How's it going everyone?! Kad Dawn with the next chapter to "Spade". First of, WOW, I never really expected Spade to get as much attention as it is getting. I thought maybe one review and if I'm lucky two maybe three followers, but nope, expectation exceeded. So, to give my thanks I will be posting the second chapter and maybe the third, not sure yet.

To those who reviewed, thank you very much.

Chapter 2: Seven years later

Adrian POV

Well, within seven years, I have become a hardened bounty hunter and assassin. The first two years was mainly training. Getting familiar with the galaxy, my weapons, hand to hand combat, and with an omnitool. I also got some hard earned upgrades. Nalik provided me with a state of the art shield barrier. It was strong enough to take some serious punishment, but like any other shields, it doesn't last forever and always needs matience. I also got a tactical cloaking upgrade for when I need to get in and out. My omnitool was also upgraded so I can use tech powers such as Incinerate and Cryo and some advanced tech like Snap Freeze and Tech Armor. My free running has increased as well. I'm not really a masterr at Parkour, but I'm better than before.

After training I mainly did work. I couldn't just sit around and wait for Commander Shepard to appear. Nalik and his organization did some "advertisement" about me. And I delivered. I've become one of the most feared, and hated bounty hunters in the galaxy. Nalik has become more of an "agent" per say for me. He will find contacts for me, I will meet them and discuss business, and then find the target and kill them. I've become really good at what I do, and I've been able to see the galaxy. I've been to Omega, which isn't so bad, that's where all the work (cheap work) is at. Illium, where they pay big money to see people removed permanently. Now, I'm in the Citadel, and I have to be extra careful. Luckily, everyone knows my helmet than my actually face, so I'm safe at that part. My weapons are cloaked just in case. Besides that, I'm still extremely careful.

Along the years I got some information about the Commander. She is a FemShep. Apparently when I was "zapped" to the Mass Effect universe, the Skyllian Blitz occurred, and Shepard was there, meaning she is a War Hero. She was also from Mindior, so she was a colony kid. Honestly, I couldn't help but feel terrible about it. She lost everything, kind of like me. Still, I had work to do. I need to help her save the galaxy, and feeling sorry for her isn't going to do anything.

Oh, I forgot to mention, Nalik was able to get my father's tags and mother's ring. He modified the tags to look more modern for this world, and the ring he left alone out of respect. My parents wouldn't be so proud of me now, but if I told them that this was to save a galaxy, they would probably understand, I think. I always had the tags on, and the ring I kept hidden in a pocket inside my jacket.

Other than that, my physical appearance has changed a little. I'm more toned and defined, thanks to my workout regiment I do every time I can. I had my hair changed to an ashy color and was naturally spiky, and with some genetic modification, I also changed my eyes to a smoky color. I've also gained a fair share of scares, mentally and physically. Some physical scars are normal burns, some bullet wounds, and scratches from Varren, and Vorcha. However, the most noticeable scars are have are these blue swirls on my chest and a little on my shoulders, which are from the biotic ability Warp. Nalik calls them Warp Scars. Basically the way it works, is the ability itself causes mass effect fields to burn the target, mainly burning the armor off the user. The scaring is from a job gone wrong. Long story short, I took a hit for a friend and the scars now riddle my body. Luckily my sleeveless shirt covers them up, so I don't have to worry about people noticing them without my jacket on. They worry Nalik though. He told me that if they get worse they could have serious complications. Basically, they will act like radiation burns, and my body will start to deteriorate. Nalik said I should get it looked at, but I haven't on the account of that I'm fine. Mentally, I've picked up some demons along the way. I've experienced a lot, most of it I wish I never had. But I rather not talk about it right know. That's it though, nothing else really different.

Sicarius, my favorite weapon of all time, has gained some tats. I gave the rifle a Siberian camo finish, and also seven tallies etched on the weapon for every assassination I've done with it. I've also gained a nickname from the galaxy. During my work, Nalik said I need a call sign, or a tell, so that I can make a name for myself. I picked up card tricks along the way, so as a call sign I would leave an Ace of Spades. So, because of the cards the galaxy named me "Spade". Honestly, I liked the name.

Today was my day off. I've been in the Citadel for about a year, and the news was flooded with reports of "unsolved murders". C-Sec was also struggling with finding me, not like I hope they do anytime soon. I was wearing the same outfit I got seven years ago. Apparently they only thing they really focus on is the helmet. I was walking around the wards heading towards Flux, a new club that opened. I was feeling lucky, as in maybe scoring a lovely night, or maybe a contract. I didn't have my weapons except my pistol and combat knife. I didn't want to bother with cloaking my other weapons, and I had a permit to have at least a pistol legally out on the Citadel.

I was taking my time getting to Flux. I wanted to enjoy my free time. I did my work out already, and to be honest, I wanted some interaction with people. Being an assassin you can't really have relationship with anyone. Enemies could use that to get to you, and I gained plenty of enemies.

I was about a couple of blocks away until I heard what sounded like a woman screaming. I turned and saw an Asari running away from two human thugs. Great. So much for a day off. I went after them. I followed them to an alley way similar to the one where Shepard finds Tali. The two thugs had the Asari pinned.

