W.i.t.G
What's up guys! :)
Sorry about the wait guys, I've got exams coming up so I've been revising like crazy! But... I'm back now! :D
Part 4... Man.. I can't wait for them to get off of Arcturus. xD
Thank you to those of you who have been reviewing, following and favouriting! It's very much appreciated! :D
The final part of the recovery section...
Part 4!
"Chris? You wanted to see me?" A female voice said over the intercom, the voice sounding slightly synthesised.
"Yeah! Just... Give me a sec!" Chris shouted, as he continued to struggle with putting his navy blue dress trousers on, grunting in annoyance.
As soon as the Commander had come out of the shower, after 40 minutes, he had found his dress uniform neatly folded on his bed, the package he had asked for, along with his Holo-key placed on the bed as well.
Everything was there.
His shoes had kept their immaculate shine from so many years ago, and his dark navy blue jacket looked as if it had never been worn before.
Kaidan had even brought the Commander's dress cap, and other assortments, such as his 'Lieutenant-Commander' chevrons to pin on his shoulders.
Everything had been specially made for the Commander's large stature, so it wouldn't have been possible to simply acquire a standard dress uniform.
What Chris hadn't expected however, was the medals and ribbons Kaidan had brought as well... The different coloured ribbons and medals, from different accolades and achievements that Chris had achieved throughout his career, would sit on his left breast..
His left breast would be fully covered, whilst one single medal would remain.
The Star of Terra
The Star of Terra would hang around the Commander's neck; a symbol of the Commander's efforts on Elysium.
The Commander had everything he would need, the jacket had clung perfectly to his body once it had been put on, over the simple shirt he wore underneath.
However, the only problem so far was getting his trousers on... More specifically, the problem was getting his injured leg into his trousers.
Tali stood outside the door, listening to the man's grunting and cursing...
Unfortunately, for the pair of them, Tali's anxiety decided to flair up at that very moment...
'Is he alright?! He sounds like he's in a lot of pain... Maybe... No... Maybe he's fallen over, and can't get up! I need to help him!'
Tali was about to open the door, a custom made hacking program having been brought up on her omni-tool, when a sound of triumph could be heard from within the room.
"YES! Geez... Why was that so hard?!"
Tali's mind stopped it's worrying, as she focused on the sounds coming from within the room... Turning her helmets sound amplifiers up, Tali pressed her helmet to the steel door.
The only sound that could be heard in the room, was the sound of Chris' footsteps, along with a strange, clacking sound against the floor. One strong step, followed by a slower, weaker step.
Tali tried to memorise the sound of Chris' footsteps, just so she could have some forewarning for when he visited Engineering...
It was always good to know more about your mate.
Suddenly, the sound of clacking could be heard coming closer to the door, and Tali jumped backwards suddenly...
Tali had just made it backwards in time, before the door opened, revealing her Human.
Tali's eyes widened, as her jaw went slack, her tongue lolling out of her mouth slightly, whilst her body was overcome with a fierce blush. Her entire body warmed considerably as her giddy, bubbly feelings returned...
Stood before her, was her Human... Clad in a very, VERY attractive uniform...
His dark navy blue jacket clung to his body, the left side of his chest covered with different coloured ribbons and medals, with the material simply melting onto his form, accentuating his incredibly toned, and muscular body. His similarly coloured bottoms wrapped around his powerful legs, with shiny black shoes melding to his feet... He wore a simple, officers cap on his head, with a golden symbol standing proudly at its centre. His rich, emerald eyes held a beautiful sparkle, as they peaked out from under the cap, looking down on the figure before him, his scar remaining prominent, with it all contrasting with the deep colour of the black hair on his face.. A medal hung from Chris' neck, a spectacular dark green star, with a symbol printed onto it. White stars edged around the border, with it all being printed onto what appeared to be spread wings... The ribbon was a deep sapphire colour, with white stars running up it's entire length...
The man simply exuded power... He was simply perfect...
He was slumping in posture slightly, but that was to be expected... The Commander had to rely on his cane after all to support his weight, as well as to allow him some form of mobility...
Tali, not for the first time in Chris' presence, felt very inferior.
Once Tali had stopped staring, and she had saved a mental image of her Human for later, Tali's hands began to dance at her waist.
"K.. Keelah.." Tali murmured, as her eyes dropped to stare at her feet..
The Commander looked down at Tali, before a large grin split his lips, "Hey Tal."
"C.. Chris.. W.. Wow.." Tali mumbled as she unconsciously shuffled a little closer to her Human.
Chris softly smiled, before he removed his cap. With the hat under his right arm, Chris moved out of the doorway, before offering for Tali to enter. "Please Tali, come on in."
Tali grinned behind her mask, as she slowly moved ahead of Chris...
'I don't think I'll ever get used to that... Keelah...'
Chris simply smirked, as he entered the room, before locking the door behind him.
"So... I guess I look okay then?" Chris asked, as he moved into the room.
Tali softly giggled, as she began to slowly sit on the edge of Chris' bed, "Yes Chris... You look great."
"Thanks Tali." Chris softly replied, as he too moved towards the edge of the bed.
Chris sat down slowly, before turning his Omni-cane off.
With a sigh, Chris placed his hat on the bed, inhaling deeply as he did so.
"Is something wrong Chris? I mean.. You asked to see me, and I'm not sure why I'm here.. The ceremony's not for another hour.." Tali softly said, as she turned on the bed to face Chris.
Chris chuckled, before he replied, "You're right... I just wanted to give you something first."
Tali's mind instantly went into overload, as she stared at her Human incredulously.
'Wait.. What?.. What do you mean you wanted to give me something?.. You've given me so much already!' Tali thought, as her heart rate increased in anticipation.
"I.. I don't understand.. I.. I never asked for anything." Tali softly mumbled, as she looked towards her feet once more.
Chris smirked as he slowly stood up from his seated position. Once his cane had been engaged once more, Chris began to hobble towards a crate in the corner of the room.
"You might not have asked for anything Tal, but there's something you'll learn about Humans.. Me in particular..." Chris replied, as he neared the crate.
Once close enough, the Commander turned his cane off, before slowly reaching down...
