When things go horribly wrong, every party gets affected somehow. That much is obvious.

Each person has some part to play in a plan, each with their own stake in it. It just depends how far down their stake goes and how far the plan screws up.

The problem with a plan is that it is its own stake in itself. One uproot and everything else falls apart.

Say if someone died. The person who is closest gets the grief, the person who was tasked to protect gets the guilt, then the blame, and so on and so on.

What people tend to forget is that as long as the other stakes are there, with a few adjustments, everything can be set back up again and stronger, even if it is a bit smaller. So the next big storm would be easier to handle.

But no storm needs to be big to be any less powerful.

This applies to the plan that Raan, Tali, Liara, Silont, and Shepard concocted in the medical wing of the monument building. The plan to keep Shepard alive from the Chimera threat. It wasn't a full plan, they haven't found out anything that could actually defeat Chimera. It wasn't like fighting the reapers where you just push a button.

Or shoot at a power conduit while an alien A.I. child tried to reduce you to whatever animal existed before evolution started for the human race...in Shepard's case.

Some of the systems in Shepard's body had its DNA strung out, and ended up following a different path in evolution by curling into the opposite direction to become dextro based, while the others were levo. He was a living miracle and a living mystery. Nobody in the medical field could understand how it was possible. But they didn't have time to find out why. They had to find a way to take down a fleet of angry remnants of Cerberus, which already put two gunshot wounds into Shepard that stuck him into a wheelchair, and didn't care so much as what happened to themselves as long as Shepard ended up dead. Also, Shepard's team had to fight alone, per Shepard's request and logic about risking lives.

Too many people suffered from the war with the reapers. Not one species could possibly spare resources to fight a fleet of mercs, even for the Savior of the Galaxy. No, they were on their own. So Shepard had to leave.

But somewhere in all these stakes was a little old quarian admiral named Raan. The surrogate aunt to Shepard's future lifemate Tali that felt personally responsible for her happiness. This proved difficult because as an admiral, it was her job to make decisions regarding her people and that meant being politically popular. That popularity is tried by Shepard's and Tali's relationship which was a hot rumor throughout the galaxy.

It was safe to say that Shepard was deemed a hero in all quarian eyes for liberating Rannoch. But for him being a human romantically involved with one of their admirals raised a lot of eyebrows in the political arena. Some felt as if it would distract Tali from her important duties to her people which for a time was true up until she was reminded of them by Raan.

The other admirals weren't vocal about their judgement because they too didn't know if the rumors were true. For them, it was safe to assume that Shepard was taking an extended shore leave on Rannoch as thanks for the famous quarian suit that Tali made for him due to his changing body, as well as see how the work on the world he helped retake was coming along.

They didn't complain, the fact Shepard was here meant more visitors, and that meant possible recruitment for construction as well as a small flow of credits coming in that could be used to help agents on their missions. Surprisingly, the rumors actually helped improve intergalactic relations as visitors became increasingly interested in quarian culture and started seeing them less as nomadic thieves. Of course the visitors were intimidated by the Geth but that was the only setback. On the other hand, the admirals just hoped rumors were rumors and nothing more.

They knew about the attack on the Citadel of course where Tali got shot, at first they were concerned but nonetheless deemed it as a one time thing.

If only they knew...

Raan picked up her datapad report and walked through the corridors of the vast monument building made of glass. It was only yesterday that she was in the medical wing, coming up with a plan and discussing Shepard's departure which was agreed to take place in the upcoming days.

She let out a sigh of relief as any more time on the planet would surely make things more difficult. She felt guilty for sending him away, of course, but it was for the good of everyone. Besides, it wasn't like she was totally abandoning him. She was sending the purple Geth, Dyad, with him. As well as another friend that would keep more to the shadows, an old friend of her favorite secret agent, Silont.

She glanced at the doors looking for her office.

It was weird to think about it. Not just because it was her office, but because it was her personal space. No quarian less than a year ago would dream of such a thing. Normally she would be stuck in a room with all the other admirals, bickering over different ideas and scratching at each other's throats. Needless to say it was a major turn for the better, and she would always take a moment to appreciate it.

Soon she came to her own office. It was humbly the same size as the others despite the fact she was an admiral and could get a bigger one if she wanted. But life on the flotilla really conditioned her to share space. Hell, her office door only had a knob. Old habits die hard.

The door opened and she was pleased to find her new operative to watch over Shepard. A short quarian woman in cobalt blue with pitch black designs.

