24 Hours After Industrial District Assault; Orbit Above the New Galactic Federation Capital World; Old Turian Republic Capital World
President Jane Shepard gazes out of her office window, reflecting on recent events. Yesterday, the Federal Parliament made the decision to relocate the Federal Capital from Rannoch to the old Turian Republic Capital, a move that has brought relief to the Quaran people. Shepard wasted no time and promptly signed the bill into law, despite not openly advocating for it. This strategic move now puts pressure on Primarch Victus, the old Turian General, forcing him to either seek peace or launch an invasion.
Aware of the situation, Shepard anticipates that Victus, being a seasoned military leader, will not directly target the new capital. However, she is prepared for his arrival. Shortly after signing the bill, Shepard receives news of Tali's assault, carried out by four Shadow Broker mercenaries and an unknown Asari. While her men failed to apprehend Tali mercs, her troops managed to escape before being identified by the Asari Government, except for the unmarked gunship piloted by a Turian.
As a result of the Industrial District and the assault, diplomatic ties between the Federation and the Asari Republics have been severed. Even though they have not specifically accused the Federation yet. Shepard's War Minister has taken covert measures by deploying units to the border, and he is currently on his way to solidify a treaty with a former galactic power that betrayed her and ignited the ongoing war. Now forcing her to lead a nation after the rapid downfall of the Systems Alliance, Shepard had to enact certain laws to address internal issues, particularly dissidents and sedition, which has caused some division among her people. Nevertheless, she still commands their loyalty, at least for now.
Shepard's attention is then drawn to a long-awaited report. Her vials are now in the Federation and ready for deployment. As she turns off her padd, she hears a chime at her door and grants permission for Karen Anders, her second-in-command, to enter. Karen recommended for the first test to be conducted in an isolated area, away from any densely populated regions.
"Ah, so you're aware," Karen remarked, knowing that Shepard had already heard the news. Shepard met her successor's gaze, saying nothing.
"Yes... Losing our scientists is definitely a setback, but we can move forward with our plan for now. Has Cornelius reached Horizon?" Shepard asked, her attention shifting to the former Alliance Captain.
"He has, Madam President. He also wanted to know why you're not personally overseeing the finalization of the treaty," Karen stated, observing Shepard's reaction closely.
"I made a promise to myself that I would never set foot on that wretched hellhole again..." Shepard replied, rising from her seat.
Concerned about the scientist potentially disclosing information, Karen redirected the conversation back to their significant setback. Shepard caught on but entertained her.
"They usually talk... but she is merely a cog in our machine. She doesn't have the full picture of our plans. So, for now, we're safe. However, we must remain prepared for anything. And Captain... do not underestimate Tali'Zorah," Shepard ordered, using the rank that Karen prefers to be addressed by, but only by those she trusts. Karen simply acknowledged it with a respectful "yes, ma'am."
--
Ilium, Nos Astra, Shadow Broker Planetary HQ
Outside the interrogation room, Tali'Zorah patiently waits as Ilona skillfully chips away at the Asari scientist's defenses. For the past two hours, she has witnessed the gradual unraveling of the Traitor of Ilium, dragging out valuable information and intelligence. However, the scientist says she is unaware of the true nature of the nanites, having only been involved in the research and replication of the mist containing them. To some extent, Ilona finds her credible.
In a significant revelation, the scientist discloses that General Cornelius is en route to Horizon. His purpose is to finalize and solidify the treaty between the Systems Alliance and the Galactic Federation. But there's more to it. After the treaty is signed, Cornelius is scheduled to meet with private backers of Shepard, although their identities remain unknown. This new information provides Tali with a fresh target. The scientist has shared all the knowledge she has.
--
In the conference room, Tali is engrossed in a serious conversation with her allies. They are discussing the valuable intel that they've just obtained from their Asari "friend". On the main screen, a voice analyzer is displayed along with the images of Asari leaders who seem to be engaged in a heated argument. Tali shifts her attention to a padd that shows her target: General Cornelius Tiberian. From the information on the padd, Tali learns that General Tiberian is a headstrong individual with exceptional strategic skills, though not on the same level as Victus. She notes that his boldness and fearlessness in taking risks were instrumental in freeing the Federal's new capital world from the talons of the Hierarchy.
