-Forgiveness-
-Six Days Ago
Citadel, Upper Presidium
BANG!
"Hell yeah! Right though the center!"
Garrus feigned a cough. "Lucky shot," he muttered as he loaded another thermal clip into his Mantis.
"Lucky? That's pure skill, big guy!" Aedan laughed as he returned to one of the two black lounge chairs with his own Mantis, a gust of wind rustling his hair. Clad in a simple pair of jeans and a grey t-shirt, he took a drink of soda from one of the containers resting on the fold-out table between the chairs and leaned the sniper rifle against it.
"Sure, Shepard, sure. Step aside—let me show you how a real marksman shoots," Garrus quipped as he stood up, heading over to the dozen empty glass bottles they had set up in a line near the edge of the walkway they were parked on. A walkway that happened to be one of the highest ones on the entire Presidium.
I thought he was crazy when he suggested it, Aedan thought. But damn, this is probably the most fun I've had in quite awhile!
It took a few days longer to reach the Citadel than normal thanks to alternative, randomized Mass Relay jumps; a new safety precaution to prevent the Reapers from discovering the Serpent Nebula. The Normandy was currently in dry-dock, and until further notice, almost the entire crew was on shore-leave. He wasn't entirely sure what the others were up to, only that Tali mentioned she had some Migrant Fleet business to take care of first. Fortunately Garrus wasn't nearly as busy; instead, he rented a skycar, grabbed some supplies from the Normandy, and suggested they do "something fun for a change."
If Tali ever finds out, she's going to kill us, Aedan grinned. According to Garrus, they were breaking around 137 regulations right now. But, as he so elegantly stated, "Right now, I just don't give a damn."
Speaking of Garrus, the former vigilante was carefully lining up his shot, adjusting the scope on his Mantis while his arms remained as rigid as a statue's. The optical blue eye-piece he always wore (a customized, turian version of Aedan's own Kuwashii Visor) flashed with a flurry of calculations and data.
"Careful Garrus, it might get up and walk away," Aedan said. The sound of shattered glass was his answer.
"Walk away?" Garrus asked. "Hmm, you just gave me an idea. Grab one of the good bottles."
Shrugging, Aedan got up while the turian emptied the spent shell casing in his Mantis, automatically chambering another.
"Okay, now what?"
"Now, we get to settle one thing, once and for all..." Garrus said ominously. "Not saying you don't know how to handle a gun, obviously," he gestured to the broken bottles on the edge of their line. "But some of us know how to make it dance, especially when the target's moving."
"We're throwing bottles now?"
"You guessed it. Now we'll really find out who's the best shot."
Why didn't I think of that? Aedan wondered. "Hate to break it to you buddy, but there are a few people who've seen me in action. They seem impressed."
"Yeah, but I've actually seen you dance, Shepard. No comment."
"That's it Vakarian, you're going down!"
Garrus laughed. "Now that's more like it," he said as he took the bottle from Aedan. "Oh and don't worry, I brought practice slugs for when you miss."
Aedan smirked as he raised his Mantis. A moment later, the bottle went sailing into the air, and a resounding shot blasted it out of the air.
"That was an easy one. Let you build up your confidence."
"Sure..." Aedan said as Garrus picked up his Mantis and another bottle, tossing it to Aedan.
"Long range, I wrote the book. Nobody alive can do this, not even the legendary Commander Shepard. Give me a tough one."
"If you say so," Aedan said as he waited for Garrus to ready his Mantis. With as much strength as he could muster, Aedan threw the bottle. Again, a piercing shot and broken glass filled the air.
"I said a tough one!" Garrus chuckled.
"You asked for it," Aedan said. "Step aside!"
As he cocked the Mantis and raised it, Aedan thought more and more about their little competition. Sure, if the cybernetics and enhanced eyesight were taken into account, Aedan would easily outclass Garrus. But the turian did have an ego (and reputation) to uphold. Would it be so bad to let him have this one victory?
I do owe him a few, what with the way I've been acting and all. Plus, not like anyone else besides us would know. At least, I hope so. I don't think he and his ego could make it back aboard the Normandy.
"Here it comes!" Garrus said.
Aedan saw the bottle enter his vision as his eyes automatically zoomed in on it. He could guess its maximum height along with the optimum time to fire. But instead of listening to his usual instincts, just this once, he fired early.
The shot went slightly above the bottle as it fell to the lake below.
