1: Perfectly Fine
John Shepard grunted as he stretched, willing himself to avoid scratching the itch that raged across his chest. He had just returned to the medical bay after a prolonged argument with Miranda Lawson just down the hall. Her actions deeply disturbed him, the fact that the Illusive Man would attempt to reclaim his vessel at a moment's notice causing him some disquiet. "Recommend you stop doing that," came a quick reply. "Easy to pop sutures, would not like to repeat complex medical procedures. Especially not when low on spare blood for patient."
Shepard sighed as he gave up on distracting himself through physical means, choosing instead to talk to the salarian doctor. "I thought we were still fully stocked before Haestrom, Mordin."
The salarian blinked at Shepard, a rare moment of pause. "True, but must emphasize past tense. Was fortunate to have ample supply at the time. Operation was... challenging. Will also need additional antibiotics appropriate for dextro species, current supply insufficient for quarian squad member's prolonged stay. Should thank Miss Goto for at least knowing which antibiotics to pilfer along with medigel during your operation. Likely saved Miss Oro's life with her actions. Nevertheless, recommend a supply run to the Citadel. Also," he added as he turned to his other patient, "recommend getting new armor; previous chestplate no longer adequate for battle."
He does have a point there, Shepard mused to himself, glancing at the mangled, beaten, bleached, crushed, and bloody mess on the operating table next to him. "EDI," he directed his next words toward the ceiling, "tell Joker to set a course for the Citadel."
"Course change noted, commander," came the AI's cool reply. "We will be there in twelve hours' time."
"Thanks, EDI." Shepard looked over at Dr. Chakwas, who had started conversing with a white-and-red-suited quarian in the corner. Kal'Reegar had been the ranking officer when the commander had come to the rescue, and one of its only survivors. He then turned to Dr. Solus's patient: a green-suited quarian who was fast asleep from the effects of another cocktail of antibiotics coursing through her system. Quala'Oro had taken multiple wounds during the battle and was barely conscious when they found her locked in a room with Tali. Tali... He found his thoughts drifting again to the quarian, who had gone straight to the crew's quarters after he'd overrode Miranda's order to deport the quarians at the earliest opportunity. We could all use a little R&R right now.
The Illusive Man gazed out at the dying star Anadius, distaste in his electric blue eyes. Shepard will do what he deems necessary, he thought to himself, but Miranda...
He allowed the thought to linger as he took a long drag on his cigarette. He was disappointed in her- one of his best operatives and leaders, but she wasn't able to maintain control of the Normandy for even two hours before half of Shepard's squad had mutinied against her. If she survives this mission, there will definitely be some changes in store for her. He exhaled as he noted a different shade of black against the darkness of the room. But this one, however, is growing sharper with every strike. "What do you have for me, Leng?"
The shadow within the shadows shifted, becoming a well-built man of Russo-Chinese descent. His dark eyes betrayed no emotion as he gazed toward the star. "Our Pragia facility, a remnant from Project Teltin, has had a security breach," he stated without diverting his gaze. "Evidently, the sensors were running on minimal power, only collecting enough energy to send a signal ten hours ago. Most useful data was purged years ago but the intruders could still find something... problematic for us."
The Illusive Man nodded, "You would like to take care of the problem yourself, I take it." He took a sip of his whiskey after perceiving the slightest of nods from the man, the assassin's gaze unwavering from the sight before him. He is headstrong, capable, and most importantly loyal. Perhaps even our best asset right now. He pulled up a report from Project Teltin on his vid-screen, eliciting an almost imperceptible flash across the assassin's eyes at the sudden obstruction of his view. The Illusive Man took another drag on his cigarette as he contemplated the data, his mind hard at work. The task wouldn't be particularly difficult for him, but there are plenty of unknowns. He slowly exhaled, the cloud of smoke billowing around his head like one of the ancient railway locomotives that had been used on Earth over two centuries before. It would be better not to risk him, especially when we have another untapped resource. "I have a better idea." he finally answered. "I want you to make a detour to the Citadel first."
