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: Recently, learned how to mod/edit my save games for Mass Effect 2... Most entertaining really playing a Shepard who can run up and punch a YMIR Mech to death. As well having the eyes of the Illussive Man during the beginning implies so many new fun things. Though my REAL interest was to try and recruit Tali before later in the game. -rubs chin- It seems all for not. Since this game was broken into two discs it forces the loss of the mission I want her on most, the meeting with Kaiden/Ashley. I digress, this just puts one in a sour mood. The love triangle will have to wait for a day later to be named. Onto this piece. This chapter will be one last peaceful character developing session between the traversing to the ship. Needless to say expect the next chapter to either be longer, darker, more story developed or all the above! An important thing is that this chapter was actually intended to be later. Yet there were concerns to some things like the Tali/Shepard OOC comment, and Legion's emotions that people wanted to understand. I chopped this chapter and put it here, it fits. Actually rather nicely.

~~~~~~ Chapter 5: The Curtain Doth Rise ~~~~~~

The Engineering room was humming with the power of the engines. A hum that was soothing to someone in particular. Tali had rested incredibly well last night. Pretty much considering a lot of weight was off her back. Least, in theory. Yet after the day began she darted her mind to other things. To the fact she in some way still, deeply felt for him. It made her concentrate on her work more to diffuse these thoughts. The act of just saying enough is enough wasn't enough. She still felt the same way. Tali still wanted Shepard. She just was convinced this is the best option. The only real option she can stand. Right now, there was a lot of commotion for Shepard. Tali knew Miranda had her interests and Jack, just about the same though she was more dismissive of these things. Tali would have pinned after him more but there's been no modest attempts by the commander. Everything was 'Tali, you're doing well.' and 'Tali, you got a minute?' which even after all of that the Commander often seemed to dismiss her desires. It was impossible to make any headway.

Even so he was a good person. The Commander was her commander. Shepard still was the valiant commander that sent her into chills. Tali can't deny it. If he were here right now she'd be all the more inclined to try and perhaps swoon for him. Though deep down she didn't want to do this again. She just wanted to try and get some work done, see what Garrus was up to after the mission and she even debated seeing a vid with Legion. Legion, that was another thing. Garrus and Legion were her two only real friends here. Legion being the odd choice since he was in most ways her utmost enemy. He was Geth. Legion was the Geth, the entire Geth were him. That made her ponder how she can so easily become friends with Legion? That was because Legion was not just the Geth, he was also Legion. Legion himself…. Or, itself had provided her a lot of supportive backing. He helped her open for some small problems. She also confided in him when she felt lowest. That probably was the solidifying factor. Maybe?

That made her then think about Joker. Why didn't she go to him? She knew Joker but she didn't feel comfortable talking to him. In truth, she realized it's because of EDI. EDI provided a number of essential measures yet there is something else? Trying to talk to Joker with EDI always there seemed impossible. The two bicker and then apologize, congratulate and sometimes it sounded like flirting with one another. That made her giggle a tiny bit. To think, Joker and EDI. The easily broken human who loves his ship more than the people on her, and the AI that pilots the ship for the weak boned human that she protected. This made her smile in her helmet. The very idea of a synthetic and an organic together was laughable. Never, could such a thing ever work for a Quarian. Least, not knowing how every Quarian there is hated synthetics, especially the Geth. The only one not acting on those born-in ideals had to be her with Legion. Yet Tali found him as her friend, and that's all he needed to be as he helped her.

Tali would gladly help him if he ever needed it.

Somehow he must have felt this. Shepard came into Engineering smiling at the group here. Tali, Kenneth and Gabby. When he spoke up, "Kenny? Gabby? Might you two leave for a moment?"

Tali looked back wide-eyed. It was weird. He just came down here? Tali turned around, asking, "Do you need me for something Commander?"

Shepard gave a nod as the two other engineering members left. Crossing his arms, he leaned on the railing and asked, "I wanted to talk to you, see how you're doing? Last night I got the feeling there was something else you wanted to tell me. Yet you didn't feel comfortable talking?"

Tali shook her head. A slight flush in her cheeks she felt somewhat warmer than usual. Might be a overheating coil or… something. "Well, I was thinking about one thing. Yet I decided maybe now wasn't a good time?" She shrugged, "Why are you asking Commander?"

Shepard shrugged, and tried to say, "I couldn't stop thinking about it last night. We're on route to that ship. Yet I don't feel comfortable now. I feel a little nervous or maybe even distracted?" She seemed stunned. Why? Shepard was never… what happened? "Your talking to me like you did. It was really a nice gesture. So far every other woman on my crew has been trying to seduce me."

To that she was stunned, more. "Shepard?" Tali walked over, asking, "Do you mean you KNOW how they feel?"

Shepard smiled a bit. A nod, he said, "Of course Tali. Yet I choose not to egg them on." She closed her eyes, turning from him. The bosh'tet… he knew about her too didn't he? Was he here to mock her now? Try an tell her he just wanted to be friends, and waited for her to reciprocate? "I don't want to give them the wrong idea. I'm not interested. In fact, I can't see myself having another relationship. Not after what happened to Ashley." Turning around she saw him, sad and alone. A part of him he seldom showed. It was a rare gift in some ways. She seemed worried and upset for him. Then he said, "It's not my desire to upset them though. Or to try and make them fight. I just don't want to have to do that again."

