Normandy SR3

"Can't sleep?" Garrus walked up to Tali and placed a hand on her shoulder. Even with the surprise she continued to stare out of the observation deck into the darkness of space.

"Something on your mind?" Garrus probed further since his first attempt at conversation garnered no response.

"Tali," Garrus turned her so his gaze met her helmet "this isn't the first time I've found you here at this time. You want to talk about it?"

"It's okay Garrus, I'm fine" Tali murmured quietly.

"No. I can tell you're troubled by something. It's okay, I have time." Garrus led Tali to a chair before reclining in another opposite her.

"Garrus I don't want to bore you with my problems. You should be sleeping too."

"Well," Garrus pushed himself upright and shrugged his shoulders, "what are friends for?" he replied with a chuckle.

"If you insist. I don't really know how to explain this, I," Tali paused to compose herself "I just feel really lost. I know all of you have been by my side through this, but I really feel lost and confused."

Garrus didn't reply, waiting for Tali to continue.

"It's already been eight years. Eight years since the end of the war, eight years since Cerberus took over, eight years in exile, eight years since," Tali stopped to allow herself a quiet sob "I lost Shepard."

"Tali you know that isn't your fault, none of this is. You of all people would know how brave Shepard was, giving up his life to protect us, to protect you."

"I know, it's just that, I never wanted any of this. All the running from Cerberus, not knowing where to go or what to do. I still remember. Shepard promised me that after the war we'll settle down on Rannoch, enjoy life. No more fighting no more running. But now, there really isn't much of a purpose anymore is there?"

"Tali, you need to get a hold of yourself. Think this through, what is there that you can do to improve the situation? We're all here with you, to the end, whatever that might be."

"There's no use. Cerberus will just hunt us down and kill us. We've all seen what they're capable of. They took down the Alliance and the Council so easily."

Tali turned to look out into space. The occasional sparkle of stars lighting up parts of the never-ending darkness.

"Mommy! Mommy! Come quick!" a high pitched shout caught hold of Tali's attention and brought her back to reality. Moments later Tasha came running in waving her omnitool excitedly. "Mommy! Look at this!"

Tali gently stroked her hand down Tasha's hair while leaning over her shoulder to see. "What is it Tasha?"

"I got my first message!"

"Is that what woke you up? Who is it from?"

"It's from Daddy!"