AUTHOR'S NOTE: I got a lot to talk about here, so I'll break it into parts. That way you can skip a paragraph if you don't care.
EXPLAINING THE DELAY: Been having a bit of a rough time if I'm honest. Not with writing, other things, managed to catch up. And with the rough times I admit playing Cyberpunk or Dark Souls 3 (haven't played that before and I'm enjoying Cyberpunk) were really attractive prospects to get out of the gunk. Might be able to have some extra uploads over winter break, we'll see. Will have to be post Christmas though
MINOR ANNOUNCEMENT: I'm turning 21 this Sunday, the 20th, so happy early to me, and Merry Early Christmas or whatever the fuck you celebrate to you.
BIOWARE'S MASS EFFECT ANNOUNCEMENTS: I've already discussed this in my discord server, but... I wish I could say that I was not disappointed. I may be able to breathe a little bit easier that dev tweets explained that there are more than just one game coming out, as in Andromeda AND something in the Milky Way, but... sheesh, I have doubts that there's any story really worth continuing in the Milky Way, or at the very least it's going to be significantly lower stakes. And... assuming they canonize the Red ending... just let Shepard have their retirement man... But this is the part that bodes the most, let's call it, concern. To clarify before I state this. I DO NOT hate Liara. I hate how she is written and treated by the studio. But can BioWare please learn to let her go and stop deepthroating her blue schlong for five minutes? I swear to god if they pull some BS and send her to Andromeda? I almost consider not doing it in no small part because it would be very difficult to make sensible. Further, if they are indeed making a game that takes place post ME3 in the Milky Way? Unless they make some miraculous gift to the gaming industry and media of a masterpiece of a game, I will not write for it, and I might even have my Aftermath of ME3 not even be possible to work alongside. Shit this is why I'm so excited for the story I'm going to be writing once I finish the Trilogy. I do love Mass Effect, genuinely, and I want to finish my story, but BioWare has broken my heart. The series I'm going to write for next is another one I genuinely love, but unlike BioWare, they have not broken my heart and only continue to build my trust and faith in them.
I hope you all enjoy the chapter
Commander John Shepard
On our way back to the Rayya, I had gotten back into contact with Noru and Chakwas. They've had plenty of time to speak with the Admirals, and Reegar had even showed up to help how he could, though he warned he doubted he could do much. We had only been on the Alarei for an hour tops, and a good chunk of that was Grunt dismantling the Geth core, hopefully leaving the… evidence unrecoverable. But the shuttle is what eats up most of the time. The fleet had positioned for the Alarei to be on the fringe, even of the patrol fleet. Watched, of course, weapons trained on it if needed, but it meant distance. No FTL on the shuttle, not even NSL, what with the high level of traffic within the fleet. Two hours there, two hours back. And I had an idea that might help our case a little. I got contact information on Kar'Danna and sent him a message. That we were on our way back but wanted the Admiralty a little off balance from our return. If he could discreetly give us our docking clearance and essentially just make sure word of our return wasn't reaching the Admirals. If they wanted to finish the trial without us, just stall them. He agreed and passed on the order of subtlety to our pilot. Kenn, Lia, Noru, and Chakwas would do their part there, but what I really needed from them was their debrief.
All the information from Raan that mattered for the here and now was nothing particularly new. Gerrel pushing for War and the reclamation of Rannoch, Koris, colonization, and Xen… technically the reclamation of Rannoch. But also bringing the Geth back to heel. Don't like that. Raan confirming for her part that the outcome of this trial can sway fleet opinion one way or the other, as the bottom line is that the Quarians tire of their wanderings. Information from Gerrel? Much the same, though he claims they nearly had the votes for war. Just needed to give people hope for victory, an edge, what Rael must have been searching for.
Koris said something, however, I believe I can use. He claimed to respect Tali, that "her actions against Saren were to be lauded." And yet, when Chakwas had prodded at his Geth apologetics, she made sure to remember word for word a statement of his. "I cannot sanction whatever experiments Tali'Zorah helped enable. I believe that message needs to be sent." I'll call him out on that, and ask him if he's really willing to ruin the life of someone even he recognizes as a hero, just to send a message without any solid evidence. Worst case scenario, it doesn't shake him but has the crowd… murmuring.
And finally, Xen. She believes the trial is a waste of time and resources. Either Tali and Rael were experimenting on active Geth and they are "idiots." Or were not, and it's a tragic accident for a "higher cause." No trial needed for either. But the greatest information I have? Every single one of them acknowledges that this trial is focused more than if not almost entirely on the politics, rather than anything involving Tali.