With a grunt, Chris hefted the crate up, off of the ground. He swayed slightly, due to the added weight he had picked up.
The Commander began to unsteadily hobble back towards the bed, the crate in his arms...
With another stumble, Tali decided that she had to help. Getting up immediately, Tali walked over to her Human, before she placed a small hand on his left arm...
"Here.. Let me help.." Tali said, as she supported her Human.
Chris simply smirked, as he shook his head, whilst hobbling back towards the bed, "Not happening Tal.. But I appreciate the offer.."
Tali smirked at Chris' stubbornness, as she continued to support him.
Once they had reached the bed, Chris placed the heavy crate down with a sigh, before motioning for Tali to sit on the bed. Tali looked at Chris quizzically, but did as she had been instructed.
Chris had a genuine smile on his face, as he began to open the crate up...
With a loud click, the locks on the crate opened, and Chris quietly spoke, "Like I said.. You'll learn something about Humans.. Especially me.."
With one hand on the lid of the crate, Chris looked straight into Tali's faceplate before he finished softly, "... And that's the fact that we love surprises!"
Tali was bewildered at first, but as soon as the lid had opened, her heart had stopped, with her breath being caught in her throat...
A few tears welled in Tali's eyes, as she looked upon the contents of the crate...
Inside was a set of armor.
Not just any set of armor though... It was a set of Colossus X Light Quarian Armor, crimson and charcoal in colour, specially designed to fit over a Quarian's enviro-suit, to offer the best protection for any situation...
It was simply... Beautiful...
It was simply ... Perfect...
It was now Tali's...
Another gift from her Human.
Without hesitation, Tali stood up from her seated position, before wrapping her arms around Chris, enveloping him in a tight embrace...
Chris was slightly shocked, but his body didn't miss a beat.. Without a moments hesitation, Chris wrapped his own arms around Tali, returning the embrace..
Tali's shoulders began to rack uncontrollably, as tears of happiness gushed down her cheeks.. Tali clung to Chris, as if he was a life-raft in a perilous storm, softly mumbling her thanks to her Human...
Chris simply chuckled, as he held onto Tali.
After a few minutes, Chris pulled away from Tali's grip, before he softly spoke up, "I take it, that you like my surprise then? You needed a set of armor, that much was certain..."
"I.. I.. I.. I love... I love it Chris... Keelah I do... Nobody... Nobody has ever.. Ever.. Given me something like this... Nobody's cared enough to give me a surprise ... The only person who has, is you... You surprised me by saving my life.. You surprised me by allowing me on your ship.. You surprised me by giving me a full arsenal of weapons.. And now? You've surprised me by giving me a spectacular set of armor.. Keelah.. I bet this cost a fortune..." Tali replied, as she looked into Chris' emerald eyes.
"Yeah well... You deserved to be spoiled, and I needed to show you that I'm truly in your debt.. You saved my life Tali.. I don't know about Quarians, but to Humans? That's a pretty big deal.. And as for the cost?.. I didn't pay a thing. I was offered a choice, and I chose for you to have a set of armor. It's as simple as that." Chris said, as he moved over to the cabinet next to his bed.
"Thank you Chris... Keelah.. Thank you.. I .. I can never repay you..." Tali replied, her voice breathless as the heart rate increased tenfold, her face flushing with heat.
"I don't need any repayment." Chris softly replied.
"Yes you do! ... But... There's nothing I can give you." Tali responded dejectedly, as she moved over towards her new armor.
"I'll tell you what.. If you stick with me until we catch Saren, then we're even... Deal?"
"I was never going to leave anyway.. I'm here until the end. I promise you that."
"Well! That's settled then!"
Tali smirked, as she began to enthusiastically take the different pieces of her armor out of the crate.
"Hey, Tali." Chris said, as he began to rummage through a drawer.
"Yes Chris?" Tali replied softly, as her eyes continued to widen with every piece she took out.
"There's a bathroom over there..." Chris said, as he lazily pointed with one hand, over his shoulder, "Why don't you go and put your armor on? You know, ready for the ceremony and everything..."
Tali turned around from her unpacking to look where Chris was pointing. Once she had seen what Chris was talking about, she happily chirped, "Okay Chris. I won't be long!"
"Take your time.. The others won't be here for like another 25 minutes.. No rush." Chris responded, as he continued to hunt for the object he was looking for.
Tali absently nodded her head, before she put all of the pieces of her armor back in the crate.
Once done, she closed the lid of the crate, before she slowly hefted it upwards..
It was a difficult struggle for Tali to carry the crate, but she didn't falter, as she made her way to the bathroom.
Chris eventually found the object he had been looking for, and once he had removed it from the drawer, he stood upwards, before making his way over to his bed.
As soon as he had sat down, the clicking of a lock could be heard from the bathroom door, and Chris softly smiled, as he slowly unwrapped the package from earlier...
Twenty minutes later, and the lock to the bathroom turned from red, to green.
Chris lifted his head up from his work, to look towards the bathroom door.
What came next however, simply took Chris' breath away...
Tali slowly walked out of the bathroom, before she stopped in front of Chris.
As she began to shuffle her feet, and her hands engaged in another furious grapple, Tali's eyes met Chris', "S.. So.. How.. How do I look?"
'Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the donkey they rode in on...'
Stood before him, was a black suited Tali, with crimson sides where her hips were and with a white outline bordering around the different areas of her suit.. She had a different coloured hood on, over her helmet, charcoal black with a white border to match the rest of her suit... It looked just like Tali's original suit, but the material looked a lot thicker, tougher and newer.. It clung to her already shapely form, accentuating her body even further... She looked marvellous...
It definitely looked like it could protect Tali.
'I definitely made the right decision..' Chris mused, as he gazed appreciatively at the armor.
"Geez Tal... Are you trying to make me look ugly?" Chris remarked, as he slowly stood up from his position on the bed.
"N.. No.. I.. I would never do that!" Tali replied, her tone worried, as her hands grappled with an increased fervour.
"I was kidding Tali... How does it feel?" Chris said, as he motioned for Tali to sit on the bed.
Tali immediately sat down on the bed, her face feeling like a furnace, before she responded, "Keelah.. This is like a dream.."
