Author's Notes: Thank you for reading this far. And thanks to NucaCola who has been supportive in the review I do agree I wish my story had more reviews and I try to stay humble so I don't really publicize this story except for my post in the Fan Creation section on BSN. Anyway, if there is anymore readers would like to know just post your questions and comments in the reviews so I can address them because there are only two more chapters left before the story is potential complete. There may be an eleventh chapter but it will depend on reviews.
Chapter 8 – The Return of Synthetic Life
Joker still was seated at EDI's side as he started to watch engineers carrying Geth bodies to designated piles. A Quarian engineer approach Joker. "I am sorry, sir, but we have done all we could. There does not seem to be a way to bring back your AI. If you would like we could program a VI into the body so it could assist you."
"You can do that! She won't be EDI!" Two other engineers approach EDI's body so they could remove it from the work bench. Joker fell atop of EDI's body to prevent them from taking her away. "No, you're not taking her! Not now! Not ever!"
Two soldiers pried Joker from EDI. "We are sorry sir but there are no other options."
As the engineers lifted EDI's body there was a noise. Joker looked around the facility and said. "Wait did you hear that?"
The soldiers, engineers and Joker scanned the area to see a Geth optic light turn on. This was followed by another then another. The Geth started to move as all the organic life in the room stood in shock of what they were seeing. EDI's voice brought Joker out of shock. "Jeff, what happened? Where am I?"
Joker turned to EDI as the engineers sat EDI back on the workbench. "EDI, you're alive. What happened to you?"
"I remember a large amount of energy hitting the Normandy followed by a red light then darkness. I did not know where I was but then white orbs of light started to show up and I was able to communicate with them. They were the conscious of the Geth. It seems that Legion had fractured his conscious to give the Geth there own individual ones. We did not know what happened until a blue orb arrived. He told us that Shepard had set off the Crucible which destroyed all synthetic life but we could go back and kill all organics for killing us. I started to realize that this conscious was actually a Reaper and that the Reapers were of only one mind. It seemed the Geth came to the same conclusion as the said they were willing to sacrifice themselves if it meant stopping the Reapers. This angered the Reaper conscious but the Geth conscious overwhelmed it and it disappeared. That was the last thing I can recall before I got here."
Joker wrapped his arms around EDI. "I am glad you're back. I love you, EDI."
"I understand your feelings, Jeff, and they are reciprocated."
Tali awoke to find Shepard was not in bed. She scanned the room for her lover but he was not there. Tali put her enviro-suit on so she could search the hospital for him.
She found him in a waiting room with a large window where he was watching the sunrise. She sat next to him and wrapped her arm around him and put her head to his chest.
The silence they were having together was interrupted by Shepard's comm beeping. Joker was contacting Shepard. "Hey, Commander, great news EDI and the Geth are back."
"Really, Joker, that's great to hear." Shepard said. "What happened to them?"
"EDI isn't really sure. She did say the conscious of all synthetics found themselves in the same place after the Crucible fired and they meet the Reaper's conscious. But there was only one of them like they were all of one mind. So the Geth attack it after it tried to make them come back and rebel against organic life. And that is everything they remember."
"Well, tell her that we look forward to speaking with her again."
"Will do, Commander."
When the couple arrived back at their room a group of doctors were waiting. They wanted to evaluate Shepard's condition and wished to do it without Tali's presence. An argument ensued but was dealt with when Shepard's mother arrived to keep Tali company.
The doctors evaluated Shepard's physical and mental states although they were more interested in his mental state. They asked him questions from "Have you been able to eat?" to "What is your relationship status?" to "Have you been having hallucination when you are awake?" Shepard told them all they needed to know hoping he could be release from the hospital and final take Tali back to Rannoch to live a quiet peaceful life with her. When he told them about his nightmare they did not see it as much of a problem which surprised Shepard. Their reasoning was that the nightmares are common in all veterans as they have all gone through a traumatic ordeal but when it starts affecting everyday life that is when it is a real problem and he should speak to a professional.
Tali and Shepard's mother were waiting for him outside the door when the doctors exited. "So what is the consensus of the doctors, John?"
"They said I can be discharged from the hospital tomorrow but if I have any difficulties I need to contact them immediately." Shepard said then looked at Tali. "I guess now we can finally build your home on Rannoch."
Tali was so elated by this news she jumped into his arms almost knocking him down. "I'll give you two some time to pack." Hannah Shepard said as she exited the room.
As the couple was finishing their packing someone came to the door. He was a young man in his early 20s and he seemed extremely nervous to be in Shepard's presence. "Hello Commander…ah…..Shepard….My name is…..ah ah ah…Barry."
"It's okay, Barry, you don't have to be nervous around me."
"I know sir but you are my hero and…ah…the Council sent me here to inform you that…ah…they would like to speak with you tomorrow morning."
"Why did they send you, Barry? They could have sent someone who knew me?"
"That's what I said sir. But…ah…personnel are stretched thin with the Council and I am an intern in Human Affairs so I was chosen. Oh, and I will be escorting you to the Council tomorrow as well."
"Well, I look forward to that, Barry."
Barry's eyes became very wide and a huge smile came over his face as he saluted Shepard and left. "Wow, Shepard, the Council wants to speak to you. I bet their going to make you the new Human Councilman." Tali said.
"I hope not. I am just tired and need a rest from the spotlight." He wrapped his arms around Tali and gave her a loving embrace. "And if I am a council member how can I build that home I promised you."
