As President Jane Shepard observes the haunting footage from the assault on Horizon, she can't help but remember it as a cursed battleground and bow it has claimed the life of her most valued general. The intelligence division under her command has kept a watchful eye on Victus and his forces, anticipating his next move. Shepard intuitively senses that Victus won't let this chance slip by; the time for his strike is imminent. She has already issued the command for her troops to brace for an impending Hierarchy onslaught.
While the potential responses of the Asari and Salarians remain a mystery to her, there's an immediate concern that requires her full attention: Tali'Zorah. This person has been a continual source of frustration for Shepard, yet she harbors a secret weapon against Tali and her newfound Asari friend.
Each time Shepard gets close to concluding this war, circumstances shift, hindering her efforts. She had once hoped to pull apart the Alliance, an institution she bitterly wished to see turned to ashs. But now, even her attempts to finish the conflict with the Hierarchy are falling short as the war only seems to widen its reach. Other nations have begun to take sides, some siding with her, others with the Hierarchy.
The uneasy peace forged with the Alliance was born out of sheer necessity — the desperate need for additional soldiers and supplies to stand against Victus's relentless power. The war still rages on. Looking out of the small window on her ship, Shepard observes the Alliance's fury not towards her or the Federation, but towards the perpetrators of the Horizon attack and their Federation Allies. Now, she must prepare her people for the upcoming clash. Yet, her primary concern remains addressing her most significant threat. While contemplating her next steps, Shepard receives a priority report from her war department: Victus has arrived.
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"We are currently on-site, having just received information that Hierarchy forces have entered the system..." a war reporter begins, only to be interrupted by a news anchor. "I Apologies for the interruption. Just in, Primarch Adrin Victus has ordered his Ambassador and Councilor to publicly declare their withdrawal from the Citadel Council... However, they will maintain economic and diplomatic ties with their allies while cutting all connections with the Federation until all peace terms are agreed upon... Now, back to you in the field," the anchor announces as they switch back to the war reporter. What unfolds before them is a scene resembling hell itself. The sky is ablaze with red and orange hues, while columns of smoke darken the horizon. The camera drone captures the chaos in the sky, filled with shuttles and gunships.
"Get down!" a Federal Trooper yells, swiftly pulling the war reporter to the ground. In the midst of the chaos, the Federal soldier exchanges fire with a Hierarchy Troopers. Meanwhile, the camera drone swivels to capture the moment a Hierarchy Shuttle lands, and its troops disembark. They quickly open fire at him and the Federal trooper.
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Tali is in the CQC monitoring incoming reports. As anticipated, without her esteemed General, Victus seized the chance to strike a significant blow against Shepard. However, Shepard, being aware of his intentions, had already ordered reinforcements for the planets. The Shadow Broker Commander is analyzing a intercepted report from the Federation.
"Victus has secured 45% of their objectives. The Federation forces are currently holding their ground, but how long they can hold is unknown," Ramsey reported. Just as Tali receives a message, Ramsey also gets the notification. Before they can act on it, Ilona contacts them through their private comms.
"Tali, Ramsey, I need to see you. Meet me in maintenance room 7Alpha. Don't tell anyone where you are going," Ilona instructs as they both head towards the designated location.
"What's going on, Ilona?" Ramsey inquires.
"I'll fill you in once you're here," Ilona responds. Tali and Ramsey make their way to the room.
"What's your take on the Federation's chances against Victus?" Tali asks.
"The Federation soldiers are highly skilled and well-trained. They'll give the Turians a tough fight. Shepard will hold the EAOs (Established Area of Operation). It's a must for her," Ramsey comments as they walk towards the room. Upon arrival, the Asari opens the door and ushers them in.
"Any chance you were followed? We don't have long. My jamming won't hold forlong." Ilona says, as both Tali and Ramsey look at her. Ilona activates her omni-tool, projecting a holographic image of Shepard leaning against a large terminal. She then presses a button.
"You know what needs to be done," Shepard states firmly.
"You promised!" a voice scrambler on the terminal responds. Tali recognizes the voice Shepard is speaking to.
