En route to Rannoch

The light coming from the cockpit caused Khalisah and Varicia to walk up to the front to see the orange sun of Rannoch's home system.

"Hey," Khalisah turned back to Kenn,"how many non-natives have been on Rannoch since the war ended?"

"Not a lot. Most don't care about Rannoch to even consider us a viable trading partner, yet. We're still rebuilding our part in the galactic community."

"I know it's a bit late for us to ask; but once we're done, will we be able to get back to Earth soon?" Varicia added.

"Oh, sure!" Lia'Vael cut in, "there are dozens of craft going to other parts in the galaxy. We would be able to speak on your behalf to get you back home."

A beep from Khalisah's omni-tool diverted her attention from the conversation at hand to the fact she had gotten a message.

Greetings, Khalisah al-Jilani;

As per your request, Tali'Zorah nar Raaya and myself will be meeting you at the space port and will answer any questions for your project.

Welcome to Rannoch;

Admiral Shala'Raan vas Tonbay

Khalisah smiled. After all this nonsense, at least she was getting close to being finished. Even if she couldn't find Shepard, she'd at least have enough material to start writing her book. No, Emily's book. She'd make sure that if she had any family that survived the war, she'd make sure she'd get credit for her involvement.

It was both surprising and unnerving to see not only Quarians outside of their suits, but several of them speaking with their Geth Companions. The first things she ever heard about the Geth were nothing more than some bogeyman that was the reason why AIs were outlawed and why the Quarians deserved their fate.

Varicia, on the other hand, seemed far more comfortable than she was.

"Have you been here before?" she asked.

"Oh, yes," she said happily as she waved to a small pair of quarian children with their parents, "I came here when I was a maiden. Had a good decade and a half to work in some of the biggest law firms on Rannoch when they still lived outside their suits. Also helped that my father was quarian."

Khalisah turned to her in shock. "What? You never mentioned this."

She looked back and answered innocently, "you never asked."

The reporter grumbled to herself and made a note to see if there were any more details like that she needed to know.

She pointed to the mountain just to their south. "A lot of Quarian law is based off of the records from the Scrolls of the Ancestors and according to the records the Quarians kept, it was given to them by the first writer of the Scrolls; Keelah nar Rounha."

Khalisah stopped and balked. "What? From what I understood, Keelah meant 'the Homeworld'."

The asari nodded. "Of course. But in the local dialect of the time, it meant 'the ground upon which we grow'. They lost so much of their culture when they were exiled."

"And, if it is not too much trouble to ask, Lady Varicia, we would be pleased if you would tell us more, as some of our records were lost over time concerning Quarian law," a new voice said from behind them.

Both turned to see a silver haired quarian, outside of her suit, and in ebon colored robes covering most of her body with ornate Quarian patterns, save for the shawl and the hood, which were a cool teal to offset the darker colors of her robes. In colors of its armor that matched her robe, a Geth Juggernaut stood at her side.

Beside her, Tali'zorah, clad in robes similar to the admiral, only in purple and gold, regarded Khalisah with slight suspicion. Even the Geth Guardian at her side seemed to mirror her response.

"Shala'Raan vas Tonbay nar Rannoch," she said with a respectful bow before she turned to her Geth Companion, "and this is Diplomacy." To which, the tall and imposing Geth nodded in respect.

"Khalisah al-Jilani," she gestured to her companion, "this is Varicia S'Tonu."

"Tali," Raan said, aware of her grievances against Khalisah.

However, the younger quarian mimicked Raan's bow and muttered, "Tali'Zorah nar Raaya vas Rannoch," she inclined her head to her Geth companion, "this is Harmony."

"Tali, show respect. They are guests. And she doesn't not have the drone like she did before," Raan admonished.

Khalisah bristled and swore under her breath. Even the quarians knew about her show!

K: Shepard has made her opinion known about the treatment the quarians had suffered known for quite a while. In your opinion; did that help or hinder your cause?

Admiral Shala'Raan nar Tonbay vas Rannoch: While it was good to know that someone with as much exposure as she was able to bring our grievances to light, she was still a single, small voice in the great sea of the galaxy that did not care.

K: You still think that even if Shepard was not as well-known as she was, she'd still fight for you?

S: Yes, I believe so. It was after Tali'zorah was wrongfully tried as a traitor to the fleet did we get a chance to speak.

"Captain Shepard," Shala'raan said quickly as Tali and Nora were about to take their leave, "a moment, please?"

She nodded and turned to Tali. "Have Joker warm up the engines, we won't be long."

Tali nodded and turned to Shala, "farewell, Auntie, I'll be safe."

"Keelah Se'lai, Tali," Raan said, with evident relief and pride in her voice.

When Tali had left them, she turned to Shepard and asked, "I want to thank you for speaking up for Tali on her behalf."

"She's my crewmate. Well, also, I consider her my sister and am grateful she's with us," Nora said as she leaned against the walls.

Shala nodded. "Good. Even if Rael is gone, maybe I shall not worry as much about her safety."

The smile faded from Nora's face. "Realistically speaking, could I let her make the Normandy her home if she were to be exiled?"

