Finding a way: Mass effect 3

Rannoch

Garrus, Tali and Legion were all waiting when they walked into the shuttle bay together. He studiously ignored the sly smirk from Garrus while grabbing his gear. Cortez took them out of the shuttle bay and down toward the planet.

"Alright, so we're heading for an upper entrance that will give the laser guidance system the best line of sight," Aubrey reiterated the plan.

"You must target the base before the Geth organize resistance. We will deactivate defense systems and acquire an escape vehicle," Legion said, interrupting her.

"That wasn't the original plan, Legion," she said with concern. "What's going on?"

It hung its head, almost as if it was embarrassed to admit something. "This unit...still carries remnants of the Old Machine upgrade code. We will be better utilized breaking any Geth security."

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"You are tolerant, Shepard Commander. You do not fear us the way other organics do. But this matter is different...personal. We were concerned you would not be as tolerant this time."

Her face softened, "You're ashamed."

"Shame is an emotional or cognitive response to societal judgement. It should not apply here," it deflected.

"The Reaper code wasn't something that you wanted...you felt there were no other options. And it basically hijacked your systems, hacked you. In a way, they took away your free will, made you slaves." He watched understanding cross Tali's face, followed by sorrow, at Aubrey's words. "Shame is a completely appropriate emotional response to that. However, it shouldn't apply here because no one here is judging you, Legion." She stepped forward and grasped the machine's hand in hers, squeezing it in reassurance as she would for any other member of the team.

Legion's head swiveled, trying to process what she had said. "Thank you, Shepard Commander."

"That's what friends are for, Legion," she smiled.

"Friends?" it queried in surprise. At Aubrey's nod it continued, "We are honored you would call us such."

"You're welcome. Now let's go try and free your people," she said, exiting the shuttle with the team behind her.

"Proceed to the upper entrance, Shepard Commander. We will procure an escape vehicle," Legion said, drawing its weapon and turning to head in the opposite direction from them.

"Legion," he called out.

"Yes, Alenko Major?"

"Good luck."

"Acknowledged."

Tali's feet hit the ground beside him and he heard her shuddering intake of breath. He turned at the same time Aubrey did, noting the glistening of tears in the eyes of their Quarian friend.

"Tali?" he asked gently, laying a hand on her shoulder.

"I can't believe it. I'm really here. The home world. My world." She knelt and reverently placed her hand on the dusty ground. Rannoch was more arid than Earth, the entire planet reminding him of the UNAS Southwest.

"Keelah se'lai," Aubrey said.

"Yes," Tali whispered. "Look at the sky! And the rock formations...they used to write poems about them."

"And they will again," Garrus told her.

"We will," she replied, moving her hands in front of her face and making them into a square, like a snap-shot of the vista in front of her. "I think the living room window will go right here. When this is over, I'll finally have a home."