"I did! That was before you allowed her to take my scientist!" Shepard asserts. In another scene, Shepard is once again leaning on the desk, facing away from the terminal.
"You know what needs to be done, Liara," Shepard declares. Liara takes a moment before replying.
"Shepard, when I agreed to this, you made a promise!" Liara insists.
"That was before she killed my general. Before Victus invaded my nation! Either deal with Tali'Zorah, or I will!" Shepard orders.
"Are the Asari prepared?" Shepard inquires.
"Not yet... But they will be, as long as you uphold your promise not to use your weapon against our people. They will aid you in battling Victus. The Salarians have also agreed..." Liara states before the hologram abruptly shuts off.
Ramsey turns to Ilona, questioning, "Where did you get this from?" Ilona faces both of them and explains, "I got the first half from Tiberius. The second part came from an unknown source. We've been played! Your boss is in league with the Tyrant of the Federation!"
"From Tiberius? How can you trust him?" Ramsey asks skeptically, not fully believing the Asari.
"Ramsey, think about it. We've been lagging behind both Victus and Shepard. Liara probably informed Shepard about Horizon. The Asari have a representative with the Shadow Broker! By leveraging the threat of the mist, the Asari are aligning themselves with Shepard!" Ilona raises her voice, emphasizing her point. Just as Tali is about to speak, the room's doors suddenly swing open, and two flashbangs detonate. All three operators are knocked to the floor as four other Shadow Operators storm in.
An operator moves towards Tali pinning her tothe floor, he then pulled up her omni-tool, and Liara's photo pops up. The surprise and betrayal written all over the Asari's face are unmistakable.
"How could you do this, Liara? How can you side with Shepard..." Tali voices her confusion and disappointment.
"I have no idea what you're implying..." Liara counters, attempting to defend her actions.
"We've seen it all!" Ilona interjects loudly.
"And what is it that you think you've seen? Information from an enemy general? Tali, I'm disappointed... Your only task was to keep your war with Shepard private. Keep Tali here until I can get her off the planet. Ramsey, are you still on our side?" Liara questions.
"The intel is fake, then?" Ramsey seeks confirmation, which Liara affirms with a nod.
"In that case, you have my rifle..." He announces, exiting the room with two of the operators, while the rest remain. On the ground, Tali receives a direct and personal communication.
"Get ready for a distraction, then make your move and get out. I'll keep in touch," the voice calmly instructs. Shortly, the fire alarm blares, accompanied by the sprinklers turning on in their room, drawing the operators' attention away. In this moment of confusion, Tali deftly delivers a kick to the operator watching her, seizes a knife from her boot, and deftly neutralizes him. Ilona, too, swiftly takes care of her own guard. They retrieve SMGs from the subdued operators and cautiously proceed down the hallway.
Upon reaching the elevator, Ilona inquires, "We're at the elevator now... What's our plan?"
"Go inside and head up. Don't delay," replies the voice as they begin their ascent.
"And who might you be?" Ilona asks.
"A friend... When you reach the top, head to the northern edge of the rooftop," the voice guides further. Following these instructions, Ilona forcefully opens the rooftop door. They are immediately met by a group of drones trying to surround them. Tali and Ilona navigate through, although Tali flinches as one drone makes contact. They eventually break free into a civilian-populated area, continuing their escape just as Shadow Operators take up positions and begin shooting.
As they dash forward, Ilona and Tali manage to deal with a number of Shadow Operators in their path. Reaching the precipice, Ilona's quick thinking leads them to a sloped glass roof below. As rifle shots fly dangerously close, they make the decision to slide down the slick surface. The Shadow Operators, intent on pursuit, mimic their action. In a decisive move, Ilona twists her body to aim her SMG backward, firing at the glass which shatters under the impact, creating a gaping opening that the Shadow Operators can't avoid and fall through.
The momentary triumph gives way to alarm as Tali announces they're nearing another edge. Over it, they discover a large water reservoir below. They brace themselves for the cold, wet impact. Upon hitting the water, Tali's respirator is lost to the depths. Underwater, Tali leads the way to a hidden maintenance area. Emerging from their watery escape route, they catch their breath in the safety of cover, each coughing and gasping for air.
