The doors closed behind her and Ashley walked a couple of paces before stopping and turning around to appraise her new guide. The familiar white swirl pattern she knew so well from Tali looked almost as good on a green background as it did on purple. Han was smaller than Tali, but not by much; in general, from what she had seen on the Neema so far, the quarian's sexual dimorphism seemed less pronounced than humanity's; there seemed to be no difference in the average height between the sexes. It had turned out though that Tali, being taller than Ashley herself, was an exceptionally tall Quarian – most of them seemed to be about the height of the average human woman. But then again, with three hundred years of poverty behind them, who knew how well fed they truly were. For all she knew, Quarians might have been two feet taller before the exodus.
"Did you guys use to be taller?"
Even with the suit and mask, she could see that Han was dumbfounded for a moment before answering. "Uhm...yes, actually. How did you..."
"I just guessed that with the way you live, you probably don't get everything you need to grow..." she shrugged, feeling somewhat awkward about having brought the topic up. But Tali's brother didn't seem to mind.
"You guessed right. There is a steroid we call.. oh wait, my HUD just told me you humans need it as well. You call it Vitamin D. And our bodies even seem to use it for similar things. Well, just as the human one, the quarian body needs UV ray exposure of the skin to produce it..."
"I can see where this is going."
"Yeah. The suits, what else."
He began walking and gestured her to follow. As she fell in beside him, he continued.
"Well, you're probably wondering why we don't just take supplements. Thing is, we do. Our bodies just aren't very good at actually processing them. It's because of certain enzymes in the liver...the details would probably bore you. The doses we can make use of are just enough for us to not get bone pathologies, but not to keep growing." He sighed. "Well, we get our first suit at the age of six, until then, we're in bubbles. The lamps in our ships are all modified to emit similar UV rays to Tikkun – that's Rannoch's sun. When we're six and get the first suit...well, there is still enough 'Vitamin D' in store to carry us through some more years of growth, and our livers are actually better at processing the supplements when we're younger. And so we go until, for most people, thirteen years before we stop growing."
He looked over to her, their eyes on about the same level. "So yeah, Tali's a freak. Didn't stop growing until she was fifteen!" He chuckled, and Ashley joined in.
"But...with modern bio-engineering...surely this problem could be fixed?"
They reached a ladder and started climbing. Keeping some distance from Han to not get his feet in her face, she noticed once more that Quarians really didn't seem to care about privacy too much, as the boy simply increased his volume to the point of almost shouting so she'd still hear him over the sound of their climbing and the humm of a generator nearby. "Probably, yes. But we can't afford that, and since at the age at which the problem pops up it only limits our growth, and doesn't give us any actual deformities..."
They arrived at the top and he turned towards her, shrugging. "We just learned to live with it. The ancestors were as tall as your men. But when you've never known anything else..."
Ashley shook her head. "Damn flashlight heads."
He chuckled and nodded. "Hmm. Damn Geth. And damn ancestors for getting us into this mess." He had said that sentence notably quieter, and now leaned in almost conspiratorially. "Don't say that one too loud, though. Especially not to my father. It's a bit of a controversial fact." He chuckled. "Probably better not to Tali, either. Did that once, she wasn't happy."
Ashley just nodded, preferring not to get sucked into a discussion of quarian politics. "Yes, wouldn't want to get her angry. She can be a bit feisty."
That got a good laugh out of him, but it died down relatively quickly. They reached a door; hitting the interface to open it, Han looked at her for a long moment, the eyes behind his visor glowing with curiosity. "You know her well, don't you? You said a big thing in there."
"And I meant it," Ashley replied without hesitation. They entered a large room, and she was pleased to see that her guide had led her to the observation deck. While there were still supply crates stacked at the walls, making the room smaller than it actually was, it had retained it's original function. Sprawled over two rows of sofas and seats sat or stood about one hand a half dozen Quarians, some alone, others in groups, and others as couples, all gazing out at the stars reverently – and at the thousands of ships in front of them. Without thinking about it, she hushed her voice. "We've been through a lot together. I must've told her just about everything there is to know about me." They sat down and she leaned in, giving him a teasing grin even if he wouldn't be able to see much of it with the rebreather helmet. "And vice versa. Mister 'Doctor in the making who won't listen to his dad'. "
Before he could answer, she decided to swoop in for the killing blow. "Besides, I've seen her without her mask."
"You think I haven't?"
"In person."
He stared at her wide eyed for a moment before huffing and turning to look out into space. "You're making fun of me."
"Not at all. She had me braid her hair."
"I did wonder how she managed that...but..."
"It was in the airlock after a full decon cycle, and I had my full hardsuit on."
"Hmm...I guess..."
She leaned back and took in the view of the thousands of ships outside, shining from the sun's light reflecting off their hulls like stars of their own, the further ones hard to make out against the backdrop of actual stars. Who knew how many of the stars she saw were actually ships?
Han had to be used to the sight, but still seemed captivated. "It is beautiful, isn't it?"
There was no more playfulness in the boys voice now, and neither in her reply. "Yes, it is."
