Mass Effect: Andromeda Wars

by Big Boss Pugh

After the death of the Archon, the kett leadership went to Primus. She has taken the kett and many species from the Milky Way for study. After three hundred years of waiting, the kett have returned and new heroes must face them. The new Mass Effect story begins in Andromeda with a hero that must unite two super powers to save them from the coming threat. Trust is the problem.

2. Chapter 2

Mass Effect: Andromeda Wars

Chapter 2: The Gathering

The meeting ends with more words for war than a promise for peace. Chris, Laura, and Jackson can't believe how foolish the leaders are about the story they were told. The kett are dead. It is a slap to the face for many of them. For the last three hundred years, the Nexus has been a place of power until the Syndicate came into power itself. Like before in the Milky Way, the Citadel was the governing body that oversaw everything; however, the Nexus is facing a problem from the Syndicate that rivals it own power. Many support the Nexus; however, a lot of people are backing the Syndicate.

Chris says, "The Syndicate came to power due to the changes that happened on Meridian years after the Ryder family stopped the Archon. Once things became settled, those in power and wealthy families started claiming territory in Meridian. The more they took, the more things became harder for hard working people. Soon, only those in power and wealthy people were allowed to stay on Meridian. Everyone else had to go to poor or harsh planets to live on. Divitios is one of those planets and as you can see only a few families live here. Soon, after the Nexus made everything difficult for most of us, that is when the Syndicate rose up. It happened over fifty years ago. Since then, more and more people have been joining them."

Laura objects to the story and says, "Only part of that story is true. The rise of power did happen for the Syndicate to be made; however, it wasn't the rich versus the poor. Many people didn't understand the technology on Meridian and left. Only a few people from the Nexus could handle and understand what they were doing. Many people left because they were not allow to have access to it. They became resent and spiteful for being unable to use it. If it wasn't for the Nexus authorities putting a stop to some misuse of the technology, then things would have gotten worse."

A. Paragon Option: Focus on the kett.

B. Neutral Option: Focus on who is right.

C. Renegade Option: Focus on who is wrong.

Jackson says, "Regardless of who is wrong or right, the kett are the main focus of what we must deal with. Is there any other way to prove that the kett are the cause of what happen at TOS-51?"

With none of them having no great idea, they sit and wait until the ship arrives at Eos. Upon touching down, the trio report to their first assignment only to see an unexpected surprise. A female turian is getting reprimanded for her actions.

The turian officer says, "Your actions was uncalled for and not suitable for a member of APEX!"

She replies, "But I had no choice. Not all of the rem-tech is under our control. I saved more lives than following protocol."

Jackson watches her weapons be taken. The final strike were the words: "Get out of here. You are no longer APEX." She walks by to see Jackson and ignores him. Being on Eos may have put their minds at ease, but there is still work for them to do. Rather than waste any more time, Jackson and his two partners go looking for the officer in charge. They find commander Wagner issuing out orders for new security recruits.

Wagner looks at Jackson and his team. He says, "Ah, you must be the new set I am suppose to be getting. Well, I'm glad you are here. I have the perfect assignment for you all. You are going to this zone over by the lake. Don't come back until you are done or you find a fiend."

A. Paragon Option: Yes sir.

B. Neutral Option: This will be boring.

C. Renegade Option: This is bullshit.

Jackson replies, "Yes, sir. Consider it done."

Wagner urges him and his friends to hurry. They jump aboard a shuttle and journey out to the area. Along the way, Chris and Laura are relaxed around each other. Despite the annoying leaders they have, the pair show more signs of cooperation. They arrive at their zone. It is peaceful and quiet; there are no signs of any threat in the area. As the shuttle lifts up, a rocket slams into the shuttle. With their transport gone, they all take cover and try to see where the fire came from. Instead of expecting the kett, they find raiders doing what they do best. They are taking from the remains of the shuttle to add to their own ship. High above their heads, the trio look up to see the shuttle land.

Chris says, "The only worse than the Nexus is the raiders. No training, no organization, and no real leader among them."

Laura sighs, "They just don't understand and they are misguided. If they only join us, the life they want can be given to them."

Jackson says, "Ok, they don't know we are here. So, we got the drop on them. We can't leave any survivors."

Jackson, Chris, and Laura move on the radiers. With quick shots to the body from the handgun, rifle, and shotgun, they put them all down raiders. As they go over the remains of what is left, Chris finds a strange kett device. He didn't know what it was; he brings it to Jackson who decides to take it with them. They manage to get the emergency beacon off, but it would take some time. As the three sit and wait, Laura looks over the device Chris found.

