The Cryonic Man
Chapter 5: Of Tours and Tragedies
A bit of foreword
This is my first story so please no flames.
I do not claim ownership to the rights to Mass Effect or its characters (sadly only Bioware and EA can claim that).
I also do not own the rights to Inception nor the rights to Frank Sinatra and his songs
I do however claim ownership of the characters I create
Italics stand for thoughts and voices over an intercom
John was up bright and early to get ready to head to Saronis Applications and show Lia the Normandy. But first he had to stand in the middle of the mess hall while Shepard gave the crew the overview of what would happen over the next few days.
"The Normandy is getting some repairs over the next few days, and I'm going to be debriefing the Council about our current situation," said Shepard, "So for the next few days, you all will have some shore leave, so make the most of it."
Soon the crew was in an uproar of happiness, and then Shepard continued, "We'll be here for 3 days, so make the most of it."
"And maybe John can spend time with his new girlfriend," yelled Garrus.
"Shit, I'm going to kill him for that," thought John with venom.
Thus the uproar grew louder and aimed closer at John which sounded like he was about to receive a lot of questions he didn't want to answer. Knowing a bad situation when he saw it, John decided to do what all great men do in a bad situation.
"RUN LIKE A BITCH," he thought, and ran like hell for the elevator.
After the mob realized John was not in the room they quickly settled down and began planning what they would do with their shore leave.
Garrus and Kelly decided to go see the Presidium, Kenneth and Gabby decided to "stay on the ship" as did Dr. Chakwas and Zaeed, Kasumi decided to stay on the ship and sort out her things, Jacob decided to stay and work on the armory, Mordin decided to take a look around the Zakara Ward for parts and chemicals to help improve his counter-measure against the Collector swarms, Joker decided to stay on the Normandy as well, and, well, no one else is important so we'll move on.
John saw the construction crews getting ready to put in the new ship armor on the Normandy as he ran out the airlock. He was lucky the decontamination process didn't take that long. As soon as he felt he was safe he slowed to a walk and headed down to Saronis Applications. As soon as he was at the door he said hello to the store clerk and thanked him for his help yesterday and waited for Lia to show up.
"Oh Keelah Oh Keelah Oh Keelah! I'm so late," said Lia as she rushed to get ready after she saw she had overslept.
"Going to spend the day with your boyfriend," asked Kara.
"For the last time he's not my boyfriend. I just don't like to be late," said Lia with her arms crossed.
"Right, and I'm the Savior of the Citadel, Commander Shepard," said Kara in a sarcastic tone.
"Ha ha. Now see ya," replied Lia and quickly left.
"Man, she has it bad for him," Kara said and had a light laugh, "I wonder if I'll ever meet someone like that."
John looked at his Omni-tool which said it was 10:00, and felt his heart falling a bit.
"I guess she's not coming," he thought morosely.
He prepared to leave when he heard someone yell, "Wait, I'm here."
He turned to see someone crashing into him to the ground. He opened his eyes to see a beautiful woman on top of him, which caused him to blush and for certain areas to start growing. Lia came to after a bit, and after seeing where she was, she quickly stood up and blushed under her mask.
"Umm sorry about that, I kind of overslept and I didn't want to miss meeting you," said Lia.
"Uh yeah, I didn't think you would be here. I kind of had some bad experiences with girls," said John.
"Oh, uh, yeah. So you going to show me this starship of yours," Lia said in a teasing tone.
"Sure, the Normandy is docked in the hanger near here; we can take a taxi there right now," said John.
"Sounds great," said Lia.
They both headed towards the terminal, making light conversation as they went.
"So, is this your first time on the Citadel," asked Lia.
"Yeah, I've never seen something like this place before. The technology of this station is some of the most advanced I've ever seen," replied John.
"You know a lot about technology," asked Lia.
"Yeah, a lot of people say I have almost as much knowledge as your race. I kind of built a remote targeting system for an ML-77 Rocket Launcher and the rest is history," said John.
As the taxi neared the Normandy, Lia found herself amazed again at this amazing man. Then she turned out the window and looked at the amazing ship that was there.
"There it is, the Normandy SR-2, the most advanced warship in the entire galaxy," said John with pride in his voice.
They both got out of the taxi and started heading towards the Normandy's airlock.
