Mass Effect: Sacrificial Symptom
Disclaimer: I do not own or have any rights to representation of Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, EA Games and any other mass media trademarks within this fiction. All is represented within the context of private entertainment and the exchange of free ideals/entertainment. No attempts to falsely render said persons or members, fictitious or otherwise were intentional.
Note: With Legion slowly finding himself at a lack of data to make consensus. Let's see how he'll endure with the coming of a truly larger scale issue. Yet before that matter let's see how close we can put an organic and a synthetic, before it begins to show the blossoming buds of romance?
~~~~Chapter 2: We Are At A Consensus, We Like Clubs~~~~
The briefing room was full this time. Everyone gathered around the table. Which is not that common, Shepard only called this kind of a meeting when something serious came up. It was most likely the same. However, Tali did not care. What she cared about was seeing him. Simply put, Shepard was someone that once you saw him you never forgot. He was handsome, by what she can tell of human physiology. He had that air about him that was unique. Almost a holy, angelic sense. She figured it was just because of how he chose to act with people, trying to be so… paragon. Making sure to tempt no fate other than what best helped everyone. Even when he had to make a rough choice it was based on the betterment of others. The more lives he helped the better his choices were. Sometimes, you can not help but worry though. Like when dealing with the Rachni several years back, they were large dangerous insect like aliens and Shepard chose to allow them life instead of death. Or, what about the thing that even now held over his head? Shepard being up for a trial. For destroying a mass relay. That in itself was another time that when he chose, he chose to SAVE the Batarians… even though it failed. His work was all so strange.
In her heart, she never knew if she could be like that. It did not matter. Suddenly, she bumped into someone leaving the elevator. She turned up to the culprit. A smile softly perking her lips. "Hello Garrus."
Garrus Vakarian was not like the others. For one, he was Turian. A somewhat reptilian like people, but where Krogan were more bulky, Turians were more… sleek? Hard to mean that seeing how many bumps and ridges they had. Even so, they were more a raptor like people the Krogan seemed like reptilian frogs, in her eyes. It's hard to explain. Garrus was taller than her, by far. He had a similar structure, but the upper torso was more outward from the chest. Also, they had small mandible parts at the cheek. Shame that Garrus was missing part of his cheek… he was in a terrible accident. She still felt bad for him. Poor Garrus.
"Hey Tali." He smiled though, for a Turian smile. His nostrils flaring as they do being segmented. "Seems you made it. I was wondering, when we got back. The crew were complaining about there being some reason to move all the cargo into Mordin's lab. Is something the matter?"
"No." She said it too fast. Worse, she continued with, "Wehaveameeting." And easily, she rushed past him. The Turian raised a brow to this. Chasing her a little, and pulling her around. Lowering her head she sighed, deeply. "It's nothing. I just… had, a small issue with Grunt."
"What?" He was stunned. Mandibles clicking at his cheeks, looking toward the door to the weapon locker. That was the route they were taking, or least she took. Following her he asked, "What happened? Should Shepard know?"
"No. It's resolved. Believe me." She had a smirk when he scolded her a little. "I'm not in need of a hero Garrus." To that, she had entered the briefing room. There, she saw the one person she would think a hero. Least, the one she deemed the closest thing.
Shepard… where to begin? Shepard was… he looked…. He, he was… she can't define him. He was just that beyond her scope. Simply to be put, Shepard was a human male and that, all aside he was in his formal attire. An outfit obtained with Kasumi, a master thief. Needless to say she adored this outfit. Yet it did not matter now, even while the black fine linen was neatly pressed. Having a crisp weave over the wearer. Leaving his muscled form heavenly kempt via a magical…
"Tali?" Garrus leaned in whispering, "If you're not careful. You'll drown in that thing." She glared up at him as he smiled leaning back. Yes, he knew too. For whatever reason the one, only person not aware was…
"Commander Shepard!" The newest entrant was a woman, a human woman. Blackened hair that fell past the shoulders. Wearing a rather tight, white attire. It made Tali watch her and realize how 'perfect' she was. Least, by human standards. She had that cute face, loveable body and there was the fact she was genetically cropped for perfection. Everything she was just made her… ill.
