Archturus-Prime Ministers Chamber
Barry Soren sat behind his desk going through the files of 'paper work' and data that was streaming through his office computer. In other words things were going good for the Galaxy. Or at least my plans for the Galaxy, he smirked to himself, it all sounds so cut throat and muhahaha.
The coup was going well, the Salarian Union was about to fall in line and the rest of the Council Governments were already towing the party line. Which left the disparate Terminus Systems, and some of the non-aligned parts of the Galaxy, to worry about. The Batarians, who were a rather concerning, loss, the Krogan, the Quarians, the Geth…but against the weight of the entire Galaxy? Soren didn't overestimate their chances.
The main problem facing his mind was that Abigail Shepard and Cynthia Jackson had managed to rescue Hudson from the clutches of Hudson's and Bronson's team.
"Prime Minister," His desk chimed at him, "The meeting is about to start for the other Council Governments, and your shuttle is fueled and ready to go."
"Thanks Emma." He grunted into the speaker, before activating his holo display, the other Council Government officials came up in miniature on his table.
"Good afternoon Councilors, and fellow delegates, and how are things in your part of the Galaxy today?" Soren grinned at the assembled group of people.
"Pretty well, things are moving at pace." The Turian Primarch mumbled groggily.
Going to have to keep my eye on that one, Soren thought.
"Thessia is almost secure, and so are some of the outer colonies. We may have some trouble with Illium but overall the Thessian labor board is striking due to the arranged work stoppages which are allowing our forces to secure the planet and remove any trace of dissidents." The newest Asari Matriarch purred over her comlink.
"And what about the Salarians?" The Prime Minister inquired of the assembled delegates.
They glanced at each other through the display board of the holo gram.
The Turian cleared his throat, "We have elite shock forces moving in on the Salarian STG…but for the moment they have defeated us…we need more time, but fortunately it looks as though we still have agents both near the Dalatrass and within the STG."
Soren sighed, "Any chance we can get a sphere close to her?"
"Not without the Salarians noticing the situation and eliminating our operatives, we need more time."
As the Turian was explaining the situation Nathan Burke entered the room, the door closing in his wake. Soren waved to him and held up his palm, hoping the gesture didn't attract any attention from the people who were on the conference call.
"And what about Shepard?" Soren asked turning to face the assembled group.
"Shepard?" Primarch Victus blinked. "Abigail Shepard?"
"She escaped, or at the least her crew did, they are the unknown here and they need to be dealt with." Soren uttered.
The Asari groused, "She is a Spectre, an N7 operative, well trained, and well disciplined…"
"Thank you for the complete bio that we are all aware of." Soren sneared.
She sneered back, "OK try this one on for size…she is popular…people listen to her. And while she has never had an interest in politics beyond her actions in the Reaper war if she were to use that power…"
"Which is why we need to figure out a way to deal with her."
"What do you suggest?"
He laid out his plan quickly and was met with every increasing nods of agreement at his pronouncements, when he was done, they vowed to make their own plans and get their own things done, and disappeared to achieve them.
Soren eyed Nathan as he got up.
"You sure she's alive?" Soren asked the Special Forces Operative.
"Well," the man scratched at his neck, "I did get her pretty good, but she's…"
"Yeah I know," Soren frowned, "Shepard. And so they got her to the shuttle and you just let them, along with the former Prime Minister?"
"It was that or die." Burke gestured emphatically.
"I know, I know I am not blaming you, just frustrating, that the one thing that could stop our plans got through our fingers nearly unscathed." He sighed turning to the view port.
"What do you think of my plan?" Soren asks turning to him.
"Bold," Burke mused, "but boldness is required if we are too complete the capture of Abigail Shepard."
Soren nodded, "Thank you, go wait for me on the shuttle."
Normandy-med bay
Abigail groaned as she tried to sit up in her bed after her surgery, she rubbed the side of her stomach where there was a nice new scar to join the small assortment of little nicks she had accumulated over the years. Her stomach was showing good given that she was in a thick hospital bra like thing.
"Oooh Lola, another battle trophy?" She heard, and started.
She glanced up at her husband, "James," She grunted trying to sit up even more, wincing all the way, "not funny…" Abby smirked, "may all of our scars be internal emotional things."
"Amen to that." James nodded gravely.
