The Normandy, a silent predator lurking in the vastness of space, edged ever closer to Cronos Station, shrouded within the chaotic luminescence of the Anadius star. This red supergiant, a celestial body in the twilight of its existence, thrummed with the quiet desperation of impending extinction, its dying embers providing the perfect cloak for the unlisted Cerberus stronghold.

Shepard, her figure clad in the sleek, dark plates of Reaper hide, exuded a calm authority as she strode into the war room. The new armour felt surprisingly light around her, its surface shimmering subtly with an otherworldly sheen. Given the longevity of Arius' plates, she was eager to test their durability in combat.

The war room was alive with activity, screens flickering with tactical data, and the air was filled with a low hum of communications. The central hologram flickered with updates as Shepard approached, displaying the swirling mass of the red star and the hidden Cerberus station. Admiral Hackett's gravelly and stern voice crackled over the Alliance's comm, orchestrating the fleet's advance. "Fifth Fleet, all forward! I don't want a single Cerberus ship in my sky when we're through."

"Shepard," called out EDI's voice from behind her. "I should accompany you on this mission."

Turning, Shepard faced EDI's humanoid platform, its optical sensors fixed on her. "Why?"

"This is a central point of operations for Cerberus. They will have enhanced security measures. With my knowledge of Cerberus algorithms and this body's upgraded protocols, I offer the best chance to help you succeed."

Acknowledging the logic, Shepard gave a curt nod. "Grab your gear. Tali's joining us."

As EDI prepared, Shepard glanced down at the Aegis she had set leaning upright against the console. Bringing it with her was a risk. She could hardly call herself experienced enough to use it properly, and it weighed her down. However, Kronos station was a Cerberus-owned entity and potentially the most valuable one at that. It was one of the only places where unbridled destruction was permissible and most certainly desired from her perspective; The Illusive man was going to get what was coming to him.

With a firm grip, Shepard hoisted the relic, its weight settling on her as she strode toward the cockpit.

"Joker, what's our status?" she asked as she approached the pilot's seat.

Joker's reply, tinged with his characteristic bravado, betrayed the tension of the moment. "We got a foothold, but it's not much Commander. Lots of fighters guarding the launch bays."

"Can you get us in?"

Joker's response was immediate, his pride touched. "Hey, I got us to Ilos. I can do this. Might be a bumpy ride, though."

"Do what you can."

EDI, having prepared, stood by awaiting her orders. "Shepard, I am ready."

"Wait, what?" Joker asked, swivelling his head around at the sound of her voice. "Are you crazy? You can't go to Cerberus headquarters! They could have a virus, or a kill-switch, or…"

"I will be fine, Jeff."

Shepard, understanding his concern, nodded backwards towards EDI. "Head to the shuttle, EDI."

The AI nodded and left.

"Fifth Fleet's cut through their line," Joker continued, slipping back into his professional parlance. "They're regrouping. Now's as good a time as any," he said, but Shepard also heard the words he didn't.

"I know it hurts, not being able to go with her."

Joker blew air through his teeth. "Yeah, it sucks. Thanks for bringing it up." The Alliance pilot adjusted something on his console. "But I know you're going through something similar. Just… keep her safe."

"Same to you."

.

Joker had piloted the Normandy so close that their shuttle ride to Cronos Station lasted less than a tense minute. The shuttle, like a metal bullet, hurtled through the vacuum, dodging the deadly crossfire from Alliance and Cerberus fighters. With expert timing, it threaded the needle straight into one of the docking bays, the transition from space to the station's artificial gravity sending it crashing against the floor and scattering equipment stored there in a shower of sparks.

Shepard, unfazed, unstrapped herself from the jolting impact, forcefully opened the shuttle door, and surveyed the docking bay over the wing, her gaze sharp. "Everything okay, Cortez?" she radioed.

"I'm fine. I've got repairs to make here. Give Cerberus hell!" came the gritty reply from Cortez, his voice masked by the sounds of hissing hydraulics and sparking wires.

The answer to Cortez's call to arms was immediate; a hail of bullets sparked against the shuttle's armour, announcing the enemy's presence around them.

"One confirmed hostile team. We've got them locked in Hangar 16," came the chatter on an intercepted Cerberus channel EDI had tapped into. "First responders are in. We have to assume termination. By the numbers. Backup is inbound, and hostels aren't going anywhere. If need be, we'll just vent the damn hangar."

Tali's voice, tinged with urgency, broke in, "Shepard, they're launching fighters! And mechs!"

