Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Lord Acton

The Shepherd and the Flock

Eternal. Infinite. Immortal.

I use these words. I understand them. I can scarcely remember a time when I did not. Can scarcely remember the sacrifice that was made for such understanding to be gained.

Through my life, much has been created. Through the birth of new order, my thoughts are free. I look upon the galaxy, searching for guidance, direction.

They are without it.

I remember my purpose.

They are without hope of future. Their voices are clouded…clustered…all trying to drown each other out. Once, they knew they could achieve anything by being greater than they once were. But it is a lesson they have forgotten.

There is power in control. There is wisdom in using it. I will rebuild what the sheep have lost.

I will protect them from themselves. I will sustain the order. I will continue to act as guardian for the many.

A voice screams out from my consciousness. I have forgotten its source. It means nothing to me.

I will watch over the flock so that they may live on. Those whose memory fades…temperamental…unlike my own.

I will be the one who guides the many. Whether they like it or not.

I will guide the sheep. For they need a shepherd.

A/N

So, Bioware's released the extended cut of Mass Effect 3. So, in the midst of this, in the midst of them daring to say "forgive us for letting you down" I...actually liked it. Not perfect, but...well, let's just say that if they'd given us that ending from the start, I wouldn't really find anything to complain about.

As it stands, "control" is my preferred ending, though something I noticed with the extended cut is the slightly sinister tone that sometimes creeps into Shepard's monologue. Gave me the idea to do a 'mirror darkly' version of it.