Bonjour mes amis! I hope everyone in the states had an awesome Thanksgiving break, and for those who do not celebrate the holiday, I hope you had just as great of a week and weekend. Well, I present you the next chapter for Spade. Enjoy!

Chapter 4: Let's get started.

Adrian POV: Flashback, 24 hours ago

When I got home from Miranda's, I jumped in the shower and turned on the Galaxy News Network. Emily Wong was giving the daily report. I hit a switch which turned on a surround sound, enabling me to hear the news from any room. So far nothing interesting happened. Then the breaking report.

"The murderer known as Spade has struck again. Mr. Dawson, a former Alliance scientist, was murdered today while meeting with the Asari ambassador." I got out of the shower, wrapped my waist with a towel, and started to brush my teeth. "We are here with C-Sec Executor Pallin. Executor, can you say what Spade's motive could be?" The Executor made a notion as if he was clearing his throat. He has no idea.

"We can't give out a motive, however we know that this was indeed Spade." Can't give out a motive... Nice one Pallin. I ignored the rest of the interview, rinsing my mouth than putting on some comfortable clothes. Some athletic pants, and a blue muscle shirt. I headed for my kitchen and looked through the frig. I really needed to grocery shopping. As I was searching for a meal, I heard the news break to an urgent report. Interested, I walked to the living room to watch the vid. My breath caught in my throat. In my screen, was a colony burning, but not just any colony. It was Eden Prime. The vid was similar to the one from the game. The soldier fighting an unknown enemy, explosions and screams, and then that massive ship. The Reaper, Sovereign. I turned off the vid.

I tried to regain my composure. I was preparing for this in the past seven years, and know I'm starting to get second thoughts. This isn't a game. This is the real thing. I will be fighting in a long war, that we may not win. Not only that, but these next few months and years, I could even lose my life. Nalik wasn't lying when he said that a lot would be stacked against me. I have seven years of hard earned experiences. Some worthwhile, and others I wished I would never see again.

I need to get ready. If my estimates are right, Shepard will be here tomorrow. I needed to check my equipment, clean my weapons, and make sure my tech was up to date. After that, I need to find a way to get into Shepard's crew. One thing at a time Spade.

Flashback: Four hours ago

I was blending in with the crowd of politicians and high classed civilians, wearing a black suit similar to what Udina was wearing. Only, I actually looked good. I was in the Council meeting hall, where they listen to demands and trails. I saw Udina trying to convince the Council of Saren's betrayal. A huge hologram of Saren was shown next to the Council. It was playing out like the game perfectly. I watched the crowd, getting their reactions. All the humans I've seen were livid, while all the aliens were skeptical on the claims. If they only knew. Then I heard the crowd whispering. I turned to see both Anderson, and Shepard. I couldn't get a good look at her, but I could tell she had average height, and she had black hair. My heart started beating faster than normal. It was getting closer to when I will have to meet her.

I listened to what she and Anderson said, and on cue, Saren dismissed the claim. Eventually the Council dismissed everything, saying that there wasn't enough evidence. The Council left, and Udina, Anderson, and Shepard conversed for a bit. The hunt for Tali was on. I left the area, heading back to my apartment to get ready. As I was walking, a familiar Salarian walked towards me. I smiled. Nalik has become the only friend I have.

"Didn't think I would see you here," I said. He smiled.

"Yes, well, the Organization wanted me to personally give you some orders before you start your main mission." I shrugged. Fair enough. "Your original mission was to only aid Shepard, but that has changed. Your mission is to protect her at any means necessary."

"Protect her? Even though we will be going against unbeatable odds." Nalik just nodded. I sighed. "Alright then. Anything else I need to know?" Nalik stopped. Great...

"I found a way for you to meet Shepard, but you aren't going to like it." I looked at him with a look saying that he better get on with it. "Saren has issued a challenge of sort. He is inviting the best assassins and murderers to meet. The challenge will be issued then." I clenched my fists and scoffed.

"I bet it's to kill Shepard." Nalik just shrugged.

"If that is the possibility, then you have to be there and stop them."

Present time

I was leaning against a wall, close to a door. I was in another apartment, occupied by other aliens and humans. All assassins. I had my helmet on, and by the looks and glares, they knew who I was. With my face scanner I was able to identify each one in the room, and found that they all had bounties on their heads. I could protect, and earn some extra credits doing it. Sounds like a win to me.