"I'm Garrus Vakarian, and this is now my favorite spot on the Citadel!" Garrus declared.
"It's windy up here," Aedan said halfheartedly.
"Think I'm going to erect a monument right here—bronze this gun so the whole galaxy knows."
"What, that you're the king of the bottle shooters? Glad you're around Garrus, never know when the bottles might revolt."
Garrus laughed hard at that as he walked back to their lounge chairs, setting down his Mantis and drinking some more beer as Aedan followed.
"You know, I'm glad we did this Garrus," Aedan sighed, reclining back in his chair as Garrus opened another dextro beer. He took a swig, leaning back in his own chair.
"Figured it was time to do something stupid for the hell of it. This might be our last chance."
"Yeah..." Aedan trailed off, thoughts drifting back to the war briefly.
"So now what? Want to line up some more bottles? I saved plenty from the compactor."
"How about a dip in the pool?" Aedan joked, pointing over the edge to the lake below. "Would be quite the dive from here."
"You obviously haven't seen turians swim. It's a lot of flailing and splashing interrupted by occasional bouts of drowning."
"It's fine, I'd just have to save your ass again."
"It'd make up for all the times I pulled your ass out of the fire." Garrus sighed. "We've had a hell of a ride, haven't we Shepard?"
"We have," Aedan said, eyes watching the distant Citadel traffic. "And you know, it's times like these when you realize who your real friends are. They're not the ones running around looking for an escape route. They're the ones who stand at your side through the worst of it, who never give up on you. Even when you might deserve it."
Aedan swallowed a lump building in his throat. "I know I haven't exactly been myself lately."
"Well yeah, you stopped drinking alcohol, for one."
"There's a good reason for that, but..."
"It's okay, you don't have to explain. Liara told me it's between you and Tali. I'll respect that."
"Thanks," Aedan said. "Anyway, you didn't ask to be my XO, but you did it regardless. You kept the crew together when I clearly couldn't. For that and so much more Garrus, you have my eternal gratitude."
"You've always taken the worst of everything, Shepard. The firefights, the fallout, the ridicule. Being there's the least I and the rest of us can do."
"All the same, that's something that a true friend does. And I'm lucky to say I know someone like that."
"So am I," Garrus replied. He looked over at Aedan, the turian equivalent of a grin on his mandibles. "You're not going to propose marriage now, are you?"
Aedan nearly fell out of his chair laughing. "I don't think Tali would appreciate that."
"Probably not. I'd rather not wake up to a shotgun in my face, thanks. Got enough scars as it is."
-Several Hours Later
Citadel, Presidium Commons
Hmm, she said she'd be waiting somewhere around here.
Aedan searched what felt like the entire park area for his favorite quarian, though it was easier said than done because of how busy this part of the Presidum had become lately. Unfortunately, her e-mail wasn't too specific on exactly where she'd be waiting. The Cerberus attack had put everyone on edge. Patrons barely kept up with customers of almost all different races who bought weapons, armor, food, and other supplies. C-Sec humans and turians remained vigilant, standard-issue Avenger assault rifles at the ready at nearly every turn.
For once, quarians were a rarity to see on the Citadel since most decided to stay on Rannoch, serve in the Migrant Fleet, or help with the Crucible (though the Migrant Fleet Marines were actively participating in joint Alliance operations against both the Reapers and Cerberus). It made finding Tali that much easier.
Aedan and Garrus said their good-byes a few hours ago. His XO wasn't specific on what was so important that he actually had to change out of his armor for. Aedan had a sneaking suspicion it was a date. What else other than formal meetings would cause Garrus of all people to worry about appearances? Of course Aedan was curious, but he figured Garrus would tell him in due time. Since then he had a pleasant lunch by the lake with Kaiden, restocked on some supplies, and even bought a few "special" items for both himself and Tali later on. But now, he was eager to grab dinner with Tali and finally go check out Anderson's apartment with her on the Silversun Strip.
After what felt like hours, Aedan finally spotted her familiar purple shawl with the tribal designs of Clan Zorah proudly weaved onto it. As he approached, he noticed she was talking to a well-dressed turian he didn't recognize.
"...of course. We can have ships at the colony in thirty-six hours. Do you need medical support?"
"No, evacuating the colony is more than enough. Thank you, Ambassador," the turian said as he walked away. Aedan took this opportunity to pop up.
"Ambassador, huh?"
Tali spun around in shock, but calmed down when she saw who it was.
