Solitary Nights

A last minute addition. I couldn't sleep so I patched it up and posted it. xD

 

Solitary Nights by Mental Minority

[www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajEnI--g8bQ]

 

Something I was constantly listening while I was writing this. I posted it up here in case anyone is interested to listen to it while reading my story. :)

 

The song by the end of the story is "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd.

[www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXdNnw99-Ic]

 

I'm not a writer and English is not my native language. So there will be mistakes. Enjoy. :)

 

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"Kyle! Wake up!"

"Hmmm. Dad? What time is it?"

"It's time to go. Wake up sleepyhead."

"I'll be there in a minute."

 

I rushed out of bed and started looking for my clothes. A strong smell of coffee was coming from the kitchen. Eager to have a cup I hurried up and got dressed. I picked up my backpack and headed towards the kitchen. My dad was in front of the sink, facing the window. I grabbed a cup from the table and poured some hot coffee into it. *The best way to start your day.*

 

"You know Kyle, you drink too much coffee."

"Come on dad. I'm not a kid anymore."

"You may not be a kid anymore, but you will always be my child. Did you packed your things?"

"Yes, last night. You still haven't told me where we are going though."

"I want it to be a surprise."

"Alright, alright. Where is mom and Newt? Won't they come with us?"

"This trip is just for the two of us. Your mother and sister cannot follow." His voice sounded.. different. Almost changed.

"What do you mean dad? Where are we going?" The atmosphere suddenly changed. The room became darker and colder. There was no answer.

"Dad? You are scarring me."

 

In response my dad turned around. His face was.. deformed, decayed. His eyes.. hollow. For the first time I noticed his clothes. They were filled with blood and dirt. His torso was covered with bullet holes, some of them were still bleeding. *How is this possible?* I was frozen. I wanted to start running but I couldn't. He reached out for me. His hand had an unnatural black colour. The flesh was partially rotten.

 

"I told you son. It's a surprise. Now be a good boy and follow your father." I guess my fear was greater than my shock because I was able to move again. I took a few steps back.

"Kyle you cannot postpone the inevitable." Before he was able to finish his sentence, a sudden burst of flames swallowed him. I raised my hand to protect my eyes.

"Your time has come. Get ready son." The flames became stronger and stronger. He was consumed by them and the only thing left was ash.

 

*God damned it!* I jumped out of bed as fast as I could. I was breathing heavily and my hands were shaking. It took me awhile to realize I was dreaming. *Relax Kyle it was only a dream. It was only a dream.* Nervous, I took a look around my cabin. I was half expecting to see him in one of the dark corners, lurking in the shadows. Instead I came face to face with Urz. He was looking at me with great curiosity. "It's OK boy. Just a bad dream". He growled at me softly and went back to sleep.

 

I looked at the clock. The time was 4:12 in the morning. *Great. In less than 5 hours the most important fight in the history of the galaxy will take place and Commander Shepard is afraid of his own dreams.* It was obvious that I wasn't going to sleep anymore. *I might as well go grab a cup of coffee from the crew deck. It will help me clear my head if anything else.*

 

I put on my clothes and took the elevator to deck 3. Not surprisingly many people were unable to sleep. Who can blame them? I quickly crabbed a cup of coffee and a couple of sandwiches. One for me and one for Urz. I went back to the elevator as fast as I could, avoiding everybody in the process. I wasn't in the mood for any conversations. Besides I don't believe the crew would be excited to see their Commander's shaking hands.

 

I headed back up to my cabin. Urz was waiting for me. I swear this Varren can smell food miles way. I gave him his sandwich and sat on my desk. I took a sip of coffee. Just what I needed. It helped me calm a little bit. I decided to take a look at my messenger, just to keep my mind occupied. To no ones surprise I had a few unread messages. Most of them were by the Alliance. There were also some reports from EDI and Traynor concerning the recent maintenance. And there at the button an untitled letter. To my surprise it was from Samara.

 

Kyle,

 

When you read this letter I will be many light years away. The code dictates that a Justicar should be vigilant and ruthless. She should not linger in her family. Or loved ones. And yet here I am writing this letter to you. I'm headed towards Earth, to hold the front lines. As I approach my destination it becomes apparent how much this world has changed. I cannot deny it anymore. Thessia lies in ruins. Those who wrote the Code are long dead and the Justicar Order faces extinction. I fear that I'm the last one standing. I cannot foresee how this war will end. But I have faith in you. If anyone can bring an end to the reapers, it's you Kyle. Never doubt yourself. May the Goddess keep you safe.

 

Samara.

 

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I think I will need something stronger than a coffee. I stood up and picked up my cup. I headed towards the cabinet where I kept some beverages. I took a bottle of whiskey and carefully poured a few drops in my coffee. I took another sip. *Not the best Irish coffee in the world but it will have to do for now.*

 

I grabbed my guitar and sat on the couch. Music always helped me relax, although today it was difficult to concentrate. After many failed attempts I found myself playing a familiar tune. While I was whispering the lyrics, I raised my head and looked at Samara's picture. She gave it to me as a parting gift. I was never good at singing. But right now it felt appropriate.

 

"How I wish, how I wish you were here.

We're just two lost souls

Swimming in a fish bowl,

Year after year,

Running over the same old ground.

What have we found?

The same old fears.

Wish you were here."

Done