A/N: This chapter will alternate between the viewpoints about the Normandy's crew, and the key players in the galaxy and the story itself. This is also the first chapter to exceed 4,000 words.

"There is more than what they say about my involvement in Galactic History. However it is a secret that only my closest friends and loved ones know" - Doctor Liara T'Soni-Shepard; Armali News Today Interview, 2237 CE

Omega, Sahrabarik System
January 23, 2187

A lone drell entered his room that was filled with communication devices, monitoring equipment, and surveillance feeds that were neatly hidden behind the seemingly normal decors that surrounded his room. His living quarters were located in one of the residential blocks of the notorious Omega Station, while the crime and violence that was part of Omega began to dissipate after a sudden change of heart by their de facto ruler, Aria T'Loak, the Drell had to stay focused for the safety of himself and his employer.

The drell looked around his room, looking for anything suspicious, ensuring that he is the lone occupant in his quarters, for his job was one of the most dangerous as he dealt information that came from the most information broker in the galaxy, the Shadow Broker. Seeing that he is alone, and safe for the time being, he began hailing his employer for a vid-call.

A few moments of waiting paid off when his employer's dark silhouette appeared on the screen, "Clearance Code Two-One-Eight-Three Lima Tango, Agent Feron requesting vid-call." the drell answered as he calmly waited for a response from his employer. The screen cleaned itself to reveal a teal-blue asari, a young, beautiful and innocent face, the Drell's friend, Liara T'Soni.

"Feron, I hope you're not trying to find an excuse just to have a friendly conversation with me." the asari broker said, her brows raised in slight amusement, "You do know if I wanted to do that, I could have just visited you in person." the Drell laughed at his employer's words, "This is about the information we gathered from Sur'Kesh, Omega, Illium, and other intel that you might find interesting."

"I need an update on the new method of 'governance' that Aria is establishing, and possibly an update on Omega's notorious syndicates." the asari kindly asked the drell while he began to slyly grin "I hope you're still not jealous about the fact that when you melded again with Shepard, you saw a memory of your husband thinking about the 'tension' that Aria displayed towards him." the Drell joked.

"First of all, I sent that message after my homeworld fell so I wasn't myself when I sent that message, and secondly, I'm not married to Shepard... yet, and third, I don't have time for jokes Feron." the asari defended herself as she began to frown in annoyance.

"At least you didn't send that message to every agent in the galaxy, or didn't flayed Aria with your mind." the Drell continued to joke as the asari still showed annoyance on her face, "Feron..." the asari growled, growing impatient with the drell as her biotics subconsciously flared in anger.

The drell flinched when he saw the asari flaring up her biotics, deciding that joking with the asari was a bad idea, the drell immediately went back to his original purpose for contacting her. The drell sighed in relief as the asari's biotics calmed down.

"Alright, I'll give you the short version: the Talons are currently tasked with pacifying the splinter groups of each gang and Aria is becoming what most would describe: a benevolent dictator." Feron began reading his datapad, "And the syndicates that pose a threat to 'internal security' are being hunted down. All in all, things are a bit unusually nice here on Omega."

"You mentioned reports about the STG agents?" the asari broker asked as the drell looked at the datapad he held, "According to eavesdrops and intel we gathered from Sur'Kesh: the Salarian Union is currently experiencing civil unrest, most of us expect that a civil war would erupt within a few months." the drell informed her

"We've also received information about the political clans and their different plans to overthrow the Linron Dalatrass and some loyalist agents within the STG planning to assassinate Urdnot Wrex in order to prevent Krogan reunification. And some of them plan to leak the well-hidden fact that the Turians were the ones who released the Genophage by violating the two-party confirmation protocol" the drell added.

"Say that last part again?" the asari said in shock, "Loyalist agents inside the STG are planning to assassinate Krogan Chief Urdnot Wrex, and those involved in curing the Genophage" the drell repeated his words. "Feron, send the full report to my address, and keep me updated on the situation on Sur'Kesh. I have problems to attend to." Liara ordered the agent before she ended the vid-call.

The asari sat there, thinking about what she would do, if she should intervene and manipulate the conflicts at hand, or if she should leave them to their own devices. If the Salarian Government is serious about making a statement against the Genophage cure, Liara knew that she would be forced to intervene in their conflict sooner or later.

'Give me ten minutes and I could start a war'

Instead of sitting back and letting the Salarians go on with their civil war free from intervention, Liara knew that if a political clan who was against the Genophage cure took power, then the Salarian Union might as well become the next Batarian Hegemony and begin a path of self-isolation and attempt to undermine the fragile peace that formed after the Reaper War. She had to intervene, to save them from themselves.

Liara began typing numerous messages to her agents stationed in Sur'Kesh and inside the STG itself, she also anonymously informed the governments of the Turian Hierarchy and the Systems Alliance of the possible threat that the corrupt Dalatrass of the Salarian Union poses.

