We're getting close guys! I can almost taste it!
Stay tuned as I finally live up to the romance part of this FanFiction in the next couple of chapters.
26/7 2185
Normandy, Captain's quarters.
"Tali, very few people catch me eye. Very few people make me feel the way you make me feel. You have been there since the start, through the worst. You have been kind and bra-" Mads stopped up with the paper in hand as he paced around.
"No... Doesn't sound right." Mads said as he began to cross out the words on the paper and start a new sentence. Once he had written it down, he began pacing around again.
"Tali, I want you to know... That I appreciate everything you have done. You are a devoted crewmember, and probably one of the best friends one could ask for... I hereby have a confession to make. Every sinc-" Mads stopped again.
"No, perhaps I should just be blunt?" Mads said to himself. "Tali, I really love you." He thought about it.
"Nah, she wouldn't like that." Mads put down the paper. Ever since waking up from that dream (or whatever it was) he had been hard at work trying to find the best way to confess to her. He went over to the minibar and pulled out the vodka. He found a medium sized glass and poured it in. Once he took the first sip, he could feel the chillness of the drink.
He then sat down, and took a long look at the paper once again. He tried to formulate a good confession. He wanted it to be special; perhaps something about the time they first met? That seemed like a good idea. He wrote it down.
Normandy, Engineering department.
Unknowing to Mads, Tali had been hard at work doing the same thing. She was glad that her current work schedule gave her some easy work, and so she was free to try and plan it out. She had tried planning it out some time ago, but things kept coming in the way. She didn't want to stall it anymore, and she hoped that he would share her feelings in the end. That was the best outcome, but even if he didn't feel the same way as her, at least she would have let him know about her feelings.
She hadn't tried any of this before. Never had a young Quarian man captured her feelings(Even though Kal'Reeger did a nice try.), never had she really loved someone in this way before. It was... Strange. Here she was, trying to confess her love to a human captain. A man she actually knew very little about.
She hoped he would open up a bit more in the future. He was beginning to tell her things before he died. In that moment of thought, she remembered an old promise. He would tell her what she wanted to know over a drink.
She smiled at the thought, but was pulled from her day dreaming by a beep from her Omni-tool. She stared at it confused. The sender read as The Migrant Fleet. Why would they contact her? And why now? She was frustrated that she was pulled from her day dreaming, but knew that messages from home was usually important in nature.
With a hesitant touch, she opened the message. She read it carefully line by line.
To: Tali'Zorah vas Neema
From: The Admiralty
Subject: Return to the fleet
Greetings Tali'Zorah.
The purpose of this message is this message is to inform you of the trial against you. You have been accused of Treason against the Quarian people.
You are required to return to fleet at once. Failure to do so will result in the trial continuing in your absence, and without your defense. We suggest you return as soon as possible.
The Admiralty.
Tali stood at her station in shock, unable to think or do any form of reaction. Her mouth must have been wide open as she finished the message. A short message, but it knocked her off her feet. They were accusing her of treason? She tried to think what she had done to deserve this. She thought long and hard. Then, she began to lightly sob. She turned off her audio output as to not alarm her coworkers.
She sent message to the one person she trusted the most right now. He would know what to do, he always did. "Edi?" Tali asked.
"Yes Mrs. Zorah?" Edi replied.
"Can you... um... get Captain Romanov down here? There is something I would like to discuss." She requested.
"Of course." Edi said and logged off.
Captain's quarters.
Mads was sitting in the couch, sipping his drink while keeping a cigarette in his free hand. The paper on the table was full of crossed out attempts. Perhaps he should just make it up as he go? He simply wasn't happy with whatever he had written down. He sighed as he sat back in the leather couch. He turned on the big monitor on the wall. It showed the news; Mads took a drag of his cigarette as he watched it.
Edi's voice carried him back to reality. "Captain. Mrs. Zorah wishes to speak with you."
