Author's Notes: Okay, this is longest chapter and the hardest chapter to write but I am proud of it. It is very dialogue heavy and I hope I captured the characters correctly. Sorry for a few squad member omissions I had trouble fitting them in with unique dialogue but they'll get mentioned before this story ends. So enjoy.

Chapter 5 – Shepard's Return

At Tali's cabin, she was entering her daily journal on her omni-tool. "It has been has been 11 Earth days since I saw the love of my life alive. I still feel responsible since I wasn't there for him even though Garrus had some valid reasons why we left. I can't get over this guilt. But Shepard's mom, Hannah, has been there for me since the funeral. We talk on a daily basis sometimes even meeting for lunch. I can't believe how she has been treating me. I almost feel like she sees me as her daughter. I can now see why Shepard was a great man and very compassionate. I even have several pictures of him surrounding my own because of her. In fact this journal was all her idea. She said that some humans record there thought to help come to terms with their grief. Keelah, I still miss him though. I still listen to the recording of him every night because it is the only way I can get to sleep. Today, I need to come to terms with the guilt I have." Tali heard door start to open. "Oh, there she is now, Keelah se'lai."

Liara walked into Tali's cabin as Tali was shutting down her omni-tool. Liara took a seat next to her. "Did you want to talk to me about something, Tali?"

"Yes, Liara. I just wanted to apologize to you."

"Apologize for what Tali? You've done nothing wrong?"

"Liara, the thing is I have been jealous of you. I know Shepard had what he called a 'fling' with you. He explained that he was a little immature when it came to relationships so he liked your company because of how you understood the Prothean memories he received from the beacon. I didn't think much of it when you were on board because the moment I got on we rekindled our relationship. But I guess I had some jealousy toward you in the back of my mind because when the Reapers hit Thessia I started to fear Shepard would be there for you and go back to you. So I became a little distant even flirted with Garrus a little when we were talking about combat stories. But only when Shepard came by. I don't think I can forgive myself for that because I love him so much and now I can't apologize to him about how much of a bost'tet I was then. He still cared about me and we spent the night together before we raided Cerberus." Tali put her hands on her mask and began to cry.

Liara wraps an arm around to comfort Tali. "Tali, it is natural to feel this way. We all make mistakes that we regret. I for one, want to tell you I was envious of Shepard and you."

Tali looked up at Liara. "You were?"

"Yes. As you said he came to me because of the Prothean memories and I feel that is where the feelings I have for him were forged. I just loved him for his mind and that is why I didn't join him to fight the Collectors because I felt that he lost that when Cerberus rebuilt him. Then I saw you two together and realized that you love Shepard for Shepard not because of his mind. But then again we all love Shepard for who he is yet for you it was more than that."

The door to the cabin opened and both Liara and Tali looked to see who it was. It was an Alliance solider. He saluted Liara and Tali as a sign of respect and informed them why he had come. "Admiral Zorah. Dr. T'Soni. I am here on orders by Admiral Hackett to escort you both to the London Municipal Hospital."

"Why?" Liara asked with her arm still around Tali for comfort.

"Admiral Hackett said it concerned all Normandy crew members but he wishes to speak to you in person so no information gets leaked out."

"All the Normandy crew will be there?" Liara said.

"Some are busy with other duties to fulfill but Admiral Hackett wants as many of the crew there as possible. Also Rear Admiral Shepard would personally like Admiral Zorah to be present."

Tali lifted her head to these words. She found it odd that Shepard's mother wanted her there and a little bit of hope crept through her body. "I think we should see what they want."

They arrived in a special waiting room with Alliance MP stationed by each door. The only members of Shepard's team that were in the room were Jack brooding in a corner, Jacob Taylor was on a comm with his girlfriend, Brynn, and then there was Dr. Chakwas and Garrus talking in another corner. Tali and Liara joined Dr. Chakwas and Garrus. "Do either of you know what this is all about?" Liara asked.

"No idea." Garrus said.

One of the doors opened and Admiral Hackett and Rear Admiral Shepard step into the room. Everyone but Jack congregated to the Admirals. Rear Admiral Shepard gave Tali a loving hug and whispered to her. "It is all going to be okay, Tali."

