There was a certain weight in the central meeting area of the Rayya. Even as Tali and the others went around, asking locals what this trial could be about beside the vague issue with Treason and something relating to her father, there was really no coherence, no normal answer. Something felt off and, going by the fact it was the Admiralty Board asking to make this trial public, it was scary.
The Quarian girl breathed a heavy sigh as she walked away from a group of former co-workers. Permanent farmers on the Liveship that grew the foodstuffs needed to keep their ships going. Tali had worked with them on Farm 12 back when she was a young girl and her father wasn't dragging her into his research projects.
To put it simply, no answers from them, either. She breathed a sigh, shoulders sagging as her gaze swept the room. She felt a hand land on her shoulder and looked back to see Fred standing beside her. He asked, "Anything?" to which she shook her head, visibly disappointed. He told her, "I heard something happened on a research vessel."
"So, what we knew already," Tali mumbled, "Thank you for trying."
"We're squadmates," The Spartan replied, "We have each-other's backs," and he saw her face morph into a smile behind the opaque visor of her mask. She nodded, but both paused as they saw Chief, Johnson and Anakin approach.
"We got nothin' more than what we already know," Johnson stated, arms crossed to his chest. He added, "Someone's keepin' things way too close to their chest for my liking. Most concernin' issue is the Alarei, though. Heard from Admiral Raan that they ain't answering calls right now," and he saw Tali visibly perk up, concern written all in her shining eyes.
Anakin told her, "Calm. Nothing bad's happened just yet. For all we know, it's a com malfunction," before he looked over to the left, seeing a platoon of soldiers clad in Camouflage approach. The Knight of the Republic blinked, while Chief hummed. The familiar longer-snouted mask denoted a male Quarian leading the formation. One Chief recognized by the rank pins.
He snapped a salute and said, "Lieutenant Reegar, sir."
"Chief," Reegar replied in kind, "Don't you salute me. I've got enough to worry about with being promoted to CO rank for my platoon to have one of the people who saved my ass on Haestrom salute me," then he sighed deeply and looked at Tali. He saluted her, too, stating, "Ma'am… Wish we were meeting again under better circumstances."
"Likewise, Kal," Tali replied kindly, "Glad to see you finally got that promotion," and she chuckled when the man scoffed. He then looked at General Skywalker, whom he saluted quickly. Anakin nodded, saluting him back, then looked over at Johnson as he and Kal stepped off to prepare with the local Colonial presence.
Reegar, however, stopped, turned and said, "We'll all speak for you, ma'am! Don't worry!" before stepping off.
Shepard walked over to the group, crossing her arms and stating, "Well, I guess I missed the reunion with Sergeant Reegar," before walking up to Tali. She told them, "I've been able to talk to a few more people… Even met the guy we rescued back on Freedom's Progress. Veetor," and she jabbed a thumb back toward the wary young man.
Tali waved at Veetor, who waved back and seemed relatively happy and more relaxed to see her there. She told Shepard, "By the way, Shepard, it's 'Lieutenant' Reegar now," which garnered a smile out of the Commander. Anakin took a moment to take in the sights of the Rayya's wide meeting hall, sighing deeply as he stared at the podium in the middle and thought to himself just how unfortunate they were to have wound up here for a trial.
He'd have liked to join the UNSC and Colonials in talks with these people. Potentially to both learn more about the Quarian people as a whole to bring back home. He checked his com system as it pinged, then looked over att Ahsoka. She waved and walked over to him and the others, stating, "Well, bad news is nobody knows too much. Good news is I met a specific Admiral, Daro'Xen, who's willing to talk to us."
"Oh, I know Admiral Xen. She's… An eccentric one," Tali seemed a bit less than ecstatic to talk to Admiral Xen.
A female voice with a light, but sweet accent replied to that, "Oh, dear Tali, you hurt me with that reaction," as she walked over. It was a Quarian woman in an almost completely black bodysuit approached. She arranged the scarf over her shoulder, then stated, "Commander Shepard, General Skywalker and Blue Team… A pleasure."
"All ours, Admiral," Shepard nodded, a bit concerned as she crossed her arms, "Anything you're willing to share from the backrooms of this little sham?"
"I sadly have to assure you it isn't a sham, Commander," The woman replied in a deadpan. She waved to Tali, stating, "Tali has made a few mistakes along the way. The Alarei, which her father is currently on, has lost contact with the Flotilla the moment Tali's most recent unchecked Package arrived on board and we're in a deadlock about deciding whether to send in Marines. What we do know is that a half-second burst com connected to the rest of the fleet with incomplete Geth Code."
