A/N: So, err... we're not quite done on Rannoch yet. As for the odd chapter title... I think it lets you easily guess the title of the next chapter, too.
Chapter 94 - No Good Deed...
In its entire history, the Admiralty Board have never convened their meetings in conditions like on this very special day. A large slab of stone serves as an impromptu conference table, while smaller boulders are being used as chairs by those present. For a while Zaal'Koris and Shala'Raan struggle to open the proceedings, too overwhelmed from feeling the rough sand of the homeworld under their feet, but then eventually the talking gets underway. The three admirals are in attendance together with guests of honor in the shape of Commander Shepard to better underline the needs of the galactic alliance against the Reapers, as well as Legion, to facilitate the negotiations with the geth forces on Rannoch.
"I would suggest that we open proceedings with a moment of silence for those lives lost on both sides," Koris proposes. "And despite us not seeing eye to eye, I feel that I would be remiss not to mention the passing of our colleague of many years, Admiral Han'Gerrel vas Neema. It is a pity you are not here to enjoy the sights of our homeworld, old friend."
Raan nods, while Shepard is only able to swallow uncomfortably, knowing that she has technically committed murder, provoked or not. "Admiral Daro'Xen vas Moreh is also unable to join us today, but the reasons for her absence are still unclear," Raan says. "My sources claim that she has left the Neema in a shuttle, but we have no word of her current location."
"Admiral Raan, I received a status update just as my shuttle was landing," Koris speaks up after Raan has finished. "Admiral Xen has returned to the Moreh, and the ship has since then departed from the Migrant Fleet. Our scanners are unable to trace a hint of the location of the Moreh." For some reason, Shepard feels very uncomfortable from hearing the news, remembering Xen's ranting at her, clearly blaming Morgan's interference for her backfiring plans regarding this war with the geth.
"This would leave two vacancies on the Admiralty Board, but these can be filled later once the situation has cleared," Raan continues. "For now, it will mean that all decisions we take will require unanimous approval. With that, allow me to express hope that we will be able to reach agreement on the most pressing issues."
"Even though I am sure that Commander Shepard will disagree, I would like to first address the issues of resettlement," Koris takes the word again. "I believe our friend Legion is willing to extend a proposition."
"The geth have no interest in land based on its agricultural value," Legion speaks. "Most of the geth bases are located close to the planet's poles. Our people have avoided placing military installations on fertile farmland that the creators would find useful. The geth offer and propose that the creator resettlement efforts begin with the southern continent."
"That is acceptable, I am sure," Koris says, looking at Raan and Tali in turn, both women nodding swiftly. "Now, as for the logistics of resettlement. Leaving finer details for later, I must draw your attention that due to current lack of facilities on the planet's surface, we will only be able to move a smaller first wave to conduct construction efforts, but we will continue to rely on the Civilian Fleet's ships to provide housing."
"Admiral Koris," Legion speaks up. "The geth are willing to assist. Programs 301-001 to 311-099 stored on server 1X-AZ16 can construct facilities to accommodate up to 20.000 creators within a standard galactic day. Pre-conflict schematics will be used in construction of the facilities, ensuring compatibility with the creator needs."
"...that's wonderful, Legion!" Tali exclaims, overjoyed.
"Yes... we would be very grateful to the geth," Raan agrees, looking completely taken aback from the generous offer of support.
"Admirals, if I may?" Shepard raises her hand, asking for a word. "While I agree that involving civilians in a war would be wrong, it is also imperative that you provide as many ships as possible. Especially considering that your civilian ships are already equipped with cutting edge weapons systems."
"What are you suggesting, Shepard?" Koris asks.
"As you continue moving your people down planetside, it would be preferable if you could free as many vessels from the noncombatants, perhaps reinforcing these ships with additional military personnel," Shepard says. "They could then join your other fleets without risking the lives of innocents."