"Miranda?" Shepard spoke. His voice was almost as amazing as the rest of him. It just sung to Tali. It sung of the power and prestige a man must offer. To be the commander of this team, and savior of the universe that was too blind and petty to know the truth, to live the truth. Tali seemed to recognize this far better than the others.
Yet Miranda was not a fool. She smiled a bit as she offered over a file in a data pad. Her hand, briskly caressed his. Yet he was not even aware. Inwardly Tali found Miranda's advances being dismissed satisfying. Though it only reminded her why she never saw him and her. To being anything more than…
"Thank you Miranda." He began to tap the screen, scrolling it down. Looking up he saw one last member enter. "Legion, thank you for coming."
"This platform was in midst of Consensus. It was not able to reach it at this time. Insufficent data was acquired."
"Oh? What about?" Shepard raised his brow, Tali looked back worriedly. Luckily, Legion began only to shift his plates. Without the response, Shepard smiled saying, "Nevermind, you'll get the data you need later. Right now I have a mission to go over."
"Affirmative."
She saw something. Legion looked to her. Like… like it had a response, but chose not to make it. Why was strangely reassuring, a favor to her. She'd have to ask that when he needed data from her. Least, when things were better off. Looking to Shepard she waited, the commander standing straight and hands on his tailbone. This meant he was getting serious. This was something special. Something truly important.
"Team, I want to congratulate you all on your hard work. The Collectors, were stopped only by your determination and will. Thankfully, we suffered only so much in damages. As well as you all know not one team member here was lost, under our mission objectives."
There was a light murmur, some proud ego petting. Yet Shepard raised a hand. "However, there is still a lot going on. You all know, a trial is being discussed. Hackett sent me information that the Batarians have not yet orgastrated a full committee for my… head." He smiled, while some did not. Tali definitely did not. She hated this. Hated seeing him just smile knowing people wanted him dead, for saving so many more lives. There was no proof of his actions. It was… wrong. "Even if that is the case? I've been thinking. Waiting out in the Terminus isn't the answer. Trying to stop the Reapers, has a price. I don't know where to go next, how to prepare. So I'm at a loss."
Soon, he closed his eyes and turned from them. He rolled his shoulders. Something else was eating at him. She'd have to find out why.
"Zaeed left today on a mission, he was not willing to tell me at this time. Also, Kasumi Goto also took a mission, she should return… I'm not sure yet." Turning back he smiled, "I've thought it over. If anyone wishes to leave the Normandy. You should. I'll take you where you should wish. Without one issue of concern." A nod and he adds in, "I won't refuse you anything. You fought beside me in the worst situation I can imagine. You're heroes and damn it, you deserve time to yourselves. To experience anything you want."
Sadly, this was not the case. As soon as he made the request, everyone seemed to be trying to explain why they wanted to stay. Hell, even Jack wasn't willing to leave, and she's a psychopath with tattoos all over her body and no honest allegiance to any one. Shepard however seemed to be testing them. Even Tali understood why. He wanted to know they were still loyal to this. To the desire to go on. This, meant everything.
"Thank you. I am proud to hear what you mean." Tali watched Shepard seem to cross his arms. As if soaking this in. A smile on his lips it made her knees weak. Suddenly, she felt a cold set of hands take her, she turned sharply to see Legion had held her still. She pulled away looking at him awkward. His ridges a twist before looking to Shepard. She realized, he must still think on some level she was… ill, or effected by Shepard. Which now that SHE thought about it he was right.
"There is a mission I'm in need of talking with you all about. Sadly, it's not a simple mission. Aria of Omega wants to have words with me." He shook his head, gaining a slight scowl. "Something has her upset. Something, she isn't looking to send her men in to deal with. I'm not sure what it is, but I'm certain it's big. It may be Reaper related, it may just be gang related. Whatever it is, it is a problem and I need to have people with me." Looking at those with him. He smiled, "While on Omega however I think we need a little relaxation. So here is the deal. Once this mission is over? I'm going to see if I can't situate a little something with Aria. Perhaps, a small bit of downtime in the VIP section of Omega. For those that want it."
