Jane, Corsair Ship Perugia, Tasale System
"Quarian ship, state your business," Illium traffic control woman was a raging...terrible person.
"Illium control, this is Captain Jane'Shepard vas Perugia, and I am here for a family reunion," Jane's head sat on her fist, her elbow on the arm of her chair.
"I'm afraid you have the wrong system," control came back haughty. "We regularly delouse Illium. I suggest you head back the way you came before your ship has an 'accident'."
"Oh ho!" Jane perked up. "Little ballsy aren't you? Are you threatening myself and my ship?"
"You can burn for all I care. Take that as a threat," control's voice went tight with anger. "Last chance rats. I have a couple of friends out there that would love to put you down."
"As my brother was fond of saying, bring it, bitch," Jane couldn't help the slow predatory smile that crept over her face.
"Control has cut feed," Conway said with a sigh. "Poor bastards."
"They had their chance. Helps that it looks like they feed data to pirates on the side," Jane snickered. "Load up weapons. I want them charged and at the ready."
"Heading, sir?" Garcia was already bringing the Perugia outside of the standard approach lanes.
"Calm and steady mister Garcia. Fly casual," Jane stood and walked calmly over to the tactical station, where she stood with her hands behind here back. "Miss Lemma, I would like you to have the stealth drive prepped."
"Yes, ma'am," Lemma smirked under her helmet. One of the perks of this posting was how willing Jane was to go for the throat at the smallest insult. Sometimes it was frightening.
"Getting signals," Semma shook his head. "Poor bastards are running two light frigates and what looks like a corvette that was in operation during the rachni wars."
"Underestimating us because we are running quarian colors," Kalla sighed as he took his favorite gunnery station. "They are assuming our sensors are low, considering the high burn they are giving while so far away."
"Well, then let's play into their stupidity," Jane chuckled darkly. "Lemma, I want a power spike in the engines, then cut number two and four. Make it look like we spooked and overtaxed our grid."
"On it," Lemma skimmed her boards as she routed the power commands. "Engineering says green."
"Mister Garcia, if you please, give us a list as well, I want to look like we can't compensate quickly."
"Ready, sir," Garcia confirmed.
"Allright people, angler fish mode in three….two...one….kill it," Jane crossed her arms and braced her feet as the ship shuddered slightly. Then glancing at the tactical boards over Semma's shoulder, she laughed with amusement. "Flicking the external lights was a nice touch miss Lemma."
"Thank you sir!" Lemma beamed. Girl had a serious case of hero worship. But that was fine. Jane was the best, after all.
"Yeah, they are falling for it," Kellogs called. "They are increasing power and moving out of formation. Think they are competing as to who gets to us first."
"How long to gun range?" Jane walked back to her command chair, but didn't sit yet.
"Ours or theirs?" Semma asked. "We outclass them by a large margin."
"Theirs I think," Jane smirked. This was going to be a short fight. Fun though.
"Five minutes at current speeds."
"Mister Garcia, give her a little gas, stretch it out to say...eight minutes."
"Yes, sir."
Six minutes Later
"Closing Captain," Semma called.
"Stealth….now," Jane glanced at Lemma as she went through the commands.
"We're dark Captain. No bleed!" the quarian was proud of the stealth systems. She had calibrated them herself.
"Brilliant! Bring up all engines. Mister Garcia, bring us around, heading 7764.98 by 223," Jane's hands clasped behind her back as she took a parade rest.
"Engines up, and moving now," Garcia reported.
Pirate Frigate Zebbra
"They're gone, Cap'n!" Jussel looked over at the captain, with a puzzled look. "Like...like ghosts!"
"The cowards blow their core trying to run?" Captain Derr, a small krogan chuckled darkly. "I hope some survive. It's always fun to pop their little suits."
"No, cap'n, like just...gone, like they never was!"
"Impossible!" Derr stomped to the shaking human. "Are you reading the sensors right?"
"Confirmation from the Gunter and Flarr," Welle called from the comm station.
"Ships don't just…" Derr started before being interrupted by Jussel's panicked screams.
"The Gunter just went exploded! Mass rounds fired from below, but there ain't no ship!" Jussel nearly wet himself.