"That's impossible," Tali snapped, "I'd never send something dangerous to father, especially not something that could outright endanger the Fleet!"
Daro raised her hands defensively and said, "Calm down, Tali. I think most of us are aware of that… That doesn't absolve either of the Zorah family members from Suspicion, I'm afraid," before she crossed her arms again. She looked at a seemingly annoyed General Skywalker and a similarly annoyed Ahsoka and said, "We can't exactly try Rael when he isn't here, either…"
Chief answered, "We can take an away team to the Alarei right now, ma'am. Investigate it, bring back the details. When we find Tali's father, he should be able to explain everything,"
"I'm afraid I can't authorize that without the Admiralty Board's unanimous approval," She simply said, shrugging, then waved toward the Stand where people were starting to gather for the Trial and added, "But the trial's starting in the next few minutes. You can make your proposition there while you defend Tali's innocence."
She then cast a glance back as some staff from her own part of the Fleet, namely the Research Arm, walked away. She breathed a sigh, then told them, "Look… I fully believe Tali is innocent. I know what I said just now may not make it seem so, but something is off about whatever happened to Rael. You should know I trust both of you implicitly because I and your father work together."
"I know," Tali sighed deeply, "I just want to understand who wants me and him out of here?"
"Nobody exactly," Daro replied, then sighed and scoffed as she noticed the procession gather. She told her, "Good luck to the lot of you… We begin in five," before she turned and walked over to the Podium. She gave one last quick wink to Tali, seemingly aware of something the young woman and her friend group didn't know.
Regardless, they all took their places, with Anakin, Ahsoka and Shepard being right behind Tali. The Admiralty Board marched onto the top of the Podium, with Shala'Raan sat on the second level as one of the judges, despite the seeming fact that she was linked to the Zorah family rather directly through knowing Tali and her father up-close.
Around the formation were members of the Colonial representative group, including President Roslin, plus Helo, Garrus and Blue and Jester teams. The room grew mildly louder with quiet murmurs until Admiral Han'Gerrel, commander of the Heavy Fleet of the Quarian Flotilla, also known as the supreme commander of the military, greeted the Commander, Tali and the Generals with a respectful nod. They nodded back in kind.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated," Shala spoke, her voice slightly low as she watched the entire crowd, including the Colonials and other UNSC staff, gather around and sit themselves down. As Shepard, Tali, Anakin and Ahsoka took their place at the front, the Admiral spoke, "We shall now begin the trial of Tali'Zorah Vas Normandy…"
The change of name, probably initiated by Admiral Zaal'Koris, the man in charge of the Civilian Fleet, stunned Tali for a second. She whispered to herself, "... I guess they really do want me off…" as she rubbed her arm. Blue Team seemed to tense a little at the thought. They were worried for Fred's newest friend, too, with Cortana noticing it and chuckling a little…
"Not gonna happen," Ahsoka assured the girl quietly, gently giving her a tap on the shoulder.
"As we begin, let us remember the charges that have brought us all here. Tali'Zorah Vas Normandy," Admiral Daro'Xen began, though she didn't seem too pleased at Tali being stripped of her Ship name. She told the girl, "You stand accused of Treason of the highest order. Your actions and the actions of your father are believed to have endangered the lives of all those aboard the Migrant Fleet," but made sure everyone could hear it.
Roslin herself sighed. No ally of Shepard's could do harm to their people, she thought.
"Though some of us would say these claims are unsubstantiated," Zaal'Koris vas Qwib Qwib spoke next, looking at a couple of his comrades:Shala and Han'Gerrel. He continued, "There is enough evidence to bring us to deliberation here today. For that matter, we ask you, Tali'Zorah, has your Captain, Shepard, come today to argue for your innocence, or is she a bystander?"
"I'm here for Tali," Shepard replied brazenly, arms crossed to her chest. She then motioned to the two Knights of the Republic beside her and stated, "And I've brought forth two assistants on this matter, if the Admiralty Board and Conclave will permit their presence. Admirals, people of the Migrant Fleet, these are Generals Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker, Knights of the Galactic Republic and heroes of an ongoing conflict in one of the three Galaxies beyond the Waystation, as I'm sure madam President Roslin and her staff have said."