She says, "There is no way to activate this junk. It is best to just throw it away."

Chris replies, "You must be drinking some horrible sap. Any device left behind from the kett is worth a lot of credits. I rather sell it than throw it away."

A. Paragon Choice: What is on the device?

B. Neutral Choice: It looks interesting.

C. Renegade Choice: It looks like some Adhi shit.

Jackson says, "This device may hold something on here for us to learn. Sure, the kett we encounter are nothing, but this device may tell us something about them."

Jackson press a button here and there. Instantly, the device pops into the air and lands on the ground. They watch it bring up a map of the galaxy before their eyes.

Chris asks, "What did you do? How did you do it?"

Jackson answers, "I don't know what I did. All I know is this is a map of some sort."

Laura points to the planet they are on and replies, "Looks, this is Eos. We are here. What else is it doing?"

Soon, after Eos blinks, a new planet blinks. Then, there are several other planets blinking just as Eos is. The device turns off and goes quiet.

Chris says, "Well, that was interesting. What do you think it means?"

A. Paragon Option: It means something alright.

B. Neutral Option: It just shows us blinking planets.

C. Renegade Option: It is a piece of shit.

Jackson says, "This device shows us planets, but what did it mean?"

Laura adds, "We need to get this to a tech as fast as we can. Let's go back to Wagner and see if he has anyone that can fix or improve on this device."

They radio for an additional transport to come and pick them up. In minutes, the shuttle transport arrives and rushes them back to base. Wagner receives them and looks at the device. He is curious and surprised that a kett device is still functioning after so many were discarded or broken down.

He says, "It showed you a map of the galaxy and had blinking planets? This is an quite the find. I'll have one of my tech teams study it and see if they can bring it back up. As for the raiders, thank you for dealing with them. I'll see to it that your receive a commedation for your work. If you head out and find any more raiders, see to it that they are dealt with."

Jackson, Chris, and Laura head out again to deal with more raiders. They still try to under why the raiders are busy taking pieces of kett technology. As the come to their new shuttle to take them out, they hear from others how the raiders are facing more than just some trouble. As they leave off the base to find more raiders, the pilot informs them of some interesting commotion being heard outside of the base. They land at the nearby coordinates of where the problem is. They find dead bodies everywhere that suffer from rifle rounds. It didn't take the long to come across a small team of raiders giving an innocent person trouble.

He says, "Please, I don't have anything to give you. I am just here to explore."

The female raider replies, "Lying to us isn't a good idea. So, if you are done playing with us...huh. Who are you?"

Jackson, Chris, and Laura slowly advance on them. Before the female raider can harm the innocent man, a shot from elsewhere collides in her head. High above their heads and landing on the ground, the female turian comes to assist them. With quick work, the raiders are dead and they all greet each.

The female turian says, "I don't know who you guys are, but good timing. If you didn't distract her, I would not be able to save him."

A. Paragon Option: That was not smart.

B. Neutral Option: You did what you could.

C. Renegade Option: Nice kill.

Jackson says, "What were you thinking? You almost got him killed."

The turian pauses and rephrases her next sentences, "I was just taking the shot. I couldn't let him...I'm sorry about that, but are you ok, sir?"

The man answers, "Yes, I am alright. These raiders are different from the last group that attacked me."

Laura asks, "What do you mean? How are this raid any different from the others? And who are you?"

The man replies, "First off, my name is Tom. Second, the raiders seem to be having trouble lately. I've seen groups of them fight among each other over kett tech or anything they come across. Before you guys got here, a krogan left them because he didn't see any real profit for this. He told them that you quadless bastards are not worth the time."

The turian woman adds, "And my name is Covina Blurian. I am a member of APEX. I was sent here to check for raiders."

Chris laughs and interrupts, "Ha, you mean that you are a former member of APEX teams. I saw you get kicked out for whatever you did."

Covina harshly yet calmly replies, "I am a member of APEX. You are a thug for the Syndicate. Now, if you are done trying to ignore the problem, we have more enemies to find and eliminate. And I'm coming with you."

A. Paragon Option: I need your help.

B. Neutral Option: You look useful.

C. Renegade Option: I don't want your help.

Jackson says, "I'll take any help against the raiders. You're on the team."

Tom says, "I'll rest up for now and head back soon. You guys watch your back out there. You don't need to get caught in a cross fire."