Regaining a momentary peace, Tali turns to Ilona, ready to face what comes next.
"Where do we head now?" she inquires between coughs.
"Exit through the maintenance area. But be advised —you'll have to fight your way out..." instructs their guiding voice, laying out their escape strategy.
Tali scans the area as she and Ilona search for a way out. Silently signaling, they move toward the door. With cautious optimism, Ilona peers outside; seeing no immediate threats, she gestures for Tali to follow. They find themselves in a civilian zone, abruptly disrupted as Shadow Broker operatives emerge, initiating a firefight while civilians scatter for safety. Tali and Ilona, unhesitant, return fire, engaging the enemy forces.
"Shadow 2-2, heading topside!" Tali calls out, making her way up a flight of stairs.
"Solid copy, Shadow Actual," Ilona responds, efficiently neutralizing a Shadow operative. As Tali spots another stairway, an enemy operative appears. Without hesitation, she engages, the operative fatally hit, tumbling down the stairs.
"2-2, SitRep!" Tali demands, while Ilona reports being entangled with more operatives. Tali finds a vantage point on a ledge, precisely targeting Shadow operatives, significantly aiding Ilona's progress. Reaching the complex's limit, Tali secures a hook and rapidly descends via a cord. Ilona, covering her, engages enemy fire.
Navigating another alley, they're confronted by seven Shadow operatives and a daunting heavy mech. Tali decisively eliminates a Shadow wielding a rocket launcher, then focuses her attack on the heavy mech while Ilona dispatches the remaining operatives. With the last opponent down, Tali successfully neutralizes the heavy mech.
"Shadow Actual, proceed to the two single-person boats and head toward the marker," instructs the mysterious voice. Through the communication, Tali discerns the voice is that of a female human, providing them with a new direction amidst the chaos.
"Solid copy," Tali acknowledges, as she retrieves a rifle from a fallen operative. Ilona quickly boards the nearest boat, and Tali follows suit in the next. Their escape, however, is promptly challenged by a pursuing gunship. The gunship unleashes a barrage of bullets and missiles as they deftly navigate the waters, evading the incoming attack. Approaching the marker, Tali spots a maintenance ramp and, without hesitation, accelerates towards it, with Ilona in close pursuit. They are launched into the air, soaring towards a building under construction.
"Brace!" Tali shouts just moments before they crash into the building. Regaining her senses, Tali forcefully kicks the boat's hood, assisted by Ilona, and they make their escape. As Shadow transports appear, the voice instructs them to secure the grapple and hook. Tali follows through, grabbing her rifle as they move to a wall with a reachable ledge. She aims and fires the grapple hook, which swiftly carries her up to the ledge.
"Hurry up. Enemy operatives are starting to land," the voice urges as they ascend higher. Traversing the catwalk, they encounter numerous Shadow Operatives, engaging in a fire exchange. Eventually, the last opponent falls, and they press forward, battling their way through the unfinished structure and up a stairwell, eliminating operatives at every turn. Nearing the final obstacle, a ledge, a shuttle appears. The door slides open, revealing a figure in sleek black armor – familiar to Tali.
"Tali... don't tell me you've forgotten me," the figure speaks, removing her helmet to reveal shining black hair under the planet's sun.
"Miranda!" Tali exclaims, recognition flooding in.
"Yeah... now, if you don't mind, we've got to move," Miranda says just as a Shadow Shuttle arrives. Two Shadow operators emerge – Ramsey, his rifle at ease, and Knox, his weapon raised. Ramsey calmly intervenes, gently lowering Knox's rifle.
"Are you sure about all this, Ilona?" Ramsey queries, skepticism evident in his tone.
Ilona confirms her assessment, prompting Ramsey to reply, "You better be right about this..."
At that moment, Shadow Command interrupts with a request for a status update. "Shadow 1-2, SitRep," demands Shadow Command.
"Command... HVTs... got away on shuttles," Ramsey reports. He then informs Tali and Ilona that he must pursue leads on his own, subsequently boarding the shuttle and departing.
Miranda urges Tali and Ilona to board the shuttle. Tali complies, and as she settles in, she turns to witness the doors closing, the planet's sun fading from view.