Hello ladies and gentlemen. And welcome to the next chapter of Mass Effect: Spade. Updates will continue to be slow. Life has a way to slow things down for everyone. However, I will still continue this story till the very end. I'm not one to quit on something without reason. Thanks to those who have been patient with me.

In this Chapter: Eden and the gang go to Udina's for the hearing. Adrian, along with Wrex go to Nalik's to discuss about the Mandalorians. And Adrian may reveal a secret he recently discovered. Plus, a face we haven't seen since Noveria makes an appearence.

Chapter 24: Moving Things Along

Adrian POV

We finally returned to the Citadel. A week has passed since Kadian's death. The ship had a formal mourning for him and the others we lost back on Virmire. Even Kirrahe and his STG stayed. We also honored the Salarian's that were lost as well. Ashley and I are on good terms again, which is good. Liara still doesn't trust me, but she never trusted me to begin with. Garrus and the others were always good with me.

And Eden. She's better. Back to her normal routine. She checked in on me during my own work. I made sure to be very vague about it. Told her I was clearing lose ends. In truth, working on details for the Mandalorian's. Mainly the Basilisk project. Basilisk war driods are the main force of artillery the Mandalorian's had. They are intimidating, forceful, and something not to be trifled with. I had an idea for them, but needed to speak with Nalik first.

When the Normandy docked, some were ready for leave. However, this wasn't a normal shore leave drop. We are still on the clock, and need to be ready for when Saren moves again. Course, I know what will happen, but they don't. The reason why we did come to the Citadel was to put together all the evidence we have on Saren and then show the Council what we have. Hopefully they'll side with us. Doubtful though. Tell a child his toy doesn't work anymore, he is still going to play with it. The Council are no better. They'll never believe that Saren has gone rouge. And just to have it blow up in their face.

The squad was all gathered in the airlock. Everyone was ready to get to work and put everything together to hopefully make our case winnable. I, on the other hand, was going to Nalik's. Along with Wrex, we are going to be working on our own thing. I told Eden that I had some work to do and Nalik was going to help me with some things. Wrex was just for support. Thankfully, she understood.

The hatch opened and we were greeted by two familiar faces. June and Tiffany decided to meet with us. It was a pleasant surprise to say the least. June went to Eden and gave her a tight hug. Tiffany went to me first. Her biotics flaring at the touch. Tiffany had a sad look in her eyes, but a smile was still on her face. I'm glad I told her about Kadian before we showed up. Greetings aside, we went back to business.

"Alright, we'll head to Udina's office to put all the evidence together. I'll message you before we head back to the Council Chambers. June, Tiffany, what will you two do?" she asked them. They both looked at me. Oh boy.

"Well, I wanted to catch up with Adrian. I'm sure June will follow," Tiffany said. June smile and nodded. Eden looked at me. I smirked a bit, and let out a breath.

"I don't see why not. May need their help anyway. Besides, I need to speak with June for a bit anyway."

Eden gave me a look and I couldn't help but chuckle. "Don't worry, I just need her opinion on a few things. Nothing involving assassin work."

Her look didn't waver, but she didn't argue. "Fine. Just don't get her into anything dangerous."

"Don't worry E. I'm a Shepard. I can handle anything," June said. Eden sighed, and a few of us laughed.

After the small reunion, we took the elevator to the Presidium. Eden and the rest of the squad left for Udina's, as my own group headed towards Nalik's apartment. June linked arms with myself, telling Eden that she'll keep an eye on me. Tiffany was on my other side, and Wrex was behind me. We were silent for a bit, Until June and Tiffany decided to join with Wrex and talk with him.

I chuckled seeing the hulking Krogan with two petit women at his sides. Talking with him and goading him to tell them stories. It was a relieving to see in a way. Wrex was, undoubtedly, my best friend on the Normandy. Aside from Eden. And yet, my mind went back to my predicament.

I'm dying, and there is no way to stop it. The burns feel worse than ever. Hell, I messaged Nalik to get a dose of that miracle serum ready for when I get there. That, and now they are pulsing. The damn swirls spread across my body are fucking glowing! That is exactly what I need right now. Glowing, pulsing scars.

