Shepard sits at her desk, her head in her hands, feeling a sense of desperation and frustration. Despite reaching out to everyone she could think of for help, it seems that most, if not all, are unwilling to help her in finding the Shadow. Even though Sara Anderson is a wanted woman, her reputation and connections make others reluctant to cross her or her employer, Solona. Garrus has done what he can, but he knows the limits of his influence, especially now that he is with Shepard aboard the Enterprise. However, there is one friend who is willing to lend a hand - the Shadow Broker.

Knowing that the Shadow Broker is one of the few individuals who can find anyone in the galaxy which includes the Shadow, Shepard has assigned Liara with the task of finding the Shadow. However, Liara is facing challenges in locating any records of a 'Sara Anderson' with the provided credentials. Shepard then suggests searching for a 'Sara Hackett', surprising Liara. She had no knowledge of Admiral Hackett having any children. Shepard reveals that Sara changed her name and her record in order to protect her father, as her line of work often attracts dangerous enemies. Liara promises to continue her search and gather any information she can, but it has already been four hours since their conversation.

Shepard anxiously waits, her mind filled with worry and urgency. Time is running out, and the Shadow is getting closer to achieving her goals. Shepard knows that they need to act swiftly to prevent the Shadow from causing further damage. She can only hope that Liara will uncover something that can help them in their goal of finding the elusive Shadow and ultimately stop her dangerous plans.

Katherine had left her quarters not long ago to attend her day shift, sticking to the condition of their relationship that their duties must always come first. As Shepard sits alone in her room, she reflects on how isolated she feels. It seems that everyone she knows has turned their backs on her, leaving only a select few who are willing to help. There are individuals she knows might be able to help her, but they are currently on the other side of her trooper's rifles. Despite the challenges, Shepard knows that the old enemy remains the greatest threat to their existence.

Feeling a sense of desperation, Shepard brings up her communication device and enters a message. After a few moments, an aged man with a scar from a long-ago battle appears on the screen. It's Admiral Hackett, the Alliance's main asset.

"Shepard... This is a surprise," Admiral Hackett says, his curiosity evident as to why Shepard, their enemy, is reaching out to him.

"Admiral... I am not too proud to admit that I sometimes need your help. But I need your help," Shepard says, her voice filled with a mixture of pain and urgency. It is difficult for her to admit her vulnerability, but she has nowhere else and no one else to turn to.

"Go on," Hackett responds, his curiosity piqued. Shepard proceeds to explain everything that has been happening - the discovery at the research facility, Sara's actions, and the threat posed by the Shadow. Then, in a moment she never thought she would experience, Shepard asks Hackett to help her find his daughter, Sara, so they can put an end to the Shadow's reign.

Hackett couldn't believe that Shepard, his daughter's best friend, would ask him to find Sara in order to end her. Shepard looked at the old Admiral, her desperation evident in her eyes.

"The research facility you found had the second intact Reaper... It was not Harbinger. Reports have said it is still intact but beyond use. There are now only two intact Reapers that we know of, as you very well know... I don't know where she is," Hackett says, his voice filled with uncertainty. Shepard leans back in her chair and sighs, feeling a sense of disappointment.

Hackett then revealed, "...But I can put you on her tail. Head to Akuz. She has a safe house there, in the financial district. The Locksley Hotel, Room 4177..." Shepard stared at him, intrigued.

"Akuz?" Shepard asked, filled with curiosity.

"Yes... head to Akuz, where her story began... and in some cases, yours too," Hackett continued to disclose.

"So it's true then... She created me?" Shepard inquired, seeking confirmation.

"No, she did not," Hackett replied. Shepard looked at him, now even more curious.

"You created your own legend... she simply laid the foundation and guided it in your direction. But it was your morals and ambition that shaped your legend. She ensured your name was brought to our attention multiple times and protected you throughout your career, even during your time with Cerberus... You owe her a great deal. But she never created you or your legend... just promise me one thing, Commander," Hackett stated. Shepard was still processing the weight of the admiral's words and nodded in response.

"Just make my little girl's death quick... please... That is all I ask," Hackett requested, presenting the hardest favor he had ever asked for. Shepard simply nodded. Hackett said nothing more and abruptly ended the connection. She knows that this task will be difficult, but she is determined to do what needs to be done to protect the galaxy. With a heavy heart, Shepard prepares herself for the mission ahead, knowing that she must confront Sara and put an end to the Shadow's reign.

