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Post by ubermensch on Mar 7, 2012 9:44:58 GMT 1
The Reapers... are here. And we are not prepared.The invasion of earth is underway and I'm heading to the Citadel to seek aid from the Council, for humanity. When Anderson suggested, or rather commanded me to do this.I couldn't help but think (I came really close to giving the Admiral some serious 'backtalk') of how the Citadel Fleet were no match for the Geth during the Battle of the Citadel.What does he think they could do to a Reaper Armada?! Everything is happening so fast. I knew this day would come, but I spent so much time trying to prevent (or delay) the Reapers Arrival; that I wasn't able to devote enough time and resources on finding ways to end them! I returned to earth and turned myself in.Not because I believe myself to be a war criminal who deserves to be judged and burn in hell for destroying the Alpha relay and killing over 300, 000 Batarians. No... I figured that having a public trial would be a good platform in order for me to tell my story and spread the word about the soon coming 'Grave' threat from dark space. And it seems for a time, that I was gaining some support.The Systems Alliance Defense Committee began to take my concerns more seriously. Sigh... But was it "To little. To late." Before heading to the Citadel, Admiral Hackett ordered us to "Get our ass to Mars." To retrieve valauble intel and radical technology from a Prothean Archive. Liara was there. Handling her business.Evading Cerberus Troopers and taking them out: with little need of my assistance.We teamed up and were making progress until the Illusive Man distracted us, giving his agent time to retrieve the data and delete the original copy.We were in pursuit, and she would have gotten away if Lieutenant James Vega didn't smash a Shuttle into her getaway vehicle. But it might have been better if the Cerberus Operative did elude capture . Because of what James did, Ashley (my former teammate, friend and lover) is almost "knocking on heavens door." We've been through so much together.To see her nearly get killed by that Cerberus Fembot. There are no words. As soldiers, we all know on some level that our comrades can be "here today, gone today" but you never can truly anticipate it. Look at how much Achilles overreacted to the death of Patroclus. I've never seen Ash get injured like that before. I don't want to see something like that happen to her again... Councilor Udina turned out to be surprisingly helpful and willing to cooperate. I got to say, I think the man is on the level... I truly feel as though he is doing his best to look out for humanity and help me anyway he can.They say that 'Difficult times can either bring out the best in us, or the worse.Udina seems to hold to the former not the latter.And this is a pleasant surprise.I ran into a couple of other familiar faces while on the Citadel.After all that Dr.Chackwas has seen and done.I felt that after her abduction by the Collectors. She should take a break from putting herself into such precarious positions.So I told her that she will not be returning to her former post as the Normandy's Chief Medical Officer. I could see that this was a tough blow for her, but she accepted my decision.If we make it out of this war alive.Were going to have to have another drink together and tell our Tales of woe and joy I did however convince Dr.Chloe Michel to do something that she previously stated that she had no inclination to do... Become a doctor who operates on soldiers who may be wounded in the Line of Duty. She agreed to become the Normandy SR2 Chief Medical Officer, and I'm glad to have her along for the ride. ^_^ Being back on this ship that Cerberus built, after a six month leave is turning out to be much more emotional than I had expected. Its almost as emotionally charged as when I went to the Normandy Crash Site to retrieve fallen crew-members Dog-tags and choose a spot for the Memorial to be placed. Checking out all the places that the members of my twelve person assault team use to call home on the Normandy, was... There are no words... Going down to the Engineering Level, seeing where Jack use to sit.Looking in the window, where I use to could see Grunt. And Tali... my Tali.I've been hearing stories about the Migrant Fleet: and how no one knows where they are.I don't even know if Tali vas Normandy is with them. I don't know much of what the old gang is up to now. Are they okay? Are (some of them) staying out of trouble? And then there is this supposed "Super-Weapon" The Crucible... That the Protheans were working on; in their Final Days of Resistance and Struggle against the Reapers.Is it a viable solution? Or fanciful Deus Ex Machina wet dream?! We shall see... But personally-- I'm not sold on the idea.A weapon that powerful, could be said to be: Worst than the Reapers! Once it is created.It can't be... uncreated.
