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: This chapter is a bit more something else. First, thanks for the reviews I re-read the chapter (failed to do so as was running super-late when I finished… found I re-named the love interest bloody three times for Seima, great. As well found the lack of character naming for talks. Had too much chance three people were talking. Also used he/she too often in the fights making it hard to differ one person from another. I'll work on that.) and found the issues people noted thanks for that. This chapter will be most interesting especially the ending. As well a little change of pace in this Tali/Shepard romance.

~~~~~~ Chapter 4: Let Me Abduct You ~~~~~~

The VIP lounge was rather intense. Least, for the fact it was privately controlled tonight. People who wanted in were being sent away. Even if they were in the know. The party was private tonight. Aria called in some major favors. Still, at one of the tables a Turian sat drinking a little. He was scarred in the face. This, was Garrus. He thought about what happened earlier. How he made his way to Engineering… but…

Shepard beat him there. IT felt strange. So he left. He wanted to ask her here. See if she'd be interested. It didn't work. Garrus closed his big, sad blue eyes. Times like this fighting every gang lord seemed easy. Trying to talk to a certain Quarian? That was hard. Very hard. Even so it did not stop his companion laughing as he did. Garrus looked up to the Krogan, Grunt, slapping the table as he laughed. Zaeed was chuckling about talking about merc jobs with the Krogan. Talking about the time he met a Hanar. Choked him half to death. Never trusted those jellies. Still, they were good company. Better than the Drell. Thane was unknowingly being scoped out by numerous women. Asari, Quarian and a Krogan… Grunt however tried to get her attentions. Thane sat however all to himself. Only company being the wall. How it must be to be the most attractive alien here.

Garrus, leaned forward. Drink in hand he sighed a little. His face hurts now. IT got this way. Ached with the pain of missing scales. A few shattered bits. His hand rubbed the padding and he looked back up. Finally, he wanted to talk.

Garrus asked Zaeed, "Any news about that mission for Aria?"

Zaeed looked up, drink to his lips. Just pursed for a sip. "Eh?" He set it down. Shaking his head no. "Not yet. Sort of figure it will take some time. Especially with everyone here."

Garrus looked down. "Not everyone."

Grunt, having taken note. Seemed to be smart enough. "Oh, is that it?"

Zaeed blinked at Garrus, then Grunt he smiled to. "Nooo… you don't think?"

Garrus turned up. Glaring. Grunt, had a smile as he said. "The Quarian Battlemistress?"

Garrus asked, "Battle-what?"

Grunt made it clear. "She, is a Battlemistress. She has skills even my people would be interested in. We heard she did well with this Jacohbe Quarian. We hope to fight him some time soon."

Zaeed shook his head, stiff and pretty wide-eyed. "Nooo you don't Grunt. Bastard was a headache as it is."

"Hah! What would a human know?"

"Grunt, we bloody nearly tore half the station apart. He still got the hell back up, slapped his ass and passed wind in her faces. There's something wrong with him."

Garrus watched the exchange before turning away from it. This was getting under his skin. Standing up, he took his glass and made his way to Shepard. He was at the bar sitting. Taking a stool next to the Commander he asks, "Commander?" Shepard looked over smiling. He had a drink, but wasn't drinking it. He sort of wondered why he ordered it then? "Huh, anyway…" back to his initial thought. "I was wondering. Do you think it was safe leaving Tali and Legion alone on the ship?"

Shepard turned on his stool a little concerned. "What do you mean?" Shepard even said, "I don't think they have that many problems. Sure they are mortal enemies by their people. Yet I doubt it will be an issue."

"No, no." Garrus smiled a little. He knew Tali. She'd be fine. "I mean after everything that has happened? Don't you think they could really use some time to blow off some steam?"

Shepard thought about that. Shrugging it off though, he turned back around. "I don't know Garrus. Shouldn't they know what to do to blow off some steam?"

Garrus looked at his commander now lift the drink. Slamming it down as he downed it, and put it onto the small stack of glasses… five so far. Huh… "Y-yeah, I guess everyone has their own way of handling stress." A smile, he settled in with Shepard. "Commander. There has been something bothering me for a while. You see, it's about Tal-."

Suddenly, someone came between him and Shepard. A woman. Looking at who it was in the rather tight, white outfit. Garrus frowned as the big-haired human basically cut him off. Miranda was something of an attention-laundering Asari-consort by HIS view. Though she was a very good looking one. Miranda spoke up to Shepard, "I see you've been gathering some strong courage there Shepard."

Shepard, smirked up. "Courage? No. Just drowning out my old memories."

"Oh? Like what?" Miranda slowly bent a bit. Her chest, heaving up a slight. Sadly, Shepard waved her off standing up. "Commander? Would you rather I leave?"

"Noooo…." Shepard gulped up. "Mmm… restroom…"

"Oh. Oh!" She frowned, helping him up. The Commander ran off to the rest room making her narrow her eyes. "Damn it!"

Garrus smiled a little. Leaning on the bar, he comments. "Looks like you'll have to try again later… uh, here's my advice." He leaned to her, whispering, "Try not to wait after five shots of whatever he's drinking. I know Shepard likes to try new drinks but sometimes the Commander is a avid drinker…"

"Shut up." She narrowed her eyes on Garrus. There was an unspoken mutual hate. He however stood up and looked her down. Miranda stood her ground. Yet the two pass from one another. Not before she admits, "You're looking better Garrus."