Either than that, there are far more important things I need to worry about. First, and foremost, are the Mandalorians. I need to get them going, and started soon. That is why we are heading to Nalik's this very moment. He is my contact to the Organization, and they are the only ones I know can put funding in this. They put funding into me, then they can help me with this. They owe me that much.

Then there is the one thing that worries me the most. Eden and everyone else. That is why June, Tiffany, and Wrex are here with me. I need practice really, and they are the ones I want to tell first. Tiffany and Wrex because they were my first friends really on the Normandy. And June because she is Eden's sister. I know I should tell Eden first, but I just don't know how I can tell her.

Hell… I have so much to tell her. Who I am. Who I really am. Meaning, the truth. I have to tell her. I have to save her, and if my time is being cut short then hell, I'll roll with this.

"Adrian?" a small voice said. I turned to see June next to me. She a slight worried look to her. Damn, it's going to be hard telling her.

"What's the matter June?" I asked, trying to keep my tone upbeat. My usual tone. However, the raised brow on her face told me that she saw right through it.

"Adrian. I'm training with the same couple that trained you. And Reina told me about your tells, so you can't hide anything from me." Damn it Reina..

"Did she now? Well then, what do you think is wrong?" I asked her. Challenging her observation skills.

"I'm not a psychic Adrian! I just know something is bothering you. You can talk to me too, you know." I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose

"You are just as persistent as your sister…" I mumbled. She giggled.

"I'm a Shepard Adrian. It's our job to be so. Surely you would've known that by now." That got me to smile a bit.

"Oh yeah. I know," I paused and took a moment. We were just outside of Nalik's apartment building. June and Tiffany were amazed at the beauty of the building. While Wrex was sizing up the place. Looking for the best places for cover. I know, because I did the same thing the first time I saw this place. I looked back at June, and she looked at me.

She is so much like her older sister. Only thing is her eyes are a softer green and her hair was shorter, and a dark blue. "We'll talk more when we get to Nalik's."

And I'm sure we'll have plenty to talk about.

Qun'Mazal POV

"They are here! Make sure the desks are clean, and the weapons sealed!" Nalik ordered. I groaned, but did as I was told. Working for the crazy Salarian has been a bit of a hassle. He is a constant neat freak, which is crazy cause he is a weapons and arms maker. And he takes his work very seriously. However, the past few weeks I've been here since Noveria have been the best in my life.

Nalik is an amazing mentor when it comes to weapons and arms building. Plus, we have been working together on the designs Adrian has been sending us via messages. At first the seemed almost impossible to build. Armor for almost every species imaginable. Each with their special designs that fit their user. When I saw the Quarian design, I'll admit, I geeked out. Adrian knows his stuff, and he made sure that my people who wore this armor will have everything we need. Especially when it came to our week immune systems.

I learned a lot about Adrian as well. He doesn't look it, but he is brilliant. Everything about the Mandalorian's is concrete and solid. Elaborate but simple. Not only that, but I think he is the next great Tech genius of the century. The last one was a Salarian, but Adrian will wipe the floor with him. Nalik thinks so as well. That, and he designed every ship, every weapon, every armament down to the glove of each suit. Like I said, genius.

When we received the message that he will be here today with a few guests, Nalik and I went to berserk mode. Making sure everything is cleaned and orderly. Nothing has been finished, but we have some weapons and armors started. Well, the ones he flagged as urgent. But still, the since of urgency was rampant. I mean come on, this is the future leader of the Mandalorian's for Keelah's sake.

"Adrian! It is so good to see you!" I heard from the other room. Shit! I need to get the beta armor set and ready! Hurry, hurry, hurry. Okay, put this here. That over there. Annnnd…. Done!

"Qun?" I heard a gruff voice asked. I knew the accent. I couldn't forget it. I turned, and the first person I saw was the gorgeous human female. She had dark blue hair, and soft green eyes. I just couldn't resist.

"Why hello there madam. I'm Qun'Mazal, and it would be a pleasure if I may have your name in return," I said, my voice in a clear flirtatious tone. She gave me a funny look. Was it something I said?

"Well, nice to see that the little pyjak didn't change," another voice said. Damn this helmet and it's narrow field of vision! Hold on. I know that voice. I looked up, and sure enough, it was the Krogan form Noveria. Wrex. Meaning that the human male is…

"Adrian? Why is this guy holding my hand?" The woman I greeted said. I looked down, and sure enough, my hand is grasping hers. Then, if the human man she is talking to is Adrian, then…

"Oh no…" I mumbled. Adrian sighed, and brought a hand to his nose.