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Post by ubermensch on Mar 10, 2012 3:56:22 GMT 1
Alot has happened since my last entry... I 've been so immersed in either combat, exploration or negotiations.That I haven't had much time for reflection.Ash is back to full strength: after spending a few weeks under the care of some of the best doctors and medical staff in the known galaxy.
I visited her from time to time while she was in recovery. Udina stopped by on one occasion and asked Ash if she wanted to be a Spectre. Ms.Williams eventually said yes to this.But I had to be honest with her and Udina, (when I spoke to him about it later) that I do not believe that Special Tactics & Reconnaissance is the right place for her. Ashley would fit right in as an N7. But Spectres must be politically savy, culturally sophisticated and have a "Failure is not an option." Attitude. Plus it also looks very fishy when only one person is vouching for her. Udina. When I was being considered to become a Spectre candidate.Three heavy hitters in the Alliance Brass vouched for me. Admiral Hackett who is a Living Legend in the Navy. And Captain Anderson, who is one of the most highly decorated soldiers in Alliance history, and Donnell Udina was the human ambassador at the Citadel Council.
That's what's new with Ash on the professional level...
On the personal level: Her sisters and mother (thankfully) survived the Reaper invasion of Earth. Her youngest sisters husband was killed in action unfortunately. Ash and I still have some unresolved issues in our relationship. She asked me "Where do we stand?" At this point what happened on Horizon is far from my mind... But when she told me why she didn't come by to see me, when I was virtually under house arrest for the last six months. That is a pill that is not easy to swallow... Anderson all but commanded her to come and visit me, but she declined. Add on to this, the fact that the only reason we ended up running into each other at all, (when I was going to speak to the Defense Committee) was a complete accident. And I can't help but wonder if she was ever planning on mustering up the courage and conviction to stand before me! Nobody's perfect... And the people that can hurt us most, are the ones that we love. But baring this all in mind... I really couldn't give her any false hope that are relationship can be what it once was... But I still care about her and value her skill sets. For now.We're just colleagues and friends...
She wasn't the only one I met at the hospital though.
Thane Krios... He sent me an email. And I visited him there.It was good to see him... He is so at peace with what lies ahead. But I don't want him to die. Before I turned myself in to the Alliance.On more than one occasion I tried to convince Thane to be put in a state of suspended animation, till the cure for Keplrys Syndrome is complete.But to no avail... While I am glad to see that he is in good spirits.It also broke my heart to see him like that.It is a terrible thing to have to watch someone die.He's still kicking for the time being.But I'm not ready to say goodbye to him yet.
EDI... Has a Avatar now.It managed to make use of the Cerberus Fembot that we brought aboard the ship.And this new version of the 'Embodied EDI' has proven itself very capable on the battlefield.Easy on the eyes and full of useful information and a high range of skill-sets.EDI is now a part of my warship and assault team.The best of both worlds... Psychologically: It is also interesting to see how her consciousness is developing. For EDI is unlike the geth. It is an AI without a contemporary... Well, there was that 'Credits Stealing AI' we discovered on the Citadel a few years ago. It was akin to EDI, but was unreasonable.I wonder did this have anything to do with its programming or was it a self-willed choice.Questions... and more questions.
Garrus Vakarian... The turian formerly known as Archangel has returned to his roots.He started out in the military and that's where he is now.I'm proud of what he's doing.While I respect what he and his team got up to on Omega. Given that the Reapers were planning their invasion of the Milky Way Galaxy at the same time. His priorities weren't where they should have been. Given what he knew about them. Had he gone to his father Post Battle of the Citadel with all he knew.The turians may be faring better against the Reapers than they currently are.