A somewhat low shot he knew. Onto the scars. Like he cared? Though when he turned up and an Asari met his eyes? Then she cringed… he averted his own to the side of the bar. He did have some concerns about it. Just, not that many.

Outside the VIP lounge. Tali and Legion arrived somewhat slow. Tali began to slow down more than Legion. Her mind racing with a number of concerns. What if she went in there and Shepard was in the arms of some Asari? What if he was in the arms of someone else? Oh Keelah! What if it was Miranda? She HATED Miranda.

Legion saw her hesitation now that they were at the doors. However, he commented. "Tali'zorah. We are here now is not the time to delay."

Tali turned up to him. Hands nervously rubbing together. "Legion, maybe this was a bad idea? What if he's dancing with someone? What if he's not even here? Sort of a waste to come all the way down here and…"

"Tali'zorah? What would you be doing if we did not come to this location?" That, she narrowed her eyes to. He knew damn well she'd just be in Engineering. "We are here to aid you. We should enter together."

Offering out his hand. Tali looked down at it. Slowly grabbing it. This, was the first time she realized how similar they were. Geth and Quarians. Least, physically the similar designs. IT made some sense made by the Quarians the Geth worked as their muscle. For all the tasks they could never fully commit to. This was something strange to think about.

Tali shook her head of these thoughts. Then she said, "Okay Legion. I'm ready."

"Affirmative." He responded. Taking her hand and leading her up to the door. The bouncer asked them some things, Legion offered they were from the Normandy. That, got him asked who he was? Legion was Legion, and she was Tali'zorah vas Normandy. Luckily, that's what the bouncer needed so he opened the doors.

The inside of the VIP lounge was quite like Afterlife. A little smaller, more circular dancing area. It was not the best though. More for private gatherings and all. Tali looked around nervously rubbing her hands. She was surprised the Commander wasn't dancing yet. She looked high and low but didn't see him. Though, she saw the others. Zaeed with Grunt, laughing and drinking. Thane was off to the side by himself. Jack was on the floor she was actually dancing pretty hard with some random Asari… open sexuality of hers. Mordin, however? He was coming to her and Legion.

Mordin smiled at them. "Ah, Tali'zorah and Legion. Quite unexpected. Most enjoyed appearance. Tell me, what brings you here? Dancing, partying, drinking no most likely not the later for Legion." Legion, watched as the doctor walked about, prattling. "Could be need to mingle, converse and possibly diversify ideals. Both Quarian and Geth have such similarities. Which, I've noted many similarities between you two. That, have me thinking. Was hoping I could talk to you. When, there was time." A smile, he looked at them strangely like he was studying them. "Is, there time?"

Legion shook his head, flaps bent up. Looking around he said. "No. We are here to help Tali'zorah perform courtship of Shepard-Commander."

"LEGION!" Tali had not expected that. She turned on him with wide eyes. Her heart jumping a good twenty foot. "Don't just tell people that!"

Mordin however smiled and said, "I already knew of interest. Remember, bought antisceptics. Just in case, correct?"

"Ah…" She blushed. "Well, yes. That and some antibiotics and…"

Mordin gave her a pat on the shoulder. "There, there. You're trying. That's better than most Quarians interested in interspecies romances. Which, sometimes. I have been very confused over. What makes a romance? Is it physical attraction? Mental connection? Possible, spiritual collaboration?" He turned to Legion. "Ever find enough Data on that issue before, Legion?"

Legion began to recall. Then, he said. "Data was achieved. We are friends with Tali'zorah. That is why we assist her."

"I see. Remarkable." Mordin's eyes turned to Tali. "You helped him reach this consensus?"

Tali thought back. Well yeah, she did. A nod of her head and she gave him a, "I think so. A while back, wasn't it?"

"Yes." Legion, turned to see Shepard. "Shepard-Commander is at the bar. He is sitting with Garrus Vakarian."

Tali pulled around Mordin seeing the captain. Now, she saw what she was looking for. "Thank you Mordin. I'll talk to you later." Looking to Legion she sighed, straightened herself and asked. "What do you think? How do I look?"

Legion scanned her. From top to bottom. "All parts of suit are symmetrical, you look perfect."

Mordin smiled a bit more. Watching as Tali began to walk. However, he caught her arm. "Tali'zorah. Mind you, is this truly what you need?"

"What?" She looked at him confused. Tali shook her head saying, "This is what I want Mordin. For the longest time, I've wanted this."

"Yes, want. Yet what of need? Want is superficial, narrow scoped." He turned to Legion, who tilts his head a slight. "Need is far deeper and greater, farther scope, sees all parts of the whole." Turning back to Tali, he explains. "We want many things. Want peace. Want appreciation. Want to be recognized. However, we need life, need love and need friends. These things, need. Other things, want. Simply, what does Tali'zorah need?"

Tali looked at him. Shaking her head. "I-I don't… know, I just." She pulled her arm. "I know you're trying to help me. Really, I do. I just don't know if I'm ready to try and have him. I love him Mordin. I've loved him for the longest time now. I've watched him, waited for him. Gave up everything I know just to be with him again." Lowering her head. She sighed, deeply. "I want to make this work Mordin. I really need to."

"Ah…" To that, Mordin smiled half and half. "You need closure. I hope you find it. Tali'zorah."

"Thank you." Tali took a breath, like her nerves weren't on edge as it is? She turned and closed her eyes re-affirming herself. Then she started towards the bar. The commander was just beginning another drink. Not dancing, she's almost shocked. Figuring someone would try and dance with him by now. It was after all the first human spectre, Shepard.