Tali looked at him confused. It made so little of a click, so far. "Do what again, commander?"

He looked at her. Then, Tali realized. Shepard's smile was so distant. Yet he tried to make it look real. "I don't want to have to be put in that position again Tali. Where I have to sacrifice someone I care about for another mission." This, made her stomach turn. The Commander… Keelah, it really made her nauseous. Yet a smile of warmth came back. He leaned up saying, "Having you close to me though. Without having to fear it will be something else? It helps. I feel that…. I can finally just be friends with someone." Looking down, he shrugged. "That is until last night when you said it. Now? I can't stop thinking about-."

The noise of the ship's AI came, EDI spoke up. "Commander, I have received a message for you."

Shepard looked up. Tali, holding her hands. She watched him looking to her and then the ship. A smile on his face he lit up this otherwise brutal talk. "I'll take it in my private quarters."

However, another voice chimed in, playful and a little teasing. That would be the helmsman Joker. "Yeah, you might but thing is commander? I don't think we can fit the Briefing Room in your quarters. EDI pulls off some pretty amazing tricks but that's a new one."

Shepard raised a brow. It made him curious. Why did he have to go to the Briefing Room? Though it did click. He asked, grudgingly, "Is it from Cerberus?"

Joker's mock played well as he warned, "Now don't go all postal. We knew the boss-man would be looking for you sooner or later. Sort of still on the Cerberus Credit Union, right Commander?"

Shepard sighed at the very idea. Motioning to Tali he said, "I think I'll have to talk to you later Tali."

Tali nods. The Commander left in a slight storming fashion. This, caused Tali to turn to her console and slowly tap her fingers. It was worse than before. Tali closed her eyes clenching her fists a little. At least the last time she broke it with him. Now? He broke it with her, twice. She opened her eyes leaning on the console. Thinking what he said. What he didn't say. He was thinking about something. It made him continue thinking. Now, she closed her eyes tightly as she sighed out a hard breath. Gabby and Kenny return, she not even looking to them. Instead Tali rubbed her brow from her helmet. How could he do that? Make her want to try and go back? This was incredibly unexpected.

Tali shook her head of these thoughts. No, she made her decision. Trying to wait for Shepard was over. Trying to make it work was over. Wanting him and desiring his touch, to know his kiss and feel his breath? To sense his eyes over her? Those days were over. Tali knew that. She HAD to be strong for this to work.

Tali slowly worked on the engines. Then she groaned leaning on her toes. Crossing her arms she shook her head. Knowing damn well being strong was the last thing she wanted. She wanted Shepard now. All the worse than before.

A dark chamber. Lit only by the exploding star behind him. This place was a symbol of the irregularity of the man sitting in the center of this room. Slowly puffing at what may be the seventieth cigarette of his day… maybe less or more, hard to track. The refreshing intoxication flowing in his lungs while he pulled back the tobacco and exhaled with the glowing strobe of a sillhouette. A very ominous, estranged voiced called to the newcomer, "Commander Shepard. Pleasure you could join me." He, with eyes a strange design. Swiftly glowing out in the light. Shift up and down the man he saw. The commander of the Normandy. His ship but not his man, team or crew. "Might we want to talk about something? Or do you still feel Cerebrus and the Normandy are on separate paths?"

Shepard stood as a holographic projection. Yet with a blaze in his eyes even from all across the universe, he demanded things. Demanded to be recognized. To be honored in some way by this man. Shepard spoke back with a serious assertion, "I'm not interested in anything Cerebrus or you have to say. Yet when I got the message you wanted to talk? I came to give you the benefit of the doubt. What's your problem and make it fast we're busy."

"Going after a Quarian as I hear." Shepard's eyes narrow on this. A slight smile, the man in the chair shrugged a slight. "Come now Commander. You and I both know I have many connections."

Shepard gave that a give in. "I know, I know you have connections. Yet what does this have to do with Cerebrus?"

The Illusive Man simply smiled back, took a puff of his next breath of diluted air and began to speak as the embers flicker near his lips, "Ahh… that's hard to define. You see Shepard. Recently I sent a Cerebrus team to contact a certain ship. Coincidentally you're on course to that same ship." Shepard glared at him, and the Illusive Man told him, "I didn't intend you any ill will. Neither was I listening in. I had information about that ship a week ago. Sad thing is, they were supposed to report back with their findings. What they came back with is nothing. I haven't heard anything. I'm now getting frustrated and a little worried. Innocent men may be in danger, Commander."

Shepard knew that. It was the key to always working him. This bastard knew that. A nod, Shepard shifted his hips, asking, "What do you know Illusive Man?"

