Jenkins
“Dad?!”
Dad? Wait what the hell is an Admiral of the Quarian fleet doing here?
“Tali? Wha-” He’s cut off as Tali runs over to where Admiral Rael'Zorah and his entourage are standing. She stopped just in front of him, not quite closing the distance for a hug as I had expected of her, but even from back here I could tell she was positively glowing.
“Dad! What.. what are you doing here?” Tali’s excitement was noticeable even from here, and I approached slowly, keeping my distance from the group. There was no point getting too close, giving Tali and her father some space was only polite.
“I should be asking you that esan. How did you get access to the Presidium, our people haven’t been allowed here since the exile.” As he talks he puts his hands on his daughter's shoulders, inspecting her suit top to bottom. There is anxiety in his voice, but so much endearment and joy just from seeing his daughter.
“Oh right.” Tali turned back around for a moment, and spotting me ran over. She grabbed me by the arm, dragging me closer into the group.
“Wha- Tali what are you-?” I tried to complain but the movement caught me off guard enough that there wasn’t any time to resist.
“Here, father. This is my…” She pauses for a moment as she starts to introduce me, before seemingly realizing her hands were still holding my arm. She quickly lets go, taking a step away and fidgeting, glancing between me and her father.
“I mean this is my um. Teammate. Jenkins. It’s a long story but he’s why I have access up here.” She was suddenly much more nervous, fidgeting with her arm while only glancing up at her father and me.
For my part I barely noticed. She grabbed my arm while pulling me over, the rolled-up sleeves leaving my skin exposed. I had never realized how warm the enviro-suits were. It wasn’t like touching clothing, it was warmer and softer. I was suddenly very glad for the second time today that half my face was covered in bandages. Made it easier to hide how red I was probably turning.
“Your… teammate? This does sound like a long story. I see the man is injured. I sincerely hope he is not dragging you into trouble.” The Admiral's words are directed toward Tali, but his gaze does not leave me. He stands a good few inches taller even than I am, and to say that I am intimidated would be covering the least of it.
“What?! No no no, not at all. Jenkins actually saved my life not long ago. It’s part of how he got so injured in the first place.” Tali spoke quickly, her voice dropping as she mentioned the injury and the context of how it occurred. Suddenly my concern was pulled away from the Admiral and back towards her.
“Hey, Tali stop. We talked about this already what happened wasn’t your fault. I only got injured because I’m an idiot, stop blaming yourself.” I looked at her closely and waited for her to look back up at me. We shared a look for a moment before she nodded.
“Right. Sorry. But he did save my life, he’s not trouble I promise. A ke’sed definitely, but not trouble.” She turned from me back to her father, and the motion shook me out of my position. I quickly let go of her shoulder, taking a step away and trying not to break under the Admiral’s gaze.
“I see.” Her father’s response marks the first time he looks away from me and back to his daughter. “I think I need more explanation on exactly what you have been up to esan. Why are you traveling with a human teammate, why were you in a position where you needed your life saved.” His voice is filled with concern and I can’t blame him. From the outside Tali’s situation would already appear complicated. Hell even as an insider I can see it as concerning.
“I... I would like to tell you, father. But we are actually in a sort of rush. Jenkins has an appointment at Huerta Memorial, so we need to make our way there. I’m sorry but if it wasn’t important I wouldn’t be leaving. You still need to tell me why you’re here.” Tali looked pointedly at her father, who glanced between me and her again. Even with the visor, I could tell he really did not like my presence. Not that I could blame him in this case.
“Hey Tali. I’ll be okay to make it on my own. You should catch up with your father and put his worries at ease. Besides, an Admiral knowing about what’s coming… that could be important.” I gave Tali a reassuring smile and tried my best to make her comfortable with the idea.
I wasn’t just trying to convince her to stay with her dad of course. In all honesty, the Quarian fleet learning about the Reapers this early could be hugely beneficial in our fight against them.
“But… Jenkins, are you sure?” Tali asked, looking between me and her father, conflict visible in her eyes. I look between her and the Admiral and am surprised to see him sigh before correcting his posture.