Garrus hadn't even gotten past his first new drink when he somehow got the itch on his neck. The one where you feel something was about to happen that just made you feel uncomfortable. Still, he shrugged it off looking over his shoulder for good measure. Luck had it, Tali came waltzing in. His eyes skimmed her over once. Seeing as she walked that manner she did, arms swaying a bit and back straight, tall. She seemed on a mission. Least, she was trying to look as confident as she could. Seemed like he should keep out of her way. Yet a part of him clicked in with the idea it's now or never. He needed to make some kind of move on her part, or be left on the corner forever. That said he downed his drink sighing out with the sting of the fresh liquid and then stood up.

Stepping between Tali and Shepard. Garrus spoke up, "Heee-y! Tali!" He had on the best smile he can afford. Luck had it Tali did show her soft spot for him in a way, stopping her march. Yet her head peered around him a little seeing Shepard just a few steps away. "I can't believe it. You came? Wow, that's fantastic. I was just going crazy listening to Shepard go on and on about…"

Tali's hand raised up trying to cut him off. "Garrus, I'm kind of in the middle of something."

"Oh?" He blinked, feighing the absolute no-idea thing. "Really? What's up maybe you and I can talk it over? Try and speak around a few things? You know, for the sake of just prattling on and…"

Her eyes slink a little. She can't believe she's even considering just pushing him out of the way. Looking up at that wounded Turian she sighed. "Garrus, please. Maybe later?"

Garrus rubbed his neck. "Right… must be important whatever you're on to. I just, I really wanted someone to talk to." A somewhat lie. He did feel lonely. Yet he knew, she's here for Shepard. He didn't want that. Least, not like this. Not right now. "Still I understand."

Strangely enough Tali lowered her head and sighed. "Garrus, you're my friend." Looking back up she's pleading with him, hands clenched close. "Please, just give me… I don't know, ten or so minutes? I'll try and talk to you as soon as I can?"

"Ah…" He lowered his head. Damn, she looked so adorable begging. He closed his eyes and smiled it off. Shrugging with a snort. "Hey, no problem! I'm sorry for keeping you. Just, see me when you have time? Okay?"

"Thanks." She began to walk around him when… Keelah. An Asari was sitting with Shepard now, her back to Tali and Garrus. When Garrus saw he felt a pang in his chest. Shoot, he shouldn't have stopped her. Tali however narrowed her eyes and shook her head. Nothing's slowing her. She even felt Legion's assistance right now.

Which, was funny because she heard him in her ears. "Tali'zorah. We believe the Asari may be attempting to sway Shepard-Commander. Suggest forward advances on the Commander."

Tali looked back seeing Legion across the room. However, his brow fluttered and she heard him again, his eye blinking on and off. "Correction. She is making advances. Her hand continues to touch Shepard-Commander's arm and hand. Suggest immediate action."

Tali had to think. How the he… wait, he hacked her helmet? Silly little bosh'tet. Yet she smiled inwardly. This helped… felt like she had some real back up. Okay, it's time. Tali came forward, walking between Shepard and his Asari friend, the slutty thin in her tight dress and… "Liara?"

The Asari turned upward. Sweet smile. It was indeed Liara T'soni. The Asari they met some time ago. As good a friend as Tali. Perhaps, even more so? It was hard to say. Tali knew the stories though. Liara and Shepard were… close. Very close. Yet there was the rumor too he was close to Ashley. There's so much that happened. So many things that changed. Tali was no longer obsessed with her pilgrimage in fact she was obsessing over OTHER things now. Things, she felt truly meant something. Not long ago they worked together with Liara. Taking down the Shadow Broker. Keelah, what a mess. Hell she even got involved. Looking to Shepard she said. "I-I didn't know. I was just…"

Shepard had this smile now. Seeing them both, he said. "Liara, Tali! This is great." He suddenly pulled out a stool, "Here, sit with us. We were just talking about old times."

Tali saw her place motioned on the other side of Shepard, pulling that stool around she sat a little out from them, and uncomfortably she sat looking back and forth. What's going on here? Why was Liara all the way out at Omega? Did she miss something? Had she wandered into this conversation prematurely?

Shepard thankfully clarified. "I contacted Liara. I figured if anyone can get information on this Jacohbe person it was her. Connections being her specialty."

Liara had to smile. Hers was a sweet, youthful smile. Which is funny seeing how old she really was. Shepard leaned back, crossing his arms. Liara spoke up saying. "Yes, Tali. I did find out a lot of interesting information. Sadly, not much on this so-called Quarian, Jacohbe."

Tali didn't like that. "What do you mean the 'so-called' Quarian?"

Liara's face looked back. There was a slight shift, her eyes narrow. There is a predator in her now. Bore from the time away from them. Tali saw it. Even Shepard saw it. That was the only thing to return her smile. Then she told Tali, "What I mean is there are no records of a Jacohbe ever. I looked, thoroughly. Every data stream I uncovered was lacking more and more information. The only small bits I found were addendums and procreations forms on a number of products." Looking to Shepard she shrugged. "I honestly never thought someone could be this difficult even with the amount of resources I now have. Just to try and learn where they came from and who they truly are." To this, she sighed. "One issue is that Quarians are most difficult to learn about. Should I even have the information, the Flotilla is most secretive."

Tali knew that for sure. Thinking back to all the secrets in the Flotilla. She shook her head saying, "Chances are if he started out there? You'll never know his full past."