"Dream?.. Are you telling me, that I'm in your dreams Tal?" Chris teased, as he picked an object up from the cabinet next to the bed.
Tali was silent for a moment, as she instantly remembered the dream from the med-bay on the Normandy... The one where she and Chris made love...
'Keelah.. Wow... You could say that... You could definitely say that...'
Tali was silent for a moment longer, before she softly replied, "I meant.. The fact that all of this is happening... I never expected it.. I don't deserve it."
"That's bullshit, and you know it." Chris remarked, as he turned towards Tali, before moving towards the position next to her on the edge of the bed.
Tali giggled, as she looked at the now seated Chris, "This gift's amazing Chris.. The material is a lot thicker, and stronger, and there are armored plates underneath the material.. If a shot does penetrate, then all it will hit is the armored plates.."
"Sounds useful then.." Chris replied with a smile, before continuing, "Hey Tali.. Where's your other hood?"
Tali's eyes sparkled behind her opaque visor as she replied, "I've put my old Pilgrimage equipment and clothing in the crate. You don't mind do you?"
"Not at all." Chris said, as he nodded his head in understanding. After a few moments of silence, Chris decided that it was a good time to present his gifts, the gifts that he felt would be in better hands now...
Tali's eyes drifted to the objects her Human were holding, before she tilted her head in puzzlement, "What are they Chris?"
"These... These are for you... Just to express my thanks... So thank you." Chris said softly.
"You... You didn't need to... " Tali stuttered in protest, before Chris interrupted her.
"I know.. I know.. I shouldn't have.. But that doesn't matter... Now, could you hold your hands out please?"
Tali did as she was asked, and held her hands out before her.
Chris placed the gifts into Tali's opened hands, before he moved away to watch the Quarian's reaction.
Tali looked at the gifts closely, although she still did not have the slightest clue as to what the gifts were...
In her hands was a worn down black leather case, with metal clasps on the side. The edges of the box were faded, along with the leather, and the clasps seemed to be rusted from age.. She also had a matching leather harness, something that looked like it would be attached to a part of a person's body..
"I.. I.. I don't.." Tali stuttered out, her hands grazing gently across the surface of the leather box.
Chris simply smiled, before he spoke, "Just open it and have a look Tal."
Tali's mind was numb, as she held the box close to her chest. After a few moments of hesitation, Tali rested the box on her lap, with the harness having being placed at her side, before her three-fingered hands shakily unlocked the clasps...
With a shaky breath, Tali raised the lid.
Tali's mind simply stopped its functioning, as she looked at the object within the box, her eyes scanning in wonder...
Placed in the middle of the box, on top of a layer of green velvet, was a small, black leather sheath, with beautiful designs and swirls embedded into it and a curved silver handle sticking out at one end...
Tali's eyes went even wider, as she shakily lifted the sheath out of the box.
Once done, Tali slowly wrapped one of her hands around the curved handle, her fingers fitting perfectly, as she pulled the object out of its cover...
Chris simply smiled as he watched Tali's gaze wander up and down the length of the magnificently crafted blade...
"I.. I can't have this Chris.. It's yours.. I can't take it..." Tali said quietly, her voice downtrodden and sorrowful...
Chris chuckled before he softly replied, "I've never used it Tali... And I don't plan on using it."
"Why?" Tali said, her curiosity leaking into her words, as she looked at Chris, her eyes watery with emotion...
A heavy sigh could be heard from the Commander, before he replied, "Because Tal.. It was supposed to be a gift.. But.. Things have changed.. It reminds me of some pretty bad memories.. Memories I have to put behind me..."
Tali nodded her head at this, her heart feeling heavy with remorse as she pieced together the reason for herself.
'This was a gift for Lucy...'
However, Chris smiled softly in Tali's direction before he spoke up once more, "Anyway.. I thought it would be best if someone else was better off with it, rather than it simply sitting in my room... I want you to have it Tal, because I think you deserve it. Besides.. I've noticed that you like to get up close and personal with your shotgun when you're fighting.. I've always taken the policy that it's better to have too much, rather than too little. I would just feel a bit more relieved if you had some other form of protection is all when you get into CQC."
Tali numbly nodded her head, as she continued to gaze upon the magnificent object.. The light simply reflected off of the silver surface of the blade, the extremely sharp, pointed tip shining perfectly..
"I.. I don't know what to say.. Thank you Chris... Thank you.. T.. This means... Means so much..." Tali quietly mumbled, as tears began to well in the corners of her eyes.
"You deserve it Tali.. Don't let anyone ever tell you any different.. Just consider this as a way of me saying thank you again, for what you've done."
Tali smiled softly behind her mask, as a few tears leaked from her eyes; the tears slowly trickling down her cheeks...
Chris smiled as well, before he unsteadily stood up, "Anyway.. I just wanted to give you another gift.. I think it will go nicely with your armor, don't you?"
Tali stood up as well, before she numbly replied, the shock of being spoiled with gifts having not fully sunk in yet, "It will.. But.. I don't know where to keep it."
Chris chuckled, his omni-cane having been turned on to help support him, before he leant across to pick the leather harness up, "What do you think this is for Tal?"
Tali softly sniffled, as a small smile crept its way onto her lips, her heart soaring with the use of her 'pet name' from her Human, "I'm not sure.."
Chris smirked, as he began to explain, "Well.. This harness is used for carrying around your knife.. You usually keep it somewhere that you can easily reach."
"Where should I put it?" Tali inquired, as she continued to look at Chris.
Chris' brow furrowed in thought, as he looked at Tali. He was silent for just a moment, before responding, "I think it would be best if you had it around one of your legs. You could gain better access that way."
Tali nodded her head, before she replied, "So... If I should have it around one of my legs, could I have it around my left leg?"
"Why your left leg?" Chris said with a smirk, as he continued to hold the harness.
"I'm not too sure.. I just think it would be best if I wore it around my left leg. It just.. Seems right." Tali said.
Chris nodded his head, before he offered the harness, "Well that's settled then! Left leg it is!"
Tali smirked behind her helmet, as she placed her blade back into its cover, before setting it down on the bed. Once done, she stood up, to take the harness into her hands.
Chris simply smiled, as he watched Tali lean downwards, and begin to fasten the leather harness around her left leg.