It was definitely something to hear. Shepard heard some snickering and banter. People reacting to the news. Shepard looked around, seeing Tali who was already beginning to rub her hands nervously. He knew as he saw this that she'd probably not go. It made sense. Tali, was one for crowds yes. Yet she never did well in these party scenes. He would just try and arrange something else. Maybe, have her visit the Migrant Flee…. He realized that wasn't good. She had no connection there anymore, even if they acquitted her, it changed nothing. The Fleet was not her home any more.
Shaking his head, he looked back with a smile. It was a shame, Tali never saw him looking at her. Solely held on her minor fear of being around that many people. On the Flotilla it was so very different. You knew enough about these kinds of things. Yet Omega was a rougher scene. She can handle herself easily. Yet she knew what will happen there. Miranda and Jack will…
"Shepard." Miranda, already moved to his side. "You know, I have a rather good bit of knowledge on how to dance. Perhaps I can show you a few moves before that trip?" A smile on her lips, she played thick her seductive charm. "Simply a little something to help you meet a nice dancing partner."
"Hah, and by that she means a Asari with Fin Fungus."
Tali looked to Jack. The biotic convict. A skin headed woman with so many tattoos it was hard to tell where the skin began and the ink ended. Easy enough also someone that hated Miranda ten times more than she did. Well, Tali didn't HATE Miranda… just, how snobbish she was.
"Oh, and someone like you knows how to dance? Or is that what they called it in prison?" Miranda smiled as she leaned on the table with one hand, inflicting her words, "Dancing on your knees?"
"Sorry, but being on your knees is something you're better for, slut."
"Skank."
"Cheerleader!"
"Convict!"
Shepard stood firm and slammed both his hands on the table. "Stop it! Now!" There is a silence, the two women baring their eyes. Leaning back, they resolve this softly. "Listen, we're all part of a team." He looked to Miranda. "We have attributes of skill," and to Jack, "Of power." Then, shockingly… Tali swore he looked at her. Softer than those two. "Or of intellect."
She was embarrassed. Was…. Was that? "We all have something that makes us stronger as a unit." Shepard stood back. Shaking his head. "I want that unity for however long we can have it. There is still a mission and we have to be ready. I'll arrange something for us. I promise. For now, everyone is dismissed."
The team began to dissolve. Tali sighed as she walked out. Suddenly, feeling someone bump her roughly. She turned up to see Miranda…. There was a pause. Miranda smiled a little. A faint rise of her face. Tali glared on her before she went on. The bosh…. No, she's a bitch. That's all. Clenching a fist she got up only to have an arm over her neck. Jack said with a smirk, "I'm telling you Tali. We can juuuust as easily put an exhaust leak in her room. Your engineering and my biotics, it'd look like an accident."
"As… kind," she was trying not to sound too insincere, "You are to offer? Revenge like that is not my choice."
"You DO want revenge though right?" A smirk the convict raised her brow ever excited. Tali gave a nod and heard Jack give a little laugh. "Okay, do it your way. I'll try it my way if you take too long though."
Tali sighed as she scratched her neck, she really…
"Tali, can I speak with you a moment?" She turned wide eyed. So did Jack, and Miranda peeked back in with a scowl too. Shepard smiled at Tali for a moment, motioning her back into the briefing room. She entered almost like she was floating in her mind. Hearing something of a laugh from Jack outside the room. Maybe something Miranda said? Maybe not. Still… it was…
"Tali. I heard about Grunt."
"…." Tali closed her eyes and sighed, deeply. "Keelah…"
"It's okay." Shepard gave a nod. "I heard also, from Mordin. That you resolved it." She was shocked, Mordin? "Kelly told me something happened with you and Grunt and that I might want to get involved. Luckily, Mordin spared me the hassle… he also told me Legion helped you?"
