Hello ladies and Gentlemen! And welcome to Mass Effect: Spade!

First off: I'm sorry that it took SOOO long to update Spade. A lot has been going on and for me, life comes first. Always. Alas, I am pleased to get back in the swing of things for Spade and I'm glad to be posting for this Fic.

This chapter will be the conclusion chapter of the Virmire arc so expect some death and plenty of injuries. Enjoy!

Chapter 22: Eye of the Strom

Adrian POV

"Run this through with me again. Why do I have to be alone?" I asked.

"Simple. You're an ex assassin and your skills in infiltration are better than most of us," Eden replied through commlink.

"And why aren't any of the Salarian's doing this?"

"They need all of their men together for this final push. And if it helps, Ashley is with them, and she doesn't have backup."

"Yeah, well she isn't on top of a cliff, by herself, with nothing but two pistols and a sniper rifle. And she does to have backup. They are just really small."

This was the fifth time Eden and I had this discussion. During battle preparation, the Salarian's told us that Saren had installed some kind of long range disruptor. Meaning that we are on our own until that disruptor is dropped. Plus, when it is down, we can call for reinforcements. How it got to me being the infiltrator, I have no idea. How it managed to be me, alone, is another mystery. And, just to make matters worse, I'm on a cliff. If I fall down right now, it is over. Yeah, not the best mission I've had to do.

Alas, it is the least of my problems. I have to worry about things to come when everyone storms the base. One, aside from the Geth, there are probably two platoons of angry Krogan ready to kill us. Two, Saren is here, as is expected. Or if this was South Park, 'As is tradition'. And three, one of us is not coming back. Ashley and Kadian in the game may be options, but this isn't the game anymore. Any one of us could kick the bucket. And that didn't sit well with me.

"Knight. What is your current position?" That was Kirrahe. Let me say just one thing. His speech, was fucking amazing. If only you'd been there.

I looked around, checking my area. Not much but jungle and cliffs. However, looking down I could see Eden's group. It mainly consisted of the squad, minus me, Ashley and Kadian. He was prepping the bomb. In the Normandy. A nuke. In the Normandy. Need I say more?

"I'm above the Shadow Team. Moving to base now. I'll provide sniper cover when possible."

That was my idea. Being on a cliff, higher ground, is golden for snipers. Plus, the cliff runs in between the two routes. So I can add cover for both, which may spare a few lives.

As I was moving through the brush, I would occasionally peer over the cliff. As of right now, I could only see Eden's group. So far, they were making good progress. Until my HUD blipped. I honestly hated it when that happens. Checking it over, it read that there was a small group of electrical signatures coming towards them. Geth.

"Eden. You have Geth moving to your position. Small, probably a patrol unit."

"Copy that. We can handle it. Move up and see if you can assist Ashley's group," Eden responded.

"Understood." Even though I'm not military, Eden is still my commanding officer. So I have to follow orders.

Once the bullets started flying, all hell broke loose. On both sides, Geth were attacking. Ashley and Kirrahe had it worst though. Since they were pretty much the distraction force, they were taking the brunt of the attack. Thankfully, a small detachment of Marines joined up with them. Anything to bolster the force.

For me, it was hectic. It took about five minutes of running until I can get a decent shot to cover Ash's group. In postion, and a Mantis rifle I "borrowed" from the Salarian's. I went to work. Picking off mainly rocket troopers, or Pyro's. Anything to lighten the resistance for them. It wasn't really smart, seeing that I needed to get to the base pronto.

"Knight. We are good down here, make way to the base and shut down that disruptor!" That was Ashley. For the first time in my career, I hesitated. I don't know if it was the knowledge that she could die today, or the fact that I was leaving a friend behind.

"You sure? I could offer more sniper coverage," I interjected.

"Yes I'm sure! With that disruptor up we can't receive any reinforcements if things go south."

Shit. I hate to do it, but I listened.I left. Time was of the essence now. Running through the jungle, which was surprising since I was on a cliff, I would pick chatter through my comm. So far, Eden disabled the Geth communications, which means she is moving up on the base. And, she is doing those extra steps to keep Kirrahe alive.

Although everyone was fighting, my trip was way too easy. Which is good sense I was the infiltration team. However, as I moved, I saw a squad of Geth Drones fly by, making me hit the deck. Fuck, I hate those things.

"Eden! I saw some Geth Drones coming from your side. There may be a depot or something that is fueling them. Getting rid of them will make mine, and I'm sure Kirrahe's job a whole lot easier."

