Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Shadows are Rising
He had given up trying to be helpful. And he tried to satisfy Shepard's curiosity for what the future may hold but he did nothing else. He cared very little for what the Organization needed from him at at moment. And all of his thoughts revolved around. "Would this be the end? Would she wake up today? Or would she never wake up again?"
The days felt numb to him like the universe as a whole had lost color, life, a will to be alive had left it. Only the void of nothingness awaited him as he waited for news of Tali's health and it was impacting his work.
Socializing felt bland and useless and was pointless at this point. Trying to repair the ship took his mind off of the situation for a time but then it was a tiny thing usually. A wrench or a screwdriver that would remind him of her. Of how she would be better suited to the task and then the feeling of being empty returned with renewed vigor.
If food had a taste, then he didn't notice it. If he dreamed then the dreams were not pleasant and they were not worth remembering. Did he even sleep anymore? He sure didn't feel like he did.
If there were colors around him, then he was blind to them. All he saw was black, gray, and nothing. All he wanted to see was purple that was the only color he was looking for. Nothing else mattered to him. And until something changed nothing would matter to him.
…
It was blinding at first. The light was brighter than a star when the first eyelid began to open. Her first instinct was to instantly close the lid shut again. The darkness seemed to suit the feeling she was having much more. The darkness didn't cause her pain nor did it increase the pounding in her head anymore. Just a comfortable bliss of blackness.
"Tali?" She heard a muffled voice say her name. She tried to shut her eyes tighter to just go back to sleep. It was better that way.
She didn't have a headache when she dreamed of her and Zane in a small home on Rannoch. She didn't have a headache when their child ran across the room calling for their father to pick them up. And there was no headache when Zane kissed her gently as they watched the sunset. There was only bliss.
"Tali, can you hear me?" She heard her name again only clearer this time. She split a single eyelid open and saw the dreaded HUD of her mask again. She felt her heart sink at the reality of being caged in her suit once again. She wanted to sleep again. There was no suit when she slept.
"Yes?" She asked. Her voice hurt to speak and it felt scratchy. Like someone had dragged their nails over the inside of her throat for hours. It hurt to even breathe nevermind to talk.
"Hey, you had us worried." She heard Chakwas say and she realized she was in an uncomfortable bed and she was not in Zane's room. She was in the med-bay. "Do you remember what happened?"
Tali was silent and she closed her eyes again and thought about what happened before she fell asleep.
She remembered destroying the incomplete Reaper at the Collector base, falling after it tried to take them down with it, a sharp pain in her abdomen, Zane looking worried before another sharp pain. And then he picked her up and carried her. Then as they ran together with rounds passing by their heads she remembered what she thought. How scared he looked, how scared she felt, how she wanted to memorize each detail of his face so that when she passed it was the last thing she saw and thought of.
"Yes, I was wounded and Zane carried me and then I passed out." She said and involuntarily brought her hand to where the wound was. She could feel the scarred skin under the suit and she wanted to cry. "What would Zane think when he saw this?" She thought in silent horror. It felt ugly through the suit. And Zane enjoyed her skin as much as she enjoyed his.
"Pass out is the phrase. You were out cold by the time Zane jumped onto the Normandy. Zane used enough medi-gel that you wouldn't have been able to feel your own face but I digress. I had to further it to a coma so you could recover better." The doctor said. Tali slowly rose from the bed and ignored the sharp pain that shot up her body.
"How long have I been asleep?" She asked.
"A few weeks." Chakwas said and Tali's eyes grew wide.
"How...how is..." She knew he would take it hard and maybe blame himself. She just hoped Zane hadn't done anything…rash in her absence.
"He isn't doing good. He was getting better and then our last mission. Well…" Chakwas trailed.
"I need to see him." Tali said and tried to get onto her feet but Chakwas' two hands stopped her.
"And you can. But first, let's take it slow." Tali nodded slowly and allowed the old woman to guide her to the floor gently. As soon as she felt solid ground her head began to spin and she became dizzy.