"This is amazing, I've never seen a more advanced starship, not even at the Migrant Fleet," said Lia.
"I wouldn't know about that, I've never seen the Migrant Fleet before," replied John.
"No surprise, few people outside of my race have even seen the Migrant Fleet. The last time I saw it was the day I left on my Pilgrimage 3 years ago," Lia said with a hint of homesickness.
Seeing her bow her head a bit, John recognized she was homesick and sad and quickly changed the subject. "Err ah what exactly is a Pilgrimage anyway? Shepard never got the chance to tell me about them and I've been wondering how the tradition works."
"Well maybe I can tell you during the tour of this starship… wait did you say Shepard, as in Commander Shepard," asked Lia.
"Yeah, why," said John.
"This day just keeps getting better and better," said Lia as the pair reached the airlock.
John stopped her and said, "Hang on a second," and pulled up his Omni-tool.
"EDI, can you tell the crew, especially Joker, that I have a guest who will be touring the Normandy with me," said John. He wanted to make sure that he and Lia didn't run into anyone who could be caught in a compromising position. The last thing he wanted was to scare her off.
"Of course Mr. Desmond, I will tell the crew who are still on the Normandy the news," replied EDI.
John breathed a sigh a relief and told Lia that they should wait a few minutes before they head in.
"Why." she asked.
"It's better you don't know," said John.
After a few minutes, they headed inside the airlock and after the decontamination process they walked into the CIC.
"Well this is the Deck 2 Command Center, and up there is the cockpit," said John.
They walked in and found Joker looking like he had a heart attack.
"You alright Joker," asked John jokingly.
"Yeah, th-th-thanks for the warning by the way," said Joker quickly as he quickly pulled up his zipper.
John let out a light laugh whereas Lia held a confused look on her face, which was hidden underneath her mask, and John said, "Any who, Joker this is Lia'Vael nar Ulnay. Lia this is the Normandy's pilot Jeff "Joker" Moreau."
"Nice to meet you Mr. Moreau," Lia said as she held out her hand which Joker shook and said, "Nice to meet you too Lia."
"So, John, is this the girl that Garrus was talking about," Joker said with an eyebrow raised and a mischievous smile on his face.
Cursing in his head for forgetting about Garrus, John replied, "Remind me that the next time I see Garrus, he's getting a kick to the place his species keeps their boys. And yes, she's here to see the Normandy."
"Well I won't keep you, so go ahead and keep up the tour for your girlfriend," said Joker.
"She's/He's not my girlfriend/boyfriend," Lia and John said at the same time.
"Aww you're so cute together," said Joker with a light laugh, "See you both later."
The two walked away in a huff and Joker returned to his console.
"I think I know someone who would be perfect for him," joked Lia and they both laughed, looked at each other and blushed again.
"Keelah, of course I meet a guy who makes me blush so much," thought Lia.
"Calm down Desmond, she's just a woman you just met. Good god, why am I so nervous," thought John.
"W-Well shall we continue the tour," said John nervously.
"Uh, sure, right, the tour must go on," said Lia who laughed nervously.
Later on Deck 3
"Well this is fun right," said John.
"Yeah, I liked meeting Doctor Solus and that tech lab was amazing, Jacob seemed very nice too," said Lia.
"Okay, going well so far, no major screw-ups," thought John.
"So this is the medical office, where Doctor Chakwas…OH MY GOD," said John as he quickly closed the door.
"What was that," said Lia.
"Nothing, nothing at all," said John quickly, "Hang on a moment," and brought up his Omni-tool.
"EDI I thought I told you to tell the crew what I was doing today," said John quietly.
"I apologize Mr. Desmond, but Doctor Chakwas and Mr. Massani disabled my terminal in the medical bay. Unfortunately due to this, I was unable to relay your message to her. I will make a note that you wanted to talk to her," replied EDI.
"Err, no that won't be necessary," said John, who quickly shut off his Omni-tool.
"What was all that about," asked Lia with curiosity.
"Nothing Nothing, come on let's go get some lunch and come back to continue the tour later," replied John.
Then they both quickly headed for the elevator.
Meanwhile in the Medical Bay
"What was that," said Doctor Chakwas.