Urdnot Wrex... Is as boisterous and indignant as ever. We went to the homeworld of the salarians.And before the shuttle could even land.Wrex all but reenacts the altercation we had on Virmire! I don't know what kind of "Knight in Shinning Armor" Fantasy was going on in his head?! Did he think that he was going to kill every salarian in the place and rescue all the krogan females by himself? In any case.Cooler heads prevailed and I and my team prevented Cerberus from sabotaging what was taken place at this facility.
But there is another problem... from what I was able to peace together and learn while there.It would appear that the Salarian Union is strongly considering "uplifting" the Yahg. The frakking yahg!! We have bigger problems at the moment, but I'm not going to just look the other way on this one.The Council will hear of this. As well as the Alliance.
Dr.Mordin Solus He was at this facility and aiding the krogan females.One is immune to the genophage and Mordin is looking after her and synthesizing a cure for all krogan from her DNA.
And this brings us to what the krogans want, before they are willing to offer aid to the turians... They want the genophage to be cured and the DMZ over their planet removed. The turians are willing to play ball, but the salarians are opposed to this agreement.I can't say that I blame them.While I once strongly believed that the genophage should come to end.I now think that it was the right call.And if the krogan wish to be a space-faring race and have a voice among the galactic community.It is the price that they have to pay.I don't see why the de-militarize zone can't be removed.But the genophage should stay in place.
Grunt... We met on a planet in what was once racchni space. He is now the leader of a kind of dream team of the best and most promising warriors of each krogan clan. As it should be.He was trained by the best, you know :-P I didn't expect to encounter the Racchni Queen herself on this mission.From the looks of her.She is really having a rough time of it.The queen was captured by the Reapers and if I am to believe her.They failed to indoctrinate her, but were taking her young and Reaperizing them.And they are very formidable! I was taken aback at first by the firepower they wield, but I and my team adapted to this new foe in record time... And against the reservations of my teammates and at the expense of the remainder of Grunt's squad.I decided to give the Racchni Queen another chance.I just... don't want to be the kind of person that gives up on others so easily...
Is the Racchni Queen more trouble than she's worth? Maybe. But I didn't spare her life nearly three years ago, in order to just kill her now.But sparing her this time, almost cost Grunt his life, and that is a price that I would not be willing to pay.Grunt all but jumped on a live grenade so the rest of us could make our escape.Thankfully he choose to not make his last stand there and evaded deaths embrace. I never expected Grunt to sacrifice himself for me.But I'm more thankful that he is still alive...
Jack... Is now a teacher and mentor at Grissom Academy.Who'd have thunk... It was good to see her and I'm proud of what she's doing with herself. I'm glad that she is taking guidance from "the better angels of her nature." And has not forgotten how to laydown some serious butt wup.She looks good too.Not that she didn't before.But now, she seems to have a certain radiance about her and glow.I like ^_^
Kasumi Goto. Who always knows how to make an entrance.Helped me and another Spectre take down a Hanar Diplomat who was either indoctrinated or just a religious fanatic.If not for her... The Hanar homeworld would have been annihilated! While I couldn't convince her to come back to the Normandy, she did agree to contribute to the completion of The Crucible Project. Stay safe out there, Ms.Goto.
Miranda Lawson: She contacted me, not that long ago, and we spoke very briefly in person. She wasn't very forthcoming with what's been going on with her and we didn't really speak much about how I ended things betwixt us, romantically.Perhaps its a subject that she does not wish to broach right now.But be that as it may.I would have her not be such a stranger.Especially with all that's going on in the galaxy right now.
Aria T'Loak: With her aid, I managed to get the Blue Suns, Blood Pack and Eclipse to support the war effort.If she needs any help reclaiming Omega.I'll be there for her.
Cerberus... I don't know what there game is, but the Illusive Man has already reached "Strike Three" with me!
- Executing Alliance Soldiers on Mars.
- Attempting to abduct Biotic Human Children at Grissom Academy.
- Ordering the attempted murder of Lieutenant Ashley Williams, right in front of me.
