AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey guys, sorry for the slight delay, but it felt good to make a long chapter again. In Word, I was looking at 22 pages. Word count? Over 10k. And I figure you all know why I wanted to make this chapter of all chapters long. I'm pretty happy with how it's come out.
Just going to take a moment and address a few things. One of these is a recent review that I appreciate though I might not agree with, however I can certainly understand it's side. But first; of course, I do know about the Legendary edition. Can't say that I expect it to change anything about the story. The other ME game? I hope it's an Andro sequel and I also hope it's not a time jump because I want to continue Scooter and Vooter without maybe freehanding the ENTIRE thing.
So, that review. LoneWolf. What I REALLY want to talk about is how Akuze has affected him and your belief that it should make him more reclusive, harder, so on so forth as you said. But for everyone else I'm going to address the rest real quick. I'm sure everyone can agree that overall I write Shep as more "paragon then renegade," as the game would quantify it. He has certainly done things that are morally grey at best, particularly when emotions are too heavy. Just recently, beating the shit out of Archer. And he absolutely would have executed him if not for David being right there.
Now, the affects of Akuze and also Elysium with how I wrote that. I have my thoughts, but I think I'm not going to address them in an author's note. But something else. Soon, I'm not ENTIRELY sure when, but certainly before Omega 4, Shep is going to have a chat with someone. Either Tali, Garrus, or both, and that question will pop up. That will be how I explain. Anyways that's enough of me babbling, and I hope you all enjoy!
Commander John Shepard
It was not a good start to the day. I had taken my morning shower while Tali put her helmet back on with a dose of medications only to come out and find her leaning against the wall, hand on a rail, hand over her stomach making retching noises, maybe even throwing up for all I could tell. Naturally, I had thought she was sick and was about to rush her down to Chakwas when she instead held out her arm, showing me what was on her Omni-tool. I understood then. It wasn't sickness. It was shock.
Tali'Zorah vas Neema was being charged with treason against the Migrant Fleet, and ordered to return to the Fleet as soon as possible, with a grace period of three weeks because of the mission. As should go without saying, I ordered Joker to plot a course to the coordinates immediately. The message itself was frustratingly barebones considering the accusation. Absolutely no details as to what they seem to think Tali had done to commit treason. The next hour was spent calming and comforting her, mostly just in silence, and her letting out what needed to be let out. And while I got ahold of my own emotions, anger mostly, at reading that. The following time was getting information. Quarian legal structure was not something they had us study back at the Villa, just fighting styles and some of their strategies.
Obviously, Tali had no idea what exactly they're accusing her of doing. Yet that this isn't the kind of allegation they drop without good evidence. The trial itself is a hearing directed by the Admiralty Board, who act as Judge and Jury. Her father and Auntie Raan, according to her, will certainly be recusing themselves. Tali thinks it's possible that Admiral Han'Gerrel will as well, considering he's close with Tali's father. Leaving only Admirals Zaal'Koris and Daro'Xen. The former she mentioned is a Geth apologist who would prefer to simply find a new home world and has always butted heads with both her father and Gerrel. And according to her, Xen is a sociopath, caring only for her research mainly.
Worst case scenario, Gerrel is also recused, Koris potentially might use this to undermine her father, and Xen couldn't care less, and will require evidence in turn to prove her innocence. While the punishment for treason is exile. Like hell am I letting that happen. The trial will be taking place aboard the Rayya, her birth ship, while the Quarian equivalent to a defense lawyer would be taken up by the captain of the ship she serves on. Naturally, that means the Neema. While Gerrel might be an Admiral calling the Neema his home, it still has its own captain, who's authority does supersede Gerrel so long as only the Neema is concerned. That role is taken by a "Noru'Gudal." Tali knew her relatively decently enough, not like the Captain of the Rayya, Kar'Danna. But at least she was a friend of Gerrel and Rael.
Tali mentioned that the last time an accusation of treason happened was several years back, a woman named "Anora'Vanya vas Selani" gave fleet defense schematics to some Batarians. These Batarians were contracted to upgrade their systems yet handed them over to pirates and slavers without Anora's knowledge. She was pardoned posthumously when she made a suicide run, crashing a small ship into the Batarians. She was, of course, alone on that ship.
As for my own expected involvement in the trial, Tali was unsure. Despite the insular nature of Quarian society, I had garnered some respect amongst them thanks to my efforts against the Geth. And whatever the survivors of Haestrom and Freedom's Progress would have passed along. It's likely I'll be called on to testify but depending on how sensitive to the fleet the charges might be, they may have me wait elsewhere. Not a prospect I'm fond of. If they're aware of, or made aware of Kenn and Lia, it's likely they will also be asked to testify, despite being pilgrims. I've an idea for what I can do to help Kenn with his pilgrimage, but that needs to wait. Lia? I don't know, I'll ask Mordin to help her out there sometime. But that's all irrelevant to the trial.
The fleet itself is on the far side of the Galaxy from where we've started, in the orbit of Elysium. All the way out in the Valhallan Threshold, the relay system of Raheel-Leeya. At the very least we were only two hours from the Primary relay that would jump us all the way to Omega, and only two more secondary relays would be needed after that. Despite it's obvious Quarian name, it is of course not a system within Geth space. But it was slated for Quarian expansion before the Geth revolt. While the system itself is barren, Tali mentioned that the main fleet prefers to mass in relay systems for the security that it provides, while they send escorted mining ships to resource hubs. Which just so happens to be a trio of moons laden with Eezo and Ice a system away.
In the meantime, I need to prepare. Tali granted me permission to talk to Garrus, Chakwas, and the other Quarians while I brought her down to be with Kasumi. The two have grown close after all, and I am not leaving her alone, yet I'm not going to make her tell people about this again and again. I mentioned the possibility of letting Joker know, as he could also be a good candidate to testify. She said she'd have to think on him, not out of distrust but more so because she's unsure of how he'd testify. Garrus because he's also a good friend, and of course his history of law enforcement, Chakwas because of her time on the original Normandy as well, and the Quarians aboard because it was likely they'd be speaking anyways. But I was going to need to speak with Jacob and Miranda as well, though for different reasons. And I don't want any bugs listening in either. I started with a simple text message to Kasumi
I'm bringing Tali down to the lounge and I need you to stay with her, please. Privately. Be there waiting before you continue reading.