I looked at the other assassins and I actually recognized some. I saw a human wearing red and with a green visor similar to Garrus. It took me a bit, but I realized that it was the guy that threatens Dr. Michel. Well that is one guy I don't have to worry about. The other was a Turian and two Salarians. It didn't take me long to figure them to be the three that try to capture Tali. That may possibly be three more I can leave alone, but time will tell. The others I had no idea. One was a Batarian. The scan said that he was wanted in all systems for a string of murders. He wore silver combat armor. Then there was a large Krogan, with blue reptilian eyes and blue plates. This guy may prove to be a problem. Last, but not least, was a light green Drell. He was wearing something similar to what Thane would wear, only his was red instead of black. The bounties varied on them, but all were good enough for me.

Out of nowhere a blue drone appeared from the table in the center of the room. Everyone turned to face it, some gathering, and some, like myself, staying put. The drone scanned the room.

"Scan complete. Playing recording." The VI system said. The recording was Saren's voice.

"Greetings hunters and assassins. I invited you hear today to issue a challenge. There are two jobs. Whoever completes them first will get paid respectively. The first job is to capture a Quarian girl named Tali. The second, is to kill Commander Shepard and her colleagues." I knew it. I heard some whisper to each other. "Once you have completed the job, return here for payment. That is all, and good luck." I scoffed.

Everyone started moving towards the door. I could just kill them all, but that would be suicide. I need to kill them one by one. The guy Garrus will run into I didn't really have to worry about. He may have some buddies with him, but Shepard and Garrus will make short work of him. As for the others, I needed to be careful and focused. Not only will I need to kill them, but I also needed to get Shepard's trust. Wait! That's it!

When I was out of the view of the other assassins, I freeran to get to the general area where Shepard would have to work. When I was positive that no one was around, I pulled up my omnitool. I pulled up my history of recent scans. Cool thing about my HUD is I can scan for pretty much about anything, even Omni numbers. I pulled up Anderson and tried to contact him. After a few seconds of waiting, I got what I was hoping for.

"Hello? Who is this?" That was Anderson alright.

"Bonjour Monsieur Anderson." There was a pause.

"Spade... How did you get this?"

"Sorry, I can't answer that. However, I do have some information for you."

"What kind of information?" I bit my lip. He isn't going to like this.

"It's Saren. He hired a bunch of assassins to take out your golden girl." There was a silence. Shit, this may not end well...

"Are you one of them?" Fuck!

"Uhh... Yeah, but look it isn't like that!"

"Then how is it!?"

"Remember that favor I owe you for saving my life. Consider this the payback. I know who the assassins are, but Shepard doesn't. While she is doing her work, I will search out the assassins and take them out." Another pause. Damn, come on. This has to work, what other choice does he have?

"Do it."

"Fantastique! I promise you will not-"

"But after you are finished I want you to meet with me. Go to Ambassador Udina's office." Really? Damn, this may just be my ticket in Shepard's crew.

"Very well Capitaine. It will be done." I cancelled the call. Let's get started.

I quickly followed the catwalks till I ended up above Chora's Den. Not until recentlly did I discover keeper catwalks leading here. It had an excellent view above the main club. The only place I couldn't see was Fists office. I observed the area, looking for any sign of the assassins or Shepard. I took out my Queen of Hearts, and mocked kissed it for luck. I'm going to need it if I'm going against some trained professionals. I placed the card back into my pocket and went back to observing.

Sure enough the black haired commander walked in the club. Which means she would be talking to Harkin. So they would be looking for Garrus first. Perfect, so I will head to Dr. Michel's. I turned to take off, only to feel something strange. I pulled up my omnitool and activated my tech armor. I reached for my phalanx pistol only to see a blue orb heading straight for me.

"Shit!" I barely dodged the orb. I turned to see the Drell from the meeting. Shit, he is a Biotic. I readied a duel Omni gauntlets, which allows me to fire two tech powers. The Drell, with some fancy acrobatics launched a flurry of biotic powers towards me. I dodged as best as I could, and sent a barrage of Incinerate and Cryo tech. He managed to dodge each of my blasts. Damn, I need to get closer. When it seemed that he was slowing down, I sprinted towards him, firing a snap freeze towards him. He dodged the attack, but I managed to tackle him down. Now it was a hand to hand battle. He glowed blue of biotic energy, and I glowed golden with tech. He and I sent a flurry of kicks and punches. For once I'm glad I was trained by a Drell. We were evenly matched. I would parry, hit, and dodge his attacks as he would do the same. Somehow, he got the jump on me. With a biotic blast, he launched towards me forcing me on the floor. He grasped my neck, and with his biotic powers he started to squeeze the life out of me.

"Never thought I would see the great Spade close to defeat," he started. He sounded more sinister than Thane. "Don't take it personal, I just couldn't allow you to beat me to the greatest bounty in history."

