Mass Effect: Andromeda Wars

Chapter 5: Home Base

It has only been a few hours and the search is still annoying as they travel through regions of space to find a new planet for them to settle on. After coming to the south sector of the galaxy, they find a planet that is near the edge of the heleus cluster. Though not on the map, the discovery of the planet makes them all feel at ease. The Hammer of Fate goes down to discover a plethora of resources. There are threes, rocks, water, animals, and breathable air. Dali navigates the ship around the land and searches for a grand area to land. Jackson, Zor, Chris, Covina, Laura, and Groxis view the planet from different monitors.

They see a wonderful place where they can grow from it and improve on their weapons for battle. Dali radios the Path Enforcer and Jackson pulls up a monitor. They view the best spot for landing the ship. After the ship lands, everyone piles out. They see a perfect landscape to build up a base and settle down. Chris and Laura lead out their own teams of both organizations. Groxis, Zor and Covina come out to view the area. They are enjoying the time until another issue goes off. Jackson comes just in time to see and hear the issue. It is old wounds still coming to light.

Chris leads the Syndicate followers, "The kett are proving more of a threat to us every time we encounter them. We need to improve on our weapons and build up a strong resistance. The Nexus won't support us even if we bring this to them. This place must be the new arm of the Syndicate!"

They cheer until Laura leads the Nexus groups, "The Syndicate turn on us as fast as they support their own people. We need to make our base strong and the ships powerful enough to withstand anything the kett throw at us. The Nexus will support our claim that the kett are the problem than fighting amongst ourselves."

A. Paragon Option: We work as one. (Use resources to help each other)

B. Renegade Option: Make us the strongest. (Divide resources and split apart)

Jackson says, "I don't care if you are working for the Nexus or Syndicate. The kett threat is real and they are pushing back more than ever. We will use this planet as our base to improve, recruit, and provide any information to both sides."

Covina steps forward and agrees, "He's right. The Path Enforcer is doing what the Syndicate and Nexus are allowing him to use. We have seen the kett and this is not the time to be divided."

Groxis holds his gun over his shoulder, "Jackson is going to lead us into the biggest fight with the kett. I am going to stick around for it and make sure his words are law. You want to leave? Do it now, or get to work. We got a lot to do and I don't want to carry none of you."

Laura and Chris agree to set up the base as best as they can. They call in a few favors and provide coordinates for them to rally at the new planet. Covina sees to the weapons while Groxis gets the new soldiers in line. Jackson is still amazed by what he sees. Behind his back, Zor and Dali meet with him.

Zor says, "The ship is in good condition and still can use some upgrades. I will use what we have here, but we can send out search parties to recover any technology to add."

Dali adds, "I'll keep us flying across the galaxy, but now is a good time to inform the Syndicate and Nexus of what we are doing."

A. Paragon Option: Inform the leaders.

B. Neutral Option: Inform the Nexus leadership.

C. Renegade Option: Inform the Syndicate leadership.

Jackson says, "Sure, we need to let everyone know what is going on."

As he returns to the ship, everyone goes about their task to set up small house, tech labs, research huds, and weapon depos. Jackson comes to the holo communication and calls up both leaders for both sides. As always, he stands before the Syndicate and Nexus leaders with news that surprises them.

Jacob says, "I'm glad you saved everyone from VOX-21. We didn't want to lose anyone."

Bynisa agrees and says, "Your task has benefit both parties, but your discovery of the planet you are on is amazing. We didn't expect to find a stable planet on the edge of the cluster."

Mayon disagrees, "The coordinates for the planet may be real, but for all we know, this planet is probably a base set up for the Syndicate to launch attacks."

Tradox growls at Mayon, "And for all we know, you kept this planet a secret from us to conduct your own plans against us. I swear these Nexus fools are always looking for ways to get one up on us."

A. Paragon Option: We found it by chance.

B. Neutral Option: This was not an easy find.

C. Disconnect (Cuts off holo communication)

Jackson disagrees, "This planet is neither Nexus or Syndicate owned. We just got real fortunate to come here and settle the planet. We will need resources for it to continue our investigation."

Datri turns to Bynisa, "This planet can be useful for future events for us to add and study more ways to improve the Nexus. I do believe we should send more resources here."

Angrus agrres and turns to Jacob, "As much as I dislike the salarian idea, she does bring up an interesting approach. The more we know of this planet, the better we can use it for the Syndicate to advance our own projects."

Jacob and Bynisa agree as the others leave or cut themselves off from the holo communications. With Jackson, Bynisa and Jacob left, they finish up their chat about what comes next and what must be done.

Bynisa says, "Given your discovery of the planet, you may use it for any needs to continue your investigation. And based on the reports, the kett seem to only be a threat due to their war ship. Once you find it, we will need it destroyed before they can strike at Meridian."

Jacob says, "Be sure you continue to report anything to us about the kett activity. For now, we will send you what we can to aid you. Anything else you need must be acquired from other channels."

Jackson understands their reason and they end their chat. Jackson returns back to the outside to see everyone going about their way. He sees Jill going through the blue prints. After Jackson comes over, Jill turns to him with excitement in her voice.

Jill says, "I am glad you brought back the blue prints from VOX-21. These designs will be useful for us during the base setup. I can use them to make the base stronger or the weapons great. I can even make additional changes to the Hammer of Fate. For now, consider me apart of your tech teams."

Zor walks over and easily looks over the blue print while Jills continues to talk with Jackson. He makes a change to an area.

He says, "Your blue print has a flaw in it. I made the correction to it so it won't blow up in your face."

Jill turns with rage in her eyes, "Who are you to dare and try to alter my design? I have spent months perfecting this device."