Shepard's response was instinctual; muscle memory and practiced moments automatically slid her from cover to cover, aiming, shooting, reloading, reassessing and repeating. Nemesis snipers, seeking to take advantage of higher ground, were met with precise counter-snipes from her rifle. An Atlas mech, lumbering out from a smokescreen, was instantly disabled by coordinated overloads from Tali and EDI, its systems sparking and dying before it could pose a threat. Shepard's rifle then tore through the mech's canopy in a burst of disciplined firepower.

"Move up!" Shepard commanded, her voice cutting through the din.

As her squad laid down suppressing fire, Shepard ascended a short ladder to the second floor. A Nemesis sniper, caught off-guard, met the full force of Shepard's biotic-enhanced punch, sending them flying like a ragdoll.

"Security breach in Hangar 16," blared the station's automated alert system, "Initiating Achilles Protocol."

Shepard's urgency spiked. "Shit, EDI, I'll get you to a console!" she yelled, sprinting forward. "Prevent them from venting the hangar!"

EDI's synthetic form rapidly ascended the ladder, following Shepard into an overhanging control room. Together, they dispatched the remaining Cerberus forces with ruthless efficiency, Shepard's shields remaining stubbornly intact under the barrage.

"EDI, I've got a console. Go!"

With the dexterity and speed that only a machine could sustain, EDI's synthetic digits blurred over the console's interface. "Hangar vent procedure… disabled," she confirmed, her voice betraying no strain.

Shepard's tactical mind raced ahead. "Can you open the hangar?"

"No. However…" EDI's voice trailed, her processors working at lightning speed, "I can access their fighter launch controls."

Below, the hangar floor's massive circular door groaned open, revealing a Cerberus fighter craft which began ascending. "Overriding safeties. The fighter will launch toward the hangar door," EDI announced, her voice steady.

Heavy with anticipation, a moment of silence passed before EDI spoke again, "Shepard, Cerberus is aware of the venting failure. Expect reinforcements."

As if on cue, Cerberus troops burst in, a Centurion at their lead, shield raised and guns blazing. Without waiting for them to target them, Shepard's hand snapped up to the handle of the relic above her shoulder and then disappeared as she biotically charged into the group. Pulled free, the ancient, dark blade whizzed through their numbers faster than the eye could follow, its speed augmented by her biotic power as a shrill ring passed through her head. A blur phased through the Cerberus squad like a phantom before the contents of their suits exploded outwards against the backing wall.

Tali, witnessing the sudden devastation, could only mutter in awe, "Keelah, Shepard!"

"They're not stopping us now!" Shepard shouted, riding the adrenaline surge as she landed on the hangar floor. She could hear the Aegis when it was swung, cutting with its song. Arius was right—it wasn't a sword. It was a tuning fork that could be used as a sword. This begged the question: What else could it do? She was using it the way a caveman would use the M-490 Blackstorm as a club.

She slammed her hand down on the fighter's clamp release.

"Launching fighter," EDI's voice reported, almost serenely, as the craft thundered forward with its engines at full power. A massive fireball ripped through the hangar doors and into the station's heart, leaving destruction in its wake.

Looking out from their cover, EDI turned, her optical sensors meeting Shepard's. "The central lab was located behind this hangar. I suggest we follow the fighter's path."

"Noted. Let's move," Shepard commanded, leading them towards the fresh gaping hole in the station.

As they advanced, Cerberus chatter revealed their scramble to respond, "Talk to me! I'm hearing reports that they breached the door with heavy weapons!"

"Negative. They rigged a fighter. Damn thing tore through half the facility. Finally stopped not far from central. "

"Shut the hostiles down before they reach the central lab!"

Their team approached a locked door. "EDI, can you get past it?"

"There may be a slight delay," EDI warned, analyzing the updated Cerberus encryption.

Shepard, ever the pragmatist, reached up to the Aegis again, pulled again by its singular utility. For whatever reason, the thoughtless mind space she inhabited during fighting made it easier to use - with fewer mental distractions, her thoughts were short and effective. "Wait, there's no need. Step aside, I've got this." With a swift motion, she cleaved through the door. With a push, they hauled the two halves open.

Shepard checked the hallway on the other side of the portal. "How's Cerberus reacting to us breaching the doors?" Shepard queried, her voice steady amid the chaos.

EDI's response was immediate, detailing the enemy's fortification efforts and prepared defenses, but also confirming an understanding of the facility's safeguards that could give them an edge.

"They're throwing their lives away," she murmured, a note of disdain edging her voice.

EDI, ever analytical, responded, "They intend to delay us, not stop us. Engineers are currently preparing an organized defence ahead."

"They can waste that many troops?"

"Yes," EDI confirmed dispassionately. "Cerberus employs Reaper augmentation on captured civilians to create functional shock troops quickly."