"Copy that!" She responded. I could hear the sound of battle coming through her end of the comm. It worried me, but knowing that she has people with her that we both trust made it a little easier.

I kept moving. By now, both teams have probably hit the entrance of the base. Or at least the cat walks. Through the comm I heard the drones stopped showing up. Which means Eden managed to destroy the fuel station. Man I'm glad I remembered that.

As I kept moving forward, Manits rifle at the ready, I found a catwalk. To my pleasure, it lead straight to the base. What surprised me was the fact that it was above Eden's position. These aren't just catwalks. They are sniper nests. Great, that probably means I'll be running into Geth soon.

Switching to my pistols, I took off. I didn't want to waste anymore time. However, I soon ran into Geth. Thankfully, they didn't expect me to be coming. With a battle cry, I charged into the first Geth Sniper, pushing it over the railing. The second Geth reacted, however, being a sniper it didn't have a chance up close. It fired but missed, and I responded with a quick shot from my pistol.

Textbook.

Moving head I finally made it to the base. On my right, I could see Eden's group moving into the base as well. She looked up at me, and sent a wave. Pistol in hand, I gave another one of my 'Han Solo' salutes.

Coming up to a door, I took a couple of breaths. This is where the fun begins. Punching the controls, the door opened and with pistols aimed I moved in. So far no resistance, but the clear sign of battle going on outside, and now inside, was evident.

For everyone, it was hectic and loud, but for me? It was quiet and downright spooky. It unnerved me. I expected more than two snipers, but this? Not a soul in sight. Made my job easier of course, but it just didn't feel right. Something in my gut was screaming at me. Screaming that something was wrong. I had to break the silence.

"This is Knight. I'm in the base and now moving to find the disruptor controls," I said. I had to. The silence was too much. However, to my dismay, no one responded. Shit just got real. And not in a fun way.

Keep it together Dawn. Keep it together. You just need to find the controls, disable the disruptor, and get back to Eden. Easier said than done. Whatever. I just need to keep moving.

As silent as I can be, I moved down the halls of the base. Occasionally I would hear the sound of people moving around and the clicks of Geth, but I made it a point not to get noticed. If I'm caught, it is over. This is why I rather have backup instead of doing this alone.

"It be easy they said… You're more experienced they said…" I sighed. "Eden and I are going to have to talk after all this…"

As I was sneaking around the facility, I could hear the signs of battle going on. Honestly, I cannot tell where Eden is at this point. Probably finding some indoctrinated Salarians, or she is walking through the testing facility with all the Krogan. I'm not sure.

All I know is that I need to be careful. One slip up and I'm screwed. For once, I wish I had the tactical cloak still with me. Walking through the halls, I would occasionally take cover when a patrol or troopers ran by. You have no idea how much I wanted to actually shoot something right now. But, if I do that than there will be no way for me to get to disable the disruptor. Something I can't allow to happen.

Eventually, I found a hall that lead to a single door. And is being guarded by two hulking Krogan. From experience alone, I know I can take on one, but two? No, I'll end up dead and burnt to a crisp when the nuke goes off. No, what I need is a diversion. I hefted the Mantis rifle I took. I don't think the Salarian's will miss this too much.

Stupid plan, yes? Does it work against Krogan who are famous for NOT being so smart? Fuck yeah. With a grunt I threw the Mantis rifle down the other hall. The bangs that followed caused the Krogan to look out. I ducked behind a few crates as the two Krogan walked down the hall to see what was going on. As quietly as I could, I headed to the door. It was locked, but nothing a quick hack can't fix.

The door opened and closed, and I made sure to lock it with my own security measure. I looked around, and sure enough, I was in the control room. And it was empty. Double bonus! I went to work. Messing with everything that I could get my hands on. This was the main control room, meaning that everything was connected in this room. Fuck yeah!

Messing with the controls, I found the keys for the disruptor. I cracked my knuckles and went to work.

Eden POV

My head was spinning. One, being hit by another beacon was not part of the plan. And two. I just had the pleasure of discovering that Sovereign is, in fact, a Reaper. And it plans on having all the Reapers come from dark space and wipe everything out. Well not when I'm still kicking.

Right now, we are moving to the area to set the nuke. So far things were going smoothly, minus a few bumps. Kirrahe and Ash ran into a few more Geth than anticipated, and lost a few men along the way. But, they were making progress. And as for Adrian, we haven't heard from him in awhile. I was started to get worried.