--

Inside Coalition Space, planetary system of Akuz

Shepard finds herself on the ground alongside Garrus and Gibson. Karen and Aubree remain aboard the Enterprise, ready to provide backup if necessary. Shepard, dressed in casual civilian attire, donning a baseball cap and HUD sunglasses, navigates through the bustling city. Akuz, once plagued by Thresher Maws, has now transformed into a thriving colony following the Alliance's successful eradication efforts. While not on the same level as Elysium or Terra Nova, it resembles more of an Eden Prime or a second-phase colonization. With Liara's assistance, they secure a reservation at their EAO for their mission.

Unlike many other planets, Akuz has been fortunate enough to remain untouched by the ravages of this war, owing to its remote location. Upon entering the hotel, Garrus takes the lead and approaches the receptionist, swiftly obtaining the necessary information. Making their way up to the fourth floor, Shepard notices that their assigned room happens to be on the same floor as Sara's safe room, albeit a few doors away. As they ascend, Shepard observes how the locals pay them no mind, a testament to the lessons taught by Sara on blending in seamlessly. The team reaches their room without drawing unnecessary attention.

After waiting for a few hours, they finally decide to proceed to room 4177. Gibson takes charge of cracking keypad, while Garrus and Shepard keep a watchful eye, providing overwatch. Shepard takes a moment to survey the hotel surroundings, her gaze drawn to her best friend, the big bird standing next to her.

"You were here all those years ago, right?" Shepard inquired; her gaze fixed on Gibson as he unlocked the door. With the door swung open, all three of them stepped into the room. Shepard's eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the lived-in appearance, albeit not recently.

"You never did answer me, Vakarian," Shepard remarked, making her way over to the desk. The room held a sense of familiarity.

"Yes, I was part of the team that was sent here, just before I joined C-Sec... We may have cornered her. But she still had the upper hand," Garrus responded, as Gibson began his attempts to bypass the laptop's security protocols. After a few futile attempts, Gibson decided to enlist the help of DAN, their trusty AI companion. In a matter of minutes, DAN successfully cracked the laptop's defenses, allowing Gibson to delve into its contents.

Meanwhile, Shepard continued her exploration of the room. Approaching a nightstand, she opened the drawer and discovered an old-fashioned paper journal. Curiosity piqued, she grabbed it and began flipping through its pages, revealing a collection of entries penned by the Shadow. Her eyes settled on the final entry, capturing her full attention.

"I left the Alliance. Dad was furious, to put it mildly. I can't believe what they did to Jane. I did everything in my power to convince the Alliance leadership not to kill her. She's the only friend I've ever considered my best friend. I couldn't just abandon her to her fate... Apparently, Jane's mate's sister wants to hire me... I'll have to think about it. Right now, I really need to leave this hotel. The old research center might be a better place for now," Shepard read and reread the journal entry, her mind racing. 'The old research center'? Then it hit her, and she turned to Garrus.

"Garrus, do you still remember where the old research center is located?" Shepard asked, her voice filled with desperation. Garrus met her gaze and nodded.

"Yes, it's not far from here. We can reach it in about thirty minutes," Garrus replied, his tone determined. Meanwhile, Gibson powered off the laptop and closed it.

"Find anything interesting?" Shepard inquired; her curiosity piqued.

"Quite a bit. Just as you suspected, the old Research Center is mentioned numerous times," Gibson responded, sliding the laptop into his backpack for safekeeping.

As the group exits the room, a commotion outside the hotel catches Garrus' attention. He spots a contingent of Coalition soldiers making their way towards the building. Shepard, noticing the commotion as well, swiftly tucks Sara's journal into her cargo pants pocket. Taking the lead, Shepard guides them towards the stairs, opting for a discreet exit. With pistols drawn, Shepard, Gibson, and Garrus make their way to the back door of the hotel, cautiously listening for any signs of the approaching soldiers. Seizing the opportunity, the team slips out of the hotel unnoticed. Shepard and Gibson follow Garrus, their new target in mind. However, their progress is hindered by the presence of numerous Coalition soldiers on the main street. The shocking realization dawns upon Shepard and the team – the Coalition is actively hunting them.