Rear Admiral Shepard then turned to Admiral Hackett who began to address the Normandy crew. "I am glad all of you could make it. I know some are missing because of current duties that are occupying their time but once word of what I am about to tell you gets out you'll see them."

"Get to the point already." Jack interrupted still sulking in her corner.

"As I was saying, we had teams out cleaning up the mess that was left behind from the Reapers. Some collecting the dead so they could be given proper burials. About the same time we were honor Commander Shepard's memory a team of marines were searching the rubble around the Conduit. They found the remains of Hammer that had not been obliterated by the reaper's beam including Captain Anderson. They also found a body wearing these." Admiral Hackett pulled out N7 dog tags. It felt like all the air was sucked out of the room as the group waited for what could only be bad news. "The soldier these belong to was badly burnt beyond recognition but he still had a pulse and he was still breathing." Tears started to appear on everyone's faces. "The team rushed the soldier here believing it was Commander Shepard. As medical teams worked to keep him alive they confirmed that the soldier was indeed Commander Shepard. However, he was still in bad shape doctors didn't think he'd pull through. Up until a few hours ago he has been in a coma. I have done all I could to make sure this did not leak out until everyone was sure he could pull through. This is why you were not contacted until now. I know you all care about Shepard but if he came back just to die again from the wounds he suffered. This may have crippled any hope and peace that Shepard had brokered over the years."

"What bureaucratic bullshit." Jack said.

The group then watched as Tali walk up to Admiral Hackett and slapped him in his face. The MP started to advance on Tali which lead to the Normandy crew coming to her aid. Admiral Hackett raised his open hand to make everyone stand down. He rubbed the area he was slapped. "I believe I deserved that but I did what I felt was for the greater good of the Galaxy. Had Shepard's crew arrived here the media would know right away that his body was found which would lead to complications to keep the peace. Anyway to apologize for leaving you out of the loop I am allowing you all to visit him before he debriefs me on what happened."

He stepped aside to allow everyone access to the hallway that lead to Shepard. Rear Admiral Shepard escorted Tali to the room Shepard was in while other gave Tali alone time with the Commander.

When Tali arrived in Shepard's hospital room her eyes remained glued on him as streams of tears ran down her face. The lone nurse in the room turned to Tali. "Ma'am he is still resting so it might not be the best time."

"She has Admiral Hackett's approval to be here." Rear Admiral Shepard said. The nurse gave a nod then left the room to do her rounds.

Tali sat in a chair next to Shepard's bed. She thought about talking to him but decided that she did not want to wake him because he deserved all the rest he could get. So she grabbed his right hand and lovingly caressed it with both her hands. Tears started to run down Rear Admiral Shepard's face as she watched Tali show her affection for her son. She knew he had someone special and they could be happy together.

When Shepard gained consciousness again he felt numbness in his right hand. He looked for the reason why and found Tali was resting her head on it as well as cradling it in her hands. Part of Shepard did not want to move his arm because he felt she deserved the rest but he felt he could move it without waking her. He slowly moved his arm away from Tali's grip and once free he lovely caressed the back of her helmet and shoulders. After a few minutes she started to stir. She lifted her head and looked into Shepard's blue eyes. Tali could not help her self and she pounced on Shepard with out a thought. "Shepard, you're back! Don't leave me ever again! I don't know what I would do without you! I love you more than anything!"

Shepard grimaced from the pain of her pouncing on him. She then realized what she was doing and got back into her chair. "Sorry. I just couldn't help myself. It has felt like a lifetime since I was able to really touch you."

"Its okay, Tali. I love too. Because of that the pain is totally worth."

She then placed her hands back on his right arm gently rubbing it. "I'm sure Admiral Hackett is going to want to get a debriefing from you soon since you are now well rested. That bosh'tet."

"Why so harsh on Admiral Hackett, Tali?"

"Well, he withheld information about your well being because he felt it would get leaked to the media and could destroy the peace you brought if you didn't survive. I guess I am angry because I wanted to be with you and he was holding me back from that." The two quietly stared at each other for a time until Tali remembered something. "Oh, I am sure everyone in the waiting room will want to speak with you. Admiral Hackett's apology for his decision was to let all of your crewmates speak with you before the debriefing."

