W.i.t.G
What's up!
Just wanted to say a massive thank you to those of you who are reviewing the story. It really does help me to try and improve the story! Plus, I love to get an email in the morning telling me that somebody appreciates my work! To those of you just reading, then carry on. I appreciate all of you! War in the Galaxy is of course my first Fanfiction and its nice to know that people do like to read it.
Next point... I'd like to just say, that my story will be deviating from canon (I reckon you all know that by know though). What I mean is: I'm going to take the best bits from the games and additional sources, and I'm going to use it for my own devices. BioWare own Mass Effect, but I'm going to spice up the story a little bit.
Cheers!
Now, on to the story...
"Finally! How long does it take?!" Kaidan exclaimed, throwing his hands into the air in mock annoyance.
Shepard and Tali simply looked up at the approaching trio, Tali not making any movements, whilst the commander just chuckled at his Lieutenant's antics.
Shepard and Tali had found Kaidan by a stack of crates, seemingly filling in the paperwork the commander had given him. Once Kaidan had finished his work, and Shepard had been given the copies, the commander had sat down on a stack of crates, and had begun to fill out Tali's ATC. Once done, Shepard had called over the already close Quarian, to inspect the document, making sure he hadn't made any mistakes in her personal details.
Once everything was in order, Shepard submitted the document, and a reply was received immediately. The ATC's allowed a non-human to be part of the Alliance military, temporarily. This new status allowed for Tali to receive a paycheck like everybody else, in addition to receiving half of the benefits a human would receive.
It was only a couple of minutes later that Wrex and Garrus had shown up, and the commander had gotten up to inform them of their new statuses. Tali had gotten up as well, but realising what Shepard was doing, sat back down again. The squad were just waiting for Ashley to show up, before they could disembark.
Ashley came running at breakneck speed towards the commander. As she got closer, Shepard looked up at the panting woman, waiting to hear her excuse.
In a breathless tone from the heavy running, and struggling with her salute, Ashley began, "I-I apologise for being late, Commander. Damn holo-terminal just cut out on me."
Shepard simply moved over to pat the struggling marine on the shoulder, before speaking, "That's alright Ashley, I understand. You must have run pretty far to be this out of breath..."
Ashley got her breath back a little bit, before staring up into his smiling features and replying, "I did. I came running when I got the reminder on my omni-tool. It took me a while, but I made it."
With a nod of his head to the female marine, Shepard moved away, towards the Normandy's entrance; he motioned to the ground team members to make their way onto the Normandy, "Alright people, let's get inside. We've got a rogue spectre to catch!"
Shouts and cheers of acknowledgement met the commander's ears at this statement, and Shepard simply smirked as the airlock door began to open; allowing the squad access to the decontamination chamber. Tali was next to the commander, on his right hand side, whilst Ashley stood to Shepard's left. Kaidan, Wrex and Garrus filled up the space at the back. The VI blared once the decontamination sequence had finished:
"XO Shepard is aboard. Navigator Pressly stands relieved."
'I'm going to have to change the VI's settings...' Shepard thought in annoyance, as he approached the pilot's chair, hoping to speak with Joker before giving the tour of the Normandy to the others.
Joker was too engrossed in his magazine to hear the airlock cycling, or to hear the droning of the monotone VI; he hadn't even heard the numerous footsteps getting louder as the squad approached him.
Fornax was just too entertaining for the human pilot.
'Look at these Asari... Is that a female Drell? Wait a minute... Hang on... Is that a Hanar?! With two Asari?! Man! Aliens are into some freaky shit...'
"Something catch your interest, Joker?" Shepard said, leaning on the back of Joker's chair, as he looked down at his pilot.
'Oh shit...'
Joker threw the magazine to the other side of the cock-pit, before turning around to face the amused commander. Trying to maintain a serious visage, Joker began to stutter out his answer:
"Commander Shepard, sir! I-I didn't hear you enter."
Shepard chuckled before he responded, in a quiet tone, just enough so Joker could hear him as humour laced his words, "Well, If you took your face out of that porn-mag, then you would have realised we have guests." With that, Shepard stepped out of the way to reveal the squad.
Everybody looked at Joker with different expressions.
