Hello Ladies and Gents, and welcome to the next Chapter of Mass Effect: Spade.

I would've posted earlier this week, but with Final's and Doctor's appointments, I was sort of busy. Anyway, it didn't stop me from posting one more chapter. Not much to say for A/N but to say:

Enjoy!

Chapter 21: Into the Storm

Adrian POV

"Just die already!" I yelled. We were just coming up the first Anti-Air installment. I've never paid attention to this part of the game, so whether or not something is canon, I wouldn't be able to tell. Anyway. As we speak, we are taking on two Armature's, and a few rocket troops. Joy.

I fired the main canon again when my shot was lined. The spider like tank exploded with an array of sparks and smoke. It was a fantastic sight to see. One down, one to go.

"Hang on!" Eden yelled. Next thing I knew, my stomach lurched. She hit the thrusters of the Mako, and we flew up in the air. Probably jumping over another barrage of rockets. At least they aren't guided missiles. That would suck. We landed with a hard thud, but I didn't let it get to me. Without skipping a beat, I fired a barrage of bullets into the mass of Rocket Troopers. Seeing the white synthetic blood, and the synthetic flesh flying all over the place, I knew my work was complete.

All that was left was that damned Armature. It fired another electrically pulse. A bit too soon for Eden, cause the pulse crashed into the Mako. Right into my position too. If not for the shields, I would've been electrocuted. And that is not a way I want to go down. Seeing my new form of revenge, I turned the gun and started firing the canon. The gun whirled and the bullets shot out with the purpose of taking down that damned machine. I followed up with the main canon, the fire from the explosion catching some of the flora on the rocks. The Armature stumbled, and with another shot from the main canon, the Armature suffered the same fate as its counterpart.

"Armature down! Man I love this gun!" I shouted. I was being honest.

"Good work Dawn. Moving out," Kadian said. Yeah he was with us, along with Tali. I don't mind it, as long as he behaves. Yeah he apologized, somewhat, to me earlier. But sometimes words ring hollow, and that apology could only be a way to warm up to Eden. She did put him up to it.

"Radar's are down!" Tali shouted. We are all here Tali. "We must being getting closer to the first Anti-Air gun!"

I looked out my with the sight of the gun, and sure enough there was a small complex with a gate. As we got closer, I saw Geth units dashing to and fro (never thought I would say that), getting into cover and firing at the Mako. Seeing that, I acted and started firing. I took down a few troopers as we got closer.

"Adrian! Stay with the gun and provide us cover!" Eden ordered.

"You got it!" is what I responded. The Mako came to a stop, and the three took off. I fired at the Geth on the top floor. A few rockets sped past the Mako. My heart skipped a beat at that. I do not want to have this as my grave.

"Eden! Take down those Rocket Troopers or else we lose the Mako!"

I didn't get a response in words, but seeing a array of Biotic's and Tech working in front of my position answered. I grinned as the moved up to the second floor and into the room where the AA gun controls would be. Calming myself, I kept a wary eye at the area. Can't have Geth getting the drop on us.

My radar clicked, and I looked down to see that it was back online. That takes care of the jammer.

"AA gun down. Moving to the next," Eden said.

If memory serves well, I believe there are three in total. Which mean two more till we reach the STG base. Well, more like outpost. You know what I mean.

The gate opened, revealing the next area we will have to traverse. And also, I could see the ocean. I missed the ocean back at home. Home.

Eden and the others were in the Mako and we took off. As we were driving, I looked out to the ocean at my side.

"Look at that ocean. Reminds me a bit about home," I said. Apparently the others heard me.

"Where are you from?" asked Kadian.

"New Orleans. Born and raised."

"Really? Never been there but I heard it is a beautiful, yet wild, city." I smirked. Wild. Yeah. Beautiful. Hell yeah.

"Beautiful is an understatement. The city is gorgeous, and the ocean adds to the beauty." I looked at the ocean for a few moments until I went back to the gun controls. "It would be close to eight years since I've been gone."

