Author's Note: Hello readers. My apologizes for my absence and that the story was shorter then you thought. Just to clarify it was short because I could not think of anymore conflict involving Shepard or Tali that had to do with this story's themes of hope, purpose, and closure. Anyway this chapter is just a bit of an epilogue to the story but there is no Shepard and Tali in this chapter sadly. But I am working on a few one-shot stories and a sequel to this story which has different themes so keep a look out for that. Thanks for reading.
Chapter 11 – The Interview
The stylist looked Jerma Jones over to make sure he was ready for his interview with Diana Allers. She gave a nod of approval but added "You know it wouldn't hurt to smile once in awhile"
Jerma ignored the stylist's comment and watched as Diana Allers walked towards her chair surrounded by a crowd people giving her notes and making sure she was camera ready. When she took her seat the crowd dispersed and she stared at the councilor. "Nice to have you back councilor." Jerma nodded silently. "I noticed that you are opened to being asked any and all questions. Most of the councilors have many questions they don't want asked, especially, the Quarian councilor."
"Well, Quarians weren't treated well by the galaxy for three hundred years so it is understandable why they're a little more closed off."
"I understand that but you would still think that now that being part of the council they would be make them more transparent."
"If you want a talkative councilor interview the Krogan Councilor because some days I can seem to get him to shut up."
Diana gave Jerma an uneasy look and decided to switch the subject. "Okay it looks like the crew is ready."
Jerma looked over to the crew to see three camera bots floating around and a human crew preparing the introduction for the show. One crew member was working on a console that had some familiar faces on it and Jerma realized they were using Diana Allers's Reaper War documentary as part of the introduction. But once he saw the show's title pop up on the screen he knew he had to focus on the interview.
"Welcome to Allers Hour. I am your host, Diana Allers, and what you just saw were clips from my docu-vid 'Reaper War: Cause and Effect' which has now been out for ten years. And in honor of the 15th anniversary of the end of the Reaper War, I have invited one of my favorite guest Human Councilor Jerma Jones. Welcome, Councilor Jones."
"Thank you, Miss Allers, it is always a pleasure." Jerma said dryly.
"It has been 15 years since the Reaper War ended after Commander Shepard heroically set off the Crucible causing the destruction of the Reapers and for a short time it seemed synthetic life like the Geth. We as a galaxy have slowly but surely overcame the odds and now it seems we have finished the reconstruction that was needed after the war. So Councilor a lot has happened in 15 years, what do you think was successful and unsuccessful during this reconstruction?"
"I think the most successful thing to come out of the reconstruction has been we, as a galaxy, have stayed united more or less. It would have been very easy for the unity that Commander Shepard forged to dissolve once the Reapers were dealt with which has been seen in many wars in human and other races histories. However, some old grudges die hard which is why we do not have a Batarian or Vorcha councilor."
"What about the Geth? They don't have a councilor either."
"It is a little different with the Geth as they felt politics did not use enough logic for them to perform in the political field. But we have better communication with the Geth compared to the Batarians and Vorchas. As for what I felt was unsuccessful during the reconstruction that would be the research done on the Reapers. As many may know, the research was shutdown after a few years when one scientist showed indoctrinated tendencies and killed his whole crew."
"Ah, yes, the Dr. Zentos incident."
"Yes, that incident and because of this we had to send all Reaper bodies into the nearest star for their demolition."
"So what was so bad about that?"
"Well, it was the hope of the council and our scientists that we could find a way to help the people who were indoctrinated as the one's we know of had to be institutionalized after the war because they still see ghostly visions and hear voices."
"None of the research was useful then?"
"We had some research that was a little fruitful. The organic material examined from the Reaper's core has lead to a theory that the Reapers were in fact using the organic material for self-preservation."
"How did this theory come about?"
"The oldest organic material we found dates back 150,000 years which is only three cycles worth of organic material. So one of two things can be determined from this information. Either, the reapers were created 150,000 years ago or they use organic material they harvest to help themselves survive as their organic material decomposes over time."
"So the whole Reaper War was all about the survival of the Reapers?"
"It was about self preservation. The Reapers wanted to survive which would lead to our deaths or we kill the Reapers to preserve our lives. Lucky, Commander Shepard was there to save the day but sadly many were unable to see this victory because the Reapers took them away from us."
