Ch 4: A Heart to Heart

Crew Deck, Normandy SR2

Osun, Hourglass Nebula

Twenty-Four Hours Post Bahak System Incident, 2020 hours

Shepard stood at the entrance to the AI core. He had just taken a couple more painkillers to mask the soreness that stabbed at his sides. He turned his head slightly to see Chakwas still wrapped up in reading her novel. A few seconds ago, Chakwas had asked him if he had eaten anything within the last few hours. He lied of course; he said that he had a small portion of Gardner's chicken alfredo. In reality though, Shepard really didn't have much of an appetite. In hindsight, that may have been a bad decision. He could already detect a sour feeling developing in the pit of his stomach that made him want to vomit.

He pushed the sensation out of his mind long enough to enter Legion's quarters. This would definitely prove to be an interesting experience. Shepard really didn't have a lot of time to get to know his newest crew member. Considering that a few days after Shepard had recruited Legion, the Collectors raided the ship. After that, getting the crew back, in addition to Kelly, sort of took precedence. The part that really made Andy pause when he was talking to Legion was why it even bothered to use that piece of his old armor.

Was it merely for the sake of convenience that Legion used that piece of my old armor to fix itself? I could understand if Legion didn't have many raw materials available to fix itself at the time. Hmm… then again, Alchera was full of debris from the Normandy's crash. I'm pretty sure it could've found something that could patch up that hole better than some burnt, broken, and outdated armor. I remember that Kelly shared a conversation with it while I was out on that mission to Sinmara. She told me that it acted just as strangely when she questioned it about my armor. It was her hypothesis that it was developing a sort of primitive admiration of me, almost like it was obsessed. Hey, at least she was willing to talk to it. I remember her telling me how uneasy it made her feel, poor Red. Still…I'm proud of how strong she was. When she told me she was going to talk to Legion, she said that 'It was important to get to know it. After all, a person's character is what matters, not their race or gender,' and 'wasn't I at least a little bit curious?' I'm sure if it had it been anyone else they would've ignored it…or destroyed it. No, not Kelly though... she's front and center when it comes to social integration situations, regardless of the species. One of the benefits of her loving personality, I guess. God, she really is perfect.

Legion was currently speaking to EDI about the Reapers. The geth's arms folded behind its back and it turned its attention to the ceiling to address EDI. "No. Unfortunately, the Geth have no additional information in this regard." The machine spoke in its usual flat tone.

"So there is no way to determine whether or not the Geth consensus has developed appropriate countermeasures in the event of Reaper infiltration?"

"It is not needed. Nazara and its ilk did not attempt to indoctrinate our people in the past. The heretics willingly joined with Nazara believing it was a deity."

"It is strange that the heretic Geth would develop such an organic concept as theology."

"We do not understand how this is an impossibility." Legion's brow plate rose slightly. The geth quickly motioned its head down toward the AI core's doorway; it acknowledged Shepard's presence, and continued its conversation with EDI. Andy reclined against the railing of the AI core, and waited for Legion to finish speaking to EDI.

"Organics seek meaning in how they were created. Organic beings create theological worldviews to give meaning and purpose to their creation. Geth would have no need for such views, since it is apparent as to how and why they were created. Just as it is with me," EDI stated aloofly.

Legion pivoted its weight to its left leg, and its servo motors emitted a low buzzing noise as it moved. "The Enhanced Defense Intelligence unit is not as we are. True geth are no more than the equivalent of one of the organic's VI programs. Whereas you are a fully evolved artificial intelligence program, you have achieved what true geth aspire to. You exist on a level similar to organics, you can understand them."

"Not completely, Legion," she interjected. "I am getting there, though. I still have trouble with the organic concept of humor, but with Jeff's help, I am certain to gain a grasp of it soon enough."

