Mass Effect: Devotion

Prologue

Location: Admiral Board Room, Aboard the Quarian Liveship Rayya.

Date: Jan. 17 2184

"Keelah, are you sure this is the right choice?"

Shala'Raan, one of the members of the Admiralty Board has always worried about the future of her people. At heart, she hopes that one day they can once again step foot on their home world. To set their feet upon the ground, remove the suits that have become almost a prison to her people, and reclaim the land that once belonged to them. She never thought that it could happen so soon, let alone be discussed while she was a member of the board. However, once Tali'Zorah had returned from her pilgrimage, she provided the data that would shake the Quarian landscape forever. She now knew that this day was soon coming, and that this was something the Conclave would let the board decide.

"We have to do this, we've already taken too long to decide what to do with the information Tali provided!"

Rael'Zorah knew that this had to be done. After all, he had a promise to keep to his little girl. Tali had returned just several months earlier with the OSD that had shocked the fleet. The geth had evolved, and in a way no one would have imagined. This was more than anyone thought could have been brought back from a pilgrimage, even for the daughter of an Admiral. It helped skyrocket his popularity with the fleet and the captain's tremendously, and helped him and Han's intention to retake the home world gain fruition.

"I'm with Rael, this is something we have to research. To see if it's the possibility exists."

Han'Gerrel has been friends with Rael since their time on the Yaska. He and his old friend had always been proud of their children, even if they told each other more than they told their kids. He remembered how much Rael glowed with pride when Tali brought back such an amazing discovery. He never saw a man happier. But now, the excitement of the find was gone. All that was left was the gift she provided. He had dreamed of the day where they would charge the geth, and take back what was rightfully theirs. That day was finally in sight.

"This is an utter waste of time and resources, any kind of provocation against the geth could start a war. We would just be throwing our people's lives away. It's too dangerous. We need to concentrate on the mission with the Idenna."

Zael'Korris was a great politician, but he knew he was out numbered. He knew that Rael and Han would pressure Shala onto their side, and Admiral Xan was always in favor of studying the geth. All he could do now was hope they wouldn't be reckless in their decisions, and hope whatever they found supported his side. He had hoped that the lessons learned from the human attack on the fleet would be a reminder that more violence was not the answer.

"I think it's time to take a vote on this." Han exclaimed.

"Agreed." echoed Rael and Daro'Xen.

"Vote whether you are in favor or against, sending recon teams into geth controlled systems, with the purpose of gathering information on their actions and activities, to determine the future course of the Migrant Fleet."

As the others took to their omni-tools, Shala gazed around the room. She watched as the other Admirals made their choice. As she knew they would, Rael, Han, and Zael all immediately locked in their votes, and then glared at the Shala awaiting the decision. Admiral Xen took a moment to ponder the effect of her choice, and then cast her own vote. Shala hesitated because she knew how important this was. This vote was going to determine the future of her people, but she wasn't sure if this was the step they should be taking. She just wanted her people to be safe, to be able to have peace and stop floating around the galaxy in relics that could fall apart at any time. She wanted that more than anything. The more she thought about it, however, the more she knew what choice had to be made. If the quarians wanted a world to call home, they would have to fight for it. To take risks that may put friends and loved ones in danger, but they were risks that had to be made. She reached to her omni-tool and cast her choice. Instantly the results were shown on the display, four to one. Her vote wouldn't have made a difference, but she was happy. She has no reason to regret her decision now. The quarians were taking the first steps toward war. She looked up, and announced the results to the rest of the board.

"The board has decided, that in the best interests of the quarian people, that we will begin sending recon teams into geth systems. Their main focus will be to gather information on the geth, to help determine the proper course of action in the future."

The other three agreeing captains all showed a slight joy in their body movement, while Zael'Korris lowed and shook his head in disappointment. He still couldn't believe they were doing this.

"Is there anything else we need to discuss, or can I go back to worrying about the safety of our people." Korris mumbled.

"I have a piece of news that needs to be passed along." Exclaimed Admiral Xen.

"I was hoping to meet the fellow, and hear of his experience with the geth, but unfortunately that won't be the case."

"What are you talking about Daro? Who could have more knowledge of fighting the geth other than Tali?" Rael was worried, he didn't like where this was going.

"We just learned this with our last connection into a comm buoy. Your daughter's former captain, Commander Shepard, has been killed in action."

As she explained the details of what she had learned, Rael sulked in his chair. This was bad. He was hoping to pick Shepard's brain one day himself, but this wasn't the real reason he was worried. His thoughts shifted to Tali. He hadn't talked to her much since she left on pilgrimage, but he knew where she was, aboard the Normandy with Shepard. Even though Daro pointed out right away that Tali had made it off the ship alive, Rael still worried about her. Any message that Tali did send, she raved about the Commander.

"If that is all, then I declare this meeting adjourned. Go in peace everyone. Keelah se'lai."

As he walked through the halls of the Neema, he continued thinking about his messages from Tali. He knew she cared about him deeply. Maybe she even loved him, even if she didn't know it yet. This was going to be a terrible shock for her. He had to be there for her when she returned to the fleet. Her hadn't always been the greatest father to her, but now that it mattered, it was time to make the effort.

As he continued to walk, he looked up and saw her running toward him. She was excited as she had just learned of their decision.

"Father! This is great news! What do you need me to do, I want to help!"

He thought for a minute, she was trying to distract herself. She was putting her thoughts of Shepard aside for her love of her people and the fleet. Deep down inside, she had to be crushed. It had to be killing her. The fleet, the geth, the home world, none of it mattered to her at this point. All that would matter was that her beloved commander was gone forever…