Wrex's shuttle rapidly decelerated exiting the relay and the two occupants found themselves cruising through the misty clouds of the Serpent Nebula that so cleverly hid the massive station known as the Citadel. As he entered a series of commands in the haptic interface an irritated voice spoke from behind.
"Are we there yet? I want to kill something!" Wrex peered behind him to see Grunt walking into the cockpit in the corner of his eye.
Noting the impatience in his tone Wrex replied as his companion took his station in the co-pilot seat. "Quit your grumbling we're there."
"Good." Replied the young Krogan. "I wasn't bred to sit inside a piece of crap like this."
"This 'piece of crap' has saved my hardened hide a thousand times since before you felt the water in your tank, boy. Best give it its due respect." Replied Wrex.
"Why do you keep referring to me as a juvenile?" Asked Grunt angrily. "I passed the rite, I killed the Thresher maw. I'm an adult by Urdnot's standards!"
Chuckling Wrex explained. "By Urdnot's standards, not mine. Til you can quit griping every hour of the day about killing something and give my ears some peace, then you'll have earned my respect."
"Hmph, killing is in my blood. It is what I am for." Grunt sulked.
Still adjusting the ships thrusters, Wrex said, "I won't deny that. Not sure what Okeer did to you in that tank but my guess is he amplified your natural Krogan blood rage. Just try to control it at least while were here."
"I will do as I am told battle-master. But I won't hesitate if we are threatened..."
The shuttle came to a clearing in the clouds that allowed them a crystal clear view of the giant Reaper construct in the distance. The Asari dreadnaught, the Destiny Ascension, along with various cruisers of Turian and Salarian design patrolled along its outer arms. They passed several small cargo vessels before Wrex opened a direct channel to Citadel's docking operator.
"Citadel control this is the Belial requesting docking clearance." The Krogan battle-master rested against the back of his seat as he waited for a response. Seconds turned into minutes as they awaited a reply. Growing impatient, Grunt spoke up.
"What the hell are they waiting for? I'll have his head!"
Wrex rolled his eyes back and turned to him saying, "Never thought I'd say this, but you whine more than my brother." Just as he finished the response finally came through.
"Acknowledged Belial. Docking clearance granted. Welcome to the Citadel." Replied the male operator.
"See?" Wrex said as he primed the thrusters and accelerated the ship towards their destination. "A little patience can go a long way. Something I learned hunting criminals and crime lords in the old days. Keep that in mind." He finished narrowing his eyes. It wasn't like Wrex to be so cautious, but he needed this. His race needed this. A chance to rise above what they already are, change the galaxies view of the Krogan. He would make sure that the genophage would not be their legacy.
Wrex gently flew the shuttle into the docking bay and held it steady as he felt the docking clamps lock the ship in place. He powered down the ships drive core then stood up and walked toward the exit hatch, grabbing an assault rifle off the weapon rack as he did. He hit the release button to open the airlock then turned to his young companion.
"Ready for some peace talks?" Grunt responded by cocking his shotgun. "Good boy."
The two stepped outside the shuttle and walked down the docking ramp with weapons folded on their backs. An elevator took them to the C-sec security checkpoint where they would 'check-in' for their hopefully short stay on the Citadel. Fearful onlookers avoided eye contact with the two heavily armed Krogan as they took their place in line behind a Turian at the checkpoint scanner. The green scan lines ran up and down his body before sounding a brief alert. The C-sec Turian looked up from his terminal at his fellow kinsmen and asked flatly.
"Please remove any weapons and/or biotic amps you may be carrying." The Turian shrugged and complied by handing the officer his wrist bracer that served as his biotic amp and was allowed to pass. "Next..." The two Krogan both stood side by side as the scanner performed a contraband check. The same alert sounded. The Turian officer stared suspiciously at his terminal as his eyes slowly widened and he drew his pistol.
"Relinquish your weapons and put your hands on your head!" He demanded.
Chuckling Wrex replied sarcastically. "What seems to be the problem?"