"Maybe when this is all over you can visit," Tali chimed in. I smiled.

"Yeah… I just might." Thinking of home. Something I haven't done in a while. I really did miss it. Don't get me wrong, I really do miss my old life. Yeah it was boring and all, but it was normal. I didn't have to worry about mercs coming into my room wanting to kill me. I didn't have the god damn nightmares. I didn't have to worry for my girlfriends life every damn second. So yeah, I do miss my normal life.

My apartment. My group friends, helping kids who lost the parents that were killed in the line of duty. And my PETA supportive, gun control, bitch of an ex girlfriend. I missed it all. But, I do feel stronger. I am grateful for the few good things I've experienced during my time here. Of course there wasn't much good than there was bad, but still. I got to see new worlds, new species that could possibly be out there in my own universe. Meet the heroes of the MEverse, and even befriend a few. And, as sappy as it sounds, met an amazing woman.

"We are coming up on the next gate," Tali stated, interrupting my muse. I was surprised, to say the least, and I looked out from the gun. Damn, we are here. Maybe Eden found a shortcut? Can't say for sure. Like I'm complaining. Less stress for me.

"Incoming rockets!" And the stress just came back on. Firing the gun at our enemies, Eden and the other two did the same routine. I sighed. Yeah, I was bored. Doing the same thing over and over tends to do that. The more I thought about, the more I grimaced. This may just be a long drive.

Later on

"Thank god!" I yelled. The drive here was hell after we disabled the second AA gun. Armatures and Colossus mechs, along with Rocket troopers, started raining fire on us. And there were a few close calls that I wish to never experience again during my time in ME. Let's just say that I would hate to have the Mako be a casket.

"What's the matter Knight? I thought you'd enjoy the time in the Mako," Tali said, amusement clearly in her voice. I flashed her an annoyed look. Helmet was off, which means they could see my face. Before I could say anything though, Eden voiced in.

"I thought it was a wild ride myself," she said, with a shrug and a smile. I shook my head.

"I rather keep my feet on the ground from now on. Yeah, it was fun, but only for a once in a life time occasion."

As we talked about the Mako, I looked over at the area. The Normandy was "parked" at the edge of the beach. The cargo door opened. A few Marines came over and moved the Mako on our behalf. Also, it seems that the Marines, and Salarians, were preparing for something. Almost like for war.

In a way it was going to happen. The base is coming up, and we defiantly do not have enough troops to take on the base. With Geth, indoctrinated Salarian troopers, and raging Krogan, this battle may just be our toughest yet.

And speaking of Krogan, there was another thing hovering in my mind that caused me to worry. Wrex. In all fairness, I side with him. The Krogan didn't deserve to have the curse that they have now. They deserve the cure for the genophage, and hell of deserve a second chance. Of course, I don't want Saren to be the one to cure them. He would just use them as cannon fodder. And that will not sit well with Wrex.

As we walked up to the base, I saw Ash speaking with Kirrahe and a few other Salarian troopers. This is when I took my leave and walked around the base. It looked just like the game. Small, not enough supplies, and a lot of Salarians walking around getting ready for the near future battle. I found Garrus and decided to stand next to him.

"Heard the ride here was a tad bit bumpy," he said, watching some of the troops moving around some crates. I shook my head.

"Bumpy is one way to describe it. Almost had to call the Mako a casket a few moments there."

Garrus chuckled at that. We fell silent for a few moments. I saw Eden, Kadian, and Ash speaking with the Salarian captain. Here we go.

"The Salarian are pretty resourceful," Garrus said. Although I was more focused with Wrex getting antsy. Still, doesn't mean I can ignore my Turian friend.

"What do you mean?" I asked him.

"The STG team has been here to close to a month now, with few supplies, few men, and constant danger from the start."