Mads was a little confused. What did she wish to speak with him about? He hoped that perhaps it was the same thing as he wanted to speak about. He quickly got up from the couch and equipped his gloves, hiding the finger tattoos from sight. He walked out of the quarters and into the elevator. He pressed the button for the engineering deck and waiting patiently for the doors to open.
He found Tali looked over the work station as he entered the work room. The two other crewmembers were busy fixing some other problem over by their consoles. Mads walked over to Tali, the paper he had brought was in his back pocket. He was about to reach for it, when he saw her body language.
"Tali, are you alright?" Mads asked with concern.
She turned around, and Mads could clearly see the faint outlines of tears behind her visor. She had been crying, what for? She took a moment to breathe, probably to make sure her voice wasn't weak when she spoke to him.
"I have-..." The breathing had been meaningless, her voice broke down regardless. Her sobbing began and Mads was quick to pull her into his arms. Trying to somehow calm her down. Stroking her back to inform her that he was here for her.
It took a few moments, but she slowly began to stop sobbing. She tried again: "I have been charged with treason by the migrant fleet. I am to return as soon as possible to be there for my trial." She explained, and then began to sob once more.
Mads' first instinct was to say WHAT? But he realized he probably needed to keep a more calm tone. He took a deep breath. He needed to choose his words carefully and correctly.
"I don't understand Tali. How can they charge you with treason? You are the most loyal Quarian to the fleet by account of all that you have done for them!" Mads said. It was true. He simply didn't understand what was going on.
"I'm not sure... But it must be serious. Treason is not something they take lightly. I have to get back. I'll catch a shuttle at our next stop." She said. She began even sadder when realizing she probably had to do this alone. Not even her father was permitted to be there.
"What are you talking about, Tali? We'll fly you there, that's the least we can do after all you have done for us! I'll be there for you all the way through, if I may." Mads promised. To be honest, he thought Tali was a bit silly for bringing up flying there herself. No one should have to face that kind of thing on their own.
"I don't want to be an obstacle for our mission." She replied in a low voice. Her modest nature taking over.
"You will never be an obstacle. You are a huge part of this, and you need to be at your best. You shouldn't have to worry about such things. I'll help in any way I can." Mads reassured.
She took a moment to look in Mads' eyes to see if he spoke the truth. His blue eyes told her all she needed to know. He was eager to help her, and he truly cared about her.
"Thank you." She said. And while Mads couldn't see it, she smiled for the first time since getting the news.
"Give the coordinates to Joker. He'll get us there in no time." Mads ordered.
"Of course." Tali replied and began to tell Mads some basic information about Quarian trials. She needed the ancestors' blessing for this one, the trial could be brutal. Yet, she held faith, because she knew that Mads would be there to help her in any way he can.
28/7 2185
Normandy, approaching Migrant Fleet.
Mads and Tali stood in the cockpit of the Normandy. Eyeing the huge fleet of the Quarians. So many ships gathered in one place was a new sight for Mads. At least in reality, such things had been the stuff of sci-fi movies in the past. Hell, everything nowadays was the stuff of sci-fi movies back then.
Tali gave the password to the fleet. It was clear that the fleet was weary of all Cerberus vessels. And they weren't pleased to see a Cerberus vessel park in their backyard. And it probably wouldn't do Tali any favors at her trial.
Mads took the last drag of his cigarette and put it out in his ashtray. He put on his helmet and nodded to Tali, who nodded back. She was as ready as she would ever be. Garrus was along them, ready to help out a friend in need.
They boarded the Quarian vessel. Tali lead the way in start. A lot of eyes were on them from the beginning. Studying the aliens Tali'Zorah had brought along for her trial. It seemed to be hot stuff. An admiral's daughter accused of Treason. It sparked rumor, that only grew wider as they observed the Cerberus vessel parked outside.