"I don't even get a hello and he starts hitting on someone," he said. This is probably the first time I've seen Adrian outside his black and gold armor. He was wearing normal human clothing, pants, a black shirt, boots, and a jacket over his torso. He was well built, for a human anyway. His eyes were a silver in color, and his hair was like ash. However, there was something that seemed odd. He looked exhausted. Guess the fight is getting tougher by the day.

"Before we get into anything let me introduce you, and also clarify that she and the other girl are off limits. Got it?" Adrian asked me. I nodded. The other he was talking about was next to Wrex, and she was giggling at the awkward meeting. She was cute too, but the blue haired girl was the one that caught my fancy. Alas, I must leave them both alone.

"Alright then. This is June. June Shepard." I nodded. Why did he put emphasis on her last name… Wait. Shepard? As in… "She is Commander Shepard's younger sister."Oh. I see. Yeah, not going to mess with that one. "And the girl next to Wrex is Tiffany Smith. She is our secondary medic on the Normandy. And is unavaliable, meaning you may not hit on her."

The Tiffany girl giggled again, and I was about to say something until Nalik came in. Wonder what he was doing? Probably checking the security system. The Salarian is paranoid.

"Alright. Now that we are all here, let us begin," he said excitedly looking at Adrian. Guess I wouldn't say anything in my defense, again.

Nalik lead Adrian to one of the armory tables. It was one of the armors we have been working on. Mandalorian armor, human issued. It pretty much looks like Adrian's gold armor, however, without the dress and attachments. Pretty much a standard armor, but with the T-visor helmet. Adrian put a hand on his chin, and he hummed.

"That means he likes it…" A voice at my side said. I jumped and turned. It was June. She giggled. "Sorry. I was just saying that Adrian likes the armor. He hums when he is satisfied." Interesting.

"And how do you know this Ms. Shepard?" I asked politely. Just because Adrian pretty much, what's the human term? Cock-blocked me? Anyway, doesn't mean I can't be civil.

"Just June please, and I learned a lot about Adrian in these past couple of weeks. Like did you know he get's annoyed easily?" I chuckled. That I figured out when I first met him on Noveria. "I'm curious. Are you the same Quarian my sister and Adrian met on Noveria?" I nodded.

"That is me. I was in a small battle with Adrian. I've seen some skilled fighters, but Adrian and Wrex were fierce. He was the one that got me out of Noveria and sent me here to help Nalik around his work shop."

June smiled. It was a sweet smile, and also understanding. Like she knew what I meant.

"Yeah… Adrian has a way to help everyone out when he can." Her tone was soft. Guess Adrian helped her out too. Not sure how, but it must have been a big deal for her.

"Now this is a weapon," I heard Wrex said at the other side of the shop. Everyone turned and saw him at another table. One of the weapons stations. We all walked, and Nalik let out and excited breath. This was one of his own projects. Adrian hummed again, and I looked at June. She giggled, and I smiled. Adrian likes it.

"Is this the Sicarius V.2?" he asked. Not surprised he would recognize his own creation. He did desgin the weapon.

"Yes! And I have to say, it was an upmost pleasure going back and designing a new weapon off an old design. The original Sicarius, as great a weapon it was, had a serious draw back that I did not anticipate."

"The drum, correct?" Adrian asked. Tiffany, June, and I looked at each other with confused looks. I even made it known that my eyes looked confused.

"Is that the old sniper rifle you had? Because this gun looks awfully close to it," Wrex stated. Adrian nodded.

"The very one. You see, I did some research and data collecting of my own with my own Sicarius. The drum, although the most powerful part of the gun, was also its major drawback. Although it would use heat sinks, the power was a fraction to great. And over time it would start to build up-"

"Until it just can't hold anymore. Then boom, right?" Wrex added. For a Krogan, he is pretty bright. For a Krogan. Think about it. Adrian snapped his fingers and crossed his arms. And Nalik clapped his hands.

"Exactly! Adrian's Sicarius was becoming a ticking time bomb. One more use, and I'm sure he wouldn't be standing here."

