It was surprising to hear, but not unexpected. They'd hit Earth. Palaven. It was only a matter of time. He just wasn't sure what to say. At any other time, sure. They'd return to the Normandy and formulate a new plan. There would always be another fight. Another battle. Any number of ways to reconcile the situation when things went sideways.
"Thessia falling wasn't your fault. I'm sure of that. If it was already under attack, there was nothing you could do to prevent that even if you'd gotten off-world with that intel. It doesn't mean you lost the war, Shepard. Everyone's still in the fight.."
What else should he say? There might not be a chance to go back and make things right. But he was worried for her. Stepping closer, he set his hands on her shoulders and peered down at her intently. She needed to focus now, not evade, and listen good.
"You can't blame yourself for that. Not now. You can hold onto that anger, remember it if and when we go home. Use it to make the Illusive Man pay for everything he's done. But that guilt.." He shook his head, words failing him then. It really didn't need to be said. He knew the feeling of lives lost over crucial failings, if marginally. It was toxic, and that wasn't even an entire planet.
no subject
It was surprising to hear, but not unexpected. They'd hit Earth. Palaven. It was only a matter of time. He just wasn't sure what to say. At any other time, sure. They'd return to the Normandy and formulate a new plan. There would always be another fight. Another battle. Any number of ways to reconcile the situation when things went sideways.
"Thessia falling wasn't your fault. I'm sure of that. If it was already under attack, there was nothing you could do to prevent that even if you'd gotten off-world with that intel. It doesn't mean you lost the war, Shepard. Everyone's still in the fight.."
What else should he say? There might not be a chance to go back and make things right. But he was worried for her. Stepping closer, he set his hands on her shoulders and peered down at her intently. She needed to focus now, not evade, and listen good.
"You can't blame yourself for that. Not now. You can hold onto that anger, remember it if and when we go home. Use it to make the Illusive Man pay for everything he's done. But that guilt.." He shook his head, words failing him then. It really didn't need to be said. He knew the feeling of lives lost over crucial failings, if marginally. It was toxic, and that wasn't even an entire planet.
"... you can't keep holding onto that."