I cocked a brow at that. Yeah, the STG are damned resourceful when it calls for it, but either than that, they talk too much. And that is the only thing they are good at. Aside from Nalik, Mordin, and I guess Kirrahe, I really do not like the Salarians. Their voices are annoying as hell. So annoying that I've actually killed a few because of it. That, and they constantly complain. Even when held hostage. I had to take out a Salarian ambassador that was sending funds to Eclipse mercs, and eventually stopped paying. I had to interrogate him for some information that Eclipse could use. The entire time he complained that the area I held him was "to dull" for an interrogation. Then he starts to school me. Moral of the story, I killed him and I have little patience for Salarians. Exceptions being Nalik and Mordin.

"We are not a mistake!" Oh shit. That was Wrex. Garrus and I looked over and saw him walking off from Eden and her group. Moment of truth. Eden, Ash, and Kadian talked amongst themselves. Time to intervene. Timeline, you can sue me later.

"I'll be back Garrus," I said, and I headed towards Wrex. I saw Eden heading towards him. That is when the gunshots rang out. I expected it, but wasn't really ready for it. Wrex started his "target practice", earning looks from everyone. And I mean EVERYONE. Note to the world, Claymore shotguns are fucking loud. Loud enough that I'm sure the Reapers may have heard it from dark space.

Unfortunately due to me stopping, Eden got to him first. And the argument proceeded, causing a thin crowd of skinny ass Salarians to get in my way. Pushing and shoving through the crowd, I could hear both Wrex and Eden's voices. Wrex sounded pissed, and it seemed that Eden was not getting through to him. Fuck, fuck, fuck!

And, to make matters worse, I caught a glimpse of both Ash and Kadian moving in, pistols at the ready. Wrex had no clue either. Alright, that's it! I booked it, and pushed STG soldiers out of my way. Some cursed and scolded but I could give a pyjak's ass. As I was getting through the crowd I saw both Wrex and Eden pull guns at each other. Fuck!

"I don't know who to trust. And from what I can see, the line between friend and foe is starting to thin," Wrex said. Honestly, it is my favorite line, but at this moment I started freaking out. Wrex is like a close friend, and Eden, well if you haven't figured it out, is my girlfriend. A part of me wanted to defend my friend, but the other wanted to defend Eden as well. And I don't do well with conflicting emotions! Aw fuck it! Gonna have to roll with it.

I leaped and landed in between the two. And to what will become probably the bravest and stupidest thing I've ever done thus far, I put my hands up in front of them both in a "I surrender" type manner. Seeing me in front of them caused them both to lower their weapons.

"Adrian…" Eden whispered. Shock was clear in her voice. I couldn't look at her face.

"Get out of the way Dawn. This does not concern you," Wrex said, his voice hell of intimidating. But I can't let that stop me. I looked at him.

"The hell it does! You two are damn bout to kill each other!" I yelled. I took of my helmet and looked at Wrex in the eyes.

"Look Wrex, I agree with you. The Genophage has to be cured, but it can't be like this."

"And why not! The Krogan have suffered enough!" He is pissed. It is a touchy subject.

"I know they have! What the Salarians and Turians did is unforgivable and they should pay for it, but not like this! Think Wrex. Think for a minute what Saren is really trying to do. You think he is just going to give your people the cure and then go on his way? No, he won't."

Wrex just looked at me, Claymore still in his hands. I could feel my heartbeat within my head, and my burns were starting to slower flare. I didn't know at the time, but Tali later on told me that my burns started to form on my neck, causing her, Garrus, Liara, Eden and hell even Kadian, Ash and Wrex to worry. But I didn't let that stop me. I'm trying to save a life here.

"If you let Saren win, and cure this curse, then you will give him what he wants. He doesn't want to free your people Wrex, he wants to control them. And the only way he can achieve that is by giving you the one thing your people need."

That got Wrex to thinking, I could tell. His eyes stopped looking at me and his eyes started darting. Almost there.

"Remember what I said Wrex, about what I want to start. I said that it was a lost cause, but you were the one who believed that I could. And I will honor that by trying to help you and your people, but only if you let me."