"So how are things while since I went MIA? Chakwas hasn't seen fit to give me any news." The former Spectre said by way of explanation, given that I am now opposed to the governments that have given me that position.
"You are supposed to be recovering and on restricted duty." Chakwas grunted over in the corner.
Abigail harrumphed.
"Well, we have taken position on the edge of the system where Eden Prime is. Away from Alliance sensor nets lost in the universal background noise, and with the stealth system engaged." James started to explain.
"Very good."
"And, Miranda is trying to get the information from any Alliance or Citadel data streams on the situation through the rest of the Galaxy."
"And?" Abigail pressed.
"And, it's not good, according to her sources they are already starting to move on the Salarian Union, and the rest of the Citadel Governments are making more moves slowly behind the scenes to seize control of the ExtraNet, the health care industry, and a few other places. With Soren's extracurricular activities there is no one in the Alliance who has caught on yet."
Abby groused, "Come on there has to be someone who has noticed something going on."
"If they have they are being quiet about it, but Miranda is guessing they are about to make their move…" Off of her look, "I guess they are doing a press conference in a few moments, one can guess what they are going to be talking about…"
"I agree," Abigail nodded trying to get up.
"Shepard!" Chakwas chastised stepping forward.
"Doc, relax, I am just going to walk to where they will be screening the press conference," Abigail said holding her off and glancing at James.
"Actually there is a crowd gathering in the mess hall, Miranda is tuning it in as we speak."
"Excellent," She grunted through her pain as she began to limp out of the med bay and around the corner, favoring her side.
It took her nearly a minute to get into the mess hall. James shadowing her all the way, his hand hovering over her back. Making sure your Captain doesn't trip and all and make a oaf of herself, smooth Lieutenant Commander.
But she managed, turning the corner and saw the group of people that had assembled for this auspicious occasion. Mainly her entire former squad, who was still alive and on the Normandy and any of the senior staff that, had chosen to get up and get their butts moving on.
Some of them turned at her presence, Miranda, Ashley, and Joker.
"Shepard!" Ashley grinned getting up.
Miranda just grinned a bit seeing her up.
"Hey Comma…I mean Captain." Joker grunted.
The 'Captain' grinned and waved them all down, "Please, thank you, but no fuss please, I am just here to see what our lord and masters have to say for themselves." She glanced around the room and her nose hairs began to percolate. "Is that popcorn, I smell?"
Traynor grabbed the popcorn dish and waved it around.
"Now Traynor," Abby smirked with a teasing tone, "this is a press conference of daring due, not a movie.
"Sorry Captain," The communications specialist replied in kind.
"Shush it's about to start!" Miranda yelped behind them joining in on the fun.
The Special Forces Captain chose to sit down, Cameron glanced at her, they nodded at one another quickly, and James glanced between them sitting down at Abby's opposite side.
The picture screen crackled before them as it flashed white with a black spot racing across it.
"Seriously Miranda?" Abby said glancing at the perfect woman.
The Operative shrugged a shoulder at her Captain and munched on a single popcorn kernel.
"Pass it over."
Traynor did so and gave her the bowl, Abby took it and plucked a reasonable hand full from it and offered some to James and Cameron.
The picture finally settled down, revealing a picture of the Presidium outside of the elevator to the Citadel Tower where the Council met. A microphone was set up behind a podium, all for show, and a reasonably attractive Asari stood there.
All for show, Abby frowned taking in the form fitting cat suit with cut outs in all the right places, well if that didn't get people's attention around the Galaxy her outfit would .
"Ladies and gentlemen," She spoke finally nodding her head, "assembled delegates, the Prime Minister of the Systems Alliance…Soren." She nodded and bowed out of the picture.
Barry Soren mounted the podium looked around, took a drink of water, composed himself, then opened his mouth and speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, assembled Asari and others across the Galaxy. I bring you grave news." He paused to let the notion sink in. "Recently the Citadel Governments led by the Systems Alliance Special Forces, the N7 branch, the Turian Armalir division, and Asari Commando service has recently broken up and neutralized an anti-Government conspiracy that threatened the very heart of the Citadel itself."
Abigail frowned as he took a moment to collect himself in.
