The Fermi Paradox and the Singularity:
(If you are not already familiar with either of these concepts please google them and read up a little so you at least have the basic idea, because they are highly relevant to this discussion.)
Where did the Reapers come from? Sovereign states in the first game that the Reapers are infinite; they have no beginning and no end. From this we can infer that the Reapers/Catalyst predate the universe itself in some way. It would make sense if they escaped to this universe in order to avoid the big rip/heat death of a previous universe. However, their “infinite” existence could be a reference to multiverse and how certain emergent properties inevitably lead to the evolution of cybernetic “super minds”. Basically, Reapers, or something like them may evolve again and again given the right conditions: organic life evolves intelligence, which creates strong AI, which creates stronger AI; in other words, a technological singularity. Each singularity event might give rise to different forms of synthetic life, with varying effects on their galaxy. Some might evolve as organic/machine cyborgs like the Reapers, likely as a result of organic species gradually integrating more and more synthetic components into their bodies. The Borg of Star Trek would be another example of this. The Geth represent “pure” AI, devoid of any organic systems. There could even be non sapient forms such as replicator Von Neumann probes that do little more than convert matter into more probes until most of the galaxy is consumed.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s consider the Fermi Paradox a.k.a. the “where is everybody?” question. Simply put, the Galaxy is very old (12 billion years) and may have been capable of producing intelligent life as early as 4 to 6 billion years ago. That is a lot of time for an organic spacefaring civilization to saturate the entire galaxy with its presence, especially with FTL technology. Estimations for STL colonization of the entire galaxy range from 1 million to 100 million years. Now add in advanced AI life and FTL communication, and you have the possibility of much of the galaxy being converted into one giant mind or AI network, possibly in the form of linked Dyson spheres and Matryoshka brains.
This brings us to the Reapers and the Catalyst. For whatever reason, the Reapers have evolved as extremely advanced cybernetic organisms, that is to say they consist of organic and mechanical components. The Reapers have risen to be the dominant power in the galaxy, and it would actually be in their best interest to suppress and assimilate less advanced species for several reasons that are *not* limited to a simplistic organic vs. synthetic conflict. The Reapers represent only one possible manifestation of synthetic life, as the Geth, EDI and the species that fought the Protheans demonstrate. There is no reason to expect two equally advanced, but very different synthetic life forms to get along anymore than one should expect two different organic species to always coexist. Consequently, it would be in the Reapers best interest to assimilate or destroy “lesser” species before they become advanced enough to pose a threat. For example, given enough time, the Geth might have evolved into a galactic mind more powerful than the Reapers themselves. This is actually hinted at in ME2 during Shepard and Legion’s conversation. It would also be in the Reaper’s interest to suppress/assimilate/destroy sufficiently advanced organic species because they might eventually evolve into cybernetic life forms on par with the Reapers. So, the 50,000 year cycle of extinction would make sense if it was for the self preservation of the Reapers themselves, with their practice of assimilation being little more than a post hoc justification for their cruel, genocidal and imperial nature. These beings may have thoroughly convinced themselves that galactic genocide was in their best interest out of fear of being displaced as the supreme power in the galaxy.
There is no logical reason why a purely synthetic species could not coexist with organic species. A species of quantum computers like EDI and the Geth would actually fill a different “niche” in the galactic ecology. Quantum computers will likely be sensitive to heat and radiation, so some synthetic species would probably live in regions of the galaxy that are uninhabitable by most organic life forms. They would have no real need for liquid oceans or garden worlds like the Earth and thus no need to compete with their “creators”. I was quite pleased when this turned out to be exactly the case with the Geth. Synthetic species of this nature could evolve right along side organic species with little conflict, in much the same way we humans can choose not to destroy the ecosystems of our planet, even when it might result in some short term financial gain. This was demonstrated beautifully with the peaceful resolution of the Quarian/Geth war; they actually wound up helping rather than hurting each other. However, given enough time, a more tolerant, peaceful intelligence could evolve to be powerful enough to threaten the Reapers. The predatory nature of the Reaper’s past behavior might be found absolutely repugnant to other synthetic life forms, which in turn could lead to a war that would result in the Reapers downfall. So, the Reapers themselves could be caught in a vicious cycle with seemingly no way out.
Which brings me to the ending of Mass Effect 3, or rather what it should have been. If I extrapolate from the scenarios described above, the ideal ending should have involved either the Reapers/Catalyst being convinced that what they are doing is wrong and unnecessary for their survival and the survival of organic life (Paragon), or destroyed/killed due to the activation of the crucible (Renegade). The paragon option could end with Shepard being “uploaded” much like Legion was, while the renegade options ends with his heroic death. In both cases the relays should have remained intact so as to avoid the negation of all the work Shepard did to unify galactic civilization; it would also prevent the suicide of a beloved intellectual property and franchise. In either case, the citadel could remain in the Sol system, with Sol becoming the new capital of galactic civilization. Future games could focus on new and returning characters adjusting to a post Reaper invasion galaxy.
All of this is what I had concluded over the last five years. I thought this was direction Bioware was going, and posting this actually made me feel a little better.
Please share your own ideas of what you thought the purpose of the Reapers was going to be and how it should have effected the ending.
Modifié par SimKoning, 16 mars 2012 - 09:02 .
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