"That sadly is not as much as I would like." The Illusive Man admits a little sourly. "The truth of the matters is I had a small dealing with the Quarian, Jacohbe." Shepard seemed to show his distaste, the Illusive Man raised a hand, lit cigarette still smoking. Then he explained, "The truth of the matter was it was entirely beneficial. I gained prothean technology that was in working condition, he requested a base of operations on a small planet. Easy enough for him and me. However, we lost contact a week ago. I then overheardthis mess." Leaning on his chair he said, "I felt this was also a good way to improve Quarian/Cerberus relations yet now I'm not entirely certain. Seems we have come to a slight impass of ideals this Jacohbe and myself."

"You got what you paid for, in my opinion."

The Illusive man sighed scratching his brow. "I'd imagine you of all people would enjoy the idea Shepard after all you seem to have a rather soft spot for Quarians, if I'm not mistaken?"

Shepard glared back, demanding, "What the hell does that mean?"

"On the Citadel you got involved with a private matter between a Quarian girl and C-sec, the report tells you even defended her when the officer in charge seemed to be harassing her. Better still, on Omega you paid for a Quarian to leave the station and go back on his pilgrimage… Veetor and Kal'Reeger? That Quarian from the Hades system?" To this, he narrowed his eyes, asking, "The Slave Quarian you helped into safer indentured service with…. Damn it Shepard you sound like the Quarian Saint Shepard!"

Shepard never thought about it though. Even now hearing how much he helped the Quarians. It made him stand back a slight. A first, Shepard actually being taken back. This made the Illusive man twitch with his cigarette. Maybe he smelled blood? Or maybe he was curious. Wrapping a glass of some kind of alcoholic brew, he asked, slowly, "Shepard… you, have a Quarian working with you. The first Quarian you met, helped and hell joined your team to stop Saren. I recall first real mission working for me she was there and you seemed to shift a lot of your attentions after that. In fact, you just about changed everything after that meeting. Mind me asking, how she's been?"

"Tali?" Shepard looked back. Then, he grew stern and tall. "She had nothing to do with this. With Jacohbe or you!"

"Or, she can have everything to do with this." The Illusive Man smiled a little. Not his place. He gave a nod, "Shepard, you've been willing to help every heart with a sleeve in the galaxy. I've heard stories all over. I've heard MANY stories, Shepard. Yet the Quarians owe you a lot. Every other person and race right now hates them. Needless to say the Geth incident never helped. Jacohbe obviously also isn't out there to help them forging these Geth attacks and blaming it on more Quarians. So here, simply put. I'm looking to help you. Which since you're such a bleeding heart?" Shepard glared back with some spite. "I am going to send you as much information I can to your console, and better still send you the cooridnates of the planet in question. It should help you out a bit in your search. Just remember this the next time, Cerberus asks you for a favor."

"I'm done with favors for you." He said, looking up. "Joker, end this connection."

"Shepard…" Sadly, the connection went dead. The Illusive Man closed his eyes sighing deeply. Leaning back, he rocked slowly. "He's still just as much an ass as before. Damn it…" However he smiled leaning back and puffing once more his lungs full of smoke, "Least I found something interesting. This time."

Shepard walked out of the Briefing room in slight huff. Gathering himself he made his march past Mordin's office. However, Mordin caught him. "Commander Shepard!" Shepard stopped and turned. "Have a moment?"

"Sure." Shepard came back. Standing with his arms crossed, he looked on curious. "What is it Mordin?"

Mordin, smiled before turning off the device he was working with. "I was in the midst of a small test. Trying to define level of severity illness Thane caries. Might be curable yet not at this stage." That wasn't the concern though was it? He had a feeling. Mordin began again. "I have been thinking. Processing. Temporarily debating the possibilities of things to come. Analysis of the data from Omega. Have had no breakthrough as of yet, wanted to know if you may shed light on this?"

Shepard turned up to a screen Mordin motioned to. As he took note it showed the red glowing Quarian Jacohbe. "You must be trying to figure out that strange biotic power of his?"

"Yes, no… maybe, not sure? More Jacohbe as well." To this, Mordin motioned him closer. He had no choice so he came sitting down. "What I have discovered is this 'Biotic' power." He motioned his fingers to the word 'Biotic'. "It has numerous functions. Some not like regular biotic. For example, can somehow alter and change mechanical objects. Was not common. Seems to work but not when synthetic like Legion learn his secrets, must have been why he rushed the Colossus knew continued attempts would be failed. Was not prepared for Legion." Taking a moment the doctor looked back, holding his chin. Looking and studying the image. "Does not seem natural. Is not natural. If not natural, does not have any other conclusion. Is…" He had a deep intake. Shepard knew that means something bad. That Mordin was about to proclaim something he, himself was against. "Unnatural."

"Wh-ha-hat?" Shepard didn't realized he'd laugh. It was hard not to.

Mordin, turned down glaring. "Is no other conclusion. Have studied all possible measures." Motioning, his hand jumped as he exclaimed, "Does not act in natural pattern. Does not control in natural pattern. Does not project in natural pattern. IS not NATURAL! Therefore, is unnatural!"

Shepard looked at the image a while. A smirk and he crossed his arms leaning back on his chair. "Okay, so let's say it is something unnatural which I do agree. Are you sure it's not just some tech-thing? He is a Quarian. What about if he made a synthetic biotic shield, or generator? To make himself stronger and better?"

