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-Eight: The Old Soldier XI.
After making sure that Victus and Sparatus didn't get swallowed by the crowds, and then helping C-Sec get rid of them at Executor Bailey's personal request, Adelais left Huerta Hospital.
He met a very excited Solana down in the Presidium Commons. She had, quite surprisingly; obeyed Adelais' request that she stay away from Huerta- but now it seemed she was now even more determined than ever to meet the Commander.
It turned out that she'd been watching the proceedings at a newsstand out of the way of the chaos, and now, of course, she wanted to go see what was going on for herself.
"It's only fair," she'd protested when he at first refused, folding her arms and pouting. "Please?"
Adelais couldn't say no to that.
I wonder what you would have made of this, Carissa. Your children are all grown up now. One of them is in love with a Human girl, and the other is growing into a very fine lady herself. Adelais mused, watching with some amusement as Solana excitedly stared at the fountains, lakes, and pretty scenery. Have I done right by them, and fulfilled my promise to you?
Adelais hoped so on both accounts.
She would never forgive him if he couldn't manage to do that much, at least.
And he would never be able to forgive himself, either.
"Dad, its Councilor Hackett!" Solana said, interrupting his thoughts. She hurried back him, and pointed out the gray-haired Human Councilor to him. "Spirits, he looks worried about something," She added, almost uneasily, "I wonder what happened to get him so upset?"
More out of curiosity and surprise than concern, Adelais looked over at where she was pointing.
Indeed, the Councilor did look pretty agitated. He was talking to Executor Bailey, who suddenly threw his arms up in exasperation as Hackett retorted sharply by pointing at a rather nervous-looking Turian C-Sec Officer close by, and saying something that made the Turian put his hands on his hips and angrily retort, which made Bailey shake his head and point in the general direction of the Wards.
Hackett turned and saw them, and waved them over.
"You must be Adelais Vakarian," Hackett said as Adelais and Solana approached him.
It wasn't a question.
"Yes, Councilor." Adelais said, "I am Adelais Vakarian, and this is my daughter, Solana."
"Good to finally meet Garrus' family, I've heard a lot about you recently, Vakarian," the Human Councilor said with a kind nod as he carefully shook Adelais' hand, expertly avoiding the sharp talons. "I have a question for you, sir," he added as he stepped away.
"Yes?"
"Would you happen to know where Commander Shepard and Garrus are at this moment?"
"My guess is the Normandy, sir," Adelais replied, cautiously. "What's happened?"
"We have an injured Drell from Kahje somewhere on this station," Bailey spoke up, skillfully ignoring the glare that the Turian Officer next to him gave, "And this guy here," Bailey indicated the now fuming Turian, "Lost 'im. Apparently, the kid thought he was attacking him."
"How the hell was I supposed to know he'd panic and run off like that?" Barked the Officer, "I wasn't even going to shoot him! All I did was pull out my weapon because he had one on him!"
"Last time I checked, C-Sec didn't pull weapons until the target fired first," Adelais said, calmly, before either Bailey or Hackett could say anything. "Now, calmly," he added, putting on his old cop visage for the first time in what had to be ten years, "tell me what happened."
"It's just like I told the Councilor and the Executor," the Turian sighed, sounding relieved that someone was actually listening to his side of the story for once, "I was making the rounds down in the Wards and this Drell comes out of nowhere and knocks me over. Doesn't even stop. He has a weapon on him- a Widow, from the look of it. But he's wounded," he added, somewhat guiltily, "Badly, probably. There's blood all over him. I go after him anyway, thinking maybe he's just been attacked and he's panicking, and manage chase him into a corner. There's nothing behind him but the railing, and the lake is about a few hundred meters below, but that didn't stop the crazy kid from jumping."
"He jumped?" Solana repeated in shock. "Did he even make it?"
"Hell yeah, he jumped," the Turian said, throwing up his hands in exasperation again, as if he's said this many times already- which he probably has, "I didn't even hear a splash, so I'm guessing he probably made it somehow."
"We need to find him," Adelais declared, simply, folding his arms. "If he's injured and has a weapon on him, this might be serious."
"I doubt it," The Officer snickered, "He was yelling something about Cerberus and the Reapers. He was probably just some random Kahje SEC that panicked."
"With all due respect, Officer, the last time our people ignored something like this, we got the Reaper War," Adelais pointed out. "So, in light of that, I suggest that Executor Bailey and C-Sec find this Drell and get him somewhere safe, Councilor- he probably panicked and thought our friend here was attacking him," He added, turning to Hackett, who nodded in apparent agreement.
Hackett turned to the incredulous Turian and the Executor. "You," he pointed to the Turian Officer, "You get your best people out here and find that Drell."
The Turian saluted and set off immediately, pulling out his communicator as he did so, "Yes sir!"
"Executor," Hackett added, looking over at Bailey as the Turian disappeared around a corner, "Didn't you say that you might know the Drell in question?"
Bailey nodded. "Sure do. Pulled his face off one of the cameras hidden in the Wards. He's the son of the Drell that saved Councilor Valern during the Coup."
Hackett nodded, looking thoughtful at that statement. "All right. While C-Sec tracks down the Drell, I will alert the other Councilors that something may be amiss. Adelais, Solana," he added, "If you would, go down to the Normandy and collect the Commander and maybe one or two of her crewmen," he told them, "we might be needing them later."
Adelais replied the affirmative and ushered Solana along.
Well, he thought, this just got a little more interesting, Carissa.
N._.S._.S