"Wha...why am I dizzy?"
"You're coming off of a lot of sleep, medicine, and a lot of medi-gel. It will pass in a few moments. You haven't been asleep long enough to lose a lot of muscle mass so you will soon recover." Chakwas said and Tali took a deep breath. She slowly began to walk forward and with each step the dizziness decreased.
"What did you mean better? What was he like?" Tali asked as she was escorted to the door. It didn't take long for Tali to gain the ability to stand upright on her own and soon support her own weight.
"You should ask Garrus that question later. But first, go see him. That should tell you enough." Chakwas said as she let Tali go.
"I will." Tali said and made her way to the door slowly and carefully.
With each step, she began to gain more confidence in herself and walked a little bit faster. She looked around and saw very few crewmen about and her HUD told her it was two in the morning. She just hoped Zane had gotten to bed at a decent hour or he would be useless in the morning.
Tali soon found his and her room and approached it silently. She didn't hear any music much to her surprise. She opened the door gently pressing the holographic panel in front of the door.
The door opened and she saw a nearly unrecognizable place. It was dark and Tali quietly used her omni-tool to bring light to it. She held back a gasp when she saw it clearly.
Zane was never a clean freak but this was something else entirely. The place was a total mess. Datapads were thrown about and broken, clothes were all over the floor, blankets, pillows, sheets, and everything in between were thrown about the room without care. On the floor, was his N7 jacket with bullet holes and tears ripped through the leather. He cared deeply for the jacket and now it looked like hell had stitched it. The vidscreen had the number 305,000 on it in an omnious red color.
Tali saw the desk and saw that the stack of datapads had only increased and many were beeping with notifications that had been ignored.
She caught movement in the large bed and under a disorganized mess of blankets she saw her Zane. He looked restless in his sleep and he tossed and turned in his dreams. Murmuring to himself too silently for Tali to hear. She slowly approached him and sat on the bed and stroked his hair. He hadn't even undressed completely and only wore his shirt and she could see his jeans poking out from under the blankets.
She stroked his hair slowly and gently as he calmed down. The heavy breathing that bordered on panting calmed and slowed to normal breathing. His face relaxed and the strain and tension in his face disappeared with each stroke of her hand.
"Don't leave me Tali. Please don't leave me." He murmured in his sleep. A tear escaping his closed eyes. Tali felt her chest tighten as she watched her closest friend nearly broken by how hurt she had been. And even while he slept he thought of her.
She slipped under the blankets and rested her head on his chest as he slept.
"I am going nowhere my mate." She said and looked to see him smiling pleasantly.
…
His eyes felt bigger then his eyelids could allow. They felt puffy and itchy and annoying. His nose felt runny and his mouth was dry. In a word, he felt most unpleasant but he had gotten used to it.
And then he heard something. He thought he was just imagining something but then he heard it again. The sound of feet hitting a floor... in his room. Zane snapped his head over to the sound and what he saw made him blink for several moments.
There she was, standing at his desk organizing the mess. Her back was towards him and she seemed to favor her abdomen but was otherwise fine. The sound of gentle music was playing quietly and he had to strain to hear it.
"She is here."
It was all he could think of. And as far as he was concerned it was all that mattered. He quickly threw off the blankets and ran to her and encircled his arms around her waist.
"Ah!" She shouted playfully and then she giggled as he picked her up and snuggled his head into her back. He had to know she was real, that he wasn't dreaming. That he hadn't fooled himself and that life wasn't playing a cruel joke on him. He couldn't stop the shedding of tears and nor did he want to. She was here and she was alright. She was here and she was in his arms.
"You...you're...I missed you so much." He whispered and turned her to face him. He saw the smiling in her eyes and she cupped his face in her hands.
"I missed you too my mate."
"I... I am so sorry. It is my fault...if I had just..." She stopped him by placing a finger on his lips.
