[quote=@Starlance]
Two questions regarding the timeline:
Given the starting year, Tech Armor isn't a thing yet, is it?
Is this before or after the switch to thermal clips?
[/quote]
Thermal Clips were not actively introduced to mainstream weapons until the Geth Invasion of the Citadel which has not happened. The attack on Eden Prime hasn't even happened yet. As for armor, I don't recall but probably.