The fleet has accused her of Treason. We don't know why. We just need you to be there for her now, and possibly later while I speak to a few others who might be testifying. Anything you can do would mean the world to us both.
Fortunately, Kasumi was more than willing, and practically dragged her in, out of my hands. That left me heading up to Mordin's lab. I want to minimize who's brought up to the cabin, so that limits the locations on the ship I'm confident aren't bugged down to the Lounge, thanks to Kasumi, and Mordin's lab. And one of them is already taken. Mordin needed five minutes but was willing to leave for a few. Lia, of course, was already present, and I simply asked for her to stay, as this would involve her, and messaged Garrus, Kenn, and Chakwas to come up to the lab right away, that it was urgent. Garrus was the last to arrive, mostly in part because he messaged back first saying that if it was about the files, he wasn't ready yet. He was on his way after I responded that it wasn't.
"Thank you all for coming up here. What I'm going to tell you does not leave this room. And you're all to act as if you never heard this until the time comes." I took a breath and glanced at the two Quarians, Kenn seemed nervous, while Lia was confused.
"We are currently enroute to the Migrant Fleet. We have no idea why, but the Admiralty Board has accused Tali of treason." Garrus' mandibles opened in surprise, Chakwas' face scrunched up in confusion, while Lia and Kenn both stepped back.
"What?" Lia asked. "Why?"
"Like I said, we don't know. The message simply told us of the accusation and of the fleet's location. Nothing more. I'm telling you all this with Tali's express permission. You two," I pointed at Kenn and Lia "are likely to be called on to testify. You two," I now pointed to Garrus and Chakwas, "we as the defense might try to call on. I wish there was more I could tell you, but that's all we know in the first place. We figured it would be better to tell you now rather than having it dropped on you, let you prepare. Any questions?"
"How is she?" Garrus asked.
"As well as you'd expect," I muttered. "She's with Kasumi right now."
"What of her father?" Kenn questioned.
"Recusing himself, no doubt. Same for Admiral Raan, she's like an aunt to Tali. Says she wouldn't be surprised if Admiral Gerrel recuses as well, as he was close to her father. And Koris already has a bone to pick with her father, while Xen is going to be uninterested, probably needs some evidence to exonerate her. We'll have to just figure out what we're doing about that when we get there. Hopefully, the captain that will be acting as defense will already be putting it together. Anything else?" No responses. "Chakwas, Garrus, you're clear. Thanks. Kenn, Lia, just a moment. It's unrelated." Garrus gave a nod and left while Chakwas was in thought.
"It occurs to me that the two of you are probably still in need of Pilgrimage gifts. Kenn, I don't know if you've talked with Tali and if you've worked out something with the shield tech, but if you find that shaky, I've another idea for something we can get our hands on when the Normandy gets put into drydock. Lia, I'm sorry to say I don't really have any ideas myself. But I'm going to bring it up with Mordin." I saw her preparing to speak but I continued. "I'm not taking no for an answer. But I want to get this sorted with you all before we're even talking about going through Omega 4. And if I'm honest, when that time comes, I think I'm going to encourage you all to leave. To take your pilgrimage gift and go home. You're both young, and you don't have any stake in this."
"But you let Tali'Zorah aid you against Saren," Lia argued.
"That I'll grant, but it wasn't a suicide mission we could very well not come back from. Plus, she was older than both of you. Combat trained, and already lost friends just at the beginning. If you're concerned about being able to contribute, you've both done more than enough. Kenn, you helped Tali develop her new shield technology and made the workload down in Engineering manageable. That teamwork has undoubtedly shaved off plenty of stress in the day-to-day alone down there. And Lia? I know Mordin's fond of you. He sees plenty of potential as well. But both of you deserve the chance to live your lives. If we survive Omega-4, I'm willing to discuss bringing you back on board if you want, but not before.
"But we were still here when we took on the Geth fleet," Kenn added. I'm mildly, but pleasantly surprised he's fighting too.
"We weren't alone. And the only real danger Normandy was in was sheer bad luck. The Geth ships were outnumbered, out gunned, outmaneuvered, and blind to our ship. The Collectors already ambushed the Normandy once, two years ago, with the Stealth Drive active, that cost the lives of twenty crew and myself. The SR2 might be bigger and better equipped, including in stealth tech, but if they could track us before it's possible they still can. And we're going in alone with no real idea what's waiting for us. I'm sorry, there's too many unknowns for me to let you stay when we go through that relay. You cannot convince me otherwise." Lia raised her hand about to speak for a moment, but put it down, thinking, before speaking again. Kenn's head however, had lowered.
"Why not? Convince you, I mean."
"The crew from the first Normandy still weigh on me. I don't blame myself for them, I know that's the Collectors, and I died with them. The fact that they died under my command, regardless of my own responsibility, that clings to every half-way decent Officer. Throw in that I got to come back, and they didn't? Well… But besides them, I've got more deaths on my conscience. The one saving grace I have with all of them is that each and every one of them were soldiers. They signed on knowing their lives would be at risk. Neither of you did. I know Omega is a rough place, Kenn, I know you probably got a bit closer to death in one way or other than you'd like, but you need to stare death in the face and spit on it before I believe you can understand the decision you'd be making." I let that stew for a moment before I allowed a small grin. "You've both impressed me, surprised me, with your abilities and your contributions. You were both just kids in need when I first met you. All I wanted was to get you on your feet and give you a running start if I could. Whatever ship you choose will be lucky to list you among its crew." They both stood a little straighter at that. "Alright, dismissed." Lia, of course, would stay here in the lab while Kenn left through the main exit. I followed, but only to share a few quick words with Mordin, who had stayed in the decontamination unit. Like I said to Lia, I was just letting him know of the Pilgrimage situation if he didn't already, asked if he could think of something and have Lia work on it alongside him to bring back to the fleet as a gift. He smiled.
"Know exactly what to do." But I still had two more people to talk to, Jacob and Miranda. I figured Jacob first, since he was likely already up in the armory anyways. And he was, just finishing a set of crunches.
"Shepard," he greeted, finishing his rep, and planting a hand on the ground behind him to steady himself.
"Jacob, got a favor to ask of you."
"Name it," he grabbed a water bottle from his other side and took a drink.