Tali had a short talk with the Ship's captain, who was there to greet them. "Welcome home, Tali. I'm afraid that I'm under orders to put you under arrest. You are not allowed to leave this vessel until the trial is done." There was a hint of sadness in the captain's voice, and it was clear they knew each other.
"Thank you captain." She replied. She knew the captain did his best to keep his over Tali, but the situation was already grim.
"And you must be Tali's new captain. I'm Captain Kar'Danna vas Rayya, nice to meet you." He knew of the human gesture of shaking hands. Mads accepted.
"Captain Mads Romanov. I'm here to provide whatever support I can to Tali." Mads said.
"That's great! The trial will start shortly; I'll suggest you head there now." The captain suggested. They both nodded.
They walked through the metal halls of the Quarian ship. Mads took a moment to take in how Quarians lived. The fact that they were exiled to these vessels was saddening. But they made the best of it. Every Quarian turned their heads at the weird sound Mads' boots made. Hobnails on a metal floor, but the sight they saw was even more breath taking.
The armor was a very modern piece, but his leather belt, holster and boots gave a different picture. Many people didn't know what to think. But he could feel that most of them were approving. They talked like they thought Mads couldn't hear them. Different rumors and other mishaps.
They finally reached someone who Tali knew. They hugged like they were family, and she expressed her sorrow for Tali's situation. Mads and Garrus lingered in the background as they talked.
"Romanov! This is my auntie Raan. We aren't blood, but she has always been close to our family." Tali introduced them. Mads shook her hand.
"Nice to meet you." Mads greeted.
"Wait a minute, Raan. You called me Vas Normandy" Tali stated confused.
"I'm afraid I did. The board has decided to trial you under that name. You are being charged with bringing in active Geth parts." Raan replied.
"WHAT? I always double checked every part I sent back! There is no way that they could have reactivated on their own!" Tali said, unable to understand.
"Tali, calm down." Mads had to make sure she didn't go on a complete rant. But he was sure that Tali was speaking the truth.
"So... Being part of a human ship is bad?" Mads asked.
"They stripped me of my name! They might as well exile me now!" Tali replied furious.
"You still have friends who know you, Tali." Admiral Raan reassured her.
"Are you one of the judges? You are an admiral, correct?" Mads asked Raan.
"While I am an Admiral, I can't be a judge, given the family connection." She replied.
"Alright. We better get started, where is Tali's defense lawyer?" Mads asked as he prepared himself to go inside.
"Tali is a part of your crew, Captain Romanov. That is recognized by Quarian law. The code also states that the ship's captain is to come to the aid of his/her crewmembers in a trial." Raan explained.
"Soooo... You are my lawyer." Tali confirmed as she looked over at Mads.
Mads was glad the helmet masked his puzzled look. Mads had thought he would be there as moral support, cheer her up or something. His understanding of Quarian law was exactly zero. The only area of law he was trained in, was commercial law. For all those reasons, he should have backed out, let Tali do this on her own. But that look she gave him left him with no other choice but to help her.
And it would be pretty unethical to leave the one you love without defense in such a situation. Tali needed all the help she could get, and this thing was bound to get rough for both of them. They would throw everything they have at her. Mads realized he had been silent for a few seconds now.
"Of course I'll speak for you, Tali. It's the least I can do." Mads approved. He hoped this would work out. He even let out a silent prayer to God, hoping he would help him out here a bit.
"Thank you Romanov. I couldn't ask for a better counselor." Tali said. Silently thanking him, knowing he really would do anything to help her in this given situation.
"Good. Recount the truth as best you can, and I'm sure this will all work out, Tali. Now come, it will start shortly." Raan said as she began to walk into the chamber. They both followed her.
The people gathered to watch the show. The admirals took their place and called for silence in the room. Mads gave Tali a reassuring look, trying to tell her that this will work out. Garrus waited at the top of the stairs. He would have to give that moral support... At least the best he could muster.