Finally, we returned to the Rayya, the closest docking cradle Danna could get us to the trial, and he even made sure the tram was already waiting for us. We hurried along best we could. We opened the doors to hear the Admirals arguing in session, technically. And the crowd in their places.
"Damn it, Koris, it takes two hours to get there. And if they've cleared the Geth out don't you think they'd be taking the time to search for Ancestor's damned evidence?" Gerrel argued.
"Oh, should we have done the common courtesy of letting you know what's going on before we returned to the trial?" I jabbed. "We've been busy," I gestured at our massive Krogan, his armor still practically painted by Geth hydraulic fluid.
"Got any more for me to rip apart?" he asked.
"I regret I can't call myself shocked at how eager the board appeared to be to declare us dead. You can go get your ship now."
"I trust you have your evidence?" Shala broke it off to the point. A part of me hopes that wording was very intentional.
"I should be asking the board the same exact question." I spoke, hands on the table before me.
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Koris scoffed.
"Isn't it obvious? You don't even have a shred of solid evidence that Tali is responsible for what happened on the Alarei in the first place!"
"She admitted to sending Geth parts to the very same ship!" Koris shouted back.
"A damned research vessel collecting parts to run weapons tests and experiments! It's technology Admiral, I can cut the wires to a lightbulb, render the lightbulb inert, am I to blame if it turns back on when someone replaces or reconnects the wires? I understand Geth technology is more complex than something so simple, but we all should know that if someone makes the wrong mistake, it can bite you in the ass. Or someone on that ship made one bad gamble in an experiment. We investigated the Alarei's servers for any salvageable information, but they got in and scrambled much. We have one video file, and I submit it to the board. Though it is merely a woman's last words to her family. I had decided it better to cut everything before her mention of the Geth burning through. I don't want Koris worming anything.
"But I'm not done. Admiral Koris, I asked my ship's doctor and Captain Noru'Gudal to ask the board questions on my behalf while I aided Tali in retaking the Alarei. You yourself admitted that Tali should be "lauded" for her actions against Saren. And also admitted that you believed that your political message of condemning experiments on the Geth a message that needs to be sent. Do you truly believe that message has no better vector than ruining the life and name of a verifiable genius of a war hero without even a shred of your own solid evidence that indicates her? Admirals," I continued loudly. "Each and every last one of you admitted and acknowledged with next to no hesitation that the main purpose of this trial was politics! That the outcome would sway the Quarian people for war or colonization. You've named Tali'Zorah part of my crew, and I'll be damned if I just stand here and let you render unjust judgement upon her for the sake of a message! I am aware that it's not her loyalty any of you are calling into question, and I'd laugh if not for my own anger that you'd question her intelligence. What you call into question is her judgement, correct?" I asked, finally stopping.
"Yes, howe-"
"Then let me prove to everyone how preposterous that is. Before I even arrived, how many testimonies were received from marines who served alongside Tali? I know you must have at least received a report from the operation that I aided in. Was it not Tali's judgement that saved her science team from the rapid appearance and assault of Geth forces? Leading them to a safe room while the Marines and then my team fought our way to them? Two years ago, was it not Tali's judgement that brought the information condemning Saren as a traitor straight to the Citadel, to me, and then the Council itself? To then aid me in my campaign? The incursion in the Armstrong Nebula, Feros, Saren's own stronghold on Virmire, Illos, and the very Battle of the Citadel itself. Look at her service record. These testimonies. Can you truly look at any of that, how she managed to survive even half of it, if her judgement was lacking? That someone with her deep knowledge of the Geth would even have a chance of being so careless with them?" I heard a familiar voice speak up before the Admirals could.
"If you exile Tali'Zorah, might as well kick me out too," Kal shouted.
"As well as me," a Quarian woman added. I recognized her, her realk and its pattern, from both Haestrom and Freedom's Progress. But I don't remember her name. Just that she's Tali's friend. I didn't look behind me, I just stared at the Admirals. But I could hear other murmurings through the plaza. Gerrel pressed a button while giving me a nod. Xen appeared to scan the room before I swear, I saw the slightest tilt of her head, like a shrug without moving the shoulders, before pressing another button. Koris' head lowered as he seemed to weigh his options. He then looked up and looked past me and to Tali. He lowered his head once more and pressed a button. My gut tightened, and I noticed Shala closed her eyes, moved her head down, towards where the results would appear. She breathed, opened her eyes. Her body relaxed, but a part of me was worried it might have been slumping. But she looked up at me. And if Tali's own body language that I've picked up on was a sign, there was a smile under that mask. A nod of her head, and Raan spoke up.