"Greetings, Quarian people," Ahsoka spoke, waving to everyone with a smirk. The people looked at the near-human Alien with confusion, watching her simply straighten her back, then look at the Admiralty, her smile never fading from behind her own armored glass visor. Though her breath was sort of fogging it up.
"We came here to show our solidarity with miss Tali'Zorah, a daughter of the Migrant Fleet like all of you. We hold doubts that these accusations hold any water. Quite the opposite, in fact. We find them baseless," Anakin then added, trying to channel a little of his old master's Sass for the scene. Seeing it fell flat for everyone save Ahsoka, who was now letting out a quiet laugh, he dropped it.
"Welcome aboard, then, Generals. And to the rest of Captain Shepard's crew," Shala greeted them once more, bowing to the group. Garrus, Blue and Jester Teams all nodded in greeting, though they remained stoically silent. Helo was there, arms crossed, but he nodded back, too, well aware now how it felt to be judged over something outside your control.
"Indeed. If you're here to defend the honor of one of your fellows, by all means," Zaal replied almost dismissively. Despite appearances, he thought to himself, he still cared deeply about the Zorahs. They were good people. Smart, hard-working and tough. Tali had, in fact, proven herself as a Quarian by taking things like the Research Mission on Haestrom. It, however, did not completely prove her innocence in this case.
"We are unanimous in that, then," Daro'Xen replied with a smile, "The Generals are welcome to aid captain Shepard in the defense of her crew," and she gave a gentle wave to the two. The two Knights bumped fists with one-another, smiling, then looked at Tali, trying to reassure her without speaking another word.
"Indeed," The other three Admirals bowed their heads in approval.
"Very well, then," Zaal replied formally, activating his Omni-Tool and stating, "The prosecution shall now call upon Tali'Zorah to answer a few questions," then he opened a screen on it. A few murmurs slipped between the ranks, both from the Normandy team members present and from the Colonials. Johnson hummed, tapping his foot impatiently as he thought of a cigar.
"I will answer them all honestly. Keelah Se'Lai," Tali replied, firm and proud.
"Keelah Se'Lai," The rest of the crowd of Quarians and even Shepard chanted. The Commander herself felt the presence of and gently turned her head to watch Roslin approach the stand with them, more-so to get a better view. It was honestly kind of endearing, Shepard thought, that the Colonials were also invested in this.
She greeted the woman respectfully, "Madam President."
"Commander. Concerned?" Roslin replied, smiling reassuringly at her, like a mother to a daughter.
"Maybe a little. I don't want Tali to be homeless," Shepard sighed deeply. She saw Tali cast a quick glance her way, then toward Fred. Shepard chuckled at that sight, but returned to being serious as she looked at President Roslin. Helo behind them gave Shepard a quick nod, then stepped off to take a com call.
"Understandable. Especially seeing how tight-knit they are…" Roslin herself added, then said, "Interesting that miss Tali'Zorah is so concerned over how Frederic is reacting to all of this," only to cast a glance back at the stoic Spartan, noticing a very faint movement of his hands. His left pinkie tapping his knuckles, specifically.
"Ha… I bet I kinda know why," Shep snorted, scratching her cheek.
"Doctor Halsey never mentioned her Supersoldiers were still human," The president joked.
"They are, ma'am… Maybe a bit more human than most," The Commander then mused, staring at the four Spartans as they began exchanging small-talk over their single-beam communications systems. She only knew they were doing that because Cortana had decided to bring up a small transcript via a window on the top-right corner of Shepard's HUD.
They were discussing… Escape routes…
Huh. Okay.
Turning back, Shepard listened to the Admirals' next question(having probably missed out on a couple. She heard Zaal'Koris ask Tali, "... Is it true that the ship you're currently serving on bears the markings of Cerberus, Tali'Zorah?" with just the faintest hint of hostility in his voice. Quiet murmurs began to circulate through the crowd…
Until Tali responded with "Yes," and caused the murmurs to turn into full-blown gasps and chatter. It all quietened down when Shala"Raan waved her hand, showing everyone to lower their volumes. The room went quiet again, obviously, letting the Admiralty continue the chatter with a strangely calm Tali'Zorah.
"And you're so nonchalant about admitting this? After what they did to us?" Daro'Xen almost wanted to laugh, bemused at how calm Tali was.