Raan gave the blessing and presented the accused and her defense. That admiral Koris was quick to give an objection to the presence of Mads at the trial. But Raan was quick to shoot him down, showing him the hypocrisy of that statement.
"Romanov Vas Normandy. Your crewmember Tali'Zorah stand accused of Treason. Will you speak for her?" Raan asked. Mads felt weird being adressed in a Quarian manner. But did not show it.
"Of course I will. But she bears the title of Tali'Zorah Vas Neema. And she is and always will be a proud and loyal member of the fleet. The fact that her true captain is forbidden to speak for her, is regrettable to say the least." Mads opened up with a good show. Already making his stance on the issue.
Koris was once again throwing wild things out there. Admiral Gerrel however, was quick to come to the aid of the accused and show the lying.
"Tali, you stand accused of bringing active Geth part into the fleet. What do you say?" Raan asked. Mads jumped in.
"Tali has not send any Geth parts while serving on the Normandy. You can surely see how that is not possible." Mads replied.
Tali defended herself as well, telling them she would never send active parts to the fleet. She told them everything was disabled and harmless, and that she always double-checked. That should have been a good statement, if she hadn't done some weird gestures. Her body language was off, almost showing her as nervous.
"Then explain how Geth seized the Lab ship where your father was working!" Koris jumped in with a very angry tone.
Everyone was surprised at that information, Tali most of all. "What are you talking about?" Tali was growing more and more nervous with that information.
"To the best of our knowledge, it looks like the Geth has complete sized the Alarei. They have most likely killed all aboard, that includes your father." Gerrel clarified for them. His tone was more sad than Koris'.
"What? Oh Keelah" Tali's reaction was understandable. Learning that your father might be dead is not a trivial matter. Mads had to jump in.
"Admirals. This trial is not ideal under the given circumstances. We should take in to consideration the safety of the fleet. The Normandy can help in any way possible." Mads suggested. Making sure his body language was strong and faithful.
"Thank you Captain. Quarian strike teams have attempted to re-seize the ship, so far without success." Raan replied.
"Romanov! We have to re-take the ship!" Tali demanded. Koris began to recount what he saw as the safest route, but suggest and honorable death instead of exile.
"I'm looking for my father you bosh'tet!" Tali pointed her finger at Koris, almost as a threat. Mads had to put her hand down and give her a look that said Calm down. He was worried Tali would jump over the railing and attack the admiral.
"You propose to retake the Alarei? That could provide very dangerous." Admiral Raan remarked.
"With your permission, yes admiral. In that way, we can ensure the safety of the fleet and learn the truth." Mads suggested.
"We are in agreement. And should you die on the mission, Tali. We will see to it, that your name is cleared." Gerrel promised.
"We can discuss that later." Koris bitterly remarked.
"Then it is decided. Your mission is clear. You are allowed to leave the Rayya. A shuttle will take you to the Alarei. This hearing will resume when you have returned, or if we learn of you being killed in action" Raan ordered.
"Thank you Admirals. We will be back shortly." Mads said. He nodded to Tali and the both of them made their way to the top of the stairs. They joined up with Garrus.
"Thank you for agreeing to this mission, Romanov. The Admirals make it sound like it is already written in stone that my father is dead. But... I don't know. We won't know for sure until we get there." Tali said.
"How are you? They threw a lot at you back there." Mads asked concerned. It must be hard to be accused of treason by your own people.
"I'm not sure, I expected it to be bad, but you are never prepared for something like that. And my father... We need to find out what happened." Tali said. Mads nodded.
"Perhaps I should talk with the admirals, maybe I can learn something. Hang back, will you?" Mads suggested. Tali nodded, she realized that speaking with the Admirals one by one could be viewed the wrong way if she was present.
Mads spoke with each admiral. Learning where they all stood. He learned that this wasn't about Tali, it was political. To be honest, it made him really mad. It was about Geth in general. But, it also gave him ammo to use against the admirals if the need be. Tali spoke with Kal'Reegar and Veetor'Nara, who both supported Tali.