With a nod, Liara sighed to this knowledge. "I was mostly willing to come here empty handed. Yet then I came to realize there was another way. You mentioned another Quarian, a Captain Antura."

That caused a slight commotion. Shepard thought back, "He's actually supposed to be Jacohbe's commanding officer right?"

Tali shrugged it off. "I think, if you believe that?"

The Asari smiled on. Liara rather liked being the one in the know. "I do." She now explained. "Antura has a long history. He was a son to a Quarian doctor, his mother and father a Quarian military man. Sadly, his father died early in his years and his mother failed to live with an infection some time later. The events then became so much as he was raised with the Admiralty board constantly pushing new leverages within politics. He grew sick of life in the Migrant Fleet and longed to take back their homeworld, most likely to aid in stopping deaths like his mother and father." Looking down, she held out a data pad. "He has a small history with your father Tali."

That got her full attention. Tali looked at the pad, taking it and asking, "What kind of history?"

"From what I can tell?" Liara smiled, weakly. "He was your father's dearest friend. That is, before the falling out." Tali turned up to her and she went into detail. "Your father chose to serve the Flotilla. However, Antura chose to leave and make his own regiment. Soon after this he gained favor with other Quarian youths no longer willing to service under the Quarian laws and rules. Among these to come had been Jacohbe a strong, capable man that helped Antura grow in power. Sadly, this became too dangerous and eventually most recently the two began to spread further apart. It is possible, fear of loosing the backing of the other forced their hands. This attack on Omega being a side-effect?"

Shepard glared at Liara. Not for what she said, but what was said. "A side-effect? He nearly killed who knows how many lives? Only to attack this station."

Liara, corrected him. "Yes, but you stopped this." A smile, and she set her hand on his. "An act you've performed remarkably. Again and again. Saving of lives."

Tali can tell she's trying hard to get some kind of response from Shepard. Sadly, like her Shepard worked at the data pad and scrolling it. His hand leaving hers as she seemed a little struck. Perhaps it put in perspective just how badly she'd been trying. Keelah, Liara maybe had it worse? The poor Asari. Shepard looked at the data asking, "The What?"

Liara had a frown. Yet she looked. "Oh, the ship. It is called the Hunley. A very old human ship named after the first war Submarine ever built during your Earth Civil War, by the Confederate forces . Antura won it from a former captain in a game of some sort. Obviously, the best way to gain control of a ship for a Quarian." To that, she turned adding, "I did not mean to say that is the only way. Oh, I'm sorry."

Tali shook her head. Knowing well what she meant, and it was not a direct insult to her and her people. "That's fine Liara. What else did you uncover?"

Liara smiled a little. Pleased to see Tali still had reason on her side. "Well, there is some mention that the group had connections with the Blue Suns. How much, I do not know. I do know it has effectively caused some issues with Antura and Jacohbe. This, was where the full break began. Jacohbe hired the Blue Suns to help him recover something."

Shepard peaked back off the pad, asking, "What?"

"I do not know Shepard." Liara, smiled though. "If I could tell you I would. My best bet though is if I pressure my Blue Suns operatives, I will get an answer."

That still was good enough. A great smile in return Shepard stood up. "Thank you Liara. I'm going to add this to the mission logs. I'll just be a little while." He left them now. Walking to the doors to try and update the mission.

While he was gone. Liara turned to the bar, and took her drink. She, was silent for the most part. Tali felt a little uneasy. It was just the fact she's not at the bar, sitting beside it. She felt like she's a kid. Which in some ways was the problem. It was only two years after her pilgrimage and all these feelings were on her. She held it off during the Collector mission. Yet now, with the threat over, her life back. She did not know where to start?

Suddenly, she's snapped back as Liara asks, "What have you been doing Tali?"

Tali blinked at this question. "Uh… nothing much other than trying to keep things under control, for now. Working with Shepard, like you."

"Mmm, yes." Liara smiled, then turned at the corner of her eye. "How does working with the Commander feel? Now that you're done with your Pilgrimage?"

"I-It is… different." Keelah, that was an understatement. It was absolutely different. She had feelings back then of the Commander she adored. Now? He was her captain. He was the man that saved her, kept her father proud and helped so many people. Tali lowered her head saying, "It's very complicated, I suppose?"

Liara's eyes wander a little. From Tali to the bar. Somewhere in between her smile came back in a reminiscent kind of fancy. "I remember when I first joined the Normandy. Shepard saved me at that Prothean Ruin. What a rush, a thrill to be part of such an adventure. In a way it was something I could never recapture. Yet the memory of the Commander? It always brought back those exciting sensations." Looking at her drink she slowly trailed the rim. Idly, leaning on the bar. "Somewhere in the mix of things I thought, I must love him. After all no man ever made me feel this way in my entire life. So accepted and so protected, driven to be with him at every turn."

Tali looked at Liara with something of a pained, longing look. She pulled her barstool closer and leaned on the bar edge some more. Something in her was getting this feeling. Liara was talking for a reason, she's supposed to hear this.

Liara giggled now, saying. "I tried hard to make him feel for me too, you know?" A shrug, she said, "I honestly recall the day Ashley and I confronted him. His requests though were for Ashley of all people." To that, she frowned. "That, was before Virmire. Just before that mission he chose Chief Williams. It was not an easy task." Lowering her head, she asked, "You think I should have pursued something of a relationship after her demise?"

