Hello ladies and gents, and welcome to the next chapter of Mass Effect: Spade.

Wow! The feedback I received last chapter was awesome! Thanks a mil everyone! Introducing a new character is always a challenge. You have to have background and at least someway the character fits in with everything. And the fact that people liked June and Vedon was the just awesome. Truly, thanks for the support.

Now, back to business. The next few chapters will consist of the infamous chapter in the first ME game. Virmire. Meaning that like with Noveria, Virmire is going to split in a few chapters. This chapter being the first of few for Virmire.

Now, without delay. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Chapter 20: Before the Storm

Eden POV

I was finishing my rounds around the Normandy, getting opinions from everyone on the upcoming mission. We just received a call from the Council. Apparently an Salarian STG group was doing recon on the planet Virmire. They were investigating an operations base that is believed to be Saren's. The only problem is that the STG team stopped checking in. So, we are the reinforcements. Debriefing was short and to the point, and we are all just waiting to get there.

It gives me plenty of time to think to myself, with all that is going on within the Normandy. Everyone knows about Adrian and myself. Some are supportive and others aren't. Kadian was surprised, to say the least. He hasn't talked to me since then, so it is awkward. I only hope that it doesn't affect his ability on the field. And Liara. Well, it is pretty much the same with her.

Aside from that, I recently got in touch with my long lost sister. Adrian did the amazing yet again. He was able to find her, and bring her to me. I can't express the feeling I had when we met. Happiness, shock, a little sadness, but over all just pure joy. And to top it all off, I know she is safe for sure this time. Adrian was able to give her the necessary things she needs while she lives on the Citadel. She has a home, work, and Adrian was able to find her a trainer for her biotic's. She is a fighter, like her big sister. And she stressed that she wants to be able to help me. I objected of course. I didn't want to put my little sister, the only family I have left, in danger. But she was convincing. She lived on Omega for a majority of her life, so she had to learn how to fight. And she said that she wants to be able to protect me when Adrian could not. Eventually, I let her, with the help of Adrian convincing me as well.

June. That girl was just full of surprises while we were there on the Citadel. For someone that lived on Omega, she was so calm and peaceful. And apparently the butterflies took a liking to her. She was able to have a single butterfly on her finger for about four hours while we walked around the Presidium. An Asari who saw this said that she had a very calming, pure spirit. Of course she would, she was always like that. Even when she was little and before the attack. People and animals would just warm up to her. And she was a looker. Just like her big sis. Adrian had to scold and scare a few guys, and girls, from flirting with her. It was sweet, and funny.

During my muse, I heard a voice outside my room. My door was opened, allowing for anyone to come in for orders or to talk if they were the ground crew. The voice belonged to Kadian. He was addressing one of the Cadet's. I stood up and peered out of my room. Kadian was helping the Cadet out with his omnitool.

"That should do it. I recommend checking in with Tali or Dawn just in case. They are pretty handy with Tech."

Wow, that is a first. Kadian recommending someone to Adrian? About tech? Wait. He didn't call Adrian Spade! What the hell is going on!?

The Cadet saluted and left. Kadian then turned and went back to work on his terminal. He caught me in his glance and gave a nod. Time to investigate.

"Kadian," I said. He looked at me.

"Hey Shepard. Need something?" he asked.

"What was that about?"

"Ah that. The Cadet needed some help with his omnitool. Said something about it acting buggy."

"I see… And what was that about not calling Dawn "Spade"." That caught Kadian off a little, but he straightened himself.

"Spade got old. And I'm starting to see him in a different light." I gave him a look to continue. He gave a slight sigh and rubbed the back of his neck. I don't know if it was his amp or if he was nervous.

"I can see he is trying to change himself, and for the better. I just didn't see it until this last visit on the Citadel. He's good people. Right? He's risked his life for you, and this crew for that matter, numerous times. He cares for us in his own way. And to top it all off, he was able to find your sister and bring her back to you. Assassin's don't do that. Do they?" he said looking at me with a questioning look. I smiled, but before I can say anything, a door opened and voices came out. It was Adrian, and the cadet Kadian was speaking with earlier.

"You're algorithms are all off. If you switch this with that, and replace this with this, you'll get an affective Overload charge…" He was helping the Cadet with his omnitool. The Cadet was patient and hooked with every word Adrian was saying. They walked into the elevator, and Adrian continued to help the Cadet.

I looked at Kadian.

"He may be a former assassin, but he is trying to change himself. Maybe you should talk with him yourself. He may just surprise you." Kadian looked at me with a slight look of disbelief.

"You sure about that? I mean, we did have a fight a few days ago." I shrugged.

"Well you did have a gun to his head." He frowned and looked a way for a bit. "Kadian. Adrian is a reasonable guy if you let him. That and he said he never wanted to fight you in the first place. He was just defending himself and Tiffany."

"He said that?"

"Well, maybe a little altered, but yeah. Something like that." He nodded and looked towards the elevator. Probably thinking what to do next. He then looked at the area where the fight was.

"You think I would've won? I mean, I was pretty close. Right?" I made a face.

"Kadian. He was trained by a Drell and a Turian. Both former military." His eyes widened a bit.

