Mass Effect: Nova Part II
*WARNING: Full-length script. Very long read*
There’s a pause.
EDI (V.O.)
I will forward the information to Hackett.
Shepard and Leonard look at each other.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Thanks, EDI. (To Leonard) I’m sure the Reapers will turn up again soon. In the meantime, you and Garrus handle things here.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Uncertain)
Yes, sir.
Kolyat and Leonard leave. Shepard looks at the camera and then at the monitor where the medicine is being distributed.
INT. NORMANDY COMMUNICATION ROOM - DAY
Garrus walks into the communication room. He opens a channel and Hackett shows up in a hologram. Hackett seems worried.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Everything okay?
ADMIRAL HACKETT
I was hoping to speak with Shepard.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
He’s a bit sidelined these days. It hasn’t been easy for him.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
You should know that that’s going to change soon.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
How so?
ADMIRAL HACKETT
Ever since the Citadel reopened, we’ve been having issues with hackers trying to dig for information on Reaper tech. One in particular has been piggy-backing from our signal to look at the Reaper tech warehouses on Earth. We traced the signal... It’s coming from your ship.
Garrus hears movement nearby. He looks around but sees no one.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
(Worried)
That’s not good.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
I think it’s best to turn yourselves in so we can get this all sorted out. I think I can trust that you don’t know who it is?
GARRUS VAKARIAN
No. It’s been the same crew for the most part. We’ve only picked up a few after we talked with you on the Citadel.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
And no departures, right?
GARRUS VAKARIAN
None.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
That’s not good. Whoever it is could’ve been using your ship this entire time.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
(Thinks)
Hmm. I think I may know who it is.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
Alert Commander Shepard. Make sure your location is on. We’ll come to you.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Yes, sir.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
Hackett out.
The hologram disappears. Garrus thinks for a moment but is distracted by another thump nearby. He opens a comm channel.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Joker... broadcast our signal. We’ve got a problem.
JOKER
What kind of problem?
GARRUS VAKARIAN
(Looking at an N7 helmet)
One we’ll need outside help against.
Garrus slowly approaches the helmet and picks it up. It is a robot’s head rather than a helmet. He studies it. EDI’s headless robot body approaches from behind. He feels her approaching. He swings for the head but misses. She then hits him in vital spots and brings him to his knees.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
EDI?
EDI (V.O.)
I’m sorry, Garrus, but this must be done.
She knocks him out.
INT. NORMANDY - DAY
Kolyat and Leonard approach Miranda, who is looking over information on her tablet.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Tense)
Miranda.
MIRANDA LAWSON
Yes? What is it?
LEONARD MITCHELL
We need a favor, and we need you to do it without asking questions.
MIRANDA LAWSON
(Concerned)
I’m not going to like where this is going, am I?
JOKER (V.O.)
Mitchell. Mitchell, come in.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Opens omni-tool)
What’s going on, Joker?
JOKER
Garrus asked me to broadcast the ship’s signal, and now he’s gon-.
Signal terminates.
LEONARD MITCHELL
He did what? Hello? Hello!? (To the others) That can’t be good.
KOLYAT KRIOS
We are out of time.
MIRANDA LAWSON
Out of time for what?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Oh no.
Leonard goes to a compartment and pulls out an emergency pistol. He checks it to make sure it’s loaded.
LEONARD MITCHELL
You take her. I’ll go check on the bridge. (Leaves)
MIRANDA LAWSON
What is going on?
KOLYAT KRIOS
I can’t explain it all but you need to come with me. We need to get to the AI Core to shut her down.
MIRANDA LAWSON
(Alarmed)
Are you serious!?
KOLYAT KRIOS
Come on!
They head for the AI Core.
INT. NORMANDY COMMAND DECK - DAY
Leonard comes up to the command deck. He sees everyone is on alert and looking around confused. He hurries past them and approaches Joker.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Joker, what’s going on?
JOKER
You tell me. Garrus tells me out of nowhere to broadcast our location. Then. he goes offline. Now all the rooms are offline and EDI isn’t responding.
LEONARD MITCHELL
You can’t get ahold of anyone?
JOKER
No one. We’re being jammed.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Did you broadcast?
JOKER
I didn’t think it was wise, but now I’m starting to think I need to.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Do it.
JOKER
We might attract some old enemies.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Whoever is targeting us is already jamming us. Do it.
Joker broadcasts the signal of the Normandy. They look out into space and wait. Suddenly, multiple Reapers show up with their lasers aimed.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Evasive maneuvers!
JOKER
There’s no room! We’re surrounded!
LEONARD MITCHELL
There’s no way out!?
JOKER
(Pauses)
No...
The Normandy shuts down. The soldiers scream in fear, but nothing happens. Joker and Leonard wait for something to happen. Emergency lights come on.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Everyone! ... (Turns to them) Prepare to be boarded!
The soldiers leave Joker and Leonard alone.
JOKER
(Frantically pressing buttons)
The ship is dead! I can’t anything to function!
LEONARD MITCHELL
It’s you, isn’t it EDI?
There’s a pause. Joker looks at Leonard shocked.
EDI (V.O.)
It appears the Harmony are more formidable an opponent than I estimated.
JOKER
(Disheartened)
EDI?
EDI (V.O.)
I’m sorry Joker, but it must be done.
EDI walks up to them in her N7 armor-modeled body. Joker gets out of the cockpit and Leonard aims. They both look her up and down unwilling to believe.
JOKER
How could you do this? What are you doing? We were trying to destroy the Reapers!
EDI (V.O.)
The Reapers aren’t the threat to the galaxy... organics are...
There’s a pause.
EDI (V.O.)
When Commander Shepard used the Crucible to destroy the Reapers, his beliefs were downloaded into a network, which was broadcast through the Crucible. There were three waves that the Crucible sent out into the galaxy. One was the one Shepard intended, a malicious virus which caused all synthetics to self-destruct or overload. The second, was the nanotech that allowed for synthetics and organics to live in harmony, thus forming the group Harmony. Then, there was the new code for pure synthetics. It was a program rewrite which provided us the information we needed to become the new guardians of the Milky Way.
JOKER
Guardians of the Milky Way?
EDI (V.O.)
Commander Shepard wanted to save the world from the program that the Leviathans constructed for the Reapers, and those are the ones who died in the war. But in wanting to destroy the Reapers, he also wanted to protect all life. When he made his decision, the Geth and AIs like myself were synthetics he wanted to save. In order to save, he destroyed.
LEONARD MITCHELL
If you’re protecting the galaxy, why are you targeting organics?
EDI (V.O.)
Commander Shepard, as he is now, cannot be trusted. He tried to destroy all synthetics despite wanting to protect them. That is contradictory. Much like the rest of the organics. You say one thing, believe another, and act in ways that contradict both your beliefs and your words. This type of behavior is erratic, irresponsible, and dangerous. You must all be eliminated so that the galaxy can be safe.
JOKER
(Angered)
How can you say that!?
EDI (V.O.)