"Sir?" A partially-raised eyebrow finally betrayed the assassin's stoic poker face.
"I want you to contact someone. I daresay you'll almost enjoy it as much as taking the intruders head-on."
Kai Leng finally allowed himself to grin, comprehension blooming across his face. "With pleasure, sir."
"You know, I could get you some lunch or show you the new omni-tools that came out. Heard there was one that makes the Savant IX look like the old Logic Arrest models."
Tali shook her head as she stepped out of the elevator and into the CIC. Garrus had been trying to make up for holding the quarians hostage ever since EDI had announced that they were headed for the Citadel. While she appreciated the gesture, the turian's apologies did nothing for her guilt. Besides, she already had plans.
"Sure was nice of the commander to let your friends stay a little longer though." Garrus wondered aloud, virtually in line with her train of thought.
"Yeah, Quala needed the extra observation time anyway. Her fever flared up again right after he left the docking bay." She sighed, willing herself to cheer up for her old friend's sake. "At least this way we can give them a proper send-off; Kasumi's already made reservations for us and everything."
The turian seemed momentarily put off by her statement. "Really? But that means we won't get to relive all those nice chats in the elevators. Remember, I'd rant a little about my days at C-Sec. You'd enlighten us all about your immune system. Wrex would complain about the genophage. Liara would talk about... all sorts of unpleasant things I have no shame in admitting I tuned out. It was like having our own little venting space."
"Remember how I always carried my shotgun?" The elevator ride in the new Normandy was already more than long enough for Tali, but the mention of Shepard's old flame caused her to add a bit more malice to her words than she had intended.
"Perhaps another time then," Garrus nervously chuckled as they neared the cockpit. "Still, if you swing by the bar, first round's on me."
Despite alcohol's qualities as a natural disinfectant, its use as more than such was far from encouraged among quarians. The vacuum of free time aboard the Flotilla had all but necessitated a fleetwide ban on alcohol, though pilgrims outside the Migrant Fleet were not chastised for becoming inebriated. All the same, old habits died hard for the admiral's daughter. As if I'd ever do something as reckless as drink alcohol on a whim, the quarian thought, but she nodded anyway.
"What's this I hear about Archangel buying us a round?" Zaeed Massani, his scarred eye gleaming in the low light of the ship, was already waiting at the airlock with Jacob Taylor and Grunt. "I'm sure our krogan friend here shouldn't have to buy himself his first ryncol," he said with a smirk.
"Sure, merc. So long as you're buying the next with all that money you got off of that poor guy in engineering."
"It's not my fault he's got such an obvious tell. Best poker face in the world won't save you if you giggle like a goddamn man-child every time you get a half-decent hand."
"Then let's be glad you weren't playing another round of hold-em while we were in the Dholen system," Security Chief Nicolas Glass chimed in as he walked up, his own heavily-scarred face contorted into a grin and his trademark stun baton noticeably absent for once. "I'd have hated to end your supply of pocket creds right before you bought us a round."
The men shared a hearty laugh as they walked into the airlock, the door closing behind them as the decontamination cycle kicked in. Tali stayed on the ship, however, having noticed a faint flicker in the air beside her. Kasumi deactivated her cloaking system. "I'm almost tempted to take Garrus up on that offer, but swiping a drink from under Zaeed's or Nick's mangled noses would be a bit too risky for my tastes."
Tali allowed herself a chuckle. "And what about Jacob's?"
"Well now," Kasumi began with a grin, "You're not the only hopeless roman-" She stopped as she saw Quala and Kal walk up, the green-suited quarian covering her lit mouthpiece with one hand as she shook her head. "Look, the rest of the gang's here!" she hastily added, getting the hint.