"Does it fit? It's not too big is it?" Chris inquired, as he reached for his hat.
"No.. No.. It's fine thank you.. Quarians and Humans have a fairly similar anatomical structure, so the harness fits perfectly." Tali chirped, as she adjusted the harness on her lower left leg.
"I did not know that... You learn something new everyday huh?" Chris replied, as he began to hobble over towards the only mirror in the room.
Tali smirked behind her mask, as she finished fastening the harness around her leg, "Well.. I mean, we do have certain differences.. Such as the way Quarian's knees bend compared to Humans, as well as our 3 digits to your 5... You'll probably find us strange and weird if you look at how different we actually are..."
Chris was silent for a moment after Tali's explanation, before he passionately replied, "Yeah well.. That doesn't matter much to me. I've always lived by the principle that as long as you show me some form of respect or kindness, then the same shall be shown to you. I don't care what species or race you are, or what your skin colour is, or anything like that.. It means nothing to me. As long as you are a decent person, then that's all that matters. Fuck all that racist bullshit... Makes no sense to me what so ever."
Tali stopped her movements at her leg, as she contemplated her Humans words.
'He.. He doesn't care if someone's an alien or not.. He's not a racist.. This has to be too good to be true..' Tali thought, as a small smile crept onto her lips, her heart soaring with hope at the prospect...
"Is that true Chris? ... Do you really mean that?" Tali said softly.
Chris stopped what he was doing, before looking across towards Tali.
It was only once Tali's eyes had met with Chris', did he finally speak, "Yes. I meant every word of it. If your blood's blue, so what? If you have scaly skin, so what? If you have to live in a suit due to your immune system, so what? Everybody's different, and there's nothing wrong with that. Life's supposed to be full of diversity... We can't advance in life, unless we accept and adapt to different situations."
Tali was quiet for another moment, before a large grin was placed on her lips, her soul feeling whole..
'I'm positive now.. He is definitely a good man.. He is definitely my Human...'
Tali continued to beam behind her mask, as she reached for the blade resting on top of the bed. Once she had a hold of it, she slowly hovered her hand above the entry to her harness, before swiftly sliding in her new weapon.
Once done, Tali stood up, before walking over towards her Human.
Chris finished adjusting his uniform after a few moments, to which he turned around to address Tali.
"Wow Tal.. Looking good!"
Tali blushed slightly, before her fingers began to dance at her waist.
"Chris.. There's a problem.." Tali said meekly, as her gaze was directed towards her feet.
"What's the problem Tali?"
"I.. I.. I've never used a knife before.. I.. I've never had any training with one..."
Chris was silent for a long time, his mind reaching an understanding as to why Tali hadn't got any training with a sharp weapon..
'Of course they can't use knives.. One bad move, and their suits could have a puncture.. I'm such a dumb ass..'
After a few moments of contemplation, Chris nodded his head before he responded seriously, "Would you like someone to teach you how to use your blade? Wrex maybe? Or even Garrus?"
Tali's breath became caught in her throat before she could reply... She already knew who she wanted to teach her.
Once she had gained control of herself, Tali began to speak, "Actually.. I.. If it's alright with you Chris.. Could.. Could you teach me?... I mean, could you teach me how to use my new blade properly? After all.. I think you may know a bit more about blades than Wrex or Garrus..."
Chris stood for a moment, before he grinned in happiness, "Of course I'll teach you Tali! It would be my pleasure!"
"Great!" Tali exclaimed, as she beamed behind her mask.
"I'll start teaching you once my leg's a bit better, but I can definitely help you." Chris said smiling, as he looked upon Tali, his heart leaping for joy for no apparent reason..
The two simply looked at one another, their hearts and souls flying and soaring for no apparent reason.. And yet.. They did not need a reason.. Everything simply felt right..
Suddenly, the intercom for the room buzzed, "Hey Skipper, are you ready to go?"
Chris quickly dragged himself out of his day dreaming, as he moved towards the locked door.
"Are you ready to go Tal?" Chris asked.
"Umm.. Just give me a few minutes, I want to run a suit check, just to make sure the armor isn't interfering with any of my suit's systems." Tali said, as she rushed off, back towards the bathroom.
Chris simply smiled, as he opened the door.
Chris stood in the doorway, leaning slightly on his cane, as he looked upon his squad mates..
A wolf whistle could be heard from the Gunnery Chief, as she spoke up, her tone betraying her amazement, "Geez Skipper... You definitely know how to put a Marine to shame."
"You don't look too bad yourself Gunny." Chris said, as he looked over Ashley.
The Gunnery Chief was dressed in standard, navy blue formal Marine attire, with a blue beret perched on top of her dark brown hair with the usual hair bun in place, a golden Alliance symbol displaying proudly to the world... The Gunny had only a few medals on her left breast, which seemed comparatively little compared to the Commanders, but Ashley still wore them with pride... All in all, Ashley looked like a true soldier, her uniform being worn with pride and honour.
"Yeah well.. I don't think the rest of us look too bad either Chief..." Kaidan said with a smirk, before he looked at the Commander.
Chris simply nodded his head at his friend, noticing how the Marine Lieutenant looked fairly similar to himself, but with fewer medals attached to his left breast.
Ashley simply smirked at Kaidan, before Chris moved on to Garrus.
"Uhh.. Garrus?"
"Yes Commander?"
"Couldn't you.. You know.. Find something else to where apart from your armor?" Chris asked with a smirk, as he looked upon the blue armored Turian.
"I'm sorry Commander.. I just don't feel the same when I'm not in my armor is all." Garrus said meekly, his voice lacking any form confidence in the presence of his superior, his gaze shifting towards his feet.
"Hey.. No worries.. You look great anyway Garrus. Did you give it a polish by the way? It seems a lot shiner than usual." Chris inquired, as his brow furrowed in thought.
"I did give it a polish Commander... Thank you for noticing." Garrus replied, as a Turian grin was placed on his face, his heart swelling with pride at his superiors compliment.
"You're welcome Garrus... And what have I told you? Just call me Shepard." Chris said with a wink, as he looked towards Wrex.
Garrus nodded his head in acknowledgement, before Wrex spoke, "Shepard."
"Wrex."
