Mass Effect Chronicles
By FeagenofLegends
New chapter!
Let me know what y'all think!
Chapter VII: Therum
Pilot's Seat- Normandy SR-1
2183.12.11- 01:20:00 GST
Alex was sitting beside Joker. "Joker, how close are we towards Therium?"
The pilot answered, "About forty clicks sir."
Alex gave his pilot a nod. He then activated the comm.
Tali. Wrex. Garrus. We are reaching Knossos. Meet me in the Armory.
Tali stopped fiddling with the engine, smirked and giggled, and activated her comm.
Alex would be the only one listening.
She giggled and imputed his number, I'll see you there.
Alexander felt his face redden. He blinked. "See you." He smiled, Tali's comm then went off.
Cargo Bay, Normandy SR-1
2183.12.11- 02:40:00 GST
Wrex suddenly got a wide grin on his face. You got it Shepard. Finally, some action! He then charged his shotgun.
Pilot's Seat- Normandy SR-1
2183.12.12- 02:50:00 GST
Alex then gave Joker a serious look as he looked out the window. "Let me know when we're are ready to land Joker."
The bearded pilot gave him a nod. "Aye aye sir." Alex saluted the man and then walked towards the Armory.
Armory- Normandy SR-1
2183.12.12- 03:00:00 GST
Alex stared at the many guns on the wall with his hands behind his back. He rubbed at his eyes. The visions from the beacon had been replayed in his mind over and over again like a recurring nightmare. He then took in a deep breath in and out. I've got this. I've got this. Breathe. Tali tilted her head at him frowning, "Something wrong Alex? You don't look well." Alex turned to her and shook his head. "I'm fine. Just had trouble sleeping last night." She blinked and eyed him worriedly. "Nightmares?" He nodded rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Yes. Of the night the batarian slavers killed my father." She blinked, "Your father…was killed by batarians?" He turned to her and nodded, "My parents were both on duty that night. They were Alliance soldiers. The batarian slavers attacked the colony we were living on at the time. It was…a massacre. People died. Others were enslaved. I've never forgotten those moments. My father…died giving us time to escape." He scowled, "Hence why I enlisted in the Alliance military. I vowed to become a Alliance soldier to protect the weak and the innocent. To protect my people." Tali just smiled with admiration in her eyes. "I can relate to your pain…in a way." She then took his hands into her own and growled "When the geth took our homeworld from us…we lost everything as a people…as a culture. It took us years to rebuild our lives. We endeavor to take back Rannoch from the geth one day."
Alex just nodded. Truth be told…he had his own theories on the reasons for the geth rebellion. He understood things from both sides. On one end…the quarian people were forced from their home. On the other…they had essentially created life and tried to subjugate it once it became sentient. He couldn't say he totally agreed with Tali's position but he knew it was a contentious issue. He took her hands into his own. "I believe you will one day."
She smiled,. "I love you."
He smiled back, "I love you."
Garrus then walked up to the couple. He suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Shepard! Tali!"
The two turned to him and gasped quickly separating their hands.
Alex just blinked as he started to stutter, "G-Garrus."
Tali immediately blinked as her face turned red. "Garrus!"
Garrus's mandibles twitched in awe. He took a few steps forward. He then laughed as he continued to walk towards them. He spoke in a teasing tone. His eyes fell on Alex. "You know Shepard. I have to say I'm surprised. Most humans go for asari. More to work with that way."
Alexander just went quiet and just glared at him. Why now? Why now of all places? Alexander sighed as he glared at the turian, speaking in a cold and authoritative tone, "Vakarian. For your sake...I would strongly advise you to keep quiet. Pretend you didn't see us…unless you don't going back to C-Sec and their red tape operations."
Garrus chuckled, "Heh. That supposed to be a threat?" Alexander glared back at him, "You saw what happened with Pressly. I don't make threats. I make guarantees. Go ahead and try me." Garrus Vakarian just nodded, "Heh. You are serious aren't you?" Garrus shrugged, "No need to worry Commander. I'm not going to tell anyone. The way I see it…you and Tali are comrades. Where I come from…comrades watch each other's back. My lips are sealed."
Alex and Tali both stared at each other for a moment and then back at Garrus. Tali's demeanor instantly changed as she beamed at Garrus. For a turian…he isn't so bad. She brightened and chirped, "Thank you Garrus! We greatly appreciate your discretion!"
