Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen! And welcome to the next addition of Mass Effect: Spade. Before, we being I have this to say about this chapter: I'm taking another ambitious step. Not as big as Mandalorians ruling he galaxy, but it is out there. Either than that, your just going to have to read and find out what it is.
So without further delay. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Chapter 19: A Birthday Surprise
Adrian POV
We were heading back to the Citadel. Louis has been charged with the attempt to sexually assault another Alliance soldier. He will be dropped off at the Human Embassy and then shipped back to Earth for trail. Bastard dissevered worse than a simple trail and prison time. I would've fucking killed him. Tiffany was starting to feel better. It's been two days since then. The day it happened and the day after she wouldn't leave Eden's room. I felt terrible about it too, which didn't help my mood for the past two days. From what I was told, Ash and Tali would check on her. I haven't yet, but I promised I would.
And the fight only made matters worse. It pretty much pissed me off. Very few people are able to pull a gun to my head like that. And very few lived to tell about it. I'm not saying I'm going to kill the bastard, but if he somehow ends up dead, I won't miss him. Still, the thought didn't help. He has to work, and has to walk around the Normandy to do his job. Me? I'm not an officer, and didn't have any duties on the Normandy. So, I just stayed in my room. Besides, I've been busy.
I finished writing up everything I've known about the Mandalorian's and some designs that I've actually finished. I've sent it all to Nalik. He told me that he knows people that will help spread word around and start working on the designs I've sent. I'm acutally pretty pumped. Right now, I'm working on a classic. The Basilisk War Droid. There wouldn't be Mandalorians if there wasn't any Basilisks kicking some ass. It will be glorious I tell you!
Aside from that, I've also been working on personal stuff. I have no idea how this entire mission is going to play out. I can't tell the future and I can't tell if I'm going to survive this or not. So, I've been tying up loose ends. Just some old contacts I've worked with, and with some members of the Organization. Thankfully, many of understood or were dead. But that wasn't it. I've been working on a project for Eden. Her birthday is in a day, believe it or not, and I have been working on a surprise for her that will be waiting for her on the Citadel.
"Adrian…?" I jumped at the voice. I need to keep my door closed instead of open from now on. I looked over and saw that it was Tiffany. She was wearing casual clothing. A white dress that went to her calves, and a blue vest. Her hair was tied in a bun. She was ready for some shore leave that was for sure. Hell, I was too. I was wearing jeans, my boots, and a black long sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled up. All I needed was my jakcet, and I'll be set.
"Well what a surprise," I started with a grin "Nice to see you out and about Tiff, I was starting to worry." She gave a small smile.
"It's nice to see you too Adrian." I nodded, and went back to my terminal. Closing some windows I didn't want her to see.
"What are you working on?" she asked. Damn she is quiet. She is already over my shoulder looking at my Terminal. "Who is Mars?" she asked. Damnit Tiffany!
"No-nothing… No one. Just an old contact of mine." I gave her the best bullshit smile I can give, and scratched my nose with my thumb.
"You're lying Adrian." Her arms crossed and she started tapping her foot. Damnit again. I sighed.
"Fine…" When I said that she lit up. A smile on her face. Yep, like a little sister coaxing a story out of her older brother. She sat on my desk, while I started typing away a message.
"Mars is an old contact of mine. He is a smuggler. A very good smuggler If I may add." She had a questionable look on her face.
"You're not going to do a job on the Citadel are you?" her voice had concern.
"Oh no. I'm done with assassin work. Too much pressure. Plus it is a danger for those I care about it."
"You mean Eden?" She had a teasing voice and a smirk. I actually blushed and she giggled. "I never thought I see you blush Adrian."
"Laugh it up Tiff." She giggled again.
"So, what do you need from this "Mars" person."
"He is actually helping me out with something. For Eden's birthday." It is the most talked subject on the ship. Everyone has been talking about what to get her. Garrus was going to give her some mods for her, now two, Hurrican's. She is keeping mine, and not as a present. Everyone else, well, is struggling.
