I've had a few hangovers in my life...well more than a few. When I tell you guys there is no comparison to this splitting headache I've acquired, it is not an exaggeration. I try opening my eyes to regain some senses but I'm by a bright light...either the sun or an artificial light. Squinting my eyes, I search my surroundings trying to find something familiar. The first thing I notice: This is not my house. The second thing: I am outside. Lastly: Oh shit...Eden Prime. OH SHIT! EDEN PRIME! What...on earth did that lightning strike do to my life?! How'd I get here? The usual questions fueled my mind a mile a minute. After rising off the ground and finally getting my sight back, I notice the water and trees. The water has no ripples...the trees have no wind blowing through the leaves. Something is awry. Also, that I can see those trees clearly is a huge deal...my eyesight on Earth was not very great in one eye and especially at distances.
"Okay...", I begin saying to myself, "You're here now. Can't talk about the what ifs and you'll most likely discover how you got here later. Right now? Let's take inventory". I look down at my body...all limbs intact. No scars or anything resembling what could have happened in that purple light blast at home. My stomach is...very 8-packed out. That definitely isn't right! I'm still black...thank the universe. I lean my head forward and nearly jump out of my shoes thinking a bug took up residence on my neck and I see my hair...my locs have grown...no...my locs have taken steroids. And decided to dye themselves a deep purple. Great. I wanted to try something different on them anyway. This might also explain where all the energy from that purple light decided to hide. Now I need a mirror but before we get to that, why does everything seem to be on pause mode?
"We were wondering when you would ask that question" a voice says. Who the hell is that? "Who the hell are you and more importantly, why can't I see you?" I ask, looking around. There is a feeling of warmth and love radiating around me. I feel very safe at this moment even though I am on Eden Prime for a still unknown reason. I also remember what Shepard said in Mass Effect 2 about people always feeling safest just before they die...or was that Morinth? Eh, potatoes, tomato or whatever."We exist within your consciousness. Only you can hear us. This was necessary as you are the last of our kind. You are safe now. There is no need to be afraid", she responds. Voices in my head? Really? Well I always said I am sane enough to know I am crazy but THIS is pushing it. "That is all lovely but you still have not told me who you are", I reply, slightly irritated that I had to ask that twice. "We are your ancestors. We existed throughout time before time became known as time. We have brought you here to complete your purpose. We have guided you to this moment throughout your life. We welcome you.", she graciously informs me. Her voice sounds a lot like the layered voices when you meet the star child in Mass Effect 3, which is only slightly creepy. What in the hell is going ON?! I don't think I could make this up on a good herbal day. "We sense this troubles you. It is natural. Those before you were also reluctant to believe, initially. You must learn to calm your spirit and receive what is being given to you or it will be visible to others you encounter. We do not wish to fail with you a second time". A second time? Wait, when was the first damn time?!
"We expected this question as well. We came to you when you were...younger. You did not understand our teachings and we gathered that manifesting in human form would not allow a sufficient...transfer phase. We determined that we could only re-enter your life once you were an adult human and experienced more of human life. Every aspect of your life, including hardships were necessary. They may have been painful but we could not interfere as this would change who you were meant to be. Time is of the essence. We could wait no longer. We will guide you every step of the way. Your purpose must be fulfilled." What the hell was this woman going on about? They sat and watched as all the painful things of my childhood...my LIFE happened and did nothing? Pardon me but I'm a little less trusting of any beings that would do that. No matter the alleged benefits of not interfering. "Okay...let's say I believe all of this...what now? Why am I in a video game? How is THAT part of my purpose?", I ask, unable to hold back my venom with those questions. "What you saw in your Earth life was not fiction. This is a war that has happened for centuries and is very real. You are not in a video game. All of the events you saw were partly complete because you were not there. We placed this in your life to make sure you had some idea of what it would be like when your time came. You must fulfill your purpose." She keeps saying that...about fulfilling my purpose. If my purpose ties into Shepard somehow, and I'm pretty sure it does, I'd better prepare for an eventual and timely death. "We will speak with you more in-depth once you have connected with the human you know as Commander Adewale Shepard. At the moment, time will remain paused and we need you to use this combat gear that we have provided as well as weaponry. The attack on Eden prime will begin in a few hours. Your sole task is survival and getting to Commander Shepard. We have placed you in this location so that you may familiarize yourself with the weaponry and your...gifts, as well as to protect you from being seen. You've been given the ability of biotics and your technical expertise will allow safe navigation in this cycle. However, all skills must be cultivated before they are at the levels you will need to defeat our enemies. The Reapers. Be forewarned: the power you own is unmatched in this universe, with the exception of our enemies. You should take great care to never abuse it. You are the organic representation of your ancestors. We will always be with you and you will be with us in the end.", she states and the feeling of warmth and love dwindles down...to a point where I am aware it is there but I no longer feel overwhelmed by it.
