Story Questions:
I just wanna ask how far of story will you cover? Is it only until the end of ME 1 or you will go all the way? - LordOfTidar
I'm going to cover the whole trilogy. Even if it takes me years and the plot is unrecognizable by the end, I want to cover the whole series and already have plans for how the second game is going to shape out and move into the third.
Do you intend to keep the story close to canon or do you plan some major changes? - fobosch
I mean without spoiling, I intend for there to be major changes. The biggest ones will probably start popping up at the end of the first game's plot and the start of the second, but yeah. On top of changes spiraling into bigger changes eventually, Jenkins is going to be much more active in his efforts to change canon. I'm excited for it. The plot of the third game will likely be nearly unrecognizable, aside from the most essential plot points.
Do you plan for the MC to have a romantic relationship? - Jason_Blunder
Yes, although I haven’t fully decided on who yet. Romance is a huge part of the Mass Effect franchise since the characters and your relationships with them are the entire point of the series. As such there will be romance, although I’m not super comfortable with the more descriptive writings, so we will probably get tasteful cuts to black where it happens. Unless I change my mind by the time we get there, in which case the chapters with spicy content will be clearly marked and skippable.
Will Jenkins be involved at all with the Lazarus project or have you planned out something else for the time between me1 and two? - Logna141
I think this question boils down to whether will Shepard still die at the start of ME2 and if so what will Jenkins be doing while she is revived? I will not answer the first part definitively, since I think it's way too big a plot point to reveal, but I will say that Jenkins will be doing everything in his power to avoid that outcome. If Shepard does die, Jenkins isn't the type to sit idly by, but as he is now, he would trust Cerberus to revive Shepard without any assistance, so he may prioritize other activities instead. And of course, if he prevents her death, they're going to get up to all sorts of mayhem subverting the entirety of the game's original plot line.
How good are the cybernetics in this universe? Could the MC and Beta create a cybernetic eye to replace his damaged one? - BookDragonling
Cybernetics is an interesting topic in Mass Effect. We know that they have a pretty high upper limit since we see Shepard rebuilt from near dead using printed organs and cybernetics, as well as Saren and the Illusive Man getting integrated with Tech at the end of their arcs. But those are the sorts of things created by the Reapers or the most funded and talented scientists in the galaxy. The way I see it, most regular people would have access to cybernetics that function about the same as whatever limb you lost. I think cybernetic replacements for things like eyes are much harder to do since it’s a much more complicated instrument than a limb, but it would be possible to make a cybernetic eye that functioned at least as well as the eye that was lost. With the help of an AI, the odds of making one that could work better, or be capable of more things would be possible, but difficult. As a simple answer I will say yes, Jenkins absolutely will be working on a cybernetic replacement as well as some other projects.
Is there any plan to get a BCI connection with beta? - FantasyScience
Yeah absolutely, the few references I’ve made to Andromeda, as well as BETA’s POV were meant to show both a history of that in the universe, as well as an interest from both characters in its potential. Andromeda did a lot of fun stuff with Sam and the BCI (Brain-Connected Interface) which has fun possibilities in this story.
Are there any plans for Jenkins to get some cyber upgrades? If yes, how far will it be pushed? Will you take a more esoteric techno mix path or do you prefer staying in the more pure science technology? - Willox84
While I have already answered the question about cyber upgrades, I enjoy the second half of this question so I’m going to focus on that. Technology in the Mass Effect Universe is interesting in that it does a really good job of riding the line between grounded and ludicrous sci-fi bullshit. Lots of the tech, from omni-tools, medi-gel, the heatsink weapons and armor to the Relays and FTL drives all feel very realistic and don’t ever come across as just crazy fiction.
That said, Biotics is just space magic. Like yeah, they explain it off as part of the mass effect fields, but raising and decreasing mass shouldn’t do half the things that occur in the games. It’s fantasy nonsense and I love it. So with that line being balanced by the series itself, I’ll probably push a little ways into the esoteric Sci-Fi. Jenkins isn’t a biotic himself but there are ways to simulate biotics with technology, so we might be getting some of that as the story goes on. That said it will be fairly grounded, Jenkins won’t be building Gundam or anything. Anything that gets added will have to feel like it belongs in the universe.
