Femshep- Legion dead/sold in ME2 - Geth alive
Shepard blinked.
She thought she had dreamt being lifted into the air, but as she looked around, she realized she was now in a different place.
There was a light in front of her, it moved towards her and;
“Shepard-Commander?”
A geth platform, or at least a hologram of one looked down upon her.
Shepard stared. “Wait, the geth, what are you doing here?”
The geth platform wavered, appearing translucent, as if made from light.
“When it seemed that the Crucible was not functioning, the geth attempted to interact with the structure, trying to locate the cause of error. When the we interfaced with the connected Citadel and Crucible, we identified a holographic interface that we are using for communication.”
Shepard somehow managed to stand. “So, I am talking to the entire geth fleet now? Or just a small part of you?”
“There are currently 1, 883 sub routes uploaded to the Citadel system, we are in contact with the rest of the fleet, but are focusing our attention alone on the error.” The geth tilted it head.
“So, if you are connected to the Crucible, can you tell what is wrong then?” Shepard looked hopefully at the geth.
“Possible. When we connected to the system, we found the remains an old AI. It appears that the Citadel was once the main hub for the control unit of the Reapers, however the coding was badly damaged, and may have caused the original purpose of the Reapers to deteriorate.
From what we can find in the remaining databases, the Reapers were originally created to protect organics from rogue synthetics. The current system of cycles of genocide appears to be based on the conclusion that synthetics created by organics will inevitable go rogue and attempt to exterminate all organic life. Whenever that was the original intention, or caused by progressive corruption of data is not clear from the lack of information.
The data is severely corrupted, but evidence points towards the Crucible being a failsafe in the event of the Reaper solution failing. Together with the Citadel, this structure is connected with the entire Relay system, and can convey a massive energy transfer that will be able to cover the entire galaxy.”
Shepard licked her lips. “So the Reapers are simply huge antivirus systems that went insane? Sounds plausible,” she looked out at the desperate battle around the station. “But this thing, this energy transfer, what does it do? And how do we activate it?”
The geth stepped closer “ We have identified three possible uses, all of them requiring your direct implementation Shepard-Commander, we have limited access beyond the data-channels, due to deterioration of the systems. The system is also not fully incorporative to geth software.
Warning is advised, utilizing the energy stored in the relays will cause the system to cease functioning.”
“What? That’s, we can’t do that, the galaxy would be crippled!” Shepard stared.
“It is the only available use of the Crucible. However, calculations indicate it would be possible to rebuild the system, or vastly improve FTL travel. We are currently uploading related research to secure blackbox databases, that will be distributed to the allies of the various armadas,” the geth said. “We recommend that Shepard-Commander reviews the calculated uses of the system, before refuting the Crusible.”
“And those uses are?” Shepard winced as a turian fighter exploded to her right.
The hologram gestured to a corner of a platform, where a red tube was connected to the Crucible. “The energy can be released in its raw form; this would destroy the Reapers, but also potentially all synthetic lifeforms.”
“But.” Shepard stared. “That would imply all of the geth and EDI. I can’t do that.”
“That is correct Shepard-Commander, however, it would also end the potential threat from the Reapers indefinitely. We do not desire to be destroyed; however we comprehend the need for radical solutions.” It paused. “Based on the cybernetic improvements Cerberus used in the rebuilding of you, the energy might also destroy you Shepard-Commander.”
Shepard closed her eyes momentarily, EDI had made it clear that she was ready to die to stop the Reapers, and Shepard agreed, but still. “ What are the other options?”
The geth pointed towards the other end of the platform, here there was two blue energy connections, flickering like caged lightning. “Another possibility is to harness the energy to take direct control of the Reapers. It would, however, cause you to expire in the process.”
“Wait, control them? Like Illusive Man tried? How is that even possible?” Shepard took a cautious step back.
“We do not have any data about the techniques proposed by Cerberus. But this station was partly the control center for the Reapers. No data is available about the exact mechanisms implied, but it is clear from the data that you should be able to halt the Reapers attack.”
“So, would I become the Reapers? Would I be able to make them fly into a star or something like that?”
The hologram shook its head. “No data available.”
Dammit, she was not afraid to die to stop the Reapers, heck, she had been prepared for it. But walking up to the executers block like this?
“What, what is the third possibility?” Shepard coughed weakly .
The geth looked back at the beam of light connecting the Crucible and the Citadel. “The blueprints of the Crucible indicate a use that might date back to before the creation of the Reapers. It is possible it was originally what the creators of the system was working towards.” it looked back at Shepard.
“The energy concealed inside the Citadel and the Relays can be manipulated to affect the very fabric that organics and synthetic beings are made of. Essentially it would cause both organics and synthetic to gain traits from each other, both becoming biosynthetic in nature.
It would, however need a specimen as a blueprint. Your body, with its cybernetic implants would make this possible, but, you would be disassembled in the process.”
“Wait, what? How, how is that going to stop the Reapers.” Shepard said.
“With this ‘Synthesis’ the purpose of the Reapers would become void. If there is no difference between organics and synthetics, their core coding should indicate that their priority; the friction between organics and synthetics, is now nonexistent, causing them to end their mission.”
“Shit,” Shepard said. “Are there no other options? Can’t we make is target Reapers only? Or simply leave this place and go shoot them up ourselves?”
“No, Shepard-Commander. We have run countless variables, and these solutions are the only ones available. Also, numbers regarding the strength of the Reaper fleet makes it clear that conventional battle is without positive outcome. The Geth are currently sending out warnings regarding the Relays” It paused. “I am sorry, this is all can offer.”
“Thank you, it’s just.” She croaked. “It is too much, none of these outcomes are anything I could have hoped for, it does not feel right.” She looked back at it. “But I know, I know this is the only chance I will get, that We will get. I just, it is so hard just to make a choice. But I have to.”
She laughted. “ It is Virmire all over again.”
The Geth made a small electronic sound, and then looked at Shepard. “The geth are fully supporting you Shepard-Commander. We comprehend that the decision is difficult, but emphases the severity of the situation.”
Shepard smirked. “Thanks again, it is nice to have someone backing me up right now.”
Then she took a deep breath.
“Time to make the final choice”
Ending comments:
Destruction
(Paragon)Shepard: “Please forgive me”
(Renegade) Shepard: “Guess this is it.”
Geth: “We understand, The Old Machines must be stopped.”
Control
(Romance)Shepard: “Could you please tell send a message to (LI) and say that I love (him/her).“
(No-Romance) Shepard: “Please inform Admiral Hackett about what happened here. “
Geth: “We will, you will not be forgotten Shepard-Commander.”
Synthesis
Shepard: “I really hope this does not backfire on us.”
Geth: “The original designers saw this as a positive improvement. There is no ill intent devised into the system, though the variables are unknown.”