Destiny Ascension

From Mass Effect Wiki

The Destiny Ascension is an asari dreadnought and flagship of the Citadel Fleet. It is a starship of stunning power; according to a volus visitor, it has almost as much firepower as the rest of the asari fleet combined.

The Ascension is currently commanded by the asari Matriarch Lidanya. During a recent event when civilians were allowed to see the Ascension, Lidanya addressed them as part of their tour.

[edit] Specifications

The Ascension is four times the size of the largest human ship, and boasts a crew of nearly 5,000. It is considered to be the most formidable warship in the galaxy, with heavy kinetic barriers and powerful weaponry. Though many races believe it to be the galaxy's largest ship, that title actually goes to Saren Arterius' flagship Sovereign, which easily dwarfs the Ascension in size. It has an unusual cross-shaped design with an empty ovoid center, which glows blue on the inside (but as no other asari vessels have been identified, this might be typical of asari ship design).  The Ascension is most likely the Citadel Fleet's largest ship, as no other Fleet vessels are seen that match it in size.

The Ascension can be seen passing the windows on the Wards while people gather around to watch. A nearby volus can be heard talking excitedly about his recent tour aboard the Ascension - though he was aboard for six hours he only saw 10% of the ship, for the vessel was simply far too large to tour completely.

Spoiler warning: plot and / or ending details follow.

When the geth fleet led by Sovereign attacks the Citadel, the Council is evacuated to the Destiny Ascension as per standard emergency procedures. Since the dreadnought is not built for close combat, it fails to escape and becomes heavily damaged. The arrival of the Alliance Fleet is the Ascension's only chance.

Shepard has three choices: command the Alliance fleet to save the Destiny Ascension (at the cost of many human lives and potential reinforcements), to concentrate the attack upon Sovereign (leaving the Destiny Ascension to be destroyed by the geth fleet), or to allow the Council to die. The first option results in humanity gaining a seat on the Council. If Paragon, the second and third options results in humanity leading a new Council in cooperation with the other races. If Renegade, they result in humanity creating a new all-human council.

[edit] Trivia

Matriarch Lidanya may be the asari aboard the Destiny Ascension who is glimpsed during the assault on the Citadel. When she realises the Citadel's systems aren't responding to close the station's Wards, she gives the order to evacuate the Council.

See the modelling process for the Destiny Ascension here.