Chapter 10
This time Tali woke to Jane softly nudging her shoulder.
"Gotta get up Tali, we're all expected in the conference center." She said. Tali sat up and yawned, stretching her arms back behind her, her chest jutting out. Jane tried with all of her might not to oggle the woman but she couldn't help herself. Tali wasn't overly well endowed, at the upper end of a B cup to Jane's estimation, but it wasn't a matter so much as how big they are as to whom they are attached.
"You ok there?" Tali asked, seeming oblivious to the awkward situation.
"I MADE SMOOTHIES!" she shouted, the shock of nearly having been discovered temporarily overriding her internal volume control.
"WOOOOOOOO!" Tali yelled, as she got up and raced into the apartment's kitchenette. She was relieved that the distraction had worked and that Tali was now nearly making out with a disposable container filled with what was to her the second greatest food in the universe (that milkshake was damn good.) Shepard smiled to herself as she buttoned on the top of her BDU and began lacing her boots. "We have to be quick, they start at 7:30 sharp." Jane said. Tali nodded an acknowledgment, thankfully one of the few benefits of being stuck in a suit is that dressing was a simple matter, drape a cowl over your head and you're done.
She discarded the container right as Shepard finished lacing her boots, they then turned the lights off and headed out. Their walk to the conference center was uneventful, civilians were milling around conducting their business as usual, occasionally stopping to offer a friendly greeting to the two. They finally made it to the center and looked around at who was there, the conference center was designed to hold tens of thousands but only a quarter of that would be in attendance today, since almost everything about the station was overengineered and could handle more than is needed. Because of this there were several groups of people seated separated by large amounts of unused chairs. All of the station's Quarians were in attendance, and her heart was warmed to see that they were dispersed equally amongst groups of humans. Tali and Shepard made their way over to where Ashley and Kaidan were seated.
"We miss anything?" She asked Kaidan.
"Nothing yet. I wonder why that ramp is there off to the left of the stage." he said, just noticing it as they arrived.
"Not sure, I wasn't aware of anyone with mobility problems being assigned to the station." Jane replied.
"Perhaps they're going to be demonstrating some heavy equipment?" Tali said, always eager to see new feats of engineering.
"Shh they're starting." Ash urged as the lights dimmed and Admiral Hackett stepped out.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, regardless of your presence here being mandatory, I'd still like to thank you for coming." this elicited chuckles throughout the crowd.
"We're here today to make a few announcements we felt were too imporant to make via daily briefing memos. Firstly, this afternoon at 1400 EST on Earth, it will be announced that the Systems Alliance of Humanity will be merging with the Quarian Migrant fleet effective immediately. Earth is now the home world to Three races, Humanity, the AI known as Rothschild, and The Quarian people."
The quarians in attendance, barring the Admirals who were sitting in the front row were caught completely off guard. Three centuries of exile, suffering, at times even starvation, all coming to an end. No longer would Quarian children face a lifetime of begging to survive, struggling to stay afloat in rickety, obsolete death traps. It wasn't Rannoch, but tomorrow morning, there were Quarians on Earth who would watch the sun rise over their new home.
The humans on the other hands were on their feet cheering, startling the Quarians next to them by grabbing them into hugs, some whose eyes were streaming with happy tears. Tali looked around, stunned, struggling to process what she'd just heard. She couldn't believe it until she was lifted effortlessly into the air by Shepard who had pulled her into a hug, the height difference resulted in her being lifted. Tali returned the hug, having grown used to the gesture, growing to love and desperately crave it, especially from Shepard.
"Wha.. What?" Tali said.
"You're stuck with us now, Tali!" Shepard said smiling, not caring about the tears streaming down her face.
"Shepard, I …. Huh?" Tali said. Shepard just smiled and squeezed the young engineer knowing in time it would sink in.
"I know you're all excited, but we have more to get through here." Admiral Hackett said, smiling himself. It took a few minutes but everyone eventually settled down.
"Transportation will be arranged for anyone wishing to visit their new homeworld, however we do hope that you return afterwards, in the short time we've been working together we've learned just how invaluable your skills are to us." He continued.
"Next on the agenda, over the coming months Arcturus station will be undergoing a major overhaul. We have learned from our new brothers and sisters that once the Citadel Council becomes aware of recent events, they will probably be sending a significant force to investigate what all the fuss is about, especially because from their perspective an entire spacefaring race has simply dropped off the face of the galaxy. We won't be seeking a military confrontation, but we must be prepared for one. The council apparently has a reputation for shooting first and asking questions later. To that end, Arcturus' already formidable defenses will be upgraded and increased. We're going to have a lot of work to do and we'll need all hands on deck." He said. He was answered with nods of acknowledgment from his audience.
"Next, I'd like to invite the Admiralty up to make the next announcements." He said, stepping aside as Rael pushed a hovering mobility chair, in which Tiga'Noran was seated, looking frail, her left hand shaking slightly. Behind them were Daro'Xen, Zaal'Korris, and Han'Gerrel. Before this they had agreed Zaal'Korris would speak for the Admiralty but they wanted to stand, and in Tiga's case sit by his side as he did this.
"Thank you, Admiral Hackett." Zaal started. "Humans, Quarians, Rothschild if you're here." He said.
"Right here Qwib-Qwib!" Rothschild said, sitting in the back one again assuming his leprechaun avatar. Zaal grumbled loud enough to be heard over the loudspeakers.
"As I was saying... My friends. This time a year ago, we were desperate, struggling to survive, slowly dying alone and frightened on our fleet. It was hard to see a future for Quarians. I admit, at times, I thought to advocate for a final, desperate, suicidal attack on Rannoch." He said. The room was silent, all eyes were on the Admiral.