"Wait! Ship just appeared out of thin vacuum!" Welle called. "They are broadcasting!"
"Let's hear it," Derr growled. "In the meantime, bring us around!"
"Hello pirate forces! I am Jane'Shepard vas Perugia, and I will be killing you today! Don't bother surrendering, as I don't care and will be killing you anyway! That is all!"
Jane, Not Long
"The last ship is listing and blowing atmo," Kellogs reported. "Her power is flicking and they are broadcasting an sos."
"I love when they beg," Jane sighed contentedly as she dropped into her chair and brought up the scans on her display.
"Captain...the pirates are claiming to have slave hostages!" Conway spun from her comm board, giving Jane a worried look. Which was fair, It wouldn't be much past Jane to let them burn anyway.
Except she just couldn't handle the sad puppy eyes Lemma was giving her.
"Fuck, fine, you bosh'tets," Jane grunted as she brought up her comm. "Kal, get your marines ready to board one of the ships. It's dead in the water, so no power or grav, and she's leaking air. They are claiming to have hostages, so in, pick up and out. Kill anything that gets in your way, and make it snappy."
"Gearing up, ma'am!" Kal called back, his voice was grim. "No pirate lives, all lives saved."
"Keelah se'lai, Chief."
"Keelah se'lai, Captain!
Hestalia, MSV Corinthia, Tasale System
"And we are through the relay," the transport captain relayed to Hestalia. "But it looks like there is an issue off the main spacelanes. Traffic is being advised to be careful, as there was a pirate attack."
"Pirates? Here?" Hestalia snorted incredulously. "Ballsy bastards. Details?"
"Sketchy at best ma'am. I'm getting conflicting reports. Some are saying a quarian frigate went berserk when they were asked to state business."
"And the other reports?"
"I- Wait….They are broadcasting…." the captain went offline for a moment.
"Guessing Jane is in system," Solla snickered as she braided Rachel's long hair.
"Ma'am, the quarian ship is broadcasting a conversation between an Illium control agent and herself. Apparently the agent threatened the quarian ship, which was then attacked," the captain chuckled. "Also the quarian ship took the pirates apart like they were made of cheese."
"Yup, it's Jane," Hestalia rolled her eyes. That girl had no subtly. Never did, but after Torfon the girl was ruthless and bloodthirsty. Unfortunately, it reminded her of her own youth. And the pain it brought. "Just push through. If there are wimps clutching at their pearls, just bypass them. I have a meeting to get to and I don't want to be late."
"Very good, ma'am," the captain replied briskly before signing off.
"Hey, Hestalia," her turian accountant approached her with a datapad. "I've been deluged with messages. It looks like the sisters than ran the local Eclipse have been killed by a Spectre. Also looks like they were into some deep shit. Now they are leaderless and fighting among themselves."
"Oh, well, at least we know John is here," Hestalia sighed. "Am I going to have to get involved, Lodanna?"
"Probably," Lodanna shrugged. "A couple factions are already asking you to take over."
There was a small beep from Lodanna's pad. When the turian looked at the message her mandibles dropped open in a grin. "Also looks like the local authorities are asking you to get involved as well. One, detective Anya, specifically. And she mentions that she was working with John."
"By the Goddess…." Hestalia grabbed at her forehead for a moment, her eyes closed. "Fine. Let them know that when I finish with my business, I'll take care of it."
"Should I look into a larger transport?" Lodanna chuckled. "If we are getting more warm bodies, we might want to be prepared."
"We still have...what? Eight berths?" Hestalia gave Lodana a questioning look. When the turian nodded, Hestalia shrugged. "Doubt we're picking up more than that for our own team. Probably not that many worth the effort."
"As you say, Hestalia."
John, Nos Astra Consumer Tower, Illium
"This is a nice shirt," John held up a nice shirt.
"Oh...oh John…." Gerald laid a hand, gently on John's shoulder. "I'm sorry honey...but no. If somebody gave a varren a pound of fudge than followed it around with a sack? That might not be quite as bad as that shirt."
"Wow…." Jacob's eyes widened. "I wanted to say that Gerald was being harsh there...but he isn't."
"I hate you people," John grumbled as he put the shirt back.