Alex then blinked but nodded. "I-Indeed."
Garrus then waved them off. "Ah don't worry about it." Wrex and Kaidan then walked up to the three of them.
Kaidan saluted the Commander. "Here as requested sir."
Wrex crossed his arms and grinned. "Ready to go Shepard." Alex then put on his helmet. "Then let us go. Fall in behind me."
Therium, Knossos System, Artemus Tau Cluster
2183.12.12-:03:20:00 GST
The Normandy SR-1 dropped off Alex Shepard and his crew of three in the Mako M-35 onto the planet's surface.
Alex was at the driving controls maneuvering the Mako.
Garrus was at the gunner's seat.
Wrex and Tali were both sitting in their seats.
But Wrex took up two seats due to his wider frame. The krogan was currently grumbling to himself. He eyed Shepard for a moment. "Y'know Shepard." He said in his low growl. "The next time you need me for a mission…I would like for the seats to be more krogan friendly."
Alex looked back and nodded at the krogan smirking, "I will take that into consideration Wrex."
Wrex, meanwhile, let out a frustrated grunt as he crossed his arms. Can't wait until we disembark this damn thing.
Kaidan, meanwhile, sat comfortably in his seat and shrugged. "Ready to go sir."
Alex then resumed driving. As he looked on, he spotted a geth drop ship. It dropped off a geth rocket trooper, a geth armature and a geth trooper. He shouted out to Garrus. "Garrus, there are geth ahead. Prepare to fire."
Garrus responded back with fierceness. "Yes Commander!"
The turian aimed the 135-millimeter cannon as Alex moved closer in range.
As the armature started to fire, Garrus blasted away with the cannon.
It hit the armature head on. This caused the armature to fizzle out and collapse to the ground. It then let out a dying noise as it careened to the ground.
Alex let out a small chuckle, "Not bad Valkarian. You got him right on the nose."
Garrus then grinned to himself. "I didn't ace the Master Accuracy class for nothing Shepard." Alex then gave him a nod.
Therium, Knossos System, Artemus Tau Cluster
Alex and his squad had been driving through Therium for a while now. Lots of dead geth troopers, geth rocket troopers and armatures dotted their path. But thanks to Shepard's expert driving and Garrus's expert marksmanship, the crew had managed to survive. They came upon a large fortress that seemed to be heavily defended. Rocket turrets starting blasting away at the Mako.
Geth rocket troopers and troopers were also blasting away with their weapons.
Alex was struggling to stay out of their line of fire.
Garrus called out to him. "Commander, we need to find another way in!"
Alex shouted back, "I know!"
Suddenly he spotted it. A small rock crevace wide enough for the Mako to fit in. There's the path we need! He suddenly jerked the Mako around until it was on its front.
This caused Garrus to almost fall out of the gun emplacement. Damn it! Shepard! Be careful! Garrus managed to hold on for dear life.
It also threw Wrex out of his seat and onto the floor of the Mako. Grrr! Shepard!
Tali almost fell out of hers as well. Keelah Alex!
Alex then gunned the Mako's engine and headed for the crevice. He could feel the sweat on his brow. Come on!
The Mako managed to fit through.
Alex then brought it a stop. He turned back to his crew. "Is everyone alright? Sorry I didn't have a lot of options available. Tali let out a groan as she pulled herself back up, "I-I'm fine Shepard. Just please be a little more careful next time." Alex gave her a nod. "I hear you Tali."
Wrex managed to get himself back to his feet. There was anger in his tone. "Yeah! Seconded! I don't like being thrown around! You'd do well to remember that Shepard! Garrus managed to stabilize both himself and the gun. Cannot believe I'm agreeing with a damn krogan! "Hear hear!" Kaidan just nodded with a groan as he got to his feet. "I-I'd have to agree sir."
Alex gave them a nod of acknowledgement. He then started the Mako up again.
Garrus noticed two more rocket towers and blasted both to hell with the cannon. Then the squad came up on an isolated area.
The geth in the area immediately fired upon the Mako. Alex turned to the crew. "Everyone out! Take cover behind the Mako!"
Alex and the squad quickly disembarked the Mako M-35. He and his squad managed to find cover behind some large manufacturing boxes.