"Yes, we will never forget those we have lost." There was a brief moment of silence then Allers continued. "But still there seems to be individual out there that believe they were trying to save us from some kind of disastrous event."
"Yes and they all have cult like tendencies or suffer from indoctrination."
"Many of them also believe that synthetic life like the Geth will wipe out all organic life. Do you think that has merit?"
"Miss Allers, I see it as improbable for synthetic life to wipe out all organic life. There are just too many variables that have to go a certain way for this to happen. If they do it on purpose, it leads to the question what is their endgame or purpose once their goal is meet. It seems to serve no purpose which should be illogical to a synthetic. It is more probable they could inadvertently kill off most organic life by ruining ecosystems but we are taking precautious by not allowing any production of more Geth bodies which is a part of the Kal Act named after famed Quarian Marine Kal'Reegar. Of course, detractors believe this will enrage the Geth even though Geth don't feel rage they only have understanding of what it is. And they completely understand the act as a way to conserve resources for all races because if resources get over used a war could come about."
"Those are very interesting points. Well the segment is coming to a close. So I would like to ask if you are opened to answering some questions from the extranet?"
"I have no problem with that."
"Alright, the first question is from SassySalarian2163. The question is 'With the Genophage cured and Rachni still alive what will stop another Krogan Rebellion and Rachni War?'"
"Well, we have the knowledge of past mistake and the Krogan have great leadership in place to prevent possible rebellions but it won't be easy. As for the Rachni, has anyone seen any Rachni since the end of the Reaper War because all sightings have been proven to be false. Again, peace will not be easy but I think we can work together to prevent a war from happening."
"Okay, AllianceBrat2160 ask: 'Why is it that you live on Earth and travel the galaxy instead of living in the council station known as the Atrium?'"
"I don't like how the Atrium is set up. I feel I have less freedom living there. But I have a great staff that I trust to take care of business there and I always stop by when I am in the system or there is a meeting I need to be physically present for. Also I like to be with the people over being with the politicians although I do like all my fellow councilor. I even consider the Quarian and Krogan councilors friends."
"Alright last question before we go from AllersAcolyte2152 ask: 'Councilor Jones, why it is that Raela'Shepard's birth records are not available to the public? Doesn't the public deserve to know more about her?' Good question." Allers said with a snide grin on her face.
"Miss Allers, you know my policy on this kind of gossip garbage. The fact is Shepard and his family deserve to have a peaceful private life without people trying to poke their nose into it. So just go about your life and leave the Shepards alone." Once he finished his remark Jerma left his seat and exited the building.
The anger Jerma felt had subsided once he arrived at his London apartment where he was greeted by the hum of all the laboratory equipment that surrounded the room. He took a seat at his desk to allow his body to relax. But he started to tense up once he saw a familiar shadow appear out of the corner of his eye. He knew it could only be the Observer come to torment him in the form of his lost love. "My, my, my have you been the busy politician today."
"What do you want?"
"Nothing really. I just enjoy your company, Jerma."
"Well, you can leave."
"You are always so angry with me and all I ever do is try to help you."
"How are you trying to help me? All you do is tell me how I am going to fail all the time. You come to me in that form which you know hurts me to see. I don't see how this is helping."
"Look at yourself. You take loss so hard. It burdens you for ages. You are too close to Shepard because he reminds you of yourself so you want him to be successful. But even if he is successful until he dies you'll take his death hard. I mean you've been mourning the death of Mal….."
"Never say that name!" Jerma roared.
"See what I mean. It has been about 200 years since she died and you still can't stand hearing her name."
"Maybe that's how my people cope with feeling wronged."
"So you are comparing her with murderers and other deviants that your people exiled for their crimes. That is pretty harsh and highly unlikely anyone else from your home world would be like this. But I digress. What I really want to do is bring you some closure to her death. Maybe lifting this weight off you will help you cope with other failures you have in the future."
"Nothing you can do can bring me closure."
"You mean going on a date with this form or telling this form off or knowing why she did what she did will not bring you any closure."
"No, it is far too late to bring any closure to this situation and you will never be her."
"Fine be that way. But I'll always be around if you change your mind." With that she disappeared into the shadows and Jerma was alone again