"Why can't you just wear your armor," Grunt asked, as he waded through the pants section. "And what is 'corduroy'?"
"We don't talk about corduroy," Gerald sniffed. "It was developed on accident by a man seeking the philosopher's stone. Instead of extending your life it destroys good taste."
"This shirt has a proper cut for the Commander's torso," Thane came around from one of the racks. "It also has enough flexibility that he could move quickly if needed."
"You know, that's actually pretty good, Gerald nodded, tapping a finger on his chin. "I think in a darker purple. Like Tali's but maybe a shade darker."
"Hey, yeah," Jacob grinned. "Black slacks, maybe a dark shoe."
"I like this jacket," Grunt held up a jacket that seemed to be made of a dense leather. It was dark and cut similar to a suit jacket. "The breast pocket here would look good with a cloth the same color as the shirt. Maybe a splash of color in the collar with a tie pin. Then a grey belt with black pants and shoes. Another splash of color...maybe blue socks?"
For a long moment the small team looked at the krogan.
"What?" Grunt asked, frowning.
"Oh, Grunt, I knew there was a reason I liked you," Gerald clapped his hands together as he chuckled.
"All right then, now we need a gift for Tali," Jacob nodded.
"Handbag," Thane pointed to a display that was nearby. "Make it match the shirt."
"Perfect!" Gerald held a thumb up.
"Why am I getting Tali a handbag?" John asked, confused.
Now the men all looked at John with varying degrees of pity.
"Really Shepard?" Grunt sighed. "It's always nice to give your mate a nice gift."
Hannah Shepard, Grand Royal Hotel, Nos Astra
*Knock, Knock*
"Kelly, can you get that? I'm just stepping into the shower!" Hannah called. It had been a while since she was able to take a hot shower that had good water pressure and that she didn't have to duck slightly to get under. Being tall was a pain at times. Usually in the head.
Bliss. That was probably the only word that could describe the feeling she had as she ran her head under the water, She let it run down the full length of her hair, wetting it to her body.
She was putting on a little weight. She was a little softer in the belly than she would like. And age was catching up to her chest. And butt. Couple more years and Hesti would be less interested.
Her fingers ran over her scalp as she felt sorry for herself.
Then there was another pair of hands. They slide up her thighs and cupped her ass, giving it a quick squeeze. One hand slide up her back before sliding around to her chest, cupping and lifting a breast. The other hand slowly slid up and over her hip before sliding down toward Hannah's lower parts.
"You bitch, you are like this on purpose, aren't you?" Hestalia's voice growled in her ear. "You want this, don't you?"
With a groan, Hannah leaned back into her husband's grasp, letting Hestalia pull her closer. Then she giggled. "Are you still wearing clothes?"
"I was in a hurry to defile you my dear," Hestalia breathed.
"Mmmm….defile away…."
"OH COME ON! AT LEAST CLOSE THE DOOR!"
John, SR-2 Normandy, The Loft T - One Hour
"Wow…." he said, eloquently. "I...wow…."
Tali stood in the doorway to the head, having changed into the clothes the girl team picked out for her. Over her suit, was something like the traditional realk, but where her usual covering was wrapped tightly around her body, this one was long and flowed from across her shoulders, stopping just above ankle length. It reminded John of a light, loose sleeveless robe made of a soft, almost diaphanous fabric. The color was a slightly lighter shade of purple than she usually wore, and the trim around the Zorah clan pattern was a gold brocade.
Gold metal clasps held the front closed, just below her breast line, before allowing it to billow out again over her hips. A small gold chain belt was strung across those same hips, drawing the eye to its intricate weave pattern and small dangling bells.
"You...like it?" Tali stood awkwardly, her knees were drawn in together and her hands fidgeted at her sides, gripping some of the fabric and rubbing it between them. "The asari that owned the store had a mother that was quarian, from before the war. She said this was a varnn'ararr. I'm...usually, this is worn with little underneath. Just enough for modesty. There is a version for Joinings that the female is not supposed to wear anything underneath it. But that was old fashioned when she was on Rannoch. It was supposed to make the anticipate the Joining night when the couple retreated to the den….I'm babbling. I do that. That was an embarrassing subject. I'm just going to not speak ever again. You look very good, by the way. Keelah, Tali shut up."
