Shepard slowly sat down in one of the chairs in the mess hall of the Normandy, clutching her coffee cup tightly. She took a long sip of the coffee, grimacing. Not from the temperature, but the taste. This was definitely some of the most bitter coffee she'd ever had. But it was all they had, so she drank it.

She had no idea what time it was. The last time she looked at a clock it was 0200, and that was a while ago. She was mentally and physically drained, but she could not sleep.

She'd had to make the hardest decision of her entire career yesterday. She remembered it being talked about during basic. With commanding titles, you sometimes have to make these calls. Who lives and dies can be solely in your hands. But their descriptions paled in comparison to how she actually felt at that moment. Ashley Williams didn't deserve to die. She was brilliant.

"You made the right choice, LT." Those words haunted her. Had she? The doubt was in the back of her mind, nagging at her. Was that nothing more than a dying woman's last words as her commanding officer chose her boyfriend over her?

She shook her head against the thought. She had not let personal feelings get in the way. Kaidan was her Staff Lieutenant. More importantly though, he was an L2 biotic. In terms of skill, he was way too valuable to lose.

Footsteps pulled her out of her thoughts. Had Kaidan woken up and come looking for her? No, his footsteps were much lighter. She looked up to see Garrus walking into the mess and getting something to drink. He hadn't noticed her yet.

"You're up late," she decided to say. He looked over at her, his face moving in a subtle way she couldn't quite interpret.

"You're one to talk," he replied, walking her way. He took the seat across from her and eyed her thoughtfully. "You okay? That was a pretty tough call back on Virmire."

Shepard closed her eyes, inhaling slowly.

"Yeah, it was. Unfortunately, that comes with the territory of being in charge."

"Yes, but are you okay?" he asked again.

"I have to be," she shrugged. She really appreciated the rapport they had developed over the course of the mission. She felt like they had known each other forever with how strong a friendship they had. She could be more honest with him without losing the respect he had for her as a soldier and superior.

"Ashley was a great soldier," he said. "She knew the risks. We all do. And when we take down that bastard Saren, she will be extremely proud of you."

Shepard nodded, closing her eyes again, fighting back tears. Her gut agreed with him.

"Thanks Garrus."

He nodded, standing and grabbing his drink off the table.

"Where's Alenko?"

"Asleep. I tried sleeping, but I just couldn't."

"Well, be sure you try to soon. This isn't over yet, we don't need you passing out while holding your gun," he grinned. She smirked, for the first time since Virmire.

"Oh, I won't. That would mean I couldn't keep beating you in kill shots."

Garrus laughed, his sub-harmonics rumbling softly.

"I don't know, I think I bested you last time."

"In your dreams!"

They had a good laugh. Shepard had needed that. Then they were silent for a few moments.

"Get some sleep, Shepard." Garrus started walking back towards the bunks.

"Thanks Garrus, seriously. I appreciate you being here for me."

"Any time, Shepard. I've got your six."

Finishing her coffee, Shepard got up and headed for bed. Maybe she could finally sleep now.