"Tali'Zorah in light of your history of service, received testimonies, and the introspection of this Board," she added with a glare to the three other admirals. There is insufficient evidence to convict. All charges are dropped. And Captain Shepard, we offer gifts of supplies or credits as gratitude for representing one of our own."
"Keep them, Admiral. The ones funding me, we both want them to waste as many of their own funds as possible. And besides, as was declared by this board already, I represented one of mine." Gerrel chuckled.
"So you did, Captain. So you did."
"This hearing is concluded. Go in peace, Tali'Zorah vas Normandy. Keelah se'lai."
"My ship and crew are nearing our night cycle, and there's business we need to conduct with calmer heads. May we remain docked for our sleep cycle?"
"Your docking with the Rayya is up to Captain Kar'Danna. We can conduct this business in fourteen hours' time."
"I grant Captain Shepard permission," Kar'Danna added.
"Appreciated." Finally, I turned behind me, Tali's friend was hugging her.
"Come see me, before you go, ok?" she asked Tali.
"I will. Thank you." Tali murmured.
"Go on, Ma'am. Get some rest, you deserve it," Kal added from the side.
"Thanks, Kal." I made sure to stay beside Tali as we returned to the Normandy. She was visibly exhausted. It was a relief when we were back in the Normandy's airlock and I could put my arm around her. And it must have been the same for her head almost fell on my shoulder. The others let us have first use of the elevator and we went straight up to our quarters. I still had to take off my armor and the under suit, while Tali just fell onto the bed, almost ripping off her helmet, her gloves, and the boots over her suit. As soon as I was finished changing, I joined her. Not even a second after I got under the covers, she was clinging to me, burning her face into my shoulder and I wrapped my arms around her.
"Thank you, John. I've never had anyone speak like that for me."
"About your dad… you deserve better. So much better." She squeezed me a little tighter.
"I did get you." My breath caught in my throat.
"Whatever you need to let out… let it out. I'm here. For you." Tali was quiet a moment.
"I think I've already let everything else out… or… processed… I don't know, but," Tali took a deep breath. "I love you." Yeah, I smiled. I turned my head towards her, looking into one another's eyes. I kissed her on the forehead.
"I love you too," trying to pull her even closer against me.
And that was it. We just fell asleep in one another's arms shortly after.
Commander John Shepard
It was a matter of convenience that the new meeting with the Admiralty would be taking place on the Rayya, though evidently Xen had better things to do, and had returned to her own ship, the Moreh. Hardly like she was needed anyways; we were after all just handing off the schematics for the new shield tech. Though instead of being in the plaza, this would be in a more proper meeting room near the bridge. Kar'Danna was too busy to escort us today, but one of the ship's marines were tasked with that. The route showed me a little more of the ship, mostly hallways same as before, but we had to pass through a small portion of one of the residential blocks. Heavily populated, and I suspect the original ceiling of the room was lower but had been removed to squeeze in more space. Plenty of voices with barely any being able to be picked up by the translator, every "house" with walls of what seemed to basically be sheet metal welded together, at least asides from structural support columns, the doors almost disproportionated, thicker and just enough so to function as an airlock I believe. They were even stacked on top of one another, more often than not I'd have to duck slightly underneath catwalks and walkways that allow the next floor to be accessed. As for how many there were? I have no idea. I'd need to see the inside to have a decent idea of how, well, little there is in each "house" and a better idea as to how large the room is. I can see how tall, maybe a dozen houses in a column. But there's easily hundreds, maybe even close to a thousand in this room alone.
"Believe it or not, this is actually one of the more spacious blocks," Tali remarked, noticing me looking around. "The old hangars may be larger but are even more tightly packed.
"No kidding? I'm already bumping shoulders with every other person," I murmured, managing to sidestep the next passerby, then not noticing the one behind them and bumping their shoulder. "Sorry. Big lumbering brute of a human."
"I wouldn't worry too much, it's something we learn to not even register as children."
"Speaking of, surprised I haven't seen any yet."
"At this time? School. Either at the top or bottom decks."
"And you were?"
"Top deck." I had some questions I wanted to add on, like, where it was she called home, but, well… I'm sure Rael is still fresh. It's necessity that's taking us to the Admirals so soon right now. I'd rather not push too much onto her right now. We exited the hab block to a relatively narrow hallway, sooner than I expected the Marine escort stepped to the side, gesturing at a door I probably wouldn't have noticed to the side.