She stepped out of the room for moment she came back with his mother in tow. Tali reclaimed her chair next to Shepard. "Hello, John. It's good to finally speak with you in person again. I really see a lot of you in your crew that I have met. I told Tali even as a boy you were always determined to work with others to overcome obstacles. I do want to say you have a good one here" She nodded at Tali. "Never let her go or I'll kick your butt. I am sure others would like some time with you." She turned to the step out of the doorway and looked back at the couple. "Oh, one more thing, if you live on Rannoch make sure there is a extra room for me so I can be part of lives of any grandkids you bring into this world."

Tali blushed with embarrassment but Shepard was rattled at these words because of how the man from the white abyss tormented him with this prospect. He thought Tali may have noticed this because she started to rub his arm but she did not mention it. Garrus was the next to enter. "Hey, Shepard. Glad I won't be drinking alone anymore." He said with a grin.

"Same here, Garrus."

"I know I have a ton of questions but I am sure you are going to answer them ad nauseam. So I am just going to give you two your time so she'll forgive me for leaving you behind even though I knew that you could make it to the Citadel."

"Garrus, I'll never forgive you for making me do that." She said semi-seriously.

"What?" Garrus said in shock. "I was following Shepard's orders. He didn't want us to get killed like his team on Akuze. You should be mad at him, too."

"Well, I have already forgiven him. How can I be mad at my boyfriend who gave my people back our planet after 300 years?"

"Hey, I helped out too." Garrus retorted.

The banter between the two went on for a minute with Shepard enjoying all of it. Garrus final submitted. "Okay, okay. I give up. I am sorry I left him behind. We shouldn't have left him even though things worked out."

"That's better but you are still not forgiven." Tali teased Garrus.

"I think I need a drink." Garrus said as he turned to the door.

"Save me one." Shepard said.

"Yeah, yeah." Garrus said as he left.

Dr. Chakwas was next to join the couple. "Commander, how are you feeling?"

"I still feel pain now and again but I think my condition could be improving."

"That's good to here Commander. Admiral Hackett has allowed me to come on as your chief physician seeing that I have a great knowledge about you from the time we have served together. My first task is to get you more comfortable since you seem to be healing well I have suggested we move you to a more suitable room. Something that resembles your Normandy cabin just as a precaution for any psychology effects that this experience may have on you. Specifically, my colleagues and I are worried about Post Traumatic Stress so you will be under observation for longer than you may expect. Also this move will allow you to have access to a video comm so those that can't make it here can still communicate with you."

"Thanks for the heads up Doctor."

Liara walked into the room as Dr. Chakwas left the room. "Hello, Shepard. It is good to see you awake."

"Hello, Liara, It is good to see you as well." Shepard said as Tali wrapped herself tightly around his arm.

"I've come to thank you, Shepard. All that you have done which has giving me more information on the Protheans than I thought was possible. Now that the Reaper threat is taken care of I will be going back to Thessia to help my people resettle. Oh and Samara has told me to give her thanks for all that you have done for her. She wanted to apologize for not being here but she has resumed her Justicar duties. I most be going but I hope we can see each other again at some point as it has be an honor working with you."

As Liara walked out the door Tali loosen her grip on Shepard lightly. Their next visitor was Jacob. "Hey, Commander. Glad to see you're alive. I can't stay long because Brynn is having an examination to check on our baby's health but I wanted to say thanks for everything. And that Miranda is helping the Alliance with all the Cerberus data they are confiscating. She asked me to join but I can't leave behind the woman I love and my child. Well it was good seeing you."

Jacob came over and shook Shepard's free hand then left the room. Their final visitor of the day was Jack. "Hey, Jack. It is nice to see you made it."

"It is good to see you too, Shepard. Just so you know you look like shit."

"Jack, I thought you were cutting down on the swearing."

"I am around my students but what I say when their not around is none of there damn business. Anyway, I am going back to teaching once Grissom Academy is back up and running. I don't think we would've survived the Cerberus attack if it wasn't for you. So I want to thank you. For everything. So long, Shepard."