Jackson, Chris, Laura, and Covina head out into the land; they search for more raiders to see if what Tom spoke of is true. They arrive at a small encampment. All around them are dead bodies. The raiders were shot up and taken down in various ways. The wounds are cracked heads from a strong impact and bullet holes from a large gun. The team takes cover as they hear another gun fire. They look from cover and see a krogan, covered in blood. He walks over only to stop from seeing their guns.

The krogan says, "Calm down, soft squishy humans. I am not going to hurt you."

Chris replies, "Well, if you put down that gun, I'll believe you."

Laura adds, "Until then, I am keeping my gun aimed at you."

Covina advances slowly, "By the authority of the Nexus, you are under arrest by orders of the APEX. Put down your gun and surrender."

The krogan is silent before he laughs at her request. He says, "You must be as stupid as you look. I am not laying my gun down for you or anyone. I'm Thax Groxis. I'm the biggest, baddest krogan you will ever meet. Today is your lucky day."

A. Paragon Option: What do you want?

B. Neutral Option: Are you in charge?

C. Renegade Option: You will do as I say.

Jackson says, "What is it that makes us lucky this day?"

Groxis says, "If you let me go, I'll let you live. If you try to capture me like some wild pyjak, then you will find that harder to do. If you try to kill me, then I'll kill you. So, which deal do you want?"

A. Paragon Option: How about you join me?

B. Neutral Option: Let's switch up the decisions.

C. Renegade Option: To hell with your words (Kill Groxis)

Jackson says, "What about you joining us? I can use a strong krogan like you on my team."

Laura looks over to Jackson, "Excuse me, when did this become your team? And, we don't work with raiders like him."

Chris says, "I don't see any problems with having him on our side. As long as he doesn't point his gun at us, we can use him."

Covina responds, "That is out of the question. This krogan is wanted for numerous raids, destruction, and murder. He will be in a jail cell and answer for the crimes."

Groxis laughs and places his gun away, "You will only see the back part of my hump before I go to a jail cell with you."

As Groxis leaves the area, Covina looks on with fustration. She wants to purse the krogan and bring him in. Instead, she is left conflicted. Jackson and the others receive a call from Wagner.

Wagner says, "I need you all back at the base. There is something you all will want to see."

The shuttle pilot radios the crew for a pick. Jackson, Chris, Laura, and Covina all go to the extraction point. They rush back to the base as fast as they can. Upon arrival, they are brought to the office of Wagner. He calls them over to view what they can't believe about the kett device.

Wagner says, "This kett device is just a piece of what you found. It is missing a least three other pieces. Take a look at this. You see how it connects at the corners. The reason for it is because this is suppose to be looking like a large, flat square. Without the other pieces, you won't know what the map truly shows. What we do know is that this is part of three other pieces that will show us how large the map is."

A. Paragon Option: How did you figure it out?

B. Neutral Option: So, it is missing more?

C. Renegade Option: This is a piece of junk?

Jackson says, "This is an amazing find. How did you find out about it?"

A soft set of footsteps come from behind their back. They all look back to see a half suit male quarian come to them.

He says, "We found out it is a map because my people have studied more of these that the kett left behind. I am surprised this one is in good condition consider how the others are broken in half, crushed, or badly corrupted."

Laura asks, "Who are you? It is rare to see a quarian outside of their people."

He answers, "My name is Zor. I am on my pilgrimage right now. I have been studying kett tech for as long as I can remember."

A. Paragon Option: We need to know more.

B. Neutral Option: Tell us more.

C. Renegade Option: Cut the bullshit.

Jackson says, "Tell us what you learned and found out from this kett device."

Zor replies, "This device is only one of four piece that needs to be connected in order to see the full map of what is being shown. When my people got here, this tech was one of many pieces we started to study before we saw any remnant. After we broke it down, we saw that the pieces were easy to connect and repair. Right now, you have one of the piece that show a map of this galaxy. If you find the others, I'll be able to repair them and we can see the real map."

Chris says, "This is interesting. Why did the kett make a map of this galaxy? I am sure they know all of the routes here."

Laura says, "There isn't much that we need to understand about the kett. They are just a race that was bent on eliminating all of life to suit their needs."

A. Paragon Option: This isn't just a map.

B. Neutral Option: What else can this show us?

C. Renegade Option: So, this is garbage without the others.

Jackson says, "If this is a small piece of the map, then we should find the others and see what they will show us. I wouldn't be surprised if the pieces show us when the kett will attack."

Covina scoffs, "The kett were all killed in the last battle three hundred years ago. Time has changed and this is a waste of time."

