My omnitool is beeping. I wonder who it can be? It can't be Jack. She calls me regularly but only when it doesn't conflict with her teaching schedule. I'm surprised how much progress she is making in so little time. Most people wisely take their time and very gradually do what is needed, however her desperation to be better caused her to be devoted, almost religiously. I warned her what she is doing affects her brain chemistry and is very easy to fall into cultish behavior, but she sounds ok. I wonder if she'll have the glow when I see her.

Who else could it be? I'm playing the guessing game with myself while the caller awaits. Best to create a precedent. I won't drop whatever I'm doing and immediately answer. Not like I am doing much. Thane is on a mission and can't make contact. Grunt is busy acclimating to TuChunka. I should probably answer. Huh. My omnitool says it is a joint call. Rann and SHEPARD! I immediately drop whatever I am doing an answer.

"SHEPARD! Is this what I think it is?" I ask.

He answers "Yes, it is. I'm sorry I haven't called sooner. Some unexpected things popped up which took me away. Admiral Rann, I am formally calling on behalf of the Alliance to request ********* and Tali for their support. I am enroute to the migrant fleet. I'm unsure exactly when. Avoiding the reapers makes travel very dangerous."

Rann replies "Greetings Commander Shepard. Ancestors, please bless his journey. I am sending you encrypted coordinates of our ship. Tali did tell you how to access the files and what do say when you arrive?"

Shepard says "Yes, she has. I have a long list of things we need to discuss but for now, *********, how are you and Tali?"

I answer "Things are going great between us. I feel so much closer to her now that I saw her home and how it shaped her, although to be honest I'm getting cabin fever and ready to head back out there."

Shepard asks "How was it living with the quarians?"

I answer "when they aren't giving me the middle finger, they are a nice bunch."

Rann lowers her head "I profusely apologize for their behavior. Even if you truly were a descendant of an exile, there is no excuse for their mistreatment of you. *********, thank you for keeping your composure. That must not have been easy."

"You have no idea the self-control I possess, just do not ever mistake my patience for weakness and we will be dandy. Shepard you look exhausted" I mention.

He replies "Don't worry about me. There are people dying on Earth right now. I'm doing ok compared to what they are going through."

"Understandable and I like the humble attitude, but other people suffering is not an excuse for neglecting your own health" I said.

"I'll try. Admiral Rann?" Shepard asks.

"Just Rann" she said.

Shepard asks "Rann, how has the Reaper war affected the quarians?"

She answers "The ancestors blessed us with fortune. While strife has increased somewhat, the migrant fleet is enduring very well compared to other races. Do humans need any supplies?"

Shepard says "Medigel, any spare raw materials, dextro food for Garrus. He is getting very low on supplies."

"I'll help him out. Can't let my turian buddy have an empty stomach" I said.

Shepard says "Thanks I'll let him now. Admir- Rann, I'd like to discuss an alliance with the migrant fleet while I am aboard."

Rann replies "I will notify the other Admirals of your arrival. To be clear, is this with the council or the new united races I've been hearing about?"

I ask "What?"

Shepard asks "You didn't know? The galactic government might be dividing. The council races have been focusing on protecting their own homeworlds and it has left the non-council races feeling abandoned. There are talks about the krogan, hanar, drell, elcor, humans, quarians, even the salarians forming a new intergalactic government, separate from the council."

Whoa. As much as I like dividing central powers, in the middle of a large-scale galaxy wide war is not the ideal time. Wait did he say krogan and salarians?

I ask "You really think the krogan will be happy working along the salarians?"

"The salarians claimed their ancestors who produced the genophage were strong armed by the asari into creating it. Alot has happened since you've been away, and I'll fill you in when you're back. Rann, I have to go. Please let Tali know I called. ********* I'll see you when I see you. Goodbye" he said.

I reply "See you soon Shep. I love you."

"I'm not falling for it this time" I see his mind is still as sharp as ever. Shepard disconnects.

Rann asks "Do human males typically end their calls that way?"

I answer "No I just like teasing him a bit. It helps him relieve stress. Rann I have a big favor to ask."

"What can I possibly do for you?" she asks.

I pull out Rael's bond necklace and show her. Rann audibly gasp. Frantically she says "Put that away. Where did you even get one of those?"

I answer "Rael gave me his. I couldn't believe it."

Rann stands up "He did? Oh, ancestors I can't believe Tali is establishing a bond."

"Whoa slow down. You know how much I love Tali. I can go on and on and on, but what exactly would be expected of me? Do I get down on one knee and ask her?"

Rann answers "Don't humans do that with a ring? Tali loves human romance movies so I know she'll want one. ********* you should know presenting that to her is asking for a permanent bondship. Under any circumstance do not let her see it unless you truly want to spend the rest of her life with her."

"Rann I want to spend eternity with her. This life and the next. Don't tell Tali that I'm worried it will scare her away. What should I do with this?" I ask.

"All that is required is finding somewhere private, show her and ask Tali to be your mate" she said.

"Well, that sounds incredibly basic. No romantic dinner, taking her to a fountain, riding a dragon into the hills? Rann to be perfectly honest, I feel guilty having this. I can feel how much Rael loved Tali's mom and I think he should be the one to have this. I can make a copy and keep that, but would you return the original to him while we are away?" I ask.

Rann replies "If he gave it to you, it means he thinks you should have it, although I do know how much he would miss that. Those are not the only reminders of our mates, but he'll secretly be overjoyed to have it back. Place it in my room and while you're there, in exchange for my silence, please refill the miniature refrigerator."

"Blackmail is unbecoming of an admiral" I said.

"Promise me you'll keep Tali safe" she said.

"I promise."

"Good. I need to speak with the admirals. I'll let Tali know Commander Shepard vas Normandy is arriving soon. Have a good day *********." Rann ends the call.

… I'm lucky to have a good possible future not mother-in-law. Let's see she isn't Tali's biological mom or even aunt but Tali thinks of her like one. Is an aunt-in-law a thing? I'll look it up later. Tali and I are going traveling. We'll need to pack. Let's see we'll need… NOTHING! Living light is awesome.

Shepard has arrived. To minimize the chance of bringing germ aboard the ship, we'll be stepping onto the Normandy. I said my goodbyes to Rael and even to Fanta. Rann is coming with us, and it sounds like she is becoming the quarian ambassador. Tali wishes she'd stay on the fleet but is happy a family member is tagging along. I ask what will happen to Rael given what he said to everyone in the public square. He told me not to worry about it. I'm secretly worried he's going to be imprisoned for the rest of his life and Tali will never see him again. I have no idea what will happen. Who knows he could become an exile. Rann said that is unlikely for an admiral. His position is in question right now. Tali is ready to be back aboard the Normandy, but she pulls me back before we board.

"Notice anything different about me?" My lovely quarian asks. God I hate this game. Time to pull out the time-honored sacred techniques.

"You changed your mask eye shape to look even sexier" I replied.

"No?" Tali said.

"You're thinner" I said

"No. Hold on really?" She said excitedly.

"Sweetheart, I love you more than I can express. Please in the name of the divine oscillations tell me what's different" I said feigning exhaustion.

Tali kicks her foot out and uses her hands to direct my attention. "I got new foot soles and fabric" she displays her new boots. Why does every woman I date care about that?

I turn around and laugh. I laugh for a good minute before my diaphragm starts to tire. Tali repeatedly asks what's so funny. I press my voice synthesizer to hers and say "I just love you so much."