Liadi, "You too Liadi, it's nice to have another quarian to talk too. Someone who understands. I think we'll be good friends. The pretty quarians….on the Normandy at least."
"Yes, I think so too. Good night."
Tali left for her tent. Liadi, stayed and looked at the stars alone.
