The Collectors were defeated. Commander Shepard had gotten through the mission with minimal casualties. But of the few people who died, why did it have to be her? Shepard had barely left his cabin in a week. He'd had a fight with Tali before leaving for the final mission over Ashley. How was he so stupid to bring that up!? Tali had left the room in a hurry, angry over Shepard's stray comment over his old flame. She'd only talked to him when necessary to the mission, and when that stray beam from the Collector's heavy weapon hit Tali and she fell to the ground, Shepard was the first at her side. He'd kissed her visor, saying everything would be okay. Mordin had to hold Shepard back from using all the medi-gel, which, under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have been able, but Shepard was weaker than a child because of the strain of holding his grief.
The Commander was found crying over the single coffin containing the Quarian, and was absent when they informed the Migrant Fleet of Tali's death, for fear he would snap and kill them for letting Tali go with him on the mission.
"She knew the risks, Commander." Miranda said, trying to soothe the Commander.
"If everyone knew the risks why did everyone go with me?" Shepard asked. Miranda just left the room, muttering sorry with tears in her eyes.
"How's the Commander?" Jacob asked.
"Terrible. Will he be ready when the Reapers finally come?" Miranda asked.
"A man like that is always ready to do what needs to be done, but his reasons won't be to save the galaxy." Jacob said.
"All we need is for him to do his job." Miranda said, but not even she believed those words.
"I know you love him, Miranda. Just tell him." Jacob said.
"What good would it do? I can't destroy what's left of him." Miranda said, wiping away the tears that had found their way down her cheeks.
"We have to do something. The Commander can't live like this all of his life." Jacob said.
"He'll have to. Nobody can bring her back or make her better." Miranda said.
"We can try and make Shepard better." Jacob said.
"He pushes everyone away. We'll let him finish grieving, then we'll try to help him." Miranda said.
"Let's hope there's enough time." Jacob said.
