Imperial Reckoning: Humanity Return

Chapter 50: A New Beginning

Shepard took a steadying breath as he neared the plaza, the bustling heart of the capital city. He hadn’t been this nervous in years. Straightening the collar of his black-and-red tuxedo, he scanned the crowd, looking for her. Then, just ahead, he spotted Tali standing near the arcade entrance, her head tilted up as she admired the twinkling lights overhead. Her environment suit had been modified, now a striking black with crimson accents—a subtle but unmistakable nod to him.

When he approached, she looked up, her expression hidden behind her visor, yet he could feel the warmth in her gaze. Even in the suit, Tali’s nervous excitement was palpable. Shepard, too, felt the tension, but it was a comfortable sort, like seeing someone after a long time apart.

“Tali,” he greeted her with a warm smile, “you look amazing.”

She let out a soft laugh, lifting one hand to adjust her hood. “Thank you, Shepard. I thought it’d be nice if I matched… you know, for tonight.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” he said, genuinely touched, “but I’m glad you did.”

They shared a moment of quiet admiration before he offered her his arm, which she took with only the slightest hesitation. “Since you’re new to the capital, I thought I’d plan a few things tonight—if that’s alright?”

“Of course,” she replied, her voice almost bashful, a side of her he rarely saw. “Lead the way.”

Their first stop was an Old World arcade, something Shepard knew would intrigue her. The arcade was a hidden gem, packed with gaming consoles and cabinets from decades past—Ataris, Super Nintendos, and the like. Tali’s eyes widened behind her visor, her gaze sweeping over the machines.

“Humans… keep these old games around, even when newer ones exist?” she asked curiously.

He laughed, gesturing at the machines. “Humans are sentimental, I guess. There’s something special about these games for a lot of people. They grew up with them. And it’s a chance to relive that part of their lives, even just for a little while.”

She tilted her head thoughtfully. “Quarians get nostalgic too… but not quite like this. I like it.”

As they entered the arcade, Tali glanced around, taking in the neon-lit machines, old consoles, and the faint smell of popcorn lingering in the air. She let out a small laugh, looking over at Shepard in his sharp black-and-red tuxedo and then down at her own sleek suit.

“Shepard,” she teased, nudging him lightly, “I have to say, I think we might be a little overdressed for this place.”

He chuckled, hands in his pockets as he looked around at the crowd of casually dressed patrons, some eyeing the suited pair with amusement. “Maybe just a little,” he agreed, with a grin. “But these outfits are for later—when we go out for a nice dinner.”

Tali’s laughter softened, and she looked at him with a warmth that reached through her visor. “Well then, I’ll do my best to keep the fancy look in one piece. But no promises.”

Shepard smirked, reaching for her hand to lead her to a nearby console. “Guess that means I’ll have to take it easy on you in the games.”

They wandered around, trying out various games together. Shepard introduced her to Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog, her laughter filling the air as they took turns at each console. She had a surprisingly competitive streak, getting the hang of platformers faster than he’d expected, which led to her beating him more than once. Every time, he’d feign shock, clutching his chest dramatically as she laughed and nudged him.

They moved on to some of his personal favorites, Halo and God of War, as he explained the historical significance behind the characters and lore, losing himself in the excitement of sharing these parts of his world with her. For hours, they played and laughed, until Shepard noticed the time.