I first read this years ago right after I finished Mass Effect 2. This is one of the few fanfics that really made an impression upon me (this and your first story "The Sounds of the Sea") and after recently replaying the trilogy, I knew I had to read this again. The plot, the dialogue, and especially the characterization is so incredibly fluid and believable and... human. One of the things that bothered me about the first two games was how infallible Shepard seemed and Bioware never truly explored her psyche until the third game. Your story relentlessly and compellingly emphasizes how much Shepard is affected by the burdens she has to carry and the disastrous consequences her choices can have. The highlight of this story though is the relationship between the characters. Bioware established the squad as this badass band of brothers and here, you've fleshed all of these characters out with a stream of their inner thoughts, troubled pasts, insecurities, and desires. It was utterly painful for me to read Thane's chapter especially, a character that I absolutely adore, but it was done so beautifully that I understand your rendition of Shepard and her undeniable pull towards Garrus. I'll stop there because I think that I'm probably rambling at this point but let me just say thank you for sharing your work and though it appears to have been a long time since you posted a Mass Effect 2 story, I do hope you return as your talent is sorely missed. Logging you out, strangegibbon.

I know she can't have both men, but at the same time part of me hates seeing her say no to either one... t.t

Sweet, time for Thane's! I am really looking forward to it

Oh MAN. I bet Jack's nightmare is going to be...well...jacked.

Everybody has such horrible, dark pasts! So many feels...

So sad what Samara was dreaming about. Reminds me of inception quite a lot, actually-easier to live in memories than in reality sometimes.

So cool. I really liked Jokers dream scene, nice to see some character development in him.

Genius, this plot line is absolutely genius I think you are so creative for thinking of the AI using the crew as "batteries." Also, for putting her into their dreams to save them!

Ooo, a clever start! Very interesting. Nice writing!

This was a great read. Jack's chapter in particular, and Samara's, really stuck out as in character and darkly resonant. Thanks for sharing!

... o: Woah.

Jack worried is so sweet!

This is amazing! Great story!

I understand the thing about Shepard being the only one to go in and save the crew and such, but couldn't she just get a crew member or two to go in and help pull all the remaining ones out at once?

...
Mordin is very dedicated to the mission. I just didn't know HOW dedicated.
Until now.