Tali's head snapped to that. What? If… if she did, he'd have hated her. Least, it made sense. Tali closed her eyes thinking how cold that would be. Still, that's not her. Not what she's doing. She's trying to make him recognize her as an interest. To be more than just some girl he knew. In that way she could finally get what she wanted. What she has been dreaming of since….

Keelah, her eyes open slowly. Looking at the bar. She never realized how it sounded now. She wanted him for so long. His great, awe-inspiring personality blinded her to it. Yet really, what she wanted. Was not…

Tali turned as Liara sighed deeply. "I knew better. I was quiet. As I was quiet when I knew you too had intentions for Commander Shepard back then." Tali held in a breath as she shook a little. Liara knew? How? "In truth. I think every woman would be attracted to the Commander." A light smile, she turned saying. "He has that about him doesn't he? He does not even think about it. He just awes you, makes you want him more and more." Then, she shook her head. Somberly she said, "Yet right now it's worse. He hasn't a friend to count on. Even now I'm just as bad. I want him even more… it's impossible for me."

Tali lowered her head again. It… was hard on him. Miranda and Jack both had something for him. Leaning on the bar, she wondered about Samara? What about Kasumi? Hell, maybe on some level the men liked him? She closed her eyes shaking that thought off. Still, it played in her mind. How hard it was for the Commander. He didn't have someone he can really depend upon, outside of someone wanting to make a deeper relationship.

Liara smiled a bit as she pressed a hand on Tali's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to dump on you. I just felt we should talk. Girl to girl, so to speak?"

Tali looked back. It's hard to respond. What to respond to? She finally looked down and said in mostly a whisper. "I really believed I loved him."

"Perhaps you do?" Tali looked under to Liara. Whom smiled kindly. "Yet right now is this helping you or him? Tali?" The young Quarian woman soon closed her eyes leaning her head back. No, was the answer. "If all the women in his life are trying to be with him. Tell me, who might be the one he'll go to swiftest?" Tali turned down, confused. "It'd be the one that can put her own emotions to the side. To be there when he's ready. Sister or no, he'll see the woman there. IF not then you will be seen by someone much more deserving."

However, to make Tali smile. Liara motions a finger, "However, not nearly as handsome or miraculous since Shepard damn well embodies the male perfection."

Having to shake her head. Tali said, "He's something else I know. Yet I don't think that's what we want to call him?"

With this all out. Liara gave a nod. "Fair enough." She raised her glass, "To Shepard. He has made us both quiver with thoughts of a future well spent and dreams never fully met." Tali, could not drink the drink but she raised one Shepard left. Clicking them, Liara said lastly. "Yet, at least he gave us something to dream about. That's been most enjoyable."

Drinking her drink. Liara sighed a slight before shrugging her shoulders. "I didn't mean to upset you Tali."

"No, you didn't." Tali looked down and clicked the glass with a finger. Somewhat, idling herself. "I was sort of aware this was not right. I was worried so much about him liking me. I didn't think, about what he needed from me. I was his friend long before this." A smile, she sighed leaning on the bar. Crossing her arms tightly on her chest. "Still, the fantasies about him. I'll still have those." Blinking, she asked swiftly, "I can STILL have those? Right?"

"Most definitely." Liara smiled on. Shaking her head. "Every day seems to be a new one. I just wish I could go with him. With you. Yet life needs me here." Standing, she shrugged. "Take care Tali'zorah Vas Normandy. Take care of the Commander as well."

"I'll try." She watched sadly as Liara left. Wow, she was a lot of help. Strange it was like she kne- never mind, she's an information broker.

Just then she heard Shepard. He was being talked to by Miranda and Jack. Jack, asking him for a dance and Miranda the same. He luckily got them off himself, and sat back down sighing. Looking around he saw Liara was gone. "Tali? Where's Liara?"

"Oh? She had to go." A smile, Tali asked, "Did you update that info?"

Shepard gave a nod, and said with the pad waving in his hand. "Updated to the Normandy. We'll check about that tomorrow. She might have more information, you never know?" Shepard asked though, "Tali? Everything okay? You seem a little different."

Tali shrugged. "I just was thinking about something." A look back she saw Legion. He was watching her. Huh, she wondered if he heard all that? Maybe he did. It was going to be interesting to tell him. "I talked to Legion he's much better. I think I've also gotten all I need from this club I'll be heading back to the Normandy."

Shepard gave a nod. "Tali, did you want something?" He asked her as she stood. "I thought you wanted to tell me something else?"

"No Commander." She then added, "Just, I'm glad we can be friends."

Shepard looked at her a while. Something in his eyes sparked. He smiled brightly with his cheeks up and somehow lights a glow. "Tali, that means a lot to me."

"Me too Commander." Clicking her heels, she made a salute. "I'm reporting back to the ship. See you later, Shepard."

Walking off. Shepard smiled again, watching as she walked. He raised a brow, noticing the way her hips swivel. Huh… he never noticed that about her before. Sort of nice, actually.

Tali returned to find Mordin and Legion sitting and talking. This made her realize the Geth most likely left her conversation. Since he was too occupied from the doctor, or perhaps he did listen in? She had no idea actually. That is, Tali did not know until Legion turned to her.

"We are aware Tali'zorah requested to no longer attain Shepard-Commander and his favor, based on the data she received? Is this the proper consensus?"

