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

Hey! It's NothingSoSpecial in the flesh!

I'm here to tell you personally that some- okay, ALL- of your reviews, and the sheer amount I received last alone, moved me to literal TEARS OF JOY!

More on that at the end of the chapter.

For now, I'm just going to say I'm ready to kick some Cerberus and Reaper ass!

The CLIMAX you've all been waiting for

STARTS NOW!

N._.S._.S

Chapter Forty-Four: The Promise-Keeper XI.

The time it took for Joleen Shepard's eyes to go from the happiest he's ever remembered seeing them back to her famous, all-business, no-nonsense glare she'd kept throughout the entirety of the Reaper War was absolutely unnerving.

It took less than a second.

You could have sworn she was looking a Reaper in the face, Garrus thought in concern, following Shepard as she confronted the small group head-on, keeping her suddenly dark, serious eyes trained on the young Drell at the emerging problem's center.

"Kolyat..." Shepard began, voice also back to that old, strong, commanding tone that everyone in the immediate vicinity remembered being on the bad side of at one time or another. "Seeing as you are surrounded by the entire Council, the Primarch, and the C-SEC Executor, I'm guessing that what you're here for is of the utmost importance?" She asked, surprisingly formal.

"Yes, Commander," Kolyat answered, automatically.

Somehow, although it had been less than a year since Garrus had seen him, the Drell looked older. He looked like a younger, and probably less experienced, Thane, except of the different skin hues and the more noticeable, longer fringes on his neck.

His jacket was torn and it had noticeably been torn through by either a knife or bullets- probably the former if it was Cerberus after him. He was noticeably shaking- from cold or pain (or both) Garrus couldn't tell, but from what he could see...

The kid looked like he'd just been through hell.

Garrus could barely believe he was still on his feet.

Kolyat was no Thane, but this was impressive.

The Commander's eyes narrowed and she nodded. "All right then," she said, allowing her lips to form that old 'let's kick some ass' amused smile as she continued, "Come with me, Kolyat," she added as she passed the Council, Victus, and Bailey, ignoring them all completely, "I'll have the Med Bay set up,"

N._.S._.S

Shepard did exactly what she was famous for.

Whatever grins awaited, and even Joker's yell of "surprise!" as she passed the CIC with Kolyat went completely ignored- and when they got down to the Crew Deck, she actually raised her hand up to stop whatever applause and shouts of "congratulations" they met.

"Chakwas," she added to the stunned white-haired physician, "Take Kolyat to the Bay. Do what you can for him in the next half-hour. Get whatever help you need from Huerta."

Chakwas took one look at Kolyat and her eyes narrowed.

N._.S._.S

"I want the entire Council, Bailey, Victus, and your father and sister down in the War Room." Shepard told Garrus when he met her outside the Med Bay, "And," she continued, ignoring him as he began to reply, "I want the entire crew out of the Normandy for now. No one is allowed to come back in, not even EDI, unless it's an emergency. Understood?"

"Joleen-"

"After that's done, I want you to meet me there."

N._.S._.S

"That's bullshit!"

Garrus folded his arms and gave the N7 marine his best glare.

"You have to admit Garrus- everyone but you? Seriously?" Joker spoke up.

"I don't like it." Kaidan announced, folding his arms as well.

"The Commander has ordered it, yes," EDI said, "But something is not right."

"Even the AI agrees," Tali said in exasperation. "It's not fair."

"How about," a new voice said, "You just do as you are ordered?"

It was Adelais.

"Dad-"

"Garrus," Adelais interrupted, folding his arms. "You have your orders. Go... now," he added in clear, rising anger, "Your Commanding Officer has spoken."

"But sir-" Vega began, standing up, "You can't just-"

Adelais put up a taloned hand. "I'm not here to listen to your half-assed excuses," he said, coldly, "I am here to ensure you all do as ordered."

"Who the hell are you to order us around?" Kaidan finally demanded, loudly, backing Vega.

Adelais' midnight blue eyes suddenly blazed with new-found anger, and Garrus winced.

"I am Adelais Vakarian," Adelais stated, coldly, "Chief Adviser to the Primarch. And," he added in an even more chilling voice, "I suggest you do as you're told before I'm forced to make you, Spectre Kaidan Alenko- and trust me," he added, "That is the last thing any of you want."

As Alenko paled slightly, not at all used to being threatened by a superior besides Shepard, Adelais turned his head toward Garrus.

"Get your ass down there, Garrus." He snapped, pointing a sharp talon at the door.

Only Adelais' daring glare stopped Joker from snorting and making a comment.

N._.S._.S

Okay, you all remember how I was telling you about how a review actually made me cry last night? Well, here is one of the greatest Reviews someone like me ever got from someone, from a dear friend named Yoruki Hiiragizawa:

Okay! I couldn't help but laugh at the amount of update messages for FFNET about this story. I've read the 39th chapter a little earlier today, just before getting out to work. Had no real time to leave a review, before, but was planning to do so as I got home. It was a big surprise to see that you've updated so quickly... and I just jumped - head first -on the reading of the last four chapters... GLADLY!

I honestly have *no* idea whatsoever about where this is going to... and this is absolutely thrilling! Everything is in a lot of disarray yet after the end of the war. And Cerberus is going to show up with an active Reaper?! I really hope things don't go FUBAR!

So, here it is: I find it's endearing the way you portrait Adelais... and his mental talks with his late wife. They're heartbreaking and at the same time just a little bit funny (you know, talking to himself... but at the same time, if the souls of the deceased do come back to help those that remain and are lost, it's just understandable)

I'm not sure about how I feel about Garrus proposing Shepard with her late fiancee's ring, but I think I understood what you were aiming for. If he was human, the whole image wouldn't work, but as a turian - who doesn't completely understand the tradition - it did.

He was only aiming for something to ease her pain and, as she mentioned that she regretted leaving that behind, it would only make sense to *fix* that.

I'm really surprised by Kolyat's scenes. I'm surprised by his resilience and the fact that he hasn't fainted yet. He clearly hasn't the same conditioning that his father had. He's clearly not a fighter - not a warrior. So yeah! that's surprising.

I really like the way you handle the characters...

Looking forward to the next chapters!

So yeah, this actually made me cry.

In light of this, the best Review ever, I am dedicating the rest of this fanfic, and, of course, the little surprise I'll have cooking up for you at the end, all to her.

I'm grateful for any and all Reviews you all take for this and even all the other stories you've Reviewed for other authors, because, as some of you who've actually written stories probably know, these actually take a lot of time to make and read over, and sometimes, a little appreciation for the bazillion hours you've spent totally worth it- even if it is for just that one person who begged for you to continue.

Thank you again, my dear! Enjoy the rest of your story.

- Joleen

N._.S._.S