TIM would justify all that he has done, by saying that "It is better to try to control the Reapers than destroy them." The man is clearly a few stars short of a galaxy... If he thinks that such a thing is remotely possible. As if the Reapers were nothing more than a program that could be rewritten.Or maybe he thinks to turn indoctrination on its masters.Either way, there's probably about a 99.8% chance of his machinations to bite us all in the ass! The man is crazier than Admiral Daro'Xen vas Moreh.Who herself believes that the quarians should seek to retake control of the geth! I don't know what he's playing at.We should be working together.As we did so well against the Collectors.But like the Yahg Shadow Broker.The Illusive Man refuses to listen to reason and is forcing my hand.He has made an enemy of The Pirate Queen of Omega and The First Human Spectre. And that was unwise...
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Post by ubermensch on Mar 13, 2012 7:29:42 GMT 1
"To be or not to be: Agent of Change or Champion of the Staus Quo?"
More than not, I consider myself to be the former and not the latter.But recent events has tested my resolve.
Was it so long ago; when I believed with all my heart that the genophage should be cured?! I find now that I agree with the Salarian Councilor.But can I deceive Wrex and his people into believing that the genophage is no more.To do such a thing would be cowardly and dishonorable.I neither fear Wrex wrath, nor would I lie to his face.Perhaps I should tell him straight up, what's the score...
The only one I ended up telling was my friend, Dr.Mordin Solus.I told him because, I was interested to know his thoughts on the matter.To my surprise he was outraged and became more set on curing the genophage... I came very close to stopping him.But I was wrestling with my own inner self.
"My Principles Vs My Pragmatism"
One of my highest principles, is my belief that "Everyone deserves a second chance." We all mess up. We all fall short of the Glory of God.But sometimes the only way to see how much a person can improve, is by first witnessing them fail. As much violence, destruction and sorrow the Krogan Rebellions wrought. Perhaps it is time for their Galactic Probation to come to end.
But if they attempt to relive their quote on quote "Glory Days" We will show them no mercy! As they showed none to the racchni.
Addendum:
Implementing the cure, cost Mordin Solus his life... I don't know why he flipped the script. I don't know if he had a true change of heart or was going through the salarian equivalent of a Mid-life crisis.He changed his mind about the genophage.I changed mine as well... But unlike him.I decided to stay with my earlier conviction.When it counts.Even though I no longer believe that curing the genophage is the right call. I did it anyway. So what does that say about me?
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Post by ubermensch on Mar 20, 2012 19:37:01 GMT 1
Cerberus:
If things weren't bad enough for humanity already. The Illusive Man goes and makes things worse.By attempting to take over the Citadel!
Many races already see us as usurpers, and upstarts, for not coming to the aid of the Destiny Ascension during the Battle of the Citadel.Cerberus Operatives infiltrated all the necessary spheres of power and influence on the Citadel to attempt a coup.C-Sec Officers were betrayed by those they saw as their kin.
If Reaper indoctrination wasn't enough to put people on thier guard and make them not as quick to trust others.How can any race now be chastised for mistrusting humans.When Cerberus looks like the rest of us.Our own Councilor was working with them.Udina... The (second) human Councilor -- Donnel Udina was a key member of this plot. I never thought the two of us have much in common.But as humanities representatives in as high and prestigious an office as we hold.I as a Spectre and he as a Councilor. Even though we seldom see eye to eye.I felt that we were in this together.We both felt the pressure to show ourselves to be "a credit to our race."
Desperate times may call for desperate measures. But he has shamed us all.And his death at my hands.His blood being spilt on the Citadel.Is most appropriate and most unfortunate... The Citadel represents the best of galactic civilizations progress.Its highest ideals and aspirations.Though it does not always live up to them.For (members of) one race to stage a coup against its allies and peers.Is just... sigh.
