Cerberus Cruiser, Terminus Systems
Intercepted Radio Transmission: Begin Playback
"Unknown *crackle* Hostile's on the Citadel *static* Re*crackle*t, Unknown Hostiles on the Citadel. Please Respo-*static*AAGH!"
End Playback.
The Illusive Man played the message a couple more times before pulling up his communications display. "Get me Shepard. NOW!" he ordered, lighting a new cigar in the process. "You'll wanna see this, Commander." He mumbled to himself, taking a large puff from his newly lit antique Cuban. His radio clicked on as the communications officer's voice rang across the room.
"Sir, the Normandy's out of com range." the com. officer said. The Illusive Man furrowed his brow.
As he slammed an angered hand on his comm panel, he yelled, "Then get me to a damn comm buoy. I don't care about the risks, this gets to Shepard. Understand?"
SSV Normandy SR-2, Terminus Systems
The Commander woke up to EDI's version of an alarm clock.
"Commander Shepard, the Illusive Man wishes to speak with you." The A.I.'s digital voice rang out across the room. Shepard got up, pulling his jumpsuit on, and then made his way to the elevator.
"This better be good." he said, hating being waken up so early. After the elevator brought him down to the CIC, Shepard made his way to the comm room. After going through the normal procedure, the Illusive Man's holographic form appeared before Shepard.
"Ah, John, it's good to see you." the Illusive Man said, lifting his cigar from his ash-tray. "I've got something you may want to look into." he continued, pulling up a few holo-screens before enabling an audio file. Shepard's countenance changed as the recording played. "I thought you'd like that." the Illusive Man said, voice laden with sarcasm.
Shepard replied with an unamused scowl. "What's this about, Illusive Man?" Shepard said, anger bleeding into his tone.
"Trouble on the Citadel. I'd like you to investigate." he replied, a smirk spreading across his face. Shepard rolled his eyes and disconnected the comm.
"Joker, take us to the Citadel, we've got work." Shepard ordered over his radio. As he reached the CIC, Shepard pulled up the PA display. "This is Commander Shepard. All squad members report to the comm room. We have something to discuss. That is all."
After reviewing their course, Shepard made his way to the comm room with the rest of his squad. A wave of questions greeted him upon entry.
"Quiet. I'll explain in the briefing." Shepard ordered, his voice heavy with urgency. Pulling up all the information the Illusive Man sent him, Shepard began the mission brief. "Yesterday, at approximately 02:00 hours Galactic Standard Time, Cerberus intercepted this emergency broadcast from C-Sec." he explained, pulling up the audio file on the hologram display.
"This is what they heard." Shepard continued, enabling the audio playback. The expressions of the crew varied from confusion, to shock, to intense anger. Shepard glanced around the room before continuing.
"We don't know how they got on the Citadel, but we do know that they're intent on taking it over. The Illusive Man wants us to investigate, and for once, I agree with him." Shepard finished. He took another look around the room, taking in the expression of each of his squad members, his siblings-in-arms, his friends.
"Commander, we are approaching the Citadel." Joker chimed in over the intercom. Shepard nodded, and left the room to gather his weapons and armor.
"I guess that means we're dismissed." Garrus said, the turian equivalent of a smirk appearing on his face.