"Glyph, send these messages to the leaders of the Turian Hierarchy, the Human Systems Alliance, and the Serrice Republic." Liara ordered the drone, "And inform our 'termination' agents on Sur'Kesh to begin preparations, and send them the list of possible targets."

"Goddess watch over us all.." the asari silently prayed.

Palaven Command

"Primarch Victus, our intelligence team just received an anonymous tip, we believe it's from the Shadow Broker themselves." a turian intel officer informed the Primarch, "Read it to me, Lieutenant." the Primarch ordered.

"Numerous Dalatrasses and agents loyal to them in the STG are planning to assassinate the Krogan Clan Chief Urdnot Wrex. Sources indicate that they plan to prevent Krogan unification under the Urdnot banner." the intel officer read aloud for the Primarch to hear, "The Salarian Union also began secretly uplifting the Yahg to use in expanding Salarian influence, possibly by causing chaos within Asari and Turian worlds to disrupt their economies to allow the Union to gain influence and wealth."

"Inform the Captain of the 51st Blackwatch Regiment to meet me here, as soon as possible." the Primarch ordered. "It seems the Salarians couldn't learn from the Krogan Rebellions a thing or two about uplifting some militaristic race." the Primarch thought to himself.

If the information they received was right, then the Salarians are treading on a dangerous path to self-destruction. That their supposed allies were simply fooling them, then again they did turn their back on the entire galaxy even when the Asari officially joined the war. And if they were going to prevent another militaristic race from unleashing hell on the galaxy once more, they had to intervene in any way they deem necessary.

"If they prevent Krogan unification under the Udrnot banner, then there might be a second Krogan Rebellion and the galaxy isn't ready for that yet." the Primarch said to himself, "And if they are using uplifted species to expand Salarian interests, they might even sabotage our economic and military might."

"The Salarian Union cannot be trusted right now, if we are to rebuild Palaven and the Hierarchy then perhaps we should take care of those backstabbing Salarians." the primarch clenched his fist as he thought of this.

"Sir, are you sure that we should intervene in their own conflict?" the intel officer concernedly asked, "We have to save the Salarians from their greatest enemy... themselves..." the Primarch reasoned to his subordinate.

Systems Alliance Headquarters, Earth
March 23, 2187

"So the Salarian Union is currently involved in a civil war, why should we care?" Rear Admiral Mikhailovich argued, "We have other problems to contend with, especially with the Batarian Civil War possibly spilling over Alliance Space!"

"Let us remember that if the intel we received from the anonymous source is true, then the galactic economy would be shaken badly if the Salarian Union attempts to distance themselves from galactic trade as an attempt of a galactic-wide economic sabotage!" Prime Minister Kolosov told the Rear Admiral.

"Humanity has always survived economic meltdowns before, why should this one be any different?" Mikhailovich struck back before Rear Admiral Shepard stood up, "Mikhailovich, let me remind you that building those beloved cruisers you always wanted cost credits. And that the ships we're currently constructing for your flotilla relies on Salarian exports." Kolosov argued back.

"And the fact that they've begun their attempt of uplifting the Yahg is a source of concern for us, an entire platoon of Yahgs could rip apart an entire colony garrison and destroy our economic facilities. It's possible that the Salarians planned on using the Yahg to sabotage the industrial, economic, and military capabilities of their closest rivals, including Humanity." Kolosov informed them.

"We should see if the majority of the board agrees." Hackett suggested, "All those in favor of intervention in the Salarian Civil War, please stand up." Kolosov asked her colleagues, nearly all of the admirals and her advisors stood up while a few, including Mikhailovich, remained seated.

"Then it's settled then, anybody have any ideas on how we should intervene?" Kolosov asked the admirals, "We could always use Commander Shepard, whichever side he chooses, the majority of the Salarians will follow." Lindholm suggested.

"He might make some powerful enemies within the STG while he's at it, so that's out of the question, Lindholm." Hannah Shepard frowned at Lindholm, not wanting to risk her son and his family.

"I propose we send in a covert team of N7 infiltrators to ensure that those, who pose a threat to the interests of humanity and our allies, are taken care of." Prime Minister Kolosov suggested.

"And how would we prevent the discovery of our plans?" Admiral Lindholm voiced her concern, "It's simple, we send them in unmarked, transport them in an unmarked vessel, and we should keep this to ourselves." Kolosov told her.

"Is the Admiralty in agreement with the suggestion?" she asked before the Admirals nodded in agreement.

"Admirals, I want this operation executed within the next week, this emergency meeting is dismissed." Prime Minister Kolosov said as she and some of the Admirals stood up and left the room, leaving Hannah Shepard, Admiral Hackett and Ines, along with a few other admirals.

"Hannah and Hackett, if you do inform the Commander about this, try not to give the specifics of this operation. I don't want to see a report of the man trying to play hero without the authorization of the Alliance." Rear Admiral Mikhailovich said as he left the room.

"I have a feeling that he has his own sources, especially within his ship." Hannah muttered as the admirals began looking at her direction.

