Normandy crew: Commander Shepard left this message with instructions it be delivered at this time.

EDI

I'm dying.

Not yet, but soon. My body's giving out and I can feel it. I know it in my heart and the way it misses several beats in a row then scrambles to catch up. I feel it with every breath I take, the dull pull as my lungs expand and the dry cough that never quite clears up. It's in each movement as pain tugs deep within my core, too deep to be anything but my organs protesting being kept at work long past their promised rest.

I know I'm dying because my wounds stubbornly refuse to heal; wounds that I quietly patch on my own in my quarters to keep up appearances. Nobody knows – not even the doctor. She trusts me to tell her if anything is off, and I betray that trust daily. But I have to. My time is almost up and there's nothing anyone can do to change that. The systems used to bring me back are failing and there simply isn't enough time and resources available. Those are needed elsewhere.

I was given a great gift, and I vowed to not let it go to waste.

I promised to help everyone who asked, and I followed through to the best of my abilities. I offered aid to everyone I could, even if I just heard of their plight in passing. I have no regrets in this area.

I vowed to never let a day pass by without letting those around me know how important they are. Human nature got the better of me and I became complacent, though. As time passed I became more immersed in the everyday minutiae of living and I forgot. I spent more time distracting myself when not running from mission to mission and less time appreciating those surrounding me, helping me. I forgot to watch your endearing little mannerisms. I avoided small talk. I promised I'd get to things later, but later never came. I didn't look you in the eye and tell you how important you are. And that will always haunt me. All that additional time was lost while I was right there and I can't get it back. Please forgive me.

Now all I can do is fight for my last vow for all of you. I swear I will leave this galaxy a better place than it was before me. I will fight to my very last breath to make sure the Reapers will fall so you all may live on without me.

When you get this, know that I'm at peace. I knew this was coming. Please don't look for me if my body is missing; it's only my former shell and I will no longer be with it. Spend the time and resources on those you can help.

It has been an honor. I cherished every single moment – even the hard ones. I love each and every one of you. Even you, Javik.

Goodbye.

~Shepard