Primarch Adrian Victus finds himself at a deadlock as the new Galactic Federation reinforces its Turian countrymen on a large scale. Despite being the introductory leader of the Federation, Commander Jane Shepard chooses to lead from the front, keeping her official identity as the leader undisclosed. However, the people have a suspicion that Shepard is the one leading them. Today, the Citadel Council, with the Hierarchy Councilor in protest, has called for peace talks between the two powers.

The organization known as Phoenix has been labeled as terrorist organization due to conspiracy, terrorist activities, and attempted assassinations, which include targeting Commander Jane Shepard. While Phoenix remains divided, with many still loyal to Director Harper, others follow Commander Shepard and her High Command, consisting of three top military leaders: one Turian, one Human, and one Quarian. United Clan Leader Wrex currently advises but expects his people in a leadership role in the near future, even if not in the High Command.

The Alliance's new treaty with the Federation has proven mostly beneficial for both parties. By avoiding war with the Alliance, the Federation gains more resources, supplies, and troops to combat the Hierarchy. A crucial condition of the treaty is that the Alliance must militarily oppose the Hierarchy. Prime Minister Croft agreed, although the Alliance's involvement is limited due to the previous Coalition government's destruction of the Alliance's military capacity. Commander Shepard, however, is satisfied as long as the Alliance supplements her forces.

Admiral Raan has retired from the Quarian admiralty board, and the rest of the board members have also resigned, except for Admiral Tali'Zorah, who is currently a fugitive of the Federation. While they retain their rank as admirals, they now serve the Federation. This consolidation extends to all other parties as well. The military leadership is now unified under the Federal High Command, with Shepard serving as its Commander-in-Chief. The High Command possesses significant authority and operational freedom.

The Federation has established a legislative body comprising representatives from various states, currently appointed by their respective executive heads. A general election will be called by Commander Shepard and the High Command once the government and constitution are established. The courts, waiting for their constitution to be finalized by the legislative and executive branches, are temporarily sidelined but not for long.

As expected, all galactic governments, except for the Turian Hierarchy, recognize the new Galactic Federation as a sovereign nation. Even the Citadel Council, with the Hierarchy Counselor in protest, acknowledges the Federation. As the Federation continues to develop, Terra Nova, another human world, expresses its desire to join and has been granted permission. They are currently involved in shaping the federal government and constitution.

Shepard is aboard her flagship, the Enterprise, accompanied by her crew, primarily because of Katherine's presence. Her crew possesses more knowledge than the general population or the former Coalition Leadership. So they are wary of their commander. As Shepard reviews military reports on the situation on the former Turian Republic Capital World, she can hardly believe she has become the leader of a nation. The new Federal Government is not entirely pleased with Shepard as the de facto leader, but the military leadership insists on it.

Finally, Shepard decides, after a few days, to ask Garrel why he supported her. Although they didn't always see eye to eye, especially regarding the Geth many years ago when she aided them in reclaiming their world, Shepard receives an answer. Like most of the old leaders in the galaxy, they are weary of war and yearn for a prosperous and safe galaxy. Shepard understands the exhausted admiral; his words resonate with her own weariness. She knows that this war must end soon, or she will face the anger of many who supported her coup. As Shepard reads the reports, Katherine notifies her of an incoming call.

"Shepard, you have a call from a private caller who wants to speak with you," Katherine informs her, prompting Shepard to approach her desk.

"Patch her through, Katherine... and Kathie, I am not to be disturbed during this call," Shepard orders and Katherine acknowledges her order. Katherine knows this call has been a long time coming. After Katherine signs off, Shepard sees the face of the Phoenix Director appearing on the screen.

"Commander... or what is it exactly we are supposed to call you," the director addresses Shepard.

"I don't know... probably President... the intelligence you provided was spot on... we were able to capture the capital relatively easily," Shepard states, observing the director's smile.

"You are more than welcome, Madam President. Aubree wasn't thrilled with the orders she received, but I allowed her to inform you if she wasn't up to the task. I never wanted you dead, but I am prepared to take the blame, as per our agreement, of course," Director Harper explains, prompting Shepard to see her as the next Illusive Man, or in this case, woman.

"Of course, Director. While we may label your organization as terrorists, we will allow you to operate independently, as long as you don't cause too much trouble, of course," Shepard responds.

"As we discussed, Madam President, I understand that you are searching for your old friend, Tali'Zorah," Director Harper says, and Shepard simply nods.