What are you thinking TIM? How is anything your doing (of late) in humanities best interest? I gave you the Collectors Base.Then you went and took over Omega.And now you wish to claim another of the Reapers Assets for yourself.The Citadel !?
His plan failed... His assassins failed: to take out the Council.If not for Thane Krios intervention, the salarain Councilor may have been done for.My friend.My comrade was mortally wounded in his fight with Kai Leng.Even though Thane wasn't at top form.He put on a hell of a show! I don't know why I didn't jump into the fray.Maybe because I saw the look on Thane's face while he was battling this Cerberus Assassin.He had that look that reminded me of when he told me about how competitive he is, and how "Pride is what separtes a professional from a thug."
Even though the two had never met.The fight seemed personal. It was Assassin Vs. Assassin.
Visiting Thane at the hospital.Was one of the hardest things I have ever done.I'm glad that Koyalt was there. Whatever his father may have done in the past.He died a hero.And on his deathbed; he was not alone.His friends and family was by his side.Not a bad way to go... That he would use his last breath to pray to the Gods on my behalf... I... To say that I am honored.To say that I was crying on the inside. Is all very true.But I don't have the words or know how to accurately describe how moved I am by his departure. He was my friend... He was my comrade... I have never known anyone quite like him.As strong as he was in life.As dangerous as he was.There was a purity and innocence within him.What might he have been if the hanar had never trained him in the Killing Arts.
I lost a friend today.Koyalt is now an orphan, like me.The Reapers are imposing their will, next to everywhere they go in the Milky Way Galaxy. And Cerberus is a wildcard.
I've overcome the odds before.Did the impossible on several occassions.But this time... I don't know.Lately I've been feeling like, I'm baring witness to the 'Twilight of this Civilization.' There is an air of melancholy all around.It is beautiful and bitter sweet... But I can't give up.I have to do my best. Anything less... Would dishonor my family and friends who fought and died on Mindoir.The N7 Program that I successfully completed. And my kin among the Spectres... Anything less than my best: Would be the equivalent of doing the Reapers bidding.And that is unacceptable...
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Post by ubermensch on Mar 31, 2012 4:00:27 GMT 1
Commander Shepard's Log: The Morning War RevistedThe Migrant Fleet has gone to war against the geth -- to reclaim there home-world Rannoch. I must confess, at one time I encouraged the quarians to do this.Thinking that we had the geth on the ropes, and it better for the quarians to fight the geth than Reapers. This was before I met Legion.After speaking with it.And working with it on several occasions. It became clear to me that perhaps the quarians could reclaim their home-world through diplomacy rather than open war.But many other things transpired between then and now.I was being pulled in many different directions.Then my hand was forced and i had to destroy the Alpha Relay.And after returning to earth and being put under house arrest.I had no contact with Tali 'Zorah vas Normandy.No way of knowing was she okay and what was the staus of her people.Its good to have her back! Its good to know that she is okay -- relatively speaking of course.What with her people potentially facing extinction in a war that they don't need.With an enemy of their own making. Since Tali and I have last saw each other, I've had alot of time to think things over... How I feel about her. How I feel about us being together.I'm torn... ( social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/325/index/8243581#8243581) A part of me still wants her, but I don't know if we're good for each other.I haven't invited her up to my quarters to speak in private.But I've been there for in other ways.So for now were together, but not together.If that makes any sense... There are bigger concerns at the moment, but this is something that we will get sorted out eventually.The Geth Flagship is colossal.I can see why the quarians were having such a hard time taking it out.My strike team assisted them with this and Admiral Han Gerral thanked us by trying to destroy the ship while we were still on board! I showed him what I thought of this by delivering a well placed punch to his abdomen; along with kicking him off my ship.Admiral Rann spoke of charging him with treason.The bastard is lucky I didn't break his goddamn neck right there in the War Room -- in front of everyone! On the Geth Dreadnought, we found Legion.It was imprisoned there.And apparently being forced to do the Reapers will, not all