"I'm gonna be a little preoccupied for the next two days," he raised a brow with a smirk. "No, this is serious." The expression immediately faded to seriousness and he leaned forward, straightening his posture. "The details I'm only telling those who need to know. At least until it's over. But I need someone to spread the word to the crew about Project Overlord and what's going on in it. If you want to do it subtly, I get it. Miranda. But I'm sure you've noticed it's shaken even her. And no one's really talked about it. I'm sending you my suit's recordings of the events, with some supplementary from Garrus with a few timestamps. I know you weren't there, but you saw David when he was brought aboard. This needs to get out."
"And it needs to get out while it's fresh?" I nodded to begin my answer.
"And it won't be long until this little truce comes to an end. Even less time until I'm really testing it. We need to win over as many as we can, and at least single out those who stay loyal. I don't plan to do anything to them, just keep an eye on them. And drop them off at a station after the mission."
"What about EDI? I figure that's where his main insurance policies are."
"I have… an idea. A bad one. And that's all I'll say for now." Jacob shrugged.
"I'll finish this routine then watch the footage. I know what to do so that the right people see it."
"Appreciated." I turned and left him to his workout before making my way down to the crew deck, and to Miranda's office. She was at her desk, typing at her terminal.
"Just a moment, Commander."
"Normally you pause your reports," I remarked, taking a seat with a hint of humor. An olive branch.
"It's not a report. I'm messaging Oriana. They just unpacked the last box in their new home. And even though it's November, her biology class has announced its final exam. I offered to provide some ideas and information. Research journals she could cite. I did, after all, bring a man back from the dead." I could see the pronounced motion of hitting the enter key on the haptic interface. The kind of satisfied way one does it after typing out a long message and finally hitting send. Before quickly adding another shorter message.
"That you did. Don't suppose any of those citations have your name on them."
"Unfortunately, no. She says hi, by the way." This was a surprisingly warm atmosphere around the woman I once found the title of "Ice queen" fitting.
"It's good to hear that she's doing well. And my hello to her as well. I only need a minute, and I'll happily leave you to your sister." Miranda looked up curiously and typed another quick line before giving me her full attention.
"I can't say why at the moment, but we're on our way to the Migrant Fleet." A static charge filled the air, not one that could be heard, it's one you could just feel. An energy enveloping us, almost. I glanced out the window to see the kinetic barriers flaring before all went black like I had blinked, but I had not, before the charge dissipated, I could see my surroundings, and I could see the stars of space again for a moment before FTL was engaged, the void beyond going simply black and a brief moment of uneasiness from my insides.
"And that was our Relay jump to Omega. Including the ship's discharging, we're a day out from the fleet. They know who built this ship. They know of the Cerberus connection. I'm going to offer them an inspection of the ship, both for contaminants and dangers as they need. EDI will of course act as a VI. And the core is the only room I will accept remaining sealed. Otherwise, I want full cooperation from the crew and their best behavior."
"I completely understand, I'll make sure the crew does as well," she nodded.
"Good. I'll handle Jack and Grunt before we arrive. But I'll let you get back to your sister," I pushed myself up off the chair. Yeah, yeah, I'll make this effort, one more time.
"We should talk about Aite, shouldn't we?" I asked. Miranda was silent for a moment. Having her own internal debate before looking up at me.
"Yes. Yes, we should."
Commander John Shepard
The Normandy came out of the relay, stealth drive disengaged and not even entering FTL. The fleet, after all, wasn't far out. Far outside weapons or visual range, but sensor range, it would take a few minutes for the ping of our arrival to register with the Fleet. And a few minutes more Near Light Speed before I figure they'd send a hail. Tali was in the cockpit alongside me, pacing nervously, Garrus, Chakwas, and Kasumi as well, plus Kenn and Lia, so that they could see home again. She was going to need to be the one to respond and throw in one of her two code phrases. Preferably the all clear, rather than the 'open fire, we're compromised,' code.
"Transponder active?" I asked Joker.
"Yep, they'll know who we are when their sensors pick us up," he answered, I could almost feel him biting his tongue, holding back some quip. A few minutes passed. "Receiving hail, patching through. You're up Tali."
"SSV Normandy SR-2, this is Migrant Fleet security. Verify your passenger and state intention," a male Quarian stated.
"This is Tali'Zorah vas Neema nar Rayya, requesting permission to dock with the Rayya."
"Provide code phrase."
"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began."
"You are cleared for docking cradle Seventeen. Welcome home, Tali'Zorah."
"Requesting a security and quarantine team to meet us. Our ship is not clean."
"Understood." I glanced amongst the others. Garrus and Kasumi, like myself, were fully suited up, fully sealed off so as to not bring any contaminants onto the fleet. Joker, since Tali had decided to allow the possibility of him testifying, was also in an environment suit, but no helmet yet. He wants to stay on the Normandy until he might be called for. And soon, vessels began to come into view. Smaller ones first, and much further apart. Admiral Raan's scout Flotilla provided a screen around the fleet. At this point the rest of the fleet was technically visible as well, but individual ships were barely if at all noticeable. That changed shortly as the Liveships became distinguished within the barrier of the Heavy Fleet formed around the Civilian ships. Approximately Fifty-Thousand ships holding around Seventeen-Million men, women, and children. I couldn't tell the Liveships apart from one another, they were basically just a giant metal ball with a beam protruding from one side that had engines attached at the far end of said beams and the docking cradles along them. But as we continued it was more and more clear which one we were heading to, obviously their own transponders active to identify. Within a few minutes more, the Normandy was lining itself up in one such cradle, mag clamps lowering down to secure the ship while a docking tube extended, lining up with the CIC airlock. Finally, we were fully secured and able to board.
The Normandy's airlock matched its pressure to the docking tube's and ran it's decon cycle, and once we passed through the docking tube, the same repeated at the Rayya's airlock. Tali was tense. I put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. She took a deep breath. We had talked the night before. We both needed to tone down any touchy-feely while we were here, at least until after the trial was over with. It wasn't that she wanted to hide us. But, time and place. I completely understood. But in the last moment we had of relative privacy, I needed to give her some reassurance. I released, putting my hand down as the doors opened. First to greet us, waiting on the other side of the airlock with rifles of Quarian design pointed at the floor was obviously a security team of Marines, two men, one woman.
"Hold," the woman spoke. She looked first at Kenn and Lia. "Pilgrims, identify yourselves. Are you returning home?"