“I don’t believe splitting up will be necessary. We will be making our way to Huerta ourselves to secure a contract for medical supplies. I see no reason we cannot accompany you while you explain exactly what has been going on with my daughter.” For the first time he spoke to me directly, and it was more than clear from the tone of his voice he didn’t care for me at all. Ugh, I was not expecting to have to deal with overprotective fathers in this timeline. Well… except for maybe Miranda’s but I wouldn’t count that as overprotective. More like psychotic.
“For starters, I think introductions are needed. Jenkins was it? I am Admiral Rael'Zorah vas Rayya.” He stood facing me, his posture immaculate. I immediately stood at attention my arm going to a salute, ignoring the wince of pain it sent through my arm as the burns on my arm were rubbed through the bandages.
“Corporal Richard Jenkins, Alliance Marines, currently serving under Spectre Commander Shepard aboard the Normandy.” The Admiral looked surprised for a moment at my response, before he huffed out a sigh.
“At ease. I don’t need or care for your deference Corporal, I’m not your superior.” He was still watching me as he spoke. Oh, this was a test. He wanted to see how I behaved if he left me off the hook. Nice try though Admiral, I’m the most charming bastard in the galaxy, you’ll end up liking me by the end of this conversation, whether or not you want to.
“All due respect sir, you are an Admiral. A leader of the Quarian fleet, and the father of my team's tech specialist. Deference and respect is only right.” I maintained eye contact, keeping my stance proper as my training taught.
“Hmph.” Another scoff was his only response before he eventually turned away. “Let us go. Tell me, daughter, what is this long story that led you to be here with… this Corporal.” The refusal to use my name once he knew my rank wasn’t exactly subtle, but I supposed I couldn’t blame him for being distant. His daughter was going to be his biggest concern.
“Right, I suppose it started a few days ago when I heard rumors about Geth outside of the veil.” Tali started her story, and together we walked.
Her father was quiet, only occasionally interrupting with a question for more detail on an individual or events that transpired. The largest focus he had was questions about the Reapers and the moments hinting at them, the Geth memory, and our encounter with the Thorian. He gave me another look at that part of the story but said nothing. For my part I mostly just listened as well, keeping an eye on our surroundings. Tali had a good understanding of everything that went on, and her father would be more likely to listen if it was her explaining things.
The other Quarians that traveled with us were more of bodyguards than a mutual entourage. They said nothing and kept an even further distance from Tali and the Admiral than I did. Their focus was simply on being our escort.
As for the travel itself, the signs clearly marked the path to Huerta Memorial, and there was little struggle in finding our pathway there. It was only twenty minutes from the Council Spire and Tali had mostly finished explaining everything before we had even arrived. As the story finished Rael stopped walking. He was taking a moment to process everything that had been told to him, the events his daughter had gone through. I was surprised, however, when his first response was to turn and address me as opposed to Tali.
“I must start by offering you my thanks, Corporal. Your efforts to protect and look after my daughter are noticed, and appreciated. There is little I could do to appropriately repay you, but I will make this clear. You are a friend of the Quarians, should you ever find yourself in need, you are welcome aboard the Flotilla.” He gave me a small bow, and I had to work to maintain my composure.
This was really good for me, especially as time moved on to events that would come with the later games. The Flotilla was a massive collection of ships, and while they did trade with other races, there were specific ships this trade took place on. Being welcome aboard the Flotilla meant I would have access beyond what most outsiders could expect, although I doubt it would be free reign or anything.
“I appreciate the gesture Admiral, but no reward is necessary. Tali is a member of our team, I was only doing what was right as her squadmate.” I returned the bow he gave me and spared a glance over at Tali, she was still fidgeting awkwardly, but I could see she was at least happy with how things were going with her father and me.
“Hm. Still, my offer stands. I dislike the fact my daughter was put in such danger at all, but she is responsible for her own decisions. And if this threat you call the Reapers is true… then I understand why she chose to fight with the Spectre.” He looked at Tali as he finished speaking, making it clear his final words were the compliment they sounded like. For Tali’s credit, she nodded along.
