Okay, maybe she was speaking in hyperbole and maybe the stress of this world is getting to her in more ways she's willing to admit and but she's still allowed the shock of such a sudden change of face, isn't she? And then his words hit her like a second wind, the sort that precedes a furious storm. She had said that. It had been a joke, of course, but not one she could take back it seems. And for a second she's paralyzed by the implications of what she did, curses herself for her haste, for her momentary lapse of reason. Only a second, however, and then the blood comes rushing back and she looks at all the pieces of the puzzle she's left to deal with.

She breathes, in once and out, to push back the storm. Then she can see. A panorama sweeps before her and all the little details start to come into view. As quick as lightning, she's shifting them about and compartmentalizing them into portions that can be solved. Just like any other mission. Another day in the life of Shepard.

First, there's her shinki who looks every bit as distraught as she was appalled. This time, however, she taps down on that useless well called guilt and reaches out to him, to take the weapon from him, to take his hands in hers, whatever he'll allow. For as long they're here, she still needs him.

"I get it. I'm sorry." Not for the last time, does she wonder about his origins. "I should have been more clear."