"It is fine now. I do not regret a thing and nor should you. I knew the risks when I made the decision and so did you. But we did it anyways and you know what?" He looked at her closely. "It was totally worth it." She giggled and Zane smiled as he hugged her and rested his head on her chest as he still lifted her in his arms.
"I still feel horrible. I would never hurt you like this on purpose you know that right?" He asked and felt her hand caress and stroke his hair and head.
"I know Zane. Tell me, what is this about biotics?" Tali said and he reluctantly put her down. Flashes of Gavin's corpse in front of him repeating in his mind.
"What do you mean?"
"Zane, don't lie to me." She said with stern eyes. He couldn't lie to her.
"I…I did horrible things in your absence while I was hurting. I lost control. People died because of me. I went to a dark place Tali and people paid the price for it. I am not proud." He said.
"Just tell me what happened." He didn't want to but she deserved to know what he had done and what he had refused to do. She had to know how much of a monster he really was.
…
She listened intently and she couldn't believe what was being said. He had pushed everyone away from him and didn't care about a planet of people. He was broken without her to fight for. The warnings from Vitkin were accurate. They were not only true but nearly became reality. He had killed Gavin Archer in cold blood for what he had done to his sister. A killing Zane thought justified but the style it was handled was…over the top.
Shortly afterwards Zane realized what he was becoming. The monster he was turning into and tried to stop it. He fought it but it led to the depression and anger at himself that led him to cast the room into ruin. And then Aratoht. All those people he felt like he had failed because of the grief he was in. He had since had a hard time coping with what he felt like was his failure.
She placed a hand on his shoulder and then gave him a hug. It didn't take long for him to cry into her shoulder.
"I…I don't…" He began but couldn't get the words out.
"Shh Zane. If you are about to say you don't deserve me then stop it this moment. You have done more for this galaxy then anyone else alive. And it wasn't your fault. Those on Aratoht were not killed because of you. It was the Reapers, their cycles caused a extrodinary reaction. Their deaths are on the Reaper's hands not yours. And Gavin he put his sister through hell. A hell she wanted out of. You killed him yes. But you then cared for Diane like you would for your own sister. No matter what you think Zane you are not a monster. Monsters don't care for anyone but themselves nor do they regret what they do. You do." She said. Zane backed away and stared into her eyes as she did the same with his.
"I love you." He said simply. She traced his jaw with a finger for a moment.
"I love you too." She smiled at him. They stood in his room for moments upon moments. Staring into each other's eyes. It wasn't until he blinked that she realized there was a world beyond that room. "I have to get going I'll see you later. Also, the Harbinger needs to get to work." Tali said with a wink and then walked off.
He smiled and looked at the vidscreen that had been turned off and now acted as a mirror.
"Or for fuck's sake do I need to shave." He then breathed deeply and instantly grimaced. "And to take a shower."
…
Time passed for several weeks and nothing seemed to change. What was happening? No outstanding missions had taken place and Zane was growing concerned. They were on a timetable and it was fast approaching the end.
"Is the universe waiting for something?"
Zane heard a tired humming behind him and gave a short look at the woman in his bed. She was fully suited and was sleeping soundly. Her fever had broken during her short coma and her voice was nearing its normal vocal patterns. His girl was almost back.
"I can feel you watching me." She said while turned away from him.
"Oh? Is that a bad thing?" He asked.
"One would think I would get used to it is all." She said and he cracked a smile.
"Well, you watch me too." He said and crossed his arms. Tali turned again and face him. She rose and rested on her elbows as she looked at him. She seemed to eye him up and down with investigative eyes.
"True." Was all she said and then she slowly got out of the bed. "I feel like we need a break."
"A break? A break from what? We haven't had a mission in weeks since you have been recovering. Nevermind the days since you were cleared for duty." Zane said and quirked a brow again. Tali walked to him and wrapped her arms around his neck as she looked up at him.