"And while the immediate crisis has passed for the moment we were not completely successful in rounding up the conspirators. Mainly Daniel Hudson, bitter opposition for losing the vote, and Abigail Shepard who has been advocating and agitating a restoration of the benefits that needed to be slashed from the Veterans retirement fund. These cuts however have been necessary because in the post Reaper War we all need to make sacrifices, but rest assured the Government is working address all the grievances, even the ones of terrorists." Soren finished bluntly.
"What?!" The object of his accusations felt her jaw nearly hit the floor.
The crowd on the screen grumbled like wise.
"We have proof, a recent video that the Captain released before trying to attack a Government compound."
A holographic version of herself appeared behind the Prime Minister, her face was severe, and the real life doppelganger looked at the screen in puzzlement.
"To Prime Minister Hudson," Her voice said shrilly, "If we do not get an immediate redress and restoration of the military rights, that the Alliance Government has promised for years, then I will feel compelled to join with Daniel Hudson and take dramatic action to address and fix the situation!"
"WHAT?!" The Captain shouted making Cameron jump.
The crowd murmured over the screen.
"To that effect!" Soren shouted over the tumult gaining in the room.
"To that effect," He repeated when it died down, "The Citadel council has agreed to form a multi species, independent team to track the criminals down to the end of the Galaxy. This group will be led by Nathan Burke, an Alliance N7 operative, and commiserate with the responsibilities, the power, and tradition, the third human Spectre, since he is hunting down not one, but two rogue Spectre's."
As he was speaking Nathan led a small precession of troops out of the Ward access tunnel.
"Well that's brilliant." Miranda said behind Shepard sounding legitimately impressed.
"Why?" Cameron asked turning to her, Abby turned to him and saw him frown in recognition.
"Well…it's us."
"Oh…crap." Cameron grunted turning back to the screen.
So did Shepard, and Nathan's 'team' was now out there. He had two humans with him, the woman looked familiar…the woman who attacked the Hudson compound…A Turian, an Asari, a Krogan and a Batarian.
Miranda's right.
"And now, Admiral Jameson to discuss the official position of the Alliance Military." Soren gestured to the side.
Abby felt her eye arch up as Jameson, in her dress blues rounded the corner. She looked stiff, stiffer than usual.
She cleared her throat, "It is not the position of the Alliance military to conduct terrorist operations against the elected Government of the people of the Alliance. We live in a Democracy with elected officials, and though we may disagree with their actions it is the responsibility of every citizen to engage in the democratic process and to go through the system to redress their grievances, and not abort or impose their will on the system just because they do not get their way, that is why we are creating this team, that is why the former Spectre must be brought to justice!"
Abigail felt her eye twitch as she just barely restrained whacking her head with the palm of her hand.
Soren mounted the podium nodding graciously"They are the finest Special Forces, intelligence, and mercenary operatives from across the Galaxy; they will bring the criminals to justice, or die trying! And they will succeed because they have the entire Citadel united behind them to deal with this threat! May God and the deities watch over us!"
Nice touch, Abigail conceded cocking her head to the side.
He began to leave the podium taking the group with him as they left.
"Mr. Soren Mr. Soren! Commander Burke!" The press shouted after them.
But they fell on deft ears.
Shepard went back to stewing, "Conference room five minutes!" She grunted getting up. "Traynor, see if you can get a hold of Liara."
"Right away." The Communications specialist yelped as they all scrambled to get briefing notes together for their Captain.
War Room
Captain Abigail Shepard limped into the War Room, scowling, six minutes later; the crew was waiting patiently for her. She shuddered as she completed the march down the steps. The crew had gathered standing around the central table, and Liara was there, in hologram, standing next to Traynor who was probably trying to manipulate the communication controls.
"Liara, good to see you again." Abigail nodded smiling.
"Indeed, good to be seen."
Something in that piqued Abigail's curiosity so she inclined her head and asked, "What has been happening?"
"Well, I had intelligence they were coming for me-"
"You had intelligence this was going to happen?" Abigail cut her off.
Liara sighed, "It was mere hours before the coup was supposed to begin and I had to evacuate all my files off planet and the rest of my equipment. My curiosity was piqued when a powerful Matriarch had orders from the Asari Government to evacuate my charity organizations off of Thessia. Apparently our services were no longer needed. Suspicious I did some back ground checking, and apparently I was doing too good a job, and was too hard to control. I took the hint that something was going on and left Thessia quickly."
"And now you're set up?" Abby pressed.
"Basically, just a couple of hours ago, had to make sure no one was on my tail and I could risk it, getting set up again."