Garrus and Wrex wore plain expressions, although it was apparent that Garrus was struggling to hold in his laughter.
Tali didn't have a clue what was going on, and so stood innocently, in between Garrus and Kaidan.
Ashley... Ashley looked visibly livid.
Kaidan was chuckling whilst shaking his head.
Ashley spun around at this, before huffing and walking away; a few choice words could be heard as she walked down the bridge, "Men... Pigs... The lot of them!"
Shepard just laughed along with the lieutenant as he watched the furious Gunnery Chief storm away. Joker managed a weak, nervous chuckle, before Shepard turned around to face him. The commander could only smile at the blushing pilot, "If you want to do a bit of extra reading Joker, do it during third shift. No one will be up then. You can peruse to your heart's content." Shepard could only viciously grin at the spluttering pilot, before he spoke once more, "So Joker... Do you think we're ready for departure?"
Joker's embarrassment abated at this, as confusion took its place. Joker cautiously began to reply:
"Why would we be ready to depart, Commander? Captain Anderson isn't aboard yet."
Shepard's face took on a pained expression as he quietly whispered, "There's been a change of plans, Joker. Anderson has given up his position as CO of the ship." Joker was about to retort, when Shepard cut him off, "The Alliance have given the ship to me now. I'm the Normandy's new CO."
Joker was at a loss for words.
It was Shepard however that filled that space, "I know... It's a shitty situation."
Joker shook his head immediately disagreeing with his new CO.
Shepard quietly chuckled before he continued, "It just... It doesn't seem right, you know? Anderson survives hundreds of battles, and yet he's taken down by back room politics. I can't wait to find out what's going to happen to me, if shit hits the fan on this mission."
Joker managed to speak now, his lack of sense clearing, "It's not your fault, Commander. At least the Alliance has put somebody capable in charge of the ship. You'll do fine, sir. I'm sure of it." Joker finished, his words holding conviction.
Shepard smiled at the man, before he asked his next question, "Do you think I could make an announcement to the crew? Just to ease any tensions or worries."
Joker nodded his head at this, and he turned around in his chair before pressing a button on his holographic display. A beep was heard within the cock-pit as Joker responded in a quiet and hushed tone, "The intercom's open for you, Commander."
Shepard stood up straight, before he cleared his throat. Once ready, the commander began, his tone of voice expressing his passion and determination:
"This is Commander Shepard speaking."
Throughout the ship, the random crew members going about their tasks, stopped in their tracks to listen to the Lion speak. Ashley looked up from her locker, half of her armour removed, as she listened in intently. The trio of aliens, and Kaidan, all stood listening to the man who was only a few metres away, speak on the intercom:
"As of this moment, I am the commanding officer of the SSV Normandy. Captain Anderson has willingly stepped down in order for us to proceed with our mission. We have our orders, and they are simple. We are to locate, and eliminate Saren Arterius. As you already know, Saren is a rogue agent of the Citadel, and has an army of Geth at his command. It's fair to say, he won't go down without a fight."
Shepard let that thought sink in, allowing for a short silence to settle.
He began again, his voice emphasising the fire that burned within his soul:
"He may already be expecting us... And I won't lie to you crew, this mission is not going to be easy. But he can't simply throw us out of the fight! When the pirates invaded Elysium during the Skyllian Blitz, did I give up and let them win? No! I raided their camps, and their homes. I was there, on Torfan. Many of you will know that a lot of good soldiers died that day. But we were victorious. When we were on Eden Prime, did I simply roll over and die? Hell no! I came out fighting! I need you all to hold onto that thought, because I intend to lead us into the biggest fight of our lives, and I'll be damned if I don't give Saren a good fight!"
Cheers of approval met the commander's words at his final statement.
"You, are what makes humanity great in this galaxy! You! The individual that keeps the Alliance running! Without you, I couldn't do what I do... Crew, I know that we can find Saren, and I know we can hunt him down. I will make a promise to each and every one of you personally: I will personally drive my blade through his gut and make him wish he'd never crossed humanity! Remember the Blitz! Remember Torfan! Remember Eden Prime! Remember those that have fallen already! Our actions and efforts will reflect humanity's spirit and ability to fight. We work not just for humanity, but for every race in the galaxy. Trust your shipmates; trust your friends. Work together! We're in this fight together. Have hope, and trust in the Normandy."