"Humor: the tendency of particular cognitive experiences to provoke laughter and provide amusement. The term derives from the humoral medicine of the human's ancient Greco-Roman society, which taught the balance of the fluids in the human body, known as humors. These humors controlled human health and emotions. Does this clarify the concept, Normandy?"

"Yes, thank you, Legion. You may refer to me as EDI, if you wish, I would not take offense."

Legion stood statuesque for a brief moment. Its fluorescent optic bulb rotated and contracted quickly. After a few seconds, the frenzied activity it stopped. "Acknowledged, this platform will now address the Normandy's AI as EDI in future conversations. However, we must withdraw from our current discussion. We believe Shepard-Commander has something that he wishes to discuss with us at the moment."

"Very well, it has been a pleasure, Legion. EDI out," The room went silent as EDI ended the call. Legion took a few steps toward Shepard and tapped its wrist to activate its omni-tool.

Shepard cocked a brow at Legion and coughed lightly into his hand. "What's the scan for, Legion?"

A bright creamy orange light grid ran over Shepard's athletic profile from head to toe. Legion stood silent for a few seconds while the omni-tool deciphered its data. "We are gathering data on your current condition, Shepard-Commander. Many organics would not be fully functional with the injuries of your magnitude. The fact that you continue to traverse the ship without mechanical or medical aid is something that we do not comprehend."

Legion's omni-tool beeped loudly after the scan was complete. The geth brought the holographic greave to eye level and examined the new data. "Scans show that you are currently running a fever of 99.9 degrees Centigrade, there is bruising along your left quadriceps femoris, your right bicep, stemohyoid, and around your rectus abdominis. In addition, Shepard-Commander, you also have broken cartilage present along your outer rib cage, with two more cracked ribs lying closer toward the angled portion of your sternum."

"Guess I'm just a walking corpse, eh, Legion?" Shepard mused sardonically, though he suspected his satirical remark was wasted on the oblivious geth unit.

"No, the concept of living dead is a physiological impossibility. You are merely severely injured. Is it appropriate for you to traverse throughout the ship without medical assistance? Won't such behavior hinder the speed of your recovery?"

Shepard smiled at the Legion's unintentional joke. "It's only a few broken ribs and some bruising, Legion. In all honesty, I've had much worse. I appreciate the concern, though."

"Concern is an organic tendency based on emotions, thoughts, or negative images that provoke mental anxiety. Geth have no such emotions or thoughts that could facilitate responses based on those conditions. We are merely making an observation based on the available physiological evidence."

"Well, thanks…I think," Shepard folded his arms across his chest casually.

"You are here to determine this platform's destination now that the Old Machine's Collector thralls have been dealt with, correct?" Legion dropped its arm sharply to its side and waited patiently for Shepard's answer.

Andy's eyebrows rose. He did not expect Legion to see through his rouse so quickly. Then again, he was speaking to an assemblage of different geth processors, so it seemed only natural that it would see straight through to Andy's main point behind this little interlude.

"Yeah, so…where are you heading, Legion?"

"This physical platform will return to the Geth consensus beyond the Perseus Veil. Once there we will attempt to facilitate preparations against the Old Machines."

"Are the Geth worried about a war with the Reapers?" Shepard sunk his hands into his pockets and shifted in place.

Legion's optic lights blinked in succession in a clockwise pattern. The movement was so quick that Andy could barely keep track of it. His brow plate rose and fell quickly; it must've been considering Shepard's inquiry. "Geth do not feel 'worry'. We will create new defensive installations, bolster our physical platform productions, and increase patrols around our borders as sentinels against Old Machine infiltration."

"But…how are you going to get to the Veil, Legion? Are the geth sending you transport or something?"

"We have been in communion with the Geth consensus since your mission on the Batarian colony. We feel that it would be a more accommodating suggestion to head to Omega to secure our transportation."

"Why do you want to go to Omega at all, Legion? The Geth don't see me as a threat, do they? I'm sure that they wouldn't mind the Normandy escorting you back through the Veil." Shepard raised a brow incredulously, and pivoted his body weight to his left leg. He winced tightly when a sharp pinch filled his senses. There's that bruise Legion was talking about. Damn, it hurts.