Laura turns to her, "And you don't know that. The kett attacked us at TOS-51; we barely got out of it and..."

Covina interrupts, "Yeah, I know. A rumored story of the kett attacking and you three managed to survive with a handful of survivors. It is mostly a tactic employed by the Syndicate."

Before Chris can reply, a few soldiers of APEX step inside with their leader ahead of them. He goes straight for Covina.

He says, "I told you that you were out of the APEX team. You care to explain why you took a rifle, three clips, and left without proper authorization?"

A. Paragon Interrupt: I needed her help.

B. Neutral Interrupt: The raiders attacked.

C. Renegade Interrupt: That is official business.

Jackson quickly says, "We needed more firepower against the raiders. If she didn't show up to help us, we would have died against them. Covina saved us."

The turian offcer accepts the truth, but he says, "I will need that rifle from you. If I even hear from you again, then the next trip for you will be the jail cell. Get out of here and never let me see you again."

Covina lowers her head. She was a disgraced to the APEX teams and no longer considered a citizen on Eos. Chris and Laura didn't say anything, but they both agreed to take the news to the leaders of the Syndicate and Nexus.

Wagner says, "I'll contact the Nexus and Syndicate from here and set up a holo meeting between the two. With your discovery, they can't turn away from this if the kett are back."

As they all wait, they each think of what will be said to the leaders. Would they believe them? Would they support them? Will they call their discovery a lie? All of the waiting came to an end with Wagner telling them that the leaders are on their way to Eos. It would be an interesting sight to see. The Nexus leaders came with several ships under their command; the Syndicate shows up with war vessels flying right beside them. In hours, the ships setup just outside the kill zone from each other. The leaders and escort teams arrive on the surface to view the kett device. Jackson, Chris, Laura, and even Covina stand by waiting until they are called. Like before, Jackson finds himself standing in front of the Syndicate and Nexus leadership.

Jacob opens the chat, "This kett device isn't as old as it seems. Everything looks brand new, but what else can you tell us about this?"

Bynisa adds, "You would do well to remember that this will change things for you."

A. Paragon Option: This is a promise of what is to come.

B. Neutral Option: There is more to learn.

C. Renegade Option: You are all fools to ignore this.

Jackson says, "The kett we fought on TOS-51 were a small diversion to make us not pay attention to what they are doing. This map can tell us more if we find the others."

Warlord Tradox says, "This is a waste of time. Who cares if they found some kett tech?"

Mayon replies, "Typical of a krogan. They won't care unless it does something to their home world. You and your goons may leave."

Tradox is anxious for a fight, but asari Bynisa says, "This is not the time for us to be arguing in circles. We have all seen the device. It isn't old and the reports from what we have been told add to what is going on."

Wagner asks, "What reports do you speak of?"

Salarian Datri answers, "Lately, we have received unusual reports from certain planets under Nexus leadership that have come under attack. Based on what the kett device has shown us, the reports are not lying."

Angara Warlord Angrus adds, "And thanks to our scouts, the details of our own planets are showing the same reults of random attacks being done by kett forces. The only issue is no one has been providing us any proof."

A. Paragon Option: We need to solve this together.

B. Neutral Option: What should we do next?

C. Renegade Option: You are procrastinating too much.

Jackson says, "We tried to tell you that the kett are back. Now, the worlds under your control are getting hit too."

Jacob says, "This matter can't be just answered with more bullets. We have people under us that won't like it if the Nexus or Syndicate leaders are allowing random attacks to occurred."

Bynisa agrees, "This matter must be handled with care. I agree with Jacob that less or no bullets can help us find the answers."

Mayon disagrees, "You can't be serious, Bynisa. How can we fix this matter without anyone going to war?"

Jacob and Bynisa step forward and look ato Jackson. Everyone wonders what is going to happen.

Angrus asks, "What is this? You are giving him the title of Enforcer?"

Mayon says, "I believe he is going to be a new PathFinder."

Confused by the scene, Jackson takes a knee and they both look at him.

Bynisa says, "On behalf of the Nexus, I grant you the title of Pathfinder. You will be in charge of finding the answers to why the kett have returned."

Jacob says, "On the authority of the Syndicate, I grant you the power of Enforcer. It will be your duty to ensure that all the demands of the organization are going as schedule."

Both of them say, "Rise up. You are the Path Enforcer. Your word is law."

All around the head of Jackson, the people witness a title being given to someone who is barely got done with his training.