"That is a reasonable suggestion," Admiral Zaal'Koris nods, looking at his fellow admirals who give quick assent. "Our liveships alone can accommodate up to ten thousand additional short-term inhabitants and since I propose that only the Rayya accompanies our fleets against the Reapers... that is, if my fellow admirals agree," Koris looks to the two women, who again agree without much thinking. "Shepard, I believe we will be able to send most of the Civilian Fleet ships for your war effort."
"That is wonderful news, thank you, admirals," she bows her head, feeling relieved.
"Due to the... depleted lineup of the Admiralty Board, our usual chain of command will be disrupted," Raan says. "Not to mention that one of us will be required to remain here on Rannoch to oversee the resettlement and continue negotiations with the geth." At Raan's words, Shepard can sense Tali tensing like a coil of spring, fearing that the others might decide to keep her away from joining Morgan and Garrus on the Normandy.
"I suggest that Admiral Koris remains on Rannoch, considering that he has always campaigned for peace with the geth, it would be fitting if he continued to work on rebuilding the homeworld together with our synthetic allies," Tali speaks up quickly, before she herself gets nominated for the role.
"That would leave you two in charge of our fleets," Koris nods. "I would agree with Tali's proposition, if that is acceptable to you, Raan?"
"Oh, please, admirals, I have no idea how to command fleets!" Tali squeals timidly. "Aun-... uh, Admiral Raan should lead the unified force of all our combined fleets, while I would remain with Commander Shepard and act as a liaison between our people and the Systems Alliance."
Raan and Koris are both thoughtful at this suggestion, looking undecided. "Perhaps, now that our forces have been slightly depleted after the war with the geth, it would make sense to unite our ships into a single fleet," Raan eventually says, nodding. " I will do all I can, though I certainly do not possess the keen tactical mind of late Admiral Han'Gerrel. His presence would have been a huge asset for us now."
"I... can only once again extend my apologies, inadequate that they are," Shepard says humbly. Am I really sorry, though? She thinks, deep inside. If I hadn't caused his death, the quarians would have wiped out the geth, or the other way around. Does murder become acceptable if it prevents a whole species from being erased from the pages of history?
"Though we condemn your reaction, Commander, we must also acknowledge that Gerrel's actions contributed heavily to this sad outcome," Koris says, Raan nodding alongside him. "We are prepared to drop this issue, in light of your contributions since then."
"Thank you," Morgan bows her head in gratitude. "How soon do you think the quarian fleet can leave the Veil and link up with the Alliance fleets?"
"Preparations should not require more than a standard week, Commander," Shala'Raan replies. "By my estimates..." she pokes around a datapad for a brief while. "Our fleet strength would comprise little over three thousand ships."
"That is... impressive, and very helpful," Morgan cannot hide her relieved grin. It was worth it. Every ounce of the effort was worth it in the end. We will return from beyond the Veil with hope. Real hope for the galaxy.
"The geth will be able to provide more than two thousand ships in the war against the Old Machines," Legion adds. "Our preparations require considerably less time than the Creator fleet, but we would prefer to depart the Veil together with Commander Shepard. The geth fear that unannounced appearance of their fleet would cause an undesired response from our organic allies."
"Don't worry, Legion, I will let Hackett know over the QEC that he's getting geth fleets for the war effort," Shepard smiles, trying to mentally picture Hackett's reaction. "I believe it is also time for me to disclose our plan for defeating the Reapers. Our engineers have been working for nearly a month, building a super-weapon of giant proportions, based on old Prothean blueprints. It is said to be capable of wiping out the Reapers."
"An ancient Prothean weapon?" Raan looks a little stunned. "I hope you are correct to pin all your hopes on something like that."
"You will be welcome to verify our intel as soon as your fleets join with ours," Shepard promises. "We would welcome assistance from the much vaunted quarian engineers to complete the construction of the Crucible."
"The geth will be able to assist as well, Shepard-Commander. We do not require any additional proof to ensure the validity of your claims, Shepard-Commander," Legion humbly offers.
"...in that case, the quarians will follow the same example," Raan quickly changes her mind, unwilling to be put to shame by the geth. "We will present our best and brightest engineers for your Fleet Admiral Hackett to use at his discretion. I trust that will satisfy?"