"Good of you to make it…status?" She turned to the rest of the room. "Just what was the whole military benefits thing about?"
Miranda started, "Well part of his program is to transfer funds out of the retired pension and health care fun to 'vital projects' throughout the Alliance."
"First I'm hearing of this," Abigail shook her head astonished, "is the man insane? That would cause…" She struggled for the proper words.
"Which," Miranda filled in, "Is probably why they used it to set you up in the first place. The public knows how the military acts about those benefits and there has been significant heat over any military spending in the wake of the Reaper war. It's a plausible scape goat that makes you look bad, a brilliant political move."
The Captain of Special Forces nodded slowly, "What about the situation throughout the rest of the Council Governments?"
"The Salarian situation is still in flux, the Turian, Human, and Asari Governments look to be completely under Soren and the Leviathan's direct control. As for the Batarians, Yagh, Vorcha, Krogan, Quarians, and Geth all my information indicates they are 'free' for the moment, but none of them are in much of a position to help right now and many of them probably wouldn't care." Miranda explained.
"What about the Krogan?" Abigail asked curious.
"It looks like," Liara cut in, "that attack orders have gone out to human and Turian command to blockade Tuchanka, cut them off, I doubt they can be a help to us."
Abigail nodded again, "Alright…what about this opposition team that has been put together?"
Traynor was the first to speak out, "Me, EDI, Miranda, and Liara have been going through the pictures of and the footage of the event compiling dossiers and seeing what we can come up with."
"Put them up," Abby ordered turning to the War Room.
Traynor nodded and got to work.
The first picture popped up in the holographic blue, this one happened to be an official Alliance file photo, with the occupant wearing his standard dress blues, and frowning stiffly into the camera.
"Him we know," Abigail pointed out, "Nathan Burke…anything new that we should know?"
Miranda started off, "He was one the Leviathan enthrallment teams as an N6 operative and eventually an N7, going deep behind Reaper territory, being assigned to one of the N7 multi species combat teams."
"He was on the Leviathan enthrallment team? That might explain a lot." Abby mused.
"Yeah, like how he was able to fall under their sway so easily." Miranda agreed.
The next photo that came up was the Alliance operations file, the one for the one who tried to assassinate Daniel Hudson at first. She had dirty blond hair and a rough demeanor.
"Amanda Bronson," Traynor started, "Alliance Special Forces, considered too violent and did not match the psych profile to be an N7, never rose higher then N5 till the war when she was eventually given a promotion due to need, became an N6, was assigned to the Leviathan team, had a team wiped out from under her, then was assigned as Burke's second in command. There were rumors they were…more than friends."
Abby and James smirked trading a look, Cameron glanced longingly at Miranda, she stiffened but Cameron moved to look away.
The next picture came up was one directly from the holo feed, it was blurry but showed a rather severe Turian…even by Turian standards…
"Corbulo…he-"
"Led the assault team that came to get me." Garrus finished the thought.
Traynor nodded and continued, "Turian Special Forces, also on the Leviathan teams, he was rescued by Burke's squad and swore himself to his side. Was one of the most distinctive and decorated Turian soldiers during the entire war effort."
Abby nodded, the show continued.
"Rael," Liara said as a bulky Asari appeared on the screen, "Commandos, no real relation to Nathan Burke but is an Asari Valkyrie that became well known in the war for conducting raids on Reaper forces, hit and runs on the outer colonies. She is…most lethal."
"Next," Abby sighed uninterested.
A Krogan appeared on the screen, his face was passive, and his features were…typically Krogan, Abigail frowned.
"Gattatog Lurn, former mercenary, and a lieutenant serving in the New Dawn Movement as a platoon leader. After the surrender he returned to the Terminus systems. He is quite deadly." Liara continued.
"I am sensing a pattern here." James grunted.
Abby smirked.
But the next face caused Abby's mouth to hang open as she recognized him.
"This is Ragurok," Liara gestured, "He's the-"
"Batarian we picked up from the one place which allowed us to break the case?"
"The one and only," Traynor confirmed.
"He is a highly skilled operator, assigned to the Batarian Special Intervention Unit," EDI explained, "He served with Balak, and had a brother on Bahak, as well as a girlfriend."
"Wonderful," The former Spectre groused. "Anyone else?"