"There's an outstanding warrant for your arrest. Along with a rap-sheet longer than my family's ancestral records. Arsen, theft, bribery, destruction of public property, disturbing the peace, assaulting a C-sec officer..."
"I'm willing to add murder of a C-sec officer to that..." Wrex stated aggressively as Grunt aimed his shotgun at the Turian's head.
The C-sec Turian responded by steadying his weapon while using his other hand to activate his comm link. "Captain, I'm going to need some back up in here..." A few seconds later an even taller Turian along with a female human officer came running in through the door behind him.
"What's going on here sergeant?" Asked the Captain.
"Take a look at the terminal sir. I caught these two trigger happy Krogan trying to sneak past our security." The Turian officer replied with an exaggerated amount of pride in his voice.
The Turian captain stepped over to the terminal and examined the file thoroughly. After a moment he shook his head. "Let them proceed..."
"What?" Gasped the over zealous officer. "Captain you can't seriously-"
"These are delegates from the Krogan homeworld sergeant. Let them pass." He turned to the Krogan clad in red armor. "My apologies Urdnot Wrex. You're clear to proceed through to the presidium. Do try to be civil and prevent your colleague from discharging his weapon."
Shoving the humiliated Turian officer aside as he passed through the checkpoint with Grunt following suite he replied. "No promises..."
Shepard and Tali awoke early the next morning, eager and excited to get their wedding plans underway before fate pulled them back into the fire of combat and away from the serenity and comfort of the Migrant fleet.
The first thing Tali did was send for her aunt Shala, informing her of matter of great importance that she must discuss with her to which Shala replied saying she would return in a few hours after attending to her political duties to the fleet. Meanwhile Shepard called for his crew to gather in the CIC of the Normandy for a special announcement. The crew wasted no time regrouping back on the ship to hear the news. Most hoped their commander would be announcing a shore leave but knew it was highly unlikely due to the nature of their current mission.
As the loving couple passed through the Normandy's airlock they were greeted with the expected audience of the Normandy's crew all gathered around the railing of the galaxy map. He took a step forward with his lovely Quarian's hand held tightly in his own.
"Ladies and gentleman, men and women of the finest crew I've ever had the honor to have under my command, you've all served me well, bled for me, respected me like a father. Let me say that words cannot express my gratitude for that." He said giving a slight bow at the end.
"But now as I take the next step in my life towards a new future, I ask that you will show the same for my soon to be...wife and life-long mate..."
The crew each shared their own expressions of surprise and excitement. Kelly placed both hands over her mouth to cover the ever growing grin that spread across her cheeks, Garrus used his mandibles to give the Turian impression of a smirk, Jack even narrowed one eye and crossed her arms with a devious smile. Samara was the only one that remained nearly emotionless, a hint of a smile slowly sneaking its way to her lips.
"I, Commander John Shepard, captain of the Normandy, and Chief engineer Tali'Zorah are to be married this afternoon. And you're all invited to attend."
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers. Garrus made his way over and gave Shepard a strong, firm handshake before turning to Tali and offering a friendly hug. The rest of the crew shared their own expressions of approval. Each taking turns with handshakes, hugs, and small talk to offer their congratulations.
As the crew dispersed and returned to their assigned duties Tali began to send wedding invites through her omni-tool to any friends and family she may have forgotten, bouncing on her toes excitedly as she did. When she was finished she turned to her husband to be and took on a more serious composure.
"We should return to our cubicle, John. Shala will be here soon."
Shepard took her hand and brought it up to his face, planting a gentle kiss on her glove as he did. "After you m'lady." He said with a wave of his hand toward the airlock.
The two soon returned to the larger than normal cubicle Han had been so kind to offer them and began serious conversation over the details of the wedding. Shepard knew everything there was involved in a human wedding, but Quarian bondings were still a complete mystery to him and he wanted to cover every detail to make sure this was absolutely perfect for her.
