So, here's where I start ME2. I hope this tiny prologue won't be too disappointing or confusing or... whatever. Anyway, thanks to the wonderful ElCapitan18 I met over at deviantart for being my beta! Thanks Elissa-Theirin, Gabe97, Endrius and crystal. hainline. 33 for the lovely reviews! Your kind words fuel my inspiration. Anyway, enjoy this short chapter, next one will be up as soon as possible!

BTW, there's some new cover artwork you can find over at zulija. deviantartdotcom/art/Sacrifice-445974518

He sat comfortably in his office, smoking his cigar and drinking his Bourbon as he thought about his plan one last time before he would set it in motion. The data pads containing all the necessary information were scattered on the desk in front of him. His plan was dangerously close to fail, but he and his organisation had no other choice. He needed Shepard, but he also knew that she would never agree to work for him. Not willingly, at least.

He was anxious. He couldn't remember the last time he felt anxiety creep up his spine, but he didn't like it. He liked to pull the strings on everything and everyone that worked for him, but this was something he had no control of. He hated it, this feeling of weakness and vulnerability.

This wasn't the first time he and his organisation tried to do the impossible, but never before was so much at stake. He had the best on his side, he had all the money and technical equipment of the universe; still, he felt as if that wasn't enough.

"Are you sure we're up for this?" she asked, her smooth Australian accent easing into his ears and interrupting his thoughts.

He put out his cigar and readjusted in his seat, sensing her worry right away even though her tone was professional. Rubbing his eyes he let out a silent breath as he answered. "The Collector's will attack the Normandy any minute. There is no turning back now."

"You're sure helping them was the right decision?"

He lit another cigar, his foot tapping nervously on the floor. She usually wasn't the one asking so many questions, but he understood her doubts; she wasn't the only one who's doubt increased with every tick of the clock. "We have to get Shepard on our side no matter the cost. We know the real threat and we are the only ones who are doing something about it. Shepard can't be fighting geth while the Reapers are getting closer." He let out a long breath and took a sip from his Bourbon as he asked, annoyed, "Is the Shadow Broker informed?"

"He knows the necessary details."

"Good," he readjusted again, having the feeling he had to remind her of the importance of the mission one more time. "Remember Miranda, everything has to go exactly as planned. We won't get a second chance on this."

It was the truth; if his decision to inform the Collector's of Shepard's location was wrong, this would have dire consequences. Plus, Shepard had to die first, then he could continue with his plan.

Miranda shifted from foot to foot as she smiled at the Illusive Man. "We won't need one," she averted her gaze to the large holo screen that showed Shepard's file. "Shepard will die... and we will resurrect her." Her voice rang with determination, and the Illusive Man was glad that such a capable woman like Miranda was on their side.

He glanced at the old school watch on his wrist and his heartbeat picked up the pace. He put out his cigar and fidgeted in his seat as he pushed a few buttons on his omni-tool.

"Get ready," he said, pushing the last of his buttons before returning his attention to the screen that now showed the Normandy crew's life signs. Moments later, more and more life signs were extinguished, the Normandy's image slowly falling to pieces. A small smile found its way on the Illusive Man's face as he stood up from his seat, put his hands on his lower back and approached the screen as he now waited for the Commander's life signs to diminish. If it would diminish at all.

A few moments later, he felt as though his heart had stopped beating. With a deep breath he tore his eyes from the Commanders flickering red light and turned to Miranda, who patiently awaited his final order. Nodding sharply, he added, "May the 'Lazarus Project' begin, Miss Lawson."