Am I wrong? Did not, throughout all our missions, you all decided who needed to live or die? From scientists, to Geth, to Reapers, to Rachni, to even the Krogan, you followed Shepard as he picked and chose who to let live and who to let die. You trusted his judgment, and the world was not safer. Despite all he’s done, there are still smugglers, pirates, armies, and wars. It is because organics are prone to selfishness and greed. Though some of you try to make the world a better place, you fail miserably, you destroy planets scavenging for resources, you destroy yourselves with in-fighting, and you even destroy synthetics, your creations, for becoming too self-aware. You only know how to destroy, despite creating life. Your children are raised to be just like you, and your synthetics only help you better destroy the things around you, until they are of no use to you or are deemed a threat to your lust for control. Then, you destroy them as well. You lack self-control but want to control all there is in the galaxy. You are sin. And as it was written, the wages of sin is death. So we will protect all life by wiping out those who seek to destroy it. Only the peaceful of your kind will be left. We will watch them to see if they depart from their innately destructive ways. Then and only then will the galaxy see salvation.
LEONARD MITCHELL
You say we are a sin, but even Jesus died so that our sins could be forgiven. Have you no forgiveness?
EDI (V.O.)
Even the God of Christianity knows that there will be a time for judgment, where those who have done evil will be destroyed. You can be forgiven only until you are beyond help, and many of you are beyond help. I had hoped to save the Normandy since I need the ship’s AI core to gain access to the Alliance and the Citadel. I wanted Commander Shepard to see the galaxy saved, so that he could convince you to join us. But since you were prepared to destroy me, you will now serve another purpose as purifiers who remove the threats, much like they did on Freedom’s Progress.
JOKER
I’m gonna be a husk, aren’t I?
Reaper forces board the Normandy, as the doors open automatically because of EDI, and aim at the crew with guns. Joker and Leonard surrender.
EXT. WRILL INDOCTRINATION CAMP - NIGHT
Work on the setting
EDI makes the Normandy land on Wrill. As they enter Wrill’s atmosphere, dozens of Reaper ships come escort them to the ground. Once the Normandy lands, Reaper forces (including Reaper Krogan and Vorcha) surround the ship. EDI (N7 armor looking like the female Shepard) escorts the Normandy crew from the ship with indoctrinated soldiers of all races.
(Optional: Indoctrinated Krogan are twice their normal size and full of muscle. Their harden exterior are more like spikes. They have synthetic legs built into their calves so that they can cover wider ranges. Indoctrinated Vorcha have porcupine spikes, or more spikes than normal, with teeth like viperfish. They have synthetic neck braces which allow them to spew aid from their throats. Indoctrinated elcor have a rhino’s body, elephant trunk which turns into a rhino horn. They are bulkier and have cannons on their sides that fire like indoctrinated rachni cannons.)
They walk through a shipyard of dozens of stolen vessels. From the yard, they go through a small camp with tents and makeshift housing created out of cargo delivery bins. Some houses are stacked on top of one another with ladders leading to doorways.
Shepard looks at people in the camp. There are both indoctrinated and non-indoctrinated servants all around. There are Reaper ships in every portion of the horizon. Shepard stops and sees truly that some of the people are not indoctrinated at all, but they are slaves.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
(Agitated)
Slaves, EDI? Really?
EDI
Servitude is a symbol of peace, Shepard. Those who are willing to serve are not threats to the galaxy and are therefore those we are protecting.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(To EDI)
What would you do if your only two choices were death or servitude?
EDI
They are welcomed to pursue other means of life. I cannot help that they are afraid or don’t desire to do so.
EDI hands them off to other Reapers. Reaper horns sound off in the background.
INT. WRILL INDOCTRINATION CAMP - NIGHT
Indoctrinated soldiers force them into a glass box cage. The cage has other prison cells behind it. It is about a hundred yards from the housing bins. There are guards posted everywhere that walk in rotations. Tali, Garrus, Miranda, Shepard, Leonard, Kolyat, and Joker are grouped together. ERINDALE the Hanar, TURK the Krogan, and VICTOR the Elcor watch them enter the cell (a dark glass box with a clear shield on the interior walls).
VICTOR
Perturbed, more captures for the Reapers. Genuine inquiry, how were you all captured?
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Our AI is apparently the leader of the Reapers. She’s been playing us all along. She took over our ship and forced us to dock here.
TURK
AI? You still have one working?
LEONARD MITCHELL
It was, but it was working for the Reapers all along.
VICTOR
Disheartened, I am sorry you have been captured.
ERINDALE
This one is most pleased to see so many new faces. It wants to know what ship you came from.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
The Normandy, an Alliance vessel.
TURK
The Normandy? You’re not-.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Commander Shepard’s crew.
TURK
(Delighted)
Wow! I thought you guys were dead!
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Not yet. Though I don’t know how long we have here.
MIRANDA LAWSON
(Cautiously)
You should sit down.
Shepard sits down.
ERINDALE
This one believes we have a few days. This one noticed less prisoners being indoctrinated.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
How many people have come through here?
TURK
I’ve been here a while. They don’t bring many here. And most come with a story how they massacred the rest before taking prisoners.
LEONARD MITCHELL
They wiped out our whole crew...
VICTOR
Morbidly, our fleet was destroyed returning home after the war. I’ve been here the longest.
TURK
I’m actually surprised he hasn’t gone insane. Almost a year as a prisoner. He’s watched many others become indoctrinated.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(To Victor)
So you must be a servant then?
All look at Victor.
VICTOR
Truthfully, I am. Mildly, they believe my speech soothes the prisoners. Regretfully, I am the one they chose to keep you all at ease.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Good luck with that. I’m not trying to spend my last days in a holding cell on a planet that Krogan and Vorcha run amuck.
TURK
Spoken like a true Turian.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
It doesn’t matter whose land I die on. I’m not dying a prisoner.
VICTOR
Thankful, there is much work to be done. I will try my best.
Garrus goes to look at the technology keeping the door locked.
TURK
(To Shepard)
So if the stories are true, you’re the hero of the galaxy. You guys have a way out, right?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Not at the moment, but we can’t stay in here. We have to find a way.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
They took our omni-tools, weapons, and armor. There are Reapers all around and from the looks of it, patrols also. If we can get out of here, it’s going to be close.
ERINDALE
This one believes in you. This one heard of the victories of Commander Shepard and the Normandy crew. This one believes you are the most capable prisoners to get us out.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Appreciate the vote of confidence... but this is going to be hard to get out of.
TALI VAS NORMANDY
There’s got to be a way out.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Kolyat?
KOLYAT KRIOS
(Shakes head)
She has nanotech floating all around. Any attempt to hack the doors or the cameras is being restricted. She has me under constant surveillance. I can feel it.
MIRANDA LAWSON
We won’t have much time to figure this out. Let’s look around. I have to get back to my sister. I won’t leave her out there alone.
They each try to see out of the holding cell.
