It was quiet in the engine room. only the sound of the eezo core made much sound, albeit very little. Tali Zorah watches over the core analyzing it's funcions, as well as anything else that may come to her attention. Gabby and Ken have long finished their shifts, having pass their time around the ship. Tali would have left as well, spending her free time with the person that she has grown close to. Yet a leisure that she has cherished is now her greatest fear, being in close proximity with John Shepard.
It all started over 2 weeks ago. The Normandy crew had since overthrown the shadow broker, leaving Liara to take over what the Yahg had left behind. They had all taken shore leave and took a much deserved rest. Tali and John had since spent their time productively, cherishing each others presence. Until one morning as they were sleeping in the commanders cabin they awoke from a loud and agonizing cough. The sound had come from John, who immediately told Tali to dorn her suit and to confine with Dr. Chakwas as to make certain she had not gathered any sickness. She was dismayed and she put on her suit and ran it's diagnostics. She was surprised to find that she hadn't gain any symptoms. She tells John, yet he coughs more profusely and tells Tali "im not going to risk it, go check on Chakwas." Disappointed, she nevertheless does what John asks and rushes to the infirmary and informs Chakwas of what happened. The doctor had then made an examination unto Tali's health and thankfully found that nothing was of concern. Tali tells Chakwas of what was happening to John, curious as to the commanders condition Chakwas then goes to his cabin. Tali wished to come but unfortunately Chakwas had said otherwise "I know how deeply you care for him. But you know as well as I that he will not risk you getting you sick. So please, be patient until I return with nes."
Begrudgingly, Tali had done what Chakwas said. She needed to work anyways and it was a helpful distraction. Although minorly in her case. It had been almost an hour until Chakwas returned from Shepard's Cabin. She had went to engineering and was then confronted by a concerned and anxious Tali. "what happened?!" Said Tali "Why did it take so long, what is wrong?!" Chakwas looked to the quarrian in a sympathetic, almost motherly manner. She took her back to the infermery as to speak to her in private. "When I entered his Cabin he was worse for wear" said Chakwas "He was sweating profusely and his cough was getting worse." Tali was wide eyed. She asked if he was alright and was about to leave to go see him, but was stoped by hand grabbing her arm. "Tali… please" Said Chakwas as calm as can be "Shepard is fine for the time being, I gave him medicine that will help for the short term" Chakwas then gave a concerning look, much to the fear of Tali "I must admit I have never seen anything like it, I had taken DNA samples and I will consul with Mordin as to see the cause of the Shepard's predicament." Tali demanded that she go with her, Chakwas complied
The two doctors analyzed and discussed as to what may be the cause of the Commander's issue as Tali just waits anxiously for an answer. Finally, as to what felt like centuries to Tali, Mordin had come with a diagnosis as to Shepard's circumstance "Tali Zorah vas Normandy, you will be rest assured that the Commander's condition has no affect on you." Tali was concerned that Mordin would come to use her formal name and title. Confused Tali questions him "Why say my name like that?" Mordin inhaled and was about to speak but was interrupted by the quarrian, annoyed and frustrated "What is wrong with John?!" Tali was shocked at her outburst, Chakwas closed her eyes with sympathy. Mordin was not shook and remained neutral "the condition the commander has is Quarian in origin, it is a flu like strain, has a strong affect amongst Levo species." Tali was shocked yet again, and frieghtened. Chakwas then continued on "we have records of a medicine as to treat this flu, but for the time being the commander will remain in quarantine"
In the present day the crew of the Normandy were able to gather the medicine necessary to help Shepard, as well as to treat all the human and Levo species of the crew. By this time Shepards quarantine was already over but Tali had not gone up to the cabin since. She had remained to sleep in her designated pod and continued to work in the engine room. Shepard would ask her to return but she would always give an excuse.
"Creator Tali Zorah" the reverberating voice of Legion startles the Quarian who had to remind herself to the current relationship with the Geth. "Hi Legion" says an exhausted Tali "what can I do for you?" The Geth is quick to respond "we have taken the liberty to fill in your duty for tonight, you may go freely and spend your free time as you please." Tali had to take in a moment for Legion's abruptness and then responded impatiently "Legion I am fine working on the engine, so please go somewhere else… just don't bother me right now." She would turn to face the display. Only to find that she has been locked out of the server "Apologies Tali" said the floating orb of Edi "But you have been locked out of the engine rooms main frame. As of now Legion is to be designated as chief engineer until further notice" Tali, now angered, yelled boshtet unto the ai. Edi responded "If you wish to return to your duties you must consul with the commander in order to return your position as the Normandy's chief engineer" Tali understood what the two machine intelligences were trying to do. She could call their bluff and wait for John to return her role. However something deep down told her that it was time to confront John. She then relented and headed to Shepard's Cabin
As she stood at front of the door she was hesitant. She did not know of what to say or what he would say to her. Even with those thoughts in mind she gather her strength and requested access. The moments waiting felt heavy and long until she was accepted and then entered the cabin. The door closes behind her, John facing her in just a few feet away. None spoke for awhile until John was the first to say something. "Hey, Tali. Are you okay?" Tali doesn't answer, she is unsure of what to say or if she should say anything. John then leads them to the couch, both taking a seat. John speaks again "Would you mind telling me what's been going on? Why you have been avoiding me?" Tali felt her heart in her throat, even with the difficulty to speak she responded "I… I thought it would be best." Tali didn't know what else to say next, she knew more needed to be said but John was quick "Why did you think it best? I have been fine for a week. Why ignore me?" Tali felt her throat clog up again only this time she began to sob. John moved in close and comforted Tali. After a moment of crying Tali gave her answer "It's because I care for you. I Love you. You have been so kind to me, treated with respect and as an equal… I can't be the death of you"
John looks at Tali solemnly and passionately, his eyes forgiving and full of care. "Tali, I won't go anywhere, you have my word. And I trust that you won't get me killed for sneezing so hard" Tali laughs and so does John. They stay close in that moment for whatever how long it felt. John then tells her one last thing before the night "Tali, please, stay with me. Come back to me." Tali agrees and so the two were together again
Happy N7 day everyone