"I'm simply answering the questions I am asked truthfully, Admiral…" Tali clarified, then added upon that with, "Yes, the ship I serve on bears a Cerberus Signet, but that does not mean it is Cerberus," before looking back at Shepard, who was bouncing on her feet a little, waiting for her turn to speak her mind.
"I see…" Zaal hummed, then looked at Shepard and offered, "Captain Shepard? You seem to want to say something," with a relaxed tone. Shepard had saved people, no doubt about it. Some in the Citadel, too. Their people, on Pilgrimage on that damned Station. They'd been lucky that whatever had attacked, be it an actual ancient machine like the Reapers, or some new Geth Dreadnought, it was stopped by Shepard.
"I do, Admiral," Shepard replied respectfully, bowing her head. She continued, "With all due respect to the Quarian people, we're all well aware of what Cerberus has done. Tali, however, has no stakes in working with Cerberus. She's working under my command, not under the command of the Illusive Man and his staff."
"I see. Can you vouch for a fact that your goals aren't only human-oriented, then?" Zaal questioned. He still remained relaxed, but he was trying to point out a specific something or other in regards to it. Yes, Humanity was young, a new race among the stars and one that had been relatively friendly to the Quarians, but still.
It was clear, however, that the humans on board didn't really approve the inquiry, president Roslin herself frowning at the question while the Spartans visibly tensed, something which, for some reason, made Zaal's stomach drop. Regardless of that, the group waited for an answer. With Shala and Daro seemingly glaring at him.
"Objection, Admirals! I sent word to the fleet for them to know why I'm working with Shepard now!" Tali bellowed, indignant. That was a genuine personal attack on Shepard, more than anything. Cerberus's own human-centrist goals mattered very little in this discussion. Shepard's own were to save the entire Galaxy.
"Denied… Carry on," Admiral Gerrel sighed deeply.
"Can I vouch that my goals here aren't to help humanity?" Shepard repeated the question. She answered promptly, "No. Tali's helping us stop the Collectors from taking our people away, so it's obviously got humans at the center," and she watched Zaal seemingly get a bit full of himself. She huffed, then clarified, "That, however, doesn't mean it ain't in the Quarians' best interest for me to complete my mission, too."
"How so?" Shala'Raan inquired next, while Han listened intently and Daro chuckled, Zaal'Koris himself became quiet, listening in to see how Shepard could argue this.
"Think about it. The Collectors sweep in, steal our people. Thousands of them. All from colonies the Alliance can't directly protect," Shepard explained, crossing her arms to her chest. She shrugged, then gently waved toward the Quarians with one hand and asked, "What will they do once there's no more humans to take? Risk invading Alliance Space and triggering a military response from our naval forces, or go for other targets?
"Shepard, are you implying that you're also defending us from being attacked?" The Civilian admiral seemed a bit stunned at how bold the Commander was. It was honestly stunning, just how pumped humans got when going into nonsensical points. It was one of their worst habits, the man thought to himself.
"Tali is. She knows the Collectors won't stop…" Shepard stated, pointing at the Quarian. She continued, "And if they're working with the Reapers?"
"Irrelevant!" Koris replied, annoyed.
"If I can intervene, it isn't," Anakin added, crossing his arms to his chest. He looked and awaited approval, all while Zaal'Koris stared at the other Admirals, basically demanding quietly to throw this bit out. Daro really liked how this little showmanship trial was going, so she wanted to see it. She gave her nod of approval.
"Carried. Proceed, General, and explain," Han, who noticed Shala had also approved, stated.
"Commander Shepard continuously sends reports back to the Waystation in regards to her mission's progress. She's been keeping all three forces present there, the Republic's included, on her efforts and on the well-being of her crew," The man began explaining, all while the rest of the staff watched. Fives and the others nodded in approval.
He then continued, moving his hands behind his back and approaching the stand,"I've taken the liberty of reading files on the members and their previous missions and Tali's focus has always, always been protecting her people and returning to them,. The Reaper Sovereign was one of the greatest threats to this Galaxy and its people and she helped stop it."
"And I've been working with Tali for some time now. Maybe not as long as Shepard or Garrus, but I think I'm a good enough judge of character to state that she cares deeply for you all… If we're talking about irrelevant matters, however, Admiral Koris, let's talk about the fact she's on a Cerberus vessel," It was Ahsoka's turn… And she wasn't about to waste it.
She asked, "So, what? Despite the company's Xenophobia, Shepard has formed a crew of interstellar and intergalactic beings that has no ties, nor desire to work with them beyond this operation. If you're worried that we'd follow an order to attack the Flotilla, your concern is deeply unfounded and maybe even based in personal bias here."