As they navigate towards the old research center, where Garrus had been dispatched in the past to apprehend a notorious assassin known as the Shadow, Sara Anderson, they approach the back entrance of the building. Gibson takes charge of the keypad, attempting to crack the code, while Shepard and Garrus remain on high alert with their pistols at the ready. After tense moments, Gibson successfully opens the door. Shepard enters first, followed by Gibson and then Garrus. Surveying the facility, Shepard notices that the computer screens, reminiscent of the research center on Faros, are powered on and humming with electricity.

As Shepard, Garrus, and Gibson hear a sound emanating from the far corner, their attention immediately shifts towards it. The group tenses up, their senses heightened, as they cautiously proceed towards the security office. Shepard quickly searches the office and locates a computer. Sitting down, she retrieves a key card that she had held onto since their encounter on Faros, the same key card Sara had tossed to her. Inserting the card and turning it, the admin controls appear on the screen. Shepard delves into Sara's activities at the research center, hoping to uncover any information about the location of the third Reaper. Frustration builds within her as she realizes that although Sara had discovered the Reaper's whereabouts, she never entered the specific location into the system.

"God damn it," Shepard exclaims aloud, her disappointment evident. Garrus approaches her, observing as she continues to explore the system. Shepard discovers that Sara's actions at the research center closely mirror the Alliance's operations on Faros. Shepard also realizes that Sara had been utilizing the facility independently to decipher and process crucial information. Amidst her investigation, Shepard stumbles upon a password-protected file. She tries a few potential passwords, but none prove successful. Then, a thought occurs to her – Hackett was aware of the safe house. Perhaps Sara had left a cipher, but where?

As Shepard ponders the possibility of a cipher hidden within the journal, she retrieves it from her pocket and flips through its pages. Eventually, she comes across an entry—a letter addressed to Sara's father, detailing what to do in the event of her death. However, the letter doesn't mention how to unlock something specific. It simply states, "Mom will always know how to unlock our hearts." Shepard contemplates these words, her mind racing. She realizes that Sara's mother's name might hold the key. Recalling the name, Mariam, Shepard enters it as a password, hoping for a breakthrough. To her surprise, the file she had been searching for finally appears on the screen.

As Shepard delves into the contents of the file, she discovers something she didn't want to see. It reveals a heated argument between Sara and Chairman Vakarian regarding the fate of the Reaper God. The Chairman advocates for its destruction and research, while Sara argues that if they can control the ancient being, they can wield its power against the Republic's enemies. The argument continues for some time, leaving Shepard feeling nauseated by what she witnesses. Eventually, the two parties declare the discussion moot for the time being, acknowledging the need to locate the Reaper on Noveria first.

Shepard's jaw drops as she hears the location revealed in the file. Suddenly, a surge of excruciating pain shoots through her head, causing her to grasp her head in agony. Garrus watches with concern as Shepard screams, her body wracked by the intensity of the vision. In the vision, she sees the Coalition soldiers closing in on the Research Center, confirming the imminent danger they face. As quickly as the pain arrives, it dissipates, leaving Shepard shaken.

"We need to leave now," Shepard declares, her voice laced with pain. She knows better than to ignore these visions, as they have proven eerily accurate in the past, such as on Faros. Shepard's mind races as she tries to make sense of the visions that haunt her. The pain that accompanies them is agonizing, but she has started to learn how to tolerate it, knowing that these visions hold essential information. With a deep breath, she steadies herself and leads her team out of the building, resolved to discover the truth behind these bizarre visions.

As they navigate through the building's corridors, Shepard's mind is filled with questions. Are these visions a product of her own subconscious? Or are they being sent to her by an external force? She wonders if they are a warning, a glimpse into possible futures. The uncertainty gnaws at her, but she knows that she cannot let it distract her from the mission at hand.

Shepard's team follows her lead, their trust in her unwavering. They move swiftly, their senses heightened as they make their way through the dimly lit hallways. Shepard's trembling gradually subsides as her focus shifts to the immediate task of escaping the building. Her training kicks in, guiding her movements with precision and efficiency.

Finally, they emerge from the building, stepping out into the cool night air. Shepard takes a moment to gather her thoughts, her mind still reeling from the intensity of the vision. She knows that she must find answers, but for now, her priority is the safety of her team and the successful completion of their mission.

They navigate through the back alleys, moving swiftly and silently. In an alleyway, they find refuge as a detail of Coalition soldiers passes by, one of them shining a flashlight down the alley. The team presses themselves against the wall, holding their breaths until the soldier moves on. With their hearts pounding, they continue their journey towards the pickup area.