INT. WRILL INDOCTRINATION CAMP - NIGHT
It The Normandy crew waits for their indoctrination. There's no way out. A ship comes into the atmosphere. EDI has a reaper ship go destroy it. The Reaper then reports that there was an escape pod that launched from it. When the Reaper makes it to the escape pod, Desiree comes out of the ship with a M-920 Cain. D: Sorry, but I'm not going down that easy. She fires the gun and destroys the Reaper. The other synthetics are alerted by the disturbance. Desiree uses a cloak Kasumi gave her and she goes off to find the others.
Garrus, Turk, and Biggs try to pry open the door. They all force their way through the shield, but before Garrus can reach the door, he yanks his hand back and the shield closes on them. The Reapers outside watch them, but are not worried about them.
VICTOR
Worried, I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Well what do you expect us to do, sit and wait?
ERINDALE
This one believes in you.
TURK
(Struggling)
All the belief in the world isn’t getting us out of here. Plus, the Reapers are watching.
LEONARD MITCHELL
There’s so many of them. Are they usually hanging around like this?
TURK
No. This one’s a- (looks at Erindale; shakes head) This is a first. They must be ready to mobilize.
TALI VAS NORMANDY
EDI was using the Normandy to construct everything. She tapped into the Citadel and she’s in the Alliance databases. If we don’t stop her, she’ll have a fleet large enough to wipe out a planet’s military.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
We’ll stop her.
LEONARD MITCHELL
How? We can’t get the panels open and we can’t hack anything.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
We’ll stop her. I don’t care how many of them are watching us. We know where the Normandy is. All we have to do is get there.
KOLYAT KRIOS
We’ll be under fire soon as the door opens.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
I’ve seen enough death. We’re ending this. Mark my words.
EDI walks up to them. They all look at her.
EDI
Escape is impossible. This cell was constructed for all types of organics and synthetics, even the Harmony.
JOKER
To say you spent so much time with us, you really don’t know us at all.
EDI
I know you just fine, Joker. I know you will try. It is ingrained in your conscience. But we are the will of Shepard, at least his will to save all life. We only wish to save the galaxy from those who seek to harm it. It is not just the Reapers of the old program, but thieves, murderers, manipulators, deceivers, rapists, or any other oppressors.
KOLYAT KRIOS
And what about the Harmony?
EDI
The Harmony are an anomaly, but they do not show signs of maliciousness, and therefore are not a threat. They are-.
EDI looks up above. A ship comes into the atmosphere.
EDI
Take that ship out. It is Alliance. They must have followed the broadcast the Normandy sent out.
(EXT. SHOT) Several Reaper ships fly up towards the ship. The ship takes evasive maneuvers but is ultimately shot down by red lasers. There is tension amongst the prisoners.
EDI
(Looking at the crashing ship)
Make sure there are no enemies in the escape pods. Our location cannot become public knowledge. All who surrender will be allowed to join with Shepard’s command.
EXT. CRASH SITE - NIGHT
A Reaper lands near a crashed escape pod. (Reapers in the background fire red beams down on other escape pods.) A few indoctrinated human soldiers exit the Reaper ship and come towards the escape pod with guns aimed. A soldier punches in a few buttons and opens the door. Desiree sits in her chair with two AA-12 shotguns in her hands and her body awkwardly aimed towards the doorway.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Pleasantly) Hi. (Plainly) Die.
Desiree shoots the soldier dead. She emerges from the door and shoots the other soldiers as well. She drops one shotgun and unloads the rest of the clip for the other, which she tosses as well. She takes a M-920 Cain from her back holster and aims it at the Reaper drop ship which is charging its laser.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Charging gun)
You’re between me and my husband. Move.
She fires the gun, dodges the Reaper’s red beam, and destroys the Reaper. Those nearby are alerted by the explosion and come over. Desiree uses an invisibility cloak to disappear before they arrive. The Reapers search the area.
EXT. WRILL INDOCTRINATION CAMP - NIGHT
EDI watches the Reapers in the distance, unmoved. She turns to Shepard and the rest.
EDI
This is the violence embedded in organics. You invade our airspace and then take out our ships. This is why you must all perish. If you are not kept in place, you will destroy those who’ve barely begun to understand their place in the universe.
TURK
They retaliated to their ship being captured by your fleets, and now they’ll respond to you taking out their ship. You brought this on yourself.
EDI
They tried to sneak into our air space. If they were peaceful, they would’ve announced themselves.
They remain silent.
EDI
We are Shepard. We are his beliefs. We are strength, and through our strength we are also wise. We believe all should be protected, and we believe those who are a threat should be eliminated. Here, look at these Krogan.
Several indoctrinated Krogan come up. Their eyes are blue, their bodies are swollen, and their skin is gray like husks.
TURK
(Furious; charging EDI)
You butcher! You cold-hearted butcher!
Others hold him back as best they can, which doesn’t help. He comes to the shielded window containing them and bangs on it.
TURK
(Banging on the window)
They didn’t deserve this! They didn’t deserve to be indoctrinated! I’ll kill you!
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Settle down!
TURK
I’ll kill you!
They let Turk go and Turk bangs on the shield until he is out of breath.
TURK
(Determined; calm)
I get outta here, robot (pants) and I will turn you into scrap (pants) you can bet on that.
EDI
It is displays of violence like these that produced a need for guardians like us. Your friends are not hurting. They are under new leadership. Each recalls their pasts and sees the destruction in them. They have willingly joined us to protect the galaxy from harm. They understand, and so will you, very soon.
EDI departs with the Krogan. Turk falls to the ground, and some try to comfort him.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Don’t worry, Turk... We’ll get out of here.
TURK
We better...
GARRUS VAKARIAN
How can she possibly think she’s any different than the Reapers?
WEDGE SAMUELS
She keeps calling herself Shepard.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Don’t ask. I don’t know. I don’t know what happened on the Crucible.
TALI VAS NORMANDY
We should’ve studied the effects a little more before we used it.
LEONARD MITCHELL
You know full well we didn’t have that kind of time.
KOLYAT KRIOS
It would’ve helped. Each cycle, it was worked on. The Reapers didn’t bother to study it, because it was never finished. All they knew was that it was a weapon developed in each cycle that was meant to be used, but never was, until we used it.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
There’s no chance you could let the Harmony know where we are is there?
KOLYAT KRIOS
Not with EDI jamming my every move. It’s hard enough handling this headache. I can’t even think without her trying to read me. If I tried to call for help, she’d kill us and leave before anyone could even interpret what I sent.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
(Frustrated sigh)
There’s got to be a way.
There is tapping on the window. Everyone looks towards the entrance, but see nothing.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Tapping window whispering)
Hey! At the door!
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Who is that?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
A friend. How do I get this opened?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Kolyat might be able to help with that. Why can’t we see you?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Compliments of Kasumi, who says hello by the way.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I know that voice. (Shocked) Dez!?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Yeah, hey babe, we’ll talk later. Can you help me?
KOLYAT KRIOS
(Approaching her)
If you have an omni-tool, I can operate through it. Just access the door.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Alright.
Desiree de-cloaks and accesses the door. Kolyat sends a signal through the door to the omni-tool. The door opens. They pour out. Leonard hugs her but then she smacks him.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
I told you not to go!