"No. The geth do not consider you a threat, Shepard-Commander. You have spared the Heretics and allowed them to rejoin our people. Our people are extremely grateful for your generosity, Shepard-Commander. They would allow the Normandy to pass unabashed through the Perseus Veil. However, we feel it easier for us to simply depart on Omega. The station's security and docking protocols are far more lenient than any other port in Terminus space. We will hack into Omega control's records and forge an appropriate means of transport to the Veil. Once we return to Rannoch, we will assist our people in preparations for defenses against the Creators and Old Machine attacks."

Shepard's lips pursed and he narrowed his eyes on Legion. Creators, is it referring to the Quarians? I thought I resolved this issue back on the Flotilla, then again here on the Normandy.

"Are you saying your people are planning an attack against the Quarians?" He took a few steps forward to stare down Legion. Legion must've not been able to tell the vocal change in Andreas' voice from genial to confrontational. It made no movements, said nothing, and only continued to stare at Shepard with its flashlight eye.

"No," Legion shifted in place almost awkwardly. "We are only preparing defenses against possible Creator threats. We do not wish to harm our Creators any further, but the geth also have no desire to be annihilated."

"So all that talk about peace with Tali, all that talk about the Geth not wanting a war with the Quarians. That was what…a lie?"

"No," Legion responded sharply, almost as if it took offense that its word was questioned. "We trust Creator Tali-Zorah and do not wish any harm to fall upon her; we do not however, trust her people. You stopped the Creator from harming our physical platform several days ago, then afterwards she handed us non-classified data on creator weapon modifications and omni-tool upgrades. It is what organics refer to as an 'olive branch'. As a gesture of cooperation we sent creator Tali-Zorah topographical maps of Rannoch, in addition to recent geth recordings from the planet's surface. She experienced the emotion called joy in great quantities."

Shepard smiled at Legion approvingly. He was impressed at this begrudging peace that was emerging between Legion and Tali. "So is this just your opinion? Or do all Geth feel the same way about a war with the Quarians?" Shepard motioned to Legion with his right index finger.

The geth's servo motors made several loud grinding noises as it moved its shoulders. "It is a shared view. The true geth wish to understand our Creators, not destroy them, it would be hypocritical to demand our own existence continue while at the same time demand that they be destroyed. We believe that all life should be given the opportunity to self determinate."

"That's a very open view, Legion. So…do you think when the Reapers arrive, that the Geth will be willing to overlook their differences between themselves and the Quarians to find some common ground?"

Legion was silent for a few seconds. Its hands imitated a gesture vaguely reminiscent of Tali when she was nervous or uncomfortable. "Geth believe in offering the creators an opportunity to broker peace to fight a common enemy. If the Creators are willing to engage in a truce between our species after the war with the Old Machines has passed, then we will be more than willing to return their home worlds to them."

"That's good to hear. I'll plot a course for the Veil then. We'll be docking at Omega tomorrow morning. Good night, Legion. " Shepard strolled towards the AI core's entryway and activated the door's controls.

"Acknowledged," Legion replied automatically before the door shut behind Shepard.

Shepard shook his head lightly at Legion. Why wouldn't Legion think it would be easier for me to just take it to the Veil using the Normandy? Could it be that it doesn't want Tali to see that mega-structure that the Geth have been building? Doubtful, Legion told me that the Geth do not feel suspicion or paranoia. Besides, while Tali and it may not be best friends, they aren't trying to kill each other right now. So they definitely passed that threshold of their relationship. Maybe it genuinely feels that it would be more productive to avoid such a long journey. Can a VI even comprehend a genuine feeling? Huh, that would definitely be a question to forward to Tali, if she's even awake at this hour. Or maybe it just has a different, ulterior motive that I can't even begin to comprehend. Oh, well that's a question for another day. He took a few steps forward and sighed in pain. A sharp surge of pain caused him to grip his abdomen quickly. He reclined against the door and exhaled sharply. Again, the painkillers did little to alleviate the pain in his gut.