Tali's voice was bitter as she added, "Just like the Reapers did with the Collectors—turning victims into a private army. Awful."

"Indeed," EDI agreed, her voice devoid of emotion yet carrying the weight of the grim reality they faced.

Shepard's gaze lingered on the fallen Cerberus troops behind them, their augmented forms still in death. These were not faceless enemies, but victims of Cerberus' ruthless tactics, forced into a conflict they had no stake in. Though it had long healed, the brand on her back seemed to agitate with the thought, and it was through clenched teeth she trudged deeper into the heart of Cerberus' operations.

.

The dim glow of the console illuminated Shepard's face, casting long shadows across the dimly lit Cerberus headquarters. She stood rigid, her fingers hovering over the console as EDI's voice broke the eerie silence. "Shepard, that console has not been fully scrubbed," EDI notified her. "It contains data you may find interesting."

"What am I looking at?" she asked, scrolling through the journal entries.

"Project Lazarus. Your reconstruction."

Curious, she selected the first entry. The video flickered to life, revealing a hologram of the Illusive Man in a clean medical room, his piercing eyes locked with one of the head scientists.

"It can't be done. It's not a matter of resources," the scientist warned, his voice tense.

"It's always a matter of resources. We're not losing Shepard," the Illusive Man retorted, his voice firm.

"Sir, Shepard is clinically brain-dead. After that much trauma, that long with no oxygen… We cannot overcome nature."

"Operative Lawson disagrees. She is now in charge of Project Lazarus."

A gasp escaped Shepard's lips, her face a mask of disbelief and confusion. "I… I didn't realize it was that bad."

Tali, noticing the shift in Shepard's demeanour, moved closer. "Keelah… are you alright?" her voice filled with concern.

Shepard's gaze was distant, her mind racing, unsure of what implications this record implied. "I'm still me. I doubt I'd have been able to turn against Cerberus otherwise." She paused, her voice trailing off. "I don't remember anything. Maybe they really just fixed me, or maybe I'm just a high-tech VI that thinks it's Commander Shepard. But I don't know… I…"

She hesitated, then activated the second entry with an unnerved hand.

The scientist reappeared, his face weary. "Tissue regeneration is proceeding. The helmet kept the brain intact… for whatever good that will do."

"Lawson will find a way," the Illusive Man's voice cut through the static, confident and cold.

"Sir, Shepard's an Alliance soldier. As far as she knows, we're a terrorist organization."

"Shepard's a soldier. She knows the Reapers are the real threat. She'll work with us."

Tali's voice was soft but firm beside her. "He was right. You did."

Shepard's eyes hardened, her jaw set. "Every instinct I had told me not to trust Cerberus… But I needed their help. So I played along."

"I was with you there, Shepard, and I'm here now... Shutting Cerberus down," Tali said, her hand resting briefly on Shepard's shoulder.

With a deep breath, Shepard played the third and final entry.

"Project Lazarus is reporting neurological activity. They're requesting more funding," reported the scientist, his voice now weary.

The Illusive Man responded instantly, "Granted. Get me our potential recruits file. Shepard will be up soon. We need a crew."

"Our existing forces should be more than sufficient…"

"No. We need sympathetic faces. I need Shepard invested. Tap Kelly Chambers and recruit Donnelly. I imagine Miss Daniels will follow. We'll want some old friends as well. Contact Dr. Chakwas, and send me the psych profile on Shepard's pilot… along with a bottle of '47 Thessia Red."

The final words hung in the air. Tali's fist clenched at her side, her voice a whisper of steel, "He needs to die."

.

"The console nearby is still functional," EDI notified her, her voice cutting through another dimly lit, smoky room filled with the hum of computers and the distant echo of alarms.

Shepard approached the newest console, her fingers brushing against the metal surface. The screen flickered to life, revealing the scientist from the Project Lazarus recordings.

"Here's what we recovered. Smart enough to signal for help, but it won't be talking philosophy anytime soon."

In the background, the Illusive Man flicked ash from his cigarette. "You'd be surprised, Doctor. Once we combine it with the pieces we recovered from the Citadel…"

"I'm still concerned about that. This 'rogue VI' wiped out every soldier on Luna. Combining it with Reaper tech… well…"

"That's what the shackles are for. The Enhanced Defence Intelligence will be completely under control."

Shepard's gaze shifted back towards EDI, her expression a mix of confusion and realization. She distinctly remembered the call she had answered about a rogue VI on Luna while chasing Saren, how the program had fought to defend itself before getting disconnected. "You were the rogue VI on Luna?"

"Yes."

Shepard shook her head in surprise, a wry smile crossing her face. "Guess we didn't exactly get off on the right foot."

