What did you do today in ME?

"You head to Cerbeus headquarters to deal with them."
"Yes. I had Miranda and Ashley with me. We ent--"
"Hold up. What about edi?"
"What about it? I had no robot on my ship like is seen in the game. If I did, I would have thrown it out the airlock. I don't agree with Bioware adding that in the game. In fact Jeff Moreau has told me a few times he would never have feelings for a mech."
"Yeah. I would say a lot of folks weren't too happy about having the hologram take over a platform. Back to what you were saying."
"As soon as we entered the base, we came under fire. At the same time, they were trying to vent the hangar. Fortunately Miranda found a console to prevent that. We made our way through the base, when I encountered the Kai Leng guy. Ashley killed him. Moments later met TIM, the leader of Cerberus. He wanted to control the reapers. He wanted to advance humanity. I liked his idea, but I wanted the reapers destroyed.  Miranda shot him."
"Wow. Very different from the game. While this was going on, the Citadel was moved to Earth."
"It was. I don't know the exact details, but  I was surprised there was no SOS. It could have been indoctrinated  agents who moved it. I don't know."
"This is where Samantha tells you she wants a house, kids and fence."
"I like that scene especially the white picket fence."
"What happened next?"
"It took a lot of time to gather all the fleets to head to Earth. While that was happening, it was proposed that myself and team with a couple platoons of soldiers,  head to Earth before the main fleets show up to deal with Hades Cannons surrounding London. We met Anderson outside of London. There were 4 of them. Each team had at least 2 cains with them. After they were dealt with, the fleets headed to Earth. While that was going on, we made a push to get to the beam. We avoided the reaper that was guarding the beam. Myself and Anderson went up while the rest headed back to the Normandy to help the fleets above Earth."
"That is very different from the game. What did you think of the evacuation scene?"
"I didn't like it. I would never have done that. In fact that whole plan to get to the beam was bad."
"Let's take a break."

From the Journal of Ioan Shepard:

- Tuchanka: Before curing the genophage, I wanted to investigate the Cerberus presence on Tuchanka. I wanted to avoid them interfering with the cure anymore than they'd already tried. Turns out they were trying to commandeer some ancient krogan cannons. Instead, we got control of them which gave us an advantage in the system. EMS: 726.
- Now it's time to deal with the Shroud. Unfortunately, a Reaper is next to it and using the Shroud to poison the atmosphere. We needed turian air support to keep it occupied while krogan forces attacked from the ground. Then a small team could get inside and release the cure. The dalatrass contacted me before leaving and tried to convince me to sabotage the cure but not let the krogan know. In exchange, she'd offer salarian support. I refused. Unlike on Virmire, I saw real possibilities for krogan having a better future. With Wrex, Eve and Grunt around I could see positive change here. I couldn't stab my friends in the back no matter what. If I weren't doing the cure I'd be up front about it. I refused.
- On Tuchanka, Wrex and his brother Wreav almost went head-to-head over the presence of Mordin. Eve set them all straight and she and Wrex then aimed them toward the Reaper as the enemy they were "born to fight". Hell, I think we were all born to fight Reapers. Unfortunately, a chunk of the road was out and at first they thought it impassable. But we got to that road by first riding over rubble. They were able to get through but me, James and Garrus had to travel on foot through the underground "City of the Ancients". Kept feeling tremors but also found statues and artwork on the walls. Having artwork meant they were more than just barbarians and could be again. Eve suggested the tremors came from "Kalros, the Mother of All Thresher Maws". And then we saw the painting of Kalros, looking much larger than your average krogan. And I've killed a lot of thresher maws in my time. Then we found a dead Rachni, which was more problematic should we find any alive.
- Aboveground, we found a place that wasn't rubble, simply overgrown - which in itself was amazing. Plant life really wasn't a thing on Tuchanka. There was a bridge, a waterfall, a river...looked beautiful. Unfortunately, Reapers were here: cannibals, ravagers, brutes and husks. Then we actually lay eyes on Kalros, or at least part of her. She had to be the size of that Reaper using the Shroud.
- Finally hooked back up with Wrex and the rest. Eve had come up with a plan to summon Kalros using these giant maw hammers. Then Kalros could fight the Reaper. I only had to risk being shot directly by the Reaper's beam in order to get there, all the while dodging brutes. Just before setting off to do this, Wrex told me that regardless of the outcome, from here on out the name "Shepard" would mean "hero" on to the krogan people. No doubt my loyalty to this guy was well and truly justified.
- Don't know if I could have got past that Reaper if the turian Artimec Wing hadn't returned to join in the fight. When both hammers had been activated, Kalros rose up and attacked, actually succeeding in killing the Reaper. It was outstanding. Unfortunately, the battle damaged the Shroud. Because of STG prior sabotage, and the damage, Mordin said the only way to release the cure would be to go up into the Shroud, which was falling apart. He wouldn't be returning. He did believe that Wrex and Eve were going to create a promising future for the krogan. I just wish he'd have been around to see it. He died a hero, just like Ash, for what he believed in. And we watched the cure rain down on Tuchanka like bright, shining snowflakes. That was hope.
- Even after the cure was in place, Wrex's words spoke up someone who wanted a better life. He remembered how his own father had tried to kill him right there in the Hollows. Instead, in the future, he would fight for his children rather than against them. Wrex even said he'd name one of his kids after Mordin. Moreover, he said he would immediately deploy troops to Palaven and, when the time come, he'd be with me to reclaim Earth.
- Normandy: Hackett was amazed at my curing the genophage and deferred to my judgment in refusing the salarian deal. Primarch Victus that agreed to start sending ships to Earth.
- Garrus convinced me to get some rest but I wished I hadn't. Another nightmare. I saw the kid again, as well as shadows of the dead. As I chased after the kid, I heard the voices of Mordin and Ashley. When I reached him, he again burst into flame. One thing I noticed this time was that he had my eyes.
- Liara came to see me in my cabin. She said the salarian councilor wanted to speak to me. He wasn't happy with my krogan decision but that wasn't the purpose of the call. He thought Udina was dirty and wanted help investigating him. I was to return to the Citadel immediately. I get very few orders from the Council but when I do I had to respond. EMS: 1260.
- Interview with Allers about curing the genophage. I played them up as former heroes during the Rachni Wars who wanted to be heroes again. Got me some additional krogan support.
- Mordin Solus had been added to the memorial wall. I guess I'm glad that we're respecting those who fought beside me when even when the Normandy was a Cerberus ship. No one could doubt that I had made the right decision back then anymore. I was just sad to see another name up there.
- Liara wanted to see me in my cabin. She had created a beacon that, should we lose the war, would warn the next cycle of the Reapers. It also gave information about the Citadel and the Crucible. She wanted my opinion on an entry about myself but I told her I trusted her to put what she thought best since she knew me well enough. She was going to see various worlds across the galaxy with these beacons so they stood a better chance of surviving the aftermath.
- Interesting email from Shiala. She's fighting alongside the colonists on Zhu's Hope against Reaper forces and has some kind of mental connection to they were all controlled by the Thorian. She said she's also still indoctrinated from her time aboard Sovereign but that the voices of the Reapers were drowned out by the colonists.
- Citadel: When we arrived, there was no one to direct us in. Something was up. Joker tried emergency channels and go Thane of all people. He said the Citadel had been attacked by Cerberus and that Kaidan had gone to protect the Council. Seemed curiously timed given that the salarian councilor had just told me he was suspicious of Udina. The thing I didn't understand was how Cerberus was able to pull this off. It's almost like they used magic to conjure up troops out of thin air because there's no way this may people could be part of their organization. It doesn't even make sense to attack the Citadel while we're in the middle of a war.
- We helped Bailey get into C-Sec HQ. Had a message from the salarian council (Valern) that chances of betrayal from within were high. He was also meeting with the executor, which would only happen if a high level prosecution was about to take place. Evidence was pointing toward Udina. We headed off toward the executor's office to hopefully save Valern and find out what was going on. We fought out way through Cerberus troopers to the executor's office. All we found was a dead executor and two dead salarian bodyguards. Then I spotted Valern below. He had been using a tactical cloak but for some reason made himself visible, which is precisely when a Cerberus ninja attacked. In fact, he would have killed Valern had Thane not arrived. There was a fight that ended with Thane being stabbed and the ninja running away. We pursued. It turned out that Udina was leading the other councilors right to Cerberus, maybe to the assassin. That meant Kaidan was also in danger and unaware of what was really going on.
- Followed him to an elevator and were very close to the councilors. Then we caught up to it and landed on the roof of their elevator. Shots were fired but I assumed they thought were were Cerberus. Then we got to the spot where the councilors were supposed to take a shuttle to safety only it had been destroyed. Garrus, James and I all had our weapons aimed at Udina and Kaidan had no idea what to make of it. I understood how he could think I was with Cerberus because that's how it looked. I told my squad to lower their weapons and did the same. Had to show some good faith. When Udina tried to open the door, the asari councilor tried to stop him. He shoved her away and drew a gun on her. Pretty compelling evidence he was the enemy. Kaidan took the shot and killed Udina.
- Headed to Huerta to check on Thane, who had just gotten out of surgery. Kolyat was also there. Thane was trying to say some final prayers but needed help. Kolyat had a prayer book and I joined him. After, I asked why he was praying for forgiveness when his last act was heroic. Kolyat told me the prayers were for me. I guess he understood that all the killing wasn't good, no matter the reasons for it. Another hero, another friend, gone.
- As I returned to the Normandy, I ran into Kaidan. He wanted to talk about what had just happened, not liking the armed standoff with someone he loved, and believing I would have taken him out. I told him never could have happened. I guess he forgot after Virmire how I told him I could never leave him behind. No different today than it was then. He also wanted to make sure he acted with integrity in regard to shooting Udina and I told him he had. Finally, Hackett offered him a position elsewhere but he'd turn it down if rejoining the Normandy was an option. Honestly, it was the only option as far as I was concerned.
- Normandy: Hackett and Anderson were baffled by Udina's betrayal. I had to assume indoctrination, either by the Reapers or whatever method Cerberus was using to create their troops. Scary that they could access someone at such a high level. EMS: 1703.
- Had a chat with Kaidan.  His dad went back to active duty but is MIA and his mother is alone on Earth.  Glad he shared with me.