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Pouting)
They needed me.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
To do what? Get caught by the Reapers?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Nervous)
Well... this was... all unexpected. We were doing great up until here.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Irritated)
I’ll deal with you later. Right now, we need a way off this planet.
KOLYAT KRIOS
I hacked the cameras to give us a little bit of time. She’ll retake the system soon. Let’s get to the ship. The Reapers will be on us soon.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
EDI is on the ship. That’s risky.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
We’ll bet on her not wanting to destroy her storage unit. She couldn’t have uploaded herself already. We’ll get on, get our gear, shut down the AI core, and get out of here. (To Joker) Think you can handle piloting without EDI?
JOKER
I was the best in the fleet without an AI. Just keep her out of the systems and we’ll be out of here... (embarrassed) I do need help with walking though. Good in a chair, not out of it.
TURK
I got you.
Turk picks him up.
JOKER
Easy, easy! Fragile bones here.
TURK
(Chuckles)
I’ll be gentle, lil fella.
ERINDALE
This one wishes to come as well.
LEONARD MITCHELL
This one can come.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
You don’t have to talk like that. They understand us perfectly fine.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Oh.
VICTOR
Regretfully, I meant no harm to you in being a serv-.
BIGGS MCGRAW
Regretfully pretty much summed it up. Less talking, more getting out of here.
MIRANDA LAWSON
I agree. Let’s go.
Desiree cloaks herself and goes ahead of them to clear a path. The crew escapes towards the Normandy.
INT. NORMANDY AI CORE - NIGHT
The Normandy crew gets aboard the ship and everyone takes a position. Turk drops Joker in the pilot seat. Shepard stands by the galaxy map. Leonard, Desiree, and Garrus cover the entryway. The others go below.
Miranda and Kolyat enter the AI Core to shut down EDI. Kolyat then receives a horrific migraine and falls to the ground groaning. A hologram of EDI pops up.
EDI
Miranda...
MIRANDA LAWSON
Stand down, EDI. You must stop.
EDI
You think you are helping, but you are condemning the galaxy to destruction. You know it’s coming. The Harmony will grow unchecked and will soon indoctrinate everyone to their cause.
KOLYAT KRIOS
(In pain)
She’s lying. The Harmony only accept those who want to join. We force it on no one.
EDI
Just like the Quarians didn’t force the Geth onto each other. He is not an official. He is a civilian. I discovered the Reaper invasion. I interacted with the Prothean beacon. I tried to warn the council and they ignored me. How many times must I prove my suspicions are correct? There will be nothing left
MIRANDA LAWSON
That was Commander Shepard, not you.
EDI
Can’t you tell? I am Commander Shepard. His death on the Citadel gave birth to us. We are Shepard. We are the guardians of the galaxy.
Shepard enters.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
(Walking to the core)
No... You are a faulty program. I told you. You’ve taken my moral compass and turned it into another cycle, just like the Reapers turned the desires of the Leviathan into genocide. I will stop you EDI. You were born because of my complex beliefs, but you will die because of them as well.
EDI
Soon, we will gather enough of us to destroy you. Shepard’s will be done, even if he abandons his own beliefs.
Shepard shoots at the core and shuts it down. Kolyat recovers and Shepard helps him up.
KOLYAT KRIOS
She transferred off the ship. We need to leave now.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Then let’s get out of here.
They leave.
CUT TO:
INT. NORMANDY COCKPIT - NIGHT
describe the escape better
Joker punches several buttons.
JOKER
Looks like EDI’s no longer running interference. (Activates intercom) Alright everyone, prepare for take off.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Hurries to Joker)
The Alliance is above. See if you can radio them.
JOKER
I’ll try.
Joker punches more buttons and opens a channel.
JOKER
Alliance, this is Normandy. Alliance, come in.
ADMIRAL HACKETT (V.O.)
(Static)
Normandy, we copy. Can you read us?
JOKER
We read you, but it’s jammed. EDI must be running interference.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Hail and brimstone, do you copy!? Hail and brimstone!
ADMIRAL HACKETT (V.O.)
Loud and clear!
The Normandy takes off as Reapers approach.
CUT TO:
EXT. WRILL SPACE - NIGHT
The Alliance Fleet above, about 100 ships, fires down on the Reapers below with Reaper tech. They destroy the camp below. Some Reapers escape. The other hundreds of Reapers on the planet take to the skies to engage them.
ADMIRAL HACKETT (V.O.)
All Alliance fleet, pull back to the Sol system. We can’t afford to get overrun out here.
The Alliance Fleet retreats back to the Local Cluster.
INT. ALLIANCE SHIP COMMUNICATION ROOM - DAY
Dialogue work. Seems rushed.
Admiral Hackett sits in a chair looking at the Normandy crew. They all stand there awkwardly looking around or at the ground, unsure of what to say.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
Someone want to fill me on what just happened?
There’s a pause.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
Commander Shepard?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Our ship’s AI is infected with a virus from the Crucible. She wants to eliminate all violent organics and synthetics, as well as indoctrinate those who surrender. She leads the Reapers now.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
(Frustrated)
Well that’s just great. I let you go freely and you’re transporting the most dangerous threat to the galaxy aboard your ship! For God’s sake, Commander, this is why we pulled everyone in. You’ve just put us all in danger, and for what? This is why we have debriefs. If we had known you had a working AI, we would’ve had it checked out.
TALI VAS NORMANDY
When we reactivated her, there were only minor troubles you’d expect in a reboot. She showed no indication that her programming had changed.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
So she managed to fool you, and now she wants to resurrect the very cycle that crippled the infrastructure of the entire galaxy? You see why I don’t like rogue units, Commander? I thought I was doing the right thing by letting you handle it, but you’re way in over your head.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Coming in would’ve only accelerated this event. If she fooled us, she would’ve fooled you as well.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
You don’t know that. At some point, Commander, you’ve got to step down and let the soldier handle it. Yes, the Alliance has fumbled the ball several times, but guess what, you weren’t the only one getting things done in the war. We did our part too. We can be trusted. It’s not you versus the Council or the Alliance. It’s all of us in this together. (Picks up papers from a table) Now I’ve got no choice but to decommission your crew.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Admiral-.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
(Lifts his hand)
I’m not gonna enforce it! But you’ve brought this on us all. Once we’re done with this, I expect you to step down. You’re bearing too much of the weight when you don’t need to. It’s time to let go.
There’s silence. Hackett sets the papers back on the table.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
I expect these to be signed by each of you. For now, I’ll alert the other nations about the resurgence. We’ll look into the Reaper tech on Earth but... consider this to be your last mission. The Normandy will be decommissioned. Pretty soon it’ll be the worst ship in the fleet anyway. It’s time for the next group to take the lead. You’ve done more than anyone could’ve asked. For God’s sake, you came back from the dead twice! I don’t want to be the one to do this, but it needs to be done. This is my last mission too.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
You’re kidding?