Wow. That's a big way to drop the mood in the room. Adrian, as skilled as he is, is one lucky boshtet. They talked more about the weapon. Spec's, something about not using a drum anymore, and how it will be a mass produced weapon in the Mandalorian's. To be honest, it isn't a weapon I'll be using. We do have an SMG in the works, but we are no way near completing the weapon.

"How about this one?" Adrian went to the next table. This one I was excited about. Nalik and I worked on the one together. I'm pretty proud of it to say the least. It was the assault rifle Adrian designed. Still unnamed.

"Aw yes. The assault rifle based off the G36-C. A twenty-first century weapon from Earth. Qun and I worked on this weapon together. Qun. May you explain the specifications to Adrian please."

Here we go. I actually practiced my pitch for the weapon.

"Alright… The weapon you see before you is designed after the G36-C, so we both decided to make it as similar to it as possible. However, that proved difficult seen it has been such a broad period of time. Thankfully, with some help of ancient human weapon historian's, we were able to create a weapon similar to the one in history. And, per your instruction, we were able to replicated Geth technology for the firing mechanism. Thanks to the Geth Assault rifle you sent us. Made the job a lot easier in my opinion."

Adrian looked at the weapon. He picked it up, and hefted it like he was going to battle. Aimed it at invisible targets. Getting a feel for it. He looked at the weapon from all sides. At every little detail. I hope I did a good job.

"How did the Geth technology work with the weapon?" he asked. This was something I knew.

"Great actually. We feared that the tech would overload everything else. However, it was able to fit right in. The rifle fires similar plasma like bullets, like Geth Weaponry. And, we were able to install its own cooling system. No need for heat clips."

Adrian looked interested at that. He placed the weapon back down on the table. He obviously knew what to do next. It hit a switch, that would actually sent a large amount of heat into the weapon. With those that required heat clips, it would eject the clip immediately. For this weapon, it would vent itself. Meaning, as right now, the heat is moving into the weapon. The weapon would start to overheat and…

Hiss…

There it is! The top of the weapon will pop up, and we could see a greenish blue turbine spinning. The spinning would vent out the heat, cooling the weapon in a few seconds, then sealing the top again. Ready for use. It was a fine piece of weaponry if I saw so myself. And I helped built it.

"Very nice." He set the weapon down. "And you said you haven't come up with a name yet?" he asked me.

"Yes. We haven't really thought of one yet. Been busy with the other weapons and armors. Certain things take priority if you know what I mean," I said with a chuckle. Adrian chuckled at that.

"Trust me, I know exactly what you mean. As for the name, don't worry about it. I'll come up with something before production. Either than that, how is development on the other weapons?"

"The SMG and Shotgun are in the early stages of development. Same with the majority of the armors. Once we have all of that finished, we can start mass production." He nodded and turned to Nalik.

"You and Qun have down excellent work. However…" Oh please don't say that. Whenever Nalik would say something like that I would have to start something over. And I do not want to start something over again. "I hate to impede on your work, but I have two armors that I need built and ready to go as soon as possible."

I could feel a mixture of relief lifting, but stress building up again. More armors? How much does this guy want us to build? I looked at Nalik and I could see the gears turning in his head.

"What kind of armors? Do you have the designs?" he asked. Adrian nodded and took out a datapad from his jacket. Must have pockets inside. He handed the datapad to Nalik, and I simply waited next to the others as Nalik and Adrian have a silent conversation. Nalik told me how he and Adrian use to work together. They've been friends for close to eight years now. I'm not sure what they did exactly, and a part of me doesn't want to know.

"Very well Adrian. I can get to work on the armors as soon as I can," Nalik said. I mentally sighed. More work.

"This is an Alpha priority Nalik. I need those armors finished before the specified date. I would help you, but, I have more important issues to deal with at the moment."

Nalik seemed to understand what he was saying. He nodded, set the datapad down on his desk, and turned and smiled at Adrian.

"No need to worry Adrian. Everything will be ready for when you get back."

Adrian smiled in return, and put his hands on his hips. I have a feeling this meeting is far from over.

"Well that deals with the armor and weapons. How about the bigger project's?"

