INT. NORMANDY COMMAND DECK - DAY
Leonard walks out of the elevator into the Command Deck. All of the crew is standing around, waiting for Commander Shepard and Admiral Hackett to come out of the communications wing. Leonard stands amongst them and nods to a few, looking around nervously.
The doors to the communications wing open and Hackett and his men pour into the room. Every Alliance soldier in the room salutes Admiral Hackett. Hackett nods to them all as his men escort him out.
Shepard comes out of the room and watches the Admiral’s party leave the Normandy. All of the others turn to him. Shepard giggles to himself and then stands up on the platform overlooking the galaxy map.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
(Uneasy)
I’m sure you’re all wondering what was said.
They all nod in expectation.
COMMANDER SHEPARD (CONT’D)
I’ll spare you the details, but we’re not being brought in.
Mild relief and happiness in the room.
COMMANDER SHEPARD (CONT’D)
HOWEVER! (Pause) We have been assigned to a mission, and you’re probably not gonna like it...
CUT TO:
INT. NORMANDY COCKPIT - DAY
(EXT. SHOT) The Normandy flies towards planet Harmony, formerly known as Aite, and is met by Reapers and ships from all major fleets altered by Reaper tech. The Harmony fleet encases Harmony like satellites.
Shepard hovers over Joker as they approach.
JOKER
(Uneasy)
I do nooottt like this.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Noted. But it was the only way to get Hackett off our backs. Harmony says they’re a peaceful nation. Let’s give them a chance.
JOKER
Those are Reapers? You see them, right?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Just keep going.
JOKER
(Looking at a screen)
We’re being hailed. Patching them through.
HARMONY PILOT (V.O.)
Unidentified vessel. You are not registered to our airspace. Identify yourself.
JOKER
(To Shepard)
What’s our play?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Tell them who we are.
JOKER
(Sighs)
This is the Normandy crew under Commander Shepard. Requesting a place to land.
PILOT 2
The Normandy? Commander Shepard is alive!?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
As well as I can manage.
PILOT 2
Oh wow! This is great news! We owe everything to you! Follow me. We’ll lead you to a proper docking area.
JOKER
Will do. (Mumbles) As soon as I find out which Reaper you are.
(EXT. SHOT) They are escorted down to the surface. They pass through the Reaper blockade as they enter Harmony airspace.