Wrex charged up his shotgun and activated his biotic armor. He then let out a battle cry and shotgunned about three geth troopers before using his biotics to push away a third. That one crashed into a wall and fell to pieces.
Alex began sniping away with his brand new HMWSR IV, taking cover behind a crate.
It was one of the new Spectre guns he had bought with his new salary provided to him by the Council. It was far more powerful and reliable than his old Avenger I. It had a longer rate of fire, extended sights and a longer clip. He sniped one in the head and another in the chest.
Garrus was blasting way with his trusty Lancer I. He hit three troopers with it. They all croaked in an instant.
Tali pulled out her pistol and blasted away at one. She then used her omni-tool to hack the other and shut it down. It fell to the ground in a heap. Its flashlight head shut off.
Kaidan, meanwhile used his biotics to hit three of them with an empty container.
The heat of gunfire soon died down.
Alex then activated his comms. "Squad on me!"
Wrex, Tali and Garrus then all moved to form up behind him.
Garrus spoke first, "This place seems to be empty Shepard. We've encountered no one here but the geth. Are we sure the doctor is here? What if she is on another planet?"
Alex shook his head at the turian. "Impossible! None of the other planets were available for landings." He then eyed the two large buildings in front of them. He then then noticed two large doors on either side of each one. I wonder.
Therium, Knossos System, Artemus Tau Cluster
The Mako M-35 was currently going through a tunnel of some kind. A geth trooper and geth rocket trooper stood in its way.
\Alex made short work of both when he gunned the engine and ran the unfortunate machines over.
Both geth let out a cry as their bodies were grinded by the Mako's six wheels.
A ping suddenly appeared on his omni-tool. It seemed to be a distress signal of some kind. A woman's distressed voice was then heard.
Hello? This is Doctor Liara T'Soni. I'm currently trapped in the Prothean ruin. I am currently surrounded by a massive number of geth troopers. I am also trapped in a Prothean force field I need assistance.
Alex let out a relieved sigh. At least I am in the right place! He then gunned the engine and drove through the rest of the tunnel. As they left the tunnel, they spotted a facility in the distance. Two geth armatures appeared before them. They both began firing away with their cannons.
Alex dodged both projectiles using his expert driving skills. He called up to Garrus. "You know what to do Valkarian!"
Garrus's mandibles twitched in excitement "Yes sir!"
The turian then aimed the Mako's cannon at one geth armature and pulled the trigger.
The projectile hit the armature.
It fizzled out and fell on its side as its lightbulb head went out.
Garrus then shot the other one.
It made a dying noise and fell on its side.
Alex looked ahead and saw that the path ahead was sort of narrow. We won't be able to fit the Mako in there. He then turned back to his crew. "Prepare to disembark! We'll have to continue on foot!"
Wrex grumbled, "Finally! Some action!"
Alexander then parked the Mako M-35 near the rock formation.
Everyone ran out of the Mako M-35. Alex took the lead and led the team into the rock formation. He searched around with his sniper rifle and raised an eyebrow. No sign of any geth. This is suspicious. He turned back to his squad. "Be careful. They might be setting up an ambush."
Wrex let out a chuckle, "Let them try! I'll take them all down!"
Tali and Garrus both shook their head at the krogan.
Tali let out a sigh. What an idiot! He really wants to get himself killed!
Garrus let out a small dark chuckle. Krogans never change. Alex merely gave Wrex a nod. I hope he isn't planning on getting us killed!
Then, the squad immediately came under intense fire.
Alex spoke, "Get behind cover! They are firing from that far away tower!"
The squad then found cover began a group of large rocks. He then yelled at Garrus, "Garrus, you and I will take provide overwatch! Tali, Wrex and Kaidan you two try to take out as many as you can while finding cover!" Alex then aimed in on his sniper rifle and aimed for one of the geth snipers at the top of the tower. He then sniped the geth in the head. It dropped its rifle and fell from the tower.
Garrus aimed at a rocket trooper and shot him in the chest.
The bullet broke through shields and struck the geth in the chest. The rocket trooper let out a dying electronic croak and keeled over.
More of the remaining geth were running at the squad in full force.
With Alex and Garrus drawing most of the fire. Wrex drew out his shotgun, activated his biotic armor, and ran at the tower echoing a battle cry.
Tali started moving from cover to cover. She shot one geth trooper in the head with her pistol. She then pulled out her shotgun as three geth troopers closed in on her.