Tali, smiled now. Seemed he did listen in. Yet he hadn't tried to convince her otherwise. Instead he waited here. It made her somehow feel more like he was part of her decision oddly enough. Sitting down, she pulled herself sitting in the booth beside Legion. "Honestly, I don't really know if I'm making the right decision. Yet I'm not a Geth. I just know that right now this is the decision I feel I want to make."

Mordin was with a smile. "I see. Found more information, from information broker no less? Did not possibly debate that would be a ruse? Try and push away from Shepard? Distract you, allow her more access?"

Tali shook her head almost immediately. "No." Tali then thought, "Well, okay a little." However, shrugging it off. She told Mordin. "If Liara wants to play this game that way? I can still play pretty mean. Still, what she said made some sense. I've been so worried about my old feelings from long ago. After all, he's a dashing commander, a hero that saved me more than I can count on both hands." Which, as she looked it was a sour realization she didn't have that many fingers. Still, she smiled on that idea. "He earned my admiration and my conviction for this mission yet really, did he ever earn my true affection?"

Looking back to Mordin. Tali shook her head no. She knew that now. Tali understood a little more thanks to Liara. "Maybe one day he will.. Perhaps, some day later I'll want him again. Right now? I just don't. I want him well yeah, but… I don't…" She lowered her head. "I don't…"

A slight grin the Salarian raised his brow a little. "Need?" Mordin's overconfidence earned him a slight glower of anger. "I was only adding into words what I assumed you-."

"I know." Tali glared him but mostly in jest, her slacking of her shoulders a sign she was not serious. "Still, I could shoot you in the knee and claim it was an accident."

Mordin raised his hands and gave a light nod. "Fair enough Tali. I agree."

Legion watching this exchange was complexed. Still, if this was what Tali desired? Then his work here was completed. Or lack there of? In any case he stood, asking, "If we are no longer needed. Will you require our continued participation? We have no desire to be here within these confides of organic stimulation exposure."

Tali seemed to giggle. The Geth looked at her confused, a bit set off. Tali turned up saying, "Sorry Legion." She shook her head. "I just find it funny you came all this way just to help me? You didn't even want to try and study organics or something?"

Legion's eye slowly scanned her. Tali looked at him at first smiling, feeling he was joking. Then it rather swiftly clicked and she lowered her eyes. He really did just come to help her. She forgot she even dragged the poor Geth all the way here. "We came to help Tali'zorah. Nothing more."

Tali, looked up again. She smiled to this. "You still keep calling me that. I told you my name is Tali."

Legion, looked down and then to Mordin. "Doctor Mordin Solus also calls you Tali'zorah."

To that, Mordin mused as he watched them in utter fascination. "Well, yes. However I am not her dearest friend. I find speaking to her more formally." To that, he motioned to Legion. "You are her closer friend, a good friend. One she confides in. I'm just her physician I do not get that special treatment."

Legion turned from the doctor to Tali. She even seemed to understand this. Just nodding. To that, Legion showed his brow bending smoothly, calmed. "We see. That is, understandable. As well a high honor is it not?"

Tali shook her head saying, "The highest I can offer. Least, I think that I can offer you." She stood up, smacking her head, "Oh! I'm such a bosh'tet!" Looking back she saw Garrus tapping his glass alone, desperate even. "I forgot about Garrus. I should go talk to him." Walking, she waved back, "Listen! Thanks for everything Legion! Stick around and I'll try and talk to you later, okay?" She had that smile now as she went off. Legion, noted her expression. She had this smile many times when she was no longer stressed or pressured. To this, he sat on that.

Mordin looked to the Geth smirking a little. He had this look of self knowing. Mordin seemed to be on his own quest for knowledge. Perhaps, more a personal attempt to understand or comprehend something. A secret, special something.

Finally, Legion turned to him and began to skim his features. "Mordin?" The Salarian gave a nod to the Geth. "What is it that causes us to seek Tali's company?"

"Ah." To that, Mordin took his glass and raised it. "I do not know. However, if it is your friendship or something more? I seek to learn. To that may we both find consensus."

Legion turned down eye spinning and clicking shut. Looking back he gave a hearty nod. "Affirmative."

The Salarian sipped his drink. A look at the Geth of great intrigue. As well to the Quarian across the room now talking to Garrus. He was well, well aware what he believed. Yet the possibilities were astounding. Living a short life the goal of many Salarians is to see and experience things few others ever do. If what he believed was happening in fact is? Then by all means this was something he can live with and die happily knowing he was right there a part to. Small, but efficiently an important part. He believed when the first party of this odd occurrence became aware, he may be the one they saw. Or so that was his intent and deeply what he wished. This could be one major breaking point in a matter he also was very invested in.

For now? He was just an onlooker. Which honestly was more entertaining.

Legion asked the doctor suddenly, "Dr. Mordin? Do you not have other matters to attend to?"

Mordin shook his head no. "Not at this time Legion. I am actually in midst of a study which is my personal pass time. One I'm most invested in."

Legion looked to him, head tilted a slight bit. "What is this study on?"

Mordin smiled before waving his hand idly by his fingers around the glass, "Oh, nothing of importance. Is not fully able to express. Must find more data. Need more information. Within time, will know enough result information to make proper analysis and then assumptions, hypothesis and perhaps tests in private." He smiled in his glass, to his lips. A word to his own he murmured, "Safer alone. Will not disrupt courtships."