Next thing we were in a room I've only been in once. There were terminals everywhere, and in the center there was a large holographic table. It was like a meeting room, but for what those meetings would be about, I do not know. June and Tiffany were interested without a moment's notice. Looking over the table. Wrex on the other hand was leaning on a wall. Just watching over everything with a disinterested look.

Nalik went up to the table and started typing away. In the center of the holo-table an image of a ship appeared. It was something I've never seen before, but the way the ship was built, it was gorgeous. The thrusters were similar to Alliance dreadnaughts. Two on each side. The "body" was long, and on the sides the guns were ready to fire. But the most prominent feature was the bridge. Nalik said it resembled an Earth creature known as a Hammerhead Shark. The head apparently looked like it, only instead of horizontal, it was vertical. On the sides, the main canon's were sat. One on each side. It was a beautiful ship. The Flotilla could use one that's for sure.

"The Jupiter Project is at full swing. We estimate the first Mandalorian Jupiter Dreadnaught would be finished within three months. If everything goes well, mass production will begin in four," Nalik said. Adrian nodded, and looked impressed at the ship. Who wouldn't be impressed. It was an amazing ship, and he designed it.

"Impressive. What else?" he asked. Nalik beamed as he keyed in the next image.

This ship was smaller. Cruiser class for sure. It looked like the Jupiter class warships, only take away the "hammerhead". Regardless, still amazing ship.

"The Mars Project. Like the Jupiter project, we estimate it to be completed and ready at around the same time."

Next five minutes were basically Nalik bringing up images of space vehicles, and land vehicles. Everything looked amazing. Adrian really put thought into this. I couldn't help but wait to see the finished projects. There was only one thing that was getting at me, and I'm sure the girls noticed it two. Everything is essentially a moving weapon. Nothing that could be used for, say, farming. Or civilian transportation. No. Everything was one big weapon. I mean, I knew Adrian was basically building an army. But he also said culture. Is this culture really a warrior type? It makes my head hurt thinking about it. I couldn't imagine what the races will think if they found out about this. Especially the Council.

"What about the Basilisk Project? How is that coming along?" Adrian asked. Nalik nodded and repeated the process he has been doing for five minutes. The image that came up was, again, something I've never seen. And it seemed to gain Wrex's attention.

"It looks like a bug," June said. Well it did look like a creature. It had a body and a tail like thing on the end. Two arms with clawed hands. And a head. Only, this wasn't a normal creature. The tail had had circular thrusters. The head had what look like a Geth Spitfire for a mouth. The shoulders had packs that held rockets. And on the back looked like a seat for a rider. What kind of monstrosity is this!?

"Not a bug, but a mech," Adrian said.

"Indeed. It has been difficult to program a suitable V.I. for it, but aside from that everything is working to correct specifications," Nalik said. Adrian crossed his arms and took a breath.

"Good. Very good…" he mumbled. He looked worse for some odd reason. Nalik noticed it too.

"I'm curious to ask. Is everything alright Adrian? I've sent you all this information a week ago. Nothing has changed since then. So why the visit?" Everyone looked at Adrian. His eyes were closed and his head was down. Something happened. The air started to tense, and June started to look worried.

"Adrian? Did something happen?" she asked. Her voice was an almost whisper. She went up to him, and clasped his shoulder. Her hand started to flare. So she's a biotic, but how is she flaring? Tiffany and Wrex looked at each other for a moment. Tiffany took a step forward.

"Adrian. Take off your jacket," she said. Almost ordered even. Adrian looked at her for a moment. He seemed reluctant to do so. However, he did. His shirt was sleeveless, and his arms. Damn his arms are covered in the pulsing blue scars. What the hell happened to him?

Tiffany gasped, June took a step back, and Wrex and Nalik cursed at the same time. Never thought I would hear that in my lifetime. Adrian looked at us all. Oh man, something is up. And I can tell it isn't good.

And that's a wrap!

Thanks for viewing and following this story. It is a great help.

Next time on Spade: Adrian revealed to a few that he is dying, and word is starting to spread. Eden meets with an old friend and a plan to esacpe the Citadel is set in motion. The hunt for Saren is still on going, and the next stop is Ilos. The end is near. And Adrian and Eden share a heated moment before the battle.

Warning: Rating may go up next chapter.

Note: Qun'Mazal is not my own creation. He in fact belongs to Poison1234.