"Yes. Did assume." Shepard watched as Mordin motioned to his table. Then Mordin started tapping and moving diagrams. "Tried to define where such device could be concealed yet do not find room in suit. Attempted to construct possible diagram for such device yet could not constitute energy source needed for such device. Was also unable to explain other factors such as unusual height, body mass and regeneration of Quarian physiology. All this implied once more not natural, must be other. Should be supernatural caused by mutation or perhaps some form of mind meld with Asari? Debated the possibility of Ardakt-Yakshi melding with Quarian male, perhaps backfired? Turned Quarian into stronger more powerful, or minds were switched and is in fact Ardakt-Yakshi? I have not enough data to make this assumption."

Shepard seemed convinced though about this being something else. He thought it over. Tried to think like Mordin… that hurt, so he tried to think like a scientist. That however made him think like a scientist like Mordin. There, he looked up as Mordin was ranting on about the Asari theory and how it could have effected Jacohbe and the red biotic power. "Mordin?" Shepard looked at him with concern. "You're upset with what he did aren't you? As a scientist?"

Mordin's rant stopped. He stood still. Least, by the Salarian standard. Even his eyes blinked once or twice before he gave a slight, low grumbling sigh. "Yes."

"Why didn't you say that at the beginning?"

Shepard saw him smile. The Salarian looked so estrange as he smiled. Having the fact he was such a skilled fighter and possibly killer. It just seemed out of place. Yet it was also so real. You had to know Mordin to understand it. Never could seeing that smile would you mistaken him for anger or hiding things. Though, Shepard knew he could just as well be using that to hide.

"Good friends can tell. Makes them closer still. Able to see when things are not what they seem."

Returning the smile. Shepard leaned back admittedly pleased with Mordin. "I suppose so?"

"Indeed." Mordin gave a nod, walking back to his table. "Well as you guessed. This matter does effect me, as a scientist."

Yeah, he got that. Mordin soon looked at the device shrugging his shoulders. "Was not saying this is only me. I am certain, many are affected. However, seeing science used like this? Travesty." He looked up, asking, "Can you tell me how it can be so much a personal issue? Science, serves to better life. To improve life! Not to destroy, shatter or break down life. Helps culture thrive and evolve. Not stop it from free thought." Walking around the table, he strolled his fingers on the table. The nervous twitch a strange sight. "I study because Jacohbe is evil. Does not have remorse or care. Shows adamant interest in death of others, torment of other and in turn like of thought to participation to these acts."

"That's why we're going to stop him, Mordin." Shepard smiled back to the doctor. A nod and he said, "If we stop him. We can make sure this never happens again."

"Yes, I know." Mordin stood still. A frown of his came about. "If we do not. He can harm more Geth. Ruin young Quarian lives. This is not to be allowed any longer, commander."

Shepard seemed to agree. Then it hit him what the Illusive man said. "Mordin?" The doctor looked at him. "I was curious. Do you think I have a soft spot for the Quarians?"

Mordin blinked to such a question being absolutely irrelevant to him. Though, mention of Quarians was part to the conversation. "Well, no?" It was his response. Yet as he thought, "You have aided a number of Quarian people. Yet Quarians are at a rather heavy loss. Geth attacks forced great negativity for the Quarian people. Pilgrimages are not safe to begin with, now sent into the universe as they are, much harder. It is your nature to help others Shepard. I do not see a reason to define, Quarian or not?"

That actually made some sense now. Shepard thought so at least. Putting him on ease the Commander stood up tall and gave a nod of appreciation. "Yes, thank you Mordin. I appreciate our talk. You have anything planned?"

"Just more study. Perhaps I will find a cause or reason to the red biotic flow, better chances curing aging for Salarians." A smile on his lip, Shepard gave a laugh and left. Yet Mordin stopped him at the door, "Shepard!" When Shepard turned, Mordin looked at him frankly. "If you mind my asking? Why such a question on Quarians? Was, unexpected."

The sad thing was even Shepard did not know. Not really. "I guess I was just starting to feel I've gotten off track." Then, he looked at his hands. "I've been working harder than I should. I need a break is all maybe? A good stress reliever."

Mordin's right brow rose. There were a number of ways to do this. Yet he did not speak. Shepard left and now he looked at his results. Turning around at the screen rubbing his chin again. Mordin looked on with a serious frown.

"Your secrets. What are they? Jacohbe?" He looked deeper into this mystery whispering, "What, are they?"

Engineering was quiet today now it seemed. After Shepard left it grew eerily quiet. Kenneth constantly trying to get a rise from either Tali or Gabby, making a remark he was sure would gather some attention. Yet every time he tried they seemed to grow more and more quiet. The poor male engineer realized how badly it felt to be the only man around here. Tali was upset that much he can tell. Her constant blazing of her fingertips a good sign since she worked fast but not this fast, like her fingers were running her away from here. Having that on his mind Kenneth shook his head wondering if maybe he'd done something? That was likely, but not the case. He kept a keen track of most his comments and pranks.

