Italics- Flashback or Temporary Timeskip Forward

The Quarian and Geth have only been at war with the Systems Alliance for a little more than 76 hours. Many think it is a lopsided war as the Alliance is vastly superior. However, after Phoenix's broadcasted assault and the apparent reentry of the Orbital Station, public outcry ensued, leading to protests against the current administration. Citizens are calling for the Prime Minister's resignation, but he denies any involvement in the Quarian orbital station attack, claiming that neither he nor the Admiralty authorized such an action. He maintains that the Alliance would never stoop to using orbital platforms as weapons, despite evidence to the contrary. The protests coincide with a growing defection of Alliance ships and soldiers to what's become known as Shepard's War.

On the Turian's homeworld Palaven, the situation is equally perilous to that of the Alliance. The Primarch's continued support of the Alliance creates division among his people, many of whom remember how Commander Shepard fought for them and risked everything for their sake. She is the Human they trust the most. Turians and Krogan alike lost their lives on Palaven, within an Alliance forged by Commander Shepard. A Turian faction has broken off from the Hierarchy, and seven planets have declared their independence from the Hierarchy and the "traitor" Victus. The Hierarchy has realized that these rebels have support from what is now considered public enemy number two, the organization known as Phoenix, and public enemy number one, Commander Jane Shepard. However, this public statement is not met with enthusiasm.

The Salarians, for the most part, have maintained a neutral position in the impending war. However, their status and prestige in the galaxy have greatly diminished since Urdnot Wrex exposed their double-crossing tactics, revealing their attempt to sabotage the cure for the genophage. Consequently, they are cautious not to take sides and are being closely monitored by both parties.

The Asari find themselves in a similar predicament as the Salarians. Once the truth about how they achieved their power and advanced technology became public knowledge, their standing in the galaxy diminished rapidly. However, unlike the Salarians, the Asari people are demanding the Matriarchs take a stand, and the cries are largely in favor of Phoenix and Shepard. The Matriarchs, however, remain hesitant to commit to a side.

--

Three Weeks Later

"Move!" Shepard barks, commanding three squads of Quarian and Geth troopers as they engage an Alliance unit. Shepard takes cover behind a Geth trooper and orders the advance, encouraging her allies to move without stopping. "Sitrep now!" she demands.

"We're advancing now! Krogan forces are pushing the Alliance back into the breach!" Jack reports.

"Excellent work. Keep the pressure up," Shepard replies, firing her SCAR rifle at the retreating Alliance as she advances with her allied forces. However, she's unaware of a lone sniper in a ruined building who has taken aim at her. The sniper waits and watches as Shepard continues to fight alongside her allies. As the Alliance falls back, the sniper sees an opportunity to take the shot.

As Shepard changed her magazine, a slug slammed into her, sending her back a few feet, and she slammed into a Geth rocket trooper. Quickly, the Geth pulled her out of the line of fire as Shepard remained on the ground while being dragged away. A trail of crimson blood followed her as one of the Quarian marines approached her.

The marine assessed the situation and saw that the slug hit Shepard's vest just above her heart. Unfortunately, it shattered the ceramic plate and went straight through her, exiting out her back. The marine did what he could to help the hero of the galaxy.

"We need immediate medical evacuation! Commander Shepard is down and critical! I repeat, we need immediate medical evacuation!" the Quarian marine announced urgently over the comms.

--

48 Hours Earlier

Galactic civilization is in disarray as the Geth and their Quarian creators launch coordinated attacks on three Alliance bases. Meanwhile, Shepard is en route to the newly established capital city of the United Krogan Clans. The newly created war has caught the Citadel Council off guard and they are ill-equipped to handle the situation. Their hope that the Commander Shepard matter would be resolved has been proven unfounded.

As Shepard looks out at the newly constructed buildings of the Krogan home world, she is uncertain whether her old friend Urdnot Wrex will offer his support. Having previously promised not to expand by conquest, many remain skeptical of his intentions. Nonetheless, Shepard remains determined to try and secure his aid.

As the shuttle initiates its landing sequence, Shepard's team sits across from her, exhausted from the past few weeks of nonstop activity. They're hoping that with Krogan support, they can turn the tide in their favor. Despite recent defections and desertions, the Alliance still remains a formidable presence in the galaxy.

As the shuttle touched down, Katherine, Shepard's helmswoman on the Enterprise, informed her that the Normandy had just entered the system. Shepard acknowledged the update and as the shuttle door opened, she was greeted by an old Krogan waiting for her.

"Shepard!" Urdnot Wrex exclaimed loudly as Shepard approached him. Shepard quickly embraced the old Krogan in a hug.

"Wrex, how have you been?" Shepard asked, taking a moment to look around her and take in the changes on the planet that had occurred over the course of a few years.

"It's been as good as can be expected, Shepard. The Council and Alliance have been pressuring me to align with them," Wrex said bluntly.

Wrex's response surprised Shepard, as she knew how fragile the political situation was for the Krogan.

"I haven't made a decision yet, Shepard. I need to hear from both sides to avoid repeating past mistakes. Hopefully, when we join you and we win, we will be on the right side of history again," Wrex stated. Shepard was taken aback, as she desperately needed Krogan help, but was uncertain whether Wrex would be willing to risk his people's status.

