Mass Effect

Journal of an Adventure through Space

Kane Corr

Alliance Marine / Black Ops Division

Log: 1

Day One

Earth—HQ—2175

Sergeant Willoughby wanted us to write in our data pads every day. Especially before we left headquarters for our five year expedition. He said something about 'valuing the little things.' I guess that kind of struck a chord with me. And not in that sappy sort of way. Just, in a real kind of way. In a way that makes me appreciate where I am and what I'm about to do. He mentioned something important to my class during our 'graduation' ceremony. I'll never forget it:

'Don't worry about the past…it's just a story we tell ourselves. If you want that story to be uplifting, then write about it. If you want it to be filled with negativity, then write about that. Whatever you do…write it down. You'll thank me later.'

I took his advice. Not because I felt like obeying my superior. But because I see the value in it. I'm about to travel the Galaxy. It's weird when I put that down on paper…or in writing…or whatever the hell this format is. That's all beside the point. What matters is the fact that everything is about to change.

And the funny thing is, I never used to be okay with change. It just wasn't me. I was comfortable with my life on Earth. Comfortable with the fact that I was going to have a family, a house, a job in the city. That kind of life was normal. It was expected. I had it all going for me.

So, why did I throw it away for this?

It's what my parents would ask me every so often.

'Why risk your life? What's in it for you?'

I wish I had something clever to say to them. But I didn't. After all of the arguing back and forth, and me trying to impress them, I decided to stay silent. Just let them have their way with me. Let them argue and yell and shake their heads until they decided that they had enough. It was sad. But it was also motivating.

I didn't throw my life away. In fact, I see it as the opposite. My life's just beginning.

We're hitching a ride with the Alteris Freighter. It's a civilian transport. Apparently, Command thinks it best if we fly alongside them to the Sol Relay, then hang back a bit to let them pass through. We'll wait ten minutes, punch in the coordinates, and head off.

We're traveling to the Armstrong Nebula Cluster. Something about a pirate faction and tension that needs to be diffused. Should be interesting. Anyways, I've got to go. Maguire is heckling me a bit.

He says my data pad's light is 'bothering' him.

I told him to fuck off.

Good night.

Kane out…