"I see. At this time, I don't have any leads. But we will keep our ears to the ground," Director Harper assures her. Shepard is aware that finding Tali will be a challenging task. Liara has stopped responding to her calls as she is suspected in assisting Tali. Shepard approached the Shadow Broker, but she refused to assist Shepard in taking down the Coalition Government, which came as a surprise. This is typically the Shadow Broker's area of expertise. However, Liara spoke highly of the Coalition, despite their indecisiveness and eventually targeting Shepard for assassination. Shepard continues to listen to what the director has to say. Director Harper promises to have her agents gather any and all intelligence to aid Shepard in her fight against Victus and in locating her 'missing' admiral.

"Thank you, Director. I believe it's best if we refrain from further communication for some time. After all, you are considered an enemy of the Federation," Shepard states as Director Harper signs off.

Shepard finds herself seated at her desk, her ship en route to the Turian world currently under siege by their Hierarchy cousins. Her federal troops, accompanied by heavy armor, have already started to land on planet. However, Shepard's primary concern lies with her old friend, Tali'Zorah. Tali possesses knowledge that exceeds what she should know, a direct result of Shepard's own short-sighted failure, though it was necessary at the time. Tali remains on Rannoch, having been allowed to leave by Solona, while Liara assists her in finding a way off the planet. Shepard cannot fully lock down the planet, but she has tightened control over the spaceports and airspace. Now, she patiently awaits Tali's next move.

--

Admiral Tali'Zorah strolls through a bustling street, surrounded by a sea of people. With the assistance of Solona's men, she manages to reach a small city boasting a modest spaceport. Her objective is to reach Liara before her old friend can capture her. While Shepard's offer was very tempting, Tali cannot simply stand idly by and allow her to seize control of the galaxy. There was a time when she wholeheartedly believed in her old friend, thinking Shepard could never succumb to true evil or become corrupted. Unfortunately, she was mistaken.

Approaching a small building located a few kilometers from the spaceport, Tali opens the door to reveal an evosuit repair shop. Inside, she finds two Quarian women. One is diligently repairing a suit in the back, while the other attends to paperwork at the front.

"Ah... how may we assist you?" the Quarian woman inquires.

"Ah... a friend of mine is supposed to meet me here," Tali responds as she steps inside and closes the door.

"Ah... you must be Laira's friend. Follow me, ma'am," the Quarian woman commands, leading Tali towards the back.

"Here is your new suit, ma'am. Miss Tsoni requests that you change into it. Unfortunately, we don't have time for a clean room, but we'll provide you with antibiotics once you've changed. Your current suit will be kept safe until your return," the Quarian woman informs Tali before leaving her to change. Tali examines the pristine new suit, unhooking her hood and helmet to breathe in the fresh air. While she had occasionally removed her helmet before, this is the first time she sheds her entire suit.

The process of changing into the new suit is quick, as it fits perfectly. Tali places the new helmet on her head, noticing the dark blue hue. Making her way to the front desk, she spots an Asari engaged in conversation with one of the staff members. The employee points towards Tali, catching Liara's attention. Liara turns to see her old friend.

"Ah... Kali'Reegar, good to see you again," Liara greets, using Tali's new name.

"You too, Liara. Thank you for helping me," Tali expresses her gratitude before thanking the staff. Both women then leave the shop. As they both walk through the buzzing town. Liara could not help but say.

"Our old friend... she has truly turned everything upside down," Liara remarks as they walk towards the spaceport.

"She has... How did it come to this, Liara? When did Shepard turn to the dark..." Tali questions, seeking answers. Liara remains unable to provide an explanation. Shepard has always been the Paragon of all that good, justice, and loyalty. But the actions they have witnessed from Shepard are not reflective of the person they once knew.

"Any news?" Tali asks.

"The Turian Republic is no more. They've agreed to join the Federation. Victus has rejected Shepard's terms, and the Council is pushing for peace talks. The Alliance is preparing to land a force on the former Republic capital world in just a few days," Liara shares the latest developments. Tali listens attentively, realizing that the war has now condensed into a single front. Both sides are weary from the war. Shepard started this war when the galaxy was ill-prepared for such a conflict so soon after the Reaper war.

As Tali carefully reflects on the situation, she becomes convinced that someone or something is manipulating Shepard's actions. It's no longer the work of Phoenix; however, Shepard couldn't possibly have predicted the events with such accuracy, leading to such drastic changes in the galaxy. The once-familiar galaxy has become completely unrecognizable, remade by the war and Shepard's guidance. In Tali's mind, the Federation represents not freedom, but rather oppression and fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of the Reapers' return, and fear of the oppressive leaders of the galaxy, which in her mind includes Shepard.

