The Coalition is lingering on the brink of disaster. In their rush to overwhelm the planet of Faros before the Citadel Council forces could intervene, they initiated an ill-fated invasion of the Faros Planetary System. This resulted in the loss of numerous soldiers and operatives. At present, the Coalition is without a foothold, their forces are dispersed across the planet, and their military is in disarray, trapped behind enemy lines.
Following the successful defense of Faros by the Alliance, the Coalition has been presented with terms of peace. These terms include a complete withdrawal from human space by the Coalition, the Coalition will allow the Alliance to continue its existence. Additionally, the Alliance will issue a public apology to Commander Jane Shepard, along with the recognition of Coalition sovereignty. By accepting these terms, peace can be achieved.
The leadership of the Coalition has yet to formally announce whether they will accept these terms. Meanwhile, they are amassing a more formidable force to launch an attack on Faros. It's now certain that the Council forces will reach the planet before the Coalition's assault teams are prepared to strike. If the Coalition declines the terms, which align with their objectives except for the continuation of the Alliance, the remnants of the initial invasion force will have to hold their position until reinforcements arrive.
Due to the shuttle being hit by anti-air fire which resulted in Commander Shepard being thrown from her shuttle, the Coalition remains unsure about her current condition and status. All they know is that the Established Area of Operation (EAO) is swarming with Alliance patrols. In light of this, the Coalition opts to delay making any official announcements, recognizing the importance of seeking advice from Commander Shepard first. They swiftly realize that the Alliance is unaware of Shepard's presence on the planet, which buys the Coalition some valuable time to strategize and plan their next moves.
--
On the planet Faros, the remnants of the Coalition invasion force are engaged in fierce combat with the Alliance forces who have retained control of the planet. Next to a charred Mako, a lone female Phoenix operative is sprawled amidst the rubble. Attempting to get up, she clings to the Mako's tire for support. She's in severe pain, the worst she's felt since the final day of the Reaper War.
Shepard tries to walk, but the pain from the shuttle fall is intense. Her helmet is cracked on the left side and she can feel blood streaming down her face. Removing the broken helmet, she notes the visor over her left eye is gone, with a sizable crack impairing the left side. She discards the helmet and tries to reach some cover, but a jolt of pain from her left abdomen causes her to collapse.
Activating her Omni-tool, Shepard scans her injuries: a large gash just above her left eye, three broken ribs, a badly bruised knee, and a sprained ankle, all on her left side. Likely, this is where she landed. She can't recall much after she falls from the shuttle. As she applies medi-gel to her injuries to manage the pain, she moves towards an abandoned building. With each step she drags her feet, barely able to see. Upon reaching the building, she finds an isolated corner in the back room and promptly collapses on the floor she gasps for breath, utterly exhausted.
In a desperate attempt to reach any nearby Coalition forces, Shepard sends out a distress signal. The only response is a deafening silence, a static void. The lack of response could mean the Alliance has successfully cut off their communications or that the Coalition has failed to secure a presence on the planet.
Shepard remains seated on the cold, hard ground, allowing the medicinal effects of medi-gel to seep into her wounds. After around thirty minutes, she steels herself to move, still in pain but substantially better than before. She relies on nearby tables for support while retrieving her pistol. As she ventures out of the building, the sounds of crackling flames, the whizzing of artillery, and the sporadic pop of small arms fire fill her ears.
She activates her Omni-tool and pulls up the map. It's barren - no updates, no markers. This confirms her fear: they've failed to penetrate the planet's defenses. As she considers her next move, the sound of hurried footsteps draws her attention. She swiftly finds cover and watches as a Quarian marine and two Turian Republic soldiers approach. She decides to call out to them.
"Wind!" Shepard issues a challenge call to verify their identities. The group instantly swivels towards the sound of her voice, their rifles at the ready. The Quarian responds with the counter-call.
"Talker!" The Quarian marine's voice rings out. Shepard breathes a sigh of relief and, limping, emerges from her hiding spot. The sight of a human female, let alone the renowned Commander Jane Shepard, leaves the small group taken aback.
Shepard approaches them, her limp increasingly pronounced. As she nears, her strength gives out and she collapses, but the two Turians are quick to lend their support.
"Commander, it's an honor," the Quarian Marine salutes, with the two Turians echoing his sentiment.
"Where are you headed?" Shepard inquiries, pulling herself upright. She takes note of the Quarian's heavily damaged evo suit and the battered body armor of the Turians.
"To the west," one of the Turians replies, "Some stragglers mentioned a small post being set up there. We can't be certain until we reach it."
"Well, then," Shepard responds, "Let's get moving. I might slow you down a bit," she admits, and the group nods in understanding. They set off towards the west, where plumes of smoke and the echo of weapons fire hint at the turmoil yet to come.
--
Four Hours Later
Shepard continues her journey with the compact trio she's fallen in with. The medi-gel has done its job admirably, allowing her to keep pace with them. She's appreciative of their patience – though she can't help but suspect that it has more to do with a fear of disciplinary action for leaving the galaxy's savior behind.