My vision started to fade. There was only one thing I had. With any strength I had left, I brought my hand up and the corner of my take armor and clenched my fist. With a burst of Tech energy, a pulse exploded, launching the Drell off me. I gasped and wheezed for air. I shook my head, trying to get my vision back. I staggered getting up. When I looked towards where the Drell landed, he too was slowly standing up as well. This was my chance. I quickly drew out my Phalanx, and at that moment he blindly charged towards me.

"Oh no you don't!" I fired. The bullet met its mark, but he didn't slow. I fired again, and again, and again. I unloaded my entire clip for him to fall. I cursed and quickly changed heat clips. Cautiously, I walked towards the Drell. He was sprawled on the floor on a pool of his own blood. He was breathing slowly. He was done. I knelt beside him, and his eyes looked at me, but wouldn't focus. He smiled as he drew his last breath. I closed his eyes.

"Go to the sea compagnon guerrier..." The Drell man gave one hell of a fight. Out of respect I didn't place a card on him, and place he hands on his chest. I then took off. One down. Now I prayed to Lady Luck that I didn't miss Shepard. If I lose sight of her, than I lose my chance to protect her. I ran along the catwalks until I was above the area Shepard has to go through in order to get to Dr. Michel's office. I took out my Sicarius and looked through the scope down the set of stairs. All I could see was a group of three humans, and a Krogan in red armour. My guess was that the Krogan was my favorite character of all time, Wrex. Sweet, I didn't lose them, and they will take out that human assassin with the green visor. I waited on the catwalk, watching the area in front of the clinic. So far none of the other assassins showed themselves. As a precaution, I loaded Sicarius. I can't afford to miss anything at the moment. At least I didn't have to worry about anyone getting behind me. The Drell was the only one I expected to use the catwalks.

After a few minutes, I see the group leave the clinic. Now the group consisted of Wrex, Kaiden, Ashley, Garrus, and Shepard. And for the first time, I can actually get a good look of Shepard. Wow... Nothing like from what I expected. She had the classic hair style, except black. Shoulder length and always down. However, unlike the default Shepard from ME, this one's features were sharper. I enhanced my scope to see her face. Her face was clear, no scars from what I can tell. She was... Well she was beautiful. I know it sounds cliché for the heroes to stand out, but after looking at her, I'm convinced they are.

My HUD blipped. That only means one thing. A target was nearby. I zoomed out so I can see the area. Where is he? I scanned for anything suspicious, then I saw it. A figure walking behind the group. I zoomed in to get a closer look to see that it was the Batarian. I readied my shot, but he was moving faster and faster. Shit, he was about to strike. His hand glowed with an omni gauntlet. Crap, if that hits anyone of them, their screwed. I quickly started leading him, waiting for the right time to shoot. He charged, yelling in a war cry, and I fired. The shot flew, flying past the group in a whistle, hitting square on the Batarian. I stood up and watched as the group checked on the assassin. I then saw Shepard turn and she looked up towards me. My heart skipped a beat, but I didn't flinch. I just started walking and activated my cloak. That's two.

I made my way through the catwalks back to my little on look of the club. When I got there, I noticed that all the civilians were gone, and the mercenaries were setting up. I took out my Sicarius, but I then stopped myself. I can't give out my position, and plus there is way too many for me to take out. The shots may be powerful, but It will take me too long. Plus, I would be spotted after the first shot. I can't risk it. Shepard is going to have to fight them on her own.

As if on cue, a few explosions blasted by the entrance and the group rushed in. Kaiden and Wrex were paired up sending biotic powers and shotgun shells. Garrus and Ashley were by the entrance picking off thugs from a distance. As for Shepard, she flared her biotic powers and sent a flurry of what seemed to be Warp fields and Throw field, causing biotic explosions. The group was more than able to handle the thugs, and once they finished up they headed down a hall which probably lead to Fist. Well, at least Wrex get's his bounty. Speaking of bounties, I send off my reports on killing the Drell and Batarian. Luckily my HUD tracks when I kill a potential money grabber. A few seconds later, and I get two notifications stating that I received a handsome amount of credits.

I heard a crash below me, which snapped me out of my thoughts. A group of thugs came rushing in to stall Shepard from getting to Tali more like. I was about to take off for the little Quarian until I saw a massive Krogan with blue plates. The third target. I readied another shot and aimed for the Krogan. Krogan armor was tough, but the head plates were weak enough that a shot from my rifle could penetrate and kill the Krogan. I was about to shoot, but the Krogan walked behind the stage. Damnit... I'm going to have to wait, but for how long? Tali won't be able to fend off the last three assassins Saren hired.