Legion blinked to the doctor. Then he sat still. Head looking ahead of himself. Just at the wall. Though a glance followed to Tali once, or twice. The Geth tried to begin a few consensus. To those, he began to speak and procure with the Geth. At most, he delve into old Quarian logs of Consensus. So many he mostly began to form a new Consensus. It continued these idle transmissions for some time.

Garrus, laughed while he adds, "Then I told her, "Listen I'm not exactly the right officer for this. Asari don't do it for me even when they do what you're doing." And she just called me a racist, hiked her skirt down and walked with me to C-sec. Where my commanding officer told me he'd interrogate her in private." Leaning on the bar, Garrus shook his head. "Incidentally, my commander officer got the worst case of Scale-itch I ever did see… sometimes I wonder if maybe there was a connection to the two?"

The way he made it sound? Tali seemed to get a real kick out of his enthusiasm. Even if his story was a wee-bit boring. However, that didn't mean she was bored. "Hehe, Garrus. You know you've got to be the worst storyteller there is. Or maybe the best? Because honestly, that somehow kept me awake. While I'm getting pretty tired." She looked to her Omni-tool, "How long have we…" When she saw, her eyes gawk. Keelah? "Garrus! It's been over three and a half hours!"

The Turian was with a smile. "Really? Maybe you just like my company?" He shrugged, "I have to admit. I rather like you-." Tali, was getting up looking around. He blinked a bit. "Uh, something the matter?" He thought back. A frown and he said, "Shepard left a while back. I think he had things to do on the Normandy."

Tali looked around to Garrus saying, "No it isn't that I just…" She looked to the seat she left. There, sat Legion. Still where she left him. She was shocked. Tali turned saying to Garrus, "Listen I promised Legion I'd see him before I left back to the ship. I really didn't mean to keep him this long." A nod, she waved walking off, "Thanks for the talk Garrus! It's good to unwind!"

Garrus watched her leave. A slight frown. He smiled falsely to the leave, and waved her off. "Hey! What are friends for?"

A light laugh and the Turian turned about grabbing his drink downing it hard. He shook, visibly. Then coughed under his grunt. "Ahh… that puts some fire in the old engines." Looking up he wiggled his glass, "Barkeep, another?"

The human shrugged and walked over saying, "Hey, for the guy who bored his girl into leaving with a machine? Sure."

Garrus narrowed his eyes, suddenly saying with a slight snarl. "Firstly, Tali isn't my 'girl' she's my friend. Secondly, I've got a sniper rifle an-."

"Right!" The man, walked off. "That works for me pal!"

Garrus smiled thinking about how sometimes those old Shepard moments come in handy. Turning over his shoulder though he saw Tali with Legion. Huh… they were getting pretty close lately. Looking up though he thought about that. Then smiled shaking his head, going to his drinks. Nah, just his imagination. Now if this were Tali and Shepard? Then he'd have a problem. Hmph, he can't even think of competing with the Commander anymore. It was bad enough his good looks got blasted to hell.

"Legion!" Tali stood there, shaking her head. Pressing her hands into her back along her tailbone. "I'm so sorry! I forgot and lost track of time, and I was getting tired after so long. Yet I just didn't know how to get out of that conversation and when I realized what time it was… well, you know."

Legion had turned to her. Immediately as she closed in on his proximity. His brow furled upward and he nods with acknowledgment. Standing, he asks, "Are you prepared to retire for the night Tali?"

She blinked. Tali shifted her weight, looking around herself like she's about to get doused in some kind of ritualistic pig blood. "So… you're not angry with me?"

"We, are Geth. We do not have such emotions."

This made Tali somewhat show relief. However on another level it made her question things. A lot of things. "Well okay but when you were with the Geth Colossus, and times before mentioning of the Geth being used? I… I thought I saw you act like you were angry."

Legion looked down a little. Hmm, he turned up and told, "We acted on previous data from other conversations with organics and near organics. We assimilated those behaviors. We do not feel emotions."

Again, it was not in any way helping her feel better. She wished he'd been a little angry. It would have shown her something. That made Tali wonder why she wanted him to care? For whatever reason. She smiled back and said, "I'm still sorry for making you wait."

"Understood. However, Tali'zor-." He stopped, and corrected. "Tali should understand that we were willing to wait for her return at any time."

Tali looked back to him asking, "Why though? Would you wait for me so long?"

Legion went to answer. However, his eye blinked twice, and flaps shift uneasily. Now, he told her, "We do not know."

There is something odd about Legion. Tali knew that. Yet this time, it was his response. "Wait, you don't know? Don't you mean that you do not have enough data?"

"No. We have sufficient data. However, the data is not put to consensus." He stood there, shifting his hands. "We have been upon this consensus while waiting the second hour of your absence. We debated if we should leave and wait on the Normandy, or contact you. However, consensus met was to await your return as an alternative brought on by one of my leading programs. It felt it was intrusive to intervene in conversation with Garrus Vakarian. As well not in our interest to leave you here if some way you may need our assistance. For this reason all programs shifted to the third option, consensus was overruled."

Tali seemed to feel a little flattered. Really, his thoughts turned so fast to her? To what she needed? She blushed even. To which, she rubbed her hands. "I… thank you Legion. I don't know what to say."

"We do not need you to say anything. Your company is most beneficial to us." She looked up, wondering why? He somehow knew. "We do not have en-."

"I get it." She smiled though. A nod and Tali asked, "Shall we get back to the ship?"

"Yes."

The two left this VIP lounge. The Normandy, awaits. As well the mission yet to be seen.

