"How many lives do you think Shepard has?" Vega joked with Garrus. He didn't know any other way of grieving. No one had heard news from earth. Most of the mass relays destroyed during the blast. The Normandy had crashed somewhere within the Sol system.
"Nine or did you not know that?" Garrus said, whispering. He knew what Vega was doing and he respected him. But he didn't want the rest of the crew to hear them.
"Hey what if he really is," Vega stopped and exhaled. He didn't want to think that Shepard died in the blast. To grieve a commander is hard but grieving a friend hurts.
"Joker we need to get to Earth now!"
"Liara, we can't."
"Joker just do it!" Liara screamed at Joker. There were tears down her eyes. Tali stood next to her, holding her arm to make sure she didn't hurt Joker. Joker avoided making eye contact with Liara but understood her feelings. He looked over at the empty seat where EDI sat. She wasn't responding. He was as scared as Liara was.
"Tell you what," Joker said in a faint whisper, "Help me get the Normandy back online and we will go back to Earth. We need to get the core back online. I could use your help too Tali."
They both nodded and walked to the elevator. Samantha ran towards Joker and hugged him. He simply held her. The whole crew was grieving.
"Shepard was a great soldier."
"Is, Javik. You might not want to say now." Vega said.
Javik simply stood there. He did not understand them but he understood the sacrifice of a soldier, one who did it to save the galaxy. "I am sure that Shepard, EDI and Ashley are fine." He bowed to Vega and Garrus and walked away.
"What should we do, Garrus?" Vega said.
"Pray."
Author's notes: Poll is still up on my profile. It will close on 4/22 so cast your votes as to which character you want more from!