that different from the Racchni Queen's situation of recent note.We freed it and now (for the most part) the gang is back together again... But not for long: Difficult decisions had to be made in this war.Sacrifices on both sides, shall be remembered for ages to come.As unlikely as it may have been.We managed to bring this conflict to a satisfactory resolution (of sorts). The geth and quarians have found a way to make peace.Legion gave its life to better the geth.And I find that I have mixed feelings about this.The Legion that I knew, is not the Legion that died this day.The geth use to be a principled race.I respected this about them.They were a very interesting and radical form of consciousness.Now they have "traded their principles for the comfort of logic." I'm not saying using Reaper tech is wrong.Hell neither EDI or Grunt would exist without it.But the geth were different. But perhaps I really shouldn't be surprised.It may be that this is the greatest difference betwixt organics and synthetics.We have the ability to reflect, make rational sensible decisions or do completely nonsensical, counter-productive and illogical or irrational things.But machines -- software or artificial intelligence.Is a slave to logic. It was logical for the geth to use the Reaper upgrades.Even though it went against there most cherished and sacred principle. Even though Legion all but chastised me about how I shouldn't have kept the Collector Base.Here are the geth; using Reaper tech.They have their reasons of course.The destruction of the Dyson Sphere is a tragedy. In a way, when it was destroyed, so to were they.What they would have become upon its completion, is something far greater than what they are now, with the Reaper upgrades. The geth have committed 'Self-Genocide'. And I stood by and let them do it. But what choice did I have.I couldn't allow the quarians to wipe them out.And now both races are giving their full support into defeating the Reapers. This is good news. But I grieve for the lost of the geth, as I came to know them... And I wonder: If the geth have shown that they value logic over principle.How can any of us trust that they will honor a peace treaty with organics.What does it mean for a machine to give its word? When logic is a much more seductive force for their kind. For now, were just going to have to cross that bridge when we get to it.There are more pressing matters at hand...
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Post by ubermensch on May 13, 2012 6:57:47 GMT 1
Commander Shepard's Log: DowntimeAfter what we've all just been through.I think taking a breather is in order... Before heading back to the Citadel to see the Asari Councilor. I made a few stops along the way. And treated my crew to some well deserved R&R. As of right now I have encountered all my former squad-mates who had my back during the Suicide Mission we signed on for through the Omega 4 Relay. Samara gave me quite a scare at an Ardat Yakshi Monastary. She didn't try to kill me or anything.Thankfully, during her time under my service, she found nothing I did to warrant death by her Justicar Code She gave me quite a fright though, when she put a gun to her head and was about to pull the trigger (had I and her daughter Falare not gave her reason to stop). I never thought that I would see Samara flinch from her duty.But I guess after what happened with Morinth.She decided that she is a mother first and a Justicar second. I can't say I blame her.Samara is very dear to me.I respect her and admire her strength, beauty and commitment.She proved to be a powerful ally, and a good friend.I wish her all the best. Jacob Taylor... Seems to have sought to redeem himself.Once again he is Head of Security.Jacob is determined to look out for former Cerberus high-value personnel.I always found it kind of odd how back when we first met on the Lazarus Station, that Jacob didn't seem all that broken up or even embarrassed that he did such a piss poor job of protecting Cerberus personnel and interest.Wilson totally played him for a fool and got nearly everyone under Mr.Taylor's responsibility-- killed. I'm glad to see that Jacob is taking his job more seriously this time around.But as I told him, what he's doing seems like a waste of his true potential.In my book. The man is nothing less than Spectre canidate material. It was a pleasure to meet Dr Brynn Cole. She is an incredible woman.I was really impressed by her leadership and courage under fire.Jacob's very fortunate to have her in his life.I told him that he has a good woman there -- don't mess it up Zaeed Masani seems to have lost the hard on that he had for the Blue Suns-- and has instead now put Cerberus at the top of his sh!tlist. The more people bringing hell to Cerberus, the better. Miranda Lawson... She had