Shots ran inside the club. Shepard and her group slowly advanced out of the hallway. I readied my shot. If this Krogan was like any other, he would try to charge. Shepard walked out of the hallway, a barrier up and firing what looked like an N7 Crusader shotgun. She blasted her way through to unfortunate thugs that were in her way. Damn, A biotic and a fierce fighter? This Shepard was getting more attractive by the second. I shook my head. Focus Adrian! I aimed back for an opening, waiting for my target to show himself. I saw a Carnage slug fly from behind the bar, and soon after the Krogan came out charging. I lead the Krogan, my mark, his blue plates. I fired the shot and within seconds the Krogan fell, orange blood flooding the floor. Three down. Know to get to Tali.

I took off in a dead sprint, holstering Sicarius on my back. I followed the catwalks until I was above The area where Tali is found. I was a little late. Tali was there but so was the Turian and Salarians. I hoped down to the floor and hid behind some crates. Tali looked pissed, but there was no way she can take on all three by herself. Where was Shepard? She still can't be fighting, can she? I remember the game gave the player three minutes. I checked my omnitool. It had been two. Fuck it. I'm going to have to do this. I took out my N7 hurricane and loaded it with fresh clip. I peeked from behind the crates, and noticed Shepard was coming, but she was a little too late. Time for me to make a big entrance.

The next few moments seemed to slow time. I activated my cloak and started to walk towards the three assassins. As I got closer I could see one of the Salarians check his omnitool.

"Boss, something is behind us on the radar." Damned Salarians and their tech. The three turned towards me, looking confused since they couldn't have seen me walking towards them. That was when I made my move. The cloak slowly dissipated, revealing me to the group of people in the alleyway. I spun my SMG and aimed towards the three targets. I stopped and looked at Tali, who noticed I was looking at her now.

"Move!" She sprinted out of the way, and I opened fire, spraying bullets at the three. My SMG was heavily modified to pack a bigger punch and a larger clip. The three targets didn't have time to react, and they all fell after I emptied the clip. I ejected the spent heat clip, twirled my SMG and holstered them.

"And that's that." I looked at the bodies riddled with bullet holes. They didn't stand a chance. I looked at Tali to see that she was hidden behind some crates. I did a scan on my HUD and to my relief she was unharmed.

"Spade!" I turned to see Shepard's group coming towards me.

"Uh oh... Time to go!" I took off in a sprint, activating my cloak so they wouldn't be able to follow me.

"Wait!" I heard what sounded like Shepard, but I was long gone. Don't worry Shep, I'll see you at Udina's office.

By the time I got to Udina's, word was spreading on what happened down at the Wards. Luckily for me I wasn't mentioned for all of the incidents , just two. I was cloaked still, and hid on a ledge just outside the office. I could see Anderson and Udina. Udina was pacing, probably from the reports of what happened in the wards. Anderson stood at attention, waiting for Shepard. I looked at the view I was giving, and to my satisfaction I saw the group walking towards the embassies. Time to make my final move. I hopped down, finally in Udina's office for sure. I cleared my throat and deactivated my cloak. Anderson and Udina turned towards me surprised. Anderson actually smiled, but Udina probably just shit his pants and went for the terminal. Anderson stopped him, reassuring him that I was an ally.

Then the doors opened, and the group walked in. At first they didn't notice me, but when they did they all spring into action. Shotguns, pistols, rifles, and biotic orbs were pointed at me. Oh shiiiit. Come on Anderson back me up here.

"Stand down! All of you!" Anderson ordered. Some gave looks at Anderson and each other. I let out sigh of relief. Shepard didn't flinch and her pistol was still aimed for me. Although my heart was pounding, I held my ground.

"Sir, that man is dangerous," said Shepard. Ahh, the voice of Jennifer Hale. Strong yet elegant.

"And he is on our side!" Anderson announced. Well, cat is out of the bag now. Shepard, Ashley, and Kaiden looked shock. Wrex, Garrus, and Tali just looked confused. Shepard lowered her pistol and motioned for everyone to do the same. Anderson gave them a look, and they eventually holstered their weapons. Anderson nodded, and he looked at me. He walked towards me and extended a hand. I was honestly shocked, but I took it and we shook hands.

"I should thank you Spade, but I think you should explain to the Commander why." I nodded, and I took off my helmet. It was good to breath in fresh air. I folded my helmet and hid it within my jacket. I looked at the Commander, and just noticed her vibrant green eyes. Damn. I took a breath.