"It will more than satisfy, Admiral Raan," Shepard says. "I have no more requests or concerns at this time."
"Then I believe we have covered all the major topics on our agenda," Koris agrees, rising from his impromptu seat on a boulder. "I will concern myself with the logistics of the resettlement efforts, while Raan will focus on getting the fleet ready. Tali'Zorah," the younger quarian almost jumps when Koris turns his gaze upon her. "You must be exhausted from taking part in several ground missions without much respite. I am sure that Admiral Raan will not disagree with me, when I suggest that you take several days off and spend them trying not to think of your duties as a representative of your people."
"I concur," Raan nods, speaking kindly. "Tali, take the time off and spend it with your friends on the Normandy. You have more than earned it."
"T-thank you! Thank you so much!" Tali exclaims, overwhelmed.
"And with that, the Admiralty Board adjourns," Koris speaks with authority, making Shepard concede that the man she disliked so intensely at the start might actually prove to be a good leader, now that he is no longer constantly undermined by the forceful schemers Gerrel and Xen. "I would like to take my shuttle to the resettlement areas and perhaps discuss the possible construction sites with our friend Legion, if he would care to accompany me."
"Admiral Koris, the construction of the creator housings began seventeen minutes ago," Legion replies. "The coordinates have been uploaded to your omni-tools and you are welcome to examine the site at your convenience. We assure you that the location is optimal for the creator needs."
Gotta love those geth, so efficient, Morgan grins broadly, watching the quarians stare at each other, impressed and speechless. "Somehow I don't think that it will be such a difficult job negotiating with the geth, Admiral Koris," she remarks, unable to stop smiling.
"Yes... yes, Commander, you may be right," Koris finally replies. "We have... so much to make up to the geth, and yet here they are, showering us with gifts we do not deserve. I can barely believe it..."
"I hope that the rest of your people will appreciate it as well and some hotheads won't start new trouble with the geth," Shepard says.
"We will do our best to make sure that doesn't happen," Raan replies.
"That is good to hear," Shepard nods, then turning to the still slightly fidgeting Tali. "Would you like to take a trip to the resettlement zone, my friend?" she asks. "I have heard that the sights there are quite lovely at this time of year. I think we all deserve the rest of the day off and I thought you might enjoy spending it there."
"Yes! Shepard, thank you so much, yes!" Tali squeaks with delight, barely able to keep her emotions in check after all that she has been through.
Shepard's grin widens even more upon seeing her friend's reaction, before she raises Joker on the comms. "Joker, Tali and I need a pickup. Afterwards, I'll want you to find a suitable place for landing close to these coordinates..." she says, sending the information. "We're taking the rest of the day off, and that includes all the crew. We'll have eight hours of shore leave on the lovely planet of Rannoch."
An hour later, Shepard stands on the bridge of the Normandy, watching the amazing scenery outside, numerous geth primes and troopers working busily to raise comfortable looking barracks for the quarian settlers. Dozens and dozens of quarian shuttles of civilians and engineers land in the grassy clearings around the Normandy, jubilant quarian people climbing out of the shuttles, crying, dancing, embracing, some unwisely throwing away their face masks from all the excitement. Morgan watches most of her crew also leaving the Normandy to join the quarian revelry, and she is tempted herself, but the promise she has made to Liara comes first.
The war between the quarians and the geth has ended. Morgan has promised Liara to spend time with her, just the two of them, all barriers removed. And despite Shepard's aversion to inflict any of the dark thoughts and fears plaguing her on Liara, she also knows that her bondmate is right, and that she cannot carry this burden all by herself and accompanied by Joker's knowing stare, Morgan sneaks away from the bridge and heads back towards her quarters, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart.
"You have obtained admirable proficiency in attending to my needs, Commander," Liara sighs, still twisting in the sheets from the intense pleasure, arching her back so delightfully that it sends another burst of fiery desire through Morgan's body, even if her bondmate has already satisfied her several times before.