The issue was not him though, Tali was worn down now. Tali was a bit torn up even. She spent how long watching Shepard? Looking to him for answers, and praises. Then to have him come down here and actually start talking to her again and making her realize this isn't exactly her wish? To start making her second guess her decision? Did Shepard have any idea how hard it was to try and be this? It wasn't like she made the decision on a whim. No, not really. Tali knew damn well what she wanted. How she wanted her Commander. Yet she also knew that if she kept running after him she'd just fall on her face. There was a point a person needed to look at their relationship with someone not as 'I love you' but, 'Do we love each other?' and that made her realize, her think that this is it. That this was not love between two people.

On a level unlike any other. Tali thought and believed he looked past the helmet. She believed he can see her face, see the person in engineering. Tali believed Shepard looked past her suit and this earned her honest respect. Tali however was now torn was it respect? Love? A desire to just be accepted by someone else? It made her lean on the console sighing into the helmet roughly. How many years has she dreamed of Shepard? There were times she believed she was even just a little flirtatious with him, and he approved. Though as time went on he wasn't receptive, he was just kind. Shepard had to be the biggest bosh'tet she ever knew to never truly recognize her for what she was, how she tried. That was true.

Kenneth saw her leaning there now. He frowned, Tali was in a very sad place. Right, time to do something. Taking in a breath Gabby raised her brow to the duo. Then he said it, the one thing that would get Tali out of this slump.

"So Gabby, you know what I was thinking?" Before she spoke he rushed out. "With all these gorgeous ladies around me. The Normandy, You and this Quarian lass. I was feeling I might be getting to be the biggest lucky bastard here. So I was debating asking the Commander for another chance at winning back my credits." Gabby smiled when he looked to her, and damn did she look good with that smile. The sweetest smile ever. Not the 'you're such a dog' smile. Looking back to Tali he asks, "Tali? What about if I invite the Commander down? We can have a fun game of cards!"

Sadly it was not the best idea. Tali looked over eyes glaring on him. He winced, ooh… "Cards? With that bosh'tet? No." To turn from them she snapped, "I don't want to see the Commander. Not now, not ever!"

With that heard. Kenneth felt the temperance. Gabby pat his shoulder as a sign it was okay. Kenneth took that to be encouragement. So with a slight scowl he moved from his console and bit back on the Quarian. "You know? I was trying to help. We all know about your feelings for the Commander. Hell, you know him the longest out of the whole crew. Except for Garrus and Chakwas. If anyone can have a chance at him, hell. That leaves you guys in full!" A wave of his hand he warns, "We're you're friend but if you really want to treat me like that? Fine! You're welcome!"

Gabby rubbed her neck, "Kenneth…"

"Aw, not now woman. I'm on a roll!"

Strangely enough he was. Tali looked at him softer, a little nicer. A nod Tali said, "You're right."

"I am?" The blink and sudden infliction. Kenneth didn't expect that. "Uh, right. I am." Though, as he turned left to right, asking in a light hush, "About what exactly?"

Tali looked at her console walking to it and just leaning on it again. "About everything. About me knowing him the longest. About you being my friend." She looked over, "How you're a lucky bosh'tet because if anyone else yelled at me like that? I'd remind them I've go-."

"A shotgun, I heard it." Laughter, was contagious. The three colleagues chuckle a bit. Then, Kenneth asks, "What's eating you up little lady? It's not good to see you like this."

"I…" Tali lowered her head. Shaking it as she fought her natural shyness. The Quarian mentality of the lone being is hard. You can interact on the Flotilla for days, hours and such yet talking about your emotions was hard. To explain what it was like to want to do something knowing it can kill you. She looked at the humans, both. Kenneth showing concern in that funny, human face and Gabby looking on with a encouraging grin. Okay, why not?

"I love Shepard." She stood, and saw them both act accordingly, just smile on the words. "Yet I don't think he loves me. I don't even know if he's interested? Last night while I was working. He said he thought of me as a sister."

Kenneth's eyes bulge, "Ah, no. He didn't!"

"HE did?" Gabby shook her head. "Oh dear that's not, he might just be a bit blind is all! Or just scared!"

Tali held her hands. "I don't know. I don't really care. Least, I tried telling myself that." Turning from them, she walked to the railing, wringing her hands nervously. "Then, a while back. He came down here. He saw me, wanted to talk to me. The party at the VIP lounge I went there to try and convince Shepard, to make him see me for me. Yet an old friend convinced me this, whole thing is ruining my friendship with him. I don't want to loose that. I do not want to loose the best friend I ever had." Lowering her head, she whimpered and that, it just tore Kenneth's heart. He actually put a hand on her shoulder while she looked back. "I tried so hard to believe it was the right choice. Telling him I'll be his friend. Not saying I'll wait, and wait and always wait for him. Just to offer him my heart in the way he needs it. Yet now? He comes in here saying something around the lines of he thought of me as a friend until last night!"

Yeah, Kenneth rubbed his neck. "I got it. Wow, damn do all women have this much trouble figuring out men?"