"Are you sure Wrex? Are you sure you want to risk it?". Shepard asked.

"Shepard, you are my sister. Besides, Bakara would have my hide if I turned against you. No, we need to meet with the Alliance representatives. I hear Specter Williams will be among them," Wrex stated determinedly as they walked towards the new capitol building. Shepard followed closely behind as two Alliance shuttles landed across from their own. As the shuttle doors opened, Ashley, James, Garrus, and a well-dressed man who Shepard assumed was the ambassador, Phoenix had warned her about, stepped out. The group stopped in their tracks as they saw their old commanding officer.

Shepard understood that the Alliance representatives would not attempt anything foolish with Urdnot Wrex present.

Ashley acknowledged the Krogan by saying, "Wrex...".

"It's Clan leader Urdnot Wrex to you Alliance," retorted Wrex. This response took Ashley by surprise. The representatives from the Alliance now knew that their goal would be even more difficult, especially with Shepard present.

Upon entering the main chamber of the capital building, Wrex was seated on his throne right beside Urdnot Bakara. Despite this, Wrex allowed the Alliance to go first. The ambassador who had previously been with Shepard's old crew proceeded to step forward.

"Clan Leader Urdnot Wrex. On behalf of the Alliance, I thank you for entertaining us. The Alliance Command and the Council have… Overlooked your proposal. Unfortunately, the Alliance and Council can only agree to the uninhabited systems. The other systems already have settlers. We simply cannot talk for them.". The ambassador stated. The other Krogan in the room grunted as Wrex knew this would happen.

"I understand Ambassador Kelly. Shepard what is Phoenix and the Allies proposal?". Wrex asked as Shepard stepped forward.

"Like the Ambassador we can only agree to the uninhabited systems. However, the Quarians have a few systems under their control they are willing to…part with. They are still rebuilding. An have no use for them. They just ask that you allow any who want to emigrate to the systems, do so.". Shepard stated the proposal took the Alliance by surprise. The ambassador is unfazed unlike the rest of the delegation. Wrex laughed at this proposal.

Shepard knew of her old friends and this laugh is one of approval.

"Does the Alliance have a counteroffer?" Wrex asks as he chuckled.

"One the Turian and Salarian councilor asked me to deliver in case you entertained Shepard and any proposal her Phoenix backers would give. Both give you this warning. Should the United Krogan Clans turn against the Council and aid the fugitive Jane Shepard and her terrorist organization known as Phoenix. Serious consequences will be fall the Krogan people. I am assured the Genophage is a thing of the past. But you are encouraged not to aid Phoenix and the terrorist Shepard". The ambassador went on the offensive trying to keep the Krogan out of the war. So far all he has done is provoke the Krogan.

"Watch your tone Alliance! The next time to speak ill about my sister and threaten the Krogan! Phoenix will be the least of your Problems!" Wrex bellowed as he rose from his throne. Shepard saw the Alliance delegation move to their pistols as the Krogan rose from their sits. Shepard just looked at them as her own team moved to their own pistols.

"I am sure the Alliance is not so bold to do such a thing. Especially after the Orbital Station fiasco." Shepard Says as the Alliance looked around.

"But then again…the Alliance only cares about what is useful. Or what can be controlled. Since the Krogan can't be nor should they be controlled. They are not just willing to neuter you again! But make sure the Krogan threat is no more!" Shepard starts to preach as the Krogan yell in unison as the Alliance delegation moved back.

"Just like the Commander Shepard so called question! They lie about everything! I seriously doubt they would ever give you what you wanted! Join Us! Join Phoenix! And you will secure a future worth living! A future free from the Councils threats! Free of the Alliance's hollow promises! Free from extinction yet again!"

The Krogan cheered as Shepard finished her speech, and the Alliance delegation left the room in defeat, while the Krogan howled and cheered. Wrex joined Shepard and her team, descending the steps as a sign of solidarity.

Wrex declared that the people had spoken and that his troops were at Shepard's disposal. As they embraced, Shepard felt a sense of relief and gratitude. With the Krogan on their side, the fight against the Council and the Alliance had become a little more even, and the odds of success had improved. Shepard knew that the road ahead was still long and fraught with danger, but with Wrex and the Krogan by their side, they were one step closer to securing a future worth fighting for.

Shepard received an urgent message from Kathie over the comset. Kathie reported that four Alliance Frigates had just come out of FTL, and more were arriving by the minute. Although Phoenix was sending some ships, it would take some time before they could arrive on the scene. In the meantime, Admiral Zorah had landed a Quarian and Geth Detachment to assist in the fight. Shepard knew that the situation was escalating quickly, and they needed to act fast to prevent the Alliance from gaining the upper hand

Shepard relayed the information to Wrex that they had visitors, and the Krogan howled in response. Wrex wasted no time and ordered the Krogan to teach the Alliance a lesson. The Krogan picked up their weapons and rushed out of the building, ready to engage the Alliance and defend their cause. Shepard knew that the situation was about to escalate into a full-scale battle, and they needed to be prepared for whatever came next.