"Am I presentable?" Wrex said sarcastically, a toothy grin splitting his aged lips.
"You'll do Wrex. I have to say, you do look quite handsome in that armor of yours... It blends beautifully with your eyes." Chris said with a wink, as he moved away from the Krogan.
"Fuck you Shepard." Wrex said with a smirk, as Liara stepped forwards.
"Shepard." Liara softly cooed, as she looked towards her Commander.
Chris winked once more in Wrex's direction, before he turned around to address Liara...
A small whistle could be heard from the Commander's lips, as he looked appreciatively upon Liara's shapely form..
"Geez Liara.. Are you trying to put us all to shame, or what?" Chris said with a smirk.
Liara was wearing a long, dark blue, form fitting dress; a dress that emphasised her curvy figure, as well as her skin's natural complexion.. She was simply radiant...
Liara blushed heavily, her blue cheeks turning a shade of purple, as her gaze was directed downwards.
"I... I just did a bit of shopping.. There are a lot of Asari owned shops on the station, so I thought I needed to get something respectable.. I'm on your squad after all Shepard, I need to make a good impression.. Thank you again Officer Vakarian." Liara said, as she looked towards Garrus.
"Think nothing of it, and please, call me Garrus." Garrus said with a smile.
"Thank you.. Garrus." Liara softly replied, as she gave the Turian a quick acknowledgement.
Chris softly smiled, before placing a hand on her shoulder, "You look great Liara."
"Thank you Shepard.."
Chris removed his hand, before looking at the assembled group once more.
"I have to admit.. You all look great in your own way.. I don't think Stetson's going to be able to complain when he gives everyone their awards." Chris said with a small smirk.
"Well.. Are we all set to go Skipper? I've not seen Tali, and I didn't know if she was even getting an award..." Ashley said nonchalantly.
"Why wouldn't she get an award?" Chris replied sharply, as his eyes narrowed...
"I.. I just mean.." Ashley tried to stumble out her response, before Chris cut her off.
"Tali's just as much a part of this squad as I am. She is not to be treated any less due to the fact that she's not human, or for the fact that she's a Quarian. That goes for everybody. Am I understood?" Chris said, as he looked at everyone's faces individually.
Sounds of acknowledgement met the Commander's ears, before he continued, "We're a team, and no matter what, we stick by our team mates."
More sounds of acknowledgement rang out in the corridor, when suddenly a slightly synthesised voice could be heard.
"Is everything alright Shepard?"
Chris turned towards the sound of the voice, before he spoke, "Everything's fine Tali. Are you all set to go?"
"Yes Shepard.. Everything's all packed and ready to be shipped to the Normandy." Tali replied.
Chris nodded his head, before he hobbled out into the hallway, "Kaidan, could you send a message for someone to get this crate moved please?"
Without another moment's hesitation, the Lieutenant opened his omni-tool, before he began to type out his message.
Tali stepped forwards from within the room, making it so she was now stood in the doorway..
Another wolf whistle could be heard from the Gunnery Chief, before she spoke up, "Damn Tali! Is that a new suit?"
Tali's face became flushed with heat, as her hands began to nervously dance at her waist, "No.. It's not a new suit... It was a gift from Shepard."
Ashley nodded her head in response, before Garrus spoke up, "I have to admit Tali, I'm a bit jealous... That armor looks fantastic.."
"Like I've said.. It was a gift from Shepard.." Tali meekly said.
"Don't worry Garrus.. I'm planning on getting everybody some new stuff." Chris said, as he looked towards his Turian squad mate.
Garrus simply smiled as he nodded his head.
"It's all done Commander. Someone should be coming along shortly to deliver the crate to the Normandy." Kaidan said, as he finally looked at Tali.
Kaidan was silent for a moment, before he spoke up, "It looks like you made the right decision then Shepard..."
"It sure does Kaidan." Chris replied with a wink, before he began to hobble down the corridor.
"Come on guys! Let's get moving! We don't want to keep Stetson waiting!" Chris exclaimed, as his squad mates quickly caught up.
As Liara and Ashley moved ahead of their Commander, a conversation beginning to start between the two, Garrus and Wrex moved ahead as well, leaving Chris, Tali and Kaidan at the back of the group.
As the group continued on their way towards Arcturus' main hall, Kaidan softly spoke up, "Where did Tali get that knife from Chris?"
Chris smirked softly, as he remained silent for a moment.
'Nothing gets past you, does it Kaidan?'
"It was a special gift.. I was going to give it to Lucy, but I never got the chance.. I think it's only right that Tali has it, don't you?" Chris said after a while.
Kaidan simply smirked, as he understood what his friend secretly meant.. Now that Kaidan knew how Chris felt about Tali, a lot of things began to make sense...
"So.. What's with the beard then?" Kaidan joked, as he continued to walk at his friend's left hand side.
Chris was quiet for a moment, before he replied, his tone serious, "It's time for a change Kaidan.. I need to move on.. I need to let go of the past.. Maybe a little bit of change in appearance isn't such a bad thing.. At least it shows I have the ability to change."
Kaidan was silent for a moment, as he pondered on his superior's words..
"That.. That sounds like a solid plan Chris." Kaidan quietly said.
"I thought so as well.. I mean, you did help me after all."
Kaidan simply remained silent, a smile splitting his lips.
"Ah! Commander! You're just in time... I was getting worried for a moment there... I thought you'd gotten lost!" A deep, aged voice boomed as Chris hobbled into the main hall, his squad mates by his side.
"I apologise, sir. I hope we're not too late." Chris said as he looked towards his superior; Rear-Admiral Stetson.
A small smirk creased the Admiral's wrinkly, weathered face, whilst his sharp grey eyes scanned disdainfully over the Commander's 'squad members'.
'Damn aliens... He's even got a suit-rat with him for crying out loud! Does he not care about his social standing, what so ever?! The man's a goddamn wreck! What does Cerberus even see in him?! Stetson thought in disbelief, his fake, friendly visage still in place.
"Of course you're not too late Shepard! The press aren't set up just yet, and the dignitaries from X57 are just adding some little additions to their speeches... That means we've got a bit of time to kill." Stetson stated, as he began to swiftly move towards the injured Commander.
