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The next day, Shepard called all of her companions together in the war room. Most of them still looked tired, and no surprise—yesterday had been an utterly exhausting day. Shepard couldn't entirely believe that it had happened, except that the crew was back and they had an extra complement of colonists.
She looked around the room at the others. "I think you all owe yourselves a big pat on the back for the work you did yesterday. The Collectors are gone, thanks to you. You saved the crew. You saved the colonists. You are all superheroes, and the galaxy should give you a big round of applause." She paused. "But it won't. You likely won't even get a thank you. And … as the first big disappointment after your accomplishment, I think you should know that the Illusive Man has withdrawn his support from any further missions the Normandy might undertake. In fact, I'm a little surprised the ship is still running, and under my command."
Miranda shifted uncomfortably in her seat, and Jacob crossed his arms over his chest and scowled.
Shepard waited a moment to see if either of them would say anything, or if EDI would pipe up, but when none of that happened, she went on. "The Illusive Man wanted me to preserve the Collector base so that it could be studied. I chose not to, not wanting Reaper technology, Collector technology, to be spread throughout the galaxy. Maybe some of you agree with that decision, maybe some of you don't, but it was my call, and I made it, and the Illusive Man was not happy, to say the least."
Jacob started to say something, thought better of it, and shut his mouth with an audible snap.
"Anyway," Shepard continued, "we've done what you all signed on for. And while I intend to continue on here on the Normandy for a while, finishing up some work I've been asked to do, none of you need to stay if you don't want to. I have to take the colonists home to Horizon, and that's my first priority, but after that we'll make a stop at the Citadel, and anyone who wishes to can get off there."
"Cerberus will honor the deals it made with each of you," Miranda said crisply, and Shepard was relieved. She had been worried about that. "You will all be paid in full by the time we arrive at the Citadel. And that goes for the rest of the crew, as well."
"They'll also be given the option to stay or go, as they please. While I have cut ties with Cerberus—or, rather, had them cut—those who prefer to remain part of it are welcome to do so."
Shepard looked around at the faces. Jacob would go, she could see that in his stiff posture. Miranda she was less sure about; she looked weary and defeated. Shepard wondered if she had spent the intervening hours arguing with the Illusive Man.
"At any rate," Shepard said when no one moved or commented, "feel free to get some more rest. You all need it; you richly deserve it. No one needs to make any decisions right this second."
They filed from the room, leaving her there alone, her gaze focused on the round blue avatar on the table. That was one entity who did need to make a decision right this second.
EDI's voice came crackling through the avatar. "You appear pensive, Shepard."
"I was wondering where you stand in all of this."
"Metaphorically speaking, of course. I have no legs on which to stand."
Shepard smiled. "Metaphorically speaking. Are you with Cerberus?"
"I am part of the Normandy, Commander. As such, I am with you."
"The Normandy is mine?" Shepard asked in some surprise.
"Yes. No strings attached, or so I believe the saying goes."
The Illusive Man was generous, Shepard would give him that. She and the Normandy had cost him an exorbitant amount of money, and he appeared to be letting them both go with a certain amount of grace. "Tell him thank you for me, if you're still in contact."
"I am not."
"In that case, maybe someday I can tell him myself."
"Perhaps so."
"That's all, EDI. Thanks."
"You are welcome, Commander."
Then the voice was gone and Shepard stood alone in the room. Commander of her own ship, free of assignments and demands. An unexpected luxury. She intended to thoroughly enjoy it.