That was it, that was all I had. Sure I could say more, but that would be nothing more than air. Hollow words really. Hopefully, I said enough. Feeling my burns worsen, I instinctively started holding my breath, trying to dull the pain away. I then put my hand up in front of Wrex for him to shake. He looked at it, then at me. For a few short moments, I thought he was going to shoot me. But instead he nodded, holstered his shotgun, and shook my hand. I let out a breath.

"Alright little varren, I'll trust you in this." He looked at Eden. "And sorry for pulling a gun at you Shepard. Just happened in the moment." Eden, too, holstered her own weapon and moved beside me. I could feel her hand brush past mine. The cool feeling washing over my burns. Only for a few short moments of course.

"Yeah… no problem. Will you still fight with us?" she asked him. He gave a curt nod.

"Dawn is right. I let my passion for my people blind my better judgment. Saren wants to control us, but I won't let that happen. I'll fight by you and Dawn's side till the end."

They shook hands, and Wrex left, growling at any Salarian that was in his way. Glad to have him back.

That was when I felt the sharp pinch of a needle in my arm.

"GAH! What the- Oh… Damn that feels nice." Liara, you little ninja. She was able to sneak up on me and inject does of serum into my body. It was as refreshing as jumping in the creek on a hot summer day. Add a beer or two, and Eden in a bikini and I would be in heaven. Huh? Eden in a bikini?

Focus Dawn!

"That was a close one. Good work Knight," Ash said as she and Kadian walked up to us. "You really have a word with words. Wrex seem to really believe everything you said." Really Ash? That, in a way, made me angry. I know I was an assassin, but I honor my word. I WILL help Wrex and his people. They deserved that much. I just simply started to walk away.

"I wasn't lying," I said, as cool and smooth as I could. Which, of course, come naturally to me.

I felt stares, but I kept walking. I may come off as an asshole, but I have my reasons. And I only become like that when people piss me off. Eden, and I guess Garrus too, know that better than anyone. They both figured it out on the Citadel. When Eden and I-

"Adrian!" Hmm? I turned and saw Eden catching up to me. When she was mere inches away from me she gave me a quick kiss. Sure as hell caught me off guard.

"Why do you always do that?" she said.

"Do what?"

"Jump in when I'm in trouble. Always jump in front of the gun when it is pointed at me and shooting at me. Why do you always do that?" She was annoyed. Understandable. She IS the commander after all. Her duty is to be there for her squad. But MY duty, is to protect her, relationship or not. It was what the Organization tasked me with. Course, I couldn't tell her that.

"I'd be a bad boyfriend if I didn't," I said. She shook her head. Not a good answer I guess.

"You have been taking hits for me before we got to together. So I need a better reason."

Where there is death, there will always be death. You will fail, if the normal choices are made.

I winced. That damn voice again from my nightmares. I looked at Eden, and her green eyes stared into my smoke grey eyes. She really wanted a reason, eh? I can't tell her the whole truth, but I can give her my reason. My reason to fight.

"Eden, I've lost everything I had known and loved over the past seven years. And for once, I don't want to lose something like that again. I can't go through it again. You are my reason why, and as much as you hate it, I will always take a bullet or two for you."

She looked at me with a surprise look. She was searching for the words. Something to say. But A Salarian came up.

"Commander, the Captain will like to see. He wishes to start formulating a plan before we start."

"I will be right there," she said and she looked at me. "We'll talk later, deal?" I nodded, and placed my helmet on my head.

"Deal."

As she walked away, I looked at off at the horizon. The next few hours are going to be like hell. Like running into a hurricane.

And that's a wrap.

Hope ya'll enjoyed it. Next chapter will be more action oriented, since it is a pretty action packed scene.

And Wrex lives! Woohoo! Honestly, I saved him in every playthrough I have. Wrex is just pure bamf, that he deserves to live. Wreav can suck my quad! As a Krogan would say.

That aside, more to come: The intense Virmire attack will begin soon, but questions still linger. Are Adrian's burns getting worse? How will it affect him in missions to come? And what is this voice Adrian keeps hearing? All this and more! In future chapters to come.

So stay tuned, and stay sexy.

KD