A. Paragon Option: Thank you. What would you like for me to do?

B. Neutral Option: I understand. What's next?

C. Renegade Option: I don't need a title.

Jackson says, "Thank you very much. What would you have me do?"

Jacob replies, "Since the kett are back in play and attacking, we have made all resources and authorization ready for your use. Do not hesitate to use any means to achieve your goal and get what you need."

Bynisa adds, "Most likely, the kett will be looking for ways to cripple our system; however, we are ready for them. Once the mission is over, you will still keep your title. For now, find out where these kett are coming from."

Mayon says, "What kind of title is this? When was this going to be mentioned to us?"

Tradox agrees, "I hate to say it, but he has a point. Why did you two never tell us about this Path Enforcer?"

Angrus and Datri watch with great curiousity and wait to hear their reasons.

Bynisa answers, "We both are using some resource for a secret project. We have not told anyone about it nor let any other members of the Syndicate and Nexus know."

Jacob says, "This project is to bring our two organization together and usher in the age of prosperity for our people than keep us divided."

Datri clears her throat and interrupts, "Since you two are busy with secret plans, I'll be busy with my own plans to ensure the Nexus is ready for any surprises. Mayon, you coming?"

Mayon nods his head and leaves, "It is best if I make sure the turian territory is high alert and ready for anything."

Tradox and Angrus leave as well. Jackson, Laura, Chris, and Covina are still present. It is time to continue with the additional surprises for the Path Enforcer.

Jacob says, "You will be acquiring a ship, a crew, and anyone you enlist will be under your command. Use everything wisely and don't be afraid to use force."

Bynisa says, "You will be acting on the behalf of the Nexus and Syndicate. Do not cause any problems or create any unwanted trouble for us. We will expect regular updates from you."

A. Paragon Option: I'll follow the rules.

B. Neutral Option: I will make sure not to fail.

C. Renegade Option: I make the rules.

Jackson says, "I'll be sure to represent both sides of the organizations. I won't do anything to cause trouble."

The pair nod their head and assign Jackson one member to him. One person from the organization will support any and all choices Jackson makes. Laura and Chris are promoted as his second in commands. Before they leave to view the ship, Covina joins them on their mission to deal with any kett they encounter. As they make their way to the landing zone for the ship, an interesting surprise comes to them. With a light headbutt here and his gun waving around the area, krogan Groxis stands ready to shoot anyone. He turns and sees Jackson.

Groxis smirks and says, "You and your crew are going to need me. A krogan comes in handy."

Covina shakes her head, "This has to be a joke, right? We are not taking him anywhere with us."

Chris scratches his arm, "I don't mind having him along with us. He can obviously hold his own against anyone. And we will need the fire power too."

Laura scoffs, "We don't need a krogan helping us. We have enough to deal with."

A. Paragon Option: We can use his help.

B. Neutral Option: I don't know.

C. Renegade Option: I don't want a krogan.

Jackson says, "I'll need your help. You are on our time. We are heading to the landing zone to get our ship. Come with us."

Bynisa and Jacob both are surprised that Jackson would take a hostile krogan with them. Groxis, Covina, Chris, Laura, and Jackson proceed to the landing zone to view the secret ship that has been made for their use. The journey for them starts off with an uneasy alliance; however, there are other important tasks that must be dealt with. After a quick fly to the landing zone, they all view a marvel of a ship. Bynisa, Jacob, Jackson, Laura, Chris, Groxis, and Covina all stand in awe at how amazing the ship looks.

(Hello and greetings. In case you forgot, this story line takes place three hundred years after everything gets settled in the Andromeda galaxy. So, many planets will be given names or different code names. For now, enjoy the reading and do keep your eyes opens. Yes, the story may be short, but I am sticking to the main story.)

1. _ Jackson. (Male/Female Human Security Agent)

2. Chris Hartway. ( Male Human Syndicate Member)

3. Laura Lockwood. (Female Human Nexus member)

4. Wagner ( Male Human Eos Offical)

5. Zor (Male Quarian Tech Expert)

6. Covina Blurian (Female Turian Former APEX member)

7. Thax Groxis (Male Krogan Raider)

8. Bynisa (Asari Nexus Leader)

9. Warlord Jacob (Male Human Syndicate Leader)

10. Mayon (Male Turian Nexus Leader)

11. Warlord Tradox (Male Krogan Syndicate Leader)

12. Datri (Female Salarian Nexus Leader)

13. Angrus (Male Angara Syndicate Leader)

There will be more names added to the story. Each hero will have a background so stay tuned to the updates.