As she left Tali decided to get into the small hospital bed with her boyfriend and cuddled up with him. They stayed in the bed silently just enjoying their time together until it was interrupted by Dr. Chakwas. "Commander, I wanted to let you know your new room is ready." The interrupted startled the couple and Tali almost fell out of the bed. "Oh, I am so sorry. I didn't realize…."

"It is fine, Dr. Chakwas. I was trying to get more comfortable. I just spent too long in that damn chair I thought the bed would be better." Tali said blushing with embarrassment scrambling out of bed.

"Well, the room is ready. It should be comfortable for both of you. Oh and tomorrow Admiral Hackett will come to you for the debriefing."

Shepard was able to get himself to his feet with a mild case of pain in his body but fell to the ground. Tali came to his aid. "Shepard, are you alright? Why did you fall?"

"Tali, he hasn't been on his feet for several weeks so he will have some trouble walking after being bedridden for so long. Luckily he won't need physical therapy to get back on his feet. He just needs to take it easy."

Some Alliance MPs helped Shepard to his feet and set him in a wheelchair. Tali took the job of pushing him to their new room. The room was much bigger than the original hospital room but did not look exactly like Shepard's cabin on the Normandy. There was a larger bed, a desk, a telescreen mounted on the wall, and several chairs. The Alliance MPs helped Shepard into bed and Tali watched as everyone left. Once they were only she snuggled up behind Shepard and held him tight.

Shepard was awoken from a dreamless sleep by a voice he did not recognize. "Commander, there are a few individuals that would like to speak with you on the video comm. Can I patch you through?"

Shepard searched the room and saw Tali was starting to wake. "Hey, Tali, would it be alright if I took this call?"

She sleepily nodded then wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "Okay patch them through."

Joker appeared on the telescreen. His eyes were swollen and bloodshot from crying. Behind him Quarians and Salarians were working on something but Shepard did not know what. "Joker it is great to see you again."

"It is nice to see you too, Commander. Sorry, I couldn't be there in person. I…I …I just couldn't leave EDI. After the Crucible went off the Reapers fell but we lost the Geth and EDI due to the energy released." Guilt crept through Shepard's being at these words. He felt responsible even though he may not have physical doomed synthetic life. Joker continued. "They've taken all the Geth and EDI to this research facility where the leading experts in AIs have been studying them to see what happened. They haven't found a thing. Not even a fried circuit to explain what that energy did. My sister did come to check up on me though. It was nice to see her even though she gave me grief about not having a real girlfriend. I wanted to get angry at her but I couldn't because it meant more to me that she was alive. So all in all I wish things were better but I am holding out hope."

"Glad to hear Joker. Just hang in there. We're here if you need anything." Shepard was also glad that the story he heard at Huerta Memorial was not about Joker's sister.

"Understood, Commander."

The screen then went blank and the voice overhead spoke again. "Commander, we have three others transmissions of individuals that would like to speak with you. Can we patch you through?"

"Of course."

Miranda Lawson appeared on the screen. "Shepard, it is good to see you are alive and didn't need anyone to bring you back from the dead." Miranda and Shepard smirked but Tali tighten her grip on Shepard as if she would lose him if she let go. "I am finding some interesting notes here at the Cerberus base about indoctrination. The hope is that we can help any survivors who were indoctrinated. I also found notes on cloning an army. I guess they were using ExoGeni to work on this so we're going to have some people investigate this at their Noveria facility. I don't know what will become of that."

"How's Oriana doing?"

"Better now that we don't have to worry about my father nor the Reapers. I still feel that I need to undo all that Cerberus has done so I have to see this investigation to end. May we see each other again in the future."

The screen went blank. Shepard positioned himself more so he could wrap an arm around Tali. The next communication came from Ashley Williams. "Hey, Commander, nice to see you among the living."

"Good to see you too, Ash. What are you up too?"

"Well, after it was determined that the Reapers had been stopped I was given a team to help in the clean up process. We looked for survivors, collected bodies, and even help tear appear some Reapers. Soon there were some uprisings from the more unstable races. Those being Batarians and Krogans. I was sent to a Batarian uprising where they were trying to enslave a small group of civilians. I was able to defuse the situation with no bloodshed we just have to wait for the council to get there shit together so they can be brought to justice. So long, Commander."

