Chapter.3
Downtime.
The Marines had already begun offloading the Normandy's equipment that was needed for the beacon to transmit properly when Shepard arrived at the landing zone. Shepard had left Mordin, Legion, and a small detachment of the Marines at the wall, which was only about a mile and half away.
Tali had insisted on staying at the wall to help Mordin set up the beacon, but Shepard had insisted he needed her at the landing zone to make sure the relay between the Normandy and the beacon was working properly.
Shepard was surprised with himself after he had told her to come back with him to the LZ. He knew that EDI would be able to set up the relay without any assistance but he felt better having her close since this world was relatively unexplored.
As Shepard patrolled the LZ he directed the Marines to set up the small deployable barricades that were currently stored in the cargo hold. He didn't know if they would need them but he figured since they had no idea what was behind that wall are what would happen when it opened it would be safer to have some defensive positions ready just in case.
"Shepard, the beacon is almost ready. Mordin is adjusting the final calibrations needed for me to begin." EDI's voice startled Shepard, he had expected it would take longer for Mordin to get everything ready, but as usual Shepard underestimated the brilliant scientist.
"Inform me once you start the scans EDI, how long should it take once you begin?" Sheapard was hoping for a short answer, he was desperate to find out what was behind the massive wall and continue his battle with the Reapers. "I am unable to give you an accurate estimate of the time it will take to complete my scans." Shepard did not want to hear this. He had hoped it would only take a few hours, but not knowing how long it would take was going to drive him mad.
Once the Marines had finished setting up the barricades and deploying various heavy weapons around the Normandy they started to send scouts into the forest to make sure nothing hostile was in the area.
They had seen a few pyjacks and some strange looking birds but nothing seemed hostile. Shepard walked up to the side of the Hammerhead tank which had been parked in front of the Normady's entrance in case a firefight began.
Grunt was walking down the ramp of the Normandy when Shepard saw him. "Shepard I'm going with the scouts into the forest, all this sitting around on a strange planet is making me want to hurt something." Grunt sounded eager to explore the surrounding wilderness.
"You do know this planet is just full of small furry apes, and some birds right?" Shepard was amused by the large Krogan's urge to fight.
"Well everywhere you go a fight starts so I'm not going to set around on my ass and wait for it." Grunt joined the small contingent of Marines who were being briefed by the only real Alliance officer aboard the Normandy and waited for them hurry up and leave.
Shepard set down on one of the many crates that littered the area around the ship, most were full of thermal clips, and various supplies Shepard had deemed necessary to keep close.
Shepard removed his helmet and shifted his weight trying to get comfortable on the bulky crate, while waiting for EDI to inform him of any changes. Shepard was feeling his face with an ungloved hand, making sure that the surgery Dr. Chakwas had given him was still holding the cybernetic implants back from showing when Tali walked up beside him. She sat down across from Shepard on one of the Hammerheads two turbines that kept it in the air when turned on. Just as Tali sat down EDI's voice filled Shepard's ear.
"Scans are in progress, approximate time required……unknown. You will be informed when they are completed."
Shepard looked at Tali's mask and instantly felt the same feeling he had a few hours ago when they were so close to reveling there true emotions.
"EDI just started the scans. There's no telling when they'll be done." Tali nodded her head at Shepard after he had informed her of EDI's report.
"I'm in no hurry to leave. This planet reminds me of the stories I heard of Rannoch my people's home world. No insects, dry heat, and beautiful forests." Tali sounded sad speaking of her home world and thinking of the painful past her people had been forced to endure.
Tali looked up at Shepard and saw that he had a concerned look in his eyes and seemed to be sharing her grief. After a short pause Shepard spoke up.
"I…I'm so sorry Tali, I can't say I know what you're going through but…I wish there was something I could do for you."
Tali was shocked, not by the commanders concern for her people. He had always shown great interest in wanting to help them but she was shocked by his sudden show of emotion and care.
His words were very soft and spoken as if he were trying to comfort her. "Shepard…you have done more for my people than anyone else has, I don't understand why you concern yourself with us so much. You have your own people and your own problems to solve." Tali could not understand why this powerful human who had so much to do and so many enemies bothered himself with learning about her people and spending time with her discussing issues that only affected Quarians.
Shepard stood up from the crate he had been sitting on and walked over to Tali and sat beside her. He took one of her hands into his own calloused hand and looked into her bright silver eyes.
Her heart was beating uncontrollably, she thought to herself rapidly. "What is he going to say, I've never seen him look at anyone like that, oh keelah this must be a dream." Shepard leaned close to her face mask."Tali…It's not your people I'm concerned with….it's you." Shepard spoke slowly and directly from the heart.
He kept telling himself to stop, but once he said that all resistance inside of him gave up. Tali started to feel warm inside of her suit, her heart beat increased again and she didn't know what to do.
This had never happened to her and she was completely taken off guard by Shepard sudden show of emotion. She kept staring into his bright blue eyes and admiring his rigid and scared face, she could almost make out the cybernetic implant that he tried so hard to disguise.
Shepard tilted his face slightly and moved his left hand around her waist, while keeping his right hand on hers holding it softly.
When his left hand touched her waist she jumped slightly and looked down at the ground in embarrassment. A slight grin spread across the face of this harden soldier amused by her sudden jolt.
He gently took the chin of her helmet with his hand and lifted it up so that she looked into his eyes again. "Tali…..I should have told you this a long time ago….I love you."Shepard used the hand on her chin to brush the side of her mask; she took her own hand and used it to hold his hand against her mask.
"I….I don't know what to say Shepard, I have always wanted to hear you say those words but I never….I always thought it was nothing more than a dream."
Tali looked deep into the commander's eyes, she let go of his hand on her mask and put one hand on his knee and the other in her lap
"Tali this isn't a dream, I want you and no one else. I've always wanted you even if you can't leave that suit. I just want to be with you." Shepards voice was filled care and concern as he stared into her beautiful eyes.
"I love you Shepard, but you deserve someone who can…love you back…I…I can't Shepard. I want to feel your skin and I want to be able to return your affection but I could get sick if we were…together.
"Tali voice had become just a whisper and it was filled with grief and sorrow. Shepard voice became determined but it retained its soft gentle tone."I don't care Tali. I don't care if we can never be together physically, but I can't stand not be with you. I lost you once when I died and I never want to be without you again. No matter what happens Tali I will love you."
Shepard let go of her hands and stood up. He removed the earpiece that EDI talked through and threw it over on the crate he had been sitting on.
Shepard grabbed Tali's hands and pulled her close to him, he held her within his arms and his massive body enveloped her small frame. She had her hands on his chest and he wrapped his arms around her keeping her close to him. She buried her face in his broad shoulders and cried. "I love you so much Shepard" she said between sobs of tears. "I just want to make you happy." Tali sniffled slightly and stopped crying. She looked up at Shepard who still had his arms wrapped around her, and lost herself in his caring gaze."But Tali" Shepard said softly." You already have made me happy."