"Oh? What are you going to get her?" I smiled
"It is a surprise." She frowned and mocked whined.
"Oh come on. Tell me." I kept my smile and leaned back, putting my hands behind my head.
"You'll just have to wait and see when we dock. He already has the gift with him and will meet us." She glared at me for a bit, but couldn't hold it for long. A smile playing on her lips.
Her omnitool went off, and she checked it.
"Joker said that we are about to dock. We should head up to the airlock." I nodded and closed my terminal, and sent a quick message to Mars. Damned Drell better be there, or it is his ass. I got up and put my jacket on, offered my arm to Tiffany, and she happily took it. As we walked to the airlock I got glares from some of the Cadets, and a lot of nods too. Apparently, the ground team, excluding Kadian, has been putting the good word for me.
As we were walking Eden saw us and came up to us. She was wearing her casual clothing as well. Dark brown, knee high leather boots (Which I bought her on the Citadel), Black skinny jeans which shaped her legs perfectly (Don't judge me), a silver shirt and her white leather jacket (Which I both have bought for her).
"Hey guys. Nice to see you out of your room, Knight." Knight? What the hell.
"Knight? What the hell is that?" I asked.
"Well, it's your nickname of course! The story of how you saved Tiffany from Louis, and other stories involving damsels is spreading around the ship. And Knight kind of just popped up." Great, another nickname. Well, at least it is better than Spade. I really need to drop that name.
"Let me guess. You and I'm assuming Garrus are spreading said stories?" I asked with a brow up. She snickered.
"Maybe…" She said rolling her eyes. She noticed that Tiffany and I were linked arms and she had a smirk playing on her lips. Oh no.
"Careful Knight. Everyone might think Tiffany is the princess."
"Oh I think the three of us know who the real princess is…" I leaned towards Eden, my lips centimeters away from her ear. "…Princess". My voice was low, cool, and just right to get her to blush and step away. I had a cheeky grin on my face, and Tiffany was in a giggling fit. It was cool having someone else know about us two, and the fact that it was Tiffany made it more enjoyable. I'm sure Eden knew that she knew. She wasn't panicking like she did when Wrex found out.
"Commander," Kaidan. Tiffany and I left Eden and headed for the airlock. We didn't want to be around Kaiden. When we got to the airlock the rest of the gang was there. Everyone nodded and waved at our direction. I heard Ash say something to Joker causing him to grumble. Probably the fact that Tiffany and I are link by arm.
Tiffany let go of my arm and went to Joker, doing the same with him. Although, a lot more genlte than with me.
"Keeping her safe for me Knight," Joker said.
"Oh no… Does everyone know about the new nickname?" I asked. They all snickered and giggled and nodded. "That's just great…" I siad under my breath
"Hey, at least you aren't stuck with Joker. You have the prevliege of two nicknames. Me? Just one. Just one," Joker said, I guess in my defense. He had a point. Knight and Spade were slightly better than Joker.
As we talked for a bit, and everyone teasing me and my new name, we all looked over to see Louis being hauled away by two Marines. We were all quiet when he walked by, and he had a face of regret.
"Be lucky I don't cap your ass you damned di'kut…" I mumbled. No one heard except for probably Wrex and Garrus. You know. Heightened senses. Eden and Kaidan followed, and we all headed for the airlock. All the while, I got a message from Mars. The package was here. Sweet. This guy (me) is going to be the best unofficial boyfriend in the galaxy.
As we all headed out, a group of Marines and an Admiral were waiting for us. C-Sec stayed out of the way on this. Alliance business and all. Kaidan sent a glare towards me. He wanted me to be arrest, right here and now. But that wouldn't happen. I was the one who saved Tiffany.
Louis was transferred to the other Marines, and Eden and the Admiral who ever the hell he is, exchanged a few words. While they were talking I looked around for Mars. Where… Ah, there he is.