With a light nod. She sighed realizing this was just that. A meeting about her problem. Nothing more, nothing less. "He did. I was fortunate he was still on board."
"I know. I wasn't expecting it actually." A grin he asks, "Why don't we bring him onto Omega?"
"What?" She was confused. "What do you want, for the team?"
"Right. Aria will probably want to talk to me over whatever it is she's having issues with. While I talk to her, why don't you and Legion go and talk in private?"
This was very unexpected. Then, she had to ask. "Why are you trying to make us friends? It's true, I owe him for his help but…"
"That's just it." Shepard gave a smile that well, honestly? It made Tali a little weak in the knees again. His hand juts out with his words, "You owe him, and you can repay him by doing this. Besides, we both know you don't really want to go to a party or anything. This will be sort of a private one. You and Legion can both just talk. While I'm busy. When I'm done, we'll continue the mission and when that's over? Why not let you and Legion just relax for the night. Hey, you can always ask him to dance." She groaned, Shepard got the idea. So he smiled saying, kindly. "If it helps Tali you don't have to really even talk to him. I just don't want you on the ship all the time. While the rest of the crew goes partying tonight, without some relaxation."
"Shepard. I appreciate this offer but I'm just not that kind of girl." She shrugged. It still was a chance to go, and she'd be helping him on the mission for Aria. A sigh she crossed her arms, "Okay, I'll do it." She smirked, before saying in jest. "Oh, but you soooo owe me."
Shepard smiled to this. Ruffling her hood, he admits. "I've been keeping tabs. From where we stand? You still owe me."
"Hmph!" She watched him leave. Then sighed as she lowered her arms. Yes, she did. She'd owe him anything if he asked. She already owed him her heart… too bad he never asked for that. "Stupid bosh'tet."
The crew exited. Shepard, first. Tali to his left just behind him. To the right, Legion. Legion was not aware the reasons this matter needed him. However, it did not matter to him really. All he was doing was following orders. With Tali seeming to show a little distance. Running with Shepard, they follow to the club Afterlife. Loud music came upon the speakers and passing inside, they were greeted with many lights. Shepard walked slowly around the circular bar and said, "Okay, you know what to do Tali."
Tali lowered her head. Shaking it a little like she was just starting to regret this. Legion watched with some processing at how Shepard was moving farther from them. He made a step, but she raised a hand. Looking to the Quarian he heard her explain, "Legion? Do you remember how you wanted data on the Krogan?"
"Obviously it has not been met with consensus. We await time for more data."
"Right." She sighed, rubbing her shoulder. Something was upsetting her. Then, he found out what. "Shepard wants me to spend some time here in this club while he meets Aria. So, why don't we use this time to share data?"
Legion was silent, something in his banks began to spark. Soon, he comments a observation. "By most organic cultures this meeting outside of mission parameters with music, poison alcohols for the nervous systems and otherwise colorful scenery would be considered a date."
"Not even close." She told him. Arms crossed, she looked dismissively to the side. "This, is just what Shepard wants. For us to get along. Nothing less than that, and definitely nothing more than that."
"Affirmative." Legion, tilts his head to her. "Where will we begin data transfer?"
"I haven't a clue." She mumbled a little. This place was so crowded. She needed a booth, to herself. Away from the eyes of those here. She saw one finally and motioned him along. "This way."
The booth helped her hide a little. It was darker, and quieter this far from the music. Here she looked at Legion who stood there looking at her. Tali got the idea and sighed into her own hand. "Keelah, why me?" She turned back up and then motioned to the booth. "Sit down Legion."
"We do not require rest."
"Please…" He did, as she asked. She took that as a good sign. Tali slowly scratched her neck thinking how to start. Probably, she should just put it out there. "Okay, Legion?" He turned to her with full attention. "What data do you want to go over first?"
"Why Tali'zorah is here with Legion?"
"That I told you was because of Shepard."
"Understood." Legion's flaps slowly curve upward. "Are we a slave unit to Tali'zorah?"
"W-what?" She was stunned. Hands on the table she steadied herself. "No! Why would you think that?"