"Who bloody cares," replied Zaeed, "Now come hear my grey-haired…
DUE TO THE DISGUST I'M CURRENTLY FEELING I'M JUST GOING TO MOVE AWAY FROM THIS. WHAT YOU WANT ME TO CONTINUE THIS? WELL DO YOU! THAT'S GROSS.
Later on the Citadel
"If I live to be a hundred, and have years of therapy, I will never get over the mental scarring I just suffered," thought John.
"Will you just tell me what you saw," said Lia.
"Trust me when I say that I'm saving you from an amount of mental anguish that would make a Vietnam War veteran scream," said John.
"What's a Vietnam War," asked Lia.
"It's not important, so do you know any good places where you would like to go for lunch," said John, trying to change the subject.
"Well, there's a nice place near here, which serves dextro and levo foods," said Lia.
"Sounds great," said John, even though he didn't know what she was talking about.
They sat down for a nice lunch of a sandwich and nutrient paste.
"How do you eat with your envirosuit on anyway," John asked with curiosity.
"I'll tell you, if you agree to answer some of my questions," said Lia.
"Well sure, what do you want to know," John asked.
"What is up with you," said Lia with conviction.
"What, are you talking about," said John with surprise.
"You keep saying weird things about events that never really happened, and you're acting real nervous. What is up with you," said Lia.
"I told you, you wouldn't believe me if I told you," said John.
"I'm more mature than you think John, don't you trust me," said Lia with a bit of sadness in her voice.
"Of course I do, you just would think I was crazy if I told you," said John.
"John, you can trust me, just tell me," replied Lia.
John then sighed and told her, "Alright, do you promise to not freak out," When Lia nodded, "I'm not from this century."
"What," said Lia with disbelief.
John then told her the full story of his life, from his childhood in the 21st century, to his freezing, to being unfrozen just 3 weeks ago. Lia listened with intensity until he finished, and then she sighed.
"You're right you are crazy, you're obviously not the person I thought you were," Lia said, and she got up to leave.
"Lia, wait," John said.
"You expect me to believe your story of being from the 21st Century, how dumb do you think I am," said Lia.
"It's true and I have proof," said John.
He knew that most people would never believe his story so he always had some proof on hand in order to prove that his story was true.
He brought up his Omni-tool and said, "Play N7 armorcam log October 24, 2185."
His Omni-tool then started playing a video, a video of the day Shepard found him on the shuttle. Lia was shocked as the video played as she watched Shepard's team extracted John from the shuttle and watched as John was unfrozen and revived. After the video stopped playing, Lia felt a sense of shock and guilt for not believing John in the first place.
John closed his Omni-tool and said, "I've lived in this century for about two and a half weeks, are you happy now?"
"Why are you telling me this," said Lia.
"Like I said, I trust you," said John and he looked down and said, "I'll see you later."
He paid their bill and walked over to the nearest taxi terminal.
"John wait I'm sorry," said Lia.
He just kept walking as if he didn't hear her.
"John wait, please," said Lia almost pleading.
He just kept walking.
"WAIT," Lia said as she tackled John to the ground for the second time today.
"Please just wait," said Lia.
"Now do you understand," asked John.
"What," said Lia.
"Now do you get why I don't like to tell people my story," said John, "But first can you get up, you're kind of crushing my lungs."
"Oh sorry," said Lia as she and John both got up, "Look I'm sorry for what I said, it just was hard to believe your story at first."
"I guess I should have asked you if you trusted me first," said John with a tinge of sadness in his voice.
"I do trust you, it's just," said Lia.
"Neither of us have known each other for very long," John said.
"Right, I guess," said Lia.
"Well, how about this. We need to finish the tour of the Normandy, and I haven't really seen the Citadel in all its glory," said John.
"Where are you going with this John," asked Lia.
"Well me and the rest of the crew have another 3 days of shore leave, how about we spend the rest of the time with me finding out about you and your people and you can learn about my life back in the 21st century," said John.
"Are you suggesting that we start dating," said Lia, "Not that I would be suggesting that, and I wouldn't be against the idea. Err ah what am saying, I am such a spaz," she said nervously.
"Err no that's not what I was saying, not that that would be against the idea either err ah I mean," John said while babbling incoherently, "Uh anyway, what I'm saying that we spend some time getting to know each other better and, I don't know, maybe we could be friends."
"Y-Yes I would like that a lot," said Lia, secretly being relieved that John didn't hate her for what she had done.