"Will you require an escort back to your ship?" she asked.
"No, thank you," Tali answered. The Marine nodded and waited for us to enter, the door shutting behind us. It was a well-lit room, though barren. A table of five seats at the far end, each with its own console facing a smaller table on our side of the room. Only three of the Admiralty seats taken. Raan in the center, Koris and Gerrel on her right and left, respectively.
"Captain Shepard, Tali'Zorah," Raan greeted.
"Admirals," Tali and I returned.
"With this being a more private meeting, I trust we can forget some of the formalities?" I added.
"Very well. Then what is it that you wished to speak with us about?" I gestured for Tali to begin. She typed at her Omni-tool, both already transferring the data and displaying a projection to aid her explanation.
"Several weeks ago, I had an idea, followed by experiments, tests, and finally, a breakthrough regarding shield technology. I've named it Cyclonic Barrier Technology," Tali began, the display showing one of the emitters in its gyroscopic housing. While it is unfortunately, too impractical to use on foot soldiers, at least until shielding technology can be further miniaturized, it would be a highly effective installation aboard starships. The display now showed the Normandy with a highlight of the oscillating shields. With a display of a singular emitter in its rotation.
"This is, of course, highly slowed down in the display," she continued. "Instead of simply blocking projectiles, the oscillation of the kinetic barrier allows them to be deflected instead. Putting significantly less strain on the shields, and more significantly, would allow the deflection of even cyclonic torpedoes.
"Huh. Not bad, kid," Gerrel remarked, looking at the displays intently. "But the emitters, how exactly are they different from the standard? Besides their rotation."
"Very little, in truth. In my tests, rapidly turning the emitters on and off risked shorts on the power system, which also brought the risk of shorting out the entire barrier array of the ship. But as it rotates it has no need to turn off, and the barrier can't affect the ship itself anyways. There is a drawback that the emitters require more maintenance, and in the event an emitter becomes damaged, locks, or snags facing inwards, I've designed a safety measure that locks the entire array facing outwards in order to maintain full coverage, opposed to leaving a gap.
"And who all is going to be having this technology? Will Cerberus?" Gerrel asked.
"We've been careful to keep this information and the tests off the scopes of Cerberus surveillance on board. The Alliance received this technology during the recent Geth incursion in the Corrang system, part of an arrangement for the Normandy to receive dry-dock to undergo retrofitting. The Hierarchy will also be receiving this technology as part of the same agreement, as we hope a Turian facility won't be infiltrated by Cerberus, meaning they can't get their hands on this information, or some of the other upgrades, while still paying for the lot of it.
"How shrewd," Koris remarked. "While I approve, why do you expect them to play along?"
"The only thing Cerberus has told me that I actually believe is that they want the Abductions of Human colonies to stop. And if we're going through the Omega-4 Relay to put the Collectors down…" I shrugged.
"Any others?" Gerrel continued.
"The arrangement went through the Council as well to get their support, make sure the Hierarchy was willing to play along. Even if somehow Tevos and Valern didn't send it to their own people? It's a shorter list who I don't want to have the information. Besides, they agreed to let Tali's name be attached to it," I shrugged. "The Vorcha don't have a navy and are too violent and stupid even if they did have one, the Drell just live under the Hanar, the Volus navy is just the Turian navy, and if the Batarians get it they'll just be testing Alliance space and it'll end up with every merc and slaver they sponsor. The Reapers are on their way. I'm not sure if you think I'm mumbling a crackpot conspiracy theory or if you accept that Sovereign was far more than something made by the Geth, but everyone's going to need every advantage we have when the time comes, whenever it comes. And we already learned two years ago that the Geth are in league with them, that doesn't make our job any easier. Sure, according to Saren and according to Sovereign himself, they'll turn the Geth to scrap like they'll wipe us off the face of the Galaxy, but only after making use of them." Koris' silence here was not lost on me.
"For the record, Shepard, yes. We do acknowledge the Reaper threat. From our reports, various scraps of the thing we got our hands on to examine, and what little information coming out of the Council Races we've been able to capture regarding their research, that thing far surpasses anything the Geth are capable of. And being manipulated by an organic? No, more than ridiculous," Gerrel answered.
"And what Gerrel and I can agree on, is that one way or another, when that time comes, we need a world for our civilians to take shelter. Or else one single battle could doom our people to extinction," Koris murmured.