"Ah, thank you for being here, Operative Bokins. I'm sure you're last mission has come along well?"

"As well as I could make it, ma'am. I delivered a new shipment of salvage by construction as well as some useful tech. I could've brought back a ship but...the idiots somehow found out they were selling to a quarian and tried to capture me. I guess my cover skills impressed them, the damned mercs."

"It's alright, Das. We don't need everything. You already delivered more than enough."

Shala'Raan really liked her. She was a good friend to Tali back when they were kids, and she was smart and determined and eager to do anything for the flotilla. It's what got her into the force after she brought back a very successful pilgrimage gift. She managed to bring back seeds for a new crop that she somehow bought off of a very successful turian with exclusive access. It wasn't a spectacular gift like the Geth data that Tali brought back from her pilgrimage, but it was a niche gift that caught the eyes of the other admirals that ended up leading to her recruitment. Perhaps the admirals were probably just happy to get some variety in their nutrient pastes.

Raan recruited agents based on their unique skills in obtaining rare gifts for the flotilla. Recruits also had to show signs of opportunist behavior and a desire to, "do more." They weren't particularly skilled in combat though they receive some training with the marines.

Basically, agents were anyone willing to go on multiple pilgrimages and willing to chase after potentially dangerous valuables, along with any other immediate duties the admirals asked of them. It was very beneficial to the fleet, and it made more room to breath.

Not many quarians heard of multiple pilgrimages, and if they heard some of the, "missions," that these agents were sent on, there were bound to be disagreements. That's why it was kept under wraps in general. Even the Conclave didn't know about them, although suspected. Just another secret project they have to keep their noses out of.

"Do you understand your next assignment?" Raan asked the girl.

She bounced a little on her toes in excitement. "Yes! I get to help protect the Liberator of Rannoch!" She stretched her hands behind her back and nodded her head enthusiastically in order to release some of that bubbling energy inside her.

"Relax Bokins, this isn't a field trip."

"I understand, Admiral. Dangerous gang of Cerberus is after him. I'll be on my guard."

"Good, you'll depart alongside his ship in three days. Make sure you aren't seen, don't make yourself a target...oh, and you'll have to take your own ship. Silont got his stealth fighter obliterated, you can go ask him about it down in the medical wing. Don't worry, he's perfectly fine."

"I-I uh...Understood," she stammered slightly.

"Good." Raan walked quickly towards her desk and picked up another datapad. "Now if you'll excuse me I have a meeting with the other admirals."

Before she passed completely by her, she turned around and rested her hand on her shoulder. "Be careful, Das. I'm proud to have you on this, but please be careful."

"Understood, Admiral. I better go check on Silont." The two women then left.

As much as Raan liked her, she had to admit that she wasn't particularly skilled in direct combat like Tali is. She's a good shot and tough as nails, but sometimes she acted too tough. There's been more than one occasion where it got the best of her when coming face to face with an enemy. Pick your battles, dear.

Raan left her office and directed herself towards the temporary admiral meeting room. She had a meeting there practically every other day in order to help the other admirals in directing construction. Already they were fighting over which ship should settle on which piece of land. It was necessary work, but Raan had to admit to herself that it took great effort not to bite off everyone's head in the room. But Raan was not so easily snapped. Her calm, motherly nature always persisted...except for things like Tali getting shot. If I could hit that man again, I definitely would.

She sighed in annoyance as she already heard raised voices on the other side of the door to the meeting room. She couldn't tell who it was exactly until she opened the door.

"I will not allow you to direct research in the Geth House!" Admiral Koris shouted with his finger pointed at Admiral Xen. "We have our world back! We should be focused more on building homes right now than researching! Besides, what research could be that important?"

"All research is important, Zaal. Of course, I wouldn't expect you to realize that."

"Well, until you tell me what research you're doing, I will not allow the place to be invaded!"

Admiral Gerrel was on the far side of the room with his back resting on the window, trying to ignore the conversation and his eyes were Ferris Wheels behind his mask. It reminded Raan slightly of the London Eye back on Earth. At least that day was more pleasant. She could still hear Tali's squeal of excitement from the other compartment when Shepard proposed to her.

"Ah, Shala. About time you got here," Gerrel said, happy for the excuse for a distraction.

Koris turned his gaze from Xen, also happy. "Yes, quite." He looked around Raan, with a perplexed tilt in his head. "Is Tali joining us this time? Or is she still wasting time with her human," he said with a slight sneer.