Tali gains access to General Cornelius' itinerary and discovers that a significant portion of his visit to Horizon will involve the signing of a peace treaty between the Federation and the Alliance. Shepard intends to demonstrate to her Parliament that she is actively pursuing peace, even as war engulfs the galaxy. The Asari Matriarchs, however, seem unprepared for the possibility of war. The Federation has been actively fighting in war for over a year, even during its previous embodiment as the Galactic Coalition.
They also found out the mist is a semi-conductive metallic liquid resembling blood, serving as a carrier for the nanites, which can be akin to white blood cells in human terms— leading to an immune response of sorts. The liquid allows the nanites to move through the air, as the mist remains an aerosol in most environments. Crucially, the liquid can be easily replicated by the nanites. Although the nature of the nanites remains a mystery, it has been determined that they can be deactivated remotely, rendering the liquid inert. This revelation explains the presence of lifeless liquid next to the dead cleanup crew.
Tali senses the Asari's cluelessness and recognizes an opportunity for them to deal a significant blow to Shepard. However, they hesitate to take action, frustrating Liara. While they see the potential, they are unsure if they can capitalize on it. Tali, on the other hand, perceives their unwillingness to act. The meeting location between Shepard's backers and the Federal General is with, they think, Phoenix, in one of Horizon's coastal cities, which bears resemblance to a Greek coastal town in the eyes of many humans.
The Matriarchs hesitate for a crucial reason—they would not only face Federal and Phoenix operatives but probably Alliance Marines and N7 operators. This situation could escalate rapidly, long before the Asari are ready for a full-scale war. The Reaper War had taken a heavy toll on the Asari, and their influence has significantly diminished due to the revelation of numerous state secrets. They must now gather what little influence they have left. The Salarian Union offers political support, but they maintain military distant for the time being. There is no mention of the Citadel Council, and Liara's assessment that it is effectively dissolved appears to be true.
As they argued, Liara voiced her frustration. She was tired of hearing about their unwillingness to protect their people. Tali, on the other hand, remained silent, contemplating her next move. She knew she could lead a team to Horizon and seize the opportunity. Interrupting their bickering, Tali spoke up confidently.
"I'll lead a team on Horizon. We can't let this opportunity pass us," Tali declared, catching the attention of the Asari leadership. It was the first time she had introduced herself or spoken during the discussion.
"No offense, but who are you?" one of them asked, prompting Tali to consider her response. Should she use her actual name or the one she had been given? After a quick and decisive thought, she answered.
"I am Admiral Tali'Zorah vas Normandy, former member of the Admiralty Board," Tali revealed, causing Liara to sigh and the rest of the Asari to look at her in shock. Seeing Tali without her mask was a rare sight for many who were unfamiliar with how the Quarians looked beneath their masks. Many here barely remember how they looked.
"Admiral, we have heard many rumors. Much I am sure is Federation propaganda," a matriarch stated.
"No, what they say is true. It is the only truth they are speaking right now. Shepard... is a tyrant. She started this war... and I will end it," Tali asserted, causing the matriarchs to exchange glances.
"To have you lead a team on Horizon is to declare war on the Alliance and the Federation. We simply aren't prepared for such a campaign. The Federals are too battle-hardened," an Asari Admiral expressed loudly and firmly.
"My team can handle the operation. We are not tied to any government," Liara offered, prompting Tali and Ilona to rise from the table.
"I want three squads ready for deployment in twenty-four hours," Tali commanded, with the Shadow Broker Commander acknowledging her authority.
"Under whose authority!" the same admiral practically shouted. Tali, fed up with dealing with these politicians, turned to face them and shouted back.
"Under my authority! Or at least whats left of it." Tali declared as she walked out of the room, her team following closely behind.
--
8 Days Later Planetary System of Horizon, Coastal City
Tali and Ilona are enjoying their time at a lovely café. Tali's gaze falls upon the Asari sitting across from her, triggering memories of their less-than-pleasant experiences on the planet of Horizon. Both Tali and her friends, including Shepard, vowed never to return to this hell hole. They believed that nothing good ever came out of it. Just as Tali glanced at the Asari, Ramsey, the Shadow Broker Commander, chimed in.
"Ilona... Lean forward and act excited. Remember, we're supposed to be on your honeymoon," he jokingly suggested. Ilona simply looked at Tali in her half-face rebreather.