"The Prime Minister told us that a few hours ago the Batarian Free States are pleading for our assistance in their civil war." Admiral Nitesh slowly said.

"Rear Admiral Shepard, the Alliance will be dispatching a portion of the Fifth Fleet to the disputed territories." Nitesh told her as the room's holo-screen highlighted the deployment area, "The Batarian Navy was smashed to pieces during the invasion, why would the Alliance send one of their strongest fleets for this?" Hannah questioned as she raised her brows.

"We don't know either but it's clear that the Batarian Free States offered something that Kolosov and her cabinet can't refuse." Hackett told her, "It could be access to their industrial facilities, mining deals, or possibly transfer of colonies they captured from us and the other races."

"And that's why we're sending you to lead that detachment on the Orizaba." Nitesh informed her, still the woman had her brows raised.

"Let me guess, you want the Batarian rebels to uphold the end of whatever their bargain by sending in the famed 'Vengeful Widow'?" Hannah told them, aware of her reputation.

Hannah Shepard was notorious for leading the Alliance in numerous raids against Batarian slavers and her ruthless tactics during minor skirmishes with the Hegemony. It was said that her ruthlessness and hatred against the Batarians, especially the Hegemony, was fueled by her desire to avenge her husband, who was killed by pirates who admitted that they were connected with the Batarian Hegemony.

"Precisely our point, Hannah" Nitesh said to her, "Right now we can't tell if the Free States could be trusted, if your presence somehow intimidates them then they wouldn't dare to plunge a dagger in our backs."

"I suppose Hackett isn't coming?" Hannah looked at Hackett, "As Fleet Admiral, my post should be where the Alliance Parliament is. The Orizaba is yours once more, I apologize for taking over command when I was forced to evacuate Arcturus." the Fleet Admiral answered her concerns.

"Alright, I guess being stuck watching those four-eyed bastards should be fine by me." Hannah resigned to her assignment. "Just tell me when's the deployment."

"A few days from now, and don't drag your son into this." Admiral Lindholm advised her, "The Batarians are still over the edge about the whole Bahak Incident."

"But you're sending me, his mother" Hannah told Lindholm, "The Lion of Elysium doesn't hold any grudges against the batarians, you're the exact opposite. You are the 'Vengeful Widow', your mere presence is enough to make the Batarians fear for their lives while his presence only causes them to demand blood." Lindholm reasoned out.

"You lost friends to the Turians during the First Contact War yet you don't harbor any resentment against them, why is that?" a young Rear Admiral asked her, "That was war, a civilized one, they died with honor. My husband was captured by Batarian pirates, then they just threw him out in the streets and publicly executed him like some damn animal." Hannah explained, her voice a mixture of anger and sadness.

"Let's just hope the Free State is more civilized than the Hegemony and their back-door funded raiders." Hannah told them, "If not, then they'll regret the day they cross the Alliance."

Alliance Diplomatic Ship, Arcturus System
August 4, 2187

Several months ago before the Civil War escalated on Sur'Kesh, the leaders of the Turian Hierarchy, Systems Alliance, and some of the Asari Republics received information from the Shadow Broker concerning about the dubious actions of the Salarians.

"Primarch Adrien Victus, pleased to make your acquaintance.." Prime Minister Kolosov shook hands with the Primarch, "I'm thankful that you were able to find time for this important meeting."

"I believe this meeting has something to do with the situation on Sur'Kesh?" Primarch Victus inquired, "Yes, and how the Salarians were planning to sabotage our economies to ensure that their influence spreads." Kolosov answered.

"It seems we have a 'mutual friend', Prime Minister.. as we received the same information a few months ago." Victus informed the Prime Minister, "It came from an anonymous source that only called themselves as the Shadow Broker, am I correct?"

"Yes, it seems that whoever this 'Shadow Broker' is, they seem to want the influence of the Salarians to be severely diminished." Kolosov stated her opinion, "The Yahg are already on the verge of spaceflight in a relatively short timespan since we quarantined the planet, it seems possible that the information we received could be true.." Victus also gave his opinion.

"So what do you propose, Prime Minister?" Victus asked Kolosov as he looked at a datapad, "We now know that we can't trust the Salarians so easily, I've been in contact with the Serrice Government who shared the same sentiment as us." Kolosov began.

"My people and the asari plan on sending a covert strike team to eliminate any troublesome individuals in the Salarian Government. Ensure that only those whose goals do not conflict with ours take power." she suggested.

"For once human, it seems we're ahead of you." Primarch Victus flared his mandibles in a turian equivalent of a smile, "I've sent a Blackwatch regiment to Sur'Kesh a few months ago. We're having our intelligence services run around the clock to discover anything, as you humans say, 'fishy' about the Salarians."

"I'm afraid not, Primarch, we sent an N7 Covert Ops Team a few months ago too, along with an Asari Huntress Squad from Serrice. We're coordinating with each other to dig up anything concerning about the Salarian Political Clans." Kolosov smirked back at the Turian.

"And I believe this is the part where you extend an offer of military cooperation in this operation you and the Asari have started?" Victus asked as Kolosov simply nodded, "We accept, our military will begin coordinating with yours as soon as possible."

"And so shall ours, may fate smile upon us favorably.." Kolosov stated as they shook hands.

Normandy SR-2, Intergalactic Space
August 14, 2187

"Alright little wing, just play with your toys while mommy goes to work." Liara said as she put down her daughter on the bed in her office, which surprised her that Ashley didn't bother taking up residence in the old XO office when she became Executive Officer, the human stated that she preferred the comfort of the sleeping pods or the couch in the observation deck.

"Doctor T'Soni, you have a message from Agent Feron." the gleeful little drone named Glyph informed her, as the asari opened her terminal and began reading the message.

'Shadow Broker, Dalatrass Linron was nearly assassinated yesterday, our agents say that it was done by opposition members in the STG, the loyalists in her cabinet suddenly disappeared too. We're also receiving reports from our agents on Palaven that the Turian Hierarchy is discussing possible intervention.

We've also received reports of Salarian agents scouting Tuchanka, if the information we gave you a few months ago was correct then you should be on your guard. We can't say for sure if the STG is still acting as one but we heard that Major Kirrahe and Padok Wiks are currently part of an opposition faction within the STG itself.

And we've gathered enough information about classified covert uplifting programs of the STG under he orders of every Dalatrass elected, hopefully that's enough to incite the populace into riot.

And here I thought you wouldn't start a planetary conflict when you become the Shadow Broker. -Agent Feron'

The last part of the message Feron gave her hit close to home, while the drell's message didn't intend to scold her for her actions, the asari sat there and began contemplating her decisions over the past few months after the war.

"It had to be done.." the asari muttered to herself, she promised Shepard that she would not abuse her powers as the Shadow Broker, that she would never attempt to ruse conflict for any reason, even if the 'ends justify the means'. But the situation is different now, the people of the galaxy are carving themselves a new path but someone should keep them on the right one.

"It's true that you should be leading people into the right path, but that was the past, you must accept the fact that the galaxy doesn't need you anymore." the fresh memory made the asari feel guilty for herself, she felt like a hypocrite, telling Shepard that the galaxy doesn't need him to lead anymore, that he should let them choose their own path yet here she was, 'leading' the galaxy in the shadows, doing the exact opposite of what she told her bondmate, worse is that she wasn't leading them, she was manipulating them.

"Maybe once the galaxy proves that it could stand on its own, I'll retire from being the Shadow Broker.." Liara told to herself, "But right now, they need some guidance.. Goddess, maybe Shepard was right.."

"But the difference is that Shepard leads with his men, on the ground, towards the fire. While I work behind the scenes, manipulating individuals, leaders, corporations, and governments to do the right thing.." the asari attempted to reason herself, "It sounds selfish but I can't live another day without him by my side.."

When Shepard 'died' a few years ago, Liara felt like she was without purpose, 'a lost puppy' as the humans call it, she nearly went over the edge once. Even after they were reunited, the asari couldn't bear to see her love returning to the Normandy with gunshots and blood all over him, and now that they have a daughter she kept thinking about the story of how Shepard's father died in the line of duty when he was just an infant, leaving the man with only his mother as his sole family.

"Shepard's place is with me, and little Benezia, if only the man could accept the idea of a damn desk job.." the asari thought to herself, partially blaming the man's stubbornness. Her thoughts were interrupted when their daughter began throwing a fit, a sign of her hunger, the maiden immediately took her daughter to the mess hall to feed her.

"Commander Shepard, I believe you're informed about the situation developing on Sur'Kesh?" Hackett said on vid-comm, "Yes sir, I believe all races have stated that they will not interfere with the situation?" Shepard asked the admiral.

"Officially, yes, but we both know that there will be some that will intervene from the shadows. Every race has their own agendas, even our own." the Admiral voiced his opinion, "You probably know that the Salarians are a big player in the galactic economy, and that if this civil war goes sideways, then our already-fledging economy would be reduced to rubble."

"Something I should know about?" Shepard suspiciously asked, "Nothing to be concerned about, the Prime Minister and the Admiralty are just simply looking out for the interests of the Alliance." the Admiral answered.

"Uh huh, I'll reserve judgement about that until the situation dies out." the commander said while crossing his arms in suspicion, "I'm sorry Commander, but it's probably for the best since you should spend time taking a break from saving our asses now and then." the Admiral said before closing the channel between them.

The next few days went by with everything mostly normal, routine patrols, the occasional wandering across the galaxy, keeping up-to-date about galactic news, and trying to make the Normandy a bit safer for little Benezia.

However, despite the normalcy that peace offered, the battle-hardened members of the crew would sometimes complain about the lack of action, especially Javik who told everyone that he would like to experience peace, despite this, most of the crew have taken it as a well-deserved reward from all the efforts they did just to save the galaxy.

Liara, however, still continued to work on her network to the point that she found herself dozing off in front of her terminals at times and drinking a bit too much coffee. She would even sneak out of their bed just to work with her sources, she focused herself on ensuring that the regime change in Sur'Kesh and various Terminus Systems colonies would proceed smoothly and according to plan.

"Shadow Broker, this is Agent Emerson, Dalatrass Tustow was assassinated by rival STG agents, we've also received reports that half of the Salarian First Fleet has sided with the Widraw Dalatrass. Nothing of importance has passed through the Pranas Relay."

"Shadow Broker, we've received reports that Major Kirrahe's team has destroyed a major refueling station for loyalist troops. The Salarian Union has declared martial law in two of their provinces, and have begun using lethal force on protesters."

Liara swiftly activated her voice disguiser as she began barking orders to her agents on Sur'Kesh, "Agent Emerson, I need your team to assassinate a high-profile figure within the loyalist factions." she told Agent Emerson as she switched to Agent Murat, "Agent Murat, have your men infiltrate one of the Salarian Dreadnoughts that are loyal to Dalatrass Linron, eliminate its high-ranking officers and put it under command of Kirrahe's faction."

"Any other reports from our agents, Glyph?" the broker asked once more, "The Turian Hierarchy has reportedly sent a Blackwatch regiment to Sur'Kesh. There are also reports of armed humans arriving on Sur'Kesh, our agents suspect they are a N7 Black Ops." Glyph informed her.

"Thank you.. Glyph.." Liara thanked the drone as she began yawning, her eyes feeling drowsy, "Glyph... inform me if.. anyone wishes to.. enter the office." Liara told the drone as she took a nap on her desk, "Of course, Doctor T'Soni." Glyph replied, oblivious to the asari's drowsiness.

Sur'Kesh, Firebase Jade

Firebase Jade was one of the few resistance bases that survived the Reaper War, while the Reapers focused on harvesting the Salarian population within the cities, the human supremacy group known as Cerberus attacked the Special Task Group's Research Bases across the planet for reasons unknown to this day. During the early days of the invasion, Firebase Jade was a key supply base for the remnants of the Salarian Military as it overlooks an ancient reservoir that once served as the main supplier of freshwater to Salarian cities in the province.

Today, the Firebase serves as one of the major command centers of one of the major factions of the Opposition, led by an agent code-named Vigilant Eye. This faction views that the Salarian form of government, the Political Bloodlines, as a threat to Salarian progress, an outdated concept that no longer serves its purpose in the modern era, that a Military Junta headed by the agents of the STG is must-needed yet temporary solution.

"Major, what happens once we take control of the Union?" a young opposition soldier asked Kirrahe, "Do we simply seize control, or will we reform the Union?"

"I don't know, but our focus should be on removing the corrupt Dalatrasses." Kirrahe answered the young salarian's question. The look on the soldier's face showed that he was not content with the major's answer.

"Major Kirrahe, our scouts have reported that Dalatrass Widraw's forces are coming in fast, it seems they wish to retake this Firebase." a Salarian informed Kirrahe, "Thank you, tell the men to assemble." Kirrahe thanked his colleague

"Vigilant Eye also wishes to inform you that the intel he received was from the Shados Broker themselves, he warns that it could be a ruse to catch us off guard."

The Major climbed the steps up the balcony that overlooks one of the landing pads where his squad was assembled. He could see that most of them are eager, yet some of them are anxious and fearful of the mission.

He knew that he had to motivate them somehow, and that he had to do it now. Hold the line, he thought to himself as he began to quickly think of a speech.

"Men, I know some of you are fearful, anxious and even suspicous about our mission, that we are going to overthrow the current regime of the Salarian Union. It is hard to face the government of old be discarded, let alone be the ones to discard it.

We are the STG, our influence has stopped many wars before but look at our scorched planet, we have held the line yet at what cost? When our allies called for our helped, did we deliver? No, we let old issues and rivalries of the past tear us apart, we abandoned our allies in their hour of need, and thus we nearly condemned the entire galaxy to annihilation!

If we are to secure the future of the Salarian Union, we must overthrow the corrupt government of old! Today, we will hold the line, but not for the corrupt political clans of Sur'Kesh, but for the people of the Salarian Union!" Kirrahe exclaimed to his men, hoping to calm and inspire them to fight for their future.

His speech gained the favor of the men, with most of them applauding and cheering the Major. Their fears and suspicions gone, they now knew what they were fighting for, they had to save the Salarian Union from itself.

"Alright men, we defend this base to the last man! Get to your stations!" the Major ordered as they began frantically preparing for the enemy's attack. "For the Union!" the major began the battle cry.

The moment of truth came as the first barricade was bombarded with saturated gunfire, fortunately, they had the tactical and geographical advantage as their enemies were caught off guard with the traps that they had set just for them. It seemed that Major Kirrahe and his men would once again hold the line.

Widraw Hall, Sur'Kesh

"Vigilant Eye, we're moving in to secure the package." Salarian Lieutenant Jorik informed his aliased superior, "One of my men swore that he heard a gunshot and some screams a few minutes ago."

"Possibly an attempt to assassinate Dalatrass Widraw, if that's the case then we better hurry." Vigilant Eye ordered the Lieutenant through his comms, "Alright men.. move in." the team entered through an open window.

The residence of the Widraw Bloodline was eerily dark and silent, as if no one lived there. They searched the estate, room by room, ensuring that nothing is left unchecked. Minutes of searching passed without any significant discoveries, the residence seemed like it was abandoned in such an orderly fashion that there was no traces of the Widraw Dalatrass and her close associates.

Deciding that using night-vision visors weren't enough, a technician was ordered to find a way to switch on the lights. As the team prepared to breach one last room, the master's bedroom, they could hear footsteps inside, possibly the Dalatrass awaiting her inevitable downfall, as the lights switched on, the team breached into the room.

As they moved in, they stood there, seeing the dead body of the Dalatrass and some of her associates lying on the floor in a pool of blood, a window broken, and the most shocking discovery of all, a team composed of asari and human commandos.

"You, drop your weapons or we'll shoot!" Jorik demanded to the opposing force, "I think not" the asari huntress exclaimed as her colleague dropped a smoke grenade to cover their escape.

As the smoke cleared, they stood there alone, the men still shocked about the events that transpired, "Vigilant Eye, Dalatrass Windraw is KIA." Jorik informed his superior through comms.

"What happened down there, Jorik?" Vigilant Eye calmly asked the Lieutenant, "Asari and Human commandos got here before us, killed the Dalatrass and her associates."

"Widraw was known of being an outspoken advocate for expansion of Salarian Influence at the expense of the Asari and Human interests." Vigilant Eye gave his hypothesis, "It's possible the Human and Asari governments are taking action to ensure that only those who agree with their interests would take power"

"What are our orders now?" Jorik asked the aliased commander, "Leave it, but don't leave any traces behind." Vigilant Eye informed them, as the team left the residence in an orderly fashion, cleaning up any evidences that could implicate them.

Normandy SR-2, Intergalactic Space
August 16, 2187

"Our agents on Sur'Kesh were informed that Firebase Jade has survived the attack, Dalatrass Widraw's forces are stretched thin and are pushed back into retreat." Glyph reported to Liara, who was busy drinking from her coffee mug.

"Inform our agents to resupply the Firebase and send them the coordinates for Dalatrass Widraw and Linron's last known locations, and inform them that no harm comes to the two Dalatrasses, they need to be arrested alive to alleviate concerns over the ongoing coup." Liara kindly asked the drone.

"Of course, Doctor T'Soni." the gleeful drone said as it hovered about the room, "You have received new intel from our agents within Batarian Territories. It seems that the Alliance has stationed a fleet there, our agents are currently investigating the matter."

Just as the asari was about to ask the drone something, the doors to her office suddenly opened as her bondmate entered the room with a somewhat concerned look on his face, "I see you're busy trying to lead the galaxy behind the shadows." Shepard told her as he looked around her terminals. Apparently the pass-code for the door remained unchanged, as Liara checked the door's encryption.

"Shepard, I know I told you that you shouldn't be leading people into the fray but.." Liara began stammering an explanation for her actions, while the ship's crew knew that she was busy with her network she was able to keep most of her activities a well-guarded secret, until now.

"I'm not mad, besides I'm starting to warm up to the idea of a desk job, thanks to you." Shepard assured her, "But I'm more worried about the fact that you've been keeping your activities a secret from us for days now." he voiced his concern.

"Well, I don't know what the crew would think of me when they find out I'm becoming a bit too much manipulative like the Illusive Man.." Liara said, "It's tempting to believe like you have the solution to the galaxy's problems, especially when you work in secret.."

"We had this conversation before, Liara.." Shepard put an assuring hand on her shoulder, "You're not like him, you'll never be. You're an honest person, Liara, and an incorruptible one at that. I can see in you that you'll never become power-hungry like him, you want the best for the galaxy without sacrificing others."

"But what about Sekat, and all those people I put into harm's way just to find the Shadow Broker and Feron?" Liara told him, her eyes showing a mix of fear and remorse, "You were lost back then, you went through hell and back just to find a way to bring me back, and then you still felt like you lost your way, just like me. And if I were in your shoes back then, you'd be damn sure I'd do the same thing." Shepard once again calmly assured her.

"When the Dalatrass promised me Salarian support in exchange for sabotaging the genophage, I have to admit, before we hit Tuchanka, I was tempted to go through with their offer. The Krogan were tough but I needed their fleets for Earth, and their scientists for the Crucible." he confessed as he turned to face Liara's terminals, "Our backs were held against a wall that time, and so I often thought about the immediate solutions to our problems.."

After a moment of silence, the asari spoke up, "Just like when I was hunting for the Shadow Broker, I was so focused on getting Feron back.." her eyes were welling up with tears, "That I never realized that I became the very thing I was hunting for, a person who believes in 'ruthless calculus' as you and Garrus said.."

"Well, no one is perfect, Liara.." Shepard said in a comforting voice, "When I was hunting for the Collectors, I did felt some anger at the Council and felt regret for saving them.."

"But then a new council would show up, but they would still dismiss your claims and the Alliance would probably 'bury the hatchet' about Sovereign and Saren, since they would grow complacent." Liara chuckled, "It seems the galaxy will always have a strange way of treating 'prophets'.."

"So you consider me as some-sort of prophetic figure, T'Soni?" Shepard played along, paying no heed that the asari changed the topic, "I did had some sort of 'hero worship' to you when we first met.. My knight in shining black and red armor.." Liara flattered.

"Flatterer.." the man said before he received a peck on his cheek from the asari, "Right, if you would excuse me.." Liara sat back in her chair and began typing on her console, "I have to send information to trustworthy individuals and organizations, and, excuse the word, manipulate a certain civil war in Sur'Kesh"

Hall of the Union, Sur'Kesh
August 18, 2187

"Dalatrass, half of the First Fleet has mutinied against us!" a staffer called to the Dalatrass, "If we are to stay here, then surely our enemies would strike relentlessly to ensure our downfall!"

"If we leave, then it would also become a sign of weakness and our defeat!" another argued, "Don't think like a krogan or a turian! Continuity of the government is the most paramount if we are to ensure our reign over the Salarian Union!"

The Dalatrass simply sat in her chair, slouched, and appearing disinterested in the discussion, to many of her staffers, her appearance and posture seemed like a sign of fatigue over the civil war, and to others: it was a sign that she was accepting her inevitable defeat and the downfall of her political clan.

"Continuity of the government? Only a few provinces have openly rebelled against us!" one of the Dalatrass' most trusted advisor told, "Even if we still have the majority of public approval, the STG and the military are making serious progress in their coup!" a staffer argued back.

"Public approval?" her advisor exclaimed, "They're losing faith in our government and military when the information about our covert uplifting of species were leaked! They'll be demanding our heads for attempting to undermine galactic stability!"

"So we should just leave Sur'Kesh, and let those usurpers take the seat of our rightful government?" the same staffer argued, "Dalatrass Linron! Why do you pay no heed to the situation at hand?"

As the Dalatrass sat in silence, paying no heed to her staffers' complaints, the doors burst open to reveal two Salarian soldiers, "Dalatrass! Our attack on Firebase Jade has failed miserably!" one of the soldiers told them the bad news.

"There's the reason why we should leave, we must recuperate our forces then retake the Uni-" the staffer shouted before being cut-off by the soldier, "We've also lost contact with one of our protection teams!"

The room was silenced over the news, as they knew that the Hall itself was now under attack by the opposition, it was only a matter of time before their reign over the Salarian Union was finally over.

"Dalatrass Linron, we must leave now!" the soldier said before being electrocuted by his colleague's omni-tool, the entire room screamed in panic, "Dalatrass Linron, the Special Tasks Group and the Salarian Military has placed you under arrest for endangering the Salarian Union and her people." the agent said as STG agents began pouring in.

"And tell me, how did I endanger the Salarian Union?" Linron asked calmly despite the situation, seemingly accepting her defeat.

"It's best that the people of Sur'Kesh tell you that." Major Kirrahe said as he entered the room, "Men, take her and the staff under custody. And escort the military council to ensure that they would be able to take their oath."

"Tell me, Major, what do you expect to gain by placing the Union under the hand of a council of military thugs?" Linron smugly asked as she was cuffed by the agents, "Saving the Salarian Union from their greatest enemy, Dalatrass.."

"And who that enemy might be, Major?" the Dalatrass once more asked the Major, "The system of governance that the Union operates from.."

"You're right, major.. The very political system of Sur'Kesh corrupts individuals to their very core.." the Dalatrass began speaking, "But tell me, which is a fate much worse: a corrupt Dalatrass, who simply wishes to gain personal wealth and influence.."

The Dalatrass turned to look at every military personnel standing in the hall, "Or a military council, whose goals seem righteous but given time, will also become blinded and focused to the very temptation of power, doing everything in their power to ensure that their reign remains unopposed?"

"Even if you would return the power to the people, Major, there will always be leaders who will always be tempted by the lust of power, the fruit of all evil." the Dalatrass gave a disturbing smirk that even made Kirrahe flinch, "And do you think that the Shadow Broker, the one who gave you the advantage in this war, govern the Salarian Union without expecting something in return?"

"And what makes you think that our hard-earned victory for the Union was orchestrated by the Shadow Broker?" Kirrahe responded angrily which afterwards Linron took a step forward, "Think about it, Dalatrasses from every bloodline began disappearing or worse. Some of them weren't even executed by your agents or the other factions, some of them were even killed inside their homes, or in exile."

"And everyone in the military command knows that releasing the data about our research projects, especially our covert uplifting, would cause severe public dismay to both the Military and the Government." the Dalatrass plainly stated, "The provinces that were placed under martial law had that information leaked to them. Do you think that the so-called righteous leaders of the opposition would let public distrust grow against them?"

"That's not true, Linron, you're just attempting to justify your misguided deeds!" Kirrahe snapped at her, "Think about it, you know it to be true.." the Dalatrass smirked smugly.

"Get her away from my sight, men!" Kirrahe demanded, not wanting to hear the Dalatrass' statements anymore.

As the Dalatrass was escorted outside by his men, she turned around and looked at the agents, "You and I know very well that power does not come without consequences! The people will not trust your so-called leadership!"

Dalatrass Linron was arrested today, with senior officials from the Special Task Group forming a military council to oversee the "safe transition of government". The newly formed council assures us that they will return power to a new civilian government once they believe that Sur'Kesh is once again ready for it.

Despite the successful coup against the Salarian Dalatrass, public approval has dropped immensely, as most salarians believing that nothing will change even once the Military Council will take over the Salarian Union.

Urdnot Wrex narrowly survived an assassination attempt yesterday, the assassins that were killed were found to be members of the Salarian Special Task Group. Urdnot Wrex demands an apology from the Salarian Government and that reparations should be paid. He also warns that any further attempts to undermine krogan unification would be met with force.

This has been Citadel News.

Normandy SR-2, Intergalactic Space
August 19, 2187

"Shepard, the Prime Minister called an emergency meeting a few hours ago." Hackett began on vid-comm, "The Alliance Navy has been placed under Alert Condition 3, the possible threats from the Salarian border and Batarian space were her cited reasons for raising the alert level."

"I understand the possibility of a spillover from the Batarian's internal conflict, but the Salarians?" Shepard showed his confusion, "You've heard what they nearly did to Urdnot Wrex, and frankly, I don't feel safe knowing that I'm connected with the man who cured the Genophage." Hackett admitted his concerns.

Shepard paused for a moment before nodding in understanding of Hackett's concerns, "I think I understand, but it seems to me that her goals are to simply destabilize the Krogan to prevent them from being unified under a more progressive banner."

"I know that, Commander, but our species are known for being extremely paranoid when things like this occur." Hackett voiced his opinion, "The Prime Minister doesn't want to take any chances, she just got elected and she doesn't want her term to be cut short by a gunshot."

"So what happens now that the Salarians are undergoing a regime change, Admiral?" Shepard inquired, "The Council will convene a meeting and try to smooth things over with the new government, if things go well then nothing major will change." the Admiral stated.

"Though I don't know what the Salarian Councilor would think about the events that happened on his homeworld." Hackett said, "I have reasons to believe that the Council will send some sort of peacekeeping force to ensure that everything goes smoothly on Sur'Kesh."

"They might even send you on the mission as a Council Spectre, Shepard." Hackett informed him, earning a slight chuckle from Shepard, "Well, I do miss being on planetside these days." the Commander humored.

Hackett gave a small chuckle, something that was uncommon with the grizzled Admiral, "Well, if Anderson was still here, he'd take command of the Normandy and station you on Thessia to keep you focused on your family, Commander." the Admiral humored, surprising Shepard who rarely saw him joke.

"I'd been getting the same sentiment from Liara herself, Admiral." Shepard told the Admiral, "But she's fine with me commanding the ship, as long she's along for the ride."

"Anyways, I just got a priority message from the Council." Hackett changed the topic, "They need you to attend their meeting, seems like it's about the situation that currently transpiring on Sur'Kesh. Hackett out."

As the holographic projection of Hackett dissipated, Shepard called on to Joker through one of his intercoms, "Joker, set a course to the Citadel. It seems we've got ourselves a mission."

Shepard turned around to begin walking out of the room, before he could leave the room, he saw Liara and their daughter leaning on the doorway, "Alright, I know what you're gonna say, something about leaving you and our daughter so I could save the galaxy again." he said.

Liara simply gave a smile and took a step forward closer to him, "Well, that's just one way of putting it." she told him, "But I can't really stop you, can I?"

"You're really going to let me go on a mission?" Shepard asked in surprise, "As long it doesn't involve fighting mechs, or an entire army by yourself." Liara calmly told him.

"And I do need someone to help me fix my mistakes." Liara confessed, "What kind of mistakes?" he inquired.

"Ensuring that the new government gets the public support they get, even if the STG did some questionable things." Liara informed, "I need someone I could trust to fix the one mistake I did on Sur'Kesh."

"And what that might be?" Shepard asked her, "Damaging the reputation of both the Salarian Government and their Military, without public support, the Civil War on Sur'Kesh might as well continue for another year as long as the new government isn't seen as a legitimate successor of the Linron Government."

"Seems easy enough, time to play diplomat once more." Shepard chuckled, "Just try not to get shot.." Liara told him as they left the war room.

To be continued... (Part 1 of the Salarian Revolution Arc)