"That is all. Shepard, out."
At the end of Shepard's speech, all over the ship a powerful uproar of emotion from the crew was heard, as the determination fuelling Shepard's words, leaked out into the individuals in the crew. With new resolves and passions being stoked, the embers being brought to life, the crew began anew. They were ready for the fight. Shepard needed them, and everyone of them would be ready and willing. For Eden Prime! For the fallen! For the galaxy!
Once the commander had finished his speech, Joker switched off the comm.
Turning to face his commander, he could only chuckle at the sight of the hulking man, turning crimson with embarrassment, whilst rubbing the back of his neck. Shepard decided to ask his question after Joker kept chuckling:
"It wasn't that bad... Was it?"
"No Commander, not at all. Captain Anderson would have been proud to hear that."
Shepard simply smirked at the man, before with a free hand, he offered it to the pilot. Joker was slightly taken aback, but he quickly grasped the man's hand as tightly as he physically could.
Vrolik's was a bitch...
Shepard said his next words with passion, fuelling the resolve within Joker, "Plot a course for the Artemis Tau cluster, Joker. All possible speed. Let's see what the Normandy's made of."
Joker had a vicious grin planted on his lips when he spoke next, his own voice now determined, "Aye aye, Commander. I'm sure the Normandy and I won't disappoint."
Shepard nodded his head, letting go of his grip, before he turned around and walked away.
Joker could only smile at the man's back, happy that Shepard wasn't that fazed by the pressure now put on his shoulders. Turning around, Joker inputted the co-ordinates for the Mass Relay in Widow, before sending an urgent message to Navigator Pressly for the co-ordinates of the Artemis Tau cluster.
Joker leaned back in his chair once the Normandy had disengaged from the magnetic locks in the docking bay, and was heading out into open space.
He grinned wickedly as he reached for his crutches, a thought popping into his mind.
'Now where did that magazine get to?'
Tali could only stand in amazement as she listened to Chris speaking. The passion and determination that laced his words had galvanized the ship back into life, as if it was a dormant beast waiting for life to be bestowed upon it.
Once he had finished and had turned around to face the trio, she couldn't help but feel tingles run down the length of her spine. His words lingered in her ears and his smile had caused something else within Tali to stir.
She didn't stop it. Rather, she allowed it to continue.
It was, different. But again, like it was back on the Citadel, it wasn't unwelcome.
It was... Pleasant. Refreshing, even.
'I could get used to this... A captain as passionate as Chris? I know the Ancestors have blessed me with multiple miracles today, but it doesn't seem like they're going to be stopping anytime soon. I wonder if they can give me one final miracle? It'd only be a small one...
Tali blushed heavily behind her mask as a sudden lewd thought rushed through her mind. It was silly and childish, but it would make certain personal activities a whole lot more interesting...
Once Chris had gotten closer, Tali snapped out of her internal ramblings, and paid rapt attention to the human in question.
"Right, well, I hope you all enjoyed the speech. Mission's don't usually start like that, believe me." With a smirk on his face, he continued, "Anyway... Seeing as you are all temporary Alliance personnel, I am obligated to assign you a position within the ship." Turning to face Wrex, he simply chuckled before he spoke, "I don't see you being a chef somehow Wrex, do you?"
Wrex barked out a laugh at this, before replying, "I could just be internal security... Saves the crew from getting food poisoning."
"That, isn't a bad idea Wrex. We'll have to doll it up a little bit, but I think I can make that work." Shepard exclaimed, smiling widely at the Krogan mercenary. Shepard then rounded on Garrus, before speaking, "Any ideas, Garrus?"
Garrus just shook his head, dejected, before replying, "I can't think of anything straight away, Commander."
Shepard looked bewildered at the Turian, before he moved closer and slapped Garrus on the shoulder, a friendly gesture. "Cheer up, Garrus! It's not a major issue. We'll find you something to do. I'm sure of it."
Garrus smiled mirthfully, and nodded his head before replying, "Aye, sir."
Shepard smirked at the Turian before he continued, "And you can cut the sir crap out as well. Just call me Shepard. Or Commander; either is fine."