“They are a threat father. Standing against them, against Saren is necessary. For everyone.” The Admiral simply looked at her closely for a moment, before nodding.
“Very well. That’s all we will speak on it for now then.” He turned back away, leading us towards the hospital, the building’s structure finally in view. Built into the side of the Presidium, large sections of the hospital were glass and looked out over the river in the center of the Presidium.
“What about you, father? Why is an Admiral of the Flotilla in the Presidium? How did that even happen?” Tali asked the question, and Rael simply sighed. He looked from his daughter, and to me once more, and his silence dragged on. Tali picked up on it, looking from me and back to her father.
“Father, anything you can say to me you can say in front of Jenkins. He’s trustworthy. If it’s important he won’t spread it. Besides if you wait to tell me on my own I’ll just end up letting him know anyway.” I was about ready to offer them some privacy, but Tali stood to my defense, pushing to allow me to hear what her father was here for. Although I felt a pang of guilt as Tali said she trusted me. She doesn’t know enough to trust me, and if she did… she wouldn’t.
“Hm. Very well, word might well spread soon enough anyway.” He didn’t stop his walk as he talked, and did not look at either of us as he spoke. “The Council has invited the Quarians back to the Citadel.”
“What?!” “What?!” Tali and I both stopped our walk as he answered.
“They invited us back to the Citadel, how why? Why now what did they want?” Tali wanted information, every detail. I was just shocked as I spoke at the same time.
“They invited you back to the Citadel? What the fuck?” This… didn’t make any sense.
The Council NEVER invited the Quarians back to the Citadel in the mass effect games. Not even by the end of the trilogy. Although you could assume they would join after the war was won, it never happened before. How… how did this happen? Why? Was it what I said in the Council chambers? But that didn’t make any sense. This is a competent decision the Council doesn’t make those.
“Ha. Yes, we were surprised when we received the proposal as well. They see the Geth attack on the fringes of space as a potential issue. The return of the Quarians and our expertise in synthetics means we are valuable allies now.” Rael laughed as he walked, clearly finding it just as surprising as we did.
“Did we accept the offer?” Tali asked the question I was wondering. I waited for his answer.
“No. Not yet anyway. It’s not a decision one Admiral can make. I’ll be bringing the proposal back to the Flotilla to decide on collectively.” Well, that was interesting. They were being cautious in accepting such an offer. Understandable, but them saying yes was probably a good thing. Well maybe. It was so different from what was supposed to happen I could only guess how it would change things.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“What did the proposal include? Certainly, it wasn’t just readmittance to the Citadel, that wouldn’t make up for having exiled us when we needed help the most.” Tali was heated about the topic of discussion. It was becoming clear to me that as mistreated as Quarians were in Citadel space, they disliked the Council just as much.
“Several things. We would get an embassy once again, as well as our access reopened into Citadel space as an official member. They also mention a full acquittal of the crime in having created the Geth, as none of our people responsible for that fuck up are still around.”
“Oh wow, so we aren’t responsible for the mistake of our ancestors centuries ago. How kind of them.” Tali scoffed and shouldered it off. I could see the frustration but it’s clear that part of the deal wasn’t to make the Quarians feel better.
“I doubt that is a concession to the Quarians. They would have to Acquit your people if they were inviting them back to the Citadel, since otherwise they would be saying the creation of the Geth was no longer a bad thing. Acquittal means that they can still say it was wrong while saying that your people are no longer responsible for that crime. It’s not about you, it’s about selling the decision to the rest of the races in the Citadel.” I speak up for the first time, explaining the situation as I understand it to Tali. She seems surprised before nodding considerately at my words. Her father just looks at me for a moment, his expression hidden behind clouded glass.
“The Corporal is correct. It’s not a concession meant for us, just a necessary step. I told them as much when they tried to sell it off as a generous decision. No the bulk of the agreement is what they are providing. A dextro capable world in the Armstrong Nebula, and assistance settling it.” What the fuck?
“What?! They’re offering us a world. A place we can settle? That’s vot they should be helping us retake Rannoch. With the Citadel's help, we could overwhelm the Geth and force them away.” Oh, this was bad. This had the potential to be so very bad.