"It would be a capital offense to do anything else but to attend to your every need, Liara," Morgan grins, slowly and reluctantly withdrawing her hand from where it has become trapped between Liara's legs, gliding across the asari's muscular sweat-covered stomach. She loves nothing more than pulling her mouth away from teasing Liara, allowing her fingers alone carry them both through those last few moments of Joining, pushing herself up the bed to be able to look in Liara's face when she succumbs to the pleasure, the frozen moan on her parted lips is the greatest wonder in the galaxy for Morgan. There is nothing quite like pressing tightly against Liara's side, feeling the tremors running through the asari echoing in herself along with the mental feedback, flattered that it is her who can cause such a reaction, making Liara lose all control and surrender herself so completely.
"How many times tonight have I told you how much I love you?" Liara asks, pulling Morgan even closer and tighter against her.
"Oh... I don't know, around twenty?" Morgan replies with a mischievous grin on her lips.
"Not enough," Liara chuckles, claiming her lips in another deep kiss, and Morgan responds, feeling the asari's hands sliding across her damp back, before Liara eventually ends the kiss, just a few shorter pecks exchanged, as their bodies slowly relax and come to rest after the exertions of several hours. "You do seem less tense, I must say," the asari adds with a sly grin.
"You could say that!" Morgan laughs back. "I'm so relaxed that I probably wouldn't be able to stand up straight."
"That might have been my intention," Liara winks at her, as Morgan is already thinking back to their Joining. She feels a little proud of herself for holding true to her word and opening herself in all fullness to Liara, though she is surprised that Liara is not more upset and concerned from seeing the ugliness of her thoughts and fears. In return, she has received only emotions of kindness, love, support and understanding. Acceptance that she feels she is not always deserving of.
"You never cease to amaze me, Liara," she then says earnestly. "How can you truly agree with all the decisions I've taken? Some of them... I don't even agree with myself, but I thought they were necessary."
Liara looks deep into her eyes, speaking fondly, yet with full seriousness. "I would not say that I agree with everything you do, Morgan. But I understand why you take these decisions. And if I can understand, then I can also accept. That is enough for me."
"I guess that makes sense," Morgan nods, then briefly turning away. "But I killed Han'Gerrel. I know that we have both killed before, but you have looked deep inside me, and you know that I feel no true remorse over this. Does that not frighten or concern you?"
"Perhaps a little," Liara confesses. "But I still understand why you did it. He threatened our lives, your life! I was... tempted to tear him apart myself with the use of my biotics. Morgan..." she cups Shepard's cheek and leans into another kiss. "There's a darkness in you, I know that. But there's a darkness in me, too. I... it scares me at times, but I know I would accept things more horrid of you."
"I don't think that's an invitation to attempt them, though," Shepard chuckles awkwardly, earning a little glare from Liara. "What about the Crucible? You know what Hackett told me, you know that it is a... death sentence to the one using it."
"The scientists and the engineers might find a solution to it," Liara says, a little uneasy.
"You are worried, though," Morgan realizes. "Combined with your dream... your vision, where you saw that it will be my decision..."
"It was just a dream," Liara shakes her head, but it is clear that she is not as unaffected as she tries to claim. "I will not allow some kind of vision to frighten us. You are here with me, you are real and this is where you will remain."
Morgan has to admit feeling much better and more reassured as she finally rolls off from Liara, snuggling in to rest close against her bondmate, the asari's mind melding managing to calm her down like a soothing tonic for her frayed nerves. She is only concerned that Liara has now absorbed too much of the darkness of her thoughts than would be healthy, but the asari appears at peace and relaxed, pleased with the mere thought of having managed to provide much needed comfort for Shepard.
They cuddle in the bed for a while, until Morgan decides to check the time, finding that there are still two hours left on the announced shore leave. "Hate to get out of the bed now, but I think I better take a shower and then report to Hackett, the old man's probably tearing his hair out after our last conversation," Shepard eventually says, Liara letting a cute little yawn escaping her indigo lips, clearly indicative of her desire to remain in the bed, and Morgan happily allows her that luxury.
