Disclaimer: Another story, another disclaimer claiming I don't own anything other than my creations… it's gotten dull, huh?
A/N: Sequel time everyone! You better love me for getting this up so fast! XP
The shuttle landed softly on the zero-g ground, jolting only slightly at contact. It settled almost silently as its doors opened. Someone stepped out of it first, wearing distinctive armor placing her as the leader of the group now debarking from the large contraption. She scanned the area of the white planet, seeing only wreckage and cliffs. The place had been untouched save for the crashed ship, giving the leader confirmation they hadn't been too late.
"Split into four teams; Jersak, take what wreckage our researchers will need. Graide, see if you can't find those dog-tags- we'll need them later. Rota, pack that mako and try to set up a connection with the leader of Cerberus. Adel, Herga, you're with me." her orders were quickly and smoothly adhered to, each team fanning out and covering the ground with ease.
The mysterious leader stepped forward, allowing her mind to roam on possible outcomes of this excursion. She led her own followers through the camp quickly, scanning the area as fast as she could. It was very possible the Normandy's wreckage was still hot from the atmospheric reentry, and that could only mean good news; Commander Shepard hadn't been exposed to space for long and her body more than likely took half as much damage as she originally would have if she hadn't been wearing the armor Raegas gave to her.
Only moments later, the leader came to the resting place of said Commander. Her body had been much less burnt than it should have and the internal damage could have the same anomalies. If anything, the lack of extensive space exposure and burning would cut Shepard's resurrection time.
Adel set up a shield to protect the Commander's body from any more damage by the lack of atmosphere and kneeled by her body, lowering her head in respect. Herga bowed his head as well, saying nothing. The Leader only bent and attached the shield to her own armor before slipping her arms around Shepard's body and picking it up.
…
Once the Commander's body was safe in the shuttle, the leader was signaled by Rota. The connection with the Illusive Man was established. She activated the call and set up the visual as well, so the Illusive Man could see her and where she was.
"Who is this?" the old man asked, sounding cautious if anything.
"Who I am is of no consequence at the moment. All you need to know is that we've got Commander Shepard." Leader started, crossing her arms.
"I'm sensing a 'but' here." The Illusive Man muttered. No doubt his attention was caught by the mention of Shepard. That or he just found out he couldn't track where we were.
"The only issue is her being dead. Now I know you have the facilities and funding to be able to bring her back; we have little time to discuss the details, but I'm willing to let you have her." Leader answered back, giving a nod to the pilot of the shuttle. He nodded back in confirmation. "I've sent information to you regarding the destruction of the Normandy for proof." She said. There was a silence on the other line as the man looked through said information or wondered over the possibility Leader wasn't lying.
"I may be able to resurrect her... If this is true, I suppose you have a few conditions for her custody." He said finally, sounding contemplative.
"Access to the Lazarus Project; the one you've kept in standby were something to happen to Commander Shepard. Leadership and official employees are of your choosing since this is your organization, but I want access." She replied.
"Why would you want to keep such a close eye on her?" he wondered.
"For the same reason you'd want to bring her back; the Reapers are a threat to the safety and stability of the galaxy, yes? I may also be able to provide help to speed up the process and such." She responded.
"How did you come across so much information?" he asked, sounding as calm as ever.
"The leak was already taken care of- a sign of good faith, perhaps. You knew him as Wilson, I believe." She answered. There was another silence on the line, but it didn't last long.
"Very well. What is your location?" his acceptance most likely stemmed from his lack of options and the universal need for Shepard's help. That or he was confident enough to allow strangers in his facilities and information. Or he was already planning betrayal at some point. In any case, Leader knew what she was doing.
"Alchera. But we'll come to you; with Shepard and all needed parts and specs of the Normandy." she answered.
"Very well. Transmitting rendezvous coordinates to you now. Expect a welcome." He said. Leader nodded once then cut the transmission.
She turned to the others and signaled for them to get ready to go.
A/N: A strange, mysterious and possibly confusing beginning to the sequel, eh?