"It looks amazing," John smiled gently. "I'm looking forward to reigniting that tradition someday,"
"John!" Tali gasped, clapping her hands over her indicator light. "I...wish I wasn't in this damned suit. I want to touch you so much...I need to sink my teeth into your neck…."
"Ha!" John laughed as he took a feigned frightened step back. "Are you going to drink my blood too?"
"Mmm...yes…" Tali purred as she stepped forward to run a finger along John's jawline, drawing out a shiver. "I like it when you...cower…."
"We could throw off the dinner," John rested his forehead against Tali's visor as he looked into her eyes. "Stay home...I could cower some more."
"You are terrible for me," Tali laughed quietly as she held his hands in hers. "But I do love you John. I love you more than you can know. But we have to go meet your family before they hunt us down. I'm fairly sure we could run to Virmire and they would still find us."
"Virmire…." John frowned slightly.
"Oh...John! I'm sorry, I didn't think that through," Tali pulled their clasped hand to her chest. "I know how losing Kaiden hurt you.
"Yes," John half nodded. "That's alright. I was just thinking about how beautiful that planet was and the only thing on it was Saren and a few random pirates."
"Yes, and yet my people don't even have a single world," Tali sighed.
"Well, now that we are both cooled off, shall we be off?" John smiled as he held out the small handbag to Tali. "A gift. A bit darker than what you are wearing, but it'll be a nice counterpoint."
"Thank you!" Tali took the small bag and looked inside to see a small folded pistol. "My favorite kind!"
"Well, it's no shotgun, but better safe than sorry," John laughed as he led his beutiful date to the lift.
Tali, Eternity Restaurant, Nos Astra Regal Towers, Upper Deck
"I feel like everybody is staring at me," Tali said quietly, keeping her eyes somewhat down cast. "I shouldn't have come."
John just squeezed the arms he had wrapped around hers as he brought her into the restaurant. "Nonsense," he chided her with a cheerful smile. They are all just jealous."
"Are they now," humor showed through in Tali's voice. "Of me, or you?"
"Probably of you, my little trophy quarian," he chuckled, giving her another squeeze.
"Probably more right than you know," she let out a quiet giggle. "Most of these people probably assume I am some sort of curiosity that a rich eccentric human is playing with for shock value."
"They aren't too far off," John half shrugged as he surveyed the room. He seemed immensely amused as partons quickly averted their gaze as his eyes swept over them. "I do intend to show you off at every opportunity."
"May I help you," a young turian stood wearing a human style black tuxedo style suit. He was behind a lectern and smiling politely. And to Tali's shock, it didn't seem to be a forced smile or anything of that nature, but a genuine smile.
"Yes, I have a reservation under Shepard, John," John nodded with a wide smile of his own." Should be for seven."
"Ah, yes sir, and may I say it is an honor to have two Heroes of the Citadel at our establishment," the turian beamed, before his voice went down to a conspiratorial whisper. "Is there a chance the two of you could give me an autograph later? My kids love the action figures."
John raised an eyebrow with as small chuckle, "Of course. It'd a little weird, but I don't mind."
"Great!" the turian smiled again. "Then you are the first to arrive. If you would come this way?"
As the friendly turian led them through the restaurant, he went through the current chef specials, as well as some of the more popular dishes, bot levo and dextro based. He even suggested a few wines that he found particularly good.
As they reached the table, Tali and he sat and the concierge gave a small bow and turned to leave. "Ah, before you go," John held up a hand. "Is this really part of the Eternity Lounge below?"
Another smile spread the turian's mandibles. "It is indeed. The owner is quite eccentric. She much prefers doing simple bar work. Keeps her grounded, or so she says. In fact she owns this whole block."
"Wait...Tali spoke up for the first time. "Did you say block? As in both towers?"
"Indeed," the concierge bowned again. "If you will excuse me."
"Well," John started as the turian was out of earshot. "That was certainly not something I would expect."
"Asari matriarchs are frightening," Tali agreed with a nod.
A quick order of drinks later, the couple sat speaking of each other's childhoods. Their similar experiences growing up on ships, John's time on Mindior before the attacks. Tali's beginnings in engineering..
