//------------------------------// // Sentence? // Story: Mass Effect: Element of Kindness // by CommanderApplejack //------------------------------// Chapter 135 Sentence? The group rushed through the hallways of the Rayya as they were informed the trial was going ahead already even though they hadn’t been away all that long. They had to push aside other quarians as they sprinted past, the hearings being broadcast widely on the ship and presumably the fleet at large. “A pity Shepard vas Normandy is a better speaker than a soldier. I recommend posthumously exiling Tali’Zorah.” Zaal’Koris’ voice blasted through the speakers of the vessel. “What?” “It was agreed that Tali’Zorah would not be convicted if she were killed in action!” Admiral Gerrel and Raan exclaimed and objected. “It was suggested, Admiral, I remember no agreement. To that end, I call for an immediate vote.” “Sorry that we’re late!” Tali shouted into the amphitheater as she sprinted into it. Everyone, including the admirals, turning to look in shock at the new arrivals as they walked down towards the stand. “You didn’t waste much time declaring us dead. Go get your ship,” Shepard snarled, not even slightly in the mood for bullshit like the rest of the squad. “We apologize, Shepard. Your success in retaking the Alarei was… unexpected,” Gerrel apologized.  “But also very welcome,” Raan added to that. “Did you find any evidence on the Alarei that could clarify what happened there?” Shepard tried stepping forward but was held back by Rainbow extending her wing in front of him. Dash locked eyes with him briefly, wordlessly telling him that she wanted to do this herself before turning to Tali. “Do you trust me?” Tali looked down at Rainbow, nervously wringing her hands again, and nodded. Rainbow stepped forward to the stand and stood up on her back legs, resting her front legs on the little fence that stood there. She stared down the three admirals in front of her as they looked at the unusual situation in front of them play out. They just want to use Tali as a political pawn in their stupid little game now… Let’s see how they handle this thundercloud. “Tali’s achievements should be the only evidence you need. Come on guys, we’re leaving.” Rainbow told them rapidly before turning around and ushering Tali and Shepard, who were both stunned, to move out of the amphitheater though not getting far before receiving a reaction from Zaal’Koris. “What? This is a formal proceeding!” he shouted, Rainbow immediately turning and marching back. “Wrong Admiral, this is a lousy excuse of justice! You’re just trying to get sympathy for the geth to stall the plans for war that are being made! And you!” Rainbow pointed at Han’Gerrel, “You just want all the messy experiments covered up so you can throw your fleet at the geth! Do whatever you want with your toy ships but leave us out of your bullshit.” The crowd by this point was almost in an uproar which Dash decided was the perfect moment to address them. “They don’t care about Tali, all they care about is their war with the geth! Tali risked her life for all of you. On Heastrom, even the Citadel! She deserves better than this!” “Wait!” A quarian ran forward that Rainbow didn’t recognize, “Tali saved me on Freedom’s Progress, she doesn’t deserve exile!” “Damn straight!” Another voice called out of the crowd as Kal’Reegar stepped forward to add himself to the group along with four more quarians. “Tali’s done more for this fleet then you assholes ever will, you’re pissing on everything we fought for! Everything Tali fought for! So if you’re going to exile her, you might as well do the same for all of us as well.” Rainbow smirked, very self-satisfied with the result of her gamble. It couldn’t have possibly worked out any better as the admirals were now placed in an absolutely untenable position. The three admirals wordlessly activated their omni-tools to put in their vote. “Tali’Zorah, in light of your history of service we do not find sufficient evidence to convict. You are cleared of all charges,” admiral Shala’Raan announced. “Rainbow Dash, commander Shepard, please accept these gifts in appreciation for representing one of our people in this most unusual trial.” “With all due respect, Admiral. We didn’t represent one of your people, we represented one of ours,” Shepard told her, giving Rainbow a nod. “This hearing is concluded, go in peace Tali’Zorah. Keelah se’lai,” admiral Raan closed the case, everyone starting to leave the amphitheater to get back to their jobs. The team found a nice and secluded spot in the plaza surrounding it to blow off some steam before they’d return to the Normandy. “I… I can’t believe you pulled that off. What you said,” Tali stammered, clearly excited. “It’s been a while since someone shouted down the admiralty board, I think it was good for them.” She kneeled down and pulled Rainbow into a tight hug. “Thank you for being there for my father and me, even when… Thank you.” “I don’t leave my friends hanging. Ever,” Rainbow answered, returning the hug. “And Tali? About your father… You deserve better.” Tali pulled back out of the hug and placed a hand on one of Dash’s covered cheeks. “I’ve got better. I’ve got you.” “So does that mean we can make it official?” Shepard asked with a smirk. “I guess we can,” Tali chuckled. “Let’s get back to our ship, I love the fleet but I’d like to get away from it for a bit.” “Well, lead the way you two,” Shepard chuckled as they made their way back to the Normandy. Rainbow stuck closely to Tali’s side, her heart fluttering all the way back to the ship. Fluttershy, Luna, and Garrus were waiting for them on the other side of the airlock. “I think congratulations are in order,” Garrus smirked. “We saw the speech as it was broadcast to the rest of the fleet, that was one hell of a thing you pulled there, Rainbow.” Rainbow's blush was now clearly visible without her helmet which she ditched the moment the airlock sealed. “Couldn’t just let those bastards use Tali like that… And I do know how to rile up a crowd.” “You sure did, Rainbow. I think my sister would be jealous of what you pulled there,” Luna chuckled. “Shepard Commander, we would like to make a request of you.” Legion interrupted, Shepard giving him a nod.  “We’ll head to the situation room,” he told the machine. “I take you all can handle yourselves?” “Of course, Shepard! What made you think we couldn’t?” Garrus smirked. “What do you say, girls, I’d say this calls for a drink!” The ponies all laughed as they walked deeper into the ship but Fluttershy’s interest had been piqued by Legion’s request. What would a geth need from Shepard?... “Hey Flutters, are you coming?” Rainbow asked as Fluttershy paused outside the elevator. 1. Yeah, sorry. 2. You all go ahead, I’ll be right there. [Vote link]