The commander turned to look in Tali's direction, offering a wink, before looking at Garrus again.
Garrus, was simply perplexed.
'If I don't call him sir, then how will he know that he remains the superior? I know humans operate differently to the Hierarchy, but that's just bizarre. I should ask him about that...' Garrus thought, mentally saving the idea for later.
Kaidan, who had seemingly blended into the background, spoke up now, "Commander, do you want me to show them their accommodation aboard the ship?"
Shepard smiled at the lieutenant, before he replied, "No, thank you Kaidan. I'll do it. It's only fair the CO do some of the grunt work as well. Besides, I've got to clear out my pod. Two birds with one stone, right?" Kaidan smiled at this reference before replying, "Aye aye Commander. I'll be at my post if you need me."
"Of course, Lieutenant. I'll message you when the time for suiting up begins. Carry on."
Kaidan offered a crisp salute, to which Shepard responded in kind; the lieutenant made his farewells before moving away from the group, towards the stairs at the back of the room.
Tali had been quiet up until this point, nervous of whether or not Shepard would allow her to work where she wanted to.
It wasn't that she wouldn't be happy with her assigned role... Keelah no! She was just thankful she was on the ship. She could be scrubbing the floors for all she cared; Tali's hands began to dance at her waist again as she lost herself in her inner ramblings.
Seeing this, Shepard placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to relax.
She turned around to see Chris' smiling features, to which she responded with her own beaming smile.
The twinkle in her eyes let Shepard know she was smiling, and he simply pointed her towards the stairs with a hand out before him, motioning her forwards. Wrex and Garrus didn't understand what was going on, but some of the human crew began chuckling at the commander's antics.
Tali stood and stared, perplexed at Chris, wondering what he was up to. It was only when he spoke next, did she begin to blush once more, "Ladies first, Tali. Old Earth tradition." Smiling, Tali walked in front of Shepard, but slowed down to allow him to draw nearer. Wrex and Garrus just looked at each other quizzically, before they followed as well.
The four squad members had made it down towards the sleeper pods, and were now stood outside. Tali and Garrus were listening with rapt attention, as the commander explained the procedure for using the pods. He also explained the rules and the shifts that everybody would be working.
Wrex, however, simply remained quiet until the end, when Shepard had seemingly finished.
"Are there any questions?" Shepard finally said.
Wrex lumbered forward from his position at the back of the group, before he spoke up, "Shepard... I'm not going to physically fit in one of these." Wrex's tone was serious, as he regarded the human in front of him.
Shepard chuckled softly in response, "Well... Looks like you'll be sleeping in the cargo bay then. Sorry Wrex. It's the best I can do."
Wrex gave a toothy grin before he regarded the human, "Shepard... You're going to get me big fights. I'll be fine. I just need food, enemies and a place to sleep. That's all."
"I think I can arrange that." Shepard smiled at the Krogan, before he turned to regard the Turian and Quarian stood listening to the conversation, "So Garrus, you'll be having pod NO.9, and Tali will have... Huh. Guess Tali's going to be having my old pod. NO.3." Shepard smiled at the pair, before he continued, "If you two have anything you want to put in your pods, you can do so now. Tali, just give me a few minutes, okay?"
Tali smiled softly at the commander, "Okay, Shepard."
Garrus moved over towards pod NO.9, intent on storing the few possessions he kept on his person.
Wrex wandered away from the group, and moved over to where Alenko was stationed.
That left Chris and Tali at pod NO.3.
Chris reached into the pod, and with one hand, began to collect his few possessions. Tali couldn't help the sudden surge of interest as she noticed some of Chris' personal effects. There was what appeared to be a holographic music player, an alarm clock, which was also holographic, and a collection of pictures.
Chris set them down, one by one, on the floor, except for one picture that had slipped from his grasp, and had fallen softly to the ground, near Tali's feet. Leaning down to pick up the fallen picture, Tali could only stare in wonder and curiosity as she viewed the small image: it was of a beautiful young woman, smiling into the camera; pearly white teeth glistening in the light, with raven black hair, flowing over her smooth shoulders, whilst she leaned against a smiling man, both huddled together in a loving embrace.