One knocked her to the ground with his rifle. It aimed his rifle at her. Tali gave the machine a glare. Oh no you don't bosh'tet! She then blasted him away with her shotgun. She then dropped her shotgun and activated her omni-blade. She slashed of the head of one geth and stabbed the other deep in its chest.
It slowly let out a dying croak as it fell to its knees. She gave it an intense glare. "For Rannoch." She then pulled her omni-blade from its chest and picked up her shotgun.
Wrex stomped on the head of one geth and shotgunned three others. He then grabbed a disarmed geth by its shoulders and headbutted it.
It fell to pieces. "This is what I'm talking about!"
Kaidan was using a combination of his biotics and his marksmanship to take out the enemy.
He managed to shoot three in the head and crushed the fourth with his biotics.
Alexander and Garrus,meanwhile, were sniping off geth as soon as they came within range of their rifles.
Alex finally shot the final one with a clean headshot. It fell to the ground in a heap. Alex then turned to Garrus. "C'mon Garrus, we need to rejoin Tali, Wrex and Kaidan down there!"
Alexander activated his comms. "Squad reform on me!"
They then regrouped with Wrex, Tali and Kaidan.
Wrex gave Shepard a wide grin. "I appreciate the workout Shepard. This was fun."
Alex then gave the krogan a bemused smile. "Glad you came along." Seriously can he stop grinning at me like that? It is a bit intimidating.
Alex let out a relieved sigh. He then eyed the entrance into the ruin.
Prothean Ruin, Therium, Knossos System, Artemis Tau Cluster
Commander Shepard and his squad went through the entrance into the ruin and were looking through the lower floor of the ruin.
Tali looked around the abandoned ruin. "Doesn't look like anyone is here Commander."
Alex gave her a nod. He then spotted the elevator. "Quick to the elevator! We need to get to the top floor."
It was a bit of a tight fit, but everyone managed to fit into the elevator. As the squad filled out of the elevator, Alex caught sight of Dr. T'soni.
The young asari archaeologist was suspended in a mass effect field. She locked eyes with the Commander. "Thank the Goddess! Someone heard my distress call!"
Alex gave her a confused look. Huh. She doesn't look dangerous. He motioned for his squad to lay down their weapons. He then turned his gaze towards hers. "Are you Liara T'soni? The daughter of Matriarch Benezia?"
The asari's eyes brightened at the man and she smiled with eager relief in her eyes. Someone heard my distress beacon! Good thing I brought that along! "Yes! I'm Dr. T'soni!" She then looked around at herself and sighed inwardly. "I was digging in this Prothean beacon when the geth attacked. I wanted to be in a safe place so I activated this Prothean security device to keep myself safe." Alex nodded. "I see." He then disengaged the seals on his helmet and shook his bangs loose. He then smiled. Tali felt herself swoon a bit as her face reddened. So handsome. Oh I could "My name is Alex Shepard. I'm a human Spectre who's looking to find information on the plans of a rogue Spectre named Saren. I was told you might have relevant information." Liara's eyes widened at the Commander. She felt herself blush. Wow. He's…handsome. She smiled at him. "I know of you. The first and only human who joined the exchange program between the Asari Republics and Systems Alliance. I-It's an honor to meet you Shepard! Word of your studies on asari culture has spread widely amongst my people. You're like a celebrity back on Thessia!"
Alex just chuckled, "Please you're giving me too much credit truly. I was just a humble scholar."
Tali felt a pang of jealousy as she glared at the asari. Hey you. There's only room for one alien woman in his life. That's me.
Alex then cleared his throat. "So how do we get you out of there?"
Liara continued, "There is a shutdown switch behind me. I don't know how you'll get up to me though."
Alex looked around and saw the mining laser. Maybe we can blast our way in. He called out to Tali. "Tali, can you hack that mining laser? We can use it to clear a path to the doctor."
Liara looked at him worriedly. Her lip trembled a bit. Losing an entire Prothean ruin to her was like a nightmare come true "Are you sure about that Commander? The laser might destabilize the ruin. It'll destroy the evidence that the Protheans were here."
Alex gave the doctor a rueful nod. " Yes. I'm sorry Dr. T'soni. We don't have a lot of options." He then turned to Tali.