"Kenn'Hass nar Yanil," Kenn began.
"Lia'Vael nar Shellen," Lia added. "No, not yet. We've been serving on the Normandy, we're here to help Tali'Zorah." The Marine sergeant nodded.
"And you, Humans and Turian. Yourselves?"
"Commander John Shepard. The Normandy's my ship."
"Kasumi Goto."
"Doctor Karin Chakwas."
"Garrus Vakarian. Ex-C-Sec detective."
"We're all close friends of Tali. And we're here to help in any way we can," I finished.
"That's acceptable. I've been told your ship and some of your crew are Cerberus?" she asked.
"Unfortunately, though lots of them have been getting their eyes opened. I invite you to take a full sweep of the Normandy as reassurance. The crew have been instructed to provide their full cooperation. However, I am still a Council Spectre, and I have sensitive materials and information being kept in the room behind our Medical bay. I ask that you avoid that one singular room until we cause you to feel a need to investigate.
"The gesture is appreciated, Captain Shepard," a male voice spoke from behind, approaching. "But it will not be necessary."
"Captain Kar'Danna," Tali spoke up.
"Tali'Zorah," the man answered. His suit was dark, and his Realk a dark blue color. Shapes like trapezoids. "The Rayya is gladdened to see it's child aboard once more. Though saddened by the circumstance." The Marines stood down, but escorted another team into the airlock, the other team having scanning equipment and canisters I figured were essentially cleaning supplies. Make sure the docking tube was clean of contaminants. "Captain Shepard, Tali'Zorah has told me much about you." He offered his hand. A gesture of respect, considering that's not the Quarian greeting. I shook it. "It's a pleasure, though I regret the circumstances myself." I held my tongue, I may not be a Captain in the Alliance, but I know how it is for Quarians and the title of Captain.
"You as well, Captain Kar'Danna. Tali's been invaluable to the Normandy both against Saren and now. She's a dear friend, and I hope we can rid her of these charges quickly. Whatever they may be." The Captain closed his eyes and slightly turned his head, as if he was trying not to say something.
"I understand entirely. Your voice will carry weight, as the Captain of the vessel she's served on. Unfortunately, I'm required to remain neutral, yet…" he looked at Tali, and spoke softly. "I'm here if you need to talk. But" his voice returned to as it was. "Now that you're here, I'm able to tell you what you're being charged with exactly. Bringing active Geth into the Fleet as part of a secret research project." Well that hardly makes any sense.
"What?! No! Never, I only brought parts and pieces, inert, harmless, and all above board for my father's research! Everything was permanently inactive, I spent hours on every individual piece of hardware."
"And we should all know that 'incompetence,' is out of the question," Garrus remarked.
"Technically, I'm under orders to place you under arrest pending the hearing. So," he glanced at Tali. "You're confined to the ship until it's over."
"Thank you, Captain," Tali sighed, rubbing at the mask over her forehead.
"Come, preparations began once your ship was verified. The hearing is taking place in the Garden plaza. I will escort you." He gestured for us to follow and we did so. The interior of a Quarian ship was rustic. Supply crates were stored wherever there was room or overhead in cargo nets when cables or wires were not exposed. Necessary utilitarianism. The only thing consistently kept clear was a central walkway. "Admiral Raan wishes to speak with you before the trial begins."
"Not Admiral Zorah?" I asked. He was uncomfortably quiet for longer than seemed right.
"You'll see at the hearing." I can't say I liked the sound of that. Is he also put on trial? Why wouldn't he just say?
"Is Admiral Gerrel recusing himself as well? Tali mentioned it was a possibility."
"No. Partially because it would have only left two of the board remaining, and because he has enough plausible deniability, having been closer to Admiral Zorah, that he would not recuse himself. I apologize, but I have been ordered to say little regarding the trial for now. And unlike the order of arrest, these ones I can see some sense in.
"Can we ask how long this is all expected to take?" Garrus asked. "I'm hoping for a chance to investigate some crime scene, somewhere with evidence."
"The length of the trial depends. But… that opportunity may arise, yes."
"Is there anything at all you can tell us that can help us here?" I questioned. Kar'Danna was quiet for a moment, thinking, as he led us along to a transit system at what I would assume to be the center of the Liveship's beam. We took our seats inside the ceiling less tram-pod. He spoke quietly.
"I can tell you that there is a political charge to this trial. If you can expose that in the proper way, that should at least alleviate some of the pressure. Also, a representative from the Idenna, one of the former crew of the Cyniad, is present. She was already asked to speak, and naturally did so in your favor. As were the survivors of Haestrom, and even young Veetor. They were in support of you, your character, and your competence. But they also confirmed the transfer of Geth parts, but, as you said, under orders. It is my vision of the people of this ship that, at worse, some people have cause for skepticism. Cause I cannot yet describe to you. But the political charge is holding more attention. There is potential there, but I fear I have already said too much." I simply nodded in response and tried to think. Though I can only do so much until I see and hear for myself.
Soon, the tram came to a stop and we disembarked, a small hallway on the other side of the door that acted as a decontamination unit. It must be an additional precaution to protect this garden. The process finished and the door opened to reveal a surprising sight. A large, open area, the ground green with grass aside from the metal paths. To the left, trees, straight from Rannoch, the wood a dark red in one plot, various ferns in another. To the right appeared to be plots with fruit producing trees and some with vegetables, a few groups of Quarians working to harvest some of them, caring for others. Along the walls of the large chamber were shrubberies.
"This portion of the gardens is dedicated more to preservation and production. Though on the upper garden decks the focus is more on production, and on the lower, preservation. The plaza is on the other side of the wall at the end," Kar'Danna pointed forward. I could of course see the end of the room; it would take at least fifteen minutes to walk across to it though. And the ceiling rose to around forty feet. The Quarian Liveships are without a doubt the largest ships in the Galaxy. Though Sovereign was larger. "Each deck has its own plaza as well, though for different purposes. This one is for official gatherings. Some can be reserved for gatherings of a clan or clans. Most serve as markets, and a select few are reserved for our children. Either for play or as part of their schooling. The same goes for the other Liveships. And opposite of us, on the other side of the plaza, as well as one deck above and below, is reserved for our livestock and other animals we were able to bring from Rannoch."
"Must be difficult to maintain," Chakwas remarked.