Standing in the background, behind the Alliance soldiers and officers stood a Drell. He was about my height, and my built. Athletic. Well, all Drell are but that is not the point. He wore the similar outfit Thane wears, only that his is an azure blue with a silver secondary color. He does wear a dark brown trench coat like jakcet, with a matching hat. The hat almost looks like a cowboy hat, or Bane's hat from Star Wars the Clone War. And believe it or not, he is actually Feron's brother. Younger brother to be precise. And they look almost exactly alike, only that his skin tone is more darker than Feron. I waved to him, and he sent a nod back. I strained my eyes, but next to him I can see my present. She almost looks like her.
"Thank you Admiral for your time. And make sure he gets a speedy trail," Eden's voice came to my ears. She had her "commander voice" again. Understandable. The Admiral and a few Marines saluted. Eden, Ash, and the wanna be Elvis saluted back. Seriously, Kaidan's hair, looks like Elvis's. No joke.
When the Marines left, Mars and the present headed for us. Kaidan saw this and flipped.
"Get back! Both of you!" He yelled. Mars and the girl next to him stopped, hands up. I rolled my eyes and walked forward. Everyone was looking at me confused.
"Calm down recluse. No one is going to hurt anyone, alright." He looked at me for a moment, then reluctantly holstered his pistol. I walked up to Mars and he smiled.
"Adrian! My friend!" I jumped a little. I forget how friendly he actually is, but in a way it is refreshing. I responded the same way.
"Mars!" We gave each other a friendly hug and pats on the back.
"Please, no need for nicknames my friend. Right now I'm Vedon." I chuckled.
"Well it is good to see Vedon." I took a moment and looked at the girl standing next to him. I smiled and she smiled back. My god. The resemblance is tremendous. She was slightly smaller than Eden, about a few inches. She was thin like Tiffany. Her hair was a dark blue, and her eyes were a clear, soft green. Not as vibrant as Eden's but still beautiful. She was wearing black boots, blue jeans, a tight white shirt with long sleeves and a black vest.
"You must be the one I've been looking for," I said. My voice was a little shaky. I was nervous. She gave me another bright smile.
"Yes sir. And thank you for sending Mars, or Vedon it seems, to get me from Omega," she said. Her voice was sweet and smooth. I read her file when Vedon made contact. She escaped the Batarian slaver with the help of, and you're not going to believe this, but by Kasumi Goto. Crazy right? Remember her saying that she saved a girl from slavers in ME2? This is the girl. Only in the game it was Elysium. Here, Mindior instead. And yes, she was a prodigy with art. Also, the girl standing in front of me is a biotic like her sister. Nice, although I'm not sure where she stands class wise. She was on Omega, working jobs here and there to make ends meet. Thankfully, a Batarian that helped her and Kasumi was like a father figure to her, so she was taken care of. When I contacted them I found out he was killed not too long ago. Vedon was right on time it seems. She is also twenty-five, loves music and art, and can move like a Drell. Nice. Have to test out the speed in a spar sometime. She loves to fight as well.
"It was a pleasure. Are you ready?" I asked. A faint blush was on her cheeks. She looked over to the group. They were all just watching us. I kept my smile and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Sorry sir, I'm just a little nervous. I am ready… if you'd walk with me." I grinned and nodded.
"Of course. She and I are pretty close." She giggled and looked a Vedon.
"So I've heard" she said with a sly tone. I shot a look at Vedon.
"Really Vedon?" I said annoyed. He shrugged and had a cheeky grin. I just rolled my eyes. Yeah, even though I've never mentioned Vedon, he is somewhat a close friend of mine. And we talk via message from time to time.
"Who is that girl?" I heard Liara ask. Well, that is my queue.
"Come on," I said, offering my hand to her. She smiled and took it. We headed towards the group and I could feel her move closer to me. I chuckled and gave her a reassuring squeeze. When we got to the group I looked at Eden. Her eyes at first were confused, but when she looked at the girl, her eyes started to widen. Everyone else who got the idea did the same, and those who didn't were just confused.