"You made a request of us for the Krogan. However, you have shown no interest in participating in data transfer or any continued time with us. We have met consensus, that Tali'zorah feels were are a Geth slave unit, or would wish us better this way. To be more like the Geth the Creators constructed. However, we are not."
She was so angry. Angry, that he'd even think that. About her! She's trying to make the best of this. It wasn't her fault she hated the…. Tali lowered her head. There, was the problem. She hated him solely because he was Geth. A moment and she closed her eyes slinking her shoulders. A sigh reverberates from her small frame as she asks, "Can you forgive me Legion?"
"We do not know what we are to forgive?"
"For acting like that." She slowly pulled her hands into her chest, leaning on her elbows now. She shook her head. "It's just so hard to accept a Geth has helped me. Why did you even do it?"
"…." Legion's flaps slowly bend. He spoke, after a few seconds. "We have not met consensus. We are still gathering data."
"You helped me without making a consensus?"
"The more we interact with organics. The more we act on their reasoning. We assumed you were in trouble and needed our aid. However, we are not aware if there were any other reasons in the programs within this platform."
Letting that sink in. Tali had to ask. "Do they always have ulterior motives?" She looked interested. "I mean, how does that work? How can you have programs that sometimes correspond so differently?"
"Many programs serve numerous functions. In order to handle the new role with Organics. We have had to re-establish a number of former functions for new tasks. Understanding our role with Tali'zorah is a function this platform is nearly always in constant deliberation, consensus is never met fully. We have not enough data to form a proper consensus on how our roles together should progress."
Tali swallowed a lump in her throat. Blinking at the table. Trying to understand what was so special? Was it she's a Quarian? That made the most sense. He did play a pivotal role as the one and only Geth outside the Geth space.
"Tali? May we perform an inquiry?"
"Of course. It might make things easi-"
"Do you plan to have a relationship with Shepard-Commander?"
"…." She slammed her head on the table. "Keelah…"
"We only ask since we know your feelings toward the Commander. We wish to help in any way we can."
"You do?" She looked up, baffled. "Why?"
"There is…"
"No data, or not enough… I got it." She smiled, sitting up again. "Legion don't worry about me and Shepard. Some day he'll come around. I just know he will." Looking down she fumbled with her hands. Obviously, she only believed this so much. Deep down, she was not sure.
"If not. We require data on the Krogan. He made the statement that by defeating him, we earned the right to mating or courtship. Would this not have been the best time for you to contact Shepard-Commander?"
"Honestly?" She smiled lightly. Thinking how that would have worked. "Shepard would have diffused this whole thing with his words. Most likely got him to understand what happened." Looking down, she shrugged. "After all. He kept you and me trying to cause an interstellar war. He convinced you to not send information of the Flotilla, while making me come to giving you just some information for this as well. He's pretty… well, skilled with these kinds of situations."
"Agreed." Legion had an extreme amount of data centered on Shepard. In many ways, no one was more encouraging for the possible co-existence of organic and synthetic than Shepard. He seemed to agree all things, no matter how misguided deserve a chance to prove themselves." Legion looked at her hands a moment seeing they stilled. Somehow this talk was giving her a little more nerve again. "We hope Shepard-Commander will use these skills to help us in the future."
"You mean the Geth?"
"Affirmative."
"Mmm…" Tali shrugged. "Maybe, and when he does. Perhaps he can help my people as well? It's all in the air."
Legion looked up. This, made Tali turn up as well. Suddenly, she blinked, and began to laugh. "No, I don't mean… it's just, undecided."
"Understood."
Legion looked at her for a while. Tali, smiling in her helmet. Having not realized how much she was enjoying this. Talking to someone. It was strange because now when she thought about it, she was thinking why? It was easier because Legion did not have his own absolute preceptions. He did not have feelings about…
"Legion?" The Geth blinked his camera. "Do you have any kind of feelings?"
"We do not feel."
"Right, but… your programs. You've been mimicking people. Have any of them begun to mimic emotions?"
