She thinks about what was left behind, with so much left undone. Had leaving the galaxy been the right choice? Nobody had listened to her, and whoever had, they attacked her. Someone didn't want her to let the Milky Way know about the Reapers. It feels a little like running away.

It doesn't leave her as guilt ridden as she supposed. She's spent her whole life standing her ground and not running. This? This is fucking easy in comparison.

She doesn't even drink as much as she used to. It's equal parts being removed, and the man in her lap currently. She can admit that, that having him around makes her feel more grounded, more human. He crossed a galaxy for her; she can afford to drink less.

"I'm still not actually sure how I managed that other than the whole 'no pathfinder implant' argument. Not really sure if I'm okay with an AI in my brain." She notices the slurring, and it brings a warmth to her chest. That they started off so guarded and now he can be open around her is not something Shepard could have predicted. "Commander Shepard, first human Spectre, pirate."