In the end, Mads couldn't stall the mission anymore. They had to leave for the Alarei. Mads hoped to God that Tali would find her father alive. She told him about her mother, who died a few years back. Mads didn't want Tali to go through what he did, no one deserves that.
Mads, Garrus and Tali boarded the shuttle bound for the Alarei. It was a short trip, and soon they had boots on the... Ground? Metal floor is probably more correct. It looked bad from the moment they entered. Mads could feel that Tali was tensing up as she realized the possible outcome.
They fought their age old enemy, the Geth. Bodies filled the halls, scientists. The question arose, if they had done this in some failed experiment? Did Tali play a role in it? Or was her name simply caught up in it? Either way, the Geth wasn't a problem. The problem came with the video logs. While they gave a glance into what happened, they also showed the sad last moments of the crew. A mother bidding farewell to her child, almost gave Mads the urge to shed a tear.
The Alarei was a small vessel. The noise pollution from an AK-15 was enough damage the hearing anyone who wasn't wearing a helmet. But they came ever closer to the truth, and it was revealed in bits. A little bit here and there, slowly the bigger picture was uncovered. Tali was beginning to realize that her father might have been behind it.
"What's all this father? You promised that you would build me a house on our home world, was this your plan to bring us home?" Tali sort of asked herself as she went through different logs.
"He promised to build a home for you on Rannoch?" Mads asked curiously.
"Yes, I know it might seem a like a stupid promise." Tali replied.
"I don't think it's dumb. But let's see if we can find your father." Mads suggested. Tali nodded in approval.
There was more fighting, there always was. Another hallway, another squad of Geth soldiers there to take them down. It began to seem as if this was done by an accident. That Rael'Zorah tried to do something remarkable, but failed.
Then Mads saw the body, and somehow he knew. It was his guts telling him who that dead Quarian lying on the ground for himself was. And it hurt, like a knife to the heart. He could understand the pain Tali felt as she saw the corpse, just the way she screamed FATHER! Was enough to tell by. And of course, Tali denied that he was dead, tried to figure out what happened.
"They're wrong! You wouldn't just DIE like this! You wouldn't leave me-" Mads pulled Tali up and hugged her tight. His heart went out to Tali. Seeing your own father dead like that, no one deserved such a fate, least of all Tali. She, much like him, didn't even get to say goodbye.
"It's okay." Mads whispered in her ear as he let her cry into his shoulder.
"Damn it! Damn it! I'm sorry." She cried.
"You got nothing to be sorry about." Mads reassured her.
"Maybe he planned ahead, maybe he left a message." Tali theorized as she began to accept that he was dead.
And she was right, he did leave a message. It detailed what she had to do. Orders, given from the grave to his very own daughter. No "I love you" or "I'm proud of you". Only a direct order on what she should do, and that broke Tali's heart even more. Mads could feel that.
"I know losing family is hard, and that your father's message wasn't exactly filled with love. But I think he cared for you in his own special way." Mads tried to calm her.
"I don't know what's worse. Thinking he never cared, or that he did, and this was the best way he could show it. But that doesn't matter, I cared. And I'm ended this." She promised.
Mads hoped to God she was alright. He would do everything to help her overcome this grief, but she was right. They had to end this nightmare and get back to the trial, as unpleasant as it may be. So it was a last fight, not a tough one. Tali was fueled by rage as she shot them all dead. Her shotgun overheating several times.
They found the main hub, and they had to shut it down for the remaining Geth to be deactivated. But there was also some logs left on the terminal. There the full truth could be revealed. But Tali was nervous to view them, at what they might tell.
Tali finally played the log. And it did what she had feared. It confirmed that it was Rael that ordered it all, did these terrible things. Now, his actions had cost the lives of many Quarians. Tali's head hung low as the video came to a close. He pretty much did it for her, in a way. Tali remained quiet.
