My dear friends, loyal and new coming readers, I have returned with the sequel to my first story, A Third Chance. This story, as the title implies is about the developing lives of Shepard and his family. While is is the main focus, I will also be doing more involving the other former members of the crew.
I do apologies for not bringing this to you sooner. I have had some major stress in my life recently but now that it has passed I can write freely again. Before you read please (and this is mostly for new readers) make sure you have read my first story, which can be found by going to my profile. Be sure to look at the author's note at the end of the chapter, because I have an exciting announcement. For now, please enjoy Mass Effect: Life.
An anxious hush fell over the crowd. The center of the room cleared as two figures dressed in extravagant clothing walked out hand in hand. The lighting dimmed and a single spotlight shone down on the pair. The taller figure placed her hands on her partner's hips as the other placed hers on her companion's shoulders. Music began to play, soft music. The pair rotated in the center of the room being watched by all present but not noticing. They were too busy looking into each other's eyes, too ensnared in the moment to think of anything but the other person.
After a few minutes the music began to pick up. The tempo increased and the pair spun and twirled to the sound. The music was coursing through their veins as they danced. When the music finally spun itself to a stop so did the newlyweds. The crowd clapped and cheered but ceased, changing instead to a resounding "aaaaw" as the couple shared a kiss.
The lights came up and the music resumed. Other couples mover out and began to dance. The newlyweds moved out and toward the outer section of the room, seeing their friends talking and smiling.
Shepard looked over to the approaching couple and tapped Tali's shoulder. The Quarian turned and smiled behind her faceplate. "There you are. I knew there was a new couple around here somewhere" Shepard greeted.
Liara and Solana both smiled and chuckled a bit in near unison. Liara quickly regained her composure and sighed happily. "Thank you both so much for coming. I am glad you could make it." Liara paused for a moment and looked around, "I thought I saw Sheela with you earlier."
"I'm sure she is just off mingling..." Shepard looked around the room and spotted his daughter chatting with a Salarian woman. As he brought his gaze back he saw Garrus sitting at a small bar across the room. "I will be back."
Garrus sipped his drink as he held up his omnitool, which displayed the smiling face of Klymeet. "It's was a good Turian ceremony, Kly. Wish you could have been here."
"Me too. I'm sorry I have been so busy lately. It's just-"
"Don't worry about it. I understand." Garrus smiled and she returned the gesture.
Klymeet glanced down at a flashing console and sighed mournfully. "Garrus I'm sorry but I need to go. I will talk to you tomorrow."
"Goodbye Klymeet." Garrus closed his omnitool and sighed. I miss that woman... Garrus lifted his brandy again and took a long sip.
"I'll have scotch," Shepard said to the Asari bartender. "And I'm sure it mean a lot to Liara to have you here, Aethyta." Shepard sat down on the stool next to Garrus.
The matriarch smiled and shrugged as she pulled out a glass and bottle of Earth scotch. "Whatever you say babe, just glad to see her with someone who can take care of her."
Shepard took a sip of scotch and looked over at his friend. It had been seven months since the kidnapping. Seven months since he had exploded at Garrus. Seven months since they had spoken.
"Hello, Garrus. How you doing?" Shepard asked awkwardly, rotating his glass on the bar.
Garrus looked over like someone had just woken him from sleep walking. When he saw it was Shepard he sighed. "Not great, not bad, but not great."
There was a pause for a short while. Neither one spoke, not knowing what to say. They just sipped their drinks, each trying to think of what to say next. In the end, it was Garrus who spoke first.
"Shepard, about what happened on Palaven-"
Shepard cut him off before he could finish. "Garrus, it wasn't your fault. You couldn't have anticipated what happened. I'm sorry for what I said. I shouldn't-"
"You were angry and needed somebody to blame. I would likely have done the same thing in your position."
"Still doesn't make it right."
"I know, but it helped you."
Another pause, this time because they both knew nothing more needed saying. After a moment three pair finished their drinks and stood. Leaving the bar they went back where the newlyweds and Tali stood. Everyone smiling and laughing. Everything forgiven and forgotten.
Short, I know but I think it is a good start. Now for the announcement. You may have noticed the lack f a cover for this story. What I need is a good picture, painting, drawing, etc. of Tali and Sheela. If you have any kind of artistic ability that would allow you to create such an image, then listen up. This will be a contest, whoever can create the best picture of Tali and Sheela (preferably out of their suits) will win an endorsement of their deviant art account (if they have one) and will receive a special prize which I will tell you about at the end of the contest. The only rules are that the art must look better than a stick figure, and if the picture is not appropriate enough to show to your grandmother, a priest, and a six year old girl then it should not be submitted.
I look forward to seeing what you all come up with. Until next time, farewell.