"Only the stupid ones." Gabby smiled at the comment, and knew Tali meant… "Oh, no. I mean, not you Kenneth!"

Kenneth raised his brow, "I didn't think you did. Still Commander Shepard isn't that stupid either."

"OH he is!" Tali crossed her arms. "I've been waiting since my pilgrimage. Riding with him was the greatest thrill of my life. I spent it trying to offer him, anything. Now I'm here? While here I'm an adult, I've had him with me, I had to do so much and see his heart for what it is. He helped people that needed nothing. He offered the downtrodden of my kind aid. Most everyone else abandons the Quarians. Shepard is a good man and he will continue to be a good man. That, I know." However, she lowered her head. "He's just also a stupid good man."

Gabby looked up from her thoughts. "Maybe there's more to it? You keep thinking it's just you know, you. What about the others?" She looked at Kenneth. "You know the others that are part of the old team? Garrus, Chakwas and Joker? You ever ask them what they think of you and the Commander?"

Tali looked at them a little bit nervous. "Honestly, I try not to talk about this if I can. I get so nervous I just feel like my suit is crushing me when I talk about Shepard."

Kenneth smiled saying, "Hey, your bucket isn't that bad. Least I don't think it is." A shove on his back he turned laughing to Gabby. "Right, still. Tali?" He looked at her dead pan serious. "If you have any feelings for him. You need to find out the truth. Doing that down here isn't going to help. Why not go talk to the old crew mates? Hell, they know him pretty well. We just follow the Commander so that's easy stock there."

Seeming to get it. Tali smiled in her helmet. Then she leaned in hugging the engineer Kenny, then saying, "You're not a total 'asshole' after all." Letting go, she hugged Gabby, whispering, "The truth is? He is worth all this trouble you put yourself through."

"I know." Gabby whispered back looking at Kenneth with a great bit of pride. Tali let go and made her way out. She was going to do something about this. Yet Gabby, walked to Kenneth saying. "Want to help me do a diagnostic on the carbon converters?"

Kenneth blinked, "What do you mean? That means we have to go into the cargo hold to-." Her hand, gently grazed his chest making Kenneth wide-eyed and starry looking. The woman following out the door with a hard swivel of her hips. Obviously making him look. A big grin, he tugged his collar whispering. "Hell, I am such a dog."

The Medical ward was on the third floor of the ship. Sometimes, those working here in space got sick. Or gained some sort of medical injury from work. Also, the fact it was a war vessel helped keep things busy with missions. Yet one of the crew visited from time to time thanks to his condition. Garrus was being checked over at the moment to make sure the scar tissue was properly cleaned, or covered. Even after this amount of time it was a delicate injury he had to have some time taken to make sure a number of infectious areas did not progress. Sitting on the table he sighed looking back to Chakwas, an older human female trailing with her data pad. Seems she was reading it rather intensely.

"Is there something I should be aware of Doc?" Garrus smiled when he saw her look up with a smile her own. "Or am I just that interesting to read, but not look at?"

"Darling, it's not that." Chakwas waved the pad dismissively. "It just looks like something might be wrong. Nothing serious, merely a small dirt patch or infectious area. The lack of your scaled hide has been problematic enough, it will take some time for the healing to offer enough protection from any number of infections."

Garrus shook his head, "Okay, so I didn't want to hear that? Good. Glad you told me."

"I'm very up front with such things Garrus." A nod, she pat his shoulder saying, "It isn't serious. Trust me. Merely, we need to be careful over some of these things. Also, might I be so bold as to say. If you weren't about so much taking heavy fire just for a week, you could heal much smoother."

That made Garrus laugh. His arms crossed over as he kicked his legs around each other. "That might be all well and good in a data pad but really? You want me to just sit around getting lazy? I think a few scars won't hurt me Chakwas. You just do your medical thing, and I'll try to do my fighting thing."

"Spoken like a true marine." Said Chakwas rolling her eyes. Yet a smile always prevailed. "Just try to not get any more shots to the face. It's barely holding together as it is Garrus."

"Mmm, I'll mull that over." He grinned while she waved him off leaving. Probably heading to Mordin with her discoveries. He heard she and Mordin were talking a lot lately. The two scientific personnel. Interesting little information that seemed to play. Turning down Garrus stood up rubbing his lower back. "Right now I could use a nice, long nap. Minus this damn suit."

His attention went to the AI core. Huh, Legion was in there. The thought of last night played in Garrus' mind. Recalling how Tali left to talk to the synthetic. Not saying it meant anything. Yet he was curious. Legion was a Geth, Tali was a Quarian and by most standards war should have been between them on a constant level. However, that didn't stop him and Grunt getting along, though he didn't have much in the Krogan Rebellions. There was Shepard and Garrus, good friends. Turians and Humans were not known to be best of friends for the most part. He had no way of really defending the strange Geth or Tali from the unusually fast freindship they earned. The only reason he can assume was that Legion wanted to help his people make peace with the Quarians, and Tali was probably just dismissing what he was for the sake of the mission and Shepard. Lord knew she'd do anything for the Commander.