"Oh," Tali said, taking a mental step back from the emotional abyss that Kasumi had almost led her straight into. "I'm surprised you two are up and about, I heard you both got a secondary infection after John..." Her voice trailed off.
"...Allowed you guys to stick around." Kasumi finished for her, trying her best to keep the moment from lingering.
"Oh, it was a bit more than just an infection," Quala answered, her eyes lighting up. "You see, the commander decided to have a long chat with Miss Lawson and the security chief after visiting the launch bay. He went straight up to her room and took the docs with him, so we had the medbay all to ourselves for over an hour. With the docs gone and the privacy drapes still out, I decided to ask him if he remembered what he promised me on the shuttle ride back on Haes-" Kal cleared his throat loudly, his normally professional body language emanating waves of discomfort. "Sorry, Sergeant Reegar here considers the details 'classified'," Quala added, the rolling of her eyes apparent even through her opaque visor.
"Since when has that ever stopped you?" Tali chuckled, finally allowing herself to relax. "It took you all of ten seconds to 'break protocol' after you took him to the firing range."
The girls all shared a laugh at Kal's expense as the four of them stepped into the airlock.
Shepard frowned at the article in the catalog.
The Kestrel armor system is the epitome of modern combat platforms. Boasting amplified shields and technology that amplifies the user's natural musculature, the Kestrel allows for safe* battlefield management while giving the user an increased presence in melee combat. Utilizing a personalized prototype VI interface, the Kestrel allows its user unprecedented strength, speed, and stamina that are unrivaled by other armor interfaces. Each model is custom-built for its user to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. Price available upon request.
Money was no object to him. His accounts were still loaded from his adventures in the previous Normandy. He had to admit though, it wasn't the waiting list he'd be placed on that was truly bothering him. (Six months? I tracked down Saren in four and this one's shaping up to be done even sooner.) It wasn't even Miranda's recent insubordination that bothered him, troubling enough though it was. No, it was Tali's behavior back in the launch bay that concerned him.
Shepard lost himself in the memory, remembering how he had rolled his wheelchair out to a wave of surprised faces when the elevator opened to the cargo hold.
"Well now," he couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, despite his injuries, "looks like someone forgot to invite me to the party." He'd swept his eyes across the hold, noticing the conspicuous absence of the one quarian he wanted to talk to most. "Where is she?" he'd asked. Kasumi, whose jaw was evidently farthest from the floor, managed to point toward the shuttle.
Shepard had sped toward the shuttle, the entourage of medics and soldiers around him forgotten.
She's here. Was she hurt? What happened after...
He hadn't dared to finish the thought. "Are you alright?" The words had tumbled out of his mouth before he'd even reached the open door.
"Yeah, I'll be fine," the quarian had grunted, her voice distant and eyes closed.
He had breathed a sigh of relief as he admired her form.
She's whole. No suit patches, nothing broken. Perfectly fine.
A grin had spread across his face at the thought. "Then come out of the shuttle, Tali'Zorah."
She'd jumped at his voice then, as if shocked that the voice's owner still existed. A small whisper had escaped her helmet as a tremor traveled down her arm. "John...?"
There she was, the same girl who was willing to postpone her pilgrimage for the sake of saving the galaxy with him. The courageous one who'd faced down impossible odds with him against an army of geth on Ilos. The selfless one who would have left the ship for the sake of keeping Shepard's crew from tearing itself apart mere hours before.
Perfectly fine.
He'd climbed out of the wheelchair. "Hey there friend, long time no see."
Her eyes had finally met his. "John, I... I..." she began to stammer in disbelief.
He'd already climbed into the shuttle and embraced her.
Perfectly fine.
Her voice had become softer as she held him. "John, I..."
"Shhh..." he shushed, pulling her closer. "It's okay Tali. I'm just glad you're okay."
Perfect.
