Mass Effect Betrayal Act 1- Shepards Revenge

Shepard returned to base after three days, following the destruction of a building filled with the old enemy. The Alliance had swarmed the area, and upon Shepard's arrival, the Coalition leadership was appalled by the conducted experiments. The fact that the Hierarchy and Council forces were aware of these experiments had a significant impact. The Citadel Council admitted to the assault, claiming it was launched to put an end to the experiments and were on their way back to retrieve their dead. However, the Coalition did not believe their motives. What was left of the Alliance's credibility shattered, resulting in mass surrenders and fleets deserting. Only the Zealots, the most loyal among them, remained. The situation on Faros was different, as the Coalition remnant continued to fight fiercely on the planet. The Alliance military leadership on Faros denounced the Alliance Parliament. The Coalition, no longer constrained by civil treaties, no longer considered the soldiers and officers on Faros as uniformed combatants. They made it clear to the terrorists of Faros that any additional acts against their prisoners of war would not be tolerated.

The Alliance forces stationed on Faros remain a challenging enemy, effectively encircling the Coalition forces. Upon Shepard's return, she observed the base operating smoothly, with no major issues. Shepard is currently supervising the data she retrieved, while Sara is swiftly sifting through it at an impressive pace. What surprises Shepard is the recurring mention of the Turian Rebels, now known as the Turian Republic, and the Hierarchy's persistent efforts to bring them back into the fold, whether through diplomacy or force. Shepard glances over and notices Garrus enthralled in a conversation with his sister, Chairman Solona Vakarian.

The dynamics of the war have once again shifted, unearthing a web of secrets, lies, and betrayals. Shepard recalls the age-old saying, "In war, the first casualty is the truth." Despite still feeling Harbinger's company lingering in the back of her mind, Shepard soldiers on, despite the staying pain from his mental assault. She underwent a detailed mental and physical exam, confirming she is fit for duty. Turning to Sara, who is storing the ACS module, Shepard asks, "Anything you want to share?" Garrus ended his call with his sister and joins Shepard's side. Meanwhile, Sara simply gazes at Shepard and the imposing figure of Garrus.

"Not much, just information we were already aware of, along with a fair share of scientific jargon. I need to continue reviewing it, but my eyes are feeling strained," Sara responds as she heads toward the locker in the room. Placing the ACS module inside and securely sealing it, Sara excuses herself and departs.

Shepard glances at the latest updates, that Karen had left for her. So far, the battle has been effective, and the Coalition has provided Shepard with a timeline for possible reinforcements and supplies.

However, Shepard can still feel the presence of the Reaper god at the back of her mind, slowly entering her thoughts. Suddenly, a vision flashes in her mind, revealing Sara copying and wiping the ACS module. What sends a chill down Shepard's spine is the mention of the Republic's interest for the intel for their own goals, particularly their search to locate Reaper husks. It's a message from Chairman Vakarian herself to her Shadow. Garrus notices Shepard's distant expression and shakes her, asking where she was. Shepard looks at Garrus, mustering a half-hearted smile.

Without fully understanding why, Shepard walks towards the locker and opens the door. She retrieves the module and plugs it in, driven by the vision she received. As the module boots up, her team receives a message about an incoming Republic shuttle, the reason why remains unknown. As the module finally starts, Shepard notices something alarming - or rather, the lack thereof. The ACS module has been completely wiped clean. Shepard immediately demands to know the location where the Republic shuttle is landing, rushing out of the room. Garrus glances at the screen, realizing the haste, and swiftly follows Shepard out the door.