A/N: This chapter is going to stray from canon somewhat just to fit into the timeline I have created. I believe it flows better. There will be a slight backtrack in time just to get Shepard's story.

HERS

Shepard was definitely not keen on working with Cerberus, but they were taking action against the Collectors and therefore the Reapers. It was a tenuous relationship, but as long as the Illusive Man played straight with her, it would work.

Finding the empty colony of Freedom's Progress was unnerving, almost like Eden Prime, but no geth. Seeing Tali again was good, but her friend Veetor's security footage was invaluable. She knew they needed help. Real help from the Alliance and the Council.

"We need to take the fight to the Collectors," the Illusive Man said.

"If we're going to war, we're going to need an army or at least a really good team," said Shepard decisively. He has to see reason here.

"Agreed. I've already compiled a list of soldiers, scientists and mercenaries. You'll get dossiers on the best of them. Convincing them to join you could take some doing, but you're a natural leader." The holographic image couldn't hide the ass-kissing smile on the Illusive Man's face. Shepard's stomach turned.

"Keep your list. I had a great team against Saren. They were people I trust, not your people who could very well stab me in the back."

"I'm surprised, Shepard. You have to realize that was two years ago. Most of them have moved on. Or their allegiances have changed." I know he's manipulating me.

Shepard ran through the list: Garrus, Liara, Wrex, Tali. Every one had a real reason for not being available to her. She closed her eyes, took a breath and said the name that was first on her mind, but last on her list.

"What about Kaidan Alenko?" Please give me something.

"He's still with the Alliance, promoted I believe. His file is surprisingly well-classified." The Illusive Man seemed to relish her obvious disappointment.

Shepard didn't buy that explanation for one minute, but she knew she was being forced to go along with his plan his way. She would do what needed to be done for the greater good, ignoring her own personal desires. It had to be this way.

Still, she had a few hours to burn. She went to her quarters and flipped on her console. Pulling up an extranet search engine, she began typing…K-a-i-d-a-n A-l-e-n-k-o. I have to at least know that he's alive. Only old articles about their battle against Saren and the geth appeared. Nothing for two years. She found a picture that she liked and downloaded it into a vid frame. At least I can imagine he's here.

HIS

"Commander Alenko, you are going to the colony of Horizon. Your official assignment is to set up defense towers for the colony. This will be what you tell everyone there. What you are told next is a covert operation and the Alliance will deny any involvement should a leak occur. Is that understood?" Admiral Hackett's voice over the vid comm was stern.

"Yes, sir. Understood, sir." Kaidan said.

"As I'm sure you have seen in the news, human colonies are disappearing. They have been for some time. Alliance intel believes that Cerberus is behind these disappearances. They've been spied studying the empty colonies including Freedom's Progress. Alenko, I need to make sure that you are on board with this. No reservations because of what I'm going to ask you."

"No reservations, sir."

"All right. Commander Shepard was seen with the Cerberus operatives on Freedom's Progress. We believe she has gone rogue and is now working with them. The reason is unknown. We are sending you to Horizon because we have received information that it will be the next colony hit. Given your, ah, history with the Commander, we are essentially sending you as bait."

Kaidan winced at Hackett's words. How could she go to Cerberus? We saw all the horrific things they did. To Admiral Kahoku. She couldn't be willingly working with them. But why would she fake her death and disappear for two years? Was what we had all a ruse? Maybe she has better mind control than I thought. Kaidan shook his head in anguish.

"Understood, sir. Is there anything else, sir?" Kaidan tried to keep his voice from sounding pained.

"Yes, you are authorized to use any force necessary to neutralize the threat Shepard may pose. I'm not saying she will, but you and I both know her fierce determination to get the job done."

Kaidan cleared his throat. "Yes, sir."

"Hackett out." And the vid comm flickered off. Kaidan made a beeline for Councilor Anderson's office.

"What the hell is going on?" Kaidan yelled as soon as he entered the office. Anderson and Udina stared.

"Udina, if you would excuse us. This is a private conversation," Anderson directed.

"Of course, you know where I'll be." Udina's haughty voice and scowl just irritated Kaidan further.

When the door closed behind Udina, Anderson thundered over to the angry solider. "May I remind you, Commander, that the Alliance cooperates with the Council and you will give me the respect I deserve!"

Kaidan's eyes squinted accusingly. "Tell me what's going on with Shepard, sir. The Council knows more about this than we do, don't you?"

"Officially, we know nothing. I cannot tell you Shepard's whereabouts or even confirm that she is still alive."

"I'm not a dumbass, Anderson. I thought she meant something to you, more than all this political bullshit."

"I'm sorry, Alenko. I can't tell you anything. Just do what you've been told. Go to Horizon." Regret filled Anderson's face.

Kaidan left the office; his mind reeling. He didn't want to believe that Shepard could be anything but the model soldier he thought she was. But he had seen her in that news vid with a woman and a man wearing the Cerberus symbol. He couldn't deny that much was true. Why would you do this, Rachel? Why would you betray everything I thought we stood for? Betray me?