The word had stuck in his mind as they held each other, wishing that the moment would last until space itself collapsed around them. But just when he had thought that the doctors would have to perform another surgery to physically decouple them, a shadow had crossed Tali's luminous eyes. She'd released him, her suddenly downcast pearls focused everywhere but the commander. "I sent the data on Haestrom's sun to the fleet after we hit the relay," she murmured, her voice hollow as she withdrew her arms. "I'm free to join your crew now, if you'll have me."
Her sudden change in manner had caught Shepard off-guard. "Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way," he managed, his tone sincere.
She'd nodded, seemingly trying to convince herself of something as a barely audible sigh escaped her helmet's speakers. "I'll get myself set up then, introduce myself to the engineering crew." Suddenly, she was up and out of the shuttle. Shepard's face had turned into one of surprise that would have rivaled any of the crew in the shuttle bay mere moments before as Tali sped over to the elevator and hit the call button.
By the time he had exited the shuttle and climbed back into his wheelchair, she was already gone.
But why?
Shepard retracted himself from the memory, leaning back on his chair in the captain's quarters. He sighed, the reason behind Tali's change in attitude still eluding him. It left a bad taste in his mouth, as well as an unfamiliar pain in his stomach that rivaled his wounds from Haestrom: a feeling of helplessness. His thoughts drifted to Kaiden Alenko, and one of the times the soldier's ghost had spoken to him. The words haunted him, even more so now than when he had run into a geth platoon on Haestrom while trying to rescue her.
"You have to save her, so that she can save you."
He leaned forward in his seat, trying his best to ignore the itch that was returning to his chest. How can I save her if I don't even know what I'm saving her from?
Tali growled in frustration as she and Kal played a game Kasumi had referred to as "Rock, paper, scissors." Quarians' three-fingered hands, it had happened, were ill-suited for the game, leading to some rather confusing alterations to the rules.
"Oh, barriers block guns when you're on the Citadel, Tali," the human said in mock-sadness. "Looks like you're picking up the next round of drinks for us."
Tali shook her head. "I swear you're making this game up."
"Sorry, you should have said you wanted to play by Omega rules then," Kasumi replied, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Don't fforget my Vaksseid," Quala slurred, botching the name of the turian liqueur as she clumsily rapped on her empty bottle. "Come on," she continued, noting Tali's distasteful look, "it'ss not like any sort of bacteria can survive in sixty persssent alcohol."
"Fine," Tali replied, turning away from the table. "Two waters, another sake, and an imminent trip to Huerta Memorial coming right up."
As soon as Tali was out of earshot, Quala sat up straight. "I take it you followed her out of the cargo hold?" she clearly directed at Kasumi, all signs of intoxication gone.
The thief nodded. "I guess I'm not the only girl with secret compartments on her person."
"Let me guess: she went straight to bed, woke up screaming, promptly curled up with her knees in her arms in complete silence, and stayed like that until the other engineers woke up."
Kasumi's eyes widened. "How did you-"
"Kas," Quala interrupted, "I've known her all her life."
Kal nodded in agreement. "Any quarian who can't learn their crew mates' habits is both a threat to their ship and a failure to the species."
"It'd be a disgrace if I couldn't tell you that she banged her head on the bunk above her when she woke up, let alone that she would have an emotional breakdown after what happened on Haestrom and the incidents with Garrus and Miranda," Quala finished.
Kasumi's shocked expression prompted another response: "You'd be surprised how many times she cracked her visor when she was younger." She turned towards Kal, whose visor now bore a hairline crack along one side.
"You already disclosed what happened in the med bay, Quala." Kal didn't want to relive his embarrassment once more.
Kasumi nodded again, remembering how Tali hadn't jumped in surprise when she'd de-cloaked next to her by the airlock earlier. "She's going to need some support, but I'm sure Shepard would-"
"Try to cheer her up?" Quala laughed bitterly. "Oh, I'm sure he would love to, but Tali's in the middle of a guilt trip longer than the scenic route from Omega to Palaven. She's going to avoid him as much as she can for the next several days, if not weeks."