"Again, more of a formality. I'm coordinating actions for the fleet while we're here. Evacuating colonies, bolstering turian defense lines...things like that."
"All in a day's work, huh?" Aedan smirked, however it quickly disappeared when Tali gave an audible sigh. "What's wrong?"
She grabbed the fabric of his leather N7 jacket and gently led him to the railing so that they were away from the crowds. The fountains in the distant lakes were soothing to watch. Tali idly played with his hand a bit before continuing as they leaned over the side.
"You know, I think it was right here. Three years ago to the day."
"Huh? What was?"
Tali gestured to where they were standing. "This was where Saren's assassins fired at me. I'd just gotten to the Citadel. I didn't think I needed my barriers up. My mistake."
"That was right before you went to Dr. Michel, right?"
Tali nodded. "Yes. I disabled the geth and found that recording that proved he was working with the Reapers. I went to Illium and tried to inform the authorities, but Saren's mercenaries attacked me. I barely escaped. I stowed away on a turian freighter and came out here. I thought I was safe."
"Illium?" Aedan asked. "You never told me the details."
"The conversation you saw in the Shadow Broker's archives only tells part of the story. I didn't bother with specifics when I went to him for help."
"How bad was it?"
"They got me in the arm, used polonium rounds. I was running a fever in minutes." She sighed, gripping his hand a bit tighter. Aedan gave it a reassuring squeeze. "It was the first time I'd really been hurt on my Pilgrimage. I ran to the Council Embassy, asked for protection, offered the data on Saren."
She started to shake a bit, but didn't let go of his hand. "The turian clerk called me 'suit rat.' He threatened to have me tossed off the station if I didn't leave."
Inwardly Aedan was fuming. He always hated how racist the other Council races could be, but especially when it came to the quarians. Even the non-Council races looked down on them, and for what? Because they caused their own demise when they lost control of the geth? In some ways, the quarians were treated just as badly as the krogan. Perhaps this war had been good for something—erasing old prejudices and fostering new alliances in their place.
"I wish that clerk could see you now."
"You just did. That was him back there. I don't think he remembers me."
"Wait, really?" Aedan said. "Want me to go knock some sense into him?"
Tali giggled a bit. "The thought's tempting. But no, it's all right."
Aedan was stunned. "And you're assisting him in spite of what he did?"
"This war is too big for old grudges. You showed me that; because of you, we're at peace with the geth. I can't waste my time on a turian who made me angry. Besides, it all worked out. I made it to the Wards, you found me, happy ending."
Almost wasn't, Aedan thought, recalling how he, Garrus, and Wrex only made it just in time to save Tali from Fist's thugs. "True. And now the turians will get the aid they desperately need."
They stayed silent for a bit, holding hands and watching the fountains before Tali spoke up. "I nearly reminded him of who I was; made him apologize, rub his nose in it. Maybe he and I both needed to grow up a little."
"The difference is that you helped when it counted."
She shook her head. "No Aedan, the difference was you."
Aedan smiled as he pulled her into an embrace, which she gratefully accepted. "Don't sell yourself short. I probably wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't for you."
They held each other for a few moments longer before Aedan let go. "So how about we go grab some dinner and then check out that apartment Anderson set aside?"
"Sounds good to me, I'm starving," Tali replied as they walked hand-in-hand, leaving the past behind them in favor of what they hoped would be a relaxing, normal shore leave.
-One Hour Later
Citadel, Silversun Strip, Tiberius Towers
The entire apartment was a marvel; Aedan hadn't felt so spoiled since he first boarded the Normandy SR-2 and discovered he had a spacious Captain's Cabin.
Now I have two apartments to choose from, he grinned, thinking back to the other one on Intai'sai he won at Pinnacle Station nearly three years ago. Well, technically Garrus owns it since I gave it to him in my will, but does it still count if I didn't actually die? Hmm, I'll have to talk with him about that.
After a surprise conversation with Anderson, Aedan wandered through the different rooms, lounge, bar areas, game room, kitchen, and even a small workout area. It still hadn't sunk in that this was all his now; Anderson had bequeathed it to him since he was stuck on Earth, fighting the good fight.
"It was supposed to be where Kahlee and I would spend our retirement," he said. "But I don't think that'll happen now with the way this war's going. I don't need it any longer, Shepard. It's yours now; take care of it for me. At least with you it'll get some use."
A pang of guilt hit him as he thought about Earth, but he pushed the thought into the recesses of his mind. Like Hackett said, there wasn't anything else he could do right now until the fleets were ready and the Normandy repaired.
