maskormenace | JOINT POST / VIDEO

[Jacob and Raina are standing together in the video, facing the camera side-by-side. They're out in public, in a park in De Chima. Jacob speaks first.]

Hey, everyone. I just got Ported back in a few days ago. I'm still catching up. I'm not just posting to ask for updates, though. Raina and I- [He nods to her.] - have some things to say.

[ She glances over at Jacob and then smiles brightly, returning her attention to the camera. ]

It's in regards to the Unsettled ImPorts. This has been an underlying issue for quite some time, and I believe a lot of people here don't even understand the full scope of it. It's easy to be unaware when you're Registered. But life isn't as simple for those who have chosen not to swear allegiance to our government. I haven't experienced it first hand, but Jacob lived it up close and personal.

[ Raina looks to him with a fond expression, admiration for his bravery. She falls silent to allow him the chance to relay his experiences as an Unsettled ImPort. ]

I was Unsettled for more than a year before I finally Registered. It wasn't Hell, but it wasn't exactly easy either. You risk losing whatever job the government gave you, and you can say goodbye to health insurance too. That was all before they started searching us at state lines. And if you take on the bad guys without swearing loyalty, they'll call you a Vigilante and chase you down. That's what happened to me.

Which isn't fair in the least. Especially since by not registering, you're not overtly saying you're going to cause trouble. In many cases, the ones with real criminal intent will register with the government to use them as a means of protection. And in the meantime, the ones who wish to do good will be punished for it simply because they chose not to register for reasons entirely their own.

I think the best chance we have at change is educating -- not just the imPorts but the natives alike. And that's why we'd like to hear your opinions and experiences with this matter -- concerns, questions, and ideas you may have. If we speak out in public about this, our voices will be heard.

The government can tattoo us and track us, but they can't stop us from at least talking about things. You heard Raina- let's share some stories. It's not like the issues are just going to go away if we stay quiet.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I agree, if they do that.

But so far, what they've done is essentially take away things that they're giving away anyway, right? I mean, I'm used to free healthcare, but I'm military -- I serve to get that. Most people get it from work, yeah? Free housing?

I mean... I think we should consider the possibilities, but they haven't taken away any of our rights yet.

And added searches at the borders. And added additional security measures at the Porter.

It may be small, these changes. But they will build up over time. And quite truthfully, I don't think it's the Unregistered imPorts we need to watch out for.

Maybe not, but how the hell are the normal people supposed to know that?

I mean -- look, I'm --

I get it. I really do. I'm not -- normal -- by even my world's standards. I've dealt with a lot of prejudice about it, about... having powers, and having people scared of you for no reason. And I don't think it's right, I just...

I can see where they're coming from. I can understand why, and the powers here are nothing like they are at home.

What did you do about it back home? Was there a resolution? Or are things still that way?

It's...getting better. Biotics... well, I'm one of the first, and we've gone from experiments to getting reparations, and we're holding jobs -- I'm the first biotic Major in the Alliance.

So we're getting there. Bit by bit. It's a far cry from kidnapping kids, like it was at first.

Kidnapping kids...?

[ She sounds so horrified as though this is the worst thing imaginable. Truth be told, she's probably done worse. ]

I'm glad things have changed for the better. And forgive me, but I have to ask -- were you one of the children kidnapped at some point in your life?

Yeah.

Trust me, it's not... it's not pleasant. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm... I've gotten better -- a lot of us L2s have, but...

I'm glad other kids aren't going through it.

[ Her expression becomes one of sympathy. ]

I'm so sorry. It's so terrible to imagine, and I'm glad things have changed for the better now.

Are you enhanced now because of it? And are there any lasting side-effects? I work with imPort cellular research. If you have any lingering problems, I can try to help you as best as I can.

Ah -- I don't know, if the medical science of my time can't fix it, I don't think anyone can, no offense.

Besides, I'm lucky. It's just... it's an issue with my implant, gives me [ migraines ] headaches. Considering most L2s... I'm damn lucky. Most of us are stuck with cancers, or just plain crazy.

[ So rude, Kaidan! Raina does her best to not let it show on her face, the total offense she takes!! ]

None taken.

[ All of it taken. ]

Could this implant be potentially removed? What would happen if you tried?

It's -- some L2s get it replaced, but the trade off?

It's brain surgery, either way. It's too risky... to get it replaced.

I'd rather live -- than die because I was upset about migraines.

[ Migraines. Before he said headaches, so now it's a touch more severe. ]

No, I can understand the sentiment. It's a basic human desire, to live. And it seems like an unnecessary risk. You've managed to adapt for this long.

But migraines can be a bit debilitating. How long do they last and how severe are they?

Uh --

It depends? [ He almost looks sheepish. He'd been trying to play them off. ]

Sometimes half a day, sometimes...worse?

If I use my biotics a lot. It irritates the area where the implant's at, it's unstable. They're, uh... severe enough that medicine doesn't work. I just end up sleeping it off.

I'm sorry you have to go through that. I know it could be worse, but I wish there was something I could do. There are a few healers around here. Maybe they could ease the pain if it gets to a point where it's unbearable?

I don't know if you respond to traditional healing with this implant, though.

I, uh, don't.

It's fine, I mean, I've been living with this since I was a teenager. I'm pretty sure if it were that bad, I would do something more drastic.

How old are you now?

I'll turn thirty seven later this year.

[ Holy crap, what! ]

I would have guessed early to mid-twenties. You have a youthful look about you. Has anyone ever told you that?

Uh --

Thanks?

[ He doesn't know what to make about that. ] Must be all those extra genetic modifiers the Alliance gives us, I guess.

[ She could make a joke that they should look into making beauty products instead. They'd make a fortune. But. It would probably be in poor taste. ]

Is it the same for your fitness? From your image, you seem to be in really good shape anyway. But do you have the stamina of a twenty year old as well?

I don't know -- Er, I'm pretty sure I'm an outlier on that. We're -- I'm a marine. Your average twenty year old probably wouldn't have my stamina to begin with.

[ She laughs. ]

You raise a very good point. Especially not 20-year-olds by today's standards.

See? Exactly! They're not... exactly a good marker.

Besides, with age comes experience, isn't that how that goes?

True. But it also brings grey hair and wrinkles along with it. We all can't age like fine wine.

[ She says it with a small smile. ]

Anyway, I know we got off topic, but I am glad we could have this conversation. Thank you for sharing your opinions and a bit of your history with me.

Er -- Thanks?

But, I'm happy to. Thanks for...listening?