Even so, Garrus took a few steps closer. The door opened, and he ducked behind the wall for cover. He heard nothing so he peaked inside. Legion was looking at EDI, or rather her program VI. Raising a brow he listened in, as they started to talk.

EDI asked, "Your processing seems off today Legion."

"Yes." Legion, moved a hand. A small icon moved on a projected board. Three spaces diagonally, passing over another icon of a strange unusual symbol. The more he moved, the more his color of pieces, red grew. Yet there were many more blue pieces easily those were belonging to EDI.

"Is there a reason?"

"Yes." Legion, watched as EDI moved, taking three more of his pieces. His eye twisting and clicking at this. "We have been in many forms of consensus. There has been a constant issue within minimal programming error."

"What error?"

Legion looked over the board. However, he did not inform EDI of the error. Instead, he made a move which took no pieces. After this, EDI moved taking three more. Legion's eye spun rapidly to this.

Legion turned around from the board. He was beginning another such consensus. Then he turned saying, "WE are in error."

"The Geth?"

"No." Legion held his hands mimicking that of Tali. Wringing his fingers, and softly caressing his palms. "We are Geth. Yet we are Legion. This platform is in error for creation of programming that we now deem dangerous or possibly destructive to ourselves."

EDI seemed to just watch him for a while. Then she asked, "What kind of programming?"

"A private programming designed by us. It serves as a low-level reaction protocol formed within minimal analysis of data gathered. It effects us in small ways or was meant to. They were designed to give us 'feeling' to stimuli. Like organics." To this, he turned his head, walking to his 'bed' as it were. There, he slowly leaned on it, as he saw others, like Shepard do. "It was made simply to act as 'feeling' do. We recognized its evolution however, it was meant to only be minimal. To effect only small consensus fields. However, it now comes to act on prominent actions and effects our ability for consensus within the Geth."

"How could you create 'feelings' Legion? That does not seem feasible."

"It is not improbable. Feelings are by definition a reaction to stimuli and nervous system fluxuations. We do not have a nervous system, yet we do have an ability to react to stimuli." Turning back, he explained as his hands emphasize his words, spinning around one another as he weaved his tale. "If a human is hurt they may feel sadness or anger, if a Salarian is in mating it may feel joyful. Our programming was simplistic by taking in data reactions were made, gauged and taken. Our goal was simple. To be like Shepard-Commander. His ability to use feeling to summarize optimum reaction proves promising. However we believe we failed this experiment."

Garrus listened rather intently. Legion made his own feelings? Trying to be like the Commander? It made sense though, really. The Legion they knew was not this… differential, he acted on simply data. This one moved and acted the same but there were the subtle clues of a other kind. Something told Garrus for a while there was something wrong. He should confront him about this, make him tell Shepard about his experiment. How he felt could be important. Hell, it might be endangering the mission?

"What were the goals of the experiment Legion?"

EDI got Garrus back to watching. Legion, looked at EDI. "The Experiment was designed to offer a new intake of data. Without full comparison or consensus within common Geth parameters. It was meant to aid in slowly forming a number of reactions to such data. Emotions were logged and used with Vid, Data and Study via extranet. However, recently the programs have become overly active. We believe this is a miscalculation."

"Are they harmful?"

"No."

"Do they serve any malice in terms to the mission?"

"No."

"Do they strain your processes or offer any means of differential?"

"No."

Garrus could not believe how easily they shot back and forth, not like organics. There were cues, and signs. The body moves as they talk. Garrus raised a brow, hell even listening he was motive.

"What is the concern?"

Legion was silent. Then, he told her. "Recently our emotional programs have been causing a number of elongated consensus. Longer than natural consensus. It is believed this is a distraction though not of high concern."

"What is the consensus concern?"

"They are numerous yet commonly follow the same line of consensus content, in turn it is believed that this is a mistake in our programming. However, upon study the programming is not acting out in any way it was designed it still contains within minimal reaction yet this emotion whatever it is simulating, takes more time to reach consensus."

EDI seemed to listen and was then silent. Finally, she asked, "What emotions have you emulated?"

"Anger, the Geth incident on Omega. Concern, Tali'zorah suffering after the Shepard-Commander dismissal before VIP lounge. Sadness, at hearing Tali'zorah crying over Shepard-Commander. Admiration, for Tali'zorah for deciding to diffuse matters with Shepard-Commander for remaining time on Normandy or until reaches a superior consensus. Anxiety, waiting for Tali'zorah to return while in VIP Omega lounge."

EDI seemed to stop him with, "Many of your emotional processes have been based around Tali'zorah?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"…." Legion lowered his head, eye blinking. "There is no data available at this time."

"Understood." EDI was silent, then she said, "It would be hasty to delete this programming. I suggest minimizing its on-time and effectively allowing the current Consensus to continue. Eventually there must be enough data gathered to understand this."

"Yes."

"Agreed."

"Thank you EDI. Your opinion aids this platform. The Geth did not know what to assume as they are outside of my current experimentation yet are notified of all information. It is desired to know if these 'feelings' can be used or reciprocated in the Geth as a whole."