"So that is how he was able to do that…" he said lightly. I chuckled, earning a smile from him.

"I'll talk to you later Kadian. Just consider talking with him. I don't like grudges on my ship." He smiled and saluted.

"Aye Commander."

With that I went back to my quarters to finish up some reports. The whole Louis fiasco is still ongoing, and I've been putting off my report. Need to finish it before the mission starts. While I was working, I heard the elevator doors opening and closing. I smiled slightly, and gave a little prayer. Hoping that there wouldn't be another fight.

Adrian POV

"Thank you Knight. I'll leave you to your work." The Cadet then saluted and walked off. I gave my own mock salute and turned to sit on a crate. That was a first time a Cadet either than Tiffany asked for my help. And saluted me for that matter. Ah well, I need to work. I did a quick check on my omnitool. Making sure the programs were updated and ready for use. And also a quick look over my armor. I fixed it up already since Noveria, but a quick system check never hurt anyone. After that, I looked over the datapad I've been working on.

"What you working on?" a female voice asked. I looked up and saw it to be Ashley. I looked back down at the datapad.

"Just a project I'm starting." She walked over and looked over my shoulder.

"Is that a set of armor?" She asked. I nodded.

"Yes ma'am. Three sets to be exact. Two are for June and Eden, and the other is just a side project." It was true. I was working on making some armor for the both of them. Well, more like designing the armor, and then Nalik to build them. They are all based of different existing armor sets. I'm just adding some upgrades and a little Mandalorian flavor. Of course, they will better suit them with their own abilities. Reina gave me an over view of June's ability. To mine, and Eden's amazement, she can Biotic Phase. Like the N7 Slayer and Fury in multiplayer when they are side stepping. It is pretty damned cool. And knowing Reina, June is going to find tremendous potential in her abilities.

"You know Knight, I've been meaning to tell you something." Knight. Still not use to it. And I'm not sure who started that. I narrowed it down to Eden, Garrus, Tali, or Joker. Anyway, I looked up at Ash.

"Uh-oh. Should I be worried?" She laughed lightly and then crossed her arms.

"No. I just wanted to say thank you. For protecting Tiffany when no one was around. And for reuniting Shepard with her little sister. It was sweet and heroic. Like a Knight." She said all this with a smile, and I gaped.

"Wow… Thanks, I guess. I was just trying to help, really." She chuckled at that.

"Well you don't need to try. Tiffany looks up to you as a brother. You're like a hero to her, it's crazy." I smiled at that. Tiffany stayed on the Citadel for leave. Anderson's, Doc's and Eden's orders. I allowed her to stay at my place since she didn't have anywhere to go. Plus it is another set of eyes on June.

"And it is clear that Shepard cares about you. And you bringing her sister back to her? Sealed the deal for her. Don't tell anyone, but I was rooting for you."

"Is that so? Surprised to hear that from you Ash." She shrugged.

Before she could say anything else however, Kadian walked up to is. Oh shit. I really don't want another fight. And to be honest, I don't want to fight Kadian anymore. I may not like the guy, but he is somewhat important.

"Hey, can you give us a minute Ash. I want to talk to Dawn in private." Ash looked at us with concern clearly on her face. Hesitant, she nodded and walked off. I caught her signaling to both Garrus and Wrex to keep an eye on us in case things escalated between us.

For a few moments he stood there in silence. It was awkward. To awkward for me to sit here quietly. I stood up and went to my locker, taking out my armor and working on it. Even though I don't have to. Eventually Kadian cleared his throat and took a breath.

"Dawn. I want to apologize." That stopped me. What?

"Excuse me?" I asked, turning to look at him.

"I want to apologize. For pointing a gun towards you." I nodded but before I can say anything he put a hand up. "And for judging you this entire time. It was uncalled for, and because of it I didn't see who you really are. I may not trust you completely, yet, but I know that you are good. Or at least you are trying to. And I'm sorry I didn't realize it before."

Okay. So being shocked once, I can handle. Being shocked twice? Not so much. I can handle it, to a point. I just looked at him. Trying to figure out what possessed him to say this.

"Did Eden put you up to this?" I asked. He nodded.

"For the most part, yes. But it was something that needed to be done and said." I nodded. I'll have to talk to Eden about this. I looked at him for a bit, then gave a polite smile.

"Alright, I'll go with that. But next time, just get me a bottle of whiskey and we'll call it even."

He smiled at that and nodded. I put my hand out to offer a shake, and he took. Glad to have that behind us. And now that I think about it, this may be the last time I will talk with him. Or, see him. We are heading to Virmire. Where shit hits the fan and gets real. This may be the last time with Ash too. Damn. One of them may die on this mission. It sucks. It really does. I may have not liked either of them, but after a while, they grow on you. Yeah, Kadian and I hated each other for the most part. But still. That is a life that may just end after this. Same with Ash. So this. Clearing the air between us. It is for the better.

He let go of my hand, and I went back to my armor. Has the scratch always been there? Damnit. Note to self. Always double check armor. Kadian stayed there for awhile, and tried to start a conversation. Guess he is trying to clear the air too. He may be having those feelings. The one you get when you know something is going to happen.