something to say to me in private and person. I didn't know what to expect. But I didn't expect her to come straight out of the gate asking me for access to Alliance resources.Without giving me so much as any explanation of why she needs thus. I can barely comprehend the sheer level of her moxy and audacity! To ask this of me. I care about her. I respect her. I don't believe that Miranda would ever do anything to harm humanity. But her request without an explanation.Left me thinking, 'Plausible Deniability'. Maybe she was trying to protect me from any blow-back.But my sense of responsibility would not permit me to give her what she desired. After all we've been through.I have no idea why she felt that she could not confide in me.And tell me what's going on! Unanswered questions allows the imagination to run wild.For all I know, someone could have Miranda by the balls -- Oriana could be being used as a bargaining chip, and Miranda is doing whatever it takes to get her back... Except asking me to help her. What the hell has gotten into you Miranda? Why are you out here doing-- whatever it is your doing. Instead of helping me find a way to defeat the Reapers?! You were a good XO.I have yet to find your replacement. I could sure use your help now.But, God... What are you playing at?! Being on the Citadel, seeing all these people coming here seeking refuge.I can't help but think of how dangerous a gamble they are all taking.The Citadel was attacked by the Reaper Sovereign and its Geth allies, only three years ago.Cerberus just recently staged a coup.Yet so many that have been displaced have selected to come here-- of all places? That's like making a home in a Dragons Lair... Madness... Absolute madness... I don't know... Perhaps this vast-- congregation of space refugees; feels that The Citadel is the best place for them to make their 'Last Stand' should the Reapers come knocking.... I still find it odd that the Reapers have yet to try to seize the Citadel. They appear to be indifferent to it for the time being.Hopefully this will play to our favor...
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Post by ubermensch on May 22, 2012 6:22:46 GMT 1
Commander Shepard's Log: The Fall of Thessia
Thessia is burning and we are fleeing. My father once told me that "A hero runs in the direction that others flee from." Another world (not just "a world" a home-world) is now under Reaper control.And there's not much that we can do about it.
For my part, the Fall of Thessia is not what disturbs me most. What I am most troubled by; is the fact that I failed to live up to my end of the bargain... Lieutenant Kurin and her soldiers put there faith in me.And in some cases gave their lives to help us retrieve the artifact from the Temple of Athame. But we failed them. Cerberus beat us to the punch. No! It would be more accurate to say that they stole it, snatched the ancient Prothean data and tech right from our grasp!
I am not accustomed to failure. And guilt,regret,remorse or shame are more foreign to me than that. I have to make this right.I cannot allow Lieutenant Kurin an Co. to have died in vain...
It has been reported that the Reapers now control more than 50% of the inhabitable zones of this galaxy.When I think of how unprepared next to every space-faring race was for this war.I can't help but think that the Prothean Scientist of Illos, should have never bothered making so great a sacrifice as they did for us. From the Alliance and Council doing a complete 180 after I was believed to be dead. To most of my former crew who was with me when we conversed with Sovereign on Virmire, Met Vigil on Illos and took Saren Arterius Reaperized version down -- about all deciding post Battle of the Citadel, that there was no greater Reaper threat on the horizon.
Garrus decided to fight crime on Omega. Liara became obsessed with killing The Shadow Broker. It took the Alpha Relay incident.To get them to get there heads out of there asses and do something. But as far as I'm concerned, by the time they got their priorities straight.It was "to little, to late."
I comforted Dr.T'Soni as best I could, after her home world fell into Reaper hands. I successfully fought the urge to chastise her.To rebuke her for the part she played in aiding the enemy.By way of her misplaced priorities post Battle of the Citadel to LOTSB. When I think of how even Tali, my own woman and her people have betrayed me.Tali knew that the geth were my most powerful and dedicated ally against the Reapers.Yet she neither informed me of her peoples intent to go to war against the true geth or warned Legion.I understand that she was in a difficult position -- I can even understand the quarians rationale for going to war. But her betrayal is not a thing that I can easily forget -- or quickly forgive...