Well this is just great. Stuck in a game...that is somehow real...my ancestors are guiding me...with voices in my head. What an ideal situation! NOT! This is beyond crazy but a part of me is accepting this current scenario. I don't know if it is the lingering affects of the "talk" with my ancestors or what but something in me says get ready and do it now because the situation is NOT changing. I look down and to my left and see what I can only describe as armor meant for a god...or goddess. The material looks impenetrable with any weapon. At least any combat gun. I'll try not to test it out with grenades and such. Bending down, I notice a small white button underneath the left armpit of the gear. What a strange place to put something, I think to myself. Well it isn't red so I take a chance and press the button. A series of whooshing air is heard as the gear unfolds and opens. That will come in handy when I'm taking this stuff on and off.
Next, I see a small suitcase with another white button. Pressing it, the suitcase becomes a lot bigger and opens. A fucking Black Widow. THEE sniper rifle. Screw all the talk about how dope the Javelin sniper rifle is...the Black Widow is a BEAST. I also have an M-99 Saber assault gun, M-6 Carnifex, and an M-27 Scimitar Assault shotgun. That was never my favorite. Judging from this spread, I'd say I'm a Vanguard. The only weapon missing is an SMG which I'm sure I can get weapons training on. I pick up the sniper rifle. Near the weapons are several ammo blocks but it is not clear what type they are. I notice a slot on my sniper rifle to place them in and as soon as I do, a mini screen pops up asking what ammo type would i like to select. Sweet jesus why was this never in the game?! Since I know we'll be fighting Geth, I put all weapons on disruptor ammo. Geth love using shields a LOT in the first game and they aren't easily penetrable. Placing my weapons down, I decide to suit up and then test out whatever powers I may have. It is a good idea because the armor was heavy at first. My body acclimates to this quickly though. I feel like I'm missing something. Something that is always present in the game. Where is my omni-tool? The moment I think this, I see the orange plasma light up on my wrist. I'm starting to believe that I think things and they happen and not just in an "I am a biotic god" sort of way. Hmm...guess I don't need all of those "friction-less materials X and rail extension VII" and such with these weapons. I won't cry about it.
I tried to use my technical skills here as much as possible but this technology is more advanced than 2012 devices. I recognize what looks like a command prompt and type in the commands that I remember from Earth to see if it works. Thank goodness this didn't change and my home screen lights up. After playing around with my omni-tool a few more minutes, I've found a flashlight, a flash bang, several games for whatever free time I may have and another file that's encrypted but I don't know how to decrypt it. The nerd in me can't let this go so after typing in a few executables, the file finally opens. The file has information on who I'm supposed to be here and all other vital records. Everything from my birth date, name, age, height, and even eye color which they actually have listed correctly as hazel. My name remained the same but the age and birth date were kinda off...I was listed as 25 years old and my birth date was still March, just the incorrect day and year. Hmm. I'll have to ask my ancestors about that one in next "talk". I keep scrolling and then see the credits allocated to me: 20,000,000. I feel light-headed just reading that but I think my ancestors wanted to make sure I never wanted for anything and if you've played Mass Effect enough, you know credits are everything! So technically I'm rich now. Perfect. I'm sure this will be spent on upgrades to my gun and whatever else may be needed where ever I am.
I suppose I should start testing out what these gifts are that I have acquired. If I remember correctly, biotics are associated with mass-energy and the ability to control it. Each time I've played with a Vanguard, I always imagine that they pictured a small bubble inside of them contracting and expanding out every time they used biotics. Humans would never have had these abilities if not for that element zero incident but I'd say we've done well with it here. Using the mental picture I mentioned, I close my eyes and imagine the purple energy starting at the center of my chest and radiating throughout my body. I feel a tingling sensation in my head that gradually spreads. Opening my eyes, I look at my hands and see the biotics glowing with a very bright purple light. I practice for a few more moments with expanding and contracting the energy and then targeting small sticks in the distance. Thus far I can Throw, Warp, and use Singularity. That seems more like an Adept than a Vanguard. I am still not sure if I can use a biotic charge so that will be the green light for Vanguard status. I decide that the biotic charge can't be tested until I am in battle. After about an hour, I feel pretty comfortable with controlling the energy.
Checklist: Gear, Weapons, "Gifts", Omni-Tool...I believe that is everything. I have successfully finished what I needed to for the upcoming battle. How will I convince Shepard to take me with her? I have no idea. I also should prepare to steel my tongue because I will meet Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams FIRST and I am no fan of her xenophobia in this game...this reality. Let us hope nothing transpires before I speak with Shepard. Looking back around me, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. A purpose that is still unknown. My ancestors need me. This was important and it is a very significant moment in my life. Just as I am relishing in these thoughts, I notice the leaves on the trees have started moving. The water now has ripples letting me know that the wind is definitely blowing. "Time's up", I think to myself. That thought follows the loudest screech ever...like a million Banshee nails on a chalkboard.
End Chapter 1