Chapter Text
The Hearing Chamber
The duo entered the hearing just as the tribunal was about to pass judgement, declaring Tali killed in honorable action against the death. “We’re sorry we’re late.” The young quarian uttered defiantly.
“Did you find evidence to clear your father, Tali?” Admiral Raan inquired with what seemed to be a tone of hope coming through her vocalizer.
Nodding her head at Tovan, Tali indicated that she wanted him to speak for her.
“We could find no evidence.” The centurion lied. “From what we were able to see and put together, Rael’Zorah and the crew of the Alarei all died fighting off a geth infiltration due to…”
“My carelessness.” Tali interrupted. “I thought I was careful. That I was only shipping parts that could not be repaired or reactivated. But…I was wrong. It appears that at least one and probably more parts were shipped because of my negligence. I am to blame and I will accept whatever punishment the tribunal deems appropriate.”
Admiral Raan then spoke in a somber voice, “If there is no further testimony, I ask the judges to render their verdicts now.” After a brief pause while the judges on the tribunal entered their decisions on their omnitools, the admiral, reading the unanimous decision, declared, “Tali’Zorah vas Gallena…you have been found guilty of treason against the quarian people and sentenced to exile and your name shall be stricken from both the Rayya’s and Neema’s manifests. Tovan Kev vas Gallena…the Fleet appreciates how you have represented your client with passion and honor.”
“I thank you.” Tovan declared and then raised his voice so loudly that it carried throughout the chamber. “However, Tali’s name is not vas Gallena. Her name is Tali’Zorah vas Mol’Rihan. Of New Romulus. Even though she is not Romulan by blood, she is Romulan by heart and spirit and I will proudly sponsor her for admission into my clan once we return to New Romulus.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Tali whispered.
“Yes.” Tovan replied with a warm smile, “If you want it.”
“I do.” Tali answered back, “Thank you.” Raising her voice, the young quarian declared to the Admirals and spectators. “I accept the judgment rendered. From now on, my name shall be Tali’Zorah vas Mol’Rihan. I…Am…Romulan.”
Admiral Raan, nodding her head in acceptance, delivered the sentence, “Tali’Zorah vas Mol’Rihan. You have six hours to leave. Would you like to request any personal possessions from the Fleet.”
“No.” Tali shook her head, “There is nothing for me here anymore. All that I need…friends…”she glanced shyly up at Tovan, “…loved ones…I have on the Gallena.”
The admiral then ended the proceedings, “This hearing is now concluded. Go in peace, Tali’Zorah vas Mol’Rihan. Keelah se’lai.”
The hearing concluded, Tali took her Romulan companion by his hand, “I’m ready to go now, Tovan.”
“Are you sure?” The handsome Romulan replied, “Is there anyone you wish to say goodbye to?”
Glancing back at her Auntie Raan and the other admirals for a moment, the young quarian shook her head, “No. There’s nothing and no one here. Come on, Tovan. I want to go home.”