"Keep your eyes on the target, not me," Ilona replied. Shadow Command then informed them that a key holder was located in the EAO. Ilona handed Tali a tablet, and they began searching for the secondary target.
Tali and Ilona receive instructions from Overlord to search for a Federal or Phoenix radio signal. After a brief search, Tali detects a Federal Signal. They quickly gather their duffle bags and head towards their designated location, referred to as the AZ. Descending a set of stairs, they notice the target momentarily turning their attention towards a food stand. Taking advantage of the distraction, Ilona instructs Tali to loose follow while she goes around the back. Tali continues walking down the path.
As Tali moves forward, she spots two humans engaged in conversation with an Asari. Recognizing Ilona, Tali stealthily approaches the human closest to her. Swiftly, she strikes the back of the human's knee, causing them to buckle and fall to their knees. Tali then swiftly incapacitates the human by applying pressure to their neck. Looking up, Tali witnesses Ilona forcefully subduing the other human, slamming them to the ground. Ilona proceeds to eliminate the threat by using her suppressed pistol to deliver a fatal shot to the human's head.
Tali and Ilona ascend a flight of stairs, their pistols drawn and ready. Ilona leads the way, using a key card to open a door. Crouching down, Ilona signals for Tali to stop and places a cylinder on the ground, activating it to mark five targets. Ilona assigns Tali to take down the first target, instructing her to wait until he moves behind a wall, out of sight from the other two Federal agents who are not paying attention.
After a brief moment, Tali fires her pistol, successfully eliminating the first target as he falls behind the wall. The other two agents remain oblivious. Tali then swiftly turns her attention to the two Feds engaged in conversation, aiming her pistol and taking them down with precise shots. Moving forward, Tali follows closely behind Ilona as they navigate through the safe house, ascending another set of stairs.
As they reach the top, they spot a Federal soldier sleeping on a couch. Ilona claims him as her target, placing a pillow over his face and delivering two quick shots to his head.
As they continue moving forward, Tali and Ilona spot another Federal agent engaged in conversation with a Turian. Based on their angle and the nature of their discussion, they conclude that the Turian is the General they are targeting. Ilona instructs Tali to wait until their conversation concludes. It doesn't take long before the connection is abruptly cut. Seizing the opportunity, Tali swiftly fires her pistol, eliminating the Federal agent. Ilona proceeds to update Overlord and Alpha Team on their progress.
"Alpha, we have reached the 'X' and are setting up our drone. Admiral, let's gear up," Ilona communicates. Tali places her duffle bag on a nearby table and opens it, revealing a fabric vest and a belt with stick magazines. She puts on the vest, adjusting it snugly along with the belt. Tali then equips a holo visor with a heads-up display (HUD). Retrieving her weapon from the bag, a Federal SMG with a new magazine thermal clip system, designed based on the old Earth UMP 45, Tali checks its condition. She loads a magazine and pulls back the bolt, ensuring it is ready for action. With the SMG hanging from her shoulder, Tali joins Ilona on the balcony where they are setting up their drone.
"Alpha, we are ready," Tali informs, while Ilona releases the drone into the air.
"Solid copy, Bravo. We have reached the AO," Ramsey provides an update. Tali takes control of the drone, guiding it towards the designated area. The drone approaches a large villa situated next to a cliff overlooking the coast. Tali spots the transport vehicle that Alpha is using, with three Phoenix Operators heading towards it. Ilona instructs Tali to eliminate the Operator approaching the driver's side, leaving the rest to be handled by Alpha. Tali takes aim and fires a suppressed shot, swiftly taking down the designated target. Shortly after, the trailer door opens, and the other two operators are swiftly neutralized by Alpha.
"Alpha is moving up to the door now," Ramsey updates once again. Tali adjusts the drone's position to get a better view inside the villa. Ilona then directs Tali to target the operators on overwatch. Tali eliminates the operator leaning on the rail, causing them to fall, while the other paces back and forth. Tali takes aim, leading the shot slightly, and fires, successfully taking down the second operator. Just moments later, the door bursts open, and Alpha engages and eliminates the four operators inside. Alpha proceeds to move forward, while Tali continues to maneuver the drone. Ilona informs Ramsey about a Phoenix operator positioned just inside a doorway.