Koris's jab didn't go unnoticed, as he jumped when he heard Tali's voice come from behind him. He turned to see the narrowed eyes of the quarian clad in purple. "Maybe if you weren't so busy filling your helmet with hot air, you would've noticed me coming in awhile ago," she aggressively stated.

"Excuse me, miss-"

"-Admiral. And that human saved your life as well as everyone in the whole damned galaxy," she reminded him angrily. "So...pick your words."

Koris reflected for a moment. "Yes, miss- Admiral...I...apologize."

Admiral Zorah nodded her head and Raan felt a guilty surge of pride. It wasn't every day someone managed to shut Koris up so quickly. The last time Raan remembered was Shepard himself when he came in defense of Tali at her hearing all that time ago. Sometimes I wonder if Koris would ever learn his lesson.

Of course, he didn't. He raised his finger once more. "But you still need to explain why you have been skirting your duties! I understand you like spending time with your old friends and crewmates, but you need to be present at these meetings!"

Tali wasted no time in showing her rare natural cold confidence. It wasn't something she simply learned from being on the Admiralty Board. She showed this by holding her hands behind her back and standing tall, looking deep into the other Admiral's eyes. "I understand that, Admiral Koris, and I will be from now on." Raan had to gasp. To others it might not of meant much, but to her it was powerful like a ghost coming back to haunt. If I didn't know better, I'd say it was Rael reincarnated in front of us.

Most of the time Raan could only see parts of Tali's mother in her. But whenever she was put in a position of leadership, it was all Rael. The quick words with a lack of excuses and an underlying defiance were clear enough signs.

"Good," Xen inserted herself. "Speaking of which, how are your old shipmates? How's Shepard? Still stuck in that wheelchair?" Raan rolled her eyes this time. It was difficult to like Admiral Xen. She always had that air of arrogance around her and it was difficult to tell whether she's legitimately concerned or poking and prodding for reactions. Her scientific nature made the latter most likely.

It was fairly obvious that anyone else would feel the same way. Each conversation was either cautious or heated, and Tali wasn't an exception. "He is," she started bitterly. "He'll be leaving in a few days, however. I'm planning on going with him but will return immediately once he reaches his destination."

"Aw," Gerrel shared his disappointment. "So soon? He's been attracting a lot of help."

Raan didn't expect this reaction from any of the admirals but was pleased that at least one of them other than her and Tali liked having Shepard around. That in itself was a chance for a good majority opinion on the Board. The more good Shepard brought to Rannoch, the better chances of his, "deep involvement," with the Admiralty Board being accepted.

"Oh? Where is he going?" Xen asked curiously.

"He hasn't told me yet, just said it wasn't going to take long. I'm coming along because we're making a stop at my father's grave." Tali half lied. "Figured it was time to properly pay my respects this time around."

Raan was slightly disheartened at the casual tone of her voice. The older admiral knew Rael for a long time and he was a good man. He wanted the homeworld for his daughter and did his best to research ways he could go about it. Combine that with the loss of his lifemate, Tali's mother, and it made him distant and indifferent...cold. She could tell Tali still held some of that bitterness in her heart. But surely after all this time she would realize that all he was doing was his best for her?

"Interesting," Xen said almost to herself, as if she didn't realize the others could hear her.

Tali raised her voice slightly to address all of them. "Don't worry, Admirals. I'll be in easy communication. It won't take long and I'll be looking over anything you need from me."

"Well, we really need you here, but we understand why you wish to go," Gerrel replied, glaring at the others. He was also a good friend to Rael, and it was understandable why he wasn't as hostile to the news. Perhaps it was his way to apologize for firing on the geth ship that Tali and Shepard were on months prior.

"Fly safe when the time comes, Tali," Gerrel finished.

"Thank you." Tali nodded. "Is there anymore important topics we need to discuss?" She asked, avoiding Xen's and Koris's earlier disagreement.

"Well, other than Xen's crazy ideas. All we really need to do is categorize our shiptowns and come to a conclusion," Koris said, regaining some of his confidence.

"To what?"

"Well, we're setting up cities. We have to choose where our shiptowns are going to fit in. Keep resources evenly distributed without making the people upset," Koris answered.