Shepard was about to reply, when Stetson simply continued, "Lieutenant Alenko? Gunnery Chief Williams?"
Kaidan was hesitant to reply, but it was Ashley that answered for the pair of them, "Over here sir!" As Ashley said this, she stepped forward from the group, a rigid salute in place. Kaidan, noticing that he had no choice, stepped forward as well, a weak salute in place.
"Ah!" Stetson exclaimed, as he disregarded the salutes thrown to him, simply walking straight towards the group.
"I want to have a word with the Commander... Why don't you two go and escort your fellow squad mates to the stage? Sound good?" Stetson said, as he continued to practically charge his way towards the Commander.
The man Cerberus desperately wanted to speak to.
Ashley threw another enthusiastic salute, with Kaidan simply nodding his head in acknowledgement. The pair turned around to face the other members of the squad, before they all began to move away from the Commander.
Chris simply stood motionless, his body leaning against his Omni-cane, as he watched his friends leave...
All except one...
Tali stood rooted to the spot, supporting the Commander, as Stetson slowed down, getting close enough to Shepard.
As the three stood dumbly for a moment, the Admiral turned to face Tali.
"I'm sorry, I don't think I made myself clear enough. I wanted a word, in private, with the Commander. I suggest you follow Lieutenant Alenko and the others." Stetson said coldly, his voice holding nothing but contempt for the young Quarian in front of him.
Tali's body burned with rage as she began to move towards the insolent Bosh'tet...
That is, until a hand was gently placed on Tali's shoulder, quelling any outbursts of rage from the livid Quarian.
As Tali began to melt under her Human's touch, Chris spoke up, "It's alright Tal, I'll be fine. The Admiral and I are just going to talk is all."
Stetson said nothing, merely staring intently at the show of physical contact between Quarian and Human, his anger beginning to bubble over.
Tali nodded her head after a while, before she quietly spoke, only loud enough so Chris could hear, "Alright Chris... I'll be over with the others... If you need some help, then I'm sure Wrex wouldn't mind assisting me in helping this Bosh'tet find his way to the nearest airlock."
"I thought all Quarians were supposed to be extremely respectful to Admirals and Captains?" Chris said jokingly, as he released his hold on Tali.
With an unseen smirk, Tali moved a bit closer, before whispering her answer, "That's true... But... I don't like him. There's something that I can't quite make out..."
Chris smirked into the visor of the young woman in front of him before he responded, "I'll be fine Tali, honestly. I'll call for you if I need you. Now go on, the ceremony's about to start soon, and you need to be ready on the stage for your medal."
Tali nodded her head, before she turned about face. She didn't even give a passing glance to Stetson as she simply moved towards her fellow squad mates.
Stetson barked out a short laugh when Tali had left earshot, before turning to address the Commander, "My, my... You have a feisty one there Shepard. She needs to be kept in check, lest she does something she will later regret."
Chris didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixing on his squad mates on the stage, leaving a silence to settle before he replied, "I apologise on Tali's behalf if you're offended sir."
"Quite." Stetson said, before turning to face the Commander, "Walk with me Shepard. I need to discuss a few things with you about how the ceremony will run as well as other things."
"Certainly sir." Chris said nonchalantly, as he kept a slow pace with the Admiral.
"Now Shepard, I do hope that your injuries are not too severe that it will impair your abilities on and off of the battlefield. Ambassador Udina is quite adamant that seeing as you're now humanities first Spectre, you should be able to cope with the added pressures put upon you. Do you think you can cope with your current mission with your injuries Shepard, or do I need to replace you?" Stetson said casually, his voice not containing any natural curiosity.
Chris was about to sarcastically remark that he was doing fine until he'd had to save an entire city's worth of people, but thought better of it. He was in the presence of a superior after all.
"My injuries won't be a problem sir. I'm a Citadel Spectre for a reason. However, I'm not going to lie and say they're simply superficial, because they're not. There was a strong chance that I would lose all function in my leg, but I've been cleared of that problem. I'm ready to go back out and search for Saren when we're finished here."
"Good... Good... I suppose that means you'll be taking your band of aliens with you then?" Stetson responded, his tone laced in contempt.
Chris held his tongue, before neutrally replying, "Yes sir. I shall be taking my fellow squad mates with me on the mission. They're just as vital as I am to the capturing of Saren."
"I see. Do you really believe that Commander? Do you really believe that the significance of the mission is equally split between your 'squad mates'?"
"I do sir. I do believe that the significance of the mission is equally split between the different members of Alliance personnel under my command. After all, Tali, Garrus, Wrex and Liara are temporary Alliance personnel." Chris said, his words all equally laced with a volume of anger due to the inherent racism being shown by Stetson.
Stetson snorted, before replying, "Yes... I suppose the operative word here is 'temporary'. If it's seen that they are unfit to represent the Alliance in public, then they can have their ATC's revoked at a time that suits a member of the Alliance Admiralty."
"Don't worry Admiral, we don't usually operate in public, especially where we could tarnish the excellent reputation of the Alliance. I usually fight on the front lines, beside my squad in hostile conditions; making sure that other innocent lives are not put in jeopardy." Chris replied angrily, his face beginning to redden with suppressed rage.
"Careful now Commander, I merely wished to know if you believed that your non-human squad members actually had some form of significance in this mission. If they do not, then it is my responsibility to make sure that they are removed from the Alliance with all speed. I am merely trying to gauge your own professional opinion. Do you understand?" Stetson said coolly, his brief walk with the Commander coming to an abrupt stop.
"I understand perfectly sir." Chris responded through gritted teeth.
At that moment, the main doors to the hall opened, with different members of the press beginning to file in.
"Good... It's a shame really, I wished to speak to you a bit more Shepard; I wished to offer you a proposition, but it seems that I have my answer already."
"I guess you do."
"Well then, you better get onto the stage as quickly as possible, you have a ceremony to attend to after all." Stetson said.
"Aye aye Admiral." Chris replied coldly, his right arm coming into a crisp salute as his left arm clutched at the handle of his omni-cane.
Stetson didn't even acknowledge the salute, merely moving towards the crowd of advancing reporters.