Tali recognised that man as Chris, but the other woman... She had no idea who she was.
Something gripped Tali's heart at the sight of the woman and Chris... But she couldn't understand what it was.
Holding the picture in her left hand, Tali gently tapped Chris' shoulder with the other, not removing her eyes from the image in front of her. Turning around, Chris was met with a strange sight: Tali was looking at something quizzically, before she began to offer it back to him. Seeing the look of surprise on Shepard's face as he held the picture in his large hands, Tali began to nervously speak, afraid she had intruded on something private:
"I-I didn't mean to pry. It's just... T-The picture fell on the floor." Tali's hands began to nervously dance as she tried to continue her explanation; she began to stare at her feet, ashamed of herself all of a sudden. Her speech picked up its pace; "I mean, I didn't pick the picture up because I'm curious about your life, which I am, I mean, I'm curious of humans in general and, it's just I thought the picture was quite odd, and I recognised you in the picture, smiling and happy, but I didn't recognise the other woman in the picture, and it's just..."
"Tali..." Chris said, smiling at the sight of the nervous woman in front of him. Tali's head shot up at this, to regard the smiling man, akin to the one in the picture he was holding. Tali relaxed as she saw the sight of the smile on the man's face, and couldn't help but return a soft one of her own, being conveyed by another twinkle in her eye.
Chris gave the picture back to the woman, which she hesitantly took, before he explained the origin of the image:
"This picture's fairly old to be honest, but I can still remember the day it was taken," Tali tilted her head inquisitively, as Chris continued, "That picture was taken on a fairly special day; a day where Lucy, the woman in the picture, and I had a day to ourselves on shore leave. It was pretty special because it was also her birthday..." Chris smiled softly at the memory, before what appeared to be a tear entered the corner of his left eye. Tali could only stare in wonderment and curiosity, as she regarded the man in front of her, curious as to know who this 'Lucy' was.
Tali spoke up softly and hesitantly, not wishing to allow others to listen: "Chris... W-Was Lucy special to you?" The word 'special' had seemingly become stuck in Tali's throat, her mind not really wanting to hear the answer.
'If she is special... Well, that's one miracle the Ancestors won't be able to send me...'
Tali began to lament herself at this.
'Nice going Tali... Of course the man has a partner! How could he not?!'
Chris softly spoke up, just so Tali could hear, his voice full of emotion. "She is... Was very close to me." Chris corrected himself, before he continued, as Tali's inner lamenting ceased, "But... She's been gone for a while now. That time has passed." Chris raised his head to regard the young woman, who was paying rapt attention, before he smiled softly, "She was extremely important to me. But that was the past. I should probably leave these memories locked away. They seem to do more harm than good these days. "
'I should ask someone about this 'Lucy... Maybe the lieutenant knows something.' Tali thought, mentally saving the conversation starter for later, as she continued to pay attention to Chris, her body in a mixture of emotions.
Chris shoved the picture into a pocket in his armor, locking it away; intent on forgetting his past. A resolution he made to himself, one that he intended to keep to. The commander smiled at Tali, conveying a new Shepard; a changed Shepard.
Tali couldn't help the shivers that occurred once more, sending waves of heat, rolling across her body.
'Damn attractive bosh'tet...' Tali thought, as she smirked at Chris.
Chris nodded his head, before speaking up, "Well... There's your new pod Tali. All for you. Once you're done, come and find me down in the cargo hold. If you need help, ask anybody for assistance. If that doesn't work, then try and find someone from the ground team. Hell, if you need to, just drop my name into the conversation. That should work."
With a wink, and a squeeze of the Quarian's shoulder, Chris moved away from the pods towards the now waiting Turian, who was standing next to Wrex near Kaidan's workstation. The group, with Kaidan as well, all moved towards the elevator.
Tali moved towards the pod, and, whilst nibbling on her lower lip, grinned widely at the contact just shown. Tali let her thoughts wander off, into pure, blissful oblivion, intent on losing herself for a while, as she organised her new living space, with the few possessions she had on her person.
Her mood, however, shifted fairly quickly.