The screen went blank. After a few moments Cortez, Vega, Wrex, and Grunt all appeared on the screen standing at a table. "Morning, Commander." Cortez said. His eyes then grew very wide and fear came over his voice. "I think I should go and check on the Kodiak."

Cortez left the screen. The rest of the group looked at where Cortez had just been then back at the screen. "I wonder what that was all about." Vega said. As he looked at the screen a realization came over his face. "Oh, that's why. Hey, Sparks."

Shepard turned to Tali with a curious look on his face as he realized he was missing something. She turned away from him coyly. "Tali, what was that about?"

"Well, Shepard." She said coyly. "I was distressed by leaving you at the conduit so my judgment wasn't the best. And when I was on the Kodiak I was going to do anything to get the man I love back. So I pulled my gun on Cortez to make him go back for you."

There was a silence in the room as the lovers stared into each others eyes. Without words Shepard embraced Tali to show she was forgiven by him. After a few moments, Vega decided he should speak again. "Anyway, Loco, I wanted to say I am glad to see that you are alive and well."

"Same here." Wrex said.

"I knew it would take a lot more than millions and millions of Reapers to take down my Battlemaster." Grunt said.

"I am sure you are wondering what we are up to now. Right, Loco?" Vega said and he saw Shepard nod so he continued. "Well, we are down in South Africa were some Krogan rebels were taking civilian hostages. I was asked to take a team down here to defuse the situation. So.."

Wrex interrupted Vega. "You forgot the reason why they were rebelling. It seems after the Reapers were defeated there still were some old grudges against me. A few Krogan thought that they could kill human civilians and pin it on me. Which they felt would lead to the Alliance executing me and they could take over."

"Yeah, what Wrex said. Anyway, I get my marines here and the Krogan already have civilian hostages. I wasn't sure how to get out of this without putting the hostages at risk. All that went through my mind was 'What would Shepard do.' Then a Petty Officer spoke up. I think his name is Jones. He said he had an idea. Then I realized that you would listen to your crew to help you make decisions so I was going to give him a chance to say his idea. So he set down his pistols and sniper rifle and walked out from cover yelling at the Krogan he had a challenge for them. We were shocked to see this. I thought about physically pulling him back but I realized he was distracting the Krogan. I decided that saving the civilians came first then we could save the Petty Officer after. Well, when we got into position I saw the Krogan leader and the Petty Officer charge each other. I'm not sure how to explain what happened next but the Petty Officer got on the Krogan's back and broke the Krogan's neck. Everyone that saw it was stunned. The Petty Officer just stood there until the Krogan dropped their weapons. We took them into custody and waited for Wrex to get here to punish the Krogan."

Another silence fell over everyone. Shepard decided he needed to know more about this Petty Officer. "Vega, what happened with the Petty Officer? It seems very odd a human would do such a thing."

"Yes it is, Loco. In fact, from the rumors I heard I decided to name him, El Muerto, because if the rumors are true he should be dead a hundred times over. I mean most of the rumors are of him saving people's asses but he always puts his own well-being at risk. The rumor I hear the most about is how the Council was brought to Earth after the Illusive Man took over the Citadel. I guess Captain Anderson was escorting them to a safe haven with other civilians and they were hit by Harvesters and Husks. And the Petty Officer came to their aid and saved everyone. I think you might get to meet him too because it has been said there will be a press conference with the crew that found you and he was a part of that crew. That's all the information I have for you, Loco."

Shepard drew his attention to Wrex and Grunt. "So Wrex, Grunt when are you guys going back to Tuchanka?"

"I'm letting Grunt take my people back in a few days. There are some who wish to stay since they fought to save this world and it seems your people are fine with that. I, however, been asked to stay as the Council wants to discuss additions of Krogan ambassadors and a possible Council seat."

"That's great to hear, Wrex. You've been taking your people a long way."

"All thanks to you, Shepard. I also gave Grunt the task of erecting a statue of you, Mordin, and a Krogan to represent all that has been fought for and the one's who helped. I am sure those dead Reapers will make good materials for a statue." Wrex gave a hearty laugh.

"Well, I hope we can speak again." Shepard said and the screen went black.

"It was nice see everyone." Tali said. The couple drop back into bed and embraced each other once again.