"They are, the occasional meal of meat is a rare luxury for us still, and we can hardly accept those remnants of Rannoch to fall to extinction as well. We keep them in minimal supply, and stockpiles of DNA prepared for cloning if necessary."
"What of the rest of the ship? Besides the gardens," Kasumi asked.
"Despite the gardens combined, that still leaves approximately forty-percent of the central sphere of the Liveships. Thirty-five of that is used as residential. The bridge takes up half a percent. It's centrally located and houses several key systems such as life-support and backup power, should the sphere ever become detached from the engine spire. The remaining four-and-a-half? Production, storage, medical, and water. The engine spire houses the drive core, more storage, more production, and waste management. Even with the relatively small amount remaining for more mechanical productions, the three Liveships produce nearly all of the fleet's food."
"Why are you telling us all this?" I questioned. Kar'Danna was quiet another moment as we continued to walk. Some of the working Quarians taking their time to study us.
"As I said, Captain Shepard. Tali'Zorah told me much about you. That you arrived so quickly despite your mission to help her, and your earlier questions were telling. Not to mention your other two pilgrims. You are trustworthy."
"Thank you." I noticed as we were nearing the wall, Tali lean to the side a little as if to try and get a less obstructed view ahead, peering before seeming to perk up a bit. Her pace quickened. Ahead I could see two Quarian women having a discussion. One looked over and gestured to the other before walking through the door to the plaza. The remaining turned to face us, eyes for Tali. I could see now her realk had a diamond pattern, a dark brown color.
"Auntie Raan!" Tali called out, wrapping her arms around the admiral. Shala returned it without hesitation.
"Tali'Zorah vas Normandy, it is good to see you child, and good you came so quickly." Wait-
"Captain John'Shepard vas Normandy," Tali turned to introduce me. I could hear some measure of relieved joy just from seeing her. "I introduce Admiral Shala'Raan vas Tonb- Wait… Auntie Raan, you called me 'vas Normandy?'" Now there was a hint of fear. And pain wracked the body language of Shala.
"I'm sorry, the board moved to have you tried as crew of the Normandy, given your departure."
"Wha… what?" Shala pulled her back into the hug.
"Shh… It's ok, Tali. It's not over yet. Despite any legal requirements, many still know you as vas Neema."
"What does this mean, exactly?" I asked softly. More anger than I'd like building. Shala's eyes opened behind her mask, looking at me from Tali's shoulder as she was kept in the hug.
"It means you will be acting as her defense, as Captain of her Ship."
"I'd have liked to know that quite a lot sooner," I frowned. Their hug was released, and Tali was looking at me awkwardly at that concept.
"I understand. I asked Captain Noru'Gudal to testify and provide some measure of defense before your arrival as part of the trial, considering the circumstances. She is also present, available to advise you if required. Considering the circumstances, the board has agreed to grant you several recesses for Counsel as you require already. Are you willing?"
"You're goddamn right I am. Though I'm still a soldier, not a lawyer."
"That should not be a concern. My bondmate, Garu, did some research on Human law so that Noru and even myself translate Quarian legality to you. We learned quickly that our structure was far simpler to that of humans. No loopholes, or sly tricks. Present truth and evidence as you best can. But I'm afraid we must gather." We passed through the door, a small hallway and through the door at the other end.
A wide-open plaza space. Trees where they could fit them, ferns and shrubbery along the walls and vines growing higher beyond them. Various benches off to the sides with a large, almost amphitheater in the center, the dais at the center began as the lowest point but had two subsequent raised platforms facing it. The highest looked as if it could only fit one individual, while the lower housed three individuals now, with room for five. There were small crowds scattered, but it seemed most of the Quarians who would be presiding had already taken seats to wait and watch. But all eyes were on us as we entered, and those scattered crowds were moving to take seats at the amphitheater. Captain Kar'Danna escorted us to the lowest part of the dais, where a Quarian woman was waiting.
"Captain," she greeted quietly. "Noru'Gudal vas Neema. I'll help however I can." I nodded my thanks, Kar'Danna taking a spot in the crowd, while we positioned as we could down here, Raan taking the spot above three of the five Admirals. Two men, one woman. Tali was looking around for someone, confused. Her father, I presume. Where is he? The woman had an all-black realk, her patterns a triangle within a square. The central man, a suit lighter in color that I'd almost call pink, his realk a light green and patterns connected circles, though not swirling. And a man with a darker suit and a red realk, much like Kal's, a pattern of jagged stars.
"This Conclave is brought to order. Blessed are the Ancestors who kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season. Keelah se'lai." Every Quarian in the room echoed the ending phrase. "The accused, Tali'Zorah vas Normandy has come with her Captain to defend herself against the charge of treason."
"Objection!" The central Admiral spoke, raising his arm. His voice sounding overly formal, and to my first impression, snobbish. "These aliens have no business at a hearing involving such sensitive military matters."
"Then you should not have fought to declare Tali'Zorah crew of the Normandy, Admiral Koris. By right as her Captain, John'Shepard must stay," Shala refuted, with no shortage of annoyance. Prick.
"And of the others?"
"Captain?" Shala gestured.
"They came with the same intent as I did. To defend Tali, and willing to testify on her behalf as close friends and crewmates. Garrus Vakarian and Doctor Chakwas have known her as long as I have, since my campaign against Saren. If you expect me to properly defend her as any Captain should, especially having such short notice that I'd be her defense counselor rather than supporting her true Captain, Noru'Gudal, I require them." There were some murmurs in the crowd.
"Objection withdrawn." Shala continued.
"Captain John'Shepard vas Normandy, your crewmember, Tali'Zorah vas Normandy, stands accused of treason. Will you defend her?"
"I owe Tali not just my life, not even just my sanity, but the success of my campaign against Saren and his Geth. And I gladly offer her any and all help I can provide, free of the countless debts I owe her," I glanced over. "And yet, I'd be doing her a disservice to not reiterate, that in her heart, her mind, and her soul she remains Tali'Zorah vas Neema. A proud member of the Migrant Fleet. And it is an injustice that her Captain is forbidden from taking my place here today, regardless of the aid she may grant me."
"Nobody has been forbidden from anything!" Koris leaned forward to argue. "It is a simple-" the other man spoke up.
"Lie to them if you must, Zaal'Koris, but don't expect to lie to me and expect me to stay silent! The human is right!" That must be Gerrel.