Could Jenkins become the equivalent of the N7 Paladin (big Omni-shield and Tech) from ME3 Multiplayer? - Sure_Ruse_User
The limits of Jenkins' planned technological development, as well as his maximum potential I plan on keeping close to the chest. I will say that the multiplayer combat of ME3 has inspired a lot of how I describe fight scenes as well as giving ideas for how squads can mix abilities and fight together as though they are all individual people and not you know, AI given prompts by the player. I don’t see Jenkins in as much of a frontline role as the N7 Paladin was with the Omni-Shield, but It is tech he would be capable of. Jenkins has an ‘if possible nuke it from orbit’ philosophy that I think better lends himself better to the demolisher Class.
Will the transmigration ever be explained? - FantasyScience
Ah, the big one. I’m still not sure myself honestly. In my opinion, the reason for transmigration has always been unimportant in most transmigration stories. It’s just a method to get the character in the setting for shenanigans to ensue. I’ve had some Ideas for how transmigration might have happened in the universe, but honestly, no matter what reason I come up with it will always be farfetched and probably really break the flow of the story. If it gets brought up then it will only be because I’ve figured out a really good way to integrate it with the story.
Will edi or other ai be introduced in the story? - The Reader
Yes! AI is super important to the overall plot of Mass Effect and will be recurring often. Beta is the earliest AI you can talk to in the first game, hence them being the only one right now. But there will be more AI that occur, both from the games and original creations.
Hmm, since I only remember watching stuff from Mass Effect 3, how far are we into the storyline of the game so far? - theanimemail
The first Mass Effect is way shorter the two or three, with only 7 main missions or so. As such, with the end of Feros, we are about 20 to 25% through what will be the first game's content. I expect to be down the first game plot probably around chapters 100-120. In that ballpark. Mass Effect 2 and 3 are both longer games. Mass Effect 2 has shorter missions, but way more of them, while 3 is just a hefty title. My best guess at this point is that this story in its entirety will probably be 350 chapters, possibly more. Lots left to cover at this point.
will this story include Andromeda in any way? - noelbigdum
Well, there have already been some small references, but I plan on some bigger ones a little further into the story. There may be huge references if I decide on certain events happening or not, but If I haven’t decided on it by the time we get to that point I may leave it up to a reader vote.
Can't Jenkins change the color of his omni tool? - LunarEcho
Yes, and I may at some point in the future here, but the orange glowing colors of the omni-tool are iconic to the franchise, so I didn’t want to change it until a BIG upgrade. It is on the list of things I plan to do though.
Will the beloved biotic god make an appearance larger than he does in the games? Might there be a Volus squadmate (short or long stay)? - Sure_Ruse_User
Technically two questions but I’ll answer them as one since there is some overlap. Now I, like all intelligent beings, understand that the Biotic God is a being beyond comprehension, worthy of respect and worship. To attempt to expand his role in the story would be arrogance on my part, and assumption that I could dare represent his image in any way more meaningful than his truest of forms. His role will appear, unaltered as it does in the game, for that is the highest form of honor I can pay to the one who stands above all biotics.
As for a Volus squadmate, I have considered it. I would like to do more with some of the more ignored alien races in the series. The Volus in particular I have always felt like they’ve gotten shortchanged. For a species that created the galactic economy they genuinely should have a seat on the council. That said Volus are, to their admittance, a rather combatively weak race. They avoid conflict and fighting where possible, they prefer monetary and social manipulation to solve problems. They fight wars through mercenaries and information tactics, and when they do fight themselves it is a heavy reliance on technology or biotics. That said I do want to use their species as well as the Elchor and Hanar a little more thoroughly, so we will see what happens. Might not be a full squadmate though.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
So Jenkins is planning early on to make an indoctrination-blocking signal, but can't get a decent indoctrination signal sample. What about the derelict reaper hanging around the orbit of Mnemosyne?
Ah Yes, the Derelict Reaper you use in the second game as part of the main questline. The simple reason Jenkins hasn’t gone there to use that as a study for Indoctrination is because he has no way to get there himself, or to reasonably convince someone to take him. He was serving under Anderson and now he’s serving under Shepard and the mission is too time-sensitive for that kind of detour. If he can get the trust of others or the free time and method to get there on his own it’s one of the first locations he would want to investigate.
I guess that sometime near the end it will be revealed that somehow Jenkins knew everything that was supposed to happen. My question is will that be the driving factor behind people's actions leading up to ME2? - Timebandit1999
Now, for obvious reasons, I can’t just go spoiling whether or not Jenkins will end up telling the full truth to everyone, to some people, or just to no one. It’s one of the major hanging plot threads that will have huge ramifications, so just saying yeah he will tell everyone and it will be important, kind of pulls away from what I plan to do.