One enjoyable shower later, feeling elated, Morgan almost floats down to the CIC, but before turning to enter the comm room, she passes the ever-smiling Traynor and walks up to the bridge to check in with Joker and EDI. Outside, the long day on Rannoch is drawing to a close, the orange light growing paler with the approach of darkness. The celebrations outside have been cut a little short with the arrival of Admiral Koris, and now the quarians all as one can be seen working alongside the geth, and fortunately nobody has yet tried to stir any trouble with the helpful synthetics.
"Did you at least get off the ship, Joker?" Shepard asks, announcing her presence and startling the helmsman a little bit. "Shore leave includes you too, you know."
"But apparently not you and Liara, eh, Commander?" Joker grins back at her. "How do you go on for... uh, what is it, five hours?"
"You watch all sorts of educational asari vids, surely you know all the tricks," Morgan laughs. "Anyway, how are we doing? Are people back onboard yet? We should probably start getting ready for liftoff. I'll just need to speak to Hackett before that."
"I think most are back by now, except Tali, Garrus and several others," Joker replies. "Want me to do a check?"
"Nah, not yet... they still have a little over an hour, after all," Shepard says. "Just getting a bit ahead of myself, I guess. Want to get back to the right side of the Rim and resume kicking the Reapers where it hurts."
"Well, you are getting quite good at that, Commander," Joker remarks. "Another one bites the dust, as they say. Vega is really milking that story for all its worth. Saw him a few hours ago with a couple of quarian damsels hanging on his every word."
Shepard sighs. "That's James for you, alright. Oh well, I suppose he has earned it," she then turns to leave the bridge. "Well, I guess I'll go get chewed out by Hackett."
"Commander?" EDI suddenly speaks. "Long range scanners are picking up a quarian ship entering the low orbit of Rannoch."
"Odd, I thought they planned to bring everyone in with the shuttles for now?" Joker asks, surprised.
"That is correct," EDI replies affirmatively. "I will check in with the Migrant Fleet, one moment." Shepard and Joker both wait with bated breath while EDI speaks on the comms. "It appears this is unauthorized landing, Commander."
"Someone's probably had too much turian brandy and decided to goof off," Shepard shrugs. "Can you get ID on the ship? We should let Koris know who they are."
"Looks like a light frigate to me, Commander," Joker says. "Will know more in a moment."
"Commander, their destination coordinates appear to match those of the Normandy exactly," EDI adds.
"Well, obviously, they want to join their fellows here," Shepard looks at EDI, wondering why she has made such an obvious comment.
"Shepard," The AI replies gravely. "The ship is not on a safe landing vector."
"...say that again?" Morgan blinks.
"The ship is definitely NOT on a safe landing vector."
"What are they-" Shepard starts to speak, but gets interrupted by Joker's shout.
"It's not a light frigate, it's one of those small research vessels! Moreh! Admiral Xen's ship!"
"Fuck! Fuck, they want to take us out!" Shepard realizes instantly. "Get us out of here, Joker, get us out!"
"Shit, the engine is cold!" Joker screams frantically, punching the commands to the consoles. "Shit, shit, shit!"
"20 seconds to contact," EDI warns.
"There's NO way I can-"
"You can, and you will," Shepard speaks, deceptively calmly. It can't end like this. It just... can't. Can it?
"10 seconds," EDI recounts. They can already see the large blotch in the distance, the quarian ship on imminent collision course.
Finally the engines respond with a roar and the ship jerks, reacting to Joker's frenzied attempts to get it moving, lifting from the ground gingerly. "5 seconds," EDI says impassively, as the quarian vessel draws closer, homing in on its suicide run.
"Shit, I got nothing!" Joker punches the consoles helplessly, and the Normandy finally responds, but it is too late, the Moreh is already upon them with an angry roar. The last thing that Joker manages to do, is to jerk the ship slightly sideways, exposing one of the wings to the contact, hoping to limit the damage. The deafening, explosive crash when it comes still throws Shepard against one wall and then like a rubber ball back against the other side of the wall.
She feels something painfully snapping in her spine or neck as her body suddenly no longer responds to her commands, toppling to the ground as she loses all consciousness.