#me1 novelization

[blightedbutdelighted]

Natasha's version of Mass Effect is a bit different than what we know as Canon. I've been working on this ME1 novelization for over two years now, and it is definitely a labor of love! If you'd like to catch up on what I already have completed (both Part One and Part Two), here's the link to the whole thing on AO3! I'm currently working on Part Three and it's coming along beautifully!

Part One: Prologue/Eden Prime Ch. 1: "29" Ch. 2: Arcturus Station Ch. 3: Final Preparations Ch. 4: Departure Ch. 5: Paradise Ch. 6: SitRep Ch. 7: Witnesses Ch. 8: The Rogue Spectre Ch. 9: In the Aftermath Ch. 10: Nightmares and Apologies

Part Two: The Citadel Ch. 11: The Citadel Ch. 12: The Presidium Ch. 13: Down Time Ch. 14: The Council Ch. 15: Searching for Proof Ch. 16: The Quarian Ch. 17: The First Human Spectre

Part Three: Therum Ch. 18: Assassination Attempt Ch. 19: Special Tactics and Reconnaissance Ch. 20: The Trade of Secrets Ch. 21: The Past is History Ch. 22: The Chase Begins Ch. 23: Rescuing Dr. T'Soni Ch. 24: Reservations Ch. 25: Questionable Ally

[pigeontheoneandonly]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

In celebration of the upcoming MELE release, I am revisiting some of my favorite fics I’ve written for Mass Effect.

This is the one that started it all.

This fic is so close to my heart.  I’ve been writing since I was old enough to hold a pencil, but nothing I worked on ever seemed to come together.  I was at loose ends and frustrated.  This is the first time I ever finished something longer than a short story.

But more than that, I wrote this fic while I was going through one of the most difficult times in my life. I poured all of my love for Mass Effect.  I turned all of my frustration, hurt, and rage into determination.  To borrow a Hamilton quote, I literally felt like I was writing my way out of hell.  And if I hadn’t written this, if I hadn’t found a wellspring of stubborn confidence from looking at the world through Nathaly Shepard’s eyes, I think I might still be there.

We all talk about how Mass Effect is so much more than just a game.  For so many of us, it’s been an experience that altered the course of our lives, through the friends we met, through the lessons it taught us, through the sheer power of its story.  I can think of no better way to celebrate than sharing how it changed mine.

I’ve sat here searching for a brief excerpt to accompany this post, and you know what, I can’t choose.  I love this fic with everything I have, every word of it, from the ones I can’t believe I wrote to the passages that still aren’t quite right in my eyes.  It’s the fic that taught me I could be good enough, in so many different ways, and let me find my voice.

Thank you, Mass Effect.  For everything.

[blightedbutdelighted]

Taking on the Universe: Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Chase Begins

Summary: Commander Shepard prepares for the Normandy's departure from the Citadel as the hunt for Saren officially begins.

CW/TW: None

Preview of chapter below the cut. AO3 link: here.

The view offered by the balcony of Kristofer’s Presidium apartment was something that Natasha knew she would miss once the Normandy finally departed from the Citadel. She could see the Tower in the distance, and all the greenery of the various species of plants from around the galaxy that had been strategically placed around the ring that made up this part of the station. She knew from experience that, compared to the Wards, this place was basically paradise. The destination had been decided, the Normandy’s departure time was set, and a few interesting additions had been made to the crew as all of the Aliens that had assisted in the investigation had agreed to join her cause. Just over two weeks had passed since they had docked at the Citadel, and Natasha couldn't stop wondering what Saren and Benezia were up to. Even without a solid lead to follow, she felt hopeful with the information she'd received from Barla Von on Dr. T'Soni. Because even a lead as weak as this was better than no lead at all. Natasha clasped the warm mug of tea in her hands, relishing this rare moment of peace and relaxation before the chaos was set to erupt. This was possibly her last chance to do so for the next several weeks, or however long this mission would take. Chamomile always helped settle her nerves with its floral scent and sweet taste. It brought back memories of many cups shared with her parents over the years, and the countless discussions they'd had as they'd slowly sipped the warm liquid. The door to the balcony slid open and the soft footsteps of her father drew nearer as he approached. He held his own mug of tea in his hands and sat down at the table beside Natasha with a heavy sigh. Two pairs of matching bright blue eyes turned toward one another, each smiling softly at the other in greeting. "So, once again, our time together draws to a close," Kristofer stated wistfully as he leaned back in his chair, one hand reaching up to scratch his bearded chin thoughtfully. "It's always so hard to let you go, kiddo."

[pigeontheoneandonly]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Sometimes, all it takes is one decision to change everything. For Nathaly Shepard, it was accepting a new post from her old mentor, and a mission that quickly turned into a war.

When a rogue turian threatens human civilization, Nathaly is forced to grow into the spectre she was perhaps never meant to be. Amid the chaos of burning colonies and hostile AI, she forges lifelong friendships, falls in love despite herself, and fights for a home she never thought she'd have- while a secret fifty thousand years old threatens to take it all away.

A re-imagined Mass Effect 1, that keeps to the spirit of the canon while deepening connections between events and characters, delving into backstories, and expanding the narrative.

[blightedbutdelighted]

TotU Update!!

I know it's been a minute since I've even talked about this fic, but it is still my largest project and very much a labor of love 💜 I've decided to not only break the fic into individual parts, but to also put those into two halves! So, with the completion of the next Part of the work, Part One of Taking on the Universe will be complete!! I can't believe I'm still working on this fic after all this time, but I'm also incredibly happy with how it's turned out so far! I'm hoping to begin posting new updates on N7 day, as usual! I'm so excited to get into this next part as Feros is where Nat & Kay really start to realize there's something blossoming between them 🥰 I know I haven't been too focused on their romance so far in the fic (mostly because it's a novelization of ME1, and I've been focusing on building Natasha's world), but this is the turning point for that 🙈

See you all on N7 day, friends!!

Much love, Britt 😘