"We got you now. Hand over all your credits, and we will consider you leaving." A shakedown huh? I walked behind them. Wasn't that hard to sneak up to them.

"Bonjour. What do you two think you're doing?" I asked, my drawl catching them off guard. All three looked at me, the two thugs with confusion, and the Asari with concern.

"What's it to ya?" asked one of the thugs. I shook my head, and grinned. I pulled out a deck of cards and started shuffling. One of the thugs started laughing.

"What are ya gonna do? Show us card tricks?" I smiled. They have no idea.

"No. These cards are just for show. Helps me think. I'm curious though. What are yalls favorite card?" The thugs looked at me cross eyed, and the Asari looked at me wide eyed. She probably figured it out. The thugs didn't. "I'll tell you mine," I pulled out the Ace of Spades and showed them. Their eyes widened.

"Sp-Spa-Spade! Look man, we don't mean nothin'. We were just messing. Right sweetheart?" One thug said in a pleading manner. The Asari didn't answer, too terrified probably. I put my deck of cards in my pocket.

"Listen cat. I doubt the lady really likes your company. So I'm gonna count to three, and if I get to three and you two are not gone. Well, I'll be forced to take you out for good." The thugs looked at me confused. I rolled my eyes.

"Un..." I took out my Phalanx. "duex..." I attached the silencer mod on the pistol. The two thugs started to freak and tried to make a dash out of the alley. "trios..." I quickly spinned and aimed my pistol towards them. In a matter of seconds I fired two shots, both making the mark. The thugs heads exploded and blood splattered on the walls and floors. I took out two joker cards and placed them on the bodies. I walked up to the Asari, holstering my pistol.

"You okay?" I reached out for her, but she flinched away from me. She took steps back and then bolted away.

"Murderer!" she said. Well that was rude. Oh well. Probably should clear out before any C-Sec come around. I freeran out of the alley and ended up on the Keeper catwalks. Not many people walked on these, so I should be in the clear. So much for a relaxing day. I walked along the catwalks back to where I've been staying. As I was walking I noticed something, or someone. It was a alliance military official. I could tell by the dress blues he was wearing. What was an official doing here in the wards. I followed him via by the catwalks, until he took and alleyway that the catwalks didn't follow. Damn. I jumped from the catwalks only to land on top off someone. Not my best landing.

I got up, and quickly checked to see if the other person was ok, only to see four glaring eyes at me.

"Spade! This time you will not escape!" The Batarian said. The Batarian and the four others behind him were former Blue Suns troopers. I killed their troop boss, and unfortunately they managed to figure out who I was. The five Batarians lunged at me, and I quickly dodged and took off. A pistol would not save me against five angry four eyes.

I ran into the alleyway, and was tackled by a Batarian that caught up. I shook him off me and I readied myself. I took out my combat knife as the four Batarians surrounded me.

"This time, you will die." The one that had the pleasure to "catch me".

"Come one fellas. Can't we talk about this like gentlemen?" The series of war cries answered my question. I quickly dodged and kicked at my attackers. When I saw an opening, I slashed at two of my enemies. I cut ones arm, and the other was unfortunate to have their neck cut. One fell chocking on his blood as he slowly died. The other clenched his arm, and I drove my knife at the back of his neck, killing him instantly. I brought my knife back, only to feel a fist collide with my face. I stumbled back and looked at a smirking Batarian. Cocky bastard. I readied my knife and I charged at him. I caught him by surprise as I tackled him. I drove my knife into his gut. He was about to yell out, but I twisted him around and broke his neck. Three down two to go. I quickly got my knife from the dead Batarian and turned to see another squaring off with me. He activated his omnitool to form gauntlets. I cringed at the sight. I've seen these things work, let's just say it isn't pretty. I'm going to have to time this perfectly. One punch and I'm done. I readied myself. The Batarian charged with a blood curdling scream. He sent a punch at me and I quickly dodged his punches. Once I saw my opening I quickly jabbed at him. I put as much strength into the jab. The knife found its mark right into his skull. The knife was stuck and I let the lifeless body fall.

Perfect, now all that leaves is-

"Stop right there, Spade." Shit. I turned to see a pistol in my face.

"Sneaky bastard..." I said with a sly smirk. The Batarian gave me a devilish grin. Looks like I won't be able to meet Shepard after all. Shame, I was looking forward to it. I closed my eyes, ready to accept my fate. I said my prayers. Wished Nalik and the Organization luck on finding a replacement. Told my parents I will see them soon. I heard the click of the safety coming off. Damn, I could of taking the gun off his hands. Clever son of a bitch. I counted the seconds.

BAM!

The shot rang through my ears. Was I dead? It was a shot to the head, so no pain, right? I slowly opened my eyes. I checked over my body, my face, searching for any bullet holes. I looked to the floor to see the Batarian on the floor. A bullet hole in his head. The hell? I heard footsteps on my side and turned to see that same military official I saw earlier with a pistol in his hands. I looked closer to notice that it was actually Anderson walking towards me. Everyone's favorite non-playable character from Mass Effect is walking towards me. To be honest, I'm actually honored.