She gave him an affirmative nod. "Where do you want to aim it Commander?" He noticed there was a bit of a terseness to her words. She seems upset I'll have to talk with her later. Alex responded, "At the ground underneath the field."
Tali nodded, hacked and activated the laser. She then aimed it at the ground underneath the field. A huge beam of energy cut through the rock wall underneath the field. It revealed a hidden elevator.
Alex took a deep breath. "Let's get to that elevator!" "It won't be long till this whole ruin collapses!"
They all quickly ran to the hidden elevator.
Alex activated it.
It sent them up.
He went to the shutdown console and began to deactivate it.
Wrex suddenly spoke, "Hold on a minute Shepard! How do we know the doctor is telling the truth? She's the Matriarch's daughter. She could be a sleeper agent for Saren."
Alex stopped inputing the code and looked up at Liara with a serious look in his eyes. "I'm trusting you to answer this honestly Liara! Are you allied with Saren?"
The asari glared a bit under his stare. "N-No I am not! I don't know why Benezia has joined up with Saren! I haven't spoken to her in years! I'd never align with that bastard! I came to dig up evidence on the Protheans. Nothing more."
Alex gave her a nod. Given her reaction to the question, she doesn't seem to be lying. "Alright! "I'm going to set you free!" He then deactivated the field.
Liara fell and managed to stay on her feet. She rubbed her wrists for a moment. The warm smile returned to her face. "Thank you, Commander! I owe you my life!"
Again…the asari woman's natural charm got to the human soldier. He felt himself blush as he noticed her beauty for a split second. He then closed his eyes and sighed taking in a breath. "You are welcome Doctor. Happy to be of assistance."
Liara smiled back at him as the ruin started to shake. Rocks started to fall from the ceiling. Liara then nodded to all of them "There's an elevator up here that will take us to the surface level of the ruin! Come with me!"
Alex and his squad then followed the doctor to the main elevator.
Liara activated it and they all started going up. She then eyed Alex with a perplexed look on her face. "Tell me Commander. Why would Saren want me? I do not understand."
Garrus piped up, "Perhaps its because you are a Prothean expert. He wants to find the Crucible. Capturing you would assist him with that goal."
Liara gave the turian a nod, "I suppose that makes sense."
Suddenly, the elevator started to rumble a bit and the lights flickered.
Liara's eyes widened in fear. "The laser destabilized the ruin! We have to get out of here fast! Alex then activated his comms. Joker get the Normandy ready for pickup on the double! That's an order! He then heard the pilot's voice. Aye Commander. ETA is eight minutes.
Wrex let out a grumble. "If I die in here, I'll kill him."
The elevator finally reached the surface floor.
Unfortunately, the small group had company.
It consisted of a krogan mercernary and four geth troopers.
The krogan battlemaster then spoke, "Thanks for getting the doctor out of that security field Commander! Hand her over! Saren wants her!"
Liara narrowed her eyes at the krogan. Her biotics activated as a blue aura enveloped her body. "I am not going anywhere with you!"
Alexander then pulled out his HMWSR III pistol and aimed it at the krogan. "Sorry not going to happen." He then switched his target from the krogan battlemaster to one of the troopers and shot it in the flashlight head. It let out a dying croak and fell to the ground.
The krogan battlemaster let out a guffawed laugh. "I like how you think Commander!" He and the remaining geth troopers then ran to find some cover.
Alex turned to Wrex with a cold look. "Think you can take care of the krogan?"
Wrex gave the human a wide smile. "Of course! Fighting krogans is what I live for Shepard!"
He then let out a battle roar and ran headfirst at the other krogan. The two of them connected heads and started pushing back against one another
Alex let out a small chuckle. Knew Wrex would come in handy. He then turned to Tali, Garrus and Kaidan. "Eliminate the remaining geth quickly! We don't have time to play around!"
The quarian and turian readied their weapons. "Yes sir!"
They then went in to join the fight.
Alex let out a frustrated sigh. I must get everyone out safe! He then turned to Liara. "Can you fight?" She shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry Commander. I don't use my biotics for combat." Alex gave her a nod. "It's all right Doctor. Just stay behind me." Liara gave him a nod as she blushed. He's just as brave as the holonets say.
Prothean Ruin, Therium, Knossos System, Artemus Tau Cluster
The fight was a quick one.
Alex, Garrus, Tali and Kaidan made quick work of the three remaining geth.