"So. Now you know everything."
Shepard sat back in his chair and rested his hands in his lap. He had spent the last hour recounting the important parts of his hunt for Saren and the harrowing revelation of the reapers to the admiralty, with Tali chiming in at times, either to add in things he hadn't deemed so important or to answer direct questions posed to her by the admirals; from how frequent those were, it appeared having one of their own people here with him to support his claims was just as crucial as he had anticipated.
Silence settled in, Admiral Koris keeping his gaze fixed on Shepard, Han'Gerrel appearing lost in deep thought, and Raan and Rael'Zorah sharing a long glance. Finally, Raan spoke.
"Thank you for your testimony, Commander. Your reputation precedes you, and Tali obviously thinks highly of you. And we knew before you came here that this 'Sovereign' could not have been a Geth creation. " She sighed. "So I think we all agree that as much as we'd like not to, we will have to accept your words as the truth. It appears our people's woes have just been added to."
Koris nodded solemnly. "Indeed. Which only goes to reinforce my stance. We need a safe haven for our people. It is time to..."
"...finally destroy the Geth!" Gerrel thundered. "They have allied themselves with these "Reapers"!
Will this finally make you see sense, or do you still want to try and make up with them? Maybe ask the council to send them another diplomatic mission they can destroy?"
Koris puffed up his chest, and Raan put a palm on her faceplace, resting her head on it. To his right, John could hear Tali softly moaning.
Korris launched into a passionate speech. "That may be, however, it is of no importance to the matter at hand! Our people need a home!We..."
Gerrel's fist slammed on the tabletop. "We have a home! And the way there is clear! Our people-"
"Enough, damn it!"
Rael'Zorah's voice wasn't the thundering bass of his friend sitting next to him, but instead it was the equivalent of cold steel cutting the air, and it actually managed to shut the other two admirals up. Shepard could see now why Tali had described him as the kind of person who would relegate others into the background just by their mere presence.
"Will you stop bickering in front of our guest!?" Gerrel and Koris actually looked a bit embarassed. "Those questions will be resolved within the admiralty, as they should. For now there is a different matter to be tended to." The Quarian's eyes settled on his daughter, and in the corner of his eye, John could see her all but squirm.
Raan cut in. "It is clear that the reapers are the biggest threat our people have ever faced. Bigger even than the Geth." The two admirals in the middle stirred at that, no doubt for different reasons, but did not speak up. "Tali has seen this new enemy first hand. She will serve the fleet best by remaining at her post."
Rael glared at the aged woman, and she held his gaze. If Koris had a heartfelt opinion on the matter, he kept it to himself; going by what Shepard had seen from the man so far, he didn't think that was very likely. After a couple of seconds, Gerrel cleared his throat. When he spoke up, his voice held nothing of the bravado that seemed to be the norm for him; instead, he sounded almost apologetic.
"Listen, Rael. I know you want your daughter here with the fleet,with her people. I know you had only the best in mind for her. But she is her own woman now. And if Shepard says he needs her..."
The admiral shrugged.
"Your daughter has brought home a gift the likes of which has rarely been seen, she is doing more than right by her people. And she is still going to be serving her people even if she's not on the fleet, and with the hero of the Citadel to boot. You should be proud, Rael."
When his old friend had started talking, Rael'Zorah had at first simply shifted his fearsome gaze from Raan to him, but at the end of it, Tali's father had shrunk a bit, and his eyes had trailed off.
After a couple of seconds, the man looked back at his daughter and asked his question, his voice betraying the fact that he already knew the answer full well.
"Is this really what you want, Tali?"
Her fingers, which had been fidgeting in front of her waist again, stopped, and she nodded. "Yes, father."
Rael sighed and looked around his colleagues. "Well then, I vote in favor. Any votes in opposition?"
Nobody spoke up.
"So be it. Han, if you would."
Gerrel stood up. "Tali'Zorah. In my position as captain of the Neema, I accept your gift and grant you a place in my crew." He paused for a moment, and Shepard imagined that a big smile was appearing on the man's face; the tone of his voice when he continued proved him right. "And as my first order to you, I attach you to commander Shepard's crew, as his request. Your task is to do everything in your power to aid the commander in uncovering the secrets of the reapers, and to keep the admiralty updated on any and all developments regarding them."
The young woman stood as well. "Yes, admiral."
"In the time of your absence, Shepard will be your captain not just in practicality but in law, too. I know that you will not give us reason for anything but pride." He activated a holo screen and quickly made some changes to the document – not that John could have read any of the Keelish letters. Somehow, he managed to convey a sense of finality in the simple act of pushing a holographic button when he closed the file again.
"Tali'Zorah, from this moment on you are vas Neema. Bear this name with pride." He looked over to Tali's father. "Rael?"
The senior admiral nodded. "This meeting is concluded. Keelah'Selai."
With the official part of the meeting over, Koris and Gerrel quickly congratulated Tali and shook hands with Shepard before leaving for their duties, while Raan, who had waited visibly impatiently for the two men to conclude their business with Tali, wrapped her up in a hug and then dragged her off to the side to speak to her, John found himself confronted by Rael.