"You know, Tali. You should probably explain to me how Quarian weddings work. I don't want to end up embarrassing you in front of everyone."
Giggling she replied. "That's probably unavoidable John. But I can help so that you want look as bad as you would if knew nothing. What is it you would like to know?"
"Well, is it customary for the lovers to present each other with some sort of gift?" He asked.
"No, not in practice anyway. We link suit environments during the ceremony to make the bond official. The suits make it difficult to wear any jewelry or wedding rings as I've seen in your culture." She said gently fondling the diamond necklace he had given to her causing its eezo filled diamond to glow. "That's what makes this so special to me." She added smiling under her mask.
"If I could...I'd give you the whole galaxy..."
Tali laughed and replied. "I wouldn't know what to do with it all, John. But thank you for the thought. You've already given me more than..." She suddenly became silent as her thoughts drifted to her deceased father whom she regretted would not be able to witness his own daughter's bonding.
Seeing her drop her head slowly, he knew what she was thinking about. He decided it would be best to change the subject rather than discuss the past that so harshly haunted her. "...So do I need to have a best man?"
Her mind sprung back to the present at his question. "What? Oh sorry. Um...best man?"
"Yeah. In human weddings the groom chooses someone very close to him, someone he trusts like a brother or a good friend to have the honor of bearing witness to the genuine nature of the groom's love for his bride." He explained.
"Oh, yes. Except the two are each to have their own witness rather than just one of them. I plan on giving that honor to aunt Shala...if she will accept it..."
Shepard placed a hand on the side of her hood and caressed it gingerly to comfort her. "Don't worry. She loves you as much as your mother did. I'm sure she'll support you in this. It's me who's probably going to end up in the infirmary..."
Shaking of her doubts Tali asked. "What about you, John? Have you decided on a...best man?"
Shepard felt himself at a loss for words. "Honestly, I don't know. I've had the pleasure of commanding such a fine crew. I trust them all with my life. Maybe Garrus would..." The sound of the clanking gears opening the cubicle door sliding open interrupted him. The two gazed into the piercing light that entered the room to see Shala'Raan casually walk in, closing the door behind her.
"Tali, I came as soon as I received your message." Walking over to the two she added. "Captain Shepard, Please forgive me for my...outburst. I hope I did not cause you to suffer any permanent injury."
Lifting his hand up, he assured her that he held no hard feelings. "It's nothing that won't heal with time Admiral. I'm sorry you had to see us like that. Just...next time...try knocking first?"
Chuckling she replied. "I will do not forgot Shepard." She turned to Tali. "Tali, is there something you wanted to speak with me about?"
Tali nervously pivoted towards Shepard looking at him with pleading eyes; worried that her aunt might go ballistic again knowing that their wedding would be today. Shepard simply waved his head in Shala's direction to let her know everything would be fine.
Finally looking her aunt in the eyes she said with all the strength she could muster. "Aunt Raan. Shepard and I wish to perform our bonding ceremony this day. And I would like you to serve as my witness."
Shala seemed to be frozen in place as a sudden silence filled the room. Tali began to tremble lightly as she awaited the answer she feared would snuff out her dream of a life with this man. Shepard took a deep breath letting his chest muscles expand and relax; doing better to hide his anxiousness.
"Tali..." Shala spoke softly. "May I please speak to Shepard alone for a moment?"
Gasping lightly Tali turned to Shepard and grabbed his hand, holding it tight. "It's alright Tali. There are some things I should clear up with the Admiral anyway."
Wearily, she let loose on her grip letting his hand slide out of her glove as she walked past Shala and made her way to the cubicle door; taking one last look back to him as he nodded assuring her everything would be alright. She trusted his judgment.
As the door sealed Shala inhaled deeply and cleared her throat. "Do not be alarmed Shepard vas Normandy. I only wish to clarify, not intimidate."
"Now I have spoken to Tali and I sincerely believe that she loves you in the deepest since of the word. But I can not bless this bonding unless I hear your side Shepard. I must know that what lies in her heart also lies in yours, that there is no hidden political agenda to this relationship." Shala explained.