"Well, is there anything else you want to do today," said John.
"We still have to finish that tour right," said Lia.
"Uh yeah that's right," said John.
"By the way, what did you see that made you want to leave," said Lia.
"Um, I don't know what you're talking about," answered John quickly.
"Look John, I'm a grown woman, I can handle anything you can tell me," said Lia.
John sighed and whispered what he saw in her audio receivers.
Lia then slapped him and said, "Why the hell would you tell me about that."
"I warned you didn't I," said John, and laughed, which Lia soon did too.
"This is amazing, I've never met a girl like this since…." thought John, who immediately felt a depression he had felt ever since the incident the week before his high school graduation.
(FLASHBACK)
June 6, 2009
It was the day before graduation from high school. Everyone was running around, getting their yearbooks signed, and just in general saying tearful goodbyes to friends. In the buzz of activity, two friends, a boy and a girl, were sitting on a bench and talking about their future plans.
"Hey John, did you get accepted," said Gina.
"Yep, full ride scholarship too," said John.
"Oh my god, that's so amazing," said Gina, who then proceeded to hug him.
John felt himself blush slightly, and then returned the hug from his best friend. Gina Pilgrim was a lanky 17 year old who had been John's best friend since grade school. John remembered the day they had met like it was yesterday.
Flashback within a flashback (INCEPTION!)
"Hey Pilgrim," said Leandra, "Where's my lunch money."
"But, but, I don't have any today," said Gina.
"Wrong answer Pilgrim," said Leandra who proceeded to knock Gina down and unleash hell upon her.
"LEAVE HER ALONE," yelled a young boy standing behind Leandra.
"Oh, it's you Desmond. Here for your beating early today," said Leandra.
"I said leave her alone Leandra," said John.
"What leave this pasty-faced pig alone, you must really like her Desmond. No go away, I'm here from my payment from little miss bedwetter here," said Leandra, who then proceeded to start beating up Gina again.
John then snapped and punched Leandra Phillips in the face.
Leandra then began to babble incoherently, and then ran with tears in her eyes. The rest of the kids then began cheering at John for finally putting that girl in her place.
John then smiled and walked over and picked Gina up.
"Are you alright," asked John.
"Y-Yeah," said Gina.
"Are you alright," asked John.
"Yeah, I'm just fine, thanks for saving me," replied Gina.
"No problem, I'm John Desmond by the way," John said as he held out his hand.
"Gina Pilgrim," said Gina as she accepted his hand.
"Well, I'll see you around," said John as he started to leave.
"Wait," Gina said and John stopped, "D-Do you want to come over to my house after school?"
John smiled and said, "Sure, that sounds great," and the two of them walked back to class.
For the next few years, John and Gina grew closer as friends. John grew up to be a very smart and handsome young man, achieving several awards at several science fairs, all of which Gina went to and supported him throughout the way. Gina grew up to a very beautiful woman, but she was more athletic than John, which she frequently made fun of him about. She joined several basketball and softball teams and John went to every one of her games and cheered her on. The two of them never dated anyone but they were just satisfied with spending time with each other. While everyone at their school were going to dances, John and Gina played video games and sometimes played one on one, which Gina would usually win. John had a serious crush on her which only grew as the years went by. Secretly, he wished he had the courage to tell her.
They spent every day together up till the week before graduation. John got a full academic scholarship to Empire State University, where he was going to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Gina was getting an athletic scholarship and was going to major in Broadcast Journalism. The two of them decided that they would share an apartment in New York City, so that they wouldn't have to grow apart.
Returning to the initial flashback
"This is going to be amazing," said John as he broke up the hug.
"Hey Gina," said Vance Masterson as he walked over to them.
"What do you want Vance," Gina said, with a hint of annoyance in her voice. Vance had asked her out a thousand times and she always said no because he was a complete douche. He had some crazy idea that they should be together since he was the captain of the football team and she was the captain of the basketball team.
"I heard you're going to Nori's party tonight, maybe you and I could go together," said Vance.
The truth was that Gina was only going because John was going. John was well-liked by everyone, even the jocks. No bully made fun of him without finding themselves facing off against the entire football team the next day. Nori Takahasho was a young transfer student who was made fun of by everyone because of his accent, at least until John defended him which led to the two of them to become friends. Nori become a lot more confident and more popular after he became captain of the swim team but always remembered the man who helped him gain his confidence.