Their journey has been lengthy and fraught with danger. They've encountered several Alliance patrols but, being outnumbered and injured, they chose to let them pass rather than fight them. They continue to limp towards a towering column of smoke to the west, hoping it signals refuge. The landscape is a grim scene of crashed shuttles and fallen Coalition soldiers – Turian, Quarian, Krogan, human, and Geth Platforms litter the ruins of Faros. Surprisingly, Alliance casualties seem to be minimal or the Alliance had taken their dead with them.
Shepard's makeshift squad presses on, with the Quarian's cough growing more persistent, though he remains in good spirits. The Turians secure the front and rear of their formation. The planet's star begins to rise, and they're keenly aware of their need to find shelter before dawn illuminates them to the enemy. It's been a long night in enemy territory, a predicament Shepard had hoped never to face again.
As they approach the source of the smoke, they pick up on some commotion. Shepard instructs the group to scatter and seek cover. Peering over the debris she's hidden behind, she spots Phoenix insignias on the shuttles and personnel. Recognizing allies, Shepard rises from her cover and strides towards the encampment, responding correctly to the challenge issued by the Coalition personnel. Two Krogan summon Karen and Gibson from a discrete tent. As they approach Shepard, relief washes over Karen's face.
"Thank God you're okay!" she exclaims, greeting Shepard warmly. She promptly calls for a medic to tend to Shepard's injuries, promising to brief her on the situation once she's received medical attention.
--
Shepard has found herself on a cot within the improvised medical tent. The tent is filled to capacity with Coalition soldiers, some wounded, some merely resting. More personnel from the Coalition continue to trickle into the camp. A few pieces of armor that were successfully retrieved are now serving as security at multiple checkpoints.
Karen had briefed her on the situation earlier. All in all, it was grim. The losses were immense, both in terms of their fighting force and equipment. Many soldiers were either dead, captured, or scattered across the EAO. Only a fifth of the force had managed to regroup at the various outposts, which were isolated and barely in communication with each other. The area they held now was minuscule. Worse, their location, sandwiched between two Alliance strongholds, was known to the enemy and they were constantly fending off assaults.
Rising from her cot, Shepard made her way towards Karen and Gibson, passing through a sea of Coalition forces that were bringing in armor and equipment, most of which had seen better days. As she walked, the soldiers stared at her in awe, recognizing the legendary Commander Shepard. She reached the command tent, where a battered holo table displayed a map with Coalition scouts' reports.
A Geth unit summoned Shepard towards a communication set that had seen better days. Accepting a comm headset from the unit, Shepard responded to the static-filled voice of Coalition command.
"Commander, thank the spirits you are ok..." a Turian general expressed relief before briefing her on the evolving situation on the planet and the Alliance's proposed terms for peace. Shepard's anger flared up. Phoenix and the Turian Republic were rightly asserting that the terms were unacceptable. The Quarian and Krogan, however, felt differently, arguing that their gains were sufficient for now and that they were ill-prepared for a prolonged war. Despite their differences, they were unanimous in demanding that Eden Prime's sovereignty be recognized by the Alliance, Citadel Council, and the UN and that former Prime Minister O'Hara be handed over for trial. The general then asked for Shepard's assessment.
Shepard didn't hesitate in her response. She was rallying what remained of the Coalition and preparing to strike at an Alliance stronghold. Resources were limited; they could only target one. They would hold their position for as long as they could, either until backup arrived or they would backup a graveyard. She would not let herself or her troops become prisoners of the Alliance. The Turian general wished her luck before signing off.
Turning to face the personnel in the tent, Shepard saw a spectrum of emotions reflected at her. She met their gaze.
"I get it, you're scared. Honestly, so am I. But here's the things - we can't stop. Not now. We've got a lot riding on us to keep this line going..." Shepard began. She had no clue that the Geth were streaming her speech on an open channel. The Coalition, the Alliance, and the Citadel forces were all tuned in, listening intently.
"...We're the last wall between them and everything we're fighting for...everything that so many gave their lives for. This isn't just about us, it's about the freedom of the generations to come. The Alliance has dangled the promise of peace before us, only upon our acceptance of certain terms. They propose that we withdraw from human space and let the organization that's brought war right to our doors continue to exist. Can we truly have faith in the Alliance or the Council? Their track record of lies is horrific at best. What promise do we have that they will honor the so-called terms of peace? To accept these terms would be a slap in the face to the very reason we're fighting." Shepard delivered her impassioned speech, leaving her personnel in awe of her faith in them. Her personnel looking at her, part awe, part worry. They hung on her every word.
"...We've gotta keep fighting, no matter what it takes or costs. We've got to... It's not like we've got a lot of options. We're stuck behind enemy lines... We've got to hold out until help arrives. But remember, you're not alone. The freedom-loving people of the galaxy are with you, standing beside you. I can't promise to bring you all home alive, but I promise to see this through to the end whatever that end will be." Shepard finished. The room fell into a deep silence, and Shepard's speech resonated within the hearts of her soldiers. Their morale was bolstered, breathed life into her soldiers with her unwavering resolve. Little did she know the impact her words had on those who heard and saw her, instilling newfound hope and determination in the face of hardship.
