As Fang Zheng engaged the Reapers in their first battle, Shepard returned to Earth aboard the Normandy, arriving at Alliance Headquarters.
"Anderson?"
The moment she stepped off the ship, Shepard saw Anderson standing before her, and she could not help but be taken aback.
"Why are you here? What about the Citadel?"
"I returned as soon as I received your report..."
Anderson's expression was grave. He gestured for Shepard to follow him as he spoke.
"Our outer defenses detected a massive unidentified object. In fact, we just lost contact with everything beyond the Solar System..."
"Then what are we supposed to do now?"
"The Alliance needs to hear your report..."
"My report?"
Shepard stopped in her tracks.
"We don't have time for this, Anderson! The Reapers will be here any minute! We should immediately activate the Solar System's defenses, evacuate as many civilians as possible, get them somewhere safe, and figure out how to fight the Reapers—not sit around giving reports! Every minute we waste is a crime!"
"I know that, but there's nothing I can do."
Anderson sighed helplessly.
"You're the only one who has encountered a Reaper. You spoke with it face-to-face, talked to it, and even blew it away. Only you know how to deal with the Reapers. The Alliance just wants enough information and intelligence. They're just... scared."
"...Fine..."
Hearing Anderson's answer, Shepard sighed helplessly as well. This was not the first time she had encountered Alliance bureaucracy. Even with the situation this urgent, they still needed reports, reports, reports... With that thought, Shepard quickened her pace and soon arrived at the conference room of the Alliance leadership.
"Commander Shepard."
When Shepard entered, one of the officials immediately spoke.
"These are extraordinary times, so we won't waste words. We received your warning regarding the Reapers. We