One of the most memorable aspects of the Mass Effect franchise is the time it allows players to get to know their squad. Depending on the player's motivations, there is potential for everyone to become a close friend or unwavering ally. When Mass Effect 3 introduced shuttle pilot Steve Cortez to the Normandy crew, it was more than just an opportunity to add an LGBTQ+ romance option to the game. Cortez had the potential to become a close and trusted friend to Commander Shepard, no matter their gender.
After the Reapers hit Earth, Cortez took on the responsibility of becoming Shepard's shuttle pilot. He made sure they got in and out of Reaper and Cerberus-hot areas safely, and he took his responsibility very seriously. Unfortunately, it's difficult for even the best of pilots to steer clear of the Reapers, and when the end game battle for Earth launched, Cortez and the Kodiak were shot down by a Harvester. Whether or not Cortez survived the crash relied heavily on an undesignated loyalty mission Shepard could carry out throughout the game to restore his faith and his will to live.
Talking to squadmates between missions is one of the most time-consuming but rewarding aspects of the game. It helps to establish and cement friendships and keep everyone in good spirits despite the possibility of their own extinction. Traveling to the shuttle bay to talk to Alliance soldier James Vega after he crashed the shuttle into Dr. Eva Core on Mars allowed Shepard to speak with Steve Cortez for the first time. Though he didn't offer much personal information at the time, the more often Shepard visited the shuttle bay between missions, the more Steve began to open up.
It was common for Shepard to ask fellow humans about any family they might have back on Earth, and when asking Steve about it, he noted that his parents had both passed years earlier, and he'd once been married. Robert had been stationed at Ferris Fields when the Collectors hit and abducted the entire colony. He was obviously distraught over this, but he assured Shepard it wouldn't affect his duties.
After a few missions, Comm Specialist Traynor told Shepard they should check on Cortez in the Shuttle Bay. Upon arrival, they'll find him listening to a recording of his last call with Robert, revealing that he'd been talking to him when the Collectors hit. The conversation gives Shepard a chance to offer him comfort. After a couple more missions, Shepard can return to speak with him again while he's doing maintenance on the Kodiak. This time, Shepard can convince him to take some downtime the next time they visit the Citadel.
When next docking at the Citadel, Steve can be found in Docking Bay D-24, watching the ships fly in and out. Speak with him about the refugee memorial wall for loved ones. Shepard can encourage him to visit the memorial wall, and though he isn't quite convinced, he'll tell Shepard he'll think about it. The next time you dock at the Citadel again, you'll find Steve in the refugee docks near the memorial wall. Speak with him one more time to encourage him to leave the recording of his last call with Robert at the wall and seek closure.
You'll later receive an e-mail from Steve, asking Shepard to meet him for a drink at Purgatory. A male Shepard has the option of pursuing a romance with him during the conversation in Purgatory, or they could simply chat and have a drink together. Cortez will admit that Shepard was right, and he couldn't hold onto the past anymore, especially under the weight of their looming death in the upcoming fight. Toasting to the future, this final conversation with him will restore his hope and give him reason enough to go on fighting. Completing this short but emotionally charged side quest will allow Cortez the motivation he needs to survive the shuttle crash on Earth when he was shot down by the Harvester.