One member of Alpha team successfully eliminates the operator, prompting the team to split up. Half of the team opts for a lower approach, while the other half takes the high ground. As Alpha team proceeds, Ramsey, positioned on the top floor, is unexpectedly attacked by a Federal operator. Tali swiftly neutralizes the threat, earning Ramsey's gratitude. The teams continue their movement. Tali's drone moves towards a large window, allowing her to line up her shots and communicate with Ilona. Tali patiently waits for Alpha team to stack up before she starts eliminating Federal and Phoenix Operators, catching them off guard. Meanwhile, Alpha team silently opens a door and eliminates the operators that Tali couldn't take down.
After a series of successful enemy takedowns, Alpha team finally reaches the room where the meeting is taking place. Tali maneuvers the drone back to the main view area.
"I wish we could take the shot now..." Ilona expresses her impatience, but Ramsey advises her to wait and gather intelligence. Ilona then informs the team that the meeting is starting. The discussion between Phoenix and the Federal General initially seems unremarkable until Tiberian mentions Shepard's expectations. He reveals that the Federation expects Phoenix to remain covert and orders them to locate and eliminate Admiral Zorah. This revelation catches the group off guard. The General adds that the president is no longer playing games, using the human expression "patty cake," as the meeting draws to a close and the group prepares to take action.
"Take the shot," Ilona commands, and Tali obediently aims at the Turian General's chest and fires. The General falls from the impact. Alpha team breaches the door and swiftly eliminates the Federal operators guarding the room. Gideon approaches the deceased Turian and scans his eye for identification. After a few moments, Ramsey shouts, "It's not him!" Suddenly, a beeping sound fills the air, causing Ramsey to pull back. Another Shadow operator jumps on top of him, and shortly after, a massive explosion occurs. Tali witnesses the explosion through the drone's feed and repositions the drone to provide cover fire against the Federal and Phoenix operators firing from the rooftops of nearby buildings. Two vehicles appear and start firing at Alpha team. Tali continues using the drone to eliminate enemy operators until a warning indicates a missile lock on her drone. Before she can evade the missile, the drone is hit, and Tali loses connection.
"What happened?" Ramsey shouts, while Tali and Ilona grab their SMGs and make their way out of the building.
"The drone went down! We're coming to you!" Ilona informs, as two Phoenix Operators break through two windows and open fire inside the building. Tali and Ilona take cover and return fire. Tali successfully eliminates one of the operators, while Ilona takes out the other. Tali and Ilona quickly exit the building, descending a set of stairs, only to encounter another group of enemy operators.
"All teams, be advised. We have visual on a large group of Alliance transports inbound. ETA 25 minutes," Overlord's voice comes over the radio as Tali takes down the last operator in the current group. Tali grabs an enemy SCAR rifle and tosses one to Ilona, equipping themselves for the intense firefight in the close quarters. They encounter numerous groups of both Federal and Phoenix Operators as they progress, and upon reaching an open area, they come under heavy fire from the enemy operators.
Taking cover, Tali and Ilona exchange fire with the enemy operators, who unleash a barrage of rifle and SMG rounds. Tali manages to eliminate a few Federals, while Ilona does the same. Together, they swiftly neutralize the large group of operators. After reloading their magazines, Tali and Ilona proceed towards the rendezvous point (RZ Point). As they approach a set of double doors, their radio chatter intensifies, followed by a loud rifle crack.
"What's going on?" Ilona demands, about to open the door, but a sniper round slams into the doorknob.
"Sniper! Cage is down..." a Shadow operator screams, prompting Tali to swiftly open the door. Tali and Ilona sprint to the next building as sniper rounds continue to rain down on them, tragically claiming the lives of innocent civilians. Ilona forcefully slams into a set of doors as they navigate through the small building, with sniper rounds still being fired at them. Though some rounds hit, luckily they only graze them. They arrive at a walkway that offers a vantage point to identify the source of the shots—a tall bell tower in the distance. Tali and Ilona run to the end of the walkway, witnessing the devastating sight of many innocent civilians lying dead or dying.