The people believe that Shepard will liberate them, but Tali understands that revealing what she knows could potentially ignite a massive insurgency within the Federation. However, the timing is not right, and she finds herself with nowhere to turn. The former Turian Republic has crumbled, and Phoenix, though labeled as terrorists, operates covertly, pursuing their own hidden agenda. The Council is fractured, with divisions running deep. Victus, once a formidable force, now teeters on the edge of defeat in the ongoing war. The Systems Alliance, once a beacon of power and hope, has suffered significant losses, unable to reclaim its former glory. Even Tali's own people have turned their backs on her, leaving her isolated and abandoned.

Wrex, torn between his desire to confront his old friend and the benefits of aligning with the Federation, sees the advantages of joining with them. The Salarian Union and Asari Republics remain neutral, denying Tali asylum, unwilling to engage in a war with the young yet formidable Federation. Tali briefly considers seeking refuge on Omega but ultimately decides against it. She realizes that she is alone in this fight, not against the Federation itself, but against Shepard.

As Tali and Liara made their way to the spaceport, Tali couldn't help but notice the bustling streets filled with people and soldiers. It was a glimpse of Shepard's vision of a 'safer' society. However, beneath the market's liveliness, a dark and oppressive atmosphere lingered, whispered in hushed tones. No one was ready to openly support Tali's fight against Shepard and her administration, at least not yet.

Finally reaching the spaceport, Tali's eyes scanned the area, finding it crowded with Federal troops diligently checking IDs and credentials. Liara handed Tali her new IDs, indicating her destination as the Krogan Homeworld, where Wrex had provided her with temporary sanctuary. From there, Tali would be on her own, as it was too dangerous for anyone to openly assist her. Shepard had tightened her grip on everything, leaving Tali with limited options. Liara and Wrex had used their remaining influence to help her escape the system. Tali expressed her gratitude to her old friend and proceeded towards the security checkpoint, her heart pounding in her chest.

As Tali approached the security officer, she handed over her IDs, which the officer entered into the system. The security measures at the spaceport were not as advanced as in other nations, at least not yet. After a brief wait, the officer returned her IDs, thanking her using her new last name. However, this caught the attention of a Turian Soldier who approached her.

"Miss Reggar? Are you by any chance related to Kal'Reegar?" the Turian inquired. Tali looked at the Turian, hesitating for a moment before confirming their relation.

"I am his cousin. He was a marine. We lost him in the Reaper War..." Tali replied, drawing on her knowledge of her long-lost friend.

"I'm sorry to hear that... I knew Reegar... I was in the squad he saved... I just wanted to express my gratitude to his family," the Turian said, saluting Tali before returning to his post. Tali continued on her way to the shuttle, relieved that she encountered no further obstacles during her time at the port. As the passengers were called, she walked through the terminal towards her shuttle, stealing a quick glance back. She whispered a small prayer, hoping to see the home she had fought for in the past and present, and to continue fighting for Rannoch's future.

--

As the war continued to ravage the galaxy, Shepard stood on the observation deck, staring out of the window, lost in contemplation over the recent report she had received. The news confirmed Tali's presence at a spaceport in a modest town. Shepard had made the difficult decision to let Tali leave her world behind, fully aware of the isolation and abandonment she would face. Many who would have once supported Tali had turned their backs on her, leaving her to navigate the treacherous path alone. Shepard had arranged for Wrex to offer her safe haven on his world, a secret kept even from their mutual Asari friend, Liara. Shepard couldn't help but draw a painful parallel between her actions towards Tali and the betrayal she had experienced from the Alliance in the past. However, she had allowed Tali the freedom to carve out her own path, even if it meant potentially becoming an adversary. If Tali were to come after Shepard and her government, Shepard would be faced with the heart-wrenching task of confronting and, if necessary, eliminating one of her closest friends, mirroring the fate of her oldest friend as the war raged on.

Shepard knew that she had to bring an end to the war with Victus, even if it meant only achieving a temporary armistice. She had made countless promises to put an end to the conflict and now she had to deliver. Time was running out, and she couldn't afford to face the consequences of her inaction. In her mind, war was a cruel affair, and the more ruthless she could be, the quicker it would come to an end.

Shepard then accessed her Omi-tool and issued what she referred to as "Black Flag Orders" to her High Command. These orders left no room for retreat, surrender, or mercy. She was resolute in her decision, knowing that she had to take a firm stance. She hesitated for a brief moment, contemplating the implications of her command, before finally hitting the send button.

Shepard switched off her Omi-tool and made her way back to the view port. With two formidable adversaries to confront - Primarch Adrien Victus and Admiral Tali'Zorah - she couldn't afford to let her guard down. As she gazed out of the large window, she couldn't help but notice a subtle, enthralling mechanical glow in her dark green eyes. However, she chose to disregard it, setting it aside as she returned to her quarters. The relentless war continued to rage on.

--

So Ends the First Act in this tale of friendship, war and betrayal.

Act 2 will start soon