"Thanks, but I'm going with John," said Gina.
"Why would you want to go with that loser," said Vance.
"Careful Vance, remember the last time you made fun of me like that," said John.
The last time he had done that, the teachers found him hanging on the flagpole by his underwear. Vance hated John because of that, and hated the fact he was such good friends with Gina.
Vance growled but calmed down and said, "This isn't over Desmond, and I will get you Pilgrim."
Vance walked off and both John and Gina laughed hard.
"Well, see you later tonight," John asked.
"You bet, wouldn't miss it for the world," Gina answered.
Later that night at the party
"John, you made it," said Nori, "And Gina, glad you could be here too."
"Wouldn't miss the last great party of the year thrown by you Nori," said John.
"Come on, I want to see how well you can dance," said Gina.
"Help me," John whispered to Nori.
"Have fun you two," said Nori, and finished thinking, "God I wish those two would just screw and get it over with already."
Later
John felt out of breath, whereas Gina wasn't breaking a sweat.
"What's the matter Desmond, can't keep up," said Gina.
"I can go all night Pilgrim," said John.
Right at that moment a slow dance song came on, Frank Sinatra's My Way.
And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend I'll say it clear
I'll state my case of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
John and Gina looked at each other and blushed.
John then smiled and turned to Gina and said, "May I have this dance, milady?"
Gina blushed even more and said, "Um, of course sir."
Regrets I've had a few
But then again too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
John and Gina were close together, swaying to the rhythm of the music.
"This is nice," said Gina.
"Yeah," said John, in a distant tone.
"Is there something wrong," asked Gina.
Yes there were times I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out, I faced it all
And I stood tall and did it my way
"Gina, there's something I need to tell you," said John.
"What is it," asked Gina.
I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say not in a shy way
Oh no, oh no, not me
I did it my way
"This is something I've been working up the courage to tell you for a long time," said John.
"Just tell me you idiot," Gina said.
For what is a man what has he got
If not himself then he has not
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
John sighed and said, "I can't just tell you, I have to show you."
John moved one of his hands to her cheek and kissed her. At first Gina, opened her eyes with surprise and then she closed them and returned the kiss.
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
Yes it was my way
When they broke for air, John said, "Gina, I lo-."
"DESMOND!"
Both John and Gina turned to see Vance standing in the doorway of the house.
"How dare you try to take Gina from me," yelled Vance.
"What are you talking about, Vance," said John.
"Me and Gina are meant to be, you're just an idiot that's standing in the way," said Vance.
"Get this through your head Vance, I don't like you, you are a complete tool who cares more about his muscles than his personality. You and I will never happen," said Gina.
"Of course we will, I just need to take care of your boyfriend and the two of us will be together forever," said Vance.
Vance then shouted, ran, and tackled John. He then punched, kicked, and beat the hell out of John. Punch to the gut, kick to the shin, punch to the eye, there was no part of John that didn't get hit.
"Stop it, leave him alone," said Gina tried to pull Vance off of John.
"Get off me skank," said Vance and he punched her to the ground.
"Now where were we…huh," said Vance.
John was now up, and he was furious. His fists were clenched and shaking, and when he spoke, his voice chilled everyone to the bone.
"You can hurt me all you like, but touch Gina and you face a world of hurt," said John.
"Oh yeah, bring it on you reta-," Vance didn't get to finish as John punched him right in the face.
John began fighting as hard as Vance did earlier, only a lot harder. Soon, Vance was on the ground with a black eye, tears running down his face, and with a pain in his ribs which caused him to clutch them.
John then picked him up by his collar and said, "Get this through your thick skull you bastard. Leave Gina alone, she doesn't like you."
John walked over and helped Gina up, smiled, and asked, "You alright?"
"Yeah, just fine," she replied and the two hugged.
Vance watched this display with a growing fury. He decided he wanted to end this now. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small pistol and aimed it at the pair.
"LOOK OUT HE HAS A GUN," someone yelled and everyone moved to stop him, but it was too late.
"Die you son of a bitch," said Vance and fired off 4 shots.
John's life flashed before his eyes but then he realized none of the bullets hit him. Then he felt Gina hold him even tighter.