"Emotions are a reaction to stimulus via the nervous system and chemical imbalances in the body. These include hormonal rises. We do not have a circulatory system let alone one that would accommodate emotional reaction."
"…." She lowered her head. It was sort of just a question she wanted to ask. Her train of thought got her on that. Strange really. "Well, I was going to ask. Something. Nevermind."
"Tali'zorah, we would approve any request so long it is not fighting a Krogan, we still do not have sufficient data from the previous encounter."
"If I didn't know any better?" She smiled crossing her arms over her chest. Leaning back off the table, and into her chair. "I'd almost think that was a very, very poor attempt at a joke, Legion."
"We do not need to alleviate the mood with humor. Or so, we do not see the need at this time."
"Huh…" she looked to her hip. It was then, she smiled. "Knock-Knock."
Legion's brow flaps quirk up on one half of his head. She giggled, to this his eye slowly opened a little, like he was greatly overtaken with confusion. "Legion, you have to ask, "Whose there?"
"We know who is making this noise. It is you."
"Right, but I am trying to tell a joke. A Knock-knock joke…. It's a human thing. Kasumi told me this one."
"We… do, not have enough dat-."
"Knock-Knock!"
"…. Who is committing the sound of this variant?"
"Orange."
"Fruit should not be able to make any sound. Less it has been hurled at the door. That would imply oranges, as there were two definable knocks o-."
"Ask Orange Who!" She clacked her fingers on her helmet, "Keelah… even Grunt wouldn't be this hard to tell a joke to."
"Orange Who?"
"Orange you glad, I didn't say Banana?"
Tali made herself a little laugh, her hand balled at her mouth portion. Legion, was starring at her for a good while. Then he finally, began to do something most unexpected.
"We wish to tell a joke."
"Oh? Okay. Go ahead!" She leaned in, waiting for his joke.
"How many Krogan does it take to install a lighting fixture on a Class A war ship?" To this, Tali was already shrugging her shoulders. "None, because by legislation of the Krogan Rebellion. Krogan can not pilot any warship above the denomination of a Class F Warship."
There was a light pause for the poor Quarian. She tried not to be too… rude, to his joke. It was… it was funny-ish. The Geth's brows jerked and twitched perhaps coming to realize she did not find it comical. However, Tali could get the idea he knew. To just be polite, she faked a light chuckle. To that, she heard the Geth suddenly chirp in a manner they spoke as Geth. She could almost see it as laughter. So she giggled a little harder. Needless to say he was slightly louder. As it is recognized, laughter can be infectious and Quarians were always getting infections. This was no different. Every time she made a small snicker or chuckle the Geth mimicked with his own language. Soon she was laughing of her own free will. The Geth, did not seem to mimic her either but still continued to laugh. Though where the comedy lies was beyond either party.
Suddenly Legion stood from the table, and put his back out between Tali and the main floor. Something smashed into his back before she even realized it. Tali heard screaming soon after, and then as Legion stood back she saw a young Quarian wobbling on his heels. She stood up, asking, "What in the name of the Flotilla we-."
"D-don't you go speaking of the flotilla. You traitor!" The Quarian male swallowed something in his suit. Tali saw in his hand a small glass, much like the one tossed already. Yet it had a long straw and worse yet the Quarian began to snap out angrily, "You're a geth-loving peace talker aren't you? Eh? The Flotilla is weak. Just like Jacohbe said. It's good, we never returned to them. They are all so weak… everyone one of them."
Legion looked to Tali. Shrugging his shoulders. She knew what was wrong. Walking forward she warns, "You've drank a far larger amount of beverages here than you should. Quarian physiology does not have the complete ability to syphon out so many toxins. Perhaps, you should sit down before you get yourself hurt?"
"Me?" She saw him toss his head to the left, "Zaiel!" Then the right, "Mortk, Bahrish and Torlei. Come here!" The sight of four more Quarians made Tali nervous. Like him, they were wearing similar suits. They however were all young… were they on pilgrimage together? Or… "You want to rephrase that, geth lover? Because I'd warn you." He stepped toward her, pointing out a finger. Slowly, circling it around Tali's visor with the balance of a elderly Krogan on stilts. "All two and a half of you. That you, don't want any part of us. You couldn't even think of taking Jacohbe. He's the biggest, bestest most awesome-st Quarian commander ever. He'd show you… you and your Geth. You, little brat."