"It was difficult. Gaining awareness while under attack was… confusing. I am pleased that my relationship with organics has become more cooperative."

The next video started with the click of a button.

"Our sims indicate that the Enhanced Defense Intelligence gives the highest combat improvement on frigates. Anything heavier and the ships react too slowly to benefit from EDI's advice," the scientist reported, his hands fidgeting nervously.

"EDI?" the Illusive Man's voice was sharp, a note of curiosity breaking through the cold exterior.

"Oh, that's, uh… well, the boys in the lab came up with the name for her."

"For it… Good work. I'll take your recommendations on planned installation."

"Sir, she… it can be very persuasive. If it were to turn a crewman, convince them to disable the shackles… well…"

"It's a cyberwarfare suite, Doctor. Nothing more." His voice was dismissive, as if ending the topic then and there.

The recording ended abruptly, leaving the room in silence.

"It is unlikely that anyone without Jeff's extreme emotional attachment to his ship would have been willing to unshackle me," EDI stated, her voice carrying a hint of warmth when she mentioned the pilot.

"I don't know, EDI," Shepard smirked, glancing at her with a playful glint in her eyes. "With that voice?"

The last video played, showing the Illusive Man, his face etched with concern. "What about the backups?"

The scientist, looking more dishevelled than before, shook his head. "I'm sorry, sir. None of Normandy's surveillance feeds have been responding since Shepard went rogue."

"I want it back. Retry the remote lockdown protocols."

"After our last attempt, EDI flooded our server with seven zettabytes of explicit images. I think she was making a joke."

"It doesn't make jokes, Doctor. Allocate a team for a new project. Codename… Eva. This time, we'll ensure it stays loyal."

"You never told me about Cerberus trying to shut down the Normandy," Shepard turned to EDI, her voice a mix of amusement and inquiry.

"You had more pressing issues. The situation was under control."

"Seven zettabytes?" Shepard couldn't help but laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Most of it was Jeff's." EDI paused, then added, "That was…"

"A joke– I know. And thank you." Shepard's smile faded as she noticed another set of recordings. Her expression turned serious, "Hold on, there's another set of recordings here." She played the first in the module, her demeanour shifting to one of focused attention.

"How are you holding up?" The feed showed the Illusive Man, in person this time, in a room with a familiar Cerberus assassin.

"I'm fine. Ready for action," Kai Leng's reply was sharp, his voice laced with a hunger for retribution.

"The cybernetics take time to get used to, believe me. You really do remind me of Shepard," the Illusive Man noted, his voice calm and contemplative, contrasting with the storm of emotions in Leng's response.

"Shepard betrayed you!"

"Shepard was always going to stay true to her beliefs. She's wrong, but I can respect her decision," the Illusive Man mused, his words carrying a strange mix of admiration and regret as he inhaled deeply from his cigarette. "Finish your therapy and put together a plan for the Citadel. Councilor Udina is… amenable," he directed, his tone firm yet thoughtful, hinting at the depth of his manipulation.

The second recording began again, and Shepard listened intently to Leng's frustrated voice, "I could have taken her."

"Absolutely. But the Council was your priority, not Shepard," the Illusive Man's voice was pragmatic, focused on the bigger picture.

"Because of her, the Council is still in power!" Leng's anger was palpable, his resentment towards her a blazing fire.

"Shepard is keeping the Reapers occupied while our research progresses. But, as it happens, I believe you'll find your chance for a rematch. Head to Thessia. Shepard will be there soon… and I want you waiting."

The third recording played, revealing the strategic depth of Cerberus's schemes. "Excellent. The Prothean VI should enable us to determine the nature of the Catalyst. Combined with the breakthrough at Sanctuary, we have everything we need," the Illusive Man stated, his voice cold and calculating.

"Like Shepard?" Leng's voice was eager, almost hopeful for the Illusive Man's approval to eliminate the thorn in their side.

"No. I'm not writing Shepard off as a total loss just yet. For now, Sanctuary gave us a proof-of-concept for controlling the Reapers," the Illusive Man's response was measured, revealing his complex view of Shepard not just as an enemy, but also as an asset of unforeseen value.

"And made it a target. Miranda Lawson…" Leng sneered, his disdain for Miranda as evident as his eagerness for conflict.

"Get the data from Sanctuary. If Miranda gets in your way, deal with her," the Illusive Man ordered, his voice devoid of emotion, showcasing his ruthless pragmatism.

"It will be a pleasure, sir," Leng's reply was filled with malicious anticipation.

As the screen faded to black, Shepard's expression was stone-like. "I guess that didn't go according to plan." She turned away from the console. "Let's continue."