Damn, the human thought. "So what are we going to do about it? She needs someone who'll help her keep her spirits up, especially now. Someone's going to have to make sure she doesn't have a mid-mission meltdown and keep the doubters on the squad off her back."
This time it was Kal who spoke up first. "Actually, since 'we' have to return to the fleet, we hoped you would do that for us."
Kasumi blinked in surprise as he began to elaborate. "Despite your commander's boundless hospitality, we're still obligated to return to the fleet. Because of Tali's past adventures with Shepard and the fact that her father and surrogate aunt are both on the Admiralty Board, she'll definitely be allowed to stay on the Normandy."
Quala sighed glumly as she finished his statement. "Kal and I aren't so lucky."
The thief raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't call you guys unlucky after what you've been telling us tonight Misss Vasss Lentana," she replied, mimicking Quala's faked slurring.
Quala laughed, cheering up almost instantly. "And I was saving the good parts for after Tali brings the second bottle," she replied playfully, eliciting a groan from Kal. "Come on, do you want her to have a good time or not?"
"Fine," he conceded, knowing fully that his evening was going to be anything but. "Still, we have to ask," he directed back at Kasumi. "Can you please look out for her while we're gone?"
"You're talking to a habitual stalker and a concerned friend," she answered with a sly grin. "I'd have done it even if you hadn't asked."
"Thanks a bunch, Kas. You don't know how much thisss meansss to ussss." Quala leaned lazily on Kal's shoulder as the slur returned to her voice.
"How much what means to you?" Tali asked quizzically as she walked up, drinks in hand.
"That she ffixed the game for uss. Kally here fforgot his chit on the ssshhip," Quala added, making sure to give Kal a reason to give another genuine groan of annoyance as she winked at Kasumi.
"Oh, how did he earn that name?" she asked, picking up on the cue as Tali sat down next to her.
He was such anarrogant ass.
Miranda was still seething as she made her way between stores on the Citadel. The commander, knowing that he could have easily had the medical supplies and armor components delivered to the Normandy in less than an hour with his Spectre status, had instead given her the task of doing his shopping. He's trying to show he's still top dog and knows I can't do anything about it. That righteous, self-centered, short-sighted, crew-endangering pr-
"Hello Miranda."
Her thoughts paused mid-syllable as her blood turned to ice in her veins. She jumped, trying to locate the source of the voice through the crowd of shoppers around her.
"Yes, I am talking to you." She spun on the spot, the voice having come from behind her this time. "Stop drawing attention to yourself. We don't want everyone staring at the Illusive Man's perfect woman." This time, it came from her right.
She struggled to compose herself and continued walking as she whispered a reply. "What do you want, Kai?"
She heard a chuckle from her left. "To make sure you're listening." A pause, then the voice came from in front of her. "A situation has come up regarding Project Teltin that needs your intervention, and I hear Shepard's given its star pupil access to many of our files." The voice came from off to her left again next: "We want you to make sure she has a nice homecoming. A file has been encrypted and sent to your omni-tool." The voice then came from just behind her, the words hissed directly into her ear: "How she gets it is up to you."
Miranda searched frantically over her shoulder as two strong arms gripped hers from the front. If she could have, she would have jumped in shock as the powerful hands rooted her to the spot. "Consider this a priority," the man said, his face unreadable.
She couldn't help but gulp at the sight of her opposite. While she was forward, headstrong, loud, and determined, he had always been patient, cunning, silent, and ruthlessly efficient. He could have easily executed her on the spot a dozen different ways and escaped long before the people around them took notice, while her own abilities would lead to a panicked crowd and barely slow him down. She nodded as the perfect assassin released her. "It will be done," she managed, fighting to keep her voice level despite his intimidating presence. "You can count on it."
"We expect nothing less."
Note from the author:
Quala'Oro and Nicholas Glass are OCs created by Levi Matthews for Finding a Way and used by permission.