What I can say, is that Jenkins, as he currently is in the story, is still terrified of what will happen when people find out the truth. His biggest fear is that they will think he’s crazy and remove him from the team. However, as the story goes on I think there will be a growing guilt over him not telling people (Especially those he may develop feelings for). Combine that with the fact that I am trying to write these characters to show that they are not stupid, there will be people who begin to suspect or find it strange Jenkins knows as much as he does. If it becomes revealed it will have major ramifications for people’s actions going forward, and for their relationship with Jenkins depending on how long he kept it secret.
Writing Questions:
Do you just write when you get inspired? or you sit down and go it's time to write brain? or is it some kind mix of the two? If it is just when your inspired do ever you just sit down and go I need to write for my followers? - liamLiam
For me, it's a lot of when I'm inspired. I will have times I make myself sit down and go okay, you need to write some stuff now, and I can usually squeeze out a page or two when I'm in that headspace but it's only when I'm feeling inspired that I will sit down and hammer out an entire chapter in an afternoon. I do my best to avoid getting in the headspace of writing 'for my followers'. After all, I find that's an easy way to get into a mindset of having writing be an obligation and not something I'm doing because I want to. It's why I refuse to make a schedule, and chapters just get released when they are done. Don't get me wrong I love that people enjoy my writing and communicating with you guys is a lot of fun, but if I was doing this as solely for the followers then I think my writing would lose a lot of its passion.
Hows about a useful question on writing: how much familiarity with the setting would you say you had when you felt comfortable writing fanfiction for it? Just the games, or did you go through other media as well? - VuNut
Well in my case I had a lot of familiarity with the series. Every Christmas I start a new play-through, sometimes going for different romances, builds or just to make specific choices. There's a lot of additional content for the main trilogy as well. The mobile games I never touched, although I know of their existence. There are the novels of course of which I've read Revelation (about Anderson and Saren's backstory, as well as Anderson's relationship with Kahlee Sanders.) I haven't read any of the books in the Grayson trilogy, although I want to. Then there are the comics, of which I've read Redemption (Liara backstory for ME2 and the shadow broker DLC), Inquisition (Follows Captain Bailey and how he became head of C-Sec in ME3), and Evolution (Illusive Man backstory). I haven't seen the movie Paragon Lost either, but it's on the list of things to research before we reach the third game here.
So yeah I have explored a lot of the media and knew a lot about it before I started writing, but in honesty that didn't play a role in me feeling comfortable to write about it. I wrote about it because I love the series, and I had a fun idea I hadn't seen anywhere else. While knowledge about the source material is important to writing about it, it's not like you need it. As long as you’re willing to research it then you could write anything. That said I do think it's easier if you already know lots about the series you're basing your work on, but I'd never stand here and tell someone they can only write about a series if they've seen all the source material and have read all the expanded content. That's bullshit. Write about what you're passionate about and research if you have to.
Have you learned anything from writing the book? (Either about writing or Mass Effect) - FantasyScience
Oh god of course. I don’t think it’s possible to write this many pages of a story and not learn from it. Anyone who has stuck around would be able to tell grammar has dramatically improved, and I like to think my pacing and character writing have improved as well. It’s funny because writing is seen as a creative process, but it’s also just a skill that you can practice and learn. And writing this story has given me a lot of practice over this year. I don’t think anyone reading the early chapters would expect this story to be where it is today.
What's your favorite member out of the cast we have so far? Out of all the "main villains" of the series, which do you like the most? - Mr Monday, Warden O' Hell
Oh, that’s tough. I love the entire Mass Effect franchise so all of the characters are my favorites in many different ways. Out of the cast thought, acknowledging my bias, I’ve been enjoying Beta. I love a sassy AI and he is the sassiest little shit I’ve written. Ignoring the character I wrote though I still think Shepard is my fav. She’s the hero it’s hard not to love her.
As for Villains, the main series has a few. Saren, Sovereign, Harbinger, and the Illusive Man are the ones I would consider the main villains, and out of them, Sovereign is my favorite by far. He’s just this overbearing unknowable presence. Like we know that he’s a reaper, but we know nothing about his motivations or actual abilities. He seems to give zero shits about Shepard or her efforts to stop him during the entire first game. He doesn’t seem concerned about her efforts, and even his death and destruction don’t seem to be a surprise or concern. He acts and feels so far above us that killing him feels super satisfying, but also perfectly has you feeling like this was just the beginning. It set a great precedent for how reapers behave that was immediately ruined by Harbinger. I will be changing how Harbinger acts, to better match Sovereign because of this aha.