"Fucking racist ... Special proposition my ass..." Chris quietly hissed, as he hobbled towards the centre stage, his time in the spotlight drawing nearer.
A moment that would be remembered in Alliance history for a long time.
"Good afternoon everyone, and thank you for coming." Stetson began, his voice deceptively happy and pleased.
Any further murmurings or speech in the crowd was quickly dispelled, as the Admiral scanned over the audience with his sharp grey eyes.
Without any objections, Stetson continued, "I would like to first start off with providing an official statement by all of the members of Alliance High Command, myself included. I wish to state that the Alliance will not stand for terrorist threats or terrorist actions against ANY human colony, population or facility. The Alliance shall strike hard and fast, crushing these fruitless attempts to destroy or affect the Alliances reputation. As you all most likely know, the most prominent example of this kind of aggressive behaviour was seen at the X57 mining facility more than a week ago. Now, due to the Alliances resourceful and determined attitude to assisting ALL Alliance personnel, the attempts to destroy the capital of Terra Nova, Scott, did not come into fruition. Although the leader of the Batarian terrorists, Balak, did escape, Alliance engineers were rescued, some of whom are present today. To this extent, I would like to end this statement by merely reiterating the fact that the Alliance will not rest in their pursuit for Balak, and that any terrorist action taken against the Alliance shall be crushed with extreme prejudice."
The silence in the room was nearly maddening, with every member of the audience simply sat in either shock or awe at the power of the Admiral's words. Chris simply closed his eyes, his rage having not abated.
'Pompous jackass... That's right, you take all of the fucking praise, it's not like we did anything...'
"As I have previously mentioned, there are a few members of X57 with us here today, and I wish to extend the Alliance's full condolences to the families who have lost daughters, sons, fathers and mothers. My words cannot express how much the Alliance grieves for them. But, the members of X57 who are here present with us, wish to present awards to the man of the hour, the man who drove back the barbaric hordes of Batarian terrorists single handedly, the man who is responsible for the liberation of X57... COMMANDER SHEPARD!"
'Huh... I didn't think it was physically possible to be that full of BULLSHIT, but I guess the Admiral's proved me wrong!'
At the end of this speech, Stetson roared the Commander's name, causing the members in the audience to passionately applaud, the spirits of determination and resolution within the room reaching their apex.
Chris sighed, before slowly getting to his feet, the squad members stood around him all expressing their support for the man, Tali especially.
As Chris began to hobble slightly forwards, the applause in the room grew to deafening proportions. Chris however, didn't focus on the sound of applause and congratulations...
'What the fuck are they cheering for? Balak got away. He got away! I've not stopped him from trying to attack again! Fucking morons... I guess the Alliance has to get some publicity somehow... I just wish they wouldn't use me for it.'
Lights from camera drones began to flash, as the Commander stepped up to the podium, his medals glistening in the light, whilst his scars were seemingly hidden away.
As the applause began to die down, Admiral Stetson loomed over the microphone, before speaking once more, "Every member in the Alliance would like to congratulate you Commander, but I don't believe we would have enough time for that! So, it is my honour to present the awards!"
Chris said nothing, as the applause in the room began to increase once more.
Once quiet again, Admiral Stetson motioned for Simon Atwell to step forwards, a smooth, polished mahogany box in hand.
With no words being said, the box was opened, and Stetson took out its contents.
Chris merely stood facing towards the cameras, his body and mind suddenly tired of the amount of attention he was receiving...
"Commander?" Stetson said, as he face Chris.
Snapping himself out of his fatigue, Chris turned to face his 'superior', before offering a crisp salute.
Stetson's face was impassive as he began to pin on a black and white medal, "For your brave and meritorious actions Commander Shepard, in the defence and liberation of an Alliance facility, as well as saving millions of lives, the Alliance awards you the Congressional Medal of Valour!"
The applause became deafening once more, with the camera drones beginning to get closer to Chris, wishing to get the best footage...
Chris' face was neutral, as his salute remained crisp. Once the medal had been pinned on, he stood backwards from the Admiral, before the pair exchanged salutes.
With his medal barely attached to his left breast, the Commander moved to the side, in preparation for the next candidate to receive the Medal of Valour.
"Now, the Alliance would like to ask if Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams, and 1st Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko would step forwards." Stetson said.
As soon as he had said the order, Ashley and Kaidan stepped forwards, their movements as precise as clockwork.
Kaidan was the first out of the two to be awarded, with the applause only rising slightly in the hall. Then, it was Ashley who stepped forwards to be given her award with the same result in the hall.
Once done, the duo moved towards their Commander, falling in at his flanks in proper military fashion.
Stetson looked as if he was about to call the next set of names, before he suddenly turned around to face the audience, "And that concludes the Alliance awards ceremony. Thank you all for coming. I believe the Commander would like to make a speech now to finish things off."
Chris was simply dumbfounded.
'What the fuck... What does he mean concluded?! Where are the rest of the awards?!'
That's when realisation suddenly hit him.
'Oh you racist bastard... You racist motherfucker!'
Chris' hands began to shake with rage, his face becoming redder, as his eyes took on a very familiar wildness...
Without saying anything to either Kaidan or Ashley, Chris hobbled towards the podium, his left hand managing to remove his Congressional Medal of Valour before he got there.
Once there, Stetson merely moved to the side, allowing the Commander to face the audience properly.
With the medal in his left hand, and a fire in his eyes, Chris spoke, "The Admiral's right... I do wish to speak a few words."
"First of all, I would like to eliminate the perception that the actions on X57 were solely due to my efforts, I have a team, as you can blatantly see. And that brings me onto my second point... I would like to ask one single question if I may: Why are there no more awards to be given out? There are obviously more than three of us in this squad, so why is it the other members of MY squad have not been given the acknowledgement they deserve?!"
The audience was stunned into silence by the anger that Chris spoke with, but what came next shocked them further.
"IT'S BECAUSE THEY'RE FUCKING ALIENS!" Chris roared.
Stetson was about to intervene, before Chris continued, "And do you know what?! If that's the case, I don't want your fucking praise, and I don't want your stupid, worthless fucking medals! My team deserves better than this! So what if there blood isn't red, and they don't look like us? I'll still fight and bleed, side by side with my squad, and I hope they agree with me. You think I deserve the praise?! I'll let you know something, I nearly died on X57! And if it wasn't for the actions of Tali'Zorah nar Rayya, I would be dead! Where's her medal?! If she isn't going to be awarded a medal, then I don't deserve one!"