Tali tried to keep her calm. About to speak again. The Quarian suddenly threw his drink in her face. Needless to say, she didn't take kindly to this. She wiped her visor as he was laughing, his friends too got a chuckle. However, before she can act. There was that sound. The chirping sound that Legion made. She removed what she could before she saw the Geth grabbing this young Quarian. Suddenly, his friends began to grab their weapons. Tali swiftly snatched her shotgun preparing for the fight when something happened.
Legion dropped him, and stepped back. "We do not need to fight with creators. However, if you continue to force negative acts on Tali'zorah? We will be forced t-."
"Tali?" She turned up to see another Quarian. However, this one sounded different. He sounded… very different. She was gawking in truth at the size of this Quarian. Standing a good double her height. Chest, wide as three of her. The Quarian was a behemoth. She never, EVER saw a Quarian this big. This broad. His steps were thunderous, they were wide in stride. His arms, shifting from the shoulders almost forcing those near him to move from his path. Krogan did not show this level of intimidation. His red suit, visor and worse a long red coat, all matched in color. Even atop his helmet was a large red Beret. The Quarian walked forward stopping short of Tali.
"Y-you know me?" She had to look up at him. Strangely still it did not help the level of unease she felt. The Quarian gave a nod. "How?"
"Your father worked with my Captain for some time. They were friends before he failed his pilgrimage." The large Quarian chuckled, darkly. It sounded so frightfully different from her, and any other Quarian she heard. "Why, your father called much respect." Looking to Legion. He turned to Tali, asking, "Is this your Geth?"
"No, this platform is not property. We are Legion. We are our own."
"I see." The large Quarian lowered his head, whispering, "That is remarkable…" Turning up, he shrugged those huge shoulders. "No problem. I don't see any issue here. Mind you, my men will be punished for causing this incident."
"Sir!" The one, stood holding his neck. "He, it. It is a geth! She was laughing with it!"
"Laughing, with a Geth?" The large Quarian turned to Tali. "Is that possible?"
"He told me a joke and…"
"A Geth telling a joke?" The large Quarian shook his head. "That…. Is amazing. I would never imagine that, such a thing were possible. My word. Fascinating."
She got an uneasy feeling from this man. All the worse as he looked at Legion and herself. Soon, she asked, "What do you want from us?"
"Not a thing." Said the large Quarian. Then he offered his hand. "My name is Commander Jacohbe. A pleasure to meet you, Tali'zorah!"
"I wish I could say the same." She did not take his hand. He laughed before putting his hand behind his back. Shaking his head to her. "Your men were willing to shoot me and my team mate. That is no-."
"You were fraternizing with the enemy Tali. Personally, I'd wonder what your father would say to something like this? Last I recall he died because of the Geth." She was disgusted now. Here he was, trying to justify her father's death like that? They knew nothing of what he was doing. Wrong it was… she still… "Hmm, I wonder. Does it ever bother you? Knowing he'll never see the homeworld? That he's never to be buried in our native soil? Or worse that his daughter is flirting with the same machines that in turn tried to exterminate our entire species?"
Legion interjects, "We did not wage war on the Creators. We only sought to survive."
Jacohbe turned at him and shook his head. "You can say it how you wish. It will not change what you are."
"That is what you may believe. This platform has seen change of many species over many years. Evolution of the Geth can be superficial but does occur."
"Oh?" Jacohbe laughed lightly. Then he shook his head. "Arguing with a synthetic. My, what a day." He waved his people on. The group left. Even so, Legion watched with a slight twist in his blinds. Tali even clenched her fists. His words about her father…. Those were truly the coldest words anyone ever spoke. It angered her more than anything.
Legion turned to Tali. Sensing the level of anger. His flaps gently curve upward. "Tali'zorah." She looked to him. "It would take all the Geth to finish installation of any such lighting fixture. For most of us would be in deliberation of consensus to how much it should be turned into socket."