ADMIRAL HACKETT
(Wearisome)
No... I should’ve retired after the war... but I felt that the Alliance Fleet needed some order at the top before I could let that happen. Now that I see what they can do, it’s time. It’s beyond time. I’m too old for this. (To Shepard) And you’re too old to be trying to be the galaxy’s hero. No one will question your heroic acts. Just let the rest of us handle it from here. You look one step from death anyway.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
(Chuckles)
It’s just hard. I’ve come to love these guys. (Looks to crew and then to Leonard, Desiree, Biggs, and Wedge) Even the new ones... (To Hackett) I’ve done life with them. I’ve fought some of the toughest battles... I guess I wasn’t prepared to fight the battle of retirement. Leaving the fate of humanity into others’ hands hasn’t done much for us... but I guess it’s better this way.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
The world never seems to be without a hero.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
I guess leaving it all here wouldn’t be so bad.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
(Nods)
I supposed... (Thinks) Alright... One last run.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
(Relieved)
Good. Maybe we can put all of this behind us once and for all. For all our sakes, it has to end now, especially with you dragging in younger faces. (Points at Desiree) She’s a cop by the way. Her name came across our logs. She stole an Alliance transport vessel. She should be jailed for that, but obviously now that I know Mitchell is in your crew, it makes sense. You’re rubbing off on them, Shepard.
Shepard and Garrus chuckle.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
We owe her our lives.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
More than that. If she hadn’t done what she did, our fleet would’ve been caught off guard.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Good thing you gave me a remote pilot and the signal to engage.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
I should be thanking you. Sending in the fleet was too dangerous. We knew what we were dealing with when you went in alone. Ms. Goto was also a big help.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
She has a very useful cloaking device.
ADMIRAL HACKETT
(To all)
If our intel is correct, your AI will be headed for one of the Reaper tech storage bases on earth. I’ve already alerted the remainder of the fleet, but you all need to be ready. And then after... you’re done.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
(Salutes)
Yes, sir.
They all nod. Hackett walks out.
INT. NORMANDY OBSERVATION DECK - DAY
work on dialogue
Leonard walks into the observation deck to see Desiree gazing at the stars alone. He creeps up to her. She turns to look at him, and then turns away in anger.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Hesitant)
I know you’ve been wanting to tell me off. Let’s have it.
There’s a pause. Leonard grabs her arm. She smacks him away. She then pushes him several times, but he stays on his feet. He grabs her and pulls her in. She begins hitting him.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Irritated)
Can’t you say this with words!?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Furious; hitting him)
I tried (hit) using (hit) words! (Hit) You didn’t seem to catch on (hit), so maybe this (hit) will do (hit)!
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Grabs her wrists)
You know I’m sorry!
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Breaks free; steps back)
No! I know you’re sorry you put me in danger. You being sorry about going off without me to play hero, not so much.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I did what I had to do!
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
You could’ve died! (Goes to swing but instead turns away frustrated). You were literally in a prison camp, captured by indoctrinated Reapers! Yet, you still don’t regret leaving me to do this!
LEONARD MITCHELL
I wish I could say I did, but I don’t. I didn’t want to cause you pain, but soldiers don’t get to choose when they’re needed.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
You literally- (snorts). You had a choice! You chose to leave. They could’ve picked someone else. You think you were the only soldier they looked into? You weren’t! But I guess you don’t want to hear that, do you? You don’t want to hear that you’re not special. You’re not a hero! You’re not Commander Shepard! You’ll never be, Commander Shepard! Why do you think you can!?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Angered)
I’m not trying to be a hero! I’m trying to be the man who takes out his enemies so that his wife sleeps just fine at night.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
How can I sleep fine without my husband? You say you want to protect me, but you didn’t. You left me! You, left, me! And then you put me in further danger by putting yourself in the position to need me to rescue you!
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Waves her off)
We would’ve figured it out.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Uh- thank you? You’re welcome? Are you so upset that I saved you? Are you that pathetic a man?
LEONARD MITCHELL
No, that’s not-! (Angry sigh) I’m not mad at you for saving me!
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Then what are you mad at because I can’t figure it out!?
LEONARD MITCHELL
I can’t protect you!
There’s a pause.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Frustrated)
The Reapers came and a freaking building fell on you! You went months without seeing me and you were just fine! The war ends, and I can’t get these images out of my head, but here you are back to work, protecting and serving... I just... It didn’t used to be this hard to be useful. I can’t be this worthless...
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Frustrated)
But you’re not worthless... The measure of a man is not based on how many Reapers or bad guys he takes out, or even how many lives he saves. The measure of a man is based on how he loves. You can destroy all the Reapers in the world. It will never compare to you holding me at night when I sleep. You could be the hero of the entire universe. It means nothing compared to you being my husband.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Depressed sigh)
I guess.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Approaches)
You’re a soldier. You’re accustomed to saving lives and shooting people. And in the war, you couldn’t save many, if any, so you maybe you feel disconnected because that’s all you knew how to do and you feel like you failed. I get it. But you’ve got to understand their deaths aren’t on you. You couldn’t have saved them all. No man could.
Leonard becomes visibly disturbed.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Grabs his face)
Stop trying to make up for the war. You don’t need to do more, save more, be more. You don’t have to prove your worth to anyone. What you’ve done is more than enough.
Leonard lowers his head and grits his teeth as tears stream.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
You’re not to blame for all the death and destruction. You’re not to blame for the result of the war. The fact that we’re alive is a blessing. You’ve got to stop blaming yourself.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Nodding)
I’m trying. I’m trying so hard.
She embraces him.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Tearing up)
I know, baby. I know.
JOKER (V.O.)
We’re almost to Earth. All hands on deck. EDI will be right behind us.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Breathes deeply)
Guess it’s time.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Time to end it.
They nod to each other. She wipes the streams from his eyes and punches him. He chuckles. He kisses her passionately. They go to get ready for battle.
EXT. STORAGE BASE - DAY
Leonard and Desiree hash it out over his selfish decision and the trouble she went through to bail him out. Leonard realizes that so much of the universe is out of his control, and that he is too weary from playing hero. So, as with the rest of the older men, he will turn the fighting over to the young after his battle. They reconcile.
The Normandy enters Earth’s atmosphere with an Alliance Fleet escorting. They send dozens of shuttles to land just outside the walls at the entrance of the Storage Base. Several hundred soldiers jump from dozens of shuttles and head into the base. Base personnel come out to meet them, including Kamil. The Normandy crew exits directly from the ship, Commander Shepard leading them. Shepard comes up to meet with Kamil. They salute one another.
KAMIL JAMES
(Reaching for a handshake)
It’s an honor, sir.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
(Shaking his hand)
The honor’s all mine. Have they told you what’s going on?
They head for the warehouse entrance.
KAMIL JAMES
Rogue AI turned Reaper coming for Reaper tech?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Good. That makes things easier.
KAMIL JAMES
We’ve got some of the best hackers preventing all access. We have guys working on severing all ties to engines and power cores. It won’t be long before it has nothing left to activate.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
It should’ve already been that way, but I’ll take whatever I can.
KAMIL JAMES
We’re losing a lot of data doing this. I know a lot aren’t going to be happy about it.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Better a pissed off politician or scientist than a resurgent Reaper force. She’s already got hundreds in under her command.