To punctuate his statement, Chris brandished his medal, before throwing it away, onto the ground.
Everybody was simply too shocked to do anything... But then, all of a sudden, Kaidan stepped forwards, falling back into his usual position, before he too removed his own medal. With all of the cameras fixed on him, Kaidan threw his medal away as well, before speaking, "I wholeheartedly agree with my Commander! I have bled, and I have fought beside these 'aliens', and if I'm honest, they're the only people in this entire galaxy that I can fully trust to support me at this moment in time! We're a team, and no matter what, we stick by our team mates!"
All eyes began to drift over towards the Gunnery Chief, who began to look out across the crowd as well...
Ashley stood for a moment, before she too removed her medal. However, she did not throw it as quickly as Chris and Kaidan had done. She stood, staring into the deep black of the medals surface, before staring into the deep white as well...
Her chocolate brown eyes raised slowly, to eventually meet Chris' striking green ones.. No words were passed between them, but the reaction following afterwards clearly stated her intentions.
With a grunt, Ashley threw her medal to the ground as well, joining Kaidan's and Chris'.
Only then, was there an uproar in the audience.
Reporters and spectators began to shout and scream about the disgrace they were bringing to the Alliance's name, about how they should be lined up and shot for treason...
Chris didn't care what they had to say. He had made his decision, and he would stick by it.
Turning about face, Chris shouted to Wrex, "Wrex! Make us a hole! We're getting the hell out of here!"
Wrex grinned toothily, a sparkle in his aged eyes as he stepped forwards, "That would be my pleasure Shepard!"
With an almighty thud, the Krogan mercenary jumped down from the stage, before he beckoned for the others to join him.
Garrus and Liara were still in complete shock about the turn of events, but they still complied, following their Krogan squad mate.
Tali stood for a moment, motionless, simply staring at Chris... Her mind tried to process what had happened; tried to justify his actions...
But it was all for naught.
Chris did not act logically... He acted on instinct; pure, unbridled, honest instinct... The man was genuine about his feelings towards aliens, that much was certain.
Her heart eventually took over from her mind, and gave an instant evaluation...
He had made a genuine gesture about his feelings towards aliens and racism, and for Tali? It was the best thing she had ever seen or been told... Her foolish, silly little girl hopes, may have some form of credibility to them. It was from that moment on, that Tali was sure about her feelings for him...
She loved him.
The feelings of love were as pure as they could be...
It wasn't superficial, temporary love...
It was much stronger than that...
She had found the one. She had found her knight in shining armor...
And nothing in the Galaxy could ever change her mind.
With those thoughts secure, Tali moved towards Chris, Kaidan and Ashley, before moving down, off of the stage, to join her squad mates. She couldn't help but take delight in the new surge of feelings she felt around Chris now, but also in the rage she had seen on Stetson's face as Chris, Kaidan and Ashley had discarded their medals.
They may have been completely different, and strange aliens to Tali, but she wouldn't have traded them for anything in the Galaxy at this moment in time.
"Move it Pyjaks!" Wrex growled, as he barrelled into another set of reporters in the hallway leading up to the Normandy's docking bay.
Chris was just managing to keep up with the pace of the Krogan warrior, but as soon as he saw the numbers for the docking bay, he pushed himself just that extra mile.
The other members of the squad had remained silent, as they all made their way out of the main hall, and down the corridors of Arcturus station, to reach the Normandy; to reach safety.
"Kaidan, you did tell Joker to get the Normandy prepped, didn't you?!" Chris shouted, as he continued to struggle.
"Yeah! I told him to be ready for an icy cold reception! As soon as we're on board, we're out of here!" Kaidan shouted behind him.
"Good work!" Chris replied, his teeth gritted as another bolt of pain shot through his leg.
'Nerve damage is a bitch...'
It was only a few moments later that the sleek hull of the Normandy appeared before them, her four engines prepped for take-off.
Without a moment's notice, the squad barrelled into the Normandy's airlock, reporters being shut out from behind them.
No words were passed, as the airlock carried out its decontamination cycle.
Once done, Chris hobbled into the cockpit, with the other team members standing in the corridor, before he bellowed out his orders, "Joker! Get us the fuck outta here!"
"Aye aye Commander!" Joker shouted, as his hands began to flurry violently against the Holo-graphic controls of the Normandy. With a shift, the Normandy backed out of the open doors of the docking bay, before shooting off into the dark depths of space.
Once they were far enough away, Joker turned around to speak, "Well! That went perfectly! I watched it all from here, Commander, I have to say, you really do give stirring speeches!"
"Fuck off Joker, I don't need any shit from you." Chris snarled, as he placed himself in the co-pilots chair, before relaxing his burning leg.
"I'm just saying..." Joker was about to continue, but one quick look from the Commander, and Joker decided it was in his best interest to shut it.
After a few moments of tense silence, Chris spoke up, "Everyone back to your posts. I'll come by later and check up on you."
There were a few sounds of acknowledgement from the squad members, with a flurry of feet pattering against the decking telling him that most of them had left.
All except one.
"What do you want Wrex?" Chris said softly, as he closed his eyes...
"Where are we headed?"
"Fucked if I know... Ask Joker."
"I mean, what are we going to do now?" Wrex continued.
With a sigh, Chris replied, "I'm guessing that you want something more than to stand there all day Wrex, so just get on with it."
"I seem to find myself in the situation that I need something from you Shepard... I need a favour."
Chris' eyes opened instantly, his fatigue slowly receding as adrenaline fuelled his body.
"What do you need Wrex?"
"It's a personal favour Shepard, that's all I'll say."
Phew! Done and dusted! :D
Okay, that's Recovery finished... Thank god xD
Just wanted to end this chapter with a list of shout outs:
-kill-phil
-Daedalus30185
-Blue Lone Wolf 2574
-Craig Mills
-1054SS325MP
-Tali Zorah Fan
-HuskyRain
-Way of the Sheikah
-darkpd
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