"I don't mean downtime between missions. I mean a break, shore leave." Zane saw the pleading in her eyes but he didn't know what she wanted him to do.
"All personal. We will be stopping at Illium for extended shore leave." Shepard said over the intercom. Zane immediately saw the excitement in Tali's eyes.
"Ta da?" He said with a confused smile.
"Bosh'tet."
"Yes, but I am your bosh'tet." He said and held her by the hips gently.
"Believe it." Tali replied and then she broke away and left the room.
When she left, Zane immediately went to his vidscreen and input a code followed by another code. In a few moments, an Asari woman stood before him even though she couldn't see him.
He knew this woman, it was the greeter of Nos Astra. The very same one that decided to try and flirt with him. If only she knew that he was her boss.
"Dreamer." He said in a monotone voice. She stood straighter but she still retained her "cute girl" aura about her. It was integral to her being it seemed and was as much her as her species was.
"Yes, Harbinger?" She asked in a sultry lace tone and with a cheeky smile. He visibly rolled his eyes that she couldn't see.
"Report on the Broker or Shadow Broker." He got to the point quickly. Shepard wouldn't just go to Illium unless he had a reason.
"Yes Sir. The Broker has successfully taken out the..." Zane stopped her and continued before she recalled everything he already knew.
"I know Nyxeris is gone. Anything recent?"
"Err...yes! She has gotten anxious, more so than usual. She recently got something in her personal email account I wasn't able to get a detailed report on it only that it came from the Commander." The Asari spoke quickly and rattled off the info in her head.
"So, Shepard sent her something. What was it?"
"I see. Anything else?" The Asari searched her brain and then her omni-tool for anything else.
"Well the Shadow Broker is making moves in and around Illium but again, I have no details on those movements."
"That's a good thing actually. It means you are not finding more trouble."
"Whatever do you mean my Harbinger?" She asked while batting her eyes at him. He couldn't repress the chuckle.
"Anything else of importance going on Illium?"
"Well, a Spectre showed up and..."
"What!"
"Yes, Sir. An Asari actually, the name is…" She searched her omni-tool again. "Tela Vasir. Is that name of importance Sir?"
"Yes. That will be all Dreamer. Keep up the good work." And then he cut the link.
"So, we are going into the Lair of the Shadow Broker. Well, this should be fun." He thought with a smile. He had a special bone to pick with that prick.
…
He didn't think he would be doing this. He doubted it would ever even come up let alone actually happen. But this was pretty much his first date. Granted, he was waiting to be told to meet with Shepard to deal with the Shadow Broker but for the moment, Shepard just wanted to talk with Liara for a few minutes alone.
"Zane, you seem tense what's wrong?" Tali asked as she kicked his shin under the table.
"Nothing, just thinking."
"Oh, don't do that. You'll hurt yourself." Zane tried to keep a stoic face only for it to falter and then he cracked a smile.
"That just hurts my ego, Lady Zorah." He said with a smirk.
"Well someone has to do it. Ancestors know you're not going to." Tali winked again and smiled.
A cool breeze swept through the restaurant. Illium's climate was hot by default but at the poles could life thrive. And thanks to Nos Astra's heavily regulated society it was downright comfortable on the planet. If it wasn't for Nos Astra's less then savory contracts and large bills Zane might've even stayed on Nos Astra for more then business.
"So, what are you thinking about?" Tali asked.
"About Illium and how calm it is here." He replied. She looked around and he watched her. Even things as simple as looking around seemed to be graceful for her or he was easily amazed. They were probably both true.
"It's a beautiful night." She said and he tore his eyes from her and looked up and saw the stars shining in their brilliance.
"It is." Zane turned his focus back to her. "But its beauty is nothing compared to you." She rolled her eyes then giggled.
"Charmer." He gave a sheepish shrug. Their moment was cut short when Tali's omni-tool began to ring. "A damn it. It's the Fleet they've been trying to get ahold of me for a while. I've got to take this." Tali said with a mixture of anger and sadness in her voice.
