I can hear the thrum of the ships core even from within the war room. All I have to do is close my eyes and I can hear that quiet and comforting thrum of the ship, the Normandy's very heartbeat. I'm sure it's an annoying sound to some, but to me it's comforting. I open my eyes and note the other Admirals, talking amongst themselves. I know I'm only here on this board because of my expertise in researching and destroying the Geth. They don't really want or need my opinion to get anything done. 'It's just a formality' I think bitterly to myself as I know my own people don't really respect me much. But thankfully that formality keeps me safe and they have to listen to me when it's anything about the Geth. I know how strong they are as a force without the Reaper's aid and with that aid it's obvious that Quarians would go extinct in that war. That's why I'm glad Shepard is finally here, she always seems to pop up in my life at the most perilous times. First with those assassins on the Citadel, Freedom's Progress and now with the war for my home world. I turn my attention to the Normandy again, this ship has seen me through some tough times, it's watched me grow. I think fondly of my time working with the Alliance and even the Cerberus engineers, keeping this ship in the sky. Then my thoughts shift to the crew that have helped me to grow and accomplish so much.
Looking to the Admirals I note they are in deep conversation, so I take this moment to slip out of the war room. I slink away and race down to the one place that I know will house a friend. When I reach the main gun's doors I take a deep breath before opening said doors to find Garrus as usual working on his gun. I smile as I note he is too far into his thoughts to recognize he isn't alone. "Just where I thought I'd find you." I speak first announcing my presence, and I watch as the tall Turrian spins around quickly forgetting his work. I have to admit I'm a little proud that my presence can tear him away from his work. Thankfully my dear friend is pleasantly shocked as he comes forward with a laugh and gives me a quick hug "Tali! When did you sneak back on the ship?" He asked before releasing me his mandibles clicked in, what I have learned over the years, a happy manner. I stand and place my hands on my hips happy to play into this banter. "For your information Vakkarian, I was invited aboard by Shepard, Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Normandy reporting in." I can't help but say with a smile on my face, I don't say it to flaunt it of course. But to tell my dearest friend what I have accomplished. We sit on one of the benches in the main gun mostly catching up with each other for quite some time.
As we talk I am reminded of how easily it's always been for me to talk with Garrus. And listening to him talk about the loss of his home world, I am suddenly aware how close I was to losing him. Sure we are soldiers and thus loss of a crew mate is always possible, but I had always pushed that thought from my mind for Garrus especially. I lay my gloved hand on his shoulder and speak in a more serious tone. "I'm glad you're okay Garrus. When I heard about Palaven, I'm ashamed to say I feared the worst. I'm happy I was wrong." I speak in a quiet tone, this isn't some bantering or strategy it's much too serious for that. I'm jarred from my thoughts when Garrus places a gloved hand atop my own. I'm comforted by his blue eyes, as he tells me "I'm not going anywhere, anytime soon." We stay like that for a moment before we both withdraw. He continues speaking. "I was worried about you as well, when we heard the fleet was in trouble..." he trails off for a moment before continuing "I'm glad you're okay Tali." I smile and nod before looking at the mechanics of the main gun to distract myself.
For a moment I sit in silence with my eyes closed listening to that heartbeat once again. I can feel that sense of security and peace wash over me that typically accompanies that sound; that is until I feel myself being jostled lightly. "You falling asleep?" I hear my Turian friend ask me. I shake my head and give him my attention. I see the question burning in his eyes, and instead of teasing him I decide to answer it. "I'm listening to the ship, its drive core, If you're quiet and know what to listen for you can hear it almost anywhere on the ship." I explain and because I see that same inquisitive look I continue. "It sounds like a heartbeat to me. That sound always helps me to relax when I need to." I pause for a moment reflecting on my thoughts before continuing. "That sound is like a promise. A promise that I'm safe, that I have power, and a purpose. I guess that sounds pretty odd huh?" I can feel myself blush at how silly I must sound, and I'm thankful for my suit as with it he can't see my embarrassment. Although I'm certain he can hear it in my voice. Garrus sits in silence for a moment before shaking his head. "Not really, it makes sense. If the drive core is running it means the ships okay, which means you aren't about to die. That you can still do things, and that you still have a job to do – in keeping it running. I can understand that." When he finishes I'm a little shocked but very pleasantly surprised that he could understand me so well. I nod and decide to continue "You're right. I've lived in ships all my life the heartbeat of a ship has always been a comforting sound. I wonder how I'll manage if we do take back Rannoch." I muse out loud wondering if I could handle living without that heartbeat in the background. I feel Garrus shrug "Well you could make an audio file of the drive, I'm sure you'll think of something. Besides I bet you won't be the only one that will need some time adjusting." I chuckle lightly, glad when he joins me. He's not wrong my entire people will have to make a lot of adjustments when we return to the home world. "Keelah Se'lai" I whisper to myself mostly.