"Tell me Captain Shepard vas Normandy...why do you love her?"
Every treasured memory he had of Tali flooded his mind like a tidal wave. The day he saved her life from Fist's men, giving her the Geth data for her pilgrimage, reuniting with her on Freedom's progress. The one that he focused on the most though, was the night he felt her lips for the first time before passing through the Omega 4 relay. He remembered every moment like that of a Drell reliving it. Her quivering voice, her smell, the feel of her skin, the taste of her saliva. It was that moment in his life that allowed him to open his heart and let the emotions from the depths of his human soul flow forth into the form of words.
"What hurts worse Admiral, saying something you shouldn't have, or never saying anything and living your whole life wishing you had?" There was a brief pause as he let Shala contemplate what he said before continuing.
"I can tell you from experience that it's the later. It wasn't until I was thrown from my exploding ship into the merciless void that I discovered what I regretted in my life, the only thing I regretted, and that was never telling her I loved her. When I was given another chance I had to take it, I couldn't live a second live and die with the same feeling..."
"Meeting her was fate...being her friend was my choice...but falling in love with her...that was completely beyond my control..."
"Tali is my mirror on the wall. Through her I can see myself for who I really am, for who I didn't know I was. She's the voice in my heart reminding me of my morals and obligations to all that is good in this galaxy..."
"She may have to be in a clean room for me to see her face, or to feel skin, but if that's what it takes I'll happily live with it, with her..." He finished.
Shala took a few moments to carefully review every detailed word in her mind. A minute passed when she finally summoned her omni-tool and called Tali back into the room. She entered a moment later and stood next Shepard as she awaited a response from her aunt.
"Although this is on short..." She began. "Your words have exposed your souls desires and I truly believe that there is merit to this love."
"Tali, Shepard, I will go out of my way to prepare the ceremony for this evening. You both have my most heart filled blessing."
Like a dream come true, Tali squeaked as she leaped forward and embraced Shala tightly. Her aunt laughing and slowly pulling her away as Shepard smiled and shook his head.
"Thank you so much aunt Shala." Tali said turning to hug Shepard.
"If you will excuse me I will begin preparations. Tali, I expect you to teach him the required hand motions from Quarian sigh language." Said Shala walking toward the cubicle door.
"I will, we will be ready." Replied Tali.
"Thank you again Admiral. I wish words could express my gratitude." Said Shepard.
"Please." Shala said as she stepped into the doorway. "Call me Shala."
Smiling Shepard replied. "John."
"Then I will see you again at the ceremony John." She added closing the door behind her.
Kolyat checked every angle the Presidium offered as he walked with the rear C-sec guard escorting Councilor Anderson to meet with the Krogan delegates over by the Krogan memorial statue. Standing next to him was a Turian with two humans taking up the front. Even with this many officers he felt uneasy. It was as if something was nipping at the back of his neck. A sixth sense perhaps?
Whatever the reason he vowed he wouldn't let his guard down for a second. There where many protesters who opposed the human's inclusion in the council even after two long years. It would be foolish to attempt anything on the councilors life, but as the human saying goes: you can never be too careful.
Looking ahead he could see two Krogan standing at foot of the statue awaiting their arrival. One was larger than the other sporting classic Krogan battle armor with his head plate painted red. The other appeared juvenile. He wore similar armor and was armed only with a shotgun, possibly a body guard. He suspected as much. Krogans are big on many things except trust.
On an unseen balcony a figure clad in pitch black armor, a Cerberus logo on the shoulder plate the only decoration, unfolded a Widow Anti-material sniper rifle and connected it to a bi-pod sitting on the edge of the railing. Sighting down electronic scope he viewed the human councilor escorted by squad of highly trained C-sec officers. This was almost too easy. Lining up the cross-hairs and cocking the bolt-action loader, a single round entered the chamber and he prepared to carry out his orders.