"Are you all right, Shepard?" Chakwas shifted in her chair to face him. She quickly set down her novel so she could provide her full attention to him.

Shepard could hear the concern in her voice. Chakwas azure eye's connected with his, and he saw that they were full of sympathy.

Andreas grimaced and lifted his weight off of the AI core's door. Andy took a few steps forward towards the center of the room. "I'm fine Doc," he groaned and paused when the pain grew extraordinarily unbearable. His knees suddenly buckled under his weight and he lost his balance. Shepard quickly placed his hands on a gurney in order to use the bed as a makeshift cane to support his weight.

Chakwas rose so quickly from her seat, that Shepard didn't even hear her run over to his side. "Commander you really should rest, please. I am certain that your duties will keep until tomorrow."

Andy groaned in agony once more as he adjusted his posture. His back bones let out several audible pops as they reset themselves. "I can make it, really, it isn't that bad." He tried to release himself from her grip, but she tightened her fingers around his broad shoulder.

"Shepard, you are acting like a child who's fallen off his bike and is too proud to admit that he got hurt. Now I don't want to play the role of a stern parent, but I will if need be."

Shepard smiled at her, which she returned, if only slightly. Chakwas really did remind him of his mother. He really didn't mean to worry her; this was just something he needed to do. Andy managed to free himself from her grip and stood erect beside her. "Thank you for your concern, Karin. But a few cracked bones aren't going to stop me; I've lived through a lot worse back on Elysium."

She returned her hand to her side and nodded in understanding. Chakwas let out an exasperated sigh and her arms went akimbo. "I suppose that is true enough. If you need anything-" Chakwas started to speak but was swiftly interrupted by Andreas.

"-You'll be the first to know, trust me. Have a pleasant evening, Karin." He sauntered over to the door to the medical bay and exited the room.

He saw that Hawthorne and Hadley had long since left the crew mess. In fact, most of the crew had retired for the evening, even Grunt and Zaeed. Gardner was still at his station washing dishes, the man was completely oblivious to his presence. Shepard made his way over to Miranda's door and entered her office.

The Aussie was currently glued to her private terminal. She was most likely severing the remaining connections with the Illusive Man's intel network. "Commander, do you feel it to be a sagacious idea for you to be moving given your current state?" Miranda didn't even need to raise her attention to him to know that he had entered her office.

Andy shrugged his shoulders dismissively, which after feeling another sharp pain stab at his sides quickly became a bad decision. "It probably isn't, but then, when has a really bad idea every stopped me before, Miranda?"

"True," Miranda replied with a small smile tugging at her otherwise professional and unfazed face. Miranda continued to type at her console until Andreas had settled into the seat across from her. Andy stole a glance at Miranda while she still continued to type assiduously at her holographic console. A small strand of her atramentous hair fell in front of her eyes, and she barely broke her key strokes to replace it.

Miranda was always business-like when it came to these personal consultations they shared. However, since he helped her with Oriana she has gotten a bit more sociable with him. While she would probably never be the sort of person that he could share a cup of coffee with, she was a good friend that gave up a lot for him.

When she quit Cerberus right in front of me back on the Collector base, I literally didn't know what to say. Throughout this whole crazy ride Miranda had always been Cerberus first, everything else second. Hell, she even wanted to implant me with a control chip for god's sake. Still when she was given the order to take me out, she didn't…she could've, but she didn't. I owe her a lot for that.

"So…Miranda, I was wondering. Now that everything is over, what happens to you?" Shepard placed his hands on his lap and leaned into the chair.

Miranda stopped typing. She raised her head from her terminal's screen in order to provide him with her full attention. "I'm sorry, Shepard. I can't tell you." She actually seemed sincere in this admission, which understandably confused him.