"It's alright I'll still be here." Zane said and she gave a nod and left.
When she left the restaurant, Zane went to the bar and did what he did best when he was bored. Get information.
Matriarch Aethyta was on to him if the scowls were any indication. Was it because he once worked with Liara? Was it him working with Shepard who -until recently- worked with Cerberus? Or did she know he was the Harbinger? Or was he thinking too much into it? Any of those were a possibility.
The "bachelor" party was still as laughable as ever. Zane wasn't sure if the conversation was the same from the game – it had been so long since he played it at this point. But, he was fairly confident that the Turian and human both concocted the party for their own personal benefit.
And then came the real reason he was snooping. The Quarians in the establishment. The servant and the girl with her heart somewhat broken. He had to give Illium credit, they seemed to allow more Quarians then other places but it was more for their own gain rather than any real attempt to be be selfless. After all, they never allowed the Flotilla anywhere near the planet or the system's resources.
He first decided to help the servant. He casually walked up to the Asari and Quarian as they talked to each other. The confusion, frustration, and hopelessness of not knowing what was going to happen both echoed in their voices. He could relate to that, now more then ever. And like him they wished for an answer to drop into their laps. He would be that answer.
"Um excuse me ladies?" He asked timidly. Being overconfident may have the adverse effect of looking like a dick or worse and driving them away. They looked at him with curious eyes but not accusing ones. It was a start.
"Yes, how can we help you?" The Asari asked. The Quarian seemed to stare at him. He couldn't tell what the eyes held to them and he didn't want to read too far into them.
"Sorry, I overheard your conversation and came to ask if I heard correctly. Is this young lady having trouble with job opportunities?" He asked motioning to the slim Quarian.
"Yea it was my fault really. I made a few bad decisions and it caught up to me." She said.
"What she means to say is that she would be in a lot of debt if it weren't for me. But I misinterpreted a buyer." The Asari said.
"You mean the buyer has no intention in buying what the galaxy would call a slave?" Zane deduced and the Asari nodded. "What if I could help?"
"You mean get the Synthetic Insights rep to buy her? I don't know how you would do that." Zane chuckled.
"No, forget SI how about someone else?" Zane said and turned to the Quarian. "What is your name?"
"A… Aseen. Aseen'Pox nar Idenna sir." She replied.
"Sir? Hmph please call me Zane. Now Aseen what do you do? What talents do you have?"
"I'm good with numbers, banking and monetary issues are easy for me to solve unless luck is involved then well you see where that got me. I am also a Quarian."
"Does that mean you can sing really well? I noticed Quarians have great voices."
Her body language indicated heavy embarrassment and she turn her face away but still had an eye on him. Zane chuckled. "Not exactly, I am good at fixing things." She finally said.
"Aseen, do you want to be bought by a company that will only use you to further their own gain and then as soon as your servitude is up you are back to between jobs? Or do you want to help the galaxy? Become a part of something with people that you can rely on and rely on you? The first is easier and not as life threatening as the second. And I can make either one become reality. You need only tell me which you prefer." Zane asked the Asari went to speak but Zane snapped his fingers loudly causing her to stop.
"What are you asking from the second option?" Aseen asked.
"To join the Organization. I can guarantee you that you will not be in violation of your contract and if things need to be changed we can get it figured out." He said.
"But…" The Asari tried to cut in again.
"Ma'am let the lady make her choice. I assure you no laws will be broken." Zane said sternly.
"I choose the Organization. Your people have helped us more than hurt us. And the man in charge of the Alerai was brought to justice yes?"
"You heard about Egos? Yes, I was there he has been branded and will not be heard from for a very long time."
"Then I choose your people." She said.
"Then it will be done. Go to this location with your contract and present it to Rook Alexus. Tell him THOS sent you. If he questions you, tell him you walk in defiance and wish to serve all. You are walking a dangerous path Aseen and it is a thankless job you know that?"