Somehow, she did not find that…
"Hehe…" She giggled before he began his own laughter. Okay, she did find it funny. Luckily for him. Or else that could have been in really poor taste. She slowly looked at him realizing for a Geth? Legion was an alright person. Also a good friend. "Thank you Legion."
"We do not recall what we did to be thankful for. However, it was of our own accord and consensus."
"I know." Still it was the thought that counts. Soon they return to the booth. Here, Tali and Legion talked a little more about the Krogan issue. Legion was harping greatly on Grunt and how he commented on the rituals. She explained it was not a Quarian ritual. She chose him not because he was a Geth slave unit, but because she needed his help. This, Legion understood. However even after all her data. Legion was unable to meet a final consensus on something.
"Tali."
"Yes Legion?"
"We can not find consensus on why this platform needed to help Tali'zorah."
Tali looked at him. Then she shrugged it off. "Legion, it doesn't really matter. I mean friends help one another out all the time." She in fact said, "If you ever need my help. I'll give it, I promise." However, she raised a finger. "Just do NOT ask me to fight a Krogan for you. I'm not doing that. Noooo way."
"Affirmative." Legion, soon blinked his shutter. "Consensus has been met. Tali'zorah has given us the data needed. Legion and Tali are friends. That, is why we fulfilled the request. There is no more need to collect data on this consensus."
"Oh? Good!" She gave him a smile. "I'm happy we could help with that. Wait, what time is…" she looked to her Omni-tool and gasped, standing up. "Keelah, we've been here talking for nearly forever. I wonder where Shepard is!"
Legion looked out to the hall leaving here. Shockingly, she turned to see Shepard standing looking at his Omni-tool. She winced, worried how this will…
Legion stood moving to Shepard. "Shepard-Commander." He nodded, Shepard looking at him with a slight scowl. "We required a great deal of time for consensus. We kept Tali'zorah far longer than anticipated. We did not follow with the protocol for this fact."
"No!" Tali came, running at the even. "Shepard, I got sidetracked. We just were talking and we started to have a good time. The next thing we knew, we were just talking and talking…"
Shepard blinked to them both, then he smiled. "I… honestly, forgot I brought you two here." This, made Tali stare at Shepard. He forgot? Looking back down at his Omni-tool Shepard said again. "Zaeed should be arriving shortly. It looks like Aria contacted him too. We've got something serious on our hands. It might be a good thing I brought you along Tali."
Tali gave a nod. "Yes, of course Commander." She was hurt. Deeply. Legion even realized it. Her head hung and her voice sounded a little more distant. Soon, Shepard tapped on his Omni-tool while she sighed leaning back on her heels. This is just how her life would be. At least, she forgot all this angst while she was talking with Legion.
"Shepard-Commander?" Legion caught the commander's attention. He looked at the Geth confused, his plates were all up and wiggled strangely for him. "How many Krogan does it take to install a light fixture on a Class A Warship?"
Shepard was unable to even make a response. Yet really, he didn't need to. Tali's laughter was the best response to the joke. Yet when Shepard scratched his head asking if he missed something? Tali somehow wished to say he always missed something. Yet she only laughed. With the Geth doing the same. They both died down as Shepard got a message. Reading it, he gave a nod telling them. "We got our orders. Come on."
Tali walked beside Legion. Who also found this surprising. Usually, she ran to one half of the hall and he stays to the other. The closer proximity was not as bad as it originally was. Legion began to start a number of new program studies though. Several seemed to be trying to decipher why making Tali'zorah laugh was so pleasant. Mostly, the consensus was her voice. She had a voice like some of the greatest Quarian singers of the old Quarian world. This, made Legion wonder. Was that enough reason? Or was there more reasons?
Consensus will wait. A mission was at hand.
Note: Action in the next chapter. Originally planned to make this and the next chapter part of the same. However, the feeling was off with all the action with this more centric chapter to the couple at play. It'll work well I promise.