He turned towards her and his expression changed into one of complete horror. The four bullets Vance had fired had missed John and hit Gina. She was bleeding badly and John watched as she fell to the ground.
"NOOOOOOO," yelled John.
The other partygoers dogpiled on Vance and one of them pulled the gun from his hand while Nori called the police and an ambulance.
"Gina please wake up," said John who had Gina's head in his lap and tears rolling down his face.
"Gina please stay with me. Please, I love you, I love you," said John in almost a whisper.
"I love you too John. I've loved you since you saved me back in grade school," said Gina with a weak smile.
"You're going to be fine, I promise," said John as he pushed a couple locks of hair from her face.
"John, I'm scared," said Gina, "John, I want you to promise me something."
"What," asked John.
"If I don't make it," started Gina.
"You will Gina, you will make it," said John.
"Listen to me, if I don't make it. Promise me you won't let me drag you down. Promise you'll find someone to share your heart with again," said Gina.
"Please Gina don't say that, I love you," said John.
"Please promise me," said Gina with pleading eyes.
John sniffed and said, "Okay, I promise. But I promise you you'll be fine."
"You emotional idiot, you're going to make me cry," said Gina with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face.
She then touched his face and said, "I'm glad I met you John Desmond," and pulled John down to a kiss.
The two kissed until John felt her fade away, "Gina, Gina, GINA, Gina," he said with a normal tone to a yell to a whisper, and held her close until the paramedics came.
Gina Pilgrim was declared dead before she made it to the hospital.
Graduation Day
"And now, a speech by your valedictorian, John Desmond."
Everyone clapped and John stood up on the podium with a depressed look on his face.
"It is an honor to have the title of valedictorian. I had a full speech prepared and everything. Unfortunately, I have lost a person who was very dear to me. She was my best friend, I cared about her, and I loved her. Her name was Gina Pilgrim, and she was taken in the prime of her life by Vance Masterson, a man who was nothing but an idiot who couldn't take no for an answer. I loved Gina with all my heart, and I'm sorry but I can't be here right now," John said and he ran off.
Gina's funeral service was held a month after her death. Everyone, including John, showed up. From her family and friends, to her team members, to almost everyone from the graduating class. After the service, and after everyone had left, John stood over Gina's grave for a few moments.
He placed a single rose on her grave and said, "I still remember our promise Gina, but I will always love you."
"She felt the same way," said a voice from behind him.
John turned around to see Gina's parents standing right behind.
"It was obvious from the way she looked at you," said Gina's mother, Ramona.
"Oh, hello Mr. and Mrs. Pilgrim," said John.
"John, I'm so sorry. Both me and Ramona heard your speech," said Gina's father, Scott.
"I loved her, and now I don't know what to do. Do I stay here, or do I move on," said John.
"John, I'm going to tell you something important. Gina has loved you for a very long time, longer than you could possibly know. But she would never want you to put your life for her," said Ramona.
"How could you say that," said John, with a hint of anger.
"John, Gina was our daughter, and if there was anything we knew about her, it's that she was selfless," said Scott, "Gina cared about you a lot, and even if you two didn't go to the same college and would never see each other again, she wouldn't object at all as long as you were happy."
John was shocked at this, did Gina really care about him that much?
"She would want you to go out and live your life," said Ramona.
"I still don't know," said John, "But you're right, she was always caring about other people's happiness before hers."
"Think about it John," said Scott and the two left to leave John to mourn.
John stood there for another hour and then smiled.
"I'll always love you Gina," he said one more time and left the cemetery.
(End Flashback)
(Author's Note)
Thank you for your critique and words of advice Deaths-Head.
And thank you all for your reviews.
The story will continue for several more chapters and is in no way done
5 main points
1) Many of you have pointed this out, but if you have read my story you should know that Shepard told John about quarian culture, not Tali.
2) Yes, Tali hasn't been recruited yet, but she has promised Shepard that she will join him after her mission is done
3) John was build the weapon attachment because he is a very smart individual and it is in no way self indulgent
4) No ideas for John's weakness but it will show up at some point
5) I might use some story time to establish John's backstory, depending on how this chapter is recieved
ANNOUNCEMENT
I will be working on two projects at once, both are multi-chaptered stories. My next project will be a story based on the manga/anime Love Hina. So if you get the chance,check it out when it is up.