"So… Drell and Turian training, huh?" He started. I chuckled.

"Eden tell you that?"

"Mentioned more than tell. Explains a lot of those moves at the fight." I smiled. Reina would've been proud that I remember those moves.

"Be honest with me. I was close right? Like, we were pretty evenly matched," he said. I stood up straight and looked at him. He wasn't really, but yet again, he wasn't using biotics. Even if he is an L2.

"If you used biotics on me. You would've beating me easily." He put a hand on his chin.

"Biotics? Is that some sort of weakness you have?" Really Kadian? You have not been paying attention at all haven't you. I rolled up my jacket sleeve and showed him my burning.

"Biotic Burning. Caused by Warp fields. Amplifies when I'm hit with biotics that are meant for harm. If you would've hit me with a biotic power, I would've been dropped."

"Really? I didn't realize. Is that why you are always in med-bay?"

"Partly. I would also go and talk with Doc or Tiffany to pass time."

"I see. Well if we end up fighting side by side, I'll make sure you aren't hit with any biotics. Shepard wouldn't let me live it down." I chuckled.

"Probably not. Hell, she probably wouldn't let anyone live it down." This time he chuckled lightly. He looked away for a bit, probably thinking of something else to ask. Worst interrogation ever.

"How long have you and the Commander... Well, you know." I raised a brow at the question and looked at him. Is he seriously asking me that. By the look on his face, he was. I let out a breath.

"Unofficially. Since our first RnR on the Citadel. Officially. This last shore leave." This is SO awkward, it hurts.

"That long, huh. Explains a few things."

"Oh?" He nodded at that.

"Like how she always takes you on missions. She always sits next to you during meal time. She always goes to you last during her rounds and spends more time with you. And, oh yeah, how you carried her to her quarters one night." Okay. That is creepy.

"Are you stalking me Lt.?" I asked, and no, I'm not joking. He didn't know that, however, and laughed a bit.

"No, but a few crew members have. They told me over time." I sighed and rubbed the back of my head.

"Well, my personal space feels slightly smaller now." He laughed a little at that. He looked away for a bit, then back at me.

"This was nice. Hopefully we can get all this behind us and start moving forward."

"Agreed." I really don't want to push this conversation any further. Not because I hate him or anything. I don't to be honest. It is just so damn awkward.

He nodded and started heading out till he looked at my armor. He was eyeing, probably impressed. Till his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Is that a dress? On your armor?" Oh for the love of god.

"I told you it was a dress!" That was Ashley, yelling from her post.

"Stow it Ash!"

"If it helps, it does had some style to your armor!" Garrus.

"Seriously Garrus!?"

"Hey I actually like it. Enemies will learn to run in fear when they see that dress." Wrex.

"Oh for the love of… You know what. Ya'll are just jealous of my awesome armor," I said.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night," said Wrex.

"Shut up Wrex…" He did his famous chuckle and adjusted his seating. I sighed and went back to work on my designs. Kadian nodded and I sent a nod back. As he was walking the intercom went off.

"Attention!" That was Eden's voice. And she sounds serious. "We made it to Virmire. I want all of the ground team down at engineering getting prepped for drop. Five minutes."

With that, everyone went to work. Putting on armor, loading clips, and prepping shields. Tali and Liara showed up a little latter, but they quickly went into action. Tali was always the first one finished, even when she was late. Eden made it down, her armor already on, and her weapons ready. We all stood at attention when she started addressing us.

"We all know the plan. Tali, Alenko, and Knight are coming with me." There is that nickname again. "We will drop down on the Mako and try to make contact with the STG team. Everyone else will be support until further notice."

"Commander," Joker.

"What is it Joker?"

"Scans pick up Anti-Air guns. You're going to have to take them down before I can land the Normandy for anything."

"Got it Joker. Alright, let's move. Knight I want you on the gun." Seriously? Sweet! This is going to be my first time on the gun, and man let me tell ya. Excitement

"Got it Princess." That earned a few chuckles and a glare from Eden. You started it, I think.

"Alenko, you'll be spotter. Tali, once we hit ground, I need you to try to tap into the enemies communications."

"Got it Commander," they said in unison.

We all entered the Mako and got ready. Sitting on the gunner seat gave me a slight chill. This is going to be fun.

"Get ready for drop" Joker's voice came in from the Mako. The hatch opened and I could see the Virmire sky. The Mako lurched forward and in a few seconds we started plummeting to the ground. Here we go.

"Into the storm," Kadian said.

And that's a wrap!

Well, it looks like Kadian is starting to see Adrian in a different light. How will it change things for Adrian in his mission? And the main question is: Who will survive? Ashley or Kadian? Plus, there are other questions to consider. What does Liara think about Eden and Adrian? How will June affect the Mass Effect world? What is the voice in Adrian's nightmares? Is the ME timeline in danger of being changed? And why haven't I left to get my sandwich from the deli?

All these questions will be answered soon. You... just have to wait.

Either than that, thanks again for all the feedback and support I've received through out Spade. It has been helpful.

Keep Reading and Stay Sexy

KD