"It will be worth it." She said her excitement building with each moment of breath.
"Then I will be the first to greet you as a sister of our Organization." Zane said and, in her excitement, she hugged him tightly.
"Thank you!"
"Peace be with you Aseen'Pox nar Idenna." He said as she parted with the Asari following close behind mumbling to herself.
Zane looked across the room and saw the other Quarian sitting at a table talking to a Turian. Zane casually walked to an adjacent wall and kept his ear pressed to hear what the conversation was about.
"Human scum. He clearly didn't respect you why did you even date him?" The Turian asked.
"He wasn't all bad Titus. He made me laugh and stuff. He was just uneducated was all." The Quarian replied in a caring tone. Did she really care for her human? Zane wasn't sure why, but he didn't get that impression from the game. If anything, he figured both parties just wanted a good time and the human wanted to see what a Quarian looked under the suit.
And after his recent experience, the human couldn't be blamed for it.
"Pfft, you deserve someone who knows you Mia. Not some dimwit human." The Turian spat. Zane had to stifle a chuckle. This Turian was trying to get more than some tail. He wanted to make sure the lady didn't dare think of another human ever again.
Zane began to grin. "Got to burst that bubble."
"Oh, I don't know about…" Mia began.
"Sorry, ma'am couldn't help but overhear you. Having trouble with my species?" He said and could feel the Turian glaring at him. Zane ignored him as he leaned against the low wall and looked into the woman's eyes.
"Sorry human but this doesn't concern you." The Turian said. Zane chose to ignore him further and the lady didn't seem to agree with Titus. Or at least she didn't ask Zane to walk away.
"Well, kind of. I'm sorry what was your name?" She asked.
"Oh, where are my manners? Zane at your service Miss…?"
"Miatala friends call me Mia." She said. Hand outstretched which Zane took in a gentle shake.
"Just Mia? No ship name?" She seemed surprised by his question.
"Oh, Miatala'Lyxn nar Emon." She stuttered.
"So, you're on pilgrimage? How is that going?"
"You ask a lot of questions human." The Turian said.
"Titus…" Mia began.
"Well as I said I have been overhearing. And as she said her previous human encounter wasn't educated. I am educating myself." He said with a side grin.
"My pilgrimage is going well enough. Came to Illium hoping the high tech here would lead me to find a great find in science and technology. Something to help the Fleet. No such luck yet but I'm hopeful." She said and Zane got the impression she enjoyed her job or her current living conditions plus he didn't know any skills she had and didn't offer to bring her into the Organization. Even though she was Quarian and was probably good at fixing things.
"So, as I understand it your last date didn't go so well?"
"Yea. He seemed interested in other things." She trailed, and he nodded in understanding.
"Hm, some people are just so two-dimensional." Zane said as they began to talk. The Turian's frustration being ignored by Mia but Zane relished in it. He wasn't going to get this involved but then Titus had to make the "human scum" comment.
…
Tali walked back in with toes jumping on their own the news she had just received was a once in a lifetime offer. But she had to think about it. Get Zane's take, get Shepard's take and all of her friends' input. It would be a big change.
She saw in the middle of the plaza Zane leaning over a low wall talking to another female Quarian. She seemed to enjoy the talk and the Turian across from her did not.
"What is he doing?" She thought and approached slowly.
"See, that just isn't right. That guy wasn't right for you. You need someone who not only respects you but lets you vent. Lets your brain and passions run wild. Someone to stimulate your desires not just make you want to act on them. Not some guy who's clearly in it for themselves. Try it again. Don't let one bad apple ruin the tree. Find a good apple" He said and Tali began to narrow her eyes.
"Is he flirting?!" She thought but didn't act hastily.
"Well are you, as you say, a good apple?" The woman asked and Tali waited to hear what Zane said.