Raan nodded. "Of course, however, even if exiles find ways to start anew, it is not easy for them. I know you are angry with me, Shepard. And rightfully so. However, even you would have to admit that were you in a similar situation, being able to intervene would have done more harm than good."

Shepard looked away for a moment before muttering, "I'm aware of that. However, I'm glad it didn't come to that. I don't know if I'd been able to live with myself knowing that I failed to help her."

"I find it humbling that you go out of your way for our kind, though we have given little to you in return," she noted, "and the fact that you have helped others of our children on their pilgrimage, including taking two more of them with you on your mission, is quite telling."

Shepard was quiet for a moment before she responded. "Maybe because I understand what it's like to be treated as badly as you are. On Earth, there are massive cities that have fallen into disrepair and squalor. The children from there have little to no chance to make a future for themselves without help. I, like you, had no home at one point. Though, if at some point in time, I would like to help the quarians find a way back home or to a new home, were it in my power."

Shala'raan almost shivered. During her own pilgrimage, she had met nothing but cruelty. Even the first humans she had met treated her horribly. However, for the first time, someone that genuinely wanted them to go home, was beyond heartbreaking. There had been others how had tried and failed, however, maybe, just maybe, she would actually dare to hope that they would find a home within her lifetime.

"Thank you, Captain. Keelah'Selai."

K: And you did.

S: Yes. It was most difficult on our part, because we had been taught for years that the Geth would seek our death if we dared to even border the Perseus Veil. However, when we found out what Tohn'Gerrel did... it was hard not to think of such a kinder boy in the fleet. He was the first quarian to return to the Homeworld in so long.

K: How did you two start talking?

S: Shepard was the insitator between us and the Geth speaking in the first place.

Shala'Raan did not sure what to make of the Geth platform that called itself 'Unity'.

After a brief introduction, and the incredulity of Daro'Xen, the platform was advanced enough to house twelve thousand, nine hundred, and sixty-three run times, they had gone to the heart of the matter.

"What is it the Geth want?" Raan began, aware that this would be the first time in centuries and within memory that anyone would hear the Geth speak for themselves. She was also chosen by the other admirals, being most expert in Conclave and Fleet law.

"Our request is dual natured," Unity began with a smooth and feminine voice, so much that the admirals would eventually agree on calling Unity, 'she'. "We wish to reconcile with the Creators, however, we do not wish to return to the circumstances that led to the Morning War. The Geth, wish to define their own future."

Raan turned a cautious at towards Xen, who, despite her less than subtle desire to tear apart the platform to see how it moved, she remained silent.

"And how would reconciling with the Quarian race and allowing co-existence benefit the Geth?" she asked again.

"It would allow us to fulfill our purpose. In addition, it would allow us to fulfill the final request of Creator-Tohn'Gerrel."

Han'Gerrel flinched visibly, but said nothing. It was a blow to his pride for things to come this far, however, the recording Shepard had given him had killed any further desire to fight.

"The question remains;" Zaal'Korris cut in, "even we were to be able to return to the homeworld, what would prevent our peoples from breaking out into fights?"

"Records from the platform known as Legion have provided us with a solution: for every Creator, a Geth companion would assist their reintegration to Rannoch," Unity offered.

All four of the admirals looked to each other in shock.

"Are... are you serious?" Han'Gerrel said after he had found his voice.

Unity was not fazed by their shock. "The Consensus has come to the conclusion that slow and gradual integration into Rannoch would give time for our peoples to learn how to trust each other. There are also run-times within the Consensus that share your apprehension, however, they too wish the Creators to return to Rannoch."

All four of the Admirals were silent. It was such a difficult proposition.

"You realize for us to ask our people to be assigned to an individual Geth platform will not be without its problems," Raan answered.

Unity nodded. "We are aware. However, Creator-Tali'Zorah, despite initial hostilities with the platform, Legion, they were able to cooperate and succeed under Shepard Commander's leadership. We will not have Shepard –Commander with us, however, we will do what we can to earn the trust of the Creators. We only request that the Creators extend to us that opportunity."

All four of the admirals took a moment to deliberate. Raan had spoken to Tali about the friendship she had created with Legion had developed and was skeptical. However, for her to find a way for them to be even able to speak was a miracle in it of itself.

S: During the talks, we were attacked by Batarian Raiders. The Hegemony had caught word of the talks and believed, at the time, that we would try and unite with the Geth to destroy them, which was a statistical impossibility.

K: I see.

S: Either way, Shepard was the first, what do you call them, domino, that enabled us to return to our home. It has not been without its problems, however, the Geth and the Quarians will slowly learn to trust each other completely and we will find our place in the galaxy once more.

K: Thank you, admiral.

K: Now, you, like Commander Ashley Williams, Wrex, Garrus Vakarian, and Liara T'Soni, were with Shepard on her first mission back in 2183?

Tali'Zorah nar Raaya vas Rannoch: Yes. I had come across some information about Saren and had barely made it to the Citadel when I was attacked. As silly as it sounds; Shepard came to my rescue when I was almost overwhelmed. Most quarian pilgrims expect this kind of treatment and are trained and prepared for it, however, this was more than I could have handled by myself.

