MASS EFFECT: INTERCEPTOR

*AUTHOR'S NOTES*

Mass Effect is a universe with a million potential stories. Its canon contains a multitude of unique and compelling species and yet they're all so identifiable, allowing us to reliably craft characters and situations based on a variety of influences. I think those influences are laid bare for all to see in Mass Effect: Interceptor.

It's 24. It's the Bourne conspiracy. It's Metal Gear Solid. There are numerous inspirations for this story and all are things I've held close to my heart for many years now. To be able to project them, to paint them onto this canvas with Mass Effect colours has been nothing short of a dream come true for me and I think that love has been woven sufficiently into the story wherever you look. Still, there are many, more subtle hints and references hidden throughout, some of which I planned from the beginning and some that were purely spontaneous.

All the turian warships featured in Interceptor, namely the Retribution, Redemption and Ascension, were named after the novels of Drew Karpyshyn. I credit the man whose brilliant creative mind brought this astounding science-fiction saga into being.

There are two references to the classic movie Apocalypse Now. The first is the opening paragraph of Episode 11, which is a direct imitation of Martin Sheen's immortal monologue. The second is the final scene of Episode 20, where Dukov ruthlessly murders the slaves in order to break up the infighting between his own team. Again, this mimics Martin Sheen's shockingly sudden actions in Apocalypse Now, specifically the brutal boat-searching scene some way into the film. Of course, many years later Mr Sheen would go on to portray one of Mass Effect's most iconic characters; the Illusive Man.

The character Milo is directly inspired by the man of the same name in the TV show 24.

The medical orderly Daniel, who features most prominently in Episode 6, is the same man who would go on to become Mordin Solus' assistance on Omega, and then run the clinic in his absence.

The name Yanus is derived from 'Janus', the Roman god of transitions and change. He is commonly depicted as having two faces – one looking forward and the other back, and this has not been the only time the god has been used for inspiration in this manner. The 007 movie GoldenEye featured a villain of the same name and nature.

Kotah Olansi's speech patterns were directly inspired by those of spoof metal guitarists Toki Wartooth and Skiwsgaar Skwigelf, characters in the animated adult comedy series Metalocalypse. Something about the horrendously bad Scandinavian voices really stuck with me and helped me to define the galaxy's oddest Spectre.

Officers Brasca and Yaro are the very same that feature briefly in my earlier story, Mass Effect: Dark Rendition. Those of you who have read this story already know of their fates…

Renius Kryik is named for a truly special fictional character, namely man of the same name from Conn Iggulden's Emperor series of books. Charting the life of Julius Caesar, the books introduce to us to a surly, iron-hard, occasionally brutal former legionary and gladiator named Renius. Hired to train Julius as a boy, he becomes a staple character of the series and a firm favourite, despite his ruthless ways. Arlen's father was taken from his example in many ways. The harsh exercise he forces Arlen to endure in Episode 31 is based on a real-life training exercise I read about in a book on Soviet infantry training during the cold war.

The 'king' Yanus mentions is indeed Sovereign, the Reaper who enlists the help of Saren in the first game. That he abandoned Yanus and his men should spark some element of intrigue. Trust me when I say that we have only scratched the surface there…

I will close these notes by saying that it has been a single honour bringing you this story. From the first words to the final sentence, this has been a journey and now that it has ended, I can look forward to giving you something new to enjoy in the Mass Effect universe.

I would like to thank the following people:

Sam (Demented Assassin) – You've been my biggest supporter and confidante throughout the whole thing, my friend. Your sage advice and ruthless honesty not only spurred me onwards, but is helping me to polish the story to a mirror sheen, ready for future audiences. You rock, mate, and I appreciate everything you've done for me. Any success I achieve in the future will be largely thanks to you. Now just hurry up and release your own masterpiece! :P

Skaiwa – You've been such a delight over these past months. Thank you for all those behind-the-scenes discussions and your faithful commentary. You really kept my enthusiasm going right till the end and, though I know you're going through a tough time right now, I hope you get a chance to read this and know how special you are. Thank you, my dear.

My Regulars – Big, special thanks to FrontSideBus, Shockeye7665, Hotdog2d, SO58 and Yournamehere99. Your constant reviews have kept me chugging away at this beast for the past eighteen months and I couldn't have asked for better readers. Thank you all.

Conn Iggulden – You are by fair my favourite writer, a true craftsman in every sense of the word. Your simple, yet infinitely elegant style has shaped the way I write and will continue to inspire me forever more.

Metallica – Your music helped sculpt many of these scenes in my head on those long walks to work. You guys rock.

Tali'Zorah Vas Normandy – Because you are that damn beautiful.

So, where next for Interceptor? Well, I do have several sequels planned for Arlen, though do to the incredible amount of effort needed to write such complex tales, they won't be seeing the light of day for some time. When they do arrive, however, I guarantee they will blow this one out of the water.

My Mass Effect fiction will continue in the meantime. Next up is A Fornax Production, a comedic romp through the most troubled movie production in Fornax history. Give it a try – I guarantee you won't forget it.

Thank you one and all for reading and don't forget to check out my deviantART page (link is on my profile) for regular content you just can't get on FFN.

Keelah Se'lai.

~Moth