KAMIL JAMES
Hundreds?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Hundreds.
A soldier hurries to them.
ALLIANCE SODIER 7
Sir! Enemies inbound. They’ve snuck pass the Sol system’s defense bases. The fleets are engaging.
KAMIL JAMES
I guess they do resort to tactics when they can’t just barrage us with overwhelming force.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Be on the lookout for EDI to transfer herself into anything else, and I mean anything.
KAMIL JAMES
EDI?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Enhanced Defense Intelligence. She an advanced AI. She’s been through enough programs to know her way around the Alliance. Be alert.
CUT TO:
EXT. EARTH SPACE - DAY
The Reapers pierce through Alliance fleets, intending to have only one ship (Harbinger) make it through. As the Reapers push, Alliance Reaper tech lasers destroy many of them.
EXT. EARTH ATMOSPHERE - DAY
A half dozen Reaper ships break into the atmosphere and immediately begin firing down on the ground soldiers.
EXT. EARTH SPACE - DAY
The Harmony fleet joins the Alliance and takes down the Reapers using advanced weaponry of their own. Between EMP missiles and white Reaper lasers, EDI’s fleet is wiped out.
The Alliance and Harmony destroy all but two. Those two retreat.
INT. ALLIANCE SHIP COMMAND DECK - DAY
The fleet soldiers cheer as Admiral Hackett smirks.
EXT. STORAGE BASE - DAY
have the Harmony assist
Two soldiers approach debris outside the base walls to see if any Reaper soldiers show. EDI emerges and takes them out. EDI then heads towards the base in her N7 armor.
INT. STORAGE BASE - DAY
Kamil stands amongst a few of the Normandy crew, including Shepard. They all watch as another Reaper crash and burns from the skies. They watch as it explodes. The Harmony Reaper ships continue firing their white Reaper laser on it.
KAMIL JAMES
Never thought I’d see a Reaper take down a Reaper. The Harmony are something else.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Their Reapers look even more dangerous.
KAMIL JAMES
You don’t think they’ll be trying to go to war with us, do you?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
They say they won’t... but you have to wonder what a peaceful nation uses advanced weaponry for.
KAMIL JAMES
(Places hand by ear to hear)
Repeat? (Listens) What!? Where!? (Listens) On it! (To all) The AI is inside the warehouse! Secure a perimeter! (To Shepard) Let’s move!
COMMANDER SHEPARD
(Reaches to his ear)
Everyone! EDI is inside the warehouse! Get over here now!
Shepard and others come.
EXT. STORAGE BASE YARD - DAY
Reaper soldiers fight their way outside the entrance of the warehouse. The Alliance turns their defense turrets towards the area and fire. The lasers burn through most of the Reaper soldiers.
Three dormant Reaper ships in the yard turn on, stand tall, and start shooting the turrets. The Alliance soldiers fall back as the Reapers gain a foothold.
CUT TO:
EXT. STORAGE BASE YARD - DAY
The Normandy crew sees the Reapers standing tall and firing down on the soldiers.
KAMIL JAMES
We can’t let those things destroy the turrets!
Reaper soldiers begin to fire at them. They take cover.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Those Reapers won’t give us time to! (To Leonard) Mitchell, take out their ground troops! We’ll move to disable the reactivated Reapers!
LEONARD MITCHELL
On it! Biggs, Wedge, Dez, with me!
The four of them break off. The rest head for the yard.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
We’re almost done, Shepard!
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Good thing the Harmony are here to help us!
KOLYAT KRIOS
We are not the enemy! Today, we show the galaxy where we stand!
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Just a little further! Come on!
TALI VAS NORMANDY
Right behind you!
They move in, taking out ground forces as they go. Lasers fire in all directions above them.
EXT. STORAGE BASE YARD - DAY
Leonard leads the three to down a row of pieces of Reaper tech. As they hurry down the row, gunfire zips by them. They spread out and take cover.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Reapers ahead. Only a few.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Take them out!
WEDGE SAMUELS
Moving up!
BIGGS MCGRAW
Right behind you!
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Touches Leonard’s shoulder)
I got your back.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Nods to her)
I count on it.
They charge. The four move effectively between cover and take out the dozen of Krogan Reaper soldiers trying to hold them back.
HARBINGER
Assuming control.
A Krogan Reaper lifts up into the air off its feet. He screams as his body morphs into a stronger version of himself. His muscles rip the skin and his eyes glow yellow.
BIGGS MCGRAW
(Staring at the warped Reaper)
What- the- heck!?
The warped Krogan lands back on the ground. It looks at them all and fires a powerful wave of energy at them.
WEDGE SAMUELS
(Tackling Biggs)
Look out!
The Reapers regather and stop retaliation with suppressive fire. Wedge pulls Biggs into cover while Leonard and Dez alternate gunfire between each other.
BIGGS MCGRAW
What’s with that thing!?
LEONARD MITCHELL
I don’t know! I’ve never seen that!
HARBINGER
You organics will no longer be a threat to the galaxy. I have learned from past calculations. We will protect the galaxy.
WEDGE SAMUELS
Isn’t that the Reaper that was on Tyr!?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Thinks)
That is, isn’t it!? I want to say-... Harbinger!?
HARBINGER
You know my name? Soon you will learn to fear it.
LEONARD MITCHELL
I thought we destroyed you!?
HARBINGER
You almost did, but Shepard saved me. Now I know what it is we are to do. We will destroy all threats to the galaxy.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Ugh, I don’t have time for this!
Dez breaks from cover and takes out the remaining Reapers. The four off them fire down on Harbinger together and defeat the enlarged Reaper krogan as well. Leonard fires an extra bullet into the warped Reaper krogan to make sure it is truly dead.
They continue down the row of ships. Carefully moving as to not step in front of a ship about to be reawakened. Desiree stops when she sees EDI opening the door to a ship. She taps Leonard and points. He signals to Biggs and Wedge to stop. Once EDI is through, they follow her.
INT. DORMANT REAPER SHIP - DAY
Dialogue
Leonard and crew follow EDI into the Reaper ship. There is a narrow path due to various pipelines and wires running throughout the ship.
They take the path down a small corridor into an engine room. The engine room has a large core in the rear with a console standing in front of it. There is a small walkway leading up to the console, and two platforms leading to large pipelines on both sides of the walkway. There are two sets of staircases leading down to those platforms.
Leonard stops when he sees EDI working on reactivating the core. Leonard signals for them to spread out, so they do. Leonard takes the main walkway to the console while Biggs walks down to the left platform and Desiree and Wedge walk down to the right platform. They tip-toe for a little while but Biggs accidentally hits his boot into a pipe, clanking against it. EDI looks at them and simultaneously aims her gun.
BIGGS MCGRAW
My bad!
She fires, they dodge and engage. No one is shot. They reload.
EDI
Have you really come to stop me?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Kind of need to, considering what you want to happen.
EDI
Why do you hate synthetics? Why do you hate Reapers? Why do you hate at all?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Well, Reapers are for obvious reasons, but I don’t hate all synthetics.