"This is Knight. The disruptor is down. I repeat, the disruptor is down. Joker, know is the time to make that call."

I let out a sigh of relief. Thank god he is alive.

"It's good to hear your voice Knight," I said.

"Likewise Commander. I'm going to finish up here and move to Ashley's position to give- Oh shit!"

He was cut off, and I could hear was the sound of curses, screaming, and gunfire. My heart started pound on my chest.

"Adrian? Adrian!? What's going on!?" I yelled. Please don't let this happen now. Not now. Not when we are close to finishing this mission.

Garrus looked at me, his mandibles twitching. He heard the transmission, and I could tell that he was ready to go and get Adrian out of there.

"Commander, Wrex and I can move and get him out of there. We can then move to Ashley's position as planned," he said. I didn't know what to say. The fact that I just heard Adrian's last words, plus the information running through my head, caused me to lose focus at that moment.

"We can't do that Garrus," Liara cut in. "There is a chance that he is dead, and we can't risk losing anyone else. We have to keep moving." Hearing her say something like stunned me. Leave Adrian behind? How could she, no, how dare her say something like that. For once, I wanted to slap the blue Asari.

"As right as you are Liara, Turian's don't leave comrades behind, especially when there is a chance that they are still alive. And I'm sure Adrian is still alive," Garrus shot back. Wrex took a step forward.

"That also qualifies for Krogan. Besides, Adrian is part of this Krant and has been through plenty of battles with us. It would be wrong to just leave him," Wrex said. Liara looked shocked. I was too, but at different reasons. A Turian and a Krogan agreeing on something? Never would of thought I see that in my lifetime.

"Ed… Com…" My com started to go off. Garrus heard it too through his own and we both tried to focus on it. It sounded like Adrian.

"Adrian? Is that you?" Garrus asked.

"Yeah… Got pinn… I'm okay for… Got hit with an Over… Keep moving. I'm going to meet with Ash…"

His com was breaking up. But knowing that he is alive sent a wave of relief through me.

"Do you need backup?" Garrus asked.

"No! Stick with the …an. I'll be… … … … Adrian ou-" The com broke off, and we were met with white noise. I looked at Garrus with worried eyes. His mandibles twitched. Everyone looked at me for what to do next. Adrian wanted us to keep moving. Plus, knowing him, he would scold me for trying to rescue him. All I can do was believe in him. He believed in me, and right now, he needed my confidence in him.

"We keep moving. Adrian is still alive, and he will move to Ashley's position as planned. Let's go," I said. My voice was stoic as ever, but right now, I just needed to keep moving.

The next battle was quick. Geth were all over the place, but with my team and the Normandy coming in, we quickly took them out. Kadian, along with a few Engineer's, moved the nuke in position. Soldier's took position's to grant Kadian cover in case any Geth attacked. As we were setting up, Kadian walked up to me.

"Where's Adrian?" he asked. I looked away.

"We lost contact with him. Something is wrong with his com, but he is going to meet with Ashley's group. Hopefully…" I was worried about him. I'd be a bad girlfriend and a bad Commander if I wasn't worried. Kadian placed his hand on my shoulder.

"I'm sure he will be fine. He's a lot tougher than he looks," he said. I looked at him, and gave him a small smile. It didn't help really, but he gave it a shot. Right?

"Commander!" Garrus yelled as he hurried to us. "Ashley is calling for reinforcements! She and the Salarian's are getting swarmed by Geth! I don't think they will survive if we don't help them!"

Damnit! This wasn't supposed to happen. We were going to set up the nuke, get picked up, then swing by and pick them up. I looked at Kadian, and he nodded at me.

"Squad! Form up! We are going to assist Ashley and the Salarian's! Kadian, hold this position!"

"You got it Commander! Everyone to your posts! Keep watch for Geth!" Kadian ordered. As for myself and the squad we moved out.

We met little resistance from a few Geth and a Krogan warlord. Wrex made short work against the Krogan. We were getting close to Ashley's position until the com went off in my ear.

"Commander!" it was Kadian. My heart dropped, again. I swear I'm going to have a heart attack by the end of this mission. "Geth are attacking our position! We are getting swarmed out here!" he said.

Shit.

"Commander, if we go back to Kadian there is the possibility that we will lose Ashley and the Salarians. Same goes for Kadian and the Marines if we go for Ashley. Your call," Garrus said.