Deep Space. Far out of the reach of common trade routes. The ship was quiet. It was desolate. Walls clean, pale white. Lights a great blare glow. The team of seven heavily armed Batarians rushed the halls. The one in the front wore his shields and seemed to be the leader. He was a Blue Suns man, as were his men. All Batarians though and all seemed worked up.

The leader spoke out, as they meet to the next door. "We've been going this long not one other person." He turned back, "You sure this place is the right ship Gamly?"

Gamly, shook his head as he began to bypass the door. "I'm positive Commander. This is the ship." Looking up, he told him. "Just probably not aware they were boarded. We checked all the security. The ship wasn't even moving. No thrusters and power was all offline. They probably were reserving energy. Since they all wear suits they don't need to go full life support, right?"

The Commander narrowed his four eyes. Standing off the wall he turned down the hall. He raised his rifle out, "Shit! I saw something!" Looking down him and his men looked. The hall was bright, empty. The Commander snarled, "I know I saw something."

"Was it a Quarian?" Another soldier asked.

The Commander frowned, "No… it, it looked like…" he shook his head. "Just speed this up."

"What did it look like Comm-."

The Commander snapped back, "None your damn business! Just hurry up!"

The door finally opened. They enter, swiftly. Then as they were inside. The lights turn out. They were closed inside soon after. It was not long before the lights flicker, and shift. Flickering with a light, buzzing hum. Turning around the team was dismayed and horrified at the sight. They were in a cafeteria, the tables turned over and food tossed. There were dishes and shattered plates about everywhere. The walls, streaked with blood and more of the Quarians who were no where to be seen. This place did not look clean and bright like the rest of the ship. In fact it looked dark and foreboding. Especially with the sometimes flickering lights.

Turning the team were even more on edge as the 'door' they entered was gone. A wall was all that was left. They turn seeing the only door was across the room. The Commander snapped, "Shit! What the hell? Gamly?"

Gamly shook his head. "I-I didn't move! This isn't right Commander!" They started shifting forward. Slowly, armaments up and ready. There was something wrong.

The Commander snapped, "Damn it! Gamly! Door! Now!" The tech ran, dropped and began to work. The Commander got on his comm. "Truk! Truk, this is Commander Ozero! We're getting off this ship! You have the engines primed and ready for us."

Gamly worked hard, fast to bypass the door again. However, he turned as there was just static. He watched as the Commander tapped his receiver. The line was dead? What happened… no, he must be imagining it. The Commander pulled off his receiver and tried another station, reading or something.

After a while the static ended. The Commander put it to his ear shouting, "Truk! You bastard, is tha-."

"REAAAAAAAAARGH!"

The noise was loud, echoing the metal room. The static mixed with it made it unimaginably unreal. Ozero threw off the receiver as it made his ear pop. Screaming a curse. His men watched the receiver, spark and flash. Then from the hearing end something began to bubble out slowly and surely. The Batarians watch knowing it… was…

Commander Ozero got on a knee, snarling. "The hell is that… blood?" He twitched his left two eyes, "Batarian Blood?"

Gamly watched with eyes wide. He rushed, faster… faster! The door was just about to be cracked!

The door opened suddenly. Outside, darkness. Absolute darkness. The halls had no light. There was nothing! "Comman-." Then, hands. Many hands. They latch and grab Gamly. They pull him into the darkness. The other Batarians turn only to hear his screams. They heard the Commander call out to fire next. They do. The fire goes out and sprays the darkness. It shoots and shoots and shoots. The noises of metal being smashed with hot rounds echoed. Then the silence. They all pant and breathe fearfully shaking the less skilled.

The lights in the hall flicker. Gamly is laying bloody and blown apart by gunfire. Their gunfire. The Commander clenched his rifle shouting, "What the hell is going on!"

From nowhere. A voice spoke. IT spoke beyond voice but was, still spoken.

"Welcome."

The Commander screamed, as he fired. His men fire too. There was movement to the left, they turn. Some caught in the crossfire of their own team. Movement to the right, more crossfire. The rounds bound and blast the walls. There was fear and terror, and wide fire. The gunfire continued as the men stumble or bleed many having more and more wounds. Then the Commander was left with one of his privates. He was panting, gasping for air as his man held his belly. Then he too fell over.

Commander Ozero shook as he slowly backed up into a corner. There he shivered, and shook. There was a light laughter all around him. The dark, empty ship. It began to laugh at him. It was laughing at him, and his men. His failure… "Ahh…. Who…. What are you….?"

"Give into your doubt Commander. It's so much easier being here. No more pain. No more fear. There is no more expectations from those around you. It will be rewarding. Commander. Just give in."

The Commander looked down beaten and broken. Hand shaking as he grabbed his pistol. He closed his eyes, tears streaming down his eyes. The crew was gone. He failed. He was worthless, he meant nothing. HE was a failure, he deserved this.

"Welcome to my crew."

Out in the darkness one last light flashed within the dark windows. There it ended. There the ship's engines softly hum once more. Pulling away from the other ship, and firing upon it like a small scab removed when it had no longer any use. Destroying it as the ship slowly moved away from this wreckage. The name of this ship upon her bow she glares with the flames of the destroyed vessel. The S.S. Hunley slowly moved to her next location within her grounds of drift.

Note: Chilling. I'm very pleased with that. The next chapter will be dark, frighteningly dark. Least if I am lucky. As well may be less romantic and a bit more suspense. I'm sure I'll put something in there for you all. Oh but what fun there will be.