Anything interesting you were planing to write in the story but then removed before posting the chapter. - FantasyScience
Not really actually. I have a pretty good idea of what is going into a chapter when I start writing so I rarely have to cut things out. More often than not I have a problem with adding things in. New ideas that I had while writing in the flow that I enjoyed too much to not include.
Besides the protagonist, who is your favorite character to write? - luda305
Yay, a fun question that lets me make it clear there is a difference between my favorite characters (Beta and Shepard) and my favorite to write. Now obviously Jenkins would fill that spot, he’s the protagonist and is just a lot of fun to write getting up to shit. However, you very clearly asked besides Jenkins, so now I get to reveal a little secret. It’s Saren.
I know I’ve written like a thousand words of his perspective at most, but holy fuck do I love writing villains. Especially those with fun perspectives or personal takes on reality. Getting to show how he’s falling to indoctrination and not realizing it was a lot of fun, and he’s such a smarmy bastard that I can’t help but smile every time I think about our main cast getting to meet him. Villains are entertaining and I may write a villainous lead story at some point just to flex those writing muscles a bit. Probably something short with an overpowered protag.
Questions about me:
What inspired you to write this was it a spur of the moment or you always want to do write it down? - Syrus Ashcraft
This series was honestly a spur-of-the-moment decision. At the time the series I was writing was an Elden Ring Self insert story, one that I had made a decent chunk of progress on, but one that was slowly dying down as I realized I just wasn’t enjoying it. At the time I was just beginning to start another playthrough of the Mass Effect trilogy (I do one every year) when I thought of a self-insert for Mass Effect. I did some searching to see if any stories existed that could scratch that itch, and while I found one it wasn’t a self-insert story, it was a crossover that started during the second game. I wanted one that took place over the whole series and when I realized I didn’t want the insert to be Commander Shepard the short list of options led me to decide on Jenkins. It wasn’t an idea I had always wanted to write. I do have one of those but I believe your dream project should not be your first project. There’s too much you need to learn from actually doing the project that starting with your dream will only result in it not being as good as you want.
Do you write because it's fun? or do you write because you want to see a story like this and you decided to suffer for the greater good? or something else like dead wish of you lover? - liamLiam
I write because it’s fun. I think if I didn’t find it fun there’s no way I could keep writing it. Hell you guys’ have seen how long the time between chapters can get when I’m in a slump
How long have you had a interest in writing? - liamLiam
As long as I knew how. I have just always really liked storytelling, and while my dream job would be to write and direct movies, publishing stories like this is just a creative outlet that got way too much attention and I have yet to truly process.
Why are you a killjoy with you bio? - liamLiam
Because I have no interest in sharing greater details of my personal life. Age, Country, my history. None of that means anything and would only bias people who read it on what to expect from my writing. I want people to decide if they like my writing on its own merits before learning stuff about me. Hence waiting nearly a year and 33 chapters for a Q and A.
What is your favorite part of the story so far? - FantasyScience
Oh, so far? It’s tough but I do think I enjoyed the last two chapters the most so far. I’m not a big fan of the Thorian mission but I had a lot of fun writing that boss fight, as well as the consequences of it. I feel that way a lot actually, my most recent chapters are usually my new favorites. I think if I wrote a chapter I didn’t like it wouldn’t be a good chapter anyway.
What's your fav story to read on this site? - lvl99onion
I read a lot of stories on this site, but my favorites right now are probably these three.
Hard Enough is an amazing series of transmigrating into a Pokemon gym leader and does so much to represent Pokemon in a way that feels grounded while still capturing the joy and excitement the world of Pokemon should give you just for being in it. Served as a big inspiration for my other story Weakest Champion.
Master of the Loop is a phenomenal series that goes from standard death loop system shenanigans to a full philosophical study of what it means to be human at about the halfway point and never slows down. It’s nearing its completion now and it’s one of those series that just has me giddy every single time a new chapter is released.
Mass Effect: Knight of the Old Republic is another mass effect series that is very good, and another inspiration for my own story. They start in the second game and it’s part of how I thought of transmigrating into Jenkins. I was trying to find a character that would allow a self-insert but in the first game, when I realized Jenkins was a perfect fit. So if you read this thanks Azureblade, this story literally would not exist without yours, thanks.
All these series are bigger than my own so while they don’t need my help getting followers, you should still check them out. They are all very good and deserve all of the success they can get.