In contrast to his two colleagues, Tali's father did not immediately offer his hand.
"Commander. You are being granted the service of one of our finest. My daughter. I trust that you will treat her with the respect and decency a proud member of the Migrant Fleet deserves. Should I hear anything to the contrary, you will have the scrutiny of the entire board to stand up to. Am I clear?"
John stood straight, but not at attention; he would treat Tali's father with the respect he was due, but not suck up to him; he doubted that the man would appreciate something like that anyway.
"You are, Admiral. However, I want to make it equally clear that these worries are unfounded. Tali is a respected and appreciated member of my team. If it weren't so, she wouldn't want to do this."
Zorah nodded and extended his hand. "Very well. Good luck foryour search then, Shepard."
John shook it, and with that, the admiral turned around and walked over to the two women still in conversation. They ceased their talking and turned towards him as he approached.
"Raan, Commander. I would like a moment alone with my daughter."
Raan sighed. "Well, I have to return to my duties anyway. This meeting did take quite some time." She cast Tali one last glance. "Call, child! You hear me?"
With Tali nodding reassuringly to the older woman, Shepard turned and followed Admiral Raan out of the room.
Tali watched after John and Raan as the door closed behind them. When she turned around, she found that the marines had all cleared out of the room, leaving her completely alone with her father.
What is it that he needs to speak to me this privately about? He can't go back on his word...he voted in favor...I-
"Tali."
Her father's voice cut through her spinning thoughts, but it completely lacked the sharp edge to it that his subordinates, and in the last couple of years even his children, were used to. Looking at him more closely, it seemed to her that the man had shrunk; somehow, he looked older than he had during the meeting, or like there was less of him.
"I...want to apologize." He looked away. "I had no right to try to tell you how to conduct your pilgrimage." He turned his face to her again. "And I was wrong to think I knew better. Had you followed my demands..." He trailed off, not finishing his sentence.
Tali stood dumbstruck. "I, uh...it's okay father."
He shook his head vigorously. "No, it is not. I was wrong. You were right." He took a step towards her. "Your...mother...would be very proud of you." His hand hovered over her shoulder indecisively. "And so am I." And finally, the hand came down and gripped Tali firmly, shaking her out of her amazement. She rushed forward, hugging her father tightly. After a moment, he returned the embrace, if somewhat lamely.
"I missed you, father. And I will miss you."
She looked up to him, their eyes meeting through the masks. When he spoke after a long moment, his voice was thick. "I've missed you too, Tali."
They remained like that for what had to be at least half a minute; Tali could not remember the last time she had felt this close to the man. Probably before mother had died. When had they hugged for the last time? Not on the day she had left for the pilgrimage. No, it had bee-
His omnitool chimed, and he pulled out of her embrace. Looking down on his wrist, he sighed tiredly. "Duty calls. Both of us." He stepped over to the door, and on the mere two meter walk there, he not only straightened, but somehow seemed to grow, now once again standing before her as the imposing, legendary admiral Rael'Zorah at his full towering height, looking down even on his exceptionally tall daughter. "Good luck."
With that, he palmed the opener and strode through the door, Tali looking after him, enraptured by the bittersweet feeling their moment had manifested in her heart. She barely noticed John, Ashley and Han coming up to her until her captain addressed her.
"Tali. Liara just called, apparently she's finally ready to brief me on some potential next destinations and actually give a recommendation. Why don't you take that time for yourself and get the most out of our stay here before we take off again?"
Tali smiled and looked to her brother."Thanks, Shepard. I would love to. Ashley, did you...?"
Her friend nodded. "Your brother showed me around. I'll go back to the ship now. See ya later."
With that, the two humans turned and walked back the way the had come roughly an hour earlier. Tali had little time to look after them, her brother immediately rushing up to her. "So. We have however long it takes this Asari friend of yours to brief your captain before you go off again for who knows how long." Han spoke in an upbeat tone, but she saw through it, and it stung her.
"I'm sorry...I know it's not what you expected. But it's the right thing to do."
Her little brother looked up to her before wrapping her up in their second hug of the day. "It's alright. From what you told me in your messages and the calls, and from what your friend mentioned...I understand. Really." The seriousness vanished from his voice. "So come on already and let's at least enjoy the time we have. I promised Sheela and Kroon that I would drag you their way at least for a moment." Her heart jumped at the mention of her cousins, and her brother laughed. "I think Sheela is going to try and get you to take you to the Normandy and show her your bedroom. She won't shut up about it."
They got going, but apparently Han wasn't done hyping her up yet. "And you do realize that since your technically returning from your pilgrimage, you are entitled to a clean room appointment ?"
Tali's fingertips tingled with anticipation. She had not realized that. She gripped her brother by the hand and accelerated her pace. "Come on, I don't have all day! I haven't been in a proper clean room for eleven months!"
AN:
So much for fluff and in-betweens. The plot gets going next chapter!