"You okay son?" And there is the lovely Keith David.

"Well seeing that I'm still standing, I think I'll be alright," I said, trying to keep my cool Cajun composure.

"That accent? You must be from Louisiana," he said. I chuckled.

"Oui Monsieur. New Orleans to be exact." Anderson gave a small smile, then his face went back to that look Anderson is infamous for. He then pointed the pistol towards me. Fuck. He knows.

"So you are Spade. Give me one good reason I shouldn't have you arrested." Crap. I put my hands up. This may be a problem. I have to play my cards right. I was brought to this universe by the Organization to help Shepard. Anderson is one of the key figures in Shepard's life, so if I earn his trust, I could earn hers.

"I can't give you any reason. I deserve punishment for the things of done. These Batarians tried to get justice their own way, even though they are criminals themselves. Blue Suns to be exact. They hate me because I killed their boss. I'm hated by millions for the things I've done. You just saved my life, where you could of just waited for the gun to end my life. So, the real question is: Why did you stop him?"

Anderson looked at me with a hard expression. Hopefully I got to him. I could cloak, but he may get a shot out before I even get to move. Then, out of some miracle, he lowered his pistol. I sighed in relief.

"Look Monsieur, I may be a criminal, but I have honor. You saved my life, and for that, I'm in your dept. I'm willing to pay anything to owe you." Let's selling myself works.

"As much as I would love to see you arrested, you have a point. This group of Batarians were actually following me. Knowing on how intent they were, I'm glad someone like you stopped them. As for owing me, I think I can find something. But it will have to wait. I have business I need to attend to." That's right. Eden Prime was just around the corner. He may be talking about the mission. I nodded, and pulled out a playing card. King of Spades, perfect for the Captain. I handed him the card, on it my code to contact my omnitool.

"This is my card. You need anything, contact me." Anderson looked at for a bit, with an eyebrow raised, but he eventually nodded. He put the card in his pocket. I turned towards the alleyways entrance. I could hire sirens from C-Sec skycars. Crap, I need to get out of here. I looked at Anderson, and to my surprise, I gave me an understanding look.

"I never saw you. I just so happened to come across the corpses." I grinned, and looked around for an escape route. To my luck, I saw a Keeper walking on another set of catwalks. I looked at Anderson and gave him a mock salute.

"Au revoir." I took off in a sprint, and ran up the wall catching the catwalk and pulling myself up. I then took off and turned a corner. I kept running till the sirens of the patrol cars dissipated. Once I couldn't hear the sirens, I jumped off the catwalks into a market. Luckily, no one noticed, so I casually left and headed to my hideout.

My hideout was a simple apartment close to the same Wards Shepard interacts with from the first game. I made sure everything was canon also. Dr. Michel had her own office, Fist was owner of Chora's Den. As for crew members I haven't figured out yet. I read up on Garrus though. He was not that bad at his job, which was a reason why I didn't go looking for him. He may figure me out, and I can't handle that yet. He may not like me on the Normandy (If I can get in), hell the whole crew, including Shepard may hate me. I sighed. Whatever, part of the job right?

Anderson POV

This past week has been... interesting, to say the least. I'm originally here to speak with Udina about Shepard and getting her ready for the Spectres. Also, I was to meet with Nihlus and get everything prepared for the upcoming mission. What I didn't expect was to see the most feared assassin in the galaxy. I knew I was being followed by those Batarians, but to see him fight them off was what really got me. He handled himself pretty well. What surprised me was to see someone like him. I always thought Spade would be older and more menacing. This young man was different. He was about Shepard's age, maybe a little older, and he had that look. He didn't have the look of a murderer. He looked civil, almost like a soldier. His eyes are what convinced me.

You can always tell someone by their eyes. That was one of the first lessons I taught Shepard. Spade's eyes told a story. He had seen and experienced a lot. Whatever that could be, I couldn't tell. However, it was still surprising. The fact that he was open about his profession. He sounded like it was a curse, a burden. They way he looked when the Batarian had the gun to his head. It was like he was ready to accept death. And so young. He had a life ahead of him. Why would he threw it away? That future. What is his motivation? I pulled out the playing card he gave me. King of Spades. His call sign was the Ace of Spades, from what I've heard. I looked at the card, and then put it back into my pocket. He owes me, huh? Well, I guess we are going to see how he repays me.

There you have it guys. A little over view of Adrian's situation just before the game. I will be working on a prologue story for him but that will cover those seven years, but it wont be until later, after I got some ground on this fic first. I will announce when I will post it, hopefully sometime in the near future if my schedule allows. Thanksgiving is coming up so I can get some serious work done during that time.

Anyway, thanks again for reading. Leave a review as you wish, for they are always helpful. Au Revoir!

Translations (as promised):

Bonjour: Hello

Un: One

Duex: Two

Trios: Three

Oui: Yes

Monsieur: Sir

Au Revoir: Goodbye