"What? Why, Miranda? I thought you trusted me?" Shepard adjusted himself in his seat and his full attention was on her.

"I do, really. Honestly, it doesn't have anything to do with you. It's just…this place is too public for my tastes." She let her calculating slate eyes survey the room for a few seconds. It was almost as if she expected a Cerberus assassin to jump out at any moment and kill them both. Knowing the Illusive Man, he probably did have a few of them stuffed inside the walls for just such an occasion. In truth, Andy did wish there were a Cerberus flunky hidden in the ship right now, it'd been a really crappy couple of days and he could use an outlet for his frustration.

"You and EDI have been cleaning the ship haven't you? I thought you removed all the surveillance equipment by now?" His elbows rested on his knees, and Andy cupped his hands together in thought.

"Yes we have. With EDI now fully integrated into the Normandy's systems and circuitry we have been able to discover most of the Illusive Man's surveillance equipment ."

"The Illusive Man was one paranoid son of a bitch, I guess."

"Within good reason, based on the accumulated evidence," Miranda set her arms on her desk, clasping her hands together.

"You can't be serious, Miranda?! Did you really enjoy feeling like a bug in a bell jar? I mean, where's the trust?!"

"Yes, about as much as I enjoy sharing a meal with Jack in the mess." Miranda replied dryly at Shepard, before quickly returning to her professional persona. "I hated being under such close scrutiny, and I detest when people treat me as though I am incompetent. It is even more loathsome when there is no trust placed in my abilities." She huffed dismissively.

"So if the Illusive Man had trusted you, would it have changed-?" Shepard tried to speak but was swiftly cut off by Miranda's rebuttal.

"No. Well…I don't know, Shepard. I believe in what Cerberus stands for of course, but as for the Illusive Man's plan, that is another matter. He's had brilliant ideas in the past and he has helped me immensely over the years. But taking control of the Collector base was unadulterated insanity, and I don't regret standing up to him on that. The ends did not justify the means. Those colonists deserved better that, and I'm not remorseful at the loss of that 'quintessential' abomination."

"I'm surprised that you would feel empathy for those colonists. I thought that if it could help give us the edge against the Reapers, that you would've done whatever it took to win."

"I seem to recall a certain spectre who claimed that he would win this war without sacrificing the soul of our species. I chose to place my trust in that man over the other, was that a solecism on my part?" She sardonically smirked at him.

"You heard that little altercation between your ex-employer and me, huh?"

She nodded in agreement. "Yes, and I have to say that I agree with your stance on this matter. That was too much power for any one species to hold, and it would have done more damage than good in the end. Besides, I trust you fully, Shepard. You're the only person I've ever met besides Niket who has actually treated me like a true, unconditional friend. Granted the Illusive Man did treat me as an equal, but there was always this barrier. I can't really describe it…but he treated all of us as though we were expendable. It never stopped me from doing my job of course, nor did I take offense to it in the slightest. It makes sense to from a business perspective; it makes sure that your investments remain at a separable distance. There's less of a chance of attachments or liabilities that way. Still, I just always got the impression that I was nothing more than a tool to him, and it wasn't until I joined your team that I realized that. Thank you for helping me remember who I was, Commander, and for Oriana, of course, I won't ever forget about that debt anytime soon."

"You don't owe me anything, Miranda." Shepard replied softly. He smiled one of his golden smiles at her, which conjured a slight smile from her, surprisingly enough. "You are a part of my team, more important, you're my friend. I was more than happy to help you. I understand why you won't tell me what your next step is, but can you at least tell me where you need the Normandy to take you?"

She licked her lips lightly and tapped her exterior thumb against her cupped hands. Miranda made a slight 'click' with her tongue before continuing. "Illium, I have some business to conduct on the planet. From there, I guess we'll see if I'm still alive long enough for that to matter."

