Mass Effect: Each Story Has A Million Tales.

Summary: "There is always more than just one side to a story- and more than one lesson to learn. Follow Garrus Vakarian as he stands by a promise that he means to keep, contemplates the true meaning of life, death, and the ultimate sacrifice, and as he confronts someone who should have been behind him all along. Follow Adelais Vakarian as he mends a broken bond, and as he comes to terms with a terrible loss of his own. Follow Kolyat Krios as he navigates through a very dangerous place, only to find another- under the guidance of someone who may or may not be there at all. And follow Commander Joleen Shepard as she goes through her past and present, only to find herself in the middle of a battle for her future." (Garrus' Story: 'The Promise-Keeper.' Adelais' Story: 'The Old Soldier.' Kolyat's Story: 'The Wanderer.' Shepard's Story: 'The Missing.')

Warning: "This is a heavy one- some swearing, angst, implied adult situations, adult situations, a few character deaths, violence, and blood. All the big ones this time. Remember, this is my Shepard, my feelings on the game and what should have happened and will happen, with my own opinions and storyline, so no nasty comments. Got it? Good." (Commander Joleen Shepard: War Hero, Earthborn. Soldier. Paragon. Romanced Kaidan Alenko in the 1st game, Garrus Vakarian in the 2nd and 3rd. Shot and killed Udina during the Citadel Coup.)

Disclaimer: "I do not own Mass Effect. At all. So don't make me say it again."

Author's Note: "Just so you all know, the name 'Adelais,' is Latin for 'Noble,' and the name 'Carissa' means 'the most beloved one.' Personally, I just thought the two names fit the story and what the characters were meant for."

N._.S._.S

Chapter Thirty-Two: The Old Soldier X.

Just because Victus was Primarch now didn't mean he could screw with Adelais whenever he saw fit.

Too bad Victus didn't seem to know that.

"Give it a rest, Adrien," Sparatus said in annoyance, glaring up at the two from his desk.

Victus shrugged and gave Adelais a mocking look when the Councilor's head was turned.

"I saw that, Adrien," Sparatus said, turning back to them, "Just because you're Primarch now-"

"'Doesn't mean I can push my Chief Advisor around'," Adrien finished for him, sounding bored and annoyed at the same time; as if he's heard this countless times before (which, knowing him, was entirely possible, of course), "Yes, I believe you've already said that, Sparatus."

Adelais crossed his arms and glared. "I fail to see what's so damned funny, Victus."

"What's so entertaining, Adelais," Adrien answered, turning his back on the now very put out Councilor, "is that your son, who has just finished saving the entire Galaxy and earning himself so many honors for Palaven, is planning to mate with Commander Shepard."

"That was a joke! A joke, Victus!"

"Didn't sound like a joke to me." Adrien countered, smugly.

"Adelais," Sparatus cut in before Adelais could respond something along the lines of calling Adrien something unbefitting of his Rank, "Did your son tell you he's rejoining C-Sec next month?"

"Really?" After giving Adrien a very bitter look, Adelais looked over at the Councilor with newfound interest.

"Councilor Hackett was very pleased with the decision," Sparatus continued, ignoring Adrien's quiet snort. "He believes that with Garrus back in C-Sec, in light of his recent accomplishments, will do the others some good."

"My son hated C-Sec," Adelais pointed out, "Why would he go back of his own free will?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Adrien chimed in, "He's doing it to be close to Shepard. I heard the rest of her crew is pulling out within the next month- going their separate ways, moving on with their lives and all."

"When was that decided?" Adelais demanded of a suddenly very uncomfortable-looking Sparatus- who, of course, shot a warning glare at the Primarch. "Is the Council forcing them to move out- without their CO?"

"Galactic politics is a nasty business, Adelais, as you very well know," Adrien reminded the older Turian, kindly. "I'm sure Sparatus isn't single-handedly responsible for-"

"Adelais, it wasn't me who made the order. Actually, I was the one who voted against it."

"Then why the hell-?"

"Hackett has more authority over the Normandy and its crew than we do," Sparatus interrupted, impatiently, standing up and folding his arms as he spoke, "Not to mention I was outvoted. Both times."

"What does Hackett want them to do? Without Commander Shepard, the Normandy is just another ship," This time, it was Victus who spoke up, sounding both curious and aggravated. The friendly, playful air that he had displayed previously had vanished- he'd taken back that powerful, serious Primarch role once more.

And as quick as lightning, as expected. Adelais thought in deep satisfaction. He knew that, despite that damned attitude of his, Victus would make a good Primarch.

Perhaps even one of the best Palaven would ever hope to see.

"The Normandy is the ship that also headed the fleets to Earth, don't forget that, Adelais," Sparatus pointed out. "Even without the Commander being present, it's still a symbol of victory and hope to the Galaxy."

"So Hackett asked Garrus to rejoin C-Sec knowing he wouldn't accompany the Normandy." Adelais countered with a sigh. "Damn it, that man is more conniving than the other two were."

"It's not your place to challenge it, Adelais," Sparatus countered, suddenly quite serious, despite the obvious concern in his eyes. "Neither you or, regrettably, you, Primarch Victus," he added when Victus moved to speak. Turning back to Adelais, he continued, "Don't dispute the matter- at least, not yet. Your son is safe- Hackett wants him here, remember? He won't be forced to leave."

"Hackett isn't giving him a choice!" Adelais snapped back, surprising himself- and the other two, with the amount of venom in his voice as he spoke.

"Why, Adelais," Adrien said, shock clear in his voice, "Against the Council now, are we?"

"Carissa wouldn't have wanted her son back on the line so damn soon, and you know it," Adelais responded, heatedly, "And I refuse to stand back and let Hackett toy with him- or the Commander and her team."

"I'll dispute the matter, Adelais," Sparatus promised, quite gently, "And don't worry. Either way, the Normandy won't move until their CO is back on her feet- there's no way," he added, "That crew of Shepard's will allow the Normandy to move an inch without her."

Adrien nodded in agreement, but Adelais just shook his head.

Hackett's deception didn't bother him as much as something else did at the moment.

C-Sec, and his son's ultimate choice, however, was at the top of his list.

N._.S._.S

C-Sec?

Garrus, what the hell are you doing? Adelais wondered, as he entered Huerta Hospital. He nodded slightly at the nurse who smiled at him as he passed her, into the tunnel-like hallway that lead to the assorted hospital rooms. He saw Garrus sitting in one of the rooms through the window, sitting and staring at the Commander, who still lay motionlessly in her bed, as she had the last time Adelais had come here.

Garrus turned his head when the door to the room opened with a smooth, metallic swish. When he saw it was Adelais, the surprise was clear in his eyes, and he was about to stand before Adelais waved him back down.

"Can we talk?" Adelais asked, quietly, as Garrus slowly sat back into his chair.

"Sure, dad." Garrus said, shock still clear in his voice.

Adelais leaned against the wall next to his son's chair without looking at Garrus, and, quite gently despite the anger (and something else he couldn't name) he was feeling, spoke.

"I heard you were rejoining C-Sec next month from Sparatus. Is that true?"

N._.S._.S