"Order! Admirals, please. John'Shepard's willingness to represent Tali'Zorah in this trial is appreciated." The Admirals stood straight and silenced themselves. I noticed who must be Xen was overcome by distaste and annoyance. "Tali, you are accused of bringing active Geth to the fleet. What say you?"
"My apologies, Admirals. But if I'm to act as defense I need to understand the full nature of these charges. How could she be bringing back Geth units while serving on the Normandy? The charges were only brought to my knowledge minutes before I knew I'd be acting as defense."
"Very well, Captain," Xen spoke up. Something English in her accent, same as Gerrel. The England kind of English, I should clarify. "Tali has not been accused of bringing back entire Geth units. But parts and pieces that could spontaneously reactivate and reassemble. Pieces that would have been collected on operations she participated in alongside the Migrant Fleet Marines before and after your… reappearance."
"Thank you for clarifying the charges," I answered.
"I ask again. Tali, what say you?" Tali looked at me nervously and I gave her a nod. She stepped forward.
"I would never send any active Geth parts to the Fleet. I was under orders to inert parts, both for projects under my father and Admiral Xen, and I spent hours verifying the safety and the permanent deactivation of each piece of hardware."
"Then explain how Geth seized the lab ship where your father was working!" Koris accused. These rat bastards. Tali froze. Before stumbling backwards. I rushed sideways to catch her before she fell back against the stairs. Using helping her to her feet as an excuse to be able to get her hand in mine and squeeze. The hand on her back to steady her.
"W… Wha-What are you talking about?" she was barely able to speak. Shala couldn't bring herself to look at us. As I was glaring daggers at them all.
"I'm sorry, Tali. As far as we can tell," Gerrel began. "The Geth have killed everyone on the Alarei. Your father included."
"How dare you! How dare all of you! I thought Quarians valued family above all! First, you don't even tell her the nature of the charges. Then you strip her of her ship name, and then you wait until the trial is underway to tell her that her father might be dead?! And claiming she's responsible no less! You should all be ashamed of yourselves!" I shouted. I could see that stung Shala bad, even Gerrel. Koris was taken aback. Xen clearly still didn't care.
"I apolo-" Shala began. But I was livid.
"She's your fucking NIECE," I shouted, interrupting her. I think I had shocked the crowd into silence. It was Tali who broke the silence.
"John, please, we have to take back the Alarei. Quickly!" Koris spoke before I could.
"With the strike teams that have already failed, the safest course would be to scuttle the ship. But if you are seeking an honorable-"
"I'm looking for my father you Bosh'tet!" Tali shouted.
"Your proposal is extremely dangerous," Shala warned.
"Just have a read of my service record. And ask Kal'Reegar about that Colossus."
"Very well, and should the worst happen, your name will be cleared," Gerrel added. Koris turned to whisper to Gerrel. I could barely make it out.
"We will discuss that later."
"Very well. You will take one of our shuttles, and if you wish to call on more of your crew you may do so."
"While I will ask that Doctor Chakwas remain, I'm only going to call on one more of my crew. The Krogan."
"You are given leave to leave the Rayya. Stay safe, Tali. The hearing will resume upon your return, or determination that you have been killed in action."
"My ship monitors our vitals, they'll patch you in," I answered.
"Communications between the Alarei are jammed," Koris insisted.
"Do it anyways, worst that can happen is that this is jammed to. I've dealt with worse scenarios."
"Then this hearing can be put into recess. We await your return." I immediately opened my Omni-tool and contacted the Normandy.
"Get Grunt ready for combat. Have him bring our weapons as well. And make sure he's properly sealed."
"At once, Shepard," EDI answered. Then I turned to Chakwas and Noru.
"I need to speak with you both, privately. I hurried them along to the corridor between the plaza and the garden, gesturing for the others to stay.
"What is it?" Chakwas asked.
"I can't afford to waste time talking to the Admirals. Not with the situation on the Alarei and for any potential survivors. Yet talking to them would still be invaluable. Either of you, whoever you think would be best," I looked at Noru. "To talk to the Admirals for me during this time. Their opinions on the trial, on Tali, on Rael. Especially about the heavy political charge of it. Start with Raan, she'll help you, despite what she did and how much it pisses me off I know it was to help. Fill me in on the details for our way back."
"Absolutely. This whole thing smells of bullshit," Chakwas nodded.
"It'll be done. But be careful. Xen estimates anywhere between ten or fifty Geth aboard the Alarei."
"That's a lot to accuse one person of bringing back." Noru shrugged.
"It was a research vessel. I suspect there are… several possibilities. Of all I suspect, she's related to none."
"Do they even have any evidence against Tali? Or just deactivated Geth parts were being sent to a research vessel?"
"You did not hear this from me, but no. The politics involved here are almost overwhelming. I'll include it in the report. Your shuttle will be waiting close to the Normandy, and I don't suspect a Krogan takes long to prepare for battle."
Commander John Shepard
The Quarian shuttle had docked with the Alarei and we disembarked, the shuttle detaching almost immediately as the pilot wanted to get clear. The airlock went through its cycle, a hallway on the other side, a short one. It's likely the Geth know we're here.
"Grunt, take point."
"Gladly," he muttered. Taking a charging stance as we grouped up behind him, Garrus and I ready to disperse left, Tali and Kasumi to the right, though the latter was now cloaked. The door opened and Grunt began charging in, leading with the shoulder. There were five Geth, no, six, I saw the shimmer of that Hunter. Though fortunately for us one of those Geth were in front of the door, and was caught in Grunt's charge, breaking it's back against the metal counter a few feet behind, ripping the torso up and off the legs, and using that to eat some shots from the other Geth, jumping over and throwing it at one of the other Geth while I lit up the Hunter, Kasumi taking down one, Garrus another, and Tali giving a shotgun blast to the Hunter. Grunt finished off the one he tossed a Geth torso at, and with the end of the initial combat, I could actually register the… differences to the appearance of the Geth here. They were scrapped together, more or less. Frankenstein's Geth. Putting themselves together by taking apart the Alarei if I had to bet. As for the room itself, there were more bunks than anything else. Though the two counter tops and ovens told me it also served as some measure of kitchen, and a desk in the corner with several terminals.