"Eden. Everyone. I like you to meet June. June Veronica Shepard." And let the gasping commence.
Eden POV
"Eden. Everyone. I like you to meet June. June Veronica Shepard." Those words rang when they came out of Adrian's mouth. Everyone around me gasped. The girl in front of me stood there. A smile on her face, a blush on her cheeks, and tears stinging her eyes. I felt tears stinging my eyes as well, and stared at her. She looked just like me, like mom. Dark hair, although it is almost a dark blue. And her eyes were green as well. She took a breath
"Happy birthday Ede," She said. My eyes widened for a second time. Ede. My nickname she gave me when were little. She couldn't say Eden when she was young so she called me Ede, and it stuck.
"June…" I said, which was a mere whisper. My voice was cut by the lump on my throat. Tears started to run down my cheeks. She let out a laugh and tears started flowing down hers. She nodded.
"Oh my god… June!" I closed the distance between us and we embraced. I could hear the others cheer and clap, but I tuned it out. It's my sister. My baby sister, and she is back with me. My god, she is alive! This… This is amazing. The stories we are going to have to share. And on my birthday. Best present ever.
"It is good to see you to Ede," she said into my shoulder. I went back and looked at her, wiping a tear from her cheek. She then looked at Adrian. "Your friend helped me. Told me that I can see you again."
What? Adrian? I looked at him with surprise. He was leaning against the railing with his Drell friend. He had his arms crossed and a grin on his face.
"Adrian… How did you?" was all I can muster to say. He straightened himself and walked towards us. Everyone was watching curiously, but I didn't care.
"When you told me about your family on Mindior, I did some research. I was curious at first, but when I started finding clues I got interested. I made contact with some old friends, got some favors paid, and I was able to find her. I contacted my friend here to get her out of Omega and to bring her here. The fact that it ended up so close to your birthday was by mere chance."
I was shocked. Adrian went out of his way to find my little sister, and succeeded. He found her and brought her to me. It was the nicest, sweetest damned thing anyone has ever done for me. The Alliance never did a search for her, or anyone else for that matter, after the attack. Said it was a lost cause. Yet, Adrian, with the help of some friends, was able to find her in a few days. It was… It was… I can't hold it anymore.
I left June, wrapped my hands around Adrian's neck and brought him down for a kiss. I heard everyone gasp, Wrex saying about time, and Adrian's friend, along with June, cheered. Adrian tensed at the moment, but eventually he gave in and kissed me back. It was an amazing moment for me. I know the secret of us together is no longer a secret, but I can care less. Yes, Kadian and Liara are there, but it doesn't matter. My boyfriend, my official boyfriend, found my sister and brought her back to me.
I pulled back from the kiss and looked at him with a smile.
"Best birthday present ever…" I said with a smile. He smiled and then kissed me again. He obviously doesn't care about everyone else finding out.
After the reunion, Adrian, June, and I went out. We explored the Citadel together. June was excited. It was her first time here and she was jumping around like a child. Adrian and I just followed her, hand in hand. Adrian's friend took his leave, after I thanked him of course.
Eventually we ended up at a restaurant overlooking the Presidium lake. Adrian didn't mind and was happy to pay for everything. We sat comfortably, and June told me how she got out of the slavers grasps. It was surprising to her how a Batarian and a thief saved her. Guess they aren't all evil as they seem. She told me some stories on Omega, saying how the Batarian treated her like how dad use to. She told me how she loves the arts and music, and how she was a biotic as well.
"Wait, you are a biotic?" I asked. She nodded and flared her hand. I smiled widely.
"I can control it, but I haven't gained the ability to fight with it just yet." She frowned at that and Adrian cleared his throat after he took a sip of his drink.
"I can help you with that June. I now a Drell that is a biotic and she would be more than happy to train you." I looked at him questionably and he chuckled. "Don't worry Princess, its Reina. She trained me in hand-to-hand and always said that she wanted to train someone in biotics. This will be good for both of them."