Then Tali paused for a moment as if something had just occurred to her. "John...you said the reservations for seven people?"
Chewing a bit of bread he nodded before swallowing. "I did, yes."
"That's...yourself, and me...your mother, father and two sisters," Tali counted on all her fingers. "That's six."
A small mischievous grin appeared on John's face. "You continue to be correct."
For a short moment, Tali started, waiting for John to continue. Then her eyes narrowed. "Who is the seventh person?"
"It's a surprise," John smirked, giving Tali a sense of unease.
"John…" she started, but before she could continue, something seemed to catch his eye, giving him a beaming smile as he stood.
Following John's line of sight, she saw three women. The human was the tall slender form of John's mother. Her bright red hair was styled up in a large bun held in place with a pair of jade sticks. Her features were well defined, more 'handsome' than beautiful. And just a touch of grey had begun to streak over her left brow. On all, she had the dignified aura of a seasoned ship's captain. Her dress was just past her knees and was of a smooth emerald fabric that caught the light just so.
On her arm was an asari woman. She was not as tall as the human, but the blue of her skin played well both with the Shepards' mother, as well with the dark grey of her suit. The addition of color being the silk green cloth that matched Hannah's dress in the breast pocket.
Trailing just behind the pair was another asari, this one much younger looking. Younger even than Liara. She was dressed in a formal Alliance Military uniform. Not quite the dress blues John had shown Tali earlier, but she still cut a dignified figure. The markings on her face were like smooth lines radiating outward and were a red that closely matched her mother's hair.
Suddenly, as she regained her wits, Tali stood quickly next to John and shivered slightly in anxiety. Sensing it, John casually reached out a hand and gripped her's firmly. And it was almost like she could feel the fear recede into the back of her mind.
"Mother, Dad, Kelly, I'm glad we could meet up," John smiled widely. "Maybe we have time to eat and leave before Hurricane Jane storms in."
"Afraid not," Hestalia smirked. "She was right behind us. She stopped to argue with the cab driver. She insists he was overcharging us."
As if summoned, Jane stalked into the restaurant and scanned the room, all but ignoring the turian concierge. Upon seeing the group, she simply pointed and began walking their way briskly.
Jane's hair was red, like her mother's, except hers was almost the red of human blood. Dark and rich. She kept it short, slightly below jaw length. A sprinkling of freckles crossed the bridge of her nose, similar to Kelly's. Her eyes were the same deep ocean blue as John's, though at the moment they were filled with irritation.
Her body movements were bristely, more of a stalk than a walk. It was at dramatic odds with the tight black skirt and equally tight, form fitting and long sleeved top that she wore.
"Pretty sure he overcharged us ten credits," she sniffed as she arrived at the table. "If you people hadn't just wandered off, I could have taken care of it."
"Jane, ten credits aren't a big deal," John chuckled. "You need to loosen up some."
"Maybe not for you, hot shot," Jane snorted. "Some of us are reduced to piracy to make ends meet."
"I've been running close to red myself recently," John shrugged. "I had a lot of upgrades for the Normandy...bought a quarian slave girl. You know. Basic expenses."
"Keelah!" Tali swatted John's arm as embarrassment threatened to make her hide behind the man.
"This sounds like an interesting story," Hestalia smirked. "Maybe we should sit."
After the standard murmurs of agreement and shuffling of bodies, and who got to sit next to whom, they were all settled and gazing over menus.
"So...what will kill me if I eat it?" Jane frowned in puzzlement.
"Oh...um," Tali looked up. "The ones with the stars are dextro food. The circles are for levo. I think the ones with both means it's safe for both?"
"Thanks," Jane nodded and smiled at Tali. "You look amazing, by the way."
"Oh! Thank you!" Tali perked up, straightening her back. She hadn't even realized she had been hunching over. "The women in the crew drug me out and forced me to look pretty. I kept telling them it was a waste of resources…."
"It doesn't look like a waste to me," Kelly smiled.
Leaning over, Jane placed a hand on hers. "Tali, I know how it is on the Fleet, so I understand your hesitation. But let John spoil you sometimes. For human males, it's kind of a way for them to show their prospective mates that they will be good providers."