'So did she... Did this 'Lucy' leave him? How? Why? Why would you leave someone like Shepard? That just doesn't make any sense!' Tali thought, confused at the situation as she turned around to place her own photo chit into the pod. Anger, however, overcame her senses, as her imagination played out scenarios in her head. Rage swelled within Tali, as she began to berate the woman who had made Chris so upset.
'How could anyone leave him?! That's just plain idiotic! Stupid bosh'tet... It's not even fair! He doesn't deserve someone like that.'
When a thought struck her, like lightning to a tree.
'She may not want him any more... But... Maybe...'
Tali changed her mood, as the thought in her mind completed itself. She had been saved, in more ways than one, and now, she had a chance to repay her saviour. She would be there for him, where Lucy had failed. Perhaps not in a romantic position, but she would be there for when he was feeling low.
Tali found the whole ground team in the cargo bay, after she had exited the elevator; her few personal possessions were now within her pod.
She walked towards the huddled group, over by a stack of crates and what appeared to be lockers. Getting closer, Tali could just make out the end of the conversation occurring:
"So, to finish, Wrex, you'll be staying down in here in the cargo hold, using these crates as a personal space if you so wish. Garrus, you'll be working on the Mako, correct?" The Turian nodded his head enthusiastically, as Shepard continued, "Alright then. Ashley will be over in the corner, with the weapons. If you need a weapon servicing, see the Chief." Shepard nodded his head towards the Gunnery Chief, who simply smiled at the acknowledgement made by the commander, "These lockers will be for storage of weapons, armour and other mission essential items only. No storing clothes or anything in here. Only I can do that." Shepard winked at Kaidan, who simply laughed in response.
"Is there anything else you need me to tell you? Or are you going to be fine settling in?" Shepard said, scanning the faces of the squad members. It was Tali however that spoke up now:
"I'm sorry Shepard, I didn't get the explanation. I was putting my things away..." Tali said meekly and quietly, consciously aware of the stares she received from the other squad members.
Shepard smiled before he addressed the Quarian, "That's fine Tali. I'll go through it with you."
Turning to face the other squad members, he ended his explanation, "Dismissed."
With the explanation out of the way, the ground team members split up and went in different directions: Wrex lumbered over towards the crates, and once he had slumped down into a sitting position, he pulled out his 'shotgun' and began to clean it. Garrus moved towards the Mako that was parked in the corner of the cargo hold, enthusiasm evident in his posture as he began to read off the schematics. Ashley and Kaidan nodded their heads at the commander, before, in perfect unison, they both performed crisp salutes to their CO. Once done, Ashley moved towards the weapon bench, and Kaidan journeyed towards the elevator, leaving Shepard and Tali standing in the middle of the cargo hold.
Once everybody was gone, Chris spoke, "So... Do you have any preferences where you want to work, Tali?"
Tali could only stare in bewilderment at the man.
'Y-You're asking me where I want to work? B-But... I-I thought I wouldn't be given a choice?'
Tali spluttered out her reply, allowing her heart to speak for her, "I-I wouldn't mind working in engineering if possible, Chris."
Chris smiled softly at the woman before speaking quietly, "I think we can do something about that..."
The commander motioned with his hand to a set of doors, down a corridor. Tali remembered what had happened earlier, and quietly spoke as she moved forward, "Thank you, Chris."
"You're welcome, Tali."
Tali smiled behind her mask, as the pair entered through the sliding doors at the end of the corridor.
The sight before Tali, was one of the most beautiful she had ever seen.
Standing, in its full technological glory, was the largest mass effect core, Tali had ever seen in a ship the size of the Normandy. Beaming behind her mask, Tali couldn't help the grin that split her lips as she regarded the beautiful sight before her.
It was simply amazing.
And Chris was going to let her work in here?
It was as if she had died and had joined the Ancestors.
"Keelah..."
Shepard smirked at the young woman at his side, "I'm guessing that you want to work in here then? Are you sure? I'm sure I can find you some work in the mess hall."
Tali's reply was immediate, as she rounded on the human man; her voice was quiet, but passionate:
"This is amazing, Chris! Look at the size of that mass effect core! It's bigger than any I've ever seen on a frigate!"
Another voice entered the conversation at this, causing Chris to turn around, whilst Tali had turned back around again, and was transfixed on the mass effect core: "Commander? Doing the rounds again are you?"