It still felt like he was trespassing in the home of a man who he thought of as a father, even if he did have consent.
I wish Tali was here right now. She'd either be ecstatic, or complaining about how much room there is.
To both his and Tali's irritation, shortly after they found each other on the Presidium, her presence had been requested at a meeting of the Migrant Fleet's Admiralty Board (including Gerrel, who had recently been released from confinement after agreeing to fight the Reapers, so long as the geth stayed out of his way) over the QEC. Since retrofits hadn't started yet, Traynor allowed her to use the one on the Normandy. She apologized profusely and promised to catch up with him later that night.
As he wandered the upstairs area and checked out the rather large landing, his attention was drawn to the master bedroom. In particular, a familiar-looking panel on the far side of the room near the bed caught his eye as he passed the doorway.
Curious, he walked in to the sparsely-decorated, yet comfortable bedroom. He traced a finger across one of the buttons until he took a chance and pressed the green one. The doors to the bathroom, closet, and hallway all closed by themselves as mist filled the room.
"Decontamination in progress," the VI chimed as mist filled the room, sterilizing everything. Once finished, all doors opened again. It was only then when his omni-tool chimed with an alert. It was an automated e-mail, designed to send at a particular time.
Commander,
Had this installed on Anderson's request; he figured you wouldn't be spending your shore leave alone. Consider it a forward payment on all you've done for us so far.
-Hackett
Aedan wiped the moisture in his eyes away. Typical Anderson; always thinking about everyone else but himself. You better stay alive until I return so I can thank you myself.
As he retrieved and stored his belongings in the closet and returned downstairs to think about what he wanted for dinner (being alone like this reminded him of his first apartment back on Arcturus Station that he'd stay at in-between deployments), he heard the private terminal in the game room chime with a new message.
Subject: Dinner at sushi place on me!
Hey Shepard,
I've got a few things I wanted to go over with you. With the Normandy in dry dock, I figured we could meet up at that Ryuusei sushi place down in the Wards. I hear it's the best.
-Joker
I wonder why Joker would send it to this address instead of my personal one, Aedan thought as he sent a quick message back letting Joker know he was on his way and grabbed his leather jacket off one of the couches. Maybe Hackett or Anderson gave it to him. Oh well, at least this solves my dinner issue. Sushi's not really my thing, but everyone raves about that place. At least now I'll get to see what all the fuss is about.
Sending a second, encrypted message to Tali via omni-tool with pass codes to get into the apartment (along with the promise of a special surprise waiting for her), he locked the door and waited for the elevator.
For a moment he contemplated running back in and grabbing his concealed holster, Predator (which was easier to fold up and conceal than his Carnifex) and a couple of thermal clips, but he decided against it. They were on shore leave; what was the worst that could happen in this part of the Citadel?
Not to mention, who would be stupid enough to mess with the famous 'Commander Shepard' or his crew, especially with all that's going on? Being famous and a Spectre has its perks sometimes.
Bad idea, Aedan. Why oh why didn't you listen to your own advice? Haha, and this brings us to the Citadel DLC events, folks. It'll become more clear what I'm going to do with the whole "anti-Shepard" arc next chapter, but needless to say I'm not going to spend exuberant amounts of time on it (unless there's a demand for me to). I wanted to focus more on the events surrounding the rest of shore leave (like, I don't know...the party!?). Hmm...maybe I'll make it a poll on my profile. Actually, I think I will. Go check it out and vote! I won't be updating this for a little while, as I'll explain in a moment.
Thanks as always to all the responses I've been getting, and a special thank you to The Sneaky Fox for taking the time to read and leave some insightful, wonderful reviews for each chapter! Do me a favor—if you love "Solace," then check out Sneaky's trilogy of Tali/Shepard stories (The Silence After, The Storm, and Echoes in the Plains)! All three are excellent, and "Echoes" has been an intense ride so far!
I'll do my best to make sure you guys aren't waiting too long for Chapter 12, but as I said, I have some real life issues that I need to address that will be taking time away from my writing. Plus I have to get Mission 07 of my other story, "Insurrection of the Shooting Star," out as soon as I can. It's about halfway done, so hopefully I can get that out soon, maybe update "Heart of Steel" while I'm at it, and then return to "Solace" as much as I can until the end of this fic. Thanks as always for the reviews/favs/follows, they mean the world to me! Looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts.
-Sheik