The Burdens Of Duty - Spoiler Warning -
INT. ARCTURUS STATION
– DAY
Admiral Hackett stands before a large window in a conference room within Arcturus Station. After a few moments, Anderson walks in. They shake hands, then sit at the conference table in the center of the room.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
Glad you made it here quickly, Anderson.
　
ANDERSON (looks away)
I wish it were under better circumstances.
ADMIRAL HACKETT (watching Anderson closely with his eyes)
Me too.
(a beat)
You’ve read the reports?
ANDERSON
Yes. Tela Vasir’s death, though messy, isn’t completely unreasonable. According to the C-Sec reports, Vasir was trying to kill Dr. T’Soni. Shepard was probably just protecting a friend. I can let that one slide.
ADMIRAL HACKETT (firm)
Will the Council let it slide? First Cerberus, now Vasir.
ANDERSON
I spoke with Udina; it seems they’re not too concerned about it. Vasir’s been under suspicion for some time, so her death will likely remain quiet. Nobody wants their dirty laundry in public either.
　
ADMIRAL HACKETT
I see… And the Alpha Relay incident?
Anderson looks away and gathers his thoughts before speaking.
ANDERSON
That one’s harder to let slide.
(a beat)
You met with Shepard after the incident
—do you believe him/her?
ADMIRAL HACKETT
It doesn’t matter what I believe. The fact of the matter is that Shepard’s actions have destabilized the galactic peace we’ve worked so hard to attain. The Batarians have proof the Alliance was involved in the destruction of the Alpha relay, and the Alliance is prepared to do anything to avoid war with the Batarians. And no matter how justified, destroying a mass relay is a galactic war crime the Council won’t ignore. Shepard is our only hope for getting out of this mess.
ANDERSON
I understand.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
So here we are. The Batarians want blood. Alliance HQ wants answers. And Shepard doesn’t seem particularly willing to give either.
ANDERSON (surprised)
What do you mean?
ADMIRAL HACKETT
After the Alpha Relay debrief, we agreed he/she would come in after healing up. It’s been two weeks, and still no word from Sheppard. Can’t seem to locate the Normandy, either.
ANDERSON
You think he/she went into hiding? That doesn’t sound right.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
I don’t want to assume anything, but we’re out of time. If Shepard doesn’t face the Alliance, they’ll skip right past the trial and go straight to execution.
(a beat, both avoid looking at each other)
You know Shepard, Anderson
—what do you think is going on?
ANDERSON (shakes his head)
I’m not sure I know Shepard anymore. I trust him/her, but I definitely don’t trust Cerberus… Vasir’s murder was questionable, but the Alpha Relay incident... (looking depressed) Even if I could justify each incident, the pattern we’re seeing is concerning.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
What’s our best case scenario?
ANDERSON (with hope)
Shepard’s telling the truth. He’s/she’s focused on the Reapers, and all of these incidents are little more than misunderstandings and ill-timed strokes of bad lucks.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
And worst case?
ANDERSON
The Shepard we once knew is gone. And in his/her place, we have a bloodthirsty Cerberus agent whose carelessness is going to start a war and weaken us all before the Reapers invasion.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
I trust you understand the devastating effect a galactic war could have on us. The Reapers invasion is still an unknown, but a war with the Batarians is guaranteed if we don’t resolve this quickly.
Anderson is quiet.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
So where do you stand, Anderson?
ANDERSON
Regardless of my opinion of Shepard, my duty first and foremost is to protect the Alliance and humanity. I’ll do whatever is necessary to honor that duty.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
Glad to hear it.
(a beat)
Your assignment then is to bring Shepard in. Officially, he/she is facing charges of aiding and abetting Cerberus, the murder of a Council spectre, and the destruction of a mass relay. Personally, I’m not ready to condemn him/her yet. If the Shepard who committed all those crimes is the same Shepard who led the Battle of the Citadel, I have to believe there’s a reason for all that’s happened. But first thing’s first, we need him/her located, apprehended, and brought to Alliance HQ on Earth.
ANDERSON
What makes you think Shepard will listen to me if he/she didn’t listen to you?
ADMIRAL HACKETT
He/she trusts you. If there’s any change of finding him/her, it’s you.
(a beat)
You’ll be given a Marine detail to assist you. You can pick the location, but take the detail with you and prepare for the worst. Ideally, Shepard will come in peacefully; we have no reason to expect he/she will react violently, but given the inconsistent behavior patterns we’ve seen recently…I just want you to be prepared.
Anderson nods.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
I know this must be hard for you, Anderson. It’s hard for me, too. But it needs to be done.
ANDERSON
I understand.
Admiral Hackett and Anderson stand up. Admiral Hackett hands Anderson a datapad.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
I’m taking a shuttle to Earth tonight. Hopefully I can start to get an idea of what the case against Shepard really looks like, and what our options are. Keep me posted on how it goes.
ANDERSON
Yes, sir.