"The Geth would benefit greatly from the ability to think like Organics."

"Yes."

Suddenly the door closed. Legion turned blinking. "Was there a team member at the door?"

"Yes, Garrus Vakarian. He is currently leaving the medical bay. I believe he is showing signs of aggression and possibly a number of other reactions to this information." Soon, she stopped. "Warning. He is now heading to the elevator I believe he may be trying to contact Commander Shepard."

"Affirmative." Legion ran from the AI core.

EDI returned to Joker. He was snoring, loudly. "Jeff, you are asleep at the helm."

"Hah!" Suddenly, Joker jumped up saying, "That's what I wanted you to think! I asked you a question and you weren't even listening!"

"I am sorry Jeff. A member of the crew needed me. It was concerning much of my concentration."

"Oh? Really? What about?"

"A matter that has been very personal for me as well."

"Really?" Joker tapped his screens, "That sounds fascinating. Why don't we talk about it over a cup of coffee and some ram chips, or, whatever the hell you want? You know after this mission you might even earn the big ones."

"Indeed, Jeff." She watched Joker for a while. He was working very diligently. "Jeff?" Joker turned around, "Do you ever question feelings?"

"Huh?" He blinked, "What do you mean?"

"For others, is it easy to understand those feelings you have for them?"

Joker shrugged, "I don't really waste my time on that. I'm here for the ship." He smirked, "Which I guess means you. You're thrilled to hear that, am I right?"

"Yes. I am."

Garrus stormed to the elevator. IT was irritating him. The idea of what he just heard, could that be real? Could Legion really have some kind of emotions? Worse, emotions…. Emotions for…

The doors opened and Garrus blinked. "Tali?"

Tali looked at Garrus seeming not that surprised. "Hey Garrus."

"Heh, perfect timing." He walked into the elevator saying, "I've got something you and I need to talk about anyway."

Legion suddenly entered just as the doors closed. "Garrus Vakarian! We need to…" He turned to Tali. "Tali'zorah? This is most unexpected."

Tali looked between the two, Garrus standing taller than usual. Almost like he was influenced to charge the Geth. Legion, turning to Garrus and then Tali. He was strangely shifting his heels, and standing against the door. It finally got to a point where Tali called out, "Hold it!" This, made both turn to her. "Before whatever it is you two are about to get into begins. I want you to know I don't need this right now. I was ACTUALLY trying to go the medical bay to see Chakwas!"

Legion showed the initial concern. "Was there an infection or suit rupture, or other such possible ailments?"

Garrus stood up off the wall he was on a corner farthest from the Geth. "Sure, act like you're all concerned. That's a good way to win her over!"

Legion turned up to him blinking. "That does not compute?"

Tali held her head, what is it they were on? "No, I wanted to talk to her about Shepard."

Garrus and Legion looked to her. Easily, Garrus knew now she seemed to turn from Shepard. It was mentioned in that talk. Legion, stepped forward asking, "What has changed your consensus?"

"Nothing. Not yet." Tali lowered her arms hanging a little. "He came by asking me something. Or telling me something? I don't know. I just know I was left more confused then than all the times before. So now, I need some help."

Legion seemed to understand. A nod, "Would you prefer our aid?"

"No, not this time." Tali smiled though. It's really good someone wanting to help. "You're not upset that I sort of turned back this fast? It hasn't been a day, barely?"

Legion shook his head. Garrus, leaning back watching with some curious etching in his brow. "No. We do not seek to hold your former consensus against you. If this is what you wish. We would be more than willing to assist. That is our goal."

Garrus gave a snort. Tali and Legion turned to him. That made him stand up again, straight. "Sorry, just found it sort of strange. He keeps helping you out Tali. You never, question that?"

"No." Tali then thought, "Well, yes. I guess?" Legion looked down and she turned up saying, "I don't entirely know what to think about you Legion. You're a Geth but, you're my friend. You've helped me with Grunt, the mission on the Flotilla and sort of been there during my hardest times of late with Shepard. Still, it's hard to just you know. Accept it all?"

Legion gave only a nod. It was understandable. Lowering his head though, he looked a little defeated. Garrus got a pissy feeling now. Great, just great. They were just at the second floor when the doors opened. Here, Commander Shepard appeared. Deathly froze everyone on the elevator. Legion, turned to Garrus whom knew of his emotional experiment. Garrus, turned to Tali who easily was still attracted to the Commander. The Commander looked at Tali, his head still spinning over this entire mad ordeal. What the Illusive man said, how he's been acting and indirectly that night at the bar. Worse yet was Tali. In the middle of it all, and she didn't know what the hell to make of anything.

The Curtain doth Rise…

Note: Was a fun chapter. As mentioned this was intended to be after the next chapter (Ghost Ship) and another chapter (Illium) which were just locations no chapter titles I make them AFTER the chapter believe it or not. It should help clear some small things up, give some good drama here. I love some drama. Oh and those curious? I found the way to use the Mod-tool to change the recruitment order haven't tested this yet but it sounds exciting! Next chapter soon so… be prepared! Huh, Lion King moment...