Was it Worth it?
Inside the luxurious Commander's cabin, Shepard was scrolling down a ton of E-mail that was piling up in his private terminal, which he never bothered to open up until now. most of them fan-mail, interview requests, or other junk that was not really his concern right now. but some of them were regards from old friends, Eve frequently sends him progress reports from Tuchanka, Jacob informing him about his progress with Dr. Brynn Cole, Jack telling Shepard that her kids are kicking ass, and Javik frequently asking him how to use the toilet.
But, what's really bothering the Commander is the way Tali's been acting lately. She's been keeping her distance from Shepard, she spends lots of time alone, she never came over anymore, she didn't even bother to say hello when they cross paths.
He knows all too well that her problems are caused by Legion and the Geth, which she mentioned 2 days ago. Shepard has been through a lot of sacrifices, this war has taken the lives of many of Shepard's comrades and numerous others, Legion included. But he also knows that these sacrifices are inevitable, and he can't change the past, but still, the pain of loss won't go away easily.
But, Tali's been taking Legion's death pretty hard, given the history of the Geth and the Quarians, which Shepard experienced himself during his trip through the Geth consensus, he wouldn't blame her. The Quarians built the Geth, enslaved them, then killed them, which failed and they were driven away from their own Homeworld. The Geth acted in self defense, as would any other race, and yet in the end the ones that die are the Geth. How ironic, Shepard thought.
Meanwhile..
"EDI, can we talk?" Tali asked as she walked inside the cockpit.
EDI and Joker looked behind.
"what do you wish to discuss Tali'Zorah?" EDI asked.
"...In private." Tali said nudging her head at Joker.
EDI looked at Joker, as did Tali. Joker turned his chair around to face the two girls.
"What?" He asked in confusion.
"Nothing sweetie." EDI said softly as she led Tali to the corridor behind the cockpit.
"So, i guess your relationship with Joker is going well." Tali said as she and EDI are alone.
"i would say Jeff has made some improvements over the course of our relationship, so i would say yes." EDI said.
"I'm glad." Tali said.
"i assume you are doing well with the Commander?" EDI asked.
"well, Shepard been very nice to me, he's understanding, funny, loving.." Tali went on.
"so, you are doing well." EDI said smiling happily.
"but, that's not what i wanted to talk about." Tali said.
"so what do you wish to discuss?" EDI said with her hands crossed behind her back.
"well, it's about the Geth." Tali said nervously.
"i...see." EDI said.
"well EDI, i feel terrible for what happened at Rannoch." Tali said.
"well, as i was informed you were not the one that destroyed the Geth fleet, as so, you are not responsible." EDI said.
"i know EDI, but i just...feel terrible for them, and i thought you would help me." Tali said.
"because i am a...Synthetic?" EDI asked.
"you know i don't see you that way EDI, you're different, you're human, you have feelings, you're my friend." Tali said.
"as is Legion, and the Geth...don't they have feelings? Don't they have...a soul?" EDI said.
Tali just fell silent and thought about EDI's words, then EDI put her hand upon Tali's shoulder.
"If you feel that way about me, Legion and the Geth shouldn't be any different. I believe that is your resolution." EDI said.
Tali smiled and gave EDI a big hug.
"thanks EDI." Tali said.
"I'll always be here to provide assistance." EDI said plainly.
"not that,...for being my friend." Tali said happily.
EDI hesitated, but then returned the hug.
"Likewise." EDI said smiling.
EDI returned to the cockpit with Joker as Tali left and headed for the elevator.
Later..
Shepard was seen sitting in his bed and tapping away on his Datapad, when suddenly his door opened.
"Tali? You scared me." Shepard said.
"sorry, i should've asked first." Tali said.
"no, it's okay." Shepard said as he walked towards the door to Tali.
"What do you need?" Shepard asked as he held both of Tali's hands.
"I need to go to Rannoch." Tali said to a confused Shepard.