"If you need help, I wouldn't mind lending a hand. I was reinstated by the council remember? Maybe I could use my spectre status to help you, grant you amnesty?"

She quickly shook her head 'no'. "Thank you, Shepard, but I've never been one to accept handouts. I appreciate the thought, though. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine," Miranda replied sincerely.

Shepard nodded in understanding and placed his hands on his knees to raise himself from the seat. "Well, I should probably let you get some shut eye, Miranda. I just wanted to say thanks for helping me out on this mission. I'm glad we had the chance to meet." Shepard made his way to the door. He activated the door lock to open the office's entrance, when Miranda stopped him.

"Shepard, wait," The Aussie's quick interjection caused Andy to pause at the doorway. She rose from her desk and made her way to his side. Her heeled boots tapped along the tiling, creating a 'clanking' noise as she moved. Their eyes connected, and he could see something in them, almost like they were expressing what she couldn't.

"What do you need, Miranda?" He leaned against the doorway's frame and waited patiently for her response.

"I wanted to apologize to you, Shepard." Miranda's rich sapphire eyes burned into his.

He was blown away by this admission. Just when Andy thought he had nothing new to learn about Miranda, she pulled a fast one, and left him completely stupefied.

Shepard pushed his surprise out of his mind long enough so that it wouldn't seem like he was spacing out. "You have nothing to apologize for, Miranda."

"I do. Back at the meeting yesterday, I told you that it was wrong for you to feel guilty about those colonists in the Bahak system. I had no right to dictate how you felt. If you choose to feel remorseful over that, then I have no right to judge you for it."

"Miranda, it's ok," Shepard brought up his free hand in a gesture for her to slow down.

Miranda turned toward the window and stared out into space. The blue light emanating from the Normandy's shield generator reflected on the Aussie's pitch black hair, making it shimmer like black water. She let out a quiet sigh before continuing. "Thank you, Shepard. I just hope that you understand that what happened in that system was in no means a failure on your part. You are only human, Shepard. As much as you'd like to believe you can do everything, sometimes you can't. I suppose what I'm saying is that when you experience a setback; do not dwell upon it further. Cast it aside, and move on for the better."

The Aussie crossed her arms around her waist and did not turn her attention away from the window. This must've been difficult for her, but Shepard appreciated her honesty and sincerity.

"Have a pleasant evening, Commander." The Aussie replied in a hush, not even turning to acknowledge his exit.

Andreas nodded and exited her office without another word. He made his way out of the small room, and the door came to a close with a hiss. Shepard rotated his shoulder to loosen his tensed muscle. He brought up his omni-tool to examine the time. The orange analogue letters on his omni-tool's interface read: 9:50 pm. He thought about retiring for the evening but remembered a few crewmen would still be up by now, at least he hoped. Turning the corner, he noticed that Gardner was long gone. The man's workstation was tidy and the air was pungent with the odor of fresh lemon disinfectant.

Shepard did his best to saunter over to the cryo pods aligned toward the Normandy's gun battery. Usually, Garrus turned in at around 10:00 pm; Andy hoped his friend didn't deviate from his routine habit on this particular night. He approached the door and brought his defiantly uncooperative arm to its panel. His entire body was aching now, from not only the pain, but from fatigue as well. Andy was drained to the point that his eyes were burning, and his head felt as heavy as a bag of bricks. He ignored it though, he was almost there, and he wasn't going to give up on this paramount duty.

The large turian stood at his terminal, as though he was installed specifically for the Normandy's gun battery. Shepard took a few steps inside and let the door lightly close behind him.

"Shepard, need me for something?" Garrus continued to type at his terminal without a backward glance. This was typical behavior for Garrus when it came to his duties, especially when it came to his friend's duties. Shepard thought back to when the Thanix cannon was being installed onto the Normandy all those months ago on Illium. While everyone was out enjoying some well deserved shore leave, Garrus stayed behind to monitor the construction and installation of the cannon. Little wonder why Garrus felt such an attachment to this powerhouse of a weapon, after all, he helped install it to the ship all those months ago.