"What?!" The Turian exclaimed in surprise and anger. Zane laughed and looked around and saw Tali. He had a smile on his face and remained looking at her when he replied.
"I don't know. But she seems to think so." He said and gestured to her. Tali walked up slowly as the other two looked at her.
"Zane, are you getting into trouble?" She asked when her fear of him finding another partner faded.
"Me in trouble? You know me Tali I never get in trouble."
"Uh huh." She said as he wrapped an arm around her. The female Quarian seemed initially sadden by her showing up but then she grew…happier.
"Well, I can say that you have willed me to try again Zane." She said with a small nod then looked at Tali. "You have a good one Tali. Don't lose him."
"Very little chance of that happening." Tali said and slyly pinched Zane where the girl couldn't see.
"Higher chance I'll lose her." Zane chuckled and the girl laughed before leaving.
"You damn…" The Turian began.
"Get up and leave Titus. You are no better than her last date. You had no interest in her only in what she would represent. A trophy to be won. An accolade to your friends so you can say you saw a Quarian under the suit. Fuck off." Zane's eyes were stern and angered. But the Turian eventually did as told.
"Do I want to know?" Tali asked.
"What? Oh, that? It was nothing. Me just playing matchmaker." He said with a smile.
"Yes, because you are an expert in that field. With your one date and one girlfriend." Tali said with a smile that she knew he couldn't see yet knew he could feel it
"Well, I got it where it counted. Success rate at one-hundred percent. Can't beat those odds."
"You're horrible." She chuckled. He gave her a tight hug.
"But I'm yours so what does that make you?"
"Horribly screwed." Zane bellowed at the reply as they sat at their table again. Her paste still there and his drink remained but this time had been refilled. He seemed to really enjoy Asari soda. Said it tingled his tongue.
"Ah… sorry. Anyways, what was your call about?" He said and took a sip of the soda. The blue liquid had a pleasant aroma but she ignored it.
"The Admiralty Board contacted me. With my father's… passing. There is an opening and after much deliberation, I have been chosen as a prime candidate." She said, and Zane nearly coughed up his drink.
"That's great news Tali. I'm proud of you." He said with a huge smile on his face. "What are the steps?"
"I'll have to return to the Fleet as soon as possible and essentially debate for my spot on the Board to the Board. I'm just unsure if I should. I mean I know it would help you out and the Organization but…" She began, and Zane's hand squeezed her own.
"Hey, don't do this for me. Do this because you want to. Because you would be good at it. Because you'll enjoy it." Zane nearly pleaded. He seemed saddened that she would join the Board for him. Never mind the honor it would be for her.
"But you said you were…"
"Tali, I can make do with the Admirals just fine. I know how to play the political game. I don't want my position or who I am to ever affect the decisions you make. Or to make you miserable or feel like you need to make a decision against your desires. I cannot be and will not be okay with that. Everything you do, you do because you can do it, because you are good at it, or you want to do it. I don't want to be in that equation. You understand?" He asked with hopeful eyes.
She smiled at him and felt at ease with that being said. For so long she had made her decisions to impress and to catch the attention of her father or to make his life easier. It was nice to know Zane wasn't like that.
She moved beside him and hugged him tightly. "Thank you for saying that." She said.
"No problem. My mate." He chuckled. She grinned.
"Bosh'tet." Was all she said.
…
They talked for another hour before their omni-tools went off in unison. It was a message from Shepard.
"Meet at these coordinates." Was all he said before the message ended. It sounded urgent and he had the sound of determination.
"Vacation over." Zane said before paying for the food and drinks then leaving. He flipped his hood and mask as he left the bar. Then he scanned a wall that phased out revealing their weapons.
"You were expecting this?" Tali said as she grabbed her shotgun. She had questioned him about placing her shotgun in the hiding place.
"Yep." He said as his rifle magnetized to his shoulder.
"What is it then?"
"We are going after my old boss." He said with a grin. Her eyes widened in surprise with she realized who he was talking about.