Tali's eyes went wide for a moment as she glanced at John. The man was blushing and staring intently at his menu, almost like he was trying to hide his face in it.
"I...see," Tali smiled as she felt a warm sensation sweep through her.
"It's also how they show their actual mates that they continue to be good providers, to encourage them to stay," Kelly grinned wickedly.
"Kelly!" John jerked back in his chair to stare angrily at his shameless sister.
"Oh?" Hestalia calmly lowered her menu, placed both her hands on it, one over the other as she gave John a level gaze. "Something you need to say?"
Tali felt eyes burrowing into her, causing her to turn to John's mother, Hannah. Her gaze wasn't overtly hostile, but somehow there was a dangerous glint there. She felt like a small creature being stared down by a massive predator.
"Mother!" John barked, snapping Tali out of the moment of time she had been stuck in. He also pulled his mother's attentions to himself. "I know that look. That's the same look you gave Jane's first boyfriend."
"Of course it was," Hannah sniffed. "I'm your mother. It's expected."
"Ignore her, Tali," Kelly said, giving her mother a dark look. "She's just trying to keep her 'Matriarch' status, even though she's getting a bit on the old side."
"Hestali!" Hannah turned to her husband, a hurt, almost teary look on her face. "Are you going to let our children speak to me this way?"
Sighing dramatically, Hestalia set down the glass of water she was drinking and turned to look at the table with a bored look. "Kids, I have something very important to tell you. And I hope you listen well."
Tali's eyes widened as she looked between the Shepards. John had an eyebrow raised, Jane's brows had dropped into a straight line, while Kelly actually looked mildly worried. For her part, Tali didn't know what to do or say. Was it appropriate for her to be here for this? Should she excuse herself?
"I fucked your mother. Today," Hestalia said matter-of-factly as she picked up her glass and took another drink.
"Goddess! Dad!" Kelly dropped her head into her hands and shuddered.
"Well...my appetite is ruined," Jane spat tossing her menu on the table and nearly threw herself back in her chair, crossing her arms.
John just slowly shook his head and looked over at Tali. "Sure you want to be in this family? This is your last chance to make a break for it."
It was out of the corner of her eye, but she saw Hannah's expression change dramatically. At Hestalia's pronouncement, Hannah had taken a demure look, her eyes cast downward. Upon hearing John, however, her eyes shot wide as her head snapped around to fast Tali was a little afraid it would snap off.
"John," Hannah's words were sharp as a knife.
"Shit," John muttered. "Sorry Tali, I had planned to be romantic."
A small smile spread across Tali's face as her hand touched his. "I have you. That's all I need."
He nodded slightly as he stood. "Alright you assholes. I was going to do this better, but, as usual, you ruined it all for me."
Jane and Hestalia frowned slightly, looking confused while Kelly leaned back and crossed her arms, grinning hugely.
Turning to Tali he took a small box out of his pocket and knelt before her.
"This is an old human tradition, so bear with me," John smiled and Tali could feel his nervousness through the Bond. He cleared his throat as he smiled at her. "You have been with me through everything. The beginning of this insane adventure with Saren, my only regret before dying was not telling you how much I loved you. When I was brought back you never questioned me. You just trusted me. You taught me about your people and I have come to care for them as much as my own. We are a Bonded pair. Our souls are united forever and I could never wish for anything more."
Clearing his throat again, John opened the small box. Inside, on a small pillow was a ring. It was the dull shine of platinum and mounted on it was a small purple amethyst cut in such a way that it curves in an S like shape, mirrored by a sapphire, the two stone entwined.
Taking the ring out of the small box, Tali saw the solid, shiney steel chain in was hung from. "Human tradition is a ring to symbolize marriage. I know it is different for quarians, and probably not the best idea for engineers, so I had a chain made for it. However, if you ever feel like you wish to wear it as the ring, it is sized to fit your left hand."
For a long moment Tali sat. Her eyes were wide as she had ever felt them. Slowly, almost hesitant, her hands reached out. More than once they actually stopped as she swallowed before she gently lifted the ring into her hands. John pooled the chain in her hands as she drew them close to her.