God damnit! Why is this happen!? Why!? First I lose contact with my boyfriend, and I don't know if he is still alive. Ashley and Kirrahe are pinned down, and now Kadian is pinned. And to make it all worse, I can only save one person. Someone has to die. Fuck. I can't do this…

What will Adrian do? What will Anderson do? Anderson would want to save the most people he could. And that would be Ashley's group. And Adrian. I'm not sure what he would do. From his stories he told me and my sister, he would always go for the objective. Meaning that he would be protecting the bomb. But he isn't an assassin anymore, and he has changed. Plus, he was going to Ashley. It was the plan. As selfish as it sounds, I wanted to save him out of everyone else.

The voices of everyone around me, plus Ashley and Kadian voices in my ear. Either one trying to convince me to save the other. Then, Anderson's voice came to my mind. One of his rules. Sacrifice one to save five. Always try to save the most people you can, even if it means losing the closest friend. Or a lover. I made the call.

"Ashley. Sit tight, we are coming for you," I said, my voice serious as usual. My "commander" voice Adrian would call it.

"Damnit!" Ashley yelled. I took a breath, and suppressed (well tried too) my emotions.

"Kadian… I'm sorry…" I said breathlessly.

"I have no regrets Commander. And Commander… It's been an honor and a privilege to know you." I felt tears in my eyes.

"Likewise Kadian…"

I closed the com, and took a few moments for myself, then ordered my squad to move. We hurried to Ashley's position. I could see Geth hammering down on Ashley and the Salarian's. I gave the ordered and we attacked. My emotions almost taking over of my judgment. I didn't see Adrian.

I was saddened that I would lose a friend. But above all else, I was angry. Angry that Saren caused all this. Because of him, so many people died. Liara lost her mother, the people of Feros almost lost their minds. And I would be losing Kadian. For a second, I let my thoughts wonder. Wondering what it would be like with him. I knew he loved me. That he cared about me. But my feelings were for someone else.

And he was nowhere to be seen. That black and gold armor he would where. The two pistols in his hands. The cocky tone he would carry during the mission. Not seeing him here, during the battle worried me. It scared me. Not being able to see him, or have him next to me. I felt alone. And this is a battlefield. I can't imagine what it would be like without Adrian back in the Normandy.

"Shepard!" A voice I didn't recognized screamed. I turned, only to be blown away by an explosion. My squad and a few of the Salarian's were blown away by the blast. I was dazed. Trying to focus, my ears ringing . I looked over and saw Wrex and Garrus trying to get up. Their movements were just as groggy as mine were.

I heard footsteps marching towards me and I turned to see Saren. I tried to reach for my pistol, but Saren was too quick. His three fingered hands wrapped around my throat, cutting off any oxygen from my lungs. I gripped his wrists and tried to pry his hands off but he was too strong.

"You've only slowed the inevitable, Shepard…" he said. His voice was evil, and his eyes glowed blue. He tightened his grip and my eyes widened. I can't die here. "I might as well kill you here and move on. It will make the journey so much easier without a thorn at my side."

His grip tightened even more. Water was forming in my eyes, and I tried to grasp for air. My lungs burned for air. My strength was weak and my vision was blurring. Am I going to die?

As I lied on the ground, I could hear a scream. It was faint, but it took Saren's attention from me. Next thing I saw was a mass of black and gold tackling Saren off of me. I coughed out for air and rolled to my side. I wiped away the tears that formed in my eyes and looked to see what just rescued me. I was shocked.

It was Adrian. Going toe to toe with Saren. Adrian spun and kicked at Saren, forcing the Turian to back away. The Drell training was coming out, like with his fight with Kadian. Only this time, Adrian was putting more force into his attacks.

Saren moved in and countered, pushing Adrian back. He charged, but Adrian was quicker and launched an Overload into Saren. The Turian roared at being shocked, and Adrian took the initiative. Of course Adrian would use Tech in a fight like this.

Adrian charged, but Saren was just as fast. He glowed blue with Biotic energy and with a small blast, he push Adrian away. My heart beat quickened. Biotics is Adrian weakness. His Achilles Heel so to speak. Adrian was slow to get up, and Saren saw an opening. However, Adrian thought fast and took out his pistols, sending a barrage of bullets at Saren. Saren was forced to use a barrier to deflect the bullets.