“The Council doesn’t want to engage in actual war with the Geth while they are only attacking fringe colonies. The offer of a world to settle on the edge of human space is tempting, more so is its proximity to Rannoch.” Shit it really is that bad, isn’t it? I was doing everything I could to keep from freaking out but this was basically flipping the script on what was an essential backdrop to one of the most important events in the coming future.
“Oh. OH! It’s not just a world and colony they're giving us is it.” Tali realized it just after I had, and her father nodded, showing some genuine happiness as he mentioned it.
“Indeed. This world they offer isn’t just a colony. It’s in the perfect spot to serve as a staging ground for retaking Rannoch.” And that’s what I was afraid of.
In the games, the Quarians continue roaming until the third game, before they begin a fight with Geth to retake Rannoch. They fight until a near standstill, the balance only having the potential to flip by the choices you make on the planet. If you made enough peace between Tali and Legion, a geth construct, you can force a ceasefire and peace agreement. Otherwise, you are left needing to kill either Legion or Tali and pick a side. Peace was possible because the Quarians were so committed to a fight that they reached a standstill.
I had been hoping to avoid the war altogether and make enough strides with Tali and AI that we could convince both sides to enter negotiations before a conflict even began, but that was looking unlikely now. With a world nearby to repair ships prepare supplies and protect non-combatants the Quarians would be even more willing to fight a battle, but even less willing to commit so fully. If it comes to a standstill they will retreat, and if they’re winning they will wipe out the Geth. How the hell do I try and negotiate peace when they are in such a comfortable place to fight from?
“This is incredible. Can you believe that Jenkins? My people might have a real chance to retake our home. Within my lifetime.” Tali turned to me, the excitement and happiness visible in her every movement and expression. It only made me feel guiltier for thinking this was a bad thing.
“Ri-right. That’s pretty incredible.” I couldn’t say anything. Arguing against retaking their home was not only a bad idea with Tali, it would be an even worse idea with her father here. I looked and Admiral Rael just to see him watching me. I couldn’t read his expression, compared to Tali there was little emotion shown in his gestures or movement.
“Indeed. Nothing is set in stone, the Admiralty board will need to vote on the decisions, along with the Conclave, but I can’t imagine many will want to pass up this opportunity.” I had to agree with him, which was why I was so worried about it. Not that this made peace impossible, but it did complicate things.
“Wow. That’s. I never expected anything like this. I hope the vote goes well father.” Tali interrupted the silence that had settled as we finished our walk up to the Hospital. We were in front of the doors now, and I turned to face her as well as her father, to say goodbye I assumed.
“Daughter, I do believe the Corporal can check himself into his appointment. If possible I would like to speak with you, privately. Before we part ways.” Tali took a moment of surprise looking from her dad to me, seemingly debating the idea. I for one was all for it. More moments with her father would be good for her, and I needed to process everything that had happened.
“It’s fine Tali. I’ll tell the desk that I’m expecting you to join me at some point and they can guide you. You two should catch up, I’ll give you some space okay?” I smiled at her, placing a hand on her shoulder. She looked across up at me, and then back to her father, before resting back on me.
“Okay. Just… can you…” She raises her hand, resting it on the forearm of the arm holding her, seemingly embarrassed or shy to say what she wants. But I think I know what it is already.
“I’ll wait for you before deciding on anything. Besides, I can’t go picking a cybernetic eye without my tech specialist helping me decide what’s the best option.” I give her another smile, and I watch her relax as I say that. Her arm falls from mine once more, although more naturally and not as rushed as it had been the last time we had touched. I’m still surprised by how warm her enviro-suit feels.
“Thank you, Jenkins. I’ll join you shortly okay.” She gives me a look I’ve come to recognize as her smile, and I nod back. Turning to walk away. I look back only for a moment, to see her turning to her father.
Rael’Zorah is not looking at his daughter, he is watching me leave. And as he does I can clearly recognize, possibly for the first time, what he feels as he watches me. Disgust. He doesn’t care for me at all, or my apparent closeness with Tali. For a moment I worry about what he will say to her, but fades quickly. Whatever he says I know Tali is dedicated to our team, and that despite everything we are friends. I trust she wouldn’t let anyone’s words, even her Father’s, change that.