"That would seem to be it," Liara grunted her hologram shimmering.
The room was silent as if everyone was catching their breath and considering the changing, and in fact developing, situation.
"Alright, so now what?" James shrugged.
"We strike back," Abby offered quickly, "we hit them where it hurts and where they least expect it. Right now they are vulnerable; right now they are still consolidating their forces. The time to strike is now, before they can gather themselves and seize more power."
"With what?" Cameron snapped coming forward. "One frigate? No allies or support other than Liara T'soni, against what seems to be the entire Alliance, and indeed the entire Citadel Council, no there is no way we can stand against that."
"You suggesting we run?" She sneered back placing her hands on the table.
"Your damn right, we need to stay low and see how the situation develops. Right now all we know is our allies are either cut off, under siege, or about to be converted. Our traditional support systems have been corrupted and turned against us. Our only option is to run and wait for the situation to change for the better. To gather allies and see where we can make a stand, who will help us, who won't, and gather resources."
"You've had experiences at this?" The Prime Shepard arched her eyebrow and smirked.
"You could say that." Cameron conceded nodding.
"So what," Abby challenged, "we just give up on Earth and let it fall?"
"Earth has fallen," Cameron stated plainly, "All we can do is manage the damage and try and take her back."
Damn, he's right, Abigail realized now that her mind had an extra second to think about it. But she couldn't quite admit it as she stared her male doppelganger down.
"Where do you suggest we go then?" Abigail hissed.
"That is up to you, I am not a part of this universe," Cameron shook his head taking a step back.
The room fell into silence again as each crewmember in turn thought of the options. Their options were limited and few, but also infinite, they just had to pick the right one.
"Sanctuary." Traynor's voice broke through the room.
"I beg your pardon?" Shepard asked.
"It's perfect." Miranda nodded.
"Horizon?" Cameron asked.
Traynor nodded, "Its off in the Terminus Systems and the prospectors that founded the colony made a point to divorce themselves from the Alliance, it is not under Alliance control, so like the rest of the Systems it is unlikely to have fallen under the control of the Leviathans, at least yet."
Abigail shrugged.
"Besides, with your history with the planet it would be the last place anyone would expect you to go." Miranda pointed out.
Abigail looked up and traded a look with her friend, she winced at the notion.
"Or the first place." James added unnesseccarily.
"Alright," Ashley decided, "I'm all in for Horizon, and at least we can see if they are in the game for us or if they are in the game for the enemy. Gather supplies, maybe connect with and form a resistance group."
"Sounds good to me." Cameron concurred.
As if that makes it final.
But they all turned to her, as if expecting me to make the final decision…even though its Ashley's command.
She thought about it for a split second, "Ashley, you have my blessing, if you think it's the right call then get us to Horizon."
Ashley nodded before leaving the room and heading onto the CIC.
It left the Captain looking around the room as the rest of them stayed, "Crew…dismissed."
Port Observation Room
Abigail Shepard walked in on Daniel Hudson looking outside the window at the stars whirring past, an arm leaning against the top of the bulkhead. She froze watching him for a second and seeing if he could detect her presence.
After it became obvious he didn't she cleared her throat. The man twirled on her in surprise and smiled upon recognizing her.
"Abigail." He smiled.
"Prime Minister." She bowed slightly.
"Always an odd turn of phrase that was," the man before her mused, "I do not understand why people insist on calling me Prime Minister even though that is no longer my job."
Shepard bit her lip before responding, "I think it has to do with being respectful, after all it was the highest position in Government you have achieved, it shall always be known by that title."
He sighed, "Hell of an epitaph."
Abigail nodded her head conciliatory, "That isn't why I came through."
"Oh? You have to have a reason to visit your old friend?"
The woman smirked nodding her head, "But seriously…I want and think you need to start a voice of the resistance. You are the most powerful orator that I know, while we go into hiding and start gathering allies you can be the rallying cry through the night, to anyone bold enough to listen."
"I think you are probably better at it then I am, I have heard tales of how you have turned around entire armies with nothing but your voice."
"Maybe," Abigail conceded, "But I am even better at shooting things."
"Yeah," Hudson sighed turning back to the window for a second. "OK, I'll do it, if you can gather the supplies I need."
"Alright then, I will see what EDI and Ashley can scrounge up."
"Good hunting Captain," He said over his shoulder as she left the room.