Pistols emptied, Adrian holstered his weapons. Saren took down his Barrier but Adrian used this against him. Adrian fired off his Snap Freeze tech, freezing Saren with Cryo tech. He charged, and activated his Omni-shield, only to bash Saren with it. Saren fell back, but now he was fueled with rage. He charged at Adrian with punches and jabs. Adrian tried his best to block at first, but once he got a hand at how Saren was attacking he started using it against the Turian. Saren went for a swipe at Adrian's head, but Adrian ducked out of the way. He then sent a fierce uppercut into Saren's jaw.

Saren reeled back, blue blood coming out of his mouth. I heard a few cheers coming from my side. It was Wrex and Garrus, along with a few Salarian's watching the fight. They knew they couldn't stand a chance against Saren. Plus, they didn't want to get in the way.

The two squared off, and Adrian withdrew his combat knife. Saren chuckled at him.

"You fight well. As is expected," Saren said. Adrian looked at him, his T-visor glaring at him.

"I take it you've heard of me," Adrian said with a hiss. His voice was tired and strained. I immediately knew that his burns were flaring. I called for Joker to hurry the hell up.

"Of course. The black and gold warrior traveling with Shepard. Shooting down hoards of Rachni and Geth that got in his way. It will be an honor to kill you and Shepard," Saren spat, blood coming out of his mouth from Adrian's uppercut. Adrian scoffed.

"You want to get to Shepard, you'll have to go through me," Adrian paused, tossing his knife back and forward. "And I don't plan to lose today." Just like Adrian to get a little cocky.

Saren chuckled for a bit, then charged with a roar. Biotic's flaring. I heard Adrian cursed. Using his Biotics, Saren was fueling his attacks, forcing Adrian to dodge. Even with his knife, Adrian couldn't get a hit on him. I tried to get up, but I was too weak from being choked out.

"GAHH!" Adrian yelled out. Saren used his Biotic's to push Adrian down. Adrian laid sprawled on the floor, knife still in hand, and shaking. His burns were taking a toll on him. Saren brought his hand down and wrapped in out around Adrian throat and lifted him up from the ground. Saren's hand glowed from the reaction to the burns and his Biotics. He chuckled.

"Biotic burning… You're a fool to face me with such a weakness. Adrian Dawn." Adrian let out a grunt. "That's right. I know who you are. The infamous assassin Spade. I remembered myself hiring you to kill Shepard, along with other assassin's. But what did you do? You killed them instead and saved the damn human. I could've made you powerful if you'd followed orders."

I was shocked. I knew Adrian killed assassin's that were hired to kill me. But I didn't know Adrian was also hired. Adrian's head moved, and it looked like he was glaring right back into Saren. Adrian grunted.

"See you in hell, you fucking bastard…" he growled. He then brought his hand up that held the knife and stabbed Saren in the shoulder. The Turian yelled in pain and dropped Adrian.

"Open fire!" Kirrahe yelled. The Salarian's, along with a few Marines and my Squad started shooting at Saren. He threw up a Barrier and took off for the edge. He jumped down, only to be caught by a floating platform. He flew away, and turned towards us.

"We'll meet again Commander!" he yelled as he flew away.

At that moment the Normandy flew in, the docking bay door opening. Wounded were carried, and the alive hurried to get inside. Tali and Liara helped Ashley, who was injured. Wrex carried a few Marines back inside. And I ran to Adrian he was barely moving. I reached down to him, and my hands flared. His burnings were getting worst.

With the help from Garrus, we carried him back into the Normandy. He started mumble something, but I couldn't hear him due to his helmet. I took it off, and my breath caught in my throat. His burns had increased to his neck and were glowing blue. His eyes were closed and his breathing was heavy.

"Hold on Adrian… You're going to make it," I choked out. Adrian's eyes barely opened and he looked at me.

"I'm… sorry… about Kadian," he said. "I'm sorry…"

Tears formed in my eyes, but I stayed strong. I have to, for him. We laid him on the floor of the elevator and I knelt beside him. I held on his hand, squeezing it. Trying to send my strength to him. I brushed his hair. His breathing was heavy and labored.

"Live Adrian. Please… You have to live…"

And that's a wrap!

Like I said, I'm sorry it took me so long to post this. But hey, at least I'm still continuing this and not leaving it high and dry. This chapter took som thinking to do. The fight scene between Saren and Adrian was going to happen. It was just everything else before that. But, I was able to get something done.

Almost done as we are nearing the end. Next up will be the return to the citadel then Ilos. It is going to be a wild ride.

KD