"General, I'd very much like both sides to refrain from personal attacks," Shala herself requested, crossing her arms while Zaal'Koris huffed in disapproval. Heh. She hit a nerve, Ahsoka thought to herself, trying to conceal a smirk. Honestly, sort of deserved. For being the Civilian Fleet's leader, he was a bit too abrasive.
"Apologies, but I figured I should help general Skywalker clear up that bit, too," She did apologize, though.
"Understood. Regardless of Tali's reasoning, however," Daro'Xen intervened now, adding upon the issues. She told them all, "I must add that she has been sending strange packages back to the Alarei and to her father. Packages that skip the basic decontamination scans," and a few more murmurs echoed. Shepard and the others looked at Tali, who nodded, then sighed deeply.
"Packages which we don't get to investigate," Han offered, then looked over at Daro and told her, "I'd argue that's about as much your fault as it is Rael's, Daro. The Alarei is one of yours and you both are Special Projects," before he pointed at her. Zaal let out a singular, strained 'ha', as he crossed his arms to his chest.
"I don't deny that, but not even I know the contents of those packages. I can only speculate," The Admiral of the research division replied, shrugging. To note, she was not trying to throw Tali under the proverbial bus. She was very much trying to shift focus to the Alarei, which, as far as she knew, contained the necessary evidence to free Tali.
"And with the burst transmission of strange, heavily modified Geth Code? Nobody knows what's going on over there," Zaal'Koris added yet more fuel to the fire. Tali herself seemed to be extremely tense at the mentions of the ship's name. She seemed worried, even. Perhaps for her father and the crew on board. And she was…
"Before we delve any further into the Alarei's mystery, we should call a few witnesses to the Stand. I already have two lined up," Han'Gerrel offered, then looked at the Commander and asked, "If that's fine with you, Shepard," as he activated his own Omni-Tool again, checking stuff over, such as the guest of honor.
"By all means," Shepard nodded.
"First witness:Veetor'Nara. Please, come to the stand," Zaal'Koris stated. The group turned toward Veetor, the young Quarian they'd saved the life of on Freedom's Progress. As the shy Quarian stepped forward, shivering a bit, Zaal asked him, "Do you swear to only tell the truth, in the name of and for the sake of the Flotilla and the Homeworld?"
"Y-Yes…" The boy stuttered out.
"Very well. Is it true that you were on your Pilgrimage when you went missing?" Koris began with the hard questions, causing the group to pause and a couple to wince. Roslin wasn't sure if Zaal'Koris had gotten any formal training in dealing with people who were victims of any sort of Post-Traumatic issues. She had barely gotten some, but still…
"Yes… On Freedom's Progress, a human Colony," Veetor replied awkwardly. Tali had seen to Veetor's treatment before she was sent to Haestrom with Kal's squad. He'd nearly died to the infection and was obviously still recovering from it. This was a waste of time, or worse, could prove dangerous for the poor guy.
"And why were you on a human world?" Admiral Koris inquired next.
"W-Was learning about them. Attempting to help them, too, perhaps to bring home something they had in exchange for helping them set up…" Veetor replied, fiddling with his fingers. He seemed to stiffen up as memories of the people he'd met on Freedom's Progress came to him. The kind-hearted humans settled there…
"And what happened to Freedom's Progress?" Koris then asked, his voice growing sympathetic.
"... T-The… Collectors…" Veetor barely managed to utter, seemingly cowering. He told them, "They came. Took everyone. I-I hid… Sent a distress call… Then Tali and her team arrived," he looked at the girl. She gave him a nod of approval, having wanted to put a hand on his shoulder, tell him to relax. He was doing fine.
"I see… Anything else?"
"I was injured… Suit ruptured, but I lived. Then Commander Shepard and her team came. Cerberus-aligned, seemingly, but… Friendly. T-They helped Tali save my life," Veetor motioned to Shepard and her team, the Commander smiling a little behind her helmet's rebreather. She was glad to have helped.
"And you're certain the enemies you saw are Collectors?" Koris asked again, arms crossed to his chest.
"Yes. I even have the footage saved on my Omni-Tool," Veetor replied calmly.
