Foreword
Death is a controversial topic.
It controls our lives. Our actions are made in fear of death, our decisions in life based on the short span of our lives with death looming over it.
In a way, this is my study of the effects of death on us. Take that the way you will, for I ensure you this story won't go the way that you expect. It's been a topic that's gripped me ceaselessly for years, and this story has been floating around in my head for a very long time, taking many forms and finally resting where it is.
It follows the conventional storyline loosely, but it is not canon. It is not perfect, although I daresay nothing in life ever is.
Before I begin, I'd like to thank a few of my inspirations. First off, of course, Bioware and everyone who had a hand in Mass Effect for creating a series that is so gripping and emotionally investing that I spend hours writing stories in my head about each of the characters. Secondly, I have two other conceptual inspirations: one is Lost Odyssey, a game with characters almost as compelling as Mass Effect, and the other is Jitterbug Perfume, a Tom Robbins book that changed my view on the world around me. I won't say the topic that unionizes those two for me for risk of spoilers for my own work, but I highly recommend both of them.
I'm writing this in the conventional chapter format, but I'm also including what I'm calling 'intermissions'. These will be small side pieces, not necessary for the meat of the story but they'll be funny or cute little additions. They won't be necessary to read, but they'll be available, and I'll be posting them in conjunction with chapters.
One more note. I am a person who finds a lot of emotion in music and I wanted to transfer that into my writing. As a result, I've put a song at the head of each of my chapters. I'll never force you to listen to them, but I chose them with the aspiration that they would set the mood - either through the melody or the lyrics - for each of my chapters. As the reader, you may choose to listen to your music, or nothing at all, but this remains an option for you!
Now, on to business. I'm aiming for a Monday-Wednesday-Friday update schedule, but please don't throw tomatoes at me if I don't follow that! Furthermore, please provide criticism. As a writer, I want to improve! Enjoy.
Prologue
White Rabbit – Jefferson Airplane
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep.
But I have promises to keep.
And miles to go before I sleep.
Hannah Shepard gripped her daughter's shoulders and gazed into the brown pools of her eyes.
"Zoey, darling. I'm so proud of your decision." She moved her hand to hold firmly to her younger daughter's left cheek. "Joining the military is difficult. But I know you, and I know you'll succeed."
Sadness filled her. This was the second time she was watching a daughter leave her, but she knew Zoey was joining the military for the right reasons. Just like her sister, she wanted to help people. She wanted to save people. She was strong.
Zoey brushed moisture away from her eyes. "I'm excited, mom, but..." She leaned in to whisper to into her mother's ear. "I'm really scared."
Hannah pulled Zoey into a warm hug. Often, Zoey seemed older than her age, and her mother felt a rush of affection at her naivety. She pulled out of the hug to look back into Zoey's eyes, watching as they darted side to side. "Listen to me, Zoey Shepard. To feel fear is human. Let it direct you, but don't let it overtake you. You may get hurt, you may even die. But you'll be doing it to help others, those who aren't as brave as you. Let your bravery be your salvation." She swallowed. "I never want to think about it happening, but we both must be prepared for the worst. If you die, you'll be a hero. But don't be afraid.
"When I was very young, my father showed me a very influential book series. One of the characters said, 'to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure'. Remember that. Write to me often. I love you."
She pulled her into another embrace, memorizing the way that she felt. She remembered her own mother bidding her goodbye as she went to basic training thirty years ago. Her mother had wept and begged her to stay, but Hannah would be stronger than that. For Zoey.
"One more piece of wisdom from my old books."
Zoey raised an eyebrow at her mother in her favourite sarcastic teenager's expression. "Last one?"
"Last one. Also from a wizard. 'Many who live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment'."
"I... I think I like that one."
"Then read my old books some time."
She kissed her daughter's forehead before watching her board the transport, her arms crossed.