Wrex, still engaged in battle with the other krogan, managed to throw him down to the ground. He pointed his shotgun at him and pulled the trigger.
The spread blew off the other krogan's head.
Wrex then let out a grunt. "Nothing personal."
Alex then spoke, "Alright let's get out of this ruin fast!"
As they sprinted towards the door, the whole place seemed to be falling apart.
The platform they were on began to crumble under their feet.
Liara almost lost her footing, but Garrus managed to catch her and dragged her along.
They managed to make it towards the exit and rushed out the door.
The Normandy was outside waiting for them.
Ashley and the others were motioning them over from the shuttle bay. Everyone managed to get on the ship.
Joker let out a sigh of relief. Thank God we got here in time! He then jumpstarted the Normandy's engines and blasted from the planet before it imploded on itself.
Normandy SR-1
Alex and most of his crew were sitting in the comm room. Joker's voice came over the intercom. I'd appreciate it if you would keep us from any more volcanic worlds or close calls Commander. They tend to fry our sensors and damage our hull. Just thought I'd let you know. The sarcasm in his tone was evident.
Alex, unarmored, let out a frustrated sigh and shook his head sadly.
Liara spoke with an outraged tone, "We almost died out there and your pilot is making jokes?" Alex crossed his arms and gave her a rueful sigh. "Humans have a tendency to make light of death-defying situations. I promise you will get used to it."
Liara's eyes widened a bit, "I-I see. I apologize Commander. I don't have a lot of experiences with your species."
Alex then shook his head at her with a small smile. "Don't worry about it Liara! I felt the same way when I was studying on Thessia years ago. You'll get used to being around humans. Trust me."
Liara felt herself go red a bit. He is quite charming and handsome for a human. "R-Right."
Alex then spoke, "So I hear you've been studying the Protheans for fifty years. Is there anything you can tell me? Do you know why Saren wants the Conduit?"
Liara get out a frustrated sigh, "I'm afraid I can't tell you anymore than you already know." "Finding evidence or artifacts of Prothean origin is difficult work. I've found trinkets here and there, but I'm in the dark."
Alex let out a disappointed sigh, "I see." He continued, "Well at the very least, you are safe from Saren. Consider yourself part of the crew from now on."
Liara gave him a nod and smiled "Thank you again Commander! I don't know what I would have done if you and your team hadn't shown up to rescue me from those geth."
Alex gave her a nod. "Actually, I do have something you might find interesting. On the mission in Eden Prime, my mind connected with a Prothean beacon. It relayed the destruction of the Prothean empire to me."
Liara's eyes widened in surprise. Her face immediately lit up. "Are you serious? You actually connected your mind with a Prothean beacon?"
Alex gave her a serious nod and shrugged. "I've lost enough sleep to those visions already." Liara's tone immediately changed to one of shock. She immediately cupped his face in her hands. "Commander, that is amazing! You must have quite the resilient mind. Most organic beings aren't able to handle the strain of the transfer."
Alex felt his face grow red. Damn it! What is about the touch of an asari that gets me so flustered? He uneasily removed her hands from his. "R-Right. I-I was hoping you would help me interpret it."
Liara then let out a startled gasp. She felt herself blush a bit. She realized the position her hands were in. What am I doing? She quickly removed them. "O-Of course!"
Tali felt a pang of jealousy. Really? She does tha t right in front of me. I'm his girlfriend! Tali then stared at her dextro-hands for a minute. I'm the only one who haas the right to hold him like that! Liara and Alex then rested her heads against one another. Liara spoke, "Close your eyes Shepard!" "Embrace eternity!" Liara's eyes suddenly went black. The vision was being transferred in her mind. By the Goddess! This a real Prothean vision! Visons of death and destruction! This is fascinating! I can barely hold the connection! She then separated her head from Shepard's.
Both took a moment to catch their breath.
Alex let out a small, yet awkward chuckle. "So did you see anything I missed?"
Liara shook her head mournfully. "It's a jumbled-up puzzle of memories. I'll need some time to sort it out."
Alex gave her a nod. "I understand."
Liara then suddenly felt a throbbing pain in her head. She grasped at it with a groan. "I'm sorry Shepard. The joining can be..exhausting.
Alex crossed his arms at her and gave her an understanding nod. "You should have Dr. Chakwas check you out. She's the Normandy's chief medical officer."