I looked at him for a while then back at June. She had an excited look on her face. I gave in and allowed it. June and Adrian cheered and high fived. They are becoming quick friends, and it made me happy. She was always defensive when I brought boys with me home when we were little. Seeing how she clearly liked Adrian, made me even happier. I liked him too.
After that little conversation, I started telling her my stories. She was enamored by them. My time in Elysium, on Eden Prime. The Thorian on Feros, and the Rachni on Noveria. All of it. And she laughed when I told her the day Adrian and I first met. And then watched in happiness when I told her about all the things he has done during this mission.
"Wow… That is really heroic. Guess you are knight Adrian," she said with a giggle. Adrian moaned but smiled none the less. That is when he shared some of his own stories. The ones that wouldn't scare June. It was amazing. That is all I'm going to say really.
After our meal we walked some more until we ended up at a park, sitting on a bench. We sat there quietly. Just watching the scene before us. Sky cars flying by, the water flowing, and people just walking by. And then it hit me. What is she going to do? I can't take her with me. Will she have to go back to Omega? I sure as hell hope not. If anything, I can get her an apartment if need be.
"Eden? Are you alright?" Adrian asked. I looked at him then back at June. They both can read me like a book. Damnit.
"I'm… June. What are you going to do while I'm gone?" She didn't answer and looked at Adrian. I looked at him and he cleared his throat.
"I have that covered. I was able to purchase an apartment that is actually next door from my place. And before you say anything, I was able to get her registered in the Citadel database so she is covered with that. I also made her an account and put some credits in it. As for work, which will be in conjunction with her training with Reina, I was able to get her a job with a private investigative service. They're clean, by the books, and they assured me her safety."
"And how can you be sure of that, Adrian?" I asked sternly.
"Because the owner of service is Kadick. The Turian I told you about. The one who trained me. He is former military and special forces in the Turian military. He wouldn't let anyone hurt her."
I thought over it. He really has everything covered. I looked at June and she had a pleading look on her face. I don't want to lose her again… But, the people Adrian knows. Actually knows, are good people. I don't know them all, but from all the stories he told me, I know they can ensure their safety. I sighed.
"Fine." June was about to cheer but I stopped her. "But. If I find out that you were in danger you are out and looking for civilian work." She nodded with a big smile.
"Promise Ede. I won't let you down." I smiled and leaned into Adrian.
"You've thought of everything, haven't you." He shrugged.
"I was an assassin for seven years Eden. This kind of stuff is second nature for me." I chuckled.
"Whatever show off. Still…" I looked at him. "Thank you. For all of this." He smiled and leaned in and kissed me. I still need to get use to these. Not that I'm complaining. June made a complaining noise, causing us to laugh. Adrian looked at her.
"Alright. Let's go see your apartment," He said, and he looked at me and whispered "That way we can have some time alone…" That, sent shivers down my back, and I was excited. June just rolled her eyes, but we got up and headed out. June walked in front of us. As she was walking, a butterfly flew in her direction. She looked at it and smiled, holding out a finger. The butterfly floated for above it, and then landed on her finger. I smiled and looked at Adrian. He was smiling too, and I quickly kissed him on the cheek, causing his smile to widen.
This is by far the best birthday surprise I have ever received.
And that's a wrap! So... What do you guys think?
This chapter was inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughn's cover of Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing. I can't say how, but the blues rock, and that guitar just got me rolling with Spade. The idea for June was actually going to be another character, not related to Eden, but is found by Adrian and if brought into the group. The idea of having her become Eden's little sis actually came up while I was writing the last chapter. From what I believe and have seen, there aren't that many fics with a sibling to Shepard. Maybe a John and Jane, but either than that not really, at least from what I've seen. If there are any out there, let me know. I could always use a good read.
As for it being Eden's birthday. It just fit well with the chapter. I don't know the canon birthdate, if there is one. I don't intend for this date to become her birthdate. Just see it as an unspecified date that so happens to be her birthdate.
And with that, I leave you.
Keep reading and stay sexy.
KD