So much for the most charming bastard in the galaxy, Rael definitely did not like me. Oh well, I had other things to worry about, least among them the opinion of a crewmate's father. I had to figure out how to make peace between races that hated each other when one of them would have options besides peace this time. I sigh and give my head a shake. Things just seem to be getting more difficult, not less. I hope that isn’t a pattern.
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Tali’Zorah
Tali looked back to watch Jenkins as he left. He spares a look back in her direction before he disappears through the door. She can still feel the weight of his hand on her shoulder. Her enviro-suit tracked outside stimulus and transmitted it, allowing the wearer to feel as though they were touching or being touched without wearing the suit at all. Not that it was perfect of course, only the best and priciest suits could make the feeling indistinguishable, but it was still close enough that she lingered in the sensation for a moment. Before she remembered her father was here with her.
“Father. What did you want to talk about?” She was surprised, that while she and her father didn’t have a bad relationship, ever since her mother passed 15 years ago, it was strained.
She was only four at the time, so it wasn’t as clear a memory for her as it might have been for her father. He became stricter, more closed off. Most of her memories just included high expectations and strict teaching. Her father raised her wanting her to be a leader for her people. Tali tried to learn what was being taught, but she didn’t think leadership came to her very well.
“Tali. I’ll be frank, esan. I wish for you to leave your mission and return to the Flotilla with me.” Her father spoke sharply, his gaze finally sliding from where he had watched Jenkins leave back to her. He said the words wish, as though it was a request, but his tone told her everything she needed to know. He wasn’t asking.
“What? Why? I’m not even done my pilgrimage, I can’t return yet.” She didn’t want to go back. Not yet. She missed her home but there was too much to do still. They had to stop Saren. Jenkins… everyone needed her help still.
“Your pilgrimage won’t matter. I made it sound uncertain while that human was around but the truth is that the Admiralty Board is certain to accept the Council’s proposal. Even if the conclave disagrees we are willing to utilize our veto right to ensure we accept.” Her father spoke sharply, and the venom in his tone as he said human made it clear what he thought of Jenkins. The veto right of the Admirals had only been used four times in all of the Flotilla's history, since using it required all of the Admirals to agree and step down from their roles when they did. The fact her father was willing to do that meant the decision was certain.
“But... You heard the mission we are on. We have to stop Saren or none of these deals mean anything. It’s more important than one world, much less a pilgrimage.” Tali stepped back from her father, her voice raising slightly as she spoke. He heard her entire story, everything that happened how could he expect her to leave?
“Esan, I raised you better than to be manipulated by some story of monsters. Saren is a threat but this Spectre and her crew will handle it. Your aid, while I’m sure is beneficial, is not necessary. You only joined their crew by chance of being the one to find the information they needed. The work we will be doing over the coming months is more important than tagging along to stop some petty squabble that got blown out of proportion by a fairy tale.” Tali could barely contain her hurt. A fairy tale. It's not necessary. Did her father not hear a word of what she said? The work that she did to help them, the evidence they’ve found.
“A fairy tale? The Reapers are a real threat, not just to the humans or the Citadel but to everyone. And I’m helping to stop them. They do need me who are you to say they don’t?!” She was shouting now. Her father seemed surprised by her outburst and took a moment to collect himself before speaking.
“I spoke harshly, I simply mean that you’re role is not more important on this mission than it is among our people. You have said yourself that there is no solid evidence of this threat for the Council to even consider. While I trust that you, or more accurately that your team, believe it is real, I will not operate on belief. Besides is not preparing to fight the Geth, who serve these supposed Reapers, a method of preparation? You may well have the most experience fighting the Geth directly of anyone on the fleet. We need you.” Her father placed his hands on her shoulders, holding her in place as he looked at her. His tone had calmed, and everything he said made at least some sense. But she just couldn’t leave yet.