Zor answers, "Then, you are foolish as you are smart. The device you made can now work properly, but you made it to where the output would be great and too much stress would be on the other parts."

A. Paragon Option: Let him help you.

B. Neutral Option: You both are good.

C. Renegade Option: I don't want any modifications done.

Jackson says, "Zor is good with tech and one of the best. He can be of help to you. Let him show you some things."

Jill lowers her voice and replies, "Very well, I'll let the suit rat help me than make any more changes to my designs."

Before Zor can harshly reply, Groxis and Covina come over to get Jackson.

Groxis says, "Path Enforcer, we need your help with how the weapons and training should be like. My own training is harsh yet Covina has an issue with it. I keep telling her that the humans need to know how hard they should hit the enemy. Also, her weapon storage is too careless to stick over by the ship."

Covina scoffs at him, "Jackson, the guns need to be nearby the ship than close to anyone's home. Who know what can happen if things go wrong. And as for his training session, he needs to slow down and help them use tactics to make smarter than brutes. I can teach them better than hhim. Help him see to reason."

A. Paragon Option: There is a better way.

B. Neutral Option: Covina has the right idea.

C. Renegade Option: Groxis knows how we should be.

Jackson says, "You both can offer something to everyone. Both of you teach them what you know and store the weapons in different storages across the base. We need to make sure people can access them when the threat comes to us."

Groxis and Covina agree and go about their business. With everyone keeping themselves busy, Jackson takes this time to engage his close allies about what they believe is going on. Jackson finds Chris keeping the tech teams and gunners focused.

Chris agrees to an order and turns to Jackson saying, "Do you know how crazy this situation is? I don't believe for a moment that we can succeed, yet here we are. What do you think is going to happen?"

A. Paragon Option: We can do this.

B. Neutral Option: This won't be easy.

C. Renegade Option: Quit your complaining.

Jackson says, "We have what we need to stop the kett. And that is what we are going to do."

Chris sighs heavily and replies, "I wish I was more excited like you. I don't see how being here on this planet is going to help us. We still have three other planets to visit. You have anything you want to ask?"

Jackson asks, "Tell me about yourself."

Chris answers, "I suppose I can tell you more about my old jobs. I remember this one particular job that had me going after some slave owners who tried to lift some credits off the Syndicate each time they deliver a shipment. They were such assholes; I had to go look for them on different areas of the planet they hide on. When I did find them, the slave owners tried to pay me off. I accepted the money but only after I made sure to bring them back to the Syndicate leaders alive for punishment."

Jackson replies, "You brought them back only so they can be killed by the Syndicate?"

Chris chuckles, "If only it were that easy. The Syndicate leaders didn't kill them, but they made an example of them to any slave owner, arms dealer, and any agent that worked for them. They had them strip down naked and walked through the crowd for an entire day until they dropped to their knees. For each time they fell, they were reduce to a lower position within the organization. The funny part for most of us was each of them lost credits to us. I may have gotten the most when they paid me, but they lost everything by the time it was evening."

Jackson asks, "You told me your parents sold you as a kid to pay off their debts?"

Chris snaps and says, "Yeah, they did. Look, umm I hate to talk about it because it still bothers me from time to time. All you need to know is that they sold me to the Syndicate. Nothing else."

After a few more questions, Jackson takes his leave and goes to find Laura. He locates over by the structure teams. They look over the designs of how their operations will look; The structures of each building is two to five stories up and the small houses will be one story with plenty of room. Jackson comes to her as she dismisses the builders.

She says, "Path Enforcer Jackson, what can I do for you?"

Jackson asks, "What do you believe will happen now?"

Laura replies, "I don't know what to say, Jackson. Ever since we started this investigation, it has been one hell of a challenge for us. The kett are using rem tech to their advantage. Now, they are more dangerous than what we know of them. I don't know what to expect from them any more. I just hope they don't use any fiends on us."

Jackson says, "Tell me about yourself?"

Laura smiles, "Well you got the basic background of me. My family and I was at the bottom before we got to the top. The only thing I can tell you is how hard I had to prove myself to be at the top. It was back when I was in basic training. I had to train and learn every kind of gun there. After the gun session, I went into the running sessions, combat sessions, and situation handler. The APEX commanders really drill you hard to know everything for any situation. But, that was when I was under their tutelage. As for my family, well we had to struggle a lot to get the respect we wanted. My father was working as one of the cleaners and my mom did mostly paper work for the members of the board that serve the Nexus leadership. I won't bore you with the details unless you want to know more."

Jackson learned what he could from Laura. After that, he hears about some commotion going on away from everyone. He finds Groxis and Covina ready to knock each other's head off.

Groxis says, "You better watch yourself, turian bitch. I may be a raider, but you are a former APEX member. Your rules and procedure won't apply here. So, back off."

Covina replies, "And you better watch what you say to me, krogan jackass. I don't have to put up with your shit either."

As she leaves, Groxis turns to Jackson to see him watching. He comes over to the krogan only to hear his rage.

Groxis growls, "That turian needs to get her head on right. She is not APEX any more and needs to accept that. I don't know why she is pushing those rules on us, but this isn't a Nexus op. And it damn sure is not a Syndicate setup. So, what the hell is wrong with her and the need to enforce the rules?"

A. Paragon Option: She just cares in her own way.

B. Neutral Option: This is all new for some of us.

C. Renegade Option: I run this show, not any of you.

Jackson says, "This is something she didn't expect to happen, but she just wants the best for all of us. Give it some time."

Groxis relaxes and replies, "You can deal with her. If she wants a piece of me again, she can get it again. Is there something you want?"

Jackson says, "Tell me more about yourself and your clan?"

Groxis answers, "Well, I told you that clan Thax is a business clan of krogan. We prