3 years later

Ella glanced around the nearly empty streets. The chance of anyone from The Reds being out at dawn was slim, but instinct told her to double check. Things had changed over the past few months. Skycar jackings and protection extortions had quickly become a thing of the past. Marcus had the gang participating in increasingly violent jobs and Ella was pretty sure some had started dealing Red Sand.

Marcus had brought in a new member a few months previous. "Consulting" he had called it. Ella was pretty sure he wanted to merge The Reds with whatever group the new guy was from. Something about him put her on edge. The other women flocked around him, trying to gain favor, but she was wary. She didn't like the way his eyes followed her, the gleam they got when he found out she was a biotic.

So Ella found herself outside the Alliance recruitment office. It was really her only way off the streets. She hid in the doorway across from the building until lights popped on and her omnitool chirped the hour. She slunk into the offices after giving the streets one last suspicious look.

The woman behind the receptionist desk gave her a rather disdainful once-over as Ella approached. She met the gaze, a disarming smile on her face. The grey shirt exposed one shoulder a bit more than it should and her jeans rode a bit low, but it was the only outfit Ella owned outright. From the silver bracelets around her wrist to the black studded boots, it was hers, not something provided by The Reds.

"Can I help you?" The woman was curt.

"Who do I speak to about enlisting?"

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No ma'am."

The older woman sighed. "Tuesday's we only take appointments. But, I guess you could wait and see if anyone doesn't show, though I doubt that'll happen."

Ella gave her a bland smile and took a seat on an uncomfortable bench. Hours passed as she sat watching bright eyed hopefuls disappear into offices. Most came out with a look of excitement, others dejected and, in one case, in tears. They passed Ella without a second glance, not that it bothered her much. Being invisible to most people was how she had survived the past four years.

Eventually the waiting room emptied. Her stomach churned a reminder that she hadn't eaten in hours, and she was glad she remembered to pack a few ration bars with her. Even working with The Reds, food wasn't always plentiful. Combined that with her biotics, she learned quickly that some of her spare credits had to go towards protein and ration bars. She had begun to unwrap one when a pair of uniformed clad legs stopped in front her. Ella glanced up at the recruiter.

"You've been sitting here the last four hours young lady. What exactly are you waiting for?"

"I'd like to enlist, but didn't realize I needed an appointment." She watched his eyes narrow and trail across her face.

"What's your name?" he asked, suspicion colored his words.

"Ella. Ella Shepard."

At her response, a grin split across his face. "Well then Ella Shepard, follow me into my office." She stood and followed him quickly, ignoring the shocked look on the receptionist's face. He motioned towards a chair and she took a seat across from him. A few moments passed before he spoke. "You don't remember me, do you?"

Ella panicked internally as she tried to place the man in front of her. She was screwed if he had been a previous mark. "Am I supposed to?" She tried to buy herself time.

"You were a lot younger the last time I met you in an ice cream shop. I believe it was your twelfth birthday."

Ella started at him as she tried to recall the day. "The alliance soldier. Steven, right?"

He nodded once in agreement. "Commander Steven Hackett. Didn't think I'd ever see you again after you ran from the orphanage kid."

"How do you know about that?"

"I was the Alliance contact that showed up the night you threw that boy against the wall."

"So you already know?"

"Yeah kid, I know. What I don't know is where you've been the past four years."

"Would you accept 'just around'?" The frown he gave her was answer enough. "In town. I did some work for The Reds." She waited for the look of disgust, but it didn't show.

"So why are you here now?"

"Turn 18 next week. I'm done with the gangs. Figured the Alliance was the best way out for a biotic."

He leaned back in the chair. "I'll be honest Shepard, it's not going to be easy. You'll need to pass entrance exams since you didn't go through school. Not to mention the physical and biotics assessment. Think you can handle all that?"

"I'll do what it takes."

They stared at each other a moment, Hackett looking for some sign. "Well then, welcome to the Alliance, Shepard. You'll begin testing tomorrow." His hand extended towards hers. She shook it and his hand tightened around hers slightly. "Do you have a place to stay? A place away from The Reds?"

For the first time, her shoulders slumped as she pulled her hand away. "Not really. I'll find a place."

He shook his head no. "We have temporary housing. I'll get you set up with something away from their territory. You can't go back Ella. Be sure about this."

She nudged the leather bag towards him. "I'm not sure you understand. All I own is in this bag. I never fully joined The Reds and have no intentions of going back. Ever."

"Relax Shepard. I don't doubt your desires to get away, but even without being a full member, they'll be hard pressed to let you go. They've spent the last, what, three years grooming you? It'll be a major loss for them."

She sighed. "I know and I'm sorry I snapped. The temporary housing would be great.

He handed her a datapad. "No apologies needed. This has all the information you'll need for the next few days and an address for housing. You're scores will be sent to me once you're done with assessments."

She slipped the pad into her bag and stood. "Thank you, sir. I won't disappoint you."

"You have potential Shepard. Let them see that."

"I will sir." She headed towards the lobby, but paused at the threshold and looked back. "Do you ever hear from him?"

"Who?"

"Zaeed. I wonder about him sometimes."

"Occasionally. Less in the past few years."

"Next time you hear from him, tell him I say 'hi', would you?"

"I'll pass the message on."

"Thank you sir."

Hackett watched her leave the building before he shut the door and messaged his bounty hunter friend.