"Hm. Very well," Koris shrugged. He really needed to keep up the part of the Bad Cop/Judge in this case, however, so…
"If they're trying to convict ya of something, ma'am, they ain't doing a very good job prosecuting," Fives whispered to Tali, causing her to giggle, though both of them knew there was gonna be a bit more to this case. Zaal'Koris was either doing this by someone's orders to play up the trial, or he really wanted her off the Fleet. Regardless.
"Obviously, one can take all of Veetor's statements at face value, however, let's remember something, ladies and gentlemen:He could've hallucinated everything about the Collectors. He was running a high fever when he got back home," The Admiral stated as he let Veetor walked off the stand. The young man seemed a bit defeated, casting an apologetic glance Tali's way. She waved it off.
"There it is," Fives sighed.
"Objection. He just said he has the footage to show, Admiral," Shepard protested the little issue. She swore, Zaal'Koris was either a coward, or he really wanted Tali out. Why the hell would they wanna throw Tali out this badly, though? There was no real reason beyond a political stunt, or a fall person for her Father…
"Then, by all means," Koris motioned to the man to show the images. Veetor did as asked, activating his Omni-Tool and displaying the images of the abductions across Freedom's Progress, the colony in the stone, on a large holographic screen, which shocked the crowds and seemed to cause Koris a bit of annoyance.
"Anyone wanna take a bet on what this is about?" Johnson whispered to the group, crossing his arms to his chest as Kal'Reegar approached. In the meantime, Cortana had gotten down to some business as per a message she sent to the Commander and Tali's Heads-Up Displays. She was checking Fleet Net for intel on the code.
"Somebody probably paid Zaal'Koris off… I'm next on the Stand. Hopefully word from one of the men Tali commanded's gonna carry some weight," Kal'Reegar offered, crossing his arms to his chest. The squad nodded to him, with Tali offering a fist for the man to bump. They were apparently old trainee friends.
"Godspeed, Lieutenant. God knows, I hate jury duty, much more witness crap like this," Johnson offered as he tapped his foot on the ground, impatient for a smoke. Blue Team seemed sympathetic to the man, while the Generals chuckled, watching him simply look around. Sure, it wasn't a big necessity, but he'd have appreciated having something to light right about now.
"Uh… Guys…?" Cortana finally piped up, her worry-filled voice causing everyone to tense up over the com. She told them, "We might wanna rush to the Alarei…" as she displayed the strip of code she'd retrieved from the ship's communication log. The Code did not look Geth whatsoever. Quite the opposite, in fact, it looked alien.
… Not just that, but she'd gotten a message from Zaal'Koris himself to them, aimed at military ships quarantining the Alarei.
"Roger…" Shepard mumbled as she saw Tali visibly tense, starting to nervously play with her fingers. She turned toward the Stand again as the members deliberated Veetor's images and prepared to call Kal up, then asked, "Members of the Admiralty Board. Can I request something before we bring in our next witness?"
"Certainly, Commander," Shala replied.
"I think we have a way to solve this without having to call Kal'Reegar to the stand and without pissing off everyone else. While I'm now aware that Admiral Koris requested the Alarei be destroyed," She requested, hearing members of the crowd gasp. She continued, "I ask you to allow me and my team to board it and bring forth Evidence that whatever packages Tali sent to the ship were not dangerous, nor do they pose a threat to the Fleet at large. If there is, however, a threat of any sort… We'll eliminate it under one condition."
"Go ahead," Daro asked, standing up.
"This entire Trial is over and Tali gets to keep her place as a member of the Fleet," Anakin rather obviously completed Shepard's incoming request. The group then watched the deliberations begin between the staff, all while Tali felt her heart in her throat as she waited for the verdict. Honestly, even if… No, they weren't guilty of anything.
Han'Gerrel turned about after a moment's talk, seemingly happy. He told them exactly what all the Admirals had decided, stating, "Very well. Motion approved," to which Tali and the others, sans the Spartans, breathed an immediate sigh of relief. That would at least deal with the outstanding issue of the Exile…
"Pending your investigation on the Alarei and bringing evidence to exonerate Tali, or destroying whatever threat has seemingly snuck aboard our Fleet, this Trial is adjourned. We will reconvene upon the Commander's and Tali's return. Commander, you and your selected team will be provided a Shuttle for the trip," Zaal'Koris, who seemed a little more happy to be free of this, ordered, tapping a button on his Omni-Tool. Discussions started as Shepard picked her team.
… Apparently the Generals were quite keen on seeing it all through. Clones, too. Blue Team elected to remain on board as guards for President Roslin.