Its not very difficult for me to imagine (as i know quarians love to debate things) after seeing the Reapers wreak havoc all across the galaxy.A Pro War quarian saying something like this:
"If these are The Last Days. What should we do? Should we continue as we have. And just fight to continue to exist.Should we come to the aid (fight the Reapers) of those (The Council Races) who abandoned our people during The Morning War? Or should we instead go out in a blaze of glory -- so that we will be able to hold our heads high and proud in the face of our ancestors. And do what they could not.Defeat the geth and reclaim our homeworld."
It is a strong argument that one could make.If I were a quarian I might have been swayed by it myself... But now let's look at things for a moment from my perspective: The Migrant Fleet got confirmation that what I told them about the Reapers was accurate and true.And instead of contributing to the war effort.They decide to attack my geth allies.Driving them right into the enemies arms! There is an old saying. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." Another that should go with it is: The enemy of my ally is my enemy. By all rights, I should have treated The Migrant Fleet as enemy combatants.As a Spectre I was within my rights to kill Admiral Han Gerral for his actions during this war.
But some could even arguably say (since they don't know as much about different geth factions as i do) that the quarians were doing the galaxy a favor by going to war against the geth.Seeing as how many geth worshipped the Reapers and followed Sovereign into battle in 2183.From a certain perspective The Migrant Fleet could be viewed as heroes for attempting to remove a good portion of the Reapers assets. Akin to how my team removed the Collectors from the equation -- last year.
All around me their is chaos, sorrow, disorder and ever-growing paradoxes.I'm trying to bring people hope.I'm trying to figure this all out.But lately I find myself wondering -- I have to ask myself.What am I fighting for? Who am i fighting for? Why should I care about this or that homeworld, people and civilization coming to ruin?! I'm trying to unite a galaxy against a common foe.But its starting to become difficult for me to recognize who are the good guys and bad guys here.Everyone has an agenda.Next to everyone is trying to exploit this crisis for their own personal gain.
When I think of the asari and how they had this Prothean tech that no one else knew of for thousands of years.This I can forgive.It was found on their world, so it is clear that the Protheans intended it for them.They had no obligation to share it with others. I believe the Councils laws on Prothean tech applies to that found on extra-solar worlds.Not one's homeworld.
But when I think of how they treated this crisis in the same fashion that they have treated every other great crisis in their history on the galactic stage.The Krogan Rebellions: The krogan were taking over world after world. And the Council did nothing about it.Until the krogan occupied an asari colony world.The Council did not contribute to the Reaper War effort until the Cerberus Coup.In other words: Not until they were personally affected. This has been their modus operandi for thousands of years.Even Aria T'Loak operates this way.I can still recall when I was helping Samara deal with her wayward daughter. When Samara said to Aria: You haven't dealt with her? And Aria responded: Why would I.She hasn't tried to seduce me. This is a dangerous and foolish philosophy to ascribe to.One that reminds me of that famous poem by Martin Niemoller -- "First they came"
The asari thought that a Krogan/Turian Alliance would never happen.And coming to the War Summit was a waste of their time.The Asari Councilor felt that while the Reapers were focusing on Earth, it gave them time to regroup and prepare for when the Reapers came knocking on their door.
How'd that work out? Thessia has fallen. And honestly... I couldn't care less. But when I think about all the people back on Earth. How their stuck there. And we're out here in space.In this high tech stealth ship.We can go anywhere, avoid Reaper detection. Stay off the grid entirely if I so choose. But my Earthian brothers and sisters.And so many other races -- people: mothers and daughters, fathers and sons are trapped on Reaper occupied worlds.They have about as hard a time fleeing as the Migrant Fleet did before the destruction of the geth flagship in Rannoch's orbit.
So many people in this war.Citizens and children. Have been let down by those who should have protected them.I will not forget them. They are not alone. If I can't save them. I will avenge them...
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