Reverently, Tali drew her hands close to her chest as she gazed at the ring. Her mind couldn't form words. All she could do is feel. She felt warm. Love. Fear. Longing. Lust. Terror.
With a shaking hand, she took the ring, drawing the chain out of it. Slowly, with actual difficulty she attempted to put it on the first finger of her left hand. She frowned and concentrating but she couldn't focus her hands enough. She couldn't keep the trembling from making it so hard.
Then his hands took her's with an almost electric shock, making her shiver. His large, strong hands held her firmly, stopping her shaking. Again, slowly, Tali slide the ring down her finger, settling perfectly against her hand.
"Tali," John's voice was gentle, but at the same time full of strength and love. "Would you marry me?"
All she could do was stare up at him. Looking into his eyes. Her hands, shaking again, reached out and cupped his chin, drawing him to her. Gently she placed her helmet against his forehead and slowly closed her eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her heart enough to speak, even as she felt the tears of joy running freely down her face.
"Saera, our souls are one. My heart is yours. Nothing could stop me from being at your side. I will join with you as your people do, and mine. As the asari, turian, or even krogan. I will marry you a thousand times a thousand," She spoke quietly, but powerfully. Her voice was strong as steel and carried forever. In her chest, her soul echoed and reached. She felt his there, collapsing and holding.
Then, the reverie was broken.
"YES!" Hannah leapt to her feet, throwing her hands into the air with such force that her chair was thrown back, falling over. Tears ran down her face as she jumped slightly. "I GET TO PLAN A WEDDING!"
Then there was laughter. Voices in mirth and joy came from around them. People, their friends and shipmates stood around the restaurant applauding. Kasumi stood a wide grin on her face as a tear ran down her face. Xera leaned on Jack, Jack, who was trying to keep a straight face even as her makeup ran don her face, and a smile forced itself on her.
Together, Tali and John stood, their hands clasped together. "There is one other thing I set up for tonight."
"Are you sure now it the time?" Tali laughed as she leaned her head on John's shoulder.
"Grunt! Front and center!" John put an almost over the top serious expression on his face as he pointed first to the krogan then to the spot before him.
"Uh…'kay…" Grunt was, as always, wearing his armor, but he had, for the occasion, worn a much oversized black coat and pants over it. All in all, it was a rather ridiculous look, made all the greater by the small top hat he had insisted on.
Hesitantly, he moved to stand before John and Tali, his eyes darting from one to the other.
"Grunt, you have proved yourself to be a strong, valuable warrior. You're skills are matched only by the greatest, and your wisdom shines through your actions. You will grow to be a great leader amongst your people," John stepped forward and placed a hand on the krogan's shoulder. "I give you the official offer. Join me, and my mate in our clan. Together we will destroy all those that threaten the galaxy."
Grunt's eyes went huge for a moment, before his head dropped. He stared at the floor for a long moment before slowly raising his head. Then, almost reverently, he kneel on the floor before the couple and pressed his head plate onto the floor before them. "I shall join your Clan. I shall destroy your enemies. I shall learn your ways."
"Then, as head of my Clan, you are Shepard Grunt, first of my children," John reached down and pulled the krogan to his feet. "Join us at dinner here and meet your family."
"I...family?" Grunt seemed to mull the words over before looking at the other people at the table itself. "My..Clan…."
With a smile, John patted the krogan on the shoulder. "We can go by Tuchanka later and get it all official."
"YES!" Hestalia jumped up, much as Hannah had done before her! "A GRANDCHILD!"
Quarian Lexicon
Realk: Cloth covering used by the quarians. It is used to describe not just the hood seen on most but any material adornment.
Vernn'ararr: long robe like dress used for formal occasions. Typically made of a thin, almost see through fabric, to accentuate the wearers undergarments in a tasteful manner.
Saera: Term used when speaking to ones lifemate. Literal translation: My soul's soul. Other meanings include, but are not limited to: Keeper of my soul and My souls protector. Most commonly used word throughout the fleet by a quarian when speaking privately to their lifemate. Though unconfirmed by any quarian, there are implications that this word holds extreme intimacy as well as absolute trust. No single human word or phrase encompassed all that this one short word implies as it appears to contain both dominant and submissive traits.