"A grim prospect, but one we shall decide on how to solve later," Raan spoke up. "Is there anything you would like in exchange for this development?" I looked at Tali.
"Nothing, it's given freely," Tali stated.
"For you, maybe. I ask for two things. Recognition for Tali from the technology, and I want to be able to be able to count on the Quarians when the time comes. We'll need everyone on a united front. I can't claim to be too confident in the Council, but I know I have the backing of Councilor Anderson and at least enough of the Alliance Brass to matter, and the word of Urdnot Wrex, thus most of the Krogan clans as a result," I added.
"Can you define precisely what you mean by being able to count on us?" Raan requested.
"The contribution of assets to the rest of the war effort. You'd be willing to answer the call and come to the aid of one of the other races. Though not to the sacrifice of your own theoretical holdings. An example. If I could call on the Asari Republics to send a fleet to reinforce… let's say Terra Nova. If they had three fleets stationed at Thessia, and one at Illium, I wouldn't ask for the Illium fleet, but I'd ask for one of the Thessian. If you're still fleet bound, I could be able to ask for a detachment of the heavy or patrol fleets, or both, and at least be able to secure you a detachment of ships to escort to more fortified space. Sending a supply of rations to relieve a Turian Garrison or sending Scientists to a hypothetical Think Tank researching countermeasures against the Reapers."
"Reasonable enough. And would be necessary if the threat is as sizeable as you predict," Gerrel mused. "Would you be able to get the Turians to hand over schematics for that new weapon they've designed?"
"I don't know how well I can play that angle from the Hierarchy side of things; I don't have a lot of pull with them, but it's development was a joint effort in the Alliance. I'll see what I can do, but it might have to be an 'under the table' kind of deal." Gerrel nodded.
"Very well. Then I have one last term for you to meet if I'm to agree. We pledge to cooperate when the Reaper bastards arrive, you pledge to help us when we move on Rannoch."
"Or alternatively," Koris interrupted. "You provide leverage for us when we next petition the Council for a world to call home." Gerrel was visibly annoyed.
"I already know for a fact you'll have Councilor Anderson's support for colonization, but I'll throw my own weight in there as well. As for Rannoch, I can't speak for the Alliance, but provided we survive Omega-4, you can count on the Normandy. That being said, considering Eden Prime and everything that followed, mobilizing the Alliance for retaliation? Knowing my species that doesn't sound unlikely. Our definition of payback can be… severe," I chuckled.
"Then if there are no other terms, we will vote," Raan paused for a moment, to no one's interruption. "Admiral Gerrel?"
"I accept."
"Admiral Koris?"
"While my stance on peace is unchanged, I accept."
"And I accept as well. Ancestors willing, we will all die peacefully in our beds before they arrive. Any other business to conduct?" Raan asked.
"I…" Koris began. "I want to apolo-"
"Stop." Tali interrupted. "Just, don't. Please. It's taking a great deal just for me to be civil with any of you right now.
"May I at least have words with my niece?" Raan asked quietly, while Koris and Gerrel stood, moving to leave. A quiet whisper of 'good luck out there,' from Gerrel. Tali waited for the door to close behind them.
"Shepard stays."
"Very well," Raan sighed. "I know nothing I say can make anything right. I know how horrible everything about the last few days have been. I won't ask for your forgiveness, only for your understanding, when I am done." Tali did not speak, she just waited, hands crossed over her chest. "I decided that you would only learn about the Alarei at the trial so that the Board and crowd would see and hear your shock. I knew I would never be allowed to partake in the trial with the vote, and so I also pushed the suggestion to the board that you would take back the ship yourself, else the fleet would have destroyed it before you even arrived. I know how deeply I wounded you, Tali. And words can never express how sorry I am that I did so. And yet, I would do it all again, knowing it helped you. And if you hate me for it… I will live with it, for the same reason." Tali was quiet a moment. She let go a deep breath.
"I can't hate you, Shala," she murmured. "I don't know if I can forgive you, but I don't hate you."
"Then I will manage to sleep this night. Did you… find him? Did he leave a message?"
"I have his Omni-tool back up. But I haven't gone through it. I don't know if I will. There was a message, but…" Tali sighed. "If he intended to tell me he cared about me in his last words, deciding information and directions took priority cost him that chance." I gently grabbed and squeezed her leg under the table, out of view. Shala looked pained. She stood, walked over to Tali. Getting down onto a knee, pushing past the hand Tali put up and just hugged her.