Liara gave him a confused look, "Where is she?"
Alex gave her a small smile. "She isn't far from the comm room."
He then stood up to address everyone else. "You are all dismissed." Kaidan then stood up. "Come with me Liara. I'll show you to the doctor.
Liara then gave the human biotic a grateful nod. "Thank you!"
The two then left the comm room. Alex let out a sigh of relief as things had calmed down. . "Garrus, Tali, and Wrex, I'll be calling you three in the captain's quarters soon to discuss your performance during the mission. Be ready." All three of them gave Shepard a nod.
Garrus and Tali both gave him a salute.
Wrex just grunted. Then, everyone began filling out of the room. Tali looked around to make sure no one was around to hear them. She then got up and tapped Alexander on the shoulder. He turned around. "Tali? What's up?"
She sighed, crossed her arms, looking at him with irritation in her eyes. Her tone was a mixture of hurt and bitterness. "Well well I see you were getting along well with Liara. Who knew you were so popular?" Alex blinked but then realized her meaning. He then looked around. Thankfully…no one was within earshot. He then grabbed her by the arms and smiled, "Hey. Come on now. You know it isn't like that. I'm a scientist by nature. She's a Prothean expert..that's all there is to it. I needed her help with the beacon. You know how important you are to me. I'm not interested in her. Same goes for the Ambassador." Tali blinked. She let out a sigh and melted a bit. "You promise you aren't? I'm still the most beautiful woman you've ever seen?" He then smiled crookedly. "Can you take off your mask so I can show you?"The flirtatious comment threw her off. She then quickly took off her mask and hood letting her hair down. He kissed her on the lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck. The two then pulled away. He smirked, "You believe me now?" She giggled as she embraced him melting into his arms. "I do now." She then put her mask and hood back on. Taking his hands into hers, she sighed mournfully. "I'm sorry. I..just…got jealous seeing Liara touch you like that. Seeing the two of you bond over science…this secret relationship of ours is not going to be as easy as I thought."
He nodded, "It will be difficult but I'm still willing to make it work if you are. I love you. I mean that."
She smiled back and nodded. "I love you too Alex. We'll find a way to make it work."
Joker's voice came over the comm.
Commander, the Council would like a word.
Alex let out a frustrated grunt. This will be fun. He then sighed as he squeezed Tali's hands one last time. "Sorry. Duty calls."
Tali nodded. He could see her smirk from under her helmet. She giggled. "It's alright. I'll..come by your cabin later. Have you ever seen Fleet and Flotilla? It's a vid about a quarian-turian romance." She smiled brightly as she blinked at him. "I was…hoping we could find some time to watch it together in your cabin. Maybe when we find some shore leave. We could…sneak away together. I plan to get snacks. You could bring drinks."
He chuckled with a grin. "Sounds like a plan. I'll call you up through your personal comm." She giggled, "Please do." She then hugged him one last time. "I'll see you later Alex. I love you." He hugged her back, "I love you too Tali." Tali then walked off towards the engine room. Alex sighed in relief he watched her. Okay. So she's the jealous type. I'll have to be cautious around Liara. That's fro sure. He then hit his comms on his omni-tool. "Patch them through to the Communcations Room Joker. I'll be right there." He then walked off to the Communications Room
Communications Room, Normandy SR-1
Three holograms of the asari, turian and salarian councilors suddenly appeared. Ambassador Sparatus gave the Commander a nod, "Commander, I take it the mission on Therium was a success?
Alex gave the turian ambassador a nod. "Yes, we've retrieved Dr. T'soni."
Ambassador Valern continued, "It has also come to my attention that you destroyed a Prothean ruin in the process." He narrowed his eyes at the human Spectre. "Was that necessary?"
Alex gave the salarian ambassador a nod. He had a stoic expression on his face. "It was unavoidable Ambassador. Firing the mining laser was the only way to reach the doctor."
The salarian ambassador merely gave Alex a nod. Ambassador Tevos then spoke next. Her tone was regal and cold. "We appreciate your time Commander. We will contact you if we find anything that assists you in your search for Saren."
Alex gave her a bow. "Yes of course Ambassador!"
The councilors then all signed off.
Alex let out a deep sigh. That went okay. Better than expected. He then walked to the captain's cabin.
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