“I can’t leave. Not yet. I have to see this mission through. Once it’s done I’ll return happily, with as much intel and strategies on fighting the Geth as I can get. But I won’t leave my team with a mission incomplete.” She looked up at her father, her voice sure and proud. She knew she was making the right choice. Her father grimaced, and his grip increased.
“Is this for him? That.. human. You think he cares about you, that any of them do? You're a tool to them, and an asset for them to risk as they need and do work they think is beneath them.” The shift in her father's tone caught her by surprise and intensity and roughness she hadn’t expected.
“What? Jenkin saved my life what are you talking about? I’m not just a tool to them I’m their teammate.” She tried to shake free of her father’s grip, but it tightened, holding her in place. He spoke rough and exhausted.
“You’re life was only in danger because they dragged you on a dangerous mission. He only saved you because you're useful. Because he wants something from you. I will not see my daughter taken advantage of by some human who talks sweetly. He’s the same as any other who thinks they can get free work out of a Quarian just by asking nicely. Is this team even paying you for your work?!” Her father’s voice was raised now, and as he spoke Tali couldn’t help but pause for a second.
Her life was indeed only in danger because she joined their mission, but she did that willingly. She thought they valued her as an equal, but she had to hesitate. She wasn’t being paid for being there. She volunteered and they let her join, but unlike the Spectre or the crew who worked on the ship, it wasn’t her job to be there. Did they really just accept her for free labor?
But as she thought she couldn’t help but picture Jenkins. How he comforted her when she felt homesick aboard the Normandy. The way he talked with her about technology, asking for her help and input without him demanding or requesting more. How he injured his arm keeping her from falling, and how he refused to let go until she was safe. She thought to Shepard, and how she spoke with her about the Flottila with a genuine interest and passion for learning. How Wrex bickered and argued and tried to teach her how to use a shotgun ‘correctly’. How Garrus would check in to make sure she was comfortable and pushed to get Dextro food on board. How Ashley told her of her family and how Tali reminded her of her sisters. How Kaidan helped her get alone time with Jenkins without her even asking.
“You’re wrong!” She shook herself free of her father’s grip, stepping backward away from him. “I am their teammate. In three days they’ve shown me more kindness and acceptance than anyone I’ve ever encountered outside of the Flottila. I’m going to help them finish this mission. I’m going to help them prepare for the Reapers and when they finally arrive I’m going to help them fight them.” She spoke with no anger in her voice, just a determination and certainty that her father didn’t seem to know how to react to. He simply looked at her silently.
“And if you want any of that to include me returning and helping the fleet you’ll show them the same respect they’ve shown me. If you can’t then I won’t be coming back to find my place in the fleet. I’ll come back as part of theirs.” She glared her father down, and he just looked back at her silently. Eventually, he corrected his posture, he looked at her, and his voice returned even and steady.
“Very well. I pray to the ancestors that you are correct in your judgment of these people. I only worry for your safety esan. These people do not care for you as I do. If you trust them I will trust you. But if they harm you. If you…” Tali was surprised to see her father trail off, unable to finish. Her anger at his previous words was too fresh for her to ignore, but she understood where he was trying to come from.
“Keelah se’lai father. I will return to the fleet after we are done. After things have settled. Not before. I wish you luck in your negotiations.” Tali turned away. She felt her eyes burn from the words.
Her father had said things to hurt her, to make her question her role and come home. He couldn’t just change gears and try and backpedal on that. Her team would never hurt her, which she was certain of. She knew her father didn’t like or trust the other races. An Admiral would hear plenty of stories of the mistreatment her people received in the galaxy, but her crew, Jenkins, weren’t like that. She loved her people, and she would go home to help them fight and prepare one day. But she wouldn’t forgive her father. Not anytime soon.
“Keelah se’lai. Be safe esan.” Her father spoke to her back, but Tali did not turn around. She would not face him, not while her anger was this fresh. After everything, then they could talk again.
They would have too. She would need his help to fight the Reapers, she would need the help of the whole fleet, all the Quarians. This war would need everyone to fight, and it didn’t matter her father's preconceptions. They would listen eventually, and if they didn’t. Well, with Jenkins’ help, she was confident she could make them.