Shiptowns was the term for the settlements of each ship. A ship would come down on a location and its crew would take the ship apart and recycle it into buildings. Any new areas constructed with resources from Rannoch and not originally from the flotilla were not considered shiptowns, but places of high value. Any resources from Rannoch were handled carefully and manufactured to a very high standard, with wide spaces for their most skilled and imaginative architects to do their work.

"Why not have the shiptowns land where their skills can be most utilized?" Tali suggested.

"What do you mean?"

"Send our mining ships to the mountains up north, have the agriculture ships sent to the southern continent. The Rayya will do well there."

Raan and the other admirals looked at each other in skepticism. I guess it makes sense, but, that will spread us out very thin.

"Are you saying we should divide ourselves up?" Gerrel questioned with his arms folded. "Sure we can do that but not now. We're not ready. Everybody needs each other's resources so that means we stick together."

"Keelah, Admiral. We don't drift around in space, anymore. We have our world back now! And there's...less than...seventeen million people to populate it," she paused. The quarians took very heavy losses during the war with both the geth and the reapers. Too many. It was disheartening to see the numbers fall in the reports those days. The captain was right, we can't sacrifice more lives.

"Anyways," Tali continued, "I highly doubt our miners are going to need seeds. I say we should go off and rediscover, let us cover the land with our footprints once more. Let our children see what the world has to offer for them...repeal the single births."

The last idea hung out there. In any other circumstance the admirals would agree to it wholeheartedly. But there were plenty of orphans that needed taking care of. It would make things more difficult if they repealed the law right then and there. There would be too many kids and not enough adults to take care of them.

Raan spoke up, "That is very hopeful of you, Tali. But we must check our losses. The child to adult ratio is staggering, and our people need to regroup and be strengthened by one another. When we are strong enough, then we can think about expansion."

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you but I agree with Tali." The voice came unexpectedly from Xen. "Not on the repealing the single births mind you, but I believe we should spread ourselves out more. Claim land for ourselves. No one is going to attack us for a long time. Right now, rebuilding efforts are everyone's main focus. And it's not like every single person is going to live alone and not see another soul for miles. We're just sending these ships to where they're best suited. It'll help make civilization more efficient because, as Tali said, our miners aren't going to need seeds."

Tali nodded, "We should take every advantage we can get."

"And what if our shiptowns do need resources from each other? We don't have many skytrucks for simple deliveries, and we don't have roads to connect the settlements for any other kind of transportation," Koris said with skepticism.

"Have you forgotten the geth that can serve us?" Xen replied.

"-help us, Xen. The geth can help us," Tali corrected.

"I know what I said."

The other admirals narrowed their eyes to her. She better wise up soon, we don't want to risk an incident with the geth. Not after everything we have been through. "Well," Koris sidetracked, "The geth can help us, that is an idea, yes..." The admiral paused, thinking over the idea.

Raan herself wasn't quite sure about the idea. Quarians were always tight-knit. Sure they have their homeworld back, but being close has been so engraved into their society. It was difficult to imagine a group of their people living far off in a different part of the world. But as Xen said, it'll help make civilization more efficient. Plus, whether they liked it or not, some day in the future, all of Rannoch will be populated, and their people would eventually reach the other side of the world. Hopefully when that day comes, their numbers would be in the billions.

Raan scratched her speaker light thoughtfully. Perhaps it was her old thoughts of living that held her back from fully committing to the idea. What harm can come from letting the people expand? Our people are young and few...no, they should expand. They are excited, and rightfully so. Let them explore, let them rediscover. We have all the time in the galaxy to organize our resources. Besides, restricting them to one spot might make them even more upset than making sure they have every resource available, the geth can help with that part anyways.

Koris came to his conclusion, "I believe it's a good idea. But it will take a lot more organizing and supervision, if you're up for it. If we do this, we should let the ships in lower atmosphere land now, then direct the rest to where ever place is best needed of them."

"I agree," Raan said.

"As do I," came Gerrel.

Tali beamed a little. She was a young admiral, yes. But an exceptionally smart one. Her parents would be proud.

"Very well," Koris looked back to the remaining admirals. "Tali? Xen? Does this satisfy?" Both of the women nodded their heads. "Very well, even with that idea implemented, we still need to come up with ideas for ship settlements and bring it before the conclave. Where should we start?"

"I'd like my research team along the river, north of where the Geth House is..."

MANY HOURS LATER

"You done a lot of work, Tali. I'm proud of you for stepping up to this, despite what's going on," Raan said as the two women left the meeting.