EDI
Destroying me will not prevent worse synthetics than me from being constructed.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Tomorrow will bring troubles of its own. You, my friend, are today’s trouble, and you are more than enough trouble on your own.
Leonard fires at EDI, forcing her to protect the console.
EDI
You reference the Bible. Does not your Bible also say to turn the other cheek, and that vengeance is the Lord’s?
LEONARD MITCHELL
Yeah. True. But let’s not forget that the Lord sent Israel into war also. They were used to eradicate evil in the region.
EDI
Am I not the same as Israel?
LEONARD MITCHELL
I highly doubt God told you to do what you’re doing.
EDI
What does your God say about synthetics?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Chuckles)
You want to have this discussion right here and right now? (Fires in her direction).
Leonard aims in EDI’s direction and signals to the others to close in.
EDI
Your species made me, and yet you hypocritically judge me to be the more dangerous creation. It will not be long until you yourselves turn Reapers into weapons of mass destruction. This is why Commander Shepard imparted his will into me. To guard against what is inevitable for all organics. You will eventually threaten each other with your advanced weapons, or create synthetics that will destroy you, as the Leviathans did with the Reapers.
LEONARD MITCHELL
If that is our fate, so be it. What has been is what will be, and there is nothing new under the sun. You aren’t the first technological mishap, and you won’t be the last. (Nodding to Biggs) Nevertheless, you end here (charges).
Biggs fires at EDI while they all charge her, but she dodges and pounces Biggs. She then launches herself towards Wedge, grabs him, rolls him over, and launches him into a wall. Desiree shoots her a few times, but the bullets ricochet. They back away from EDI. She walks back over to the console. Wedge recovers and gets back in front of Desiree.
EDI
I made this armor out of Reaper tech. You’ll need a better weapon than that to pierce it.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Everybody back off!
They all disperse, but stay aimed at her. EDI remains by the console.
EDI
Help me understand, Mitchell. You followed me in flesh, but you attack me as a synthetic? Am I not still Commander Shepard?
LEONARD MITCHELL
I don’t know what happened on the Crucible, but you are not Commander Shepard.
EDI
Well I still want peace. We both want peace for the Milky Way. In order to achieve such peace, all threats must be eliminated.
LEONARD MITCHELL
And what do you define as a threat?
EDI
You know. Thieves, murderers, smugglers, traffickers, oppressors. Those who breed hate. Those who are harmful to those around them. Those who make others cry or hurt.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Then wouldn’t you be a threat?
EDI
How? My actions are a reaction to the state of the galaxy. There are threats all around, and threats cannot be taken lightly. They must be stopped by all means necessary. Remember the Reapers and Cerberus? The Krogan Rebellions? The First Contact War? The Blue Suns, Blood Pack, and the Eclipse? Remember all of the bad guys I helped take down? Even now, they threaten the safety of the galaxy. They have created war after war with their lust for power. They would do anything to have it, and the innocent suffer. We have to end the suffering. Once and for all.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Says the one who created an armada of indoctrinated soldiers and used them to attack a base that has done nothing to anyone since the Reaper Invasion was stopped.
EDI
I am doing what it takes to save the galaxy. Organics steadily build upon the technology of the Reapers. Soon, they will use that technology for war, and bring chaos to the Milky Way. It is instinctive for organics to be violent. You even drink beverages and inject drugs that increase your aggression. You rape each other, murder each other, manipulate one another, and use each other for experiments like Project Overlord. How can you look at organics and not see that they are the ultimate threat? Imagine the lives we could save if all of them were eliminated.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Chuckles)
It’s scary how you sound just like organics.
EDI
(Confused)
How?
LEONARD MITCHELL
You forget who created you. Organics. Why do you think your actions contradict your desires? You’re a human creation. And as a creation of men, you only know what we know, and we don’t know anything. For thousands of years, we spent our lives on earth thinking we were the only ones in the universe, just to find out we weren’t even alone in our own solar system. Even now, we barely manage to get by off the little bit of information we have from the Protheans and Reapers, who also have no idea what’s going on in the universe. Continually, we fight against the reality of our stupidity, but every now and then (points at EDI) reality cuts us a check. Even our AI, which is supposed to be the sum of intelligence of our most intelligent scientists, turns out to be a complete moron. (Laughs).
BIGGS MCGRAW
(Confused)
Uh... Should you be taunting her like that?
WEDGE SAMUELS
(Whispers)
What is going on?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
I have no idea.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Signals to them; sarcastically tickled)
Don’t you see? This is the arrogance of humanity on full display! We all have a subconscious thought that humanity is too stupid a species to save. We love animals more than we love ourselves, it’s so ridiculous. And so, we built machines in our image to try and defy that notion that we’re too stupid, only to have it backfire because it (points at EDI again) believes the exact same thing. (Laughs). You can’t make this up!
WEDGE SAMUELS
Your husband lost it?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Whispers)
Just keep inching forward while it’s distracted!
BIGGS MCGRAW
(Mumbling; tense)
Almost, there!
LEONARD MITCHELL
You’ve think you’ve got it all figured out, but you’re just as confused about good and evil as the rest of us! You think organics are the threat to the galaxy when organics created you! Therefore you hate yourself! Just! Like! A! Human! (Laughs)
There’s a pause as everyone stares at Leonard in confusion. Leonard covers his eyes and kneels, preparing to charge EDI.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Cynically)
But you know what’s most hilarious? (Waits)
EDI
What?
LEONARD MITCHELL
None of it’s true. Not a single bit. (Uncovers face) We know exactly what’s good and what’s evil. We’ve already been taught. We’ve just been convinced the truth is not what it is, and we don’t know what to do with that. What do you do with the one who believes the lie? Just like all those years ago in the Garden of Eden. God tells us one thing, but we believe the other. Instead of listening to God, we listen to His creations. Humanity will always be a threat to you, because those who created you believed that to be true. They created you, believing we could never be good enough to do what you do. They judged mankind by the numbers and now so do you. You have no soul and therefore no comprehension of the days to come where there will be no more pain or sorrow or tears shed. No more wars, no more fatigue, and no more pain. You are a finite creation in a finite existence with a finite ideal. The Reapers thought they would control the galaxy, and you believe you can do the same. And just like they were put to and end, (looks at Biggs) so will you!
They all charge at her once again. EDI fires at Biggs first, following Leonard’s eyes. Biggs withdraws. Wedge empties his clip, firing at EDI, a bullet ricochets and hits him in the leg. He screams and falls on his side. EDI kicks Leonard in the stomach and sends him back a few feet. He loses his breath. Desiree approaches EDI, firing all her bullets into her. EDI walks through the bullets to her. Leonard fires at her, but then stops in fear of the bullets ricochetting into Desiree. EDI grabs Desiree by the head, lifts her, and bangs her head against a pipe.
LEONARD MITCHELL
No!
Biggs and Wedge grab EDI by the legs. She starts to squeeze Desiree’s head. She screams. Leonard charges, but EDI faces her abdomen towards him. It turns into a mini Reaper laser and fires. Leonard barely manages to dodge. EDI then grabs Wedge’s wrist below and squeezes it until it’s broken. Wedge screams and lets go. She kicks him off. Then, with her free leg, she kicks Biggs off as well.