Are you sure? The lowest the player can get his/her ems is 907

Ok. I misunderstood. You're only part way into the game. My bad.

From the Journal of Ioan Shepard:

- Citadel: I noticed Kaidan sitting by himself at Apollo's Cafe holding nothing in his hand. I sat down and he definitely seemed to think we were supposed to be meeting up. Must have missed an email somewhere. All I know is that by the time the meal was over we were a couple again.


- Joker asked me about dating EDI. It's the end of the world. Go for it. And from an entirely pragmatic point of view, that kind of attachment is the sort of thing that might make an AI loyal to organics. Did a little dancing with Jack. Noticed Joker and EDI had also made their way to the dancefloor. Talked to a batarian terrorist about his presence on the Citadel. He was dying but in a lot of pain. He mostly just wanted it all over and I helped send him on his way. Also recruited Zaeed to help out and he said he'd bring some friends along.
- Tuchanka: Went to rescue a downed turian ship on Tuchanka. Looked sketchy. Then I learned the Primarch's son was leading the platoon. We fought our way through Reapers forces to him. Found a datapad suggesting Lt. Victus was at fault for the dead turians we were finding along the way. He'd made a bad call. Still, turned out there was some kind of bomb that Cerberus was planning to detonate. Had to convince Victus to convince his men that allowing the bomb to go off could damage the turian/krogan alliance, which would be bad for everyone. I agreed to help them since they were down 30 men. EMS: 1885.

My first insanity game in ME3 I got killed by grenades SO.MANY.TIMES. Everybody threw them only at Shepard.   I finally learned how to roll out of the way.

Everything is always forgiven when you use High Lord Claymore.

The splash area seems large enough that I'm not safe unless I run halfway across the map

Even though Shepard is the primary target, squadmates do get caught sometimes.

Melody Shepard, Colonist/Sole Survivor/Infiltrator, ME3 Insanity:

Samantha Traynor intercepted communications from Grissom Academy that suggested Cerberus interference. On arrival at the Academy, the Normandy found it blockaded by ships in the Illusive Man's colours. Cortez sneaked Melody, Garrus and James onboard in the shuttle while Joker distracted the patrolling fighters.

Melody spoke with Kahlee Sanders, Academy director and Anderson's old flame, who explained that the students were a mixture of tech specialists and trainee biotic soldiers. They devised a plan for Melody to rescue the students while Kahlee retreated to the shuttle bay. The majority of the students were being held in Orion Hall, so the Normandy squad proceeded there, dispatching Cerberus troops as they encountered them (BLASTED GRENADE!) and reassuring the terrified students. Discarded data pads indicated that Cerberus intended to indoctrinate the strongest biotics and turn them into "Phantoms".