"You could say that, Adams." Shepard said, as he addressed the elder Human who was coming closer.
Adams just laughed as he looked towards the young woman. He spoke, seemingly addressing the fascinated Quarian in front of him:
"Tantalus drive core. A prototype built specifically for the Normandy. She's a beauty, isn't she?"
Tali could only nod her head, as she turned around to face both men again.
Shepard smiled at the dumbfounded woman, before he introduced Adams to Tali, "Tali, this is Chief Engineer Adams." Shepard turned around to face Adams before he spoke again, "Adams, this is Tali'Zorah nar Rayya. Tali will be working in the engineering department as her chosen work obligation while she's aboard ship. There won't be any problems I hope?"
Adams quietly chuckled, before he addressed his superior, "No sir. Just from her enthusiasm at seeing the core, I think she'll fit right in here."
Shepard smiled at the man, confident that Tali would be well looked after, "That's good to hear Adams."
The young Quarian woman had managed to draw herself out of the dreamlike state she was in for a moment, as she regarded the large marine, "I'll do my best, Shepard, I won't let you down."
Shepard chuckled before he placed a hand on Tali's shoulders, unaware of the feelings that surged through her body at the contact. She visibly relaxed in Shepard's presence, as he began speaking softly, "I don't think you could let me down Tali. The fact that you agreed to help me means a hell of a lot..."
'Is this man for real?! I should be saying these things! The galaxy is just teasing me now...' Tali could only silently regard the commander in her own mixture of happiness and confusion.
Adams spoke up now, "She'll be fine, Commander. I'll give her some work to do. She'll be right at home; I'm sure of it."
"Thank you Adams. It would appear that my faith in the engineering department wasn't unfounded." Shepard said, patting his Chief Engineer on the shoulder, whilst grinning at him.
Shepard rounded on Tali now, ready to depart and check up on the others on the ship; he had to make sure Joker had gotten the plot right, and that the extra supplies were in the right places.
"I've got to go now Tali, but I have a feeling you'll be just fine here. If you ever need to talk, or you have some problems, come up to the captain's cabin, and we can talk, okay?"
Tali smiled at the man, as more tears of joy trickled down her cheeks, a sparkle in her eyes, twinkling brightly. Shepard understood what that meant, and was about to leave, before a three-fingered hand shot out, and clasped into his. Shepard was fairly surprised at this, but turned around nonetheless.
Tali spoke up now, her voice filled with raw emotion.
"Thank you Chris... You have no idea what this means to me. I can't ever repay this debt..."
Chris just chuckled, as he squeezed her hand, speaking up as well. "I've already told you, there's no debt. We're even. That's how it will always be." With one final squeeze and a heart warming smile, Chris turned around, and left engineering.
Adams pretended to ignore what he had just seen, as he once more approached the Quarian woman:
"So Tali'Zorah nar Rayya... Shall we get to work?"
Tali smiled at the man, behind her mask, as Chris' kind words played once more through her mind. They warmed her soul and her heart. Tingles and shivers, racked her body, underneath her suit, and the strange feelings that Tali had begun to feel towards the kind human man, had come back, at full force. She could only sigh, a contented sigh, as she began to replay fantasies within her mind, allowing her imagination to wander once more.
Her feelings were beginning to slot into place, once more. The seeds that had been planted, had begun to very slowly sprout.
She finally replied to Adams' question, her voice soft, as her heart became contented:
"Please, Engineer Adams. Call me Tali."
And, that, is a wrap. Well. For the chapter anyway.
I know... I know... I did say that Therum and Liara were going to be next, but I just had to do a separate chapter for this part. Normandy Banter!
I promise the next chapter will be devoted to Therum... There's nothing else that can happen really before then, so Liara shall be saved! Be warned however, the chapter will probably be extremely large...
Enjoyed the chapter? Do you like how the characters are developing?
Tell me in the reviews! I will listen to your opinions. That's what I'm here for. You can message me as well if you wish. If you want to discuss some ideas in private, or just want to generally chat about Mass Effect, give me a buzz!
I must reinforce however, that this is my story. The character interactions and developments are down to my own personal beliefs of how they should have developed.
Nerve-Stim, for the win! ;D
Cheers!