Tali sighed, a little deflated and tired. "I never wanted to be an admiral, Aunt Shala. There's so much work. But if it's what it takes to get the people to accept Shepard more, than I will do so."

Raan picked up her niece's hands, thumbing over the ring on her last finger. "I know, and I'm happy you're willing to do so much. I understand how difficult it is for you, being an admiral, having your love leave-"

"-And threatened," Tali added sadly. "Damned mercs. You think we would finally have peace after everything that's happened. But no, we have to have more pissed off people after us. Keelah, it never ends."

The two women walked towards the front of the building on their floor. The meeting room was always on the top floor, whenever a new one was added, the elevator was adjusted and the meeting room would be moved up. Right now, the monument building was only just a few stories tall, but it was growing at a slow but steady pace. They would have to move the meeting room up again sometime in the next week. Just a little higher.

They opened a door to a balcony. It was made of white stone supported by large metal bars that lead down to the balcony the floor below, and kept going to the balcony below that one, and the next one, all the way to the bottom. It reminded her somewhat of the Presidium on the Citadel, only a bit smaller, higher, a little less glamorous, and more exposed to the outside air.

Raan had to admit she didn't like being this high on a building made of glass, but the beauty of the night sky sucked her fears away. It was different from her time spent on the scorched human homeworld of Earth. There wasn't a day there where she didn't see an ash cloud billowing in the distance, covering the sky and Luna, Earth's moon. At least the area where the Tonbay and Normandy crew was gathered had some greenery spared from the horrendous battle. But she still couldn't imagine what Earth was like before the reaper attack.

Raan didn't know Shepard too well on a personal level, but she could see why he liked being on Rannoch. She very well heard of Shepard's difficult upbringing, his leaving of Earth to round up her people and everyone else in the galaxy to fight, and returning only to see it in ruins. Not to mention it was the place where he was also severely injured and stuck in while everyone else made repairs. By the Ancestors, I would've wanted to run away to a different planet, too.

It was at this time Raan felt a little more gratefulness in her heart to the Captain. As his world was burning, he was helping her people get their world back. She looked towards the star filled sky. Like Earth, Rannoch had a single moon hovering in the speckled darkness, only a little bit larger due to it's proximity. Sure enough, it was a sight that could make any one of her people cry. But she won't tonight, not while her niece who was in dire need of company was there.

"He'll be fine, Tali. Your Captain is a smart man. I'm sure he'll come out in one piece."

"I know, but I still worry."

"And I'm sure he worries about you, too. Otherwise he wouldn't have agreed to our plan," Raan reasoned.

"I can handle myself, you know."

"And so can he."

"But it's not the same. He hasn't been the same."

Raan tilted her head at Tali's words, "Did something happen between you two?"

Tali shook her head. "No...it's just...it's just he's been itching for something...The past four years has been filled with nothing but fighting for the both of us. But for him, he just can't seem to let go. I don't know if he realizes that he's fine...I don't think he wants to adjust to the idea." She leaned over the balcony's railing, her arms folded and eyes towards the sky. "I see him rolling around in that wheelchair sounding happy as ever. But something about him is off.

"Back on Earth, he's been fidgeting. Eating dextro paste without my knowledge, trying to develop an accent...Once we were attacked on the Citadel he seemed eager to go off and fight once more, to get revenge. Revenge has never been his thing. Then just yesterday, he's more distraught and upset then he normally would've. I don't know if it's Rannoch, the suit he's in, or maybe I'm just overthinking everything...I told him that I fell for his human side...but I don't know. Maybe he still thinks he needs to be like us in order to be happy...I hope I didn't mess him up.

"...Ancestors...help him be at peace."

Raan nodded her head in understanding, clutching her hand underneath her folded arms.

"I don't think it's been so much as him not being the same, but that he's stuck being the same."

Tali shifted her glance towards her.

"I mean you said it. He's not adjusted to the idea of a peaceful life. It scares him, it makes him upset. He doesn't realize he needs it for himself and not just you. Help him understand that and he'll be fine."

"I've tried. But he won't listen."

"Then make him. I don't know him as well as you do but I think he's more of a man of action than words. You need to show him why he needs to relax instead of telling him."

"You think so?"

Raan didn't expect herself to be giving her next recommendation to Tali since romance was one of the reasons that she agreed with Shepard about him leaving Rannoch. But if it helped the two love birds find some sense, then so be it. "Absolutely. Once you two are off, start holding him closer, remind him of what he fought for. Then tell him that even the Savior of the Galaxy deserves some rest."