"Help me check these for information, Grunt, Garrus, make sure no Geth get the jump on us." Tali, Kasumi, and I picked a terminal each and took a few minutes trying to get anything. The Geth had severely scrambled the ship's network, possibly using it to create more Geth software for their networked intelligence. I wasn't pulling anything sensible.
"Well, I got something. A log," Tali spoke up. Something was taking a load on their systems, so they took down the firewalls to rebalance. My father ordered a bypass of standard safeties to save time."
"That's… dangerous, considering the research."
"I know," she murmured. Not taking that easily. It incriminates her father as a potential cause. And while I can't claim to be fond of the man myself from the stories, getting him convicted is not something I imagine she wants. Having no more luck on the terminals, we exited deeper into the ship. And that was when we started to find the bodies. Some appeared to be marines. No sign of their weapons. I imagine not every Geth here can have a Geth weapon, and so they took em to use themselves, if not just to scrap for more parts. This itself was just another hallway, but there was glass to peer into a lab of some kind.
"In there, one of the storage units I sent," Tali pointed. We got the door open easily as she went to inspect it. The others watching for Geth. She opened it. Inside was a large variety of parts. The container itself was layered and each individual piece was stored so that it wasn't even touching another. There was one set of cables, but I imagine those are of little interest. "Yes, this one is parts from a repair drone. Some of the hull, for testing weapons, I disassembled the welder, I see the CPU, but that's also isolated. It was inert and would have no means of gaining power to reactivate without someone deliberately charging it. Which, no one has," I looked in, and it was still wrapped in plastic where it was stored. "Even a reflex unit I didn't recognize from Haestrom."
"What made a piece worth sending?"
"It had to be in working order. Something that could be integrated into other technology. If I were requested to bring in the chest plate of a Geth platform, it would have needed to be destroyed by headshot. If they wanted the eye, it had to be possible to power back up. Though I'm describing more simple examples."
"I know asking this will sound stupid, and I know the answer, but I need to ask for the trial. Everything you set back was safely deactivated and would never activate on its own. Correct?"
"Yes."
"But someone else could activate it accidentally?"
"If they were being unsafe."
"And deliberately?"
"I don't like the implication, but yes. Relatively easily."
"So, if we find nothing, we cling to that," I mused. Tali was quiet.
"I don't want them to start accusing my father, John."
"I know, and I'm not going to say it's him. But Noru… didn't tell me that they don't have any evidence on you besides that you sent parts. It's practically all political bullshit. Call them out on that, make a point as to how anyone on the ship could have caused it by being unsafe or deliberate sabotage. That they have nothing to implicate you and mountains of evidence that you are neither malevolent nor incompetent." Tali was quiet a minute.
"Ok."
"Come on, let's keep moving." We left this separate lab back to the hallway and into another, larger lab. It is a science ship after all. More bodies in a corner, and a staircase at the far side that another squad of Geth were coming down from. With us able to spread out it made it easy to pick them off basically one by one. Their local networked intelligence is not that smart yet, it seems. Of the ten to fifty, that's ten down. There were some more terminals for us to check. Took a bit, but we got another log. An audio and visual log, a Quarian woman. She was facing the camera.
"We locked down navigation, weapons are offline. Our mistake won't endanger the fleet. There was a hissing sound and light shining from the side onto her. Her voice quickened. Fear. "They're burning through the door. I don't have much time. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. Jona, if you get this, be strong for Daddy." The door burst open. "Mommy loves you very much!" Her last movement to point the camera upwards as Geth weapons could be heard firing.
"Save it, make sure it gets back."
"I hate to say it, I really do. But I'm going to take the fall and be 'that guy,' here so no one else has to," Garrus spoke up. "That should be used in the trial. She says, 'our mistake.' It tells us that it was something the team did. 'Our' could mean any group of anyone on the ship, vague enough to sell a freak accident." No one responded, though I know Grunt just didn't care. But he's right. And I was thinking it. Tali couldn't find any words for anything, she was just staring at the black screen of the monitor at the end of its recording. With the opportunity, I gave Garrus a nod, turning back to Tali to squeeze her shoulder. She backed away from the terminal and we moved up the stairs.
It seemed to be a communal area, more bodies. Considering the counters, some sinks, ovens, and what might be a fridge, it may double as a kitchen, and by the table, a dining area or break room. But another squad of Geth had just arrived from the pair of doors at the other side. The counters and table would do as cover, they were all metal and secured firmly to the ground. The table didn't have any gaps beneath, it was solid. We were able to take cover as the Geth took their opening shots. A bit of crossfire, tech attacks, and openings from Kasumi's stealth whittled them down quickly for us to finish off. Fifteen down. But then the doors opened, and another wave came in. More Geth rushing for cover this time rather than trying to start shooting. Though Kasumi still had her stealth. But Grunt was forced to be more aggressive. 'Forced,' being a term I use very loosely here. A Geth got too close and he took his opportunity to use it as a 'meat' shield, his claymore making short work of those he targeted, and the additional focus on him giving us enough breathing room to clear out the others. All said and done, that was fifteen more, halfway mark. We chose to progress through the left door and found another console. Tali got to work.
"I've got a bit more this time. They were running experiments on Geth systems, trying to overcome their resistance to reprogramming. Like the hacking I taught you and Garrus but seems like long term intent."
"You didn't know what kind of tests he was running?"
"No, he just wanted any Geth technology that was not a direct danger to the fleet. The same as any research project on the Geth. I suspected weapons testing, ways to bypass shields or armor. If you destroy the CPU you destroy the Geth, if you can develop a weapon that does so directly, ignoring shields or armor, that would be massive for us."
"Is any of this useful to us?"
"Maybe to push the angle you're thinking. But I'm afraid of it being manipulated to charge father instead. This is mostly results data beyond that. Effects of different disruptive hacking techniques. Too much is corrupted for me to make much sense. Or… maybe that's innocent enough. It's hardly unheard of," she murmured. "There are some instances where we do deliberately activate individual Geth programs, but only in isolated systems that do not transmit, like you berated Archer about on Aite. If they were being activated in bodies, or en masse, or outside of isolation…" she trailed off. She stared at the monitor and spoke to herself. "What was all this, father? You promised you'd build me a house on the homeworld. Was this going to bring us back home?"
"If he can't, I will," I squeezed her shoulder.