In a typical display of disproportionate idiocy, Cerberus had an Atlas mech defending Orion Hall. Melody broke it using her CLAYMOAR, then cleared up its incompetent entourage with her rifle. The students were safe, as was their instructor, Jack, who greeted Melody with a punch for working with Cerberus (and probably for showing up still wearing their armour). The biotic students had given her new purpose; she was prepared to protect them with her life, and opined that they would better serve the war effort in a defensive role than as front-line troops.

Cortez was unable to safely get the shuttle close to the Academy, so a new plan was devised to steal a Cerberus one. The most direct route to the shuttle bay was through the atrium, heavily defended by the bulk of the occupying force. Jack and her students provided biotic assistance as the Normandy squad went in guns blazing. After some fierce fighting (two or three deaths, as I expected), the team neutralized their enemies and proceeded to the shuttles, stopping along the way to decapitate a couple of troopers who were attempting to capture some tech students, including David Archer.

The remainder of the Cerberus forces attempted to secure the shuttle bay. Melody "borrowed" a spare Atlas and routed them, while her squad picked off any that she missed (which was plenty because my aim is appalling) and the students again provided support.

Jack, Kahlee, the students and the squad all made it safely to the shuttles; as they were flying Cerberus colours, they were able to slip away under the noses of the blockade. Against the students' objections, Melody supported Jack's recommendation that they assist the Alliance forces in defensive roles.

With the genophage cure ready for deployment, the Normandy set course for the krogan DMZ. Hackett radioed with intel about Cerberus forces on Tuchanka, attempting to reactivate ancient surface-to-air cannons for reasons best known to themselves. Melody, Liara and Garrus went planetside to eliminate the invaders and secure the cannons for use against the Reapers. (One death here, after reactivating the power; took the wrong route back to the control room and got attacked by more enemies than I could kill quickly).

As she removed her hardsuit, Melody paused as her eyes caught the Cerberus logo on the chestplate. After witnessing the kidnap and murder of civilians on Benning, and now the attempted kidnap of students, going into combat wearing the uniform of her former allies was sitting less and less easily.

Current EMS: 587

Pics and videos behind the cut:

From the Journal of Ioan Shepard:

- Eden Prime: Came here to investigate a prothean artifact. Never knew what could be useful in building the Crucible. Instead, it turned out to be a stasis pod with a still-living prothean inside. We had to find codes to unlock it but also prevent Cerberus from taking it. Found the code to end the stasis but didn't yet know how to open the pod. Also saw visions of the Reapers attacking, of decisions about who to sacrifice and who to send into stasis, and of clearly indoctrinated protheans coming to attack. Those indoctrinated didn't look like Collectors so that must have been long before the massive genetic rewrites to them done by the Reapers. Then found the command to open the pod. Turns out I could understand when no one else could was because of the Prothean Cipher I had received from Shiala a few years ago. Also picked up intel along the way to help the Eden Prime resistance fight back against Cerberus.
- I transmitted the signal to open the pod. It was going to take some time, time which we were going to use to fend off Cerberus troops. Then we were able to open it up. The prothean inside was understandably disoriented, assuming we were enemies - at least until he and I made physical contact. Prothean technology worked the same as protheans themselves and transmitted via touch. I got a last vision of his timeline, of the people he had lost, and he got something similar about our cultures from what I knew. That allowed him to speak to us. His name was Javik and he joined us on the Normandy.
- Normandy: Unfortunately, Javik was a soldier rather than a scientist and so knew nothing about the Crucible other than that it was said to have the power to destroy the Reapers. Also learned that the Prothean Empire was comprised of many different species. They had united - under force by the protheans - to insure they could stand against machine intelligences. It worked until the Reaper invasion. Javik acknowledged that the "one style" of waging war worked against the protheans. In the current cycle, a wide variety exists from different races. He said that might help us.
- Citadel: Met with Garrus to go to a spot where 137 regulations said we couldn't go. Made it our personal firing range to prove who was the best shot. I could tell it was important to Garrus so I threw the game. Made him happy.
- Video chat with Miranda. She's being hunted by a lot of Cerberus assassins and word is that her father is working on a major project for TIM. That meant Miranda was too dangerous to be left alive. She still didn't want my help but I'm glad she's keeping me in the loop.
- Assisted an e-crimes officer in shutting down batarian codes that were being used to kill humans. It was Balak behind it, that bastard I wish I had killed when he tried to destroy Terra Nova. He blamed me for his people being indoctrinated and turning against their own kind to help the Reapers. He was also the top-ranking military general of his people. Wanted this guy dead but needed his fleets more. I convinced him to join with us against the Reapers.