"Commandant Shepard, Saren issued a challenge to some of the top assassins to take you out and capture the Quarian. I'm not going to hide it, but I was one of the assassins invited. Lucky for you, I hate Saren and I believed you when you accused him for Eden Prime. I contacted the Capitaine telling him of Saren's plan. Since I was the only one who knew the assassins, I took the liberty of taking them out. The Batarian from outside the clinic, the Krogan from the bar, and the three in the alleyway were all hired to kill you, but I put a stop to that."

Commander Shepard looked at Anderson. He nodded towards her and she then looked at me. She walked towards me till she was arms length. I could now see her face more clearly. Green eyes, raven black hair, a clear face with a small scar on her upper lip. She was beautiful. She extended a hand. I was surprised actually. She had a small smile. I smiled back and took the hand.

"Thanks. Not every day I get some backup without knowing it." I nodded.

"Don't mention." I look at the group behind her. Kaiden and Ashley were sending glares at me. Garrus looked at little conflicted but he nodded. Wrex had a grin on his face, and Tali just had her arms crossed and nodded.

"Well since all that has been explained, Shepard. You need to explain yourself. Fire fights in the Wards, just what were you doing?" Udina chimed in. I let go of Shepard's hand and she proceeded to explain. This is where I tuned everything out. I knew what would be said so I just walked towards a wall and leaned against it. Tali explained her story, played the recording. Protheans were explained, but then Reapers came into the subject. This time I listened. Tali explained about the Geth worshipping them as gods, but that was it. Guess it's my turn to enter the conversation.

"I heard of the Reapers," I said. Everyone turned to look at me. Here we go.

"According to legend, the Reapers were the cause for the Protheans to disappear from the galaxy. Spacers claim them to be monstrous ships with the power to destroy civilizations and even planets. Some think them to be giant machines with a grudge against organic life. A reason why the Geth seem them as a god of sorts. Of course all this is legend, but if Saren thinks he can use them for an army, than we are in for one hell of a ride..." It was true. When the Reapers come, everyone will be forced to fight. A lot of people, innocent and battle ready, are going to die.

"Well they are only speculation. There is no evidence of them even being real," Udina stated. He got some nods from Kaiden and Ashley. I scoffed.

"Perhaps, but remember ambassador. History is written by the victor." I stopped there. My words hung in the air like an ominous fog. Anderson nodded and Shepard cleared her throat.

"Well, we have enough evidence. And if Saren thinks he can raise an army of synthetics, then I'm going to stop him," announced Shepard. I smiled.

"If you're going Commander than I am too," said Kaiden.

"Saren will pay for what he did at Eden Prime. I'm going also," this time Ashley.

" If the Geth are involved, then I'm in too," Tali.

"I'm no longer apart of C-Sec, and I would hate to see more innocent lives be taken because of what Saren did. I'm in," I smiled, it was Garrus.

"There is going to be some great fights ahead. I don't want miss out on any of those. Count me in Commander," Wrex. Shepard and Anderson smiled.

"Thank you everyone. I know I'm going to need the help." Shepard then looked at me "What about you Spade?" I raised an eyebrow. Seriously? She is inviting me? The group and Udina looked at her with surprised faces. She looked at them and shrugged. "We could use all the help we can get, and with your tech skills and marksmanship, we may just have a slight advantage over Saren. What do you say Spade?" I took a moment and looked into her eyes. My job is to protect her, and protect her I will. I started to walk to her till I was at her side.

"I may be an assassin, but I'm also human. If Saren thinks he can get away with this, then he has another thing coming. I'm in." Shepard smiled and nodded. I smiled back and gave her a nod.

"Then its settled. We have a crew and a team. Tali, you and Kaiden will come with me to meet with the Council. Everyone else will head to the Normandy. If you need some things, just bring a footlocker worth of items," Shepard ordered. We all nodded and proceeded. I was mentally jumping out of pure happiness. I made it. I'm in, but the real battle will start soon. These next couple of months are going to be the toughest any of us will face. I looked at the group as we walked out of Udina's office. Some of them may not live to see the end of this journey, and those that survive will never be the same again. I know this journey will change me.

Well there you have it. Looks like things are about to get busy for Spade, and his mission may prove to be more than he can handle. Only one way to find out. Nect chapter will be posted soon within this week, because... Well it is the season of giving, no?

Also, just a note, I just finished another playthrough of Mass Effect 3 (mainly getting the insanity achievments) and as I was watching the ending, I had an idea for another story. So, I might be doing some free writing and also, finals are coming up so I will be very busy before the semester ends. Hopefully I'll post updates regularly, but no promises.

Translations:

Fantastique: Fantastic.

Capitaine: Captain

compagnon: Companion

guerrier: Warrior

Commandant: Commander