"I know he loved you, deeply, child. I understand if you don't believe that, but… know that I love you deeply, as I would a daughter of my own. As Mila did." Tali began to accept the hug.
"I miss her."
"I do too, child. Ancestors, I do too." I let them have their silence, before Shala eventually pulled back.
"I apologize you had to see this, Shepard. I-"
"It's alright, Raan. I knew a good deal of this already. And with recent events, it's reassuring to know Tali still has some family. I lost my father in the Blitz, and I was close with him. I know there's a whole slew of emotions tied up in this, and I'm glad she's got your shoulder to cry on, as we say. Blood relative or no. That's another thing I understand well."
"Then I'm glad you are the one Tali calls Captain. And I would like to extend my personal thanks for your defense on Tali's behalf. It would be dishonest of me to say it was expected. I studied your service record when first I learned that Tali had joined you those two years ago. They did not describe your passion or vocal skill."
"Thanks," I answered, not entirely sure how to respond, all things considered. "I've heard a decent amount of you from Tali. I'm sorry that this had to be our first meeting."
"As am I," she sighed, then looked back at Tali. "Garu and Jator are aboard if you'd like to see them. They were on a Patrol ship escorting our mining vessels and returned a few hours ago. They'd like to see you, but I asked that they wait, just in case.
"That would be nice, it's been some time. But only if we don't talk about the trial."
"I'll let them know. I'll ask for them to bring refreshment and some food as well. I apologize, Shepard, all we can offer you is water,"
"That's perfectly fine, thank you. Garu and Jator?"
"Garu is my bondmate, Jator our son. Like an uncle and cousin to Tali, as I am an Aunt." Shala took a moment to message on her Omni-tool. "You mentioned you understood 'blood relative or no,' how so?"
"Two examples. My father met David Anderson, yes, the Councilor when they were just kids over the Extranet. Hit it off, eventually enlisted together. Went through boot camp together. Dad made it up a few of the N ranks, got to N4, Anderson made it all the way to N7, ended up his CO down the line. I don't call him Uncle, but he might as well be. The other is my mom's friend. You've already met her. Doctor Chakwas they only met when my mom was on maternity leave, waiting for me to pop out. She was the doc who delivered me. Don't call her aunt but might as well." It seemed to take a moment for that to process.
"Ah, that must be your word for it. I apologize, that translated, but strangely. Well, I was the one who took Tali from her mother and put her in her bubble. She cried so hard," Shala looked at Tali practically motherly.
"Bubble?"
"An environmental unit. Another unfortunate necessity of our immune systems and the fleet. The child must acclimate away from the mother, even with nursing. While it complicates matters, it's monumentally safer than none at all, and putting an infant in a suit is far from an option. Our children don't receive them until six years. It's a coming of age," she explained. "Though their suits are looser, able to last about a year before needing to change. Unless one grows particularly quickly."
We went back and forth trading questions for a short while before Garu and Jator joined. They seemed to have been warned of my presence. It was a little awkward, especially since Tali and I weren't revealing the relationship so most of what happened was just trading casual questions until Tali seemed worn out and made her excuse to leave. A parting hug with the family as I waited, and we took our leave. Only after turning a corner, Tali spoke. "Can we… go? John? There's one person I need to see, but after that… can we please just leave? I need to be away from the fleet."
"Say no more." Tali murmured her thanks before typing out a message on her Omni-tool.
"I asked her to just meet us at the ship. Ancestors, if it's not a problem I think I'd even prefer if we just talked on the Normandy." It really is just that bad.
"No problem at all. Want me around for that one too?"
"Trust me," Tali managed a chuckle. "She'll demand it."
"Should I be scared?" I joked.
"Maybe a little. Lana'Shalgur, you met her briefly before, a childhood friend of mine, like Kal."
"If you want to see him too, he can-"
"No, no, it's fine. We already messaged, he's been given orders for a new mission, already had to leave the Rayya to prepare. Lana's part of the same orders, but she's not an officer, and has a few short hours." Time came and went, we got to the Normandy, brought Lana on board, and we had a more formal introduction. Lana'Shalgur vas Neema. Mostly, they just had small talk or catching up, understandably avoiding the topic of the trial. I even caught on that she had the hots for Reegar. But after an hour, Lana had to leave and prepare for deployment. But Lana had one last thing to say, and this was for me.
"From what Tali tells me, I don't need to say this. But I will. I don't care what weapons you have, if you ever hurt Tali, if you break her heart, I will find you. If you die on her again, I will see to it that you are trapped in the worst hellscape there is. It was nice to finally meet you."