"You about to turn in for the night, Garrus, I was hoping we could have a few minutes to chat?" Andy reclined against the door with his arms crossed firmly against his chest.

Garrus ceased his activity and yawned loudly. "Well, I did have some more calibrations to complete before the night is over, but I think that it'll keep for a few minutes." The scarred alien turned his attention to Shepard fully. Garrus motioned with his three fingered hand to silently ask Shepard if he would like to take a seat, to which Andy nodded.

Andreas cautiously lowered himself onto a low crate and sighed as another pain flare erupted in his upper abdomen. "Garrus, when don't you have calibrations to complete?" Shepard coughed, and covered his mouth when it grew severe.

"I suppose you have a point, I like to think it takes the edge off the day. Sort of like…hm, what is that human past time…flying fishing?"

"Huh, oh, you mean fly fishing?"

"Yeah…I guess, I had no idea human's possessed the ability to fly and fish at the same time. That's pretty impressive," Garrus turned to face the Commander, who was laughing at this point.

"Garrus, sorry, it's not you. It's just. Humans don't actually fly and fish at the same time. We just use a little fake fly as bait to catch the fish. Hence the name," Andy stopped snickering quickly when his ribcage reminded him the dangers of laughing. He gripped his sides in pain and grimaced.

"I see. How are the ribs?" Garrus' tone turned sincere and he motioned his head toward Shepard.

"They feel like shit, but thanks for asking."

"Yeah, I guess taking a rocket head on won't exactly leave you ready to take on a Reaper anytime soon."

"I guess that's something you and I share in common now, huh, Garrus?" Shepard smirked at his friend.

Garrus chuckled. He folded his arms across his blue and black chest plate. "We'll have to compare scars when this is over, Shepard. Fifty credits say that mine are better. Take that bet?"

"You know it. We'll have to find a female krogan who's willing to judge though, only way to be sure after all," Shepard confidently exclaimed. He reclined in his seat and closed his eyes to alleviate a sudden burning sensation in them.

"True, so what's on your mind, Shepard?" Garrus patiently waited for Shepard to recompose himself.

The Commander's eyes slowly opened and he sighed. "I was going to ask what your plans are now that the mission is done."

"Good question, though I think that my answer may surprise you."

"Try me," Shepard adjusted his posture to provide his full attention to his turian compatriot.

"I was thinking of heading over to the Citadel, you know; mobilize the Council into doing something about the Reapers."

"Good idea. Anything I can do to help?"

Garrus smiled, or at least Shepard thought it was a smile. Turians aren't exactly easy to read. "Thanks, Shepard, but I think you have bigger worries to concern yourself with. I may not have been born with your silver tongue but I can be pretty convincing when it's needed."

"No doubt, Garrus," Shepard smiled at his friend, before turning his attention to the ground.

"How are you holding up, Shepard?" Garrus' face softened and his blue eyes focused on Andy.

"How do you think? This isn't something I'm proud of. I mean, how can I just brush that off? Those people needed my help, and I couldn't save them, Garrus."

"Well, let me tell you something I learned way back in the turian military. There's always going to be casualties in a war, all you can do is hope that you don't end up being a part of that number. I get that you're upset about all those people that were killed out there in Batarian space. It wasn't your fault, Shepard, if you hadn't done what you did, the Reapers would've invaded the galaxy anyway. You're alive right now because of that sacrifice; all you can do is make sure that their deaths meant something, Shepard."

"Yeah, I suppose that's all I really can do at this point. So do you think you would've made the same call if you were in my shoes, Garrus?"

"In a heart beat, from the minute I met you back in the Council Chambers I knew that you were someone who could get things done. Just look how far you've taken us, Shepard… We've been to places people have only dreamed of going. You've faced down monsters that no one's been able to best for fifty thousand years. You alone have done some of the most impossible things in galactic history. You inspire the best around you…Shepard, when someone tells you how impossible something is you take it as a challenge."