--
24 Hours Later
Following Shepard's address, the Coalition made a unanimous decision to turn down the Alliance's proposal. Now, fully aware of Shepard's presence on the planet, the Alliance has embarked on a series of attacks against the scattered Coalition outposts. Each offensive is met with fierce resistance from the Coalition soldiers who are, in no uncertain terms, fighting for their lives. The Alliance is faced with enemies who are fighting as if every breath could be their last.
Shepard's grasp of her ground resources remains somewhat vague at best. What is certain is that she maintains just enough resources to capture a single Alliance stronghold, a move that is crucial for them to maintain until the arrival of Coalition reinforcements. A few salvaged and repaired radios have started to trickle in reports from the various outposts. The troubling truth is that only 45% of her troops have reported in. Among these, half are injured, and half of the injured are in severe condition. This leaves her active combat force at a light 34% of the intended ground strength.
Karen is carefully assessing which stronghold they have the strength and resources to seize. Their survival hinges on this capture, given the problematic number of wounded Coalition soldiers. Luckily, two relatively small strongholds are within a manageable distance, providing a potentially easy-to-defend location and a safe haven for their injured. The task now is to develop a plan for capturing one of these strongholds - a problem that ideally should have been solved yesterday.
The war is merciless, unyielding. Each hour saw Shepard's limited troopers and gear being depleted. Time, she realized, wasn't on their side. Right now, the strategy was to hold the line, to maintain their foothold rather than risk being routed in a fresh offensive. Their resources were at the breaking point, compelling her to focus their strength in one place. They needed supplies, medical help for the wounded, food, water, and so much more. Capturing a stronghold wasn't just a tactical move, it was a necessity for the survival of what remained of the Coalition on Faros.
Despite the urgency, the Coalition leadership has yet to deliver a clear schedule. The latest whispers among the soldiers on Faros were far from encouraging. They felt forgotten, left to perish in this god-forsaken world by their leaders. Trust was a rare commodity, and it was placed only in Shepard and her chosen few. Meanwhile, the battle continued its relentless march.
During a brief exchange with Katherine, Shepard discovered the widespread reach of her speech. The Alliance and Council didn't take kindly to it, branding Shepard a "warmonger" for the first time. Yet, Shepard felt more of a "freedom fighter" than an instigator of war. The Coalition was gradually understanding the Alliance's annoyance with Shepard, though they hadn't fully accepted the idea of her being a "problem." They, however, were resolved to see this war to its very end, whatever that might be.
Karen pinpointed the stronghold they needed to occupy. The challenge now? Figuring out the 'how'. Shepard took a good look at the stronghold's layout on the holo-table. The stronghold offered clear, advantageous firing lines, and by all accounts, it was the less challenging of the two bases. Karen passed on the message to the other outposts to ready themselves for the upcoming attack. The specifics would be shared later. Shepard picked up her new rifle and headed out to survey the area, hoping to devise a solid plan for the assault. As she left, she hoped and prayed silently that the gods of war were still on her side.
--
Onboard Admiral Tali'zorah's Flagship
Tali found herself gazing out of her ship's viewport toward the human planet, Eden Prime. Just moments prior, she and the Admiralty Board had made the decision for the Quarians to continue in their conflict with the Alliance. The Conclave was evenly divided, pushing the decisive vote to the Admirals. Xen and Koris opted for peace, while Raan and Gerrel advocated for war. The final decision rested on her shoulders. Though her trust in Shepard was waning, she couldn't deny the reality of Shepard's argument for the war. Thus, she reluctantly cast her vote for war. The Turian Republic was always going to remain in the fray. Wrex was also left with a decision. Upon seeing the Quarians' determination to continue the fight, he too decided to stay. The Geth chose the same path, aligning themselves with their creators. As she mulled over these thoughts, she noticed the massive figure of the Krogan approaching her, his reflection mirrored in the glass.
"Shepard still has her touch. The speech wasn't her best, but it stirred the fight in me," Wrex stated, standing beside Tali. Both the Krogan and the Quarian had been keeping their distance from Phoenix, but the realities of war now pressed for them to fight side by side instead of against one another.
"You're not wrong, Wrex. But I'm still suspicious of Shepard and Phoenix," Tali responded, turning her gaze to the towering Krogan. He gave a nod of agreement, understanding his old friend's sentiment.
"Some good news, though... an old friend of ours is looking to switch sides. The Enterprise is set to rendezvous with him soon. Hopefully, he'll provide the intelligence we so desperately need," Tali revealed, causing Wrex to look at her inquisitively.
"Who's the turncoat?" Wrex asked, his curiosity piqued even though he might already suspect the answer. Tali simply replied,
"There's no Shepard without Vakarian," causing Wrex to break into a chuckle.