"I think in some way, that he did this for you Tali. Even though his methods became twisted." Mads remarked.
"I never wanted this, Romanov. This is all his fault. I forced myself to believe it wasn't him! But now... -When this comes up in the trial they'll brand him as the biggest traitor against our people! We... We can't tell them!" Tali said. Mads looked at her confused.
"Tali, this is evidence that will clear your name! You'll be exiled if we don't use these logs!" Mads stated.
"You think I don't know what will happen? I can't walk into that trial and tell everyone my father was the biggest war criminal to our fleet! I won't! I'd rather enjoy a life in exile. Please! I'm begging you, Romanov! Don't destroy what my Father was!" Tali was on the verge on crying again. Mads sighed at Tali's request. This was going to complicate things.
"We'll... We'll see at the trial." Mads said, that was about as much as he could bend right now.
"Romanov. You are my captain. It will be your decision. But please... Don't." Tali pleaded. Mads had to think, he could do that on the way back.
When they came back, the admirals were already beginning to start the trial without them. They were ready to render judgment without her. Mads and Tali came bashing through. Tali took an offensive stance.
"Sorry we're late." Tali said. Mads jumped in right after that.
"Tali just did nothing short of a miracle. She saved the Alarei from the Geth. This should prove just how loyal she is to the fleet." Mads remarked, making sure it was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Koris, that snake, of course had to make some sort of smug reply. "her loyalty was never in doubt, only her jugdement."
Raan stepped in after that. "Tali, did you find anything on the Alarei that can help ensure trust in your judgment?" She asked. Tali looked over at Mads, her look begged him not to show it. Mads had thought about what to do on the shuttle, and he believed there might be some way around it. He gave Tali a look that said trust me as he stepped forward.
Tali trusted him, she trusted him with his heart. The man she loved was about to make the choice about her future.
Mads cleared his throat. "Tali'Zorah Vas Neema nar Raaya is the most loyal person I have ever encountered. I know trust between humans and Quarian is pretty much non-existing. But, we humans have a certain saying: 'Innocent until proven guilty'. I can see that Quarian operate under a different set of rules. Tali is innocent until YOU can show evidence that show her as a traitor. And I have seen none so far." Mads smugly said. He took a pause to allow the audience to take it in.
"This is a political witch hunt for Tali! It isn't even about her! It's about the Geth! If you guys want to debate about the ethics of Geth killing, fine! But leave Tali out of it. You will never find anyone as gifted as Tali, and she is the expert in the field. You should listen to her! Not trial her for something she never did!" Mads made probably the strongest case he could without evidence. Tali watched him as he ranted to the Admirals about their mistake in doing this trial. And she could feel herself love him even more, if that was even possible. There was no doubt he cared about her, perhaps he cared as much as she cared for him.
The Admirals were left speechless, and the crowd was all worked up in Tali's favor. Everyone demanding that they cease their charges. Koris buckled under from the press, as did Gerrel and that weird woman Xen. Tali was home free, and her father's legacy was safe and sound.
Mads didn't think it was possible for Tali to squeeze out all the air in his lungs with that hug she pulled afterwards. But she did. "I can't believe you pulled that off... I have never had anyone speak like that for me. Thank you, Romanov... For everything" She said with probably the happiest voice she had since learning about her trial.
"Tali... You deserve better. What your father did... I can't change that." Mads replied.
"I got something better, I got you." Tali said. That comment made Mads smile under his helmet.
"Alright, Vas Normandy. Let's get back to our ship." Mads smiled.
"Thank you... Captain." Tali said under her breath.
They never realized it, but Raan had observed them both under and after the trial, and come to some interesting conclusions. The Quarians were masters at reading body language after all. Before they could leave, Mads told Tali he had to do something. She and Garrus waited for a little while before Mads came back with a box. They all boarded the ship.
Tali couldn't have been happier with how the trial turned out, even if things had been sorrowful for her under it. That sorrow was still not out of her system.