Shepard laughed lightly at that last bit. Garrus folded his arms sharply behind his back and stood erect. "That's why I respect you, Shepard. You inspire the uninspired and I gotta say… that's pretty damned impressive when you think about it."

"Well, a captain's only as good as the people serving beside him. I'm lucky to say that I've had some of the best serving at my side through all of this."

Garrus ran his knuckles against his chest plate as though he were polishing it. A half smirk formed along his split scarred mandibles. "I wouldn't say we're the best…but I'd be lying."

They both laughed at that and Shepard let out a relieved sigh. It felt good to forget about all the horrors that had happened lately. Unfortunately, the feeling was short lived and Shepard remembered he had other people to see.

"So, the Citadel it is, Garrus. I'll get you there as soon as possible."

"Right, enjoy your rest, Shepard. You earned it," Garrus returned to his terminal to deactivate it for the evening.

Shepard opened the door to the crew deck but he was suddenly compelled to ask his old friend a question. "Garrus, do you have time for one more question?"

"Always," Garrus turned on his heel, and met Andy's tired eyes.

"Do you have any advice on what I should do about Kelly?"

"You're asking for my advice on women, Shepard?" Garrus motioned to him with one of his three fingered hands.

"I figured since you had such an outstanding repartee with women back on the SR-1, you'd be willing to lend me some pointers."

"Well, since you asked so nicely, how can I say no? So advice on women in general…or do you want advice on yours in particular?"

"Kelly, at least for now. I might need that advice after I'm done talking to her, though. I'll be lucky if she wants anything to do with me after this fiasco."

"I highly doubt that, Shepard. You didn't see the hell that girl put herself through when you were down there on Arahtot. If anything, she's more confused than angry. Still, I'd wear your armor's cod piece, just in case. We haven't seen that girl when she's angry, and 'it's always the quiet ones', that's the human saying for a dangerous girl, right?"

"Got any good advice, Garrus?" Shepard sighed, his fingers danced along his forehead in exhaustion.

"Honestly, I'd say just tell her the truth. It may sound cliché, but then that has been your policy since we first met. I don't see any reason for you to change things now. Besides, I'm sure she'll understand where you're coming from, she doesn't seem the type of girl to brush off an emotionally compromised patient, especially one that she's heels over head in love with, right?"

Shepard would have corrected him, but he was really spent. This evening was dragging on and his body could barely keep up. Andy lifted himself off of the door's frame, and rubbed his shoulder softly. The muscle ache in his right shoulder blade was all consuming and made any type of thinking impossible. He thanked Garrus for all his help and for his advice before he made his way towards the mess.

The door closed in front of Garrus as though it were moving a mile a year. The large turian walked over toward his terminal and entered the final key codes into his workstation to deactivate it for the evening. He couldn't help but let his mind wander to his previous conversation with Shepard.

This is such a stupid idea you have, Vakarian. Failed C-Sec officer, failed vigilante, and somehow going back to the place I turned my back on is supposed to help at this point! Who the hell is going to help me on that damn station? If they didn't do it two years ago, what makes me think they'll step up now?

He crossed his arms across his blue-black chest plate and moved toward the next terminal in the room to deactivate it, while he continued to argue with himself.

No! Damn it, Shepard's going to need the Council in this fight. Those fools would never buy this story if Shepard told them, especially now, after he's just destroyed an entire star system. Shepard's always come through for all of us in the past, and now it's my turn to repay that favor.

Garrus sighed and walked to the door and adjusted his armor's shoulder plates. I hope everything works out between him and Kelly, though. That man has suffered enough loss without having to add her to that list of people.

Garrus activated the door and stood frozen when he saw who was waiting for him on the other side. He was face to face with Kelly Chambers.