"Then, we stumbled in a desperate attempt to find resources to scavenge through a dormant relay and found ourselves face to face with a heavily armed and defended Alien installation. Instead of tungsten and energy beams, we were greeted with open arms, hot food and shelter. Since our flight from Rannoch we have known only scorn, ridicule, and hardship, and now we stand side by side with a people who weren't just willing to help us, they welcomed us into their home and called us their brothers and sisters. This is something we will never forget. It cannot be said enough, but we'll never stop saying it. Thank you." Zaal said.
This prompted enthusiastic applause from all present, but the Admiral raised his hand to indicate he was not finished.
"We find ourselves welcomed onto a new home world, but more than that. We find ourselves within reach of regaining our old one." he said, earning him a stunned silence.
"Weeks ago, the Rothschild AI of his own volition, and without guidance from Prime Minister Shepard or the Quarian Admiralty, made meaningful contact... with the Geth." He said eliciting gasps from the quarians and confusion from most of the humans. He raised his hand again.
"We beg of you, please keep an open mind." He said. The rabble quieted slightly but soft conversation could still be heard.
"Over past few days we have negotiated what amounts to a truce with the Geth. We will not be allowed to return to Rannoch immediately, but the path to Quarians breathing the air of the home world is clear, we need only walk it." He said. Reactions were mixed, for the most part. Nobody shouted, or acted openly defiant, to do so in the presence of an Admiral was unthinkable, but it was obvious people were of differing opinions.
"I know it will take more time to digest this, but please, give this opportunity a chance. I'll turn the rest over to Admiral Rael'Zorah. "
Zaal'korris sat, unexpectedly exhausted by that short speech. His dream of peacefully returning to Rannoch was in sight, but he knew deep down it would be an uphill struggle. He only hoped the second chance given to his people by humanity would help them keep an open mind.
"Thank you Admiral Zaal'Korris. While we work together to shore up the defensive systems of the Arcturus station, we will also need ships and crews to operate them. To that end, any Quarians wishing to join the Alliance Military are welcome to do so. With the basic training given to Quarians before they leave for pilgrimage as well as the pilgrimage itself being similar to Human basic training, Quarian recruits will go through a shorter version so we expect turn around to be quick, three to five weeks in most cases. We warn you if you wish to volunteer for service, you will be expected to follow the orders of your Human commanders as though they were coming from Quarian commanders. The same training will be available to the quarians on this station starting tomorrow, and will be necessary along with official enlistment in order to access the deeper classified systems. Do not take this commitment lightly." He said.
"Engine and weapons specialists are in high demand, the humans are refitting the Migrant Fleet into capable warships with upgraded technology, and even with the repairs and refits they will require regular maintenance. See your residential superintendent for recruitment paperwork." He concluded.
"And finally, we have one last announcement." he said, his shoulders sagging slightly.
"Our beloved Admiral Tiga'Noran is close to the end of her life. After suffering a stroke following our introductory summit she has decided that the time to resign her commission has come. She has some words she'd like to share." He said, turning, to help Xen position Tiga'Noran's mobility chair to the front of the stage.
"Admiral Zorah is too kind. I've been "close to the end of my life" longer than most of you have been alive." She said, chuckles rumbled through the gathered people.
"I have seen so much pain, so much sadness. I have watched our people wither and struggle, and I was sure that when I died it would be onboard my beloved Duugah, an old burden stealing resources from the young." her age while hidden by her suit was very much less so by her voice.
"Now, thank the Ancestors, I have lived to see a bright future for the Quarian people. When I die, it won't be regret, misery and pain that I leave behind but a beautiful future for my loved ones both new and old. Now, it has long been Quarian tradition that a departing Admiral should be the one to appoint their successor. To that end, Captain Shala'Raan." She said. Tali Gasped next to Shepard and looked around seeing her aunt slowly rise to her feet.
"Yes, Admiral." She said.
"Come up here please sweetie." She said. Everyone laughed at that.
"Shala'Raan, have you been assigned a new ship name?"
"Well actually I've accepted a posting here on Arcturus station working with Admiral anderson to coordinate intergration between the Quarian and human tech and personnel." She said.
"Oh good then. Captain Shala'Raan Vas Arcturus. Do you accept the role of Admiral of the Quarian Migrant Fleet? Do you accept the rights, privileges, as well as the responsibilities and burdens of command?" She asked.
"I do." Shala said still clearly stunned.
"Then by the power vested in me by the Quarian Migrant Fleet, I hereby bestow upon you the rank of Admiral. I have one last order for you dear." She said.
"Of course." She said her voice growing hoarse.
"Be true to your people. This includes the Humans now, as well as that shifty Leprechaun over there." She snickered, only to be loudly cursed in Kheelish by the mischievous AI. " They are us now, as we are them. Don't let them squander this gift we have been given." Her voice weakining at the end.
"Of course Admiral. Thank you." She said, grasping the elderly Quarian's hand.
Shortly after, everyone filed out. The Admirals, including the newly minted and newly retired ones left first so they could board a jump ship, they were set to go through the same thing on Earth where Prime Minister Shepard was already waiting for them. Everyone then reported to their stations and continued their work though their minds were only half on it. With one speech, and soon another on Earth, The Alliance had become so much more than it had been. Some amongst both the Quarians and humans were none too pleased with this, as it happens there's always going to be traditionalists, but they seemed at first to be in the vast minority. For the most part after their shifts the station erupted into a giant block party, everyone celebrating late into the night.
On a larger scale, the same was true on Earth. The malcontents were silent, as they were in the vast minority, and Earth erupted into songs and chants of joy. This was no longer a matter of Humans being nice to Quarians, it was people being nice to people. The physical differences were the only ones that seemed to matter, as by day's end every Quarian was now an Alliance citizen.