"Thank you, but even then, it's only the beginning. We'd have to cannibalize the fleet for homes and infrastructure, generations of gene therapy to finally live without these suits on our own homeworld. Uprooting our entire culture, again!" she exclaimed. "Is it even worth it?" she stared at me. I didn't have an answer. So, I just hugged her. Held her tight. It took a moment, but she returned it, and settled herself. "At least we can take back one ship. Thank you," she murmured. We pushed forward, another staircase up which first, was an overlook to a lower lab or work area. There was another hallway on our level exposed but unconnected to the left. And like before, we arrived just before the Geth had. One on the other balcony, four through the lower door at the far side of the room. The one trying to be clever was shot down quickly, leaving us fire to focus on the ones below, including a hunter. Though another came through the upper door before we expected, pinning us for a moment, but Kasumi and her gymnastics got her right beside it and took it out with one burst from her Locust. Easy pickings on the second squad, and the additional they sent in through the lower. About ten platforms left, to the estimate. And my earlier guess was right, some of these ones were using Quarian weapons. There was nothing for us to investigate in this area, the terminals visibly busted. Just another door to open and clear. I lead the breach for this door. A few feet down the hall was a body on its side, on the floor. Male, red suit. My eyes were drawn to the realk and… oh no…
"Father!" Tali cried out, her shotgun clattering to the floor, pushing beside us all and kneeling down by the body, rolling him onto his back and holding his torso up. I could see the wounds from Geth plasma weapons. They had impacted at his chest and burned right through. I was beside her in a heartbeat.
"No! No, no, no," she began to shake him. "You always had a plan! M-Masked life signs, or-or onboard medical stasis!" I looked again at his wounds. One may not have impacted the heart head on, but it would have burned through at least a quarter of it. No stasis is saving that. "You wouldn't… They're wrong!" she shouted. "You wouldn't just die like this! You wouldn't just leave me to clean up your mess! You can't-" she choked on tears. Down beside her, I turned her body to face me, and wrapped her in the tightest hug I could.
"I know. I know. By god I know," I whispered, remembering Elysium, all those years ago. The floodgates opened.
"Damn it, damn it," she sobbed. "I'm so-"
"No, you don't have to be sorry for anything," I whispered. I pulled her to her feet and out of the room. Walking backwards so that she would be facing away from the body. I looked at Garrus, nudging my head towards it. She shouldn't be the one to see if there's anything on his Omni-tool. She held me so tightly that it hurt. Not physically, no, I don't think that would be possible, not in my armor at least. But my heart ached for her. I knew the pain of losing a father. But there's other emotions wrapped up in this too. Today has been hell for her. More emotional strain in one day than any one person really deserves. We were there for easily ten, maybe fifteen minutes. But it didn't matter. It would take as long as needed for her. The crying itself had stopped after maybe five minutes or so. Though her breathing was still ragged, and she was still holding me tight. Sometime around the fifteen-minute mark is when she finally released. I noticed Garrus had moved the body so that we wouldn't have to walk past or over it to continue.
"Hey," he began quietly. He held up his left hand, there was a data disc in it. "His Omni-tool may have been an implant, but I've got his suit's Omni-tool back up here, added some files they didn't share." He handed the data disc to Tali. "The last entry was for you. Now? Or later?"
"Now," she managed an answer. Garrus nodded and let it play.
"Tali, if you are listening to this," he panted. "Then I am dead. The Geth have gone active. I don't have much time. Their main hub will be on the bridge. You need to destroy it to stop them from forming new neural links. Get the data to Han and Daro, they-" there was an explosion, and the recording ended.
I… I just didn't have words. Maybe I'll be able to find some later.
"Thanks Dad…" she murmured. "I don't know what's worse. Thinking that he never really cared, or that he did, and this was the only way he could show it." She was quiet a minute. "It doesn't matter. One way or the other, I cared. And I'm here. We're ending this." She moved to her shotgun, picking it up and storming forward, surprising us and we caught up quickly, filling in ahead of her. A staircase up, and the door opened. A glass pane with two desks on our side, on the other side, a Geth Prime of all things lighting up, activating, and three Geth units moving around to flank us. While the rest of us made quick shots on those Geth, Grunt charged forward, right through the glass and shoved a claw deep into the exposed cables of the prime, and up higher into its torso before ripping out a clump of parts. He sidestepped as it fell forward, dead. I figure with the prime and the hunters that rounds out to about fifty, if not a little over. Tali was already approaching a console behind where the Prime had stood. It had been plugged into it. I followed beside her.
"This must be the hub. Take it down, and we'll kill the programs and shut off any forms still wandering. And by the looks of it," she began, pressing a few keys. "Most of the recordings are intact."
"We don't have to-" I spoke softly.
"No, we do. I do. This is all terrible, I don't want to know that he was part of this, but I have to know, either way."
"Ok," I answered. Tali let a recording play.
"Do we have enough parts to bring more Geth online?" Rael asked.
"Yes, the new shipments from your daughter will let us add two more Geth to the network," a man answered. A woman continued.
"We're nearing a breakthrough on systemic viral attacks. Perhaps we should inform the Admiralty board, just to be safe."
"No, we're too close," Rael answered. "I promised to build my daughter a house on the homeworld. I'm not going to sit and wait for the arguments of politics." I held Tali close again.
"We'd have an easier time if Tali'Zorah could send back more working material."
"No, absolutely not," a hint of anger from Rael. "I will not have Tali exposed to any political blowback." Lot of good that did. "Leave. Her. Out of this. Assemble new Geth with what we have. Bypass securities if need be." The recording ended.
"So, it was for you?" Grunt, the massive Krogan with the brain of a Krogan child spoke up.
"I never wanted this… Keelah I never wanted this…" She shook her head, turning to look at the dead Geth. "Everything here is his fault. I tried to pretend it didn't all point to him but this… when this comes up in the trial, they'll… We can't. We can't tell anyone."
"But Tali," Kasumi began.
"No, I cannot go back into that room and say that my father was the worst war criminal in our entire history! I refuse!" Tali interrupted. "His name stricken from every record of every ship he served on! Worse than an exile, a traitor! Held up as a monster for children as a cautionary tale!" the tears were returning. "I can't let all the good he did be destroyed." I just hugged her again.
"Ok. We can do this. You won't be exiled, and they'll never know about this." Still hugging Tali, I called out. "Grunt, tear it out, rip it to shreds."
The Krogan laughed as he got to work.