Zavala informs you that Drifter can improve the device he's been building if you are able to provide him with more Golden Age salvage. The mission is progressing according to plan, but placing it on Sloane's shoulders doesn't sit well with Zavala.

"Sloane's been through enough as it is," he tells you.

Zavala recounts how he debriefed Sloane on the events that transpired while she was gone, and how she buried her reaction to it—particularly the news of Amanda's death.

He asks you to stand by Sloane in his stead, to be the confidant he feels he can't be as her commander.

"Show her that she doesn't have to fight this battle alone."