Reaching the end of the walkway, Tali and Ilona assess their options and realize their only way out is through the window. Tali spots a sizable patio area below, and Ilona instructs her to provide cover fire. Tali smashes the large window pane and aims her rifle at the tower, firing shots to suppress the sniper. Taking advantage of the distraction, Ilona jumps out onto the lower deck. After a few moments, Ilona signals for Tali to follow. Tali leaps over the ledge and lands on the patio deck, sprinting towards the safety of the next building. Tali and Ilona stack up next to the next set of double doors, catching their breath and regrouping.
Moving inside, they hold their rifles high as they approach a set of stairs, where they find a wounded Shadow Operator named Cage. He informs them that his partner has a Hydra launcher that can be used to eliminate the sniper. However, before he can finish speaking, the sniper takes him out. Cage slumps over, and Ilona and Tali ascend the flight of stairs. As they reach the top, the sniper resumes firing. Tali's HUD indicates the location of the fallen operator with the Hydra launcher. Despite the sniper rounds slamming around her, Tali manages to reach the fallen operator. Although he is deceased, the Hydra launcher lies next to him. Tali picks it up, takes aim, and quickly locks onto the target. She fires the small missiles, which streak towards the bell tower. In a matter of moments, the tower crumbles down. Tali and Ilona share a brief moment of relief before Tali tends to a wound on her torso and forearm, applying some medi-gel for temporary relief.
"Asshole..." Ilona cursed under her breath as they made their way to a parked skycar.
Tali joined Ilona, maneuvering through a tight space between a building and a large skycar. Together, they advanced towards what had been identified as a convoy. As they reached a narrow street, Ilona scanned the area while Tali fired into the air to scatter the crowd.
"Tali, prepare an EMP charge. Stand by," Ilona instructed as Tali positioned the charge in the center of the street. Taking cover, they awaited the convoy's imminent arrival, receiving a heads-up from Overlord.
"Alliance shuttles inbound... ETA 15 minutes," Overlord relayed as the convoy drew nearer. Ilona initiated a countdown as the convoy approached. When the lead truck passed over the EMP, Tali triggered the detonation. The first vehicle was launched into the air, causing the rest of the convoy to be disabled by the EMP, resulting in a chaotic crash into nearby buildings. Federal troopers emerged from the wreckage, met with resistance as Tali eliminated several of them. Moving towards the General's vehicle, Tali and Ilona faced opposition from both Federal troopers and Phoenix Operators emerging from hiding. In the heat of the moment, Tali spotted a discarded grenade launcher, swiftly picking it up and using it to retaliate against the oncoming enemies.
"Move up!" Tali commands Ilona, whose rifle rattles as Tali's grenades detonate. After a brief pause, both Tali and Ilona halt their advance, reaching the final overturned vehicle. Tali approaches the door, which she opens to find the Turian General inside, groaning as Tali reaches for him. Suddenly, Ilona shouts, "Car!" as a vehicle crashes into Tali, pinning her against a wall. Surprisingly, she escapes serious injury. When two Federal soldiers attempt to exit the vehicle, Ilona swiftly eliminates them. She then tries to move the car, while Tali warns her of the Turian charging towards her with a knife. A hand-to-hand struggle ensues between Ilona and the General, Ilona dodges as the Turian drives the blade into the vehicle. Tali swiftly punches him in the jaw. Despite his quick recovery, he tries once more to thrust his blade at Tali. Tali prepares herself as the Turian embeds his blade into her forearm. Ilona strikes him as Tali removes the blade and swiftly slices the Turian's throat. The Turian General clutches his neck as he collapses to the ground. As Ilona rushes to free Tali from the wall. By putting the vehicle in neutral, Ilona successfully moves it back, allowing Tali to break free. Together, they approach the Turian General's body, with Ilona kneeling to scan his eyes for identification.
"ID confirmed... General Tiberian EKIA. I send again, Tiberian EKIA..." Ilona sighed amidst the Alliance shuttles circling the area, with a Shadow Shuttle approaching. Just as they prepared to depart, Tiberian seizes Ilona's arm and places a data shard in her hands.
"T'soni knows... T'soni knows..." Tiberian utters before dying. Tali and Ilona exchange a look.
"What does T'soni know..." Ilona questions as they head towards the shuttle. Suddenly, two Alliance shuttles land, and their marines open fire. Tali and Ilona manage to escape, with Tali eventually sitting on a bench as a medic examines her and wraps a bandage around her arm.