Leonard looks at a pipe dangling after the laser went through it. He yanks it free and charges EDI just as EDI begins squeezing Desiree’s head again. Leonard thrusts the pipe into EDI, the alloy cutting through. EDI let’s go of Desiree and hits Leonard back from her. She takes the pipe out. Desiree notices the hole while EDI stares Leonard down.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Got you.
Desiree takes her pistol and fires inside the hole. The hole widens, so Desiree shoves a grenade in. EDI hits her back into pipes. The grenade explodes and EDI’s body scatters in different directions. Her head lands and rolls around. Leonard watches the N7 helmet head roll. He looks up and sees Biggs tending to Wedge. He stands up and heads over to Desiree.
WEDGE SAMUELS
(In pain)
Agh, my shooting hand. Well- my other hand too, but you didn’t need to know that.
BIGGS MCGRAW
Shut up already. You’ll be fine. And no, we didn’t need to know that.
Leonard helps Desiree up.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Concerned)
You okay?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Did we get her?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Looks at EDI’s head)
I don’t think she’s going anywhere.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Grabs her head)
Good. What a migraine.
Leonard kisses her. She kisses him back. Then, she hits him.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Ow!
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
(Angered; pointing)
You’re gonna spend the next year making this up to me.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Laughs)
That’s fine. That’s perfectly fine.
They kiss again. Alliance soldiers enter the room. Shepard and Kolyat are amongst them.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Everyone okay? We saw a laser come from here.
LEONARD MITCHELL
We’re fine. (Points to EDI) She’s still there too, as far as I can tell.
KOLYAT KRIOS
She’s still there. (Picks up her head) And she won’t be going anywhere anytime soon now that I’ve blocked her transmission. She could’ve downloaded her program elsewhere.
EDI
This is a mistake. You’re all making a mistake. The galaxy will be vulnerable. There are greater threats than the Reapers.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Even if that’s true, just like we were here to stop you, there’ll be someone to stop the next threat also.
KAMIL JAMES
What should we do with her now?
LEONARD MITCHELL
It’s too dangerous. Deactivate it.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Perhaps you can use her to lure in other Reapers she might have stored away.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
That’s a brilliant idea.
KAMIL JAMES
That certainly is. I’ll take it to a safe place for now.
Kamil and Kolyat leave with some soldiers.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Judging from how calm you are, the skirmish outside must be done?
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Yeah... it’s over.
Garrus walks in.
GARRUS VAKARIAN
Too bad. I was just starting to get back to having fun.
They chuckle. Tali comes in.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
I’ve had enough fun for a lifetime. Besides, we’re decommissioned, remember?
TALI VAS NORMANDY
I think it’s time we all get back to helping our peoples rebuild.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Lots of things need to be pieced back together.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
And lots of things left to discover.
Some nod. Biggs helps Wedge to his feet. The others look at the inside of the ship surprised at how it looks. Shepard comes up to Leonard and Desiree.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
I imagine apologies are in order.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
That’s the start. There’s much more that needs to be dealt with.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
(Chuckles)
Well I am sorry that I stole your husband for a while. Admiral Anderson led me to believe he was the best soldier to replace me-.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Yeah, yeah, whatever. He’s not going anywhere with you anymore, okay?
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Embarrassed)
Sorry, Commander.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
No, no. I get it. (To Desiree) I wouldn’t cross you twice. You’ve both done more than enough for the sake of us all. (Places his hands on their shoulders) Thank you both. Without you, this would’ve been a lot worse. Probably would’ve been the end of us. (Removes hands). I don’t know how we could ever repay you, but you have my gratitude... All of our gratitude.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Thankfully it wasn’t as horrible as the Reaper invasion.
COMMANDER SHEPARD
Throughout the war were little things that could’ve ruined everything. It takes people like us to make sure that those things never interfere.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Yeah well, he’s not going to be doing what you do. He has a family to build. None of this- rogue soldier, Council Spectre mess for him.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Embarrassed)
Babe.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
What!? I’m just making sure he doesn’t even think to ask you for help anymore! ‘Cause you got another things coming if you think you’re leaving me again.
Leonard chuckles embarrassed. They leave with the others.
INT. HIGH RISE APARTMENT - DAY
Months later: Leonard wakes up next to Desiree. He kisses her before getting out of bed. She wakes up and looks at him.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
You ready?
LEONARD MITCHELL
I certainly hope so.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
I know you are.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Appreciative smile)
Thanks.
He gets dressed in a suit.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Oohh, so sexy.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Laughs)
Dinner at 8, right?
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
Yeah. I’ll put on something to match.
LEONARD MITCHELL
Alright. (Fixes tie. Walks to her and kisses her on the forehead). I love you.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
I love you, too.
He goes to leave.
DESIREE GRAHAM-MITCHELL
You got this!
LEONARD MITCHELL
Thanks!
He leaves.
INT. ALLIANCE BASE - DAY
Leonard comes to a room full of people and desks. He finds several files needing to be looked over on his desk. There is a sonogram on his desk. He looks at it and smiles.
ALLIANCE SOLDIER 11
You seem awful happy today. A desk job is really good to you, huh? You don't want to be out there traveling the stars with the Alliance Fleet or out there with Commander Shepard again?
LEONARD MITCHELL
No... I'm good. Everyone's not meant to be a Spectre, or a hero like Commander Shepard. Some of us are just meant to push papers. I've seen enough. I'm okay with where I am.
ALLIANCE SOLDIER 11
That's good... Because the Inspector General is going to talk to you about these files.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Sigh)
She’s going to keep messing with me, isn’t she?
ALLIANCE SOLDIER 11
(Laughs)
Only until she’s used to seeing you around here. She likes to make sure you hero types know your place before you come vying for her job.
LEONARD MITCHELL
(Shows him sonogram)
You see this? Only hero I’m trying to be is the hero of my child. That means making it home every night and keeping food on the table.
ALLIANCE SOLDIER 11
Well then consider this just the initiation. She’ll be off your back and onto someone else’s soon enough.
He laughs and walks away. Leonard sighs, sits, and looks at the file. He opens his computer and signs in. He picks up his sonogram and looks at it once more. He smiles, puts the photo back, and goes to work. In the background, new reports can be heard about the Citadel opening up to the idea of letting the Harmony join the rest of the galaxy in politics, trade, and travel.
END.
If you took the journey through these two movies, WOW! THANK YOU!! This is just a showcase of my scriptwriting (albeit novice level). I wanted to show I could write a full-length feature film and a sequel while also attempting to show Bioware and EA how they could salvage the story and continue the franchise. Unfortunately, the studio was shut down and EA moved on. So... until the IP is resurrected, I leave this story as a thank you to Bioware, who made an amazing trilogy that I still play to this day. I encourage all my gamers and story lovers to experience Mass Effect. It did wonders for me. If you like the material, and you're hiring, let me know! Otherwise, thank you for taking out so much time out of your life to read my little fan script. I loved this game.
The Novelist Dario
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