To: Everyone

[earthborn]

This is Commander Shepard of the SSV Normandy SR-2, Systems Alliance.

I know by now that that won't mean a lot to most of you; this world, this planet at least, is a bit farther down the tech curve than my normal. I'm given to understand that for a certain portioned of my fellow summoned, this is not the case. So I'll ask:

How many spacers are here, aside from myself?

Sound off. I'm willing to bet we have a hell of a lot more in common than anything else, no matter who says we ought to be at whoever's throats, or why.

Comments

[earthborn]

People had been using them for thousands of years, even before humans left the Sol system. It was safe for a long time before anybody knew it wasn't. Generations grew up, raised families, and died, with no side effects that they knew of.

But the whole time, everything about the relays; their placement, the ease of use, the way they worked as a network, was shaping the way the galaxy grew. Making it predictable, for the enemy we didn't know existed.

And, now it's too late. But nobody listens to me, and I sound like a crackpot when I bring it up in the Council chambers. I've fought a Reaper; we're not even a little bit ready for what's coming.

[techmaturgy]

Understood. The context is helpful.

[Also. Hahah. Man. That sucks--at least his teleportation relays were built from the ground up, no aliens involved. Maybe. He supposes it's not out of the question that some kind of elder god might bust its way through some other realm via the arcane channels they've opened in developing Hextech, but it's not like it matters, now that he's stuck here.]

I can see why you'd be wary of others attempting to re-create the technology.

[earthborn]

What about you? Science guy, what you workin' on?

[techmaturgy]

[Oh, you know. Stuff and things.]

Much of my work back home involved the technological applications of arcane forces--not unlike the "new" magic practiced in the Free Cities.

[earthborn]

So you build tech. Stuff that might be compatible with what this planet operates on?

[techmaturgy]

It would be a step backward, for me--the technology here is comparatively behind that of my world, but yes. That's the idea.

[earthborn]

But you could build me something that would work, if I asked real nice?

I don't have a lot of money, but I take good care of my people. And it's not as if we're going to be much use to anyone just sitting around staring at our own hands. It doesn't sound like you're a nefarious purposes kind of person, am I right?

[techmaturgy]

Probably. Money is not an object--I'm happy to engage in mutually-beneficial arrangements with fellow Summoned. What I'm able to build depends on what you're interested in.

[earthborn]

I need a weapon. Specifically, a firearm— a rifle, longer-range the better. I can keep myself safe on my own, but I have a friend who came in with me and I'm not interested in watching him die because the local fauna got excited about trying a new flavor.

The local options function, barely, but they're so archaic that I don't even know where to begin. If you're as advanced as you're implying, I'd be interested in seeing what you could do.

[techmaturgy]

[why do you people always want guns]

Oh. Apologies. I don't build weapons.

[earthborn]

Is there are particular reason why not?

[It is a genuine mystery to Shepard.]

[techmaturgy]

There are plenty of engineers who will build weapons. I prefer to use my talents to less destructive ends.

[earthborn]

And you don't think there's been a material shift in circumstances?

[Respect levels... dropping....]

Fine. It's not like I can force you. I'll keep you mind if I have anything... less destructive than a hunting rifle in mind.

[techmaturgy]

[convictions, baybe]

Given the military here? Even more reason to be cautious.