Shepard contacts the Enterprise, informing them of the completion of their objective and urgently requesting extraction. They continue jogging through the alleyway, relying on their HUDs to guide them. After a few minutes, they reach a clearing where they spot a small group of Coalition soldiers guarding the pickup area.

"Be advised... Area hot... Coalition forces are deemed hostile," Shepard quickly relays the information to Katherine and the rest of the Enterprise crew, catching them by surprise. As they wait for extraction, Shepard's ears pick up the sound of an approaching shuttle. The Coalition soldiers notice it too, and one of them radios in to confirm if there is a friendly shuttle in the area. Shepard takes aim, intending to incapacitate rather than kill. She fires her pistol, successfully hitting one soldier in the shoulder with two rounds. In response, the remaining soldiers pull back the bolts on their rifles and return fire.

Taking cover behind cars, Shepard's team tries to shield themselves from the incoming bullets. Garrus peeks up and returns fire, providing support to suppress the Coalition soldiers. Despite the intense firefight, Shepard remains focused and determined.

Shepard urgently asks for an ETA from the shuttle pilot, who responds with two minutes. Shepard and her team continue to exchange fire with the Coalition soldiers, refusing to back down. However, as Shepard fires her pistol, the last thermal clip flies out, and the slide stays open. She quickly drops the empty magazine, replaces it with a fresh one, and resumes firing.

More Coalition soldiers arrive on the scene, escalating the already intense situation. Just as things seem dire, the shuttle arrives, its door opening to reveal two Phoenix soldiers who immediately join the fight, they begin firing at the Coalition soldiers. Shepard and her team seize the opportunity to fall back towards the shuttle.

Unfortunately, Shepard is only a few feet away from the shuttle when two rounds from the Coalition soldiers find their mark in her right leg. Shepard falls to the ground in pain, but Garrus swiftly moves back to her side. With strength and determination, he lifts her onto his shoulder, carrying her towards the safety of the shuttle.

As Garrus boards the shuttle, the door closes, shielding them from the incoming fire of the Coalition soldiers. Shepard winces from the pain caused by the rounds that pierced through her leg. Inside the shuttle, one of the soldiers quickly retrieves their first aid kit and does what they can to provide immediate medical assistance. Fortunately, the Enterprise is not far away, offering hope for further medical attention and a chance to regroup.

--

Shepard stands in the QEC, and the blinking device indicates an incoming call. Shepard is well aware of who is calling and the reason behind it. The pain in her right leg serves as a constant reminder of why. The medi-gel has provided some relief, thanks to the doctor's swift action. After a brief moment, Katherine's voice comes through the intercom.

"Shepard, the director presses on speaking with you," Katherine says. Shepard presses the button, revealing an extremely irritated Director Harper.

"What in the hell were you thinking?" Director Harper exclaims, almost shouting.

"I was doing my job, Director," Shepard calmly responds, while the director places her head in her hand, muttering under her breath.

"And does your job involve firing at our allies?" Harper questions the renowned Commander Shepard.

"I fired to escape. I may have grazed a few, but the injuries were superficial. They were hunting us down... I won't let bureaucracy or the Republic hinder me," Shepard defends herself.

"Especially when they are hunting a Reaper! I won't sacrifice the soul of my species or any other race to preserve the Reapers!" Shepard emphasizes, expressing her determination. Director Harper looks at Shepard, clearly frustrated.

"Goddammit Shepard... At least give me a heads-up next time. I did what I could to contain the situation... they want me to recall you," Director Harper says, as Shepard gazes at her.

"I can handle it, Director... I know its location, along with the Shadow," Shepard replies, intentionally keeping it a secret for now.

"And where might that be?" Director Harper asks, aware that Shepard won't disclose the information.

"I prefer to keep that under wraps for the time being," Shepard states.

"What do you plan to do with the Reaper god?" Harper inquires.

"Kill it... as far as I know, I'm capable of doing so," Shepard responds simply.

"...and the Shadow?" Harper seeks clarification.

"...I will put an end to the Shadow's reign once and for all," Shepard asserts, causing Harper to sigh.

"Fine... Do what you have to. You have my support," Harper concedes. Shepard is about to say something, but the director interrupts.

"...let me finish. I will support you this time. But if you fail? Your field career is over... is that clear, Commander?" Director Harper states firmly. Shepard sighs but nods in agreement. The communication ends, and Shepard gazes ahead. She sends a message to Katherine, instructing her to start making their way to Noveria.