"Why didn't I think of that," she said as she turned her head back to the stars. It was more of a statement than a question, and one with a little bitterness.

"Probably because you've been too enamored with him." Raan teased.

"Gee, thanks," Tali responded sarcastically. "I don't think it would work too well. I've tried similar things in the past, but he always goes back to wanting to fight. It feels like there's something else that's keeping him from being...him...Keelah, this is all so confusing."

Raan rolled her eyes. Shepard was getting more upset like a kid about wanting to continue fighting, and Tali wasn't picking up on what she meant in order to stop it.

"Let me rephrase," she paused until Tali looked back towards her again.

"Don't take no for an answer."

"Excuse me?" Tali's arms came off of the railing, eyes bewildered.

"You heard me. You are his future lifemate. You need to learn when it's best for you to take the lead in the relationship."

"But he's my captain! I trust his leadership! I'm not going to insubordinate him!"

Raan's eyes narrowed. Her niece's last sentence caused something to boil in her. The pause that followed burned until she could think and deliver her next words in a slow, hot, and very deliberate fashion.

"Tell me...did he...order you...to be in a relationship...with him?"

"What? No?! It was mutual!"

"Then act mutual! Love is not a chain of command, it's a partnership! If neither of you understand that then you shouldn't be together at all!"

Tali's hands flew up, trying to push away the air infected with Raan's hot anger before there could be more. "Okay! Okay! I get it!"

Raan's nerves loosened as she saw Tali immediately get the idea. But her fury wasn't completely extinguished yet, she had a few more words to say before she could ultimately calm down.

"Insubordination," she started sarcastically. "If that was the case, then it should be you being the one pulling rank on him...Admiral."

Tali gave an irritated sigh, "I said I got it, Auntie!" Her arms sloped back over the balcony, her head bent low so the purple visor touched the railing. An action not gone unnoticed by the still somewhat heated aunt.

"Hey, no." She tugged on her hood with on hand and grabbed her shoulder with the other, nudging her to get her head up. "Get your mask off, I don't want you to break another one."

"Auntie, please stop. I'm sorry. I didn't mean what it sounded like," came Tali's annoyed yet defeated tone of voice. "Leave me alone."

Raan's arms stopped trying to raise her and instead folding them. "Damn better." Her body language of leaning back and tipping her head in disapproval was put on to display. But it didn't matter, Tali kept her head down, not seeing it. The sight of her and the pause caused her to relax, feeling only minor regret for getting angry. But her words were something Tali needed to understand immediately at that moment so she wouldn't second guess it later on.

Raan relaxed her posture and sighed. She put her hand to her shoulder once more but this time to comfort rather than nudge. "I'm sorry, Tali. I just don't like the idea of you feeling like you have no say in your relationship."

"I know."

"I mean, partnerships isn't about allowing each other to do what they want. It's about keeping each other in line...You both are stronger together...and you can't be strong together if you both don't understand how to value both yourselves and each other."

"I know. Keelah, Auntie. I didn't come out here for relationship advice."

Raan gave a little smile underneath her helmet, still rubbing Tali's shoulder. "Well, you got it anyway...Now, what are you going to do?"

"About what?"

"About Shepard being Shepard. What are you going to do to get him to relax?"

Tali paused. Raan could tell the cogs in her niece's head were running and she waited patiently for an answer.

"Fine, I'll talk to him again," she finally answered while raising her head. "I'll...try to understand why he's acting strange...and...get him to chill out."

"And?"

"And I won't take no for an answer."

"Good girl."

Tali scoffed, but said no more. The two women looked across the night of the vast desert once again. The sky oily yet comforting, and the stars were small and bright, and the moon bled blue light across the sands. The natural beauty competed with the beauty of quarian made structures as ships still hung in the sky, waiting to come home, and yellow lights that hung on the horizon from late night city construction was interrupted from smaller white lights from geth heads.

Here, they could almost forget an incoming force of mercs trying to kill Shepard was on their way.

"Well, I better get back to the Normandy," Tali yawned.

"Remember what we talked about."

"I know. I know." She turned and gave Raan a big hug.

The older admiral returned the gesture. "Thanks, dear."

"And thank you, as well...Good night, Aunt Shala, sleep well."

"Keelah Se'lai."

"Keelah Se'lai."