K: So, what colored your opinions of humans when you worked with her? Or did it not change at all?

T: More often than not, there are few, if any, friends of our kind in the galaxy. I'm grateful Shepard was. She helped me find my pilgrimage gift.

"Hey, Tali, I got word that you wanted to speak with me?" Nora said as she slowly entered the drive core. It was during the night shift and Adams had retired for the day and the night crew was up.

Tali nodded eagerly. She then walked to the corner of the room where she would often take Nora and they would speak in hushed whispers. Even on the subjects they disagreed about. For four months they spoke and it was hard for Tali to deny the fact that she felt a kinship with Shepard. It always made her happy to see the Commander take a few minutes out of her day to speak with her after missions. Even adding her in the mess hall had helped overcome some of her shyness when it came to the rest of the crew.

"Um, Shepard, remember the data we've collected on the Geth?" Tali asked timidly as she wringed her hands nervously.

"Yes. I was wondering when you were going to ask about that," Nora answered.

"Well, I've told you that I'm on my pilgrimage, and I've given it some thought and figured if the Geth data we got is as good as I think it is, it could be a worthy gift for the fleet," Tali said quickly, aware that the human that towered over her could easily deny her request, but knew that unless she got it out of the way here and now, she'd never ask.

Nora said nothing as she looked to the drive core and then back to the quarian. "How would it be a gift? It's just telemetry and communication data."

"It's not just that, it was the recording we found. The one with the quarian singing. Usually, pilgrims often bring practical gifts as their show of solidarity with the fleet. However, if we find something, anything, about our past, our culture, we'd do anything for it. We have so little of our own," Tali almost begged.

Nora raised an eyebrow. "Anything?"

"Oh, Keelah, anything! We have so little from the homeworld and... and..." she continued and started to stammer, afraid that Shepard would deny her request. She would have understood. The sightings of Geth outside the veil raised questions both the Alliance and the Citadel would go out of their way to get answers for.

What she didn't expect was Nora taking her free hand and then placing a data disc inside it.

"It's a copy. And don't worry, I cleared it with both the Council and the Alliance. They know that the information wouldn't have much tactical information, however, I was able to convince them that how much it would mean for my mission if I were able to earn your trust," Nora said with a lop sided smile.

"Shepard," Tali whimpered on the verge of crying, "Oh, keelah, I'm sorry. It's just that..."

"Just keep my back, ok, Kekoa?"

"Keko... what?"

"Kekoa. It's an Earth name that parents give their children. From the part of the world it came from, it means 'the Brave'," she said with her arms folded and her smile not fading.

Tali felt so small when she looked up to the human and asked quietly, "you think I'm brave?"

Nora nodded. "Considering you've taken a chance coming with me these past few months, I figured it must have taken some real courage to come with me this far."

Tali held back a sniff and she nodded once. "Thank you, Shepard."

T: Shepard gave me a chance. I'm glad I had it. *sniff* We owe so much to her and all she wants is to be my friend. I'm glad she's here on...

K: Wait! She's here on Rannoch?!

(Author's note: Shepard's location was removed before the first edition went to print.)

"Tali!" Shala'Raan scolded angrily.

Realizing her mistake too late, Tali started to blabber intensely to no effect.

Khalisah and Varicia realized that whatever trouble Tali was in paled in comparison to what they were in as Diplomacy's head-flaps collapsed and its singular eye narrowed.

Raan turned to them slowly, and whispered dangerously as she pulled out her gun, "Shepard requested she hide among our people after an attempt was made on her life. A request we, the Admiralty Board, gladly complied. And we will do everything we can to ensure that no one," the gun unfurled, and the Juggernaut pulled out its pulse rifle, "finds where she is."

"Wait! Wait!" Varicia cried as she stepped in front of a fear-frozen Khalisah, "we don't want to tell anyone! We won't tell anyone! We promise!"

Raan's eyes narrowed her. "Unfortunately, the lies of High Command render any bindings of the word of your kind, impotent."

Varicia, aware that this was it, whirled around and held Khalisah close. "I love you, Khalisah! I always have!"

Khalisah's embrace was just as desperate as she responded quickly, "I love you too!"

Both held each other dearly as Raan raised her gun to fire.

*BEEP!*

A signal from Raan's omni-tool caused the admiral to pause and she used her free hand to answer the call. She quickly read the message and typed a response. Another moment later, when Khalisah and Varicia realized they were still alive, looked to Raan and her Geth companion as they put their guns away.

"Be grateful. Shepard has agreed to meet with you, but on her terms," Raan said before she turned away and Diplomacy only a step behind. "You are free to spend the night at the embassy. All accommodations shall be made for your comfort." Both of them looked to each other and then back to Raan as she concluded, "But know this, if you make any attempt of a hostile action against her, neither of you shall leave this planet alive."

Varicia's shoulders slumped. "Thank the goddess for small miracles. What am I saying?! It would have been horrible to die like this after the war!"

"That was rather timely, wasn't it? I mean, it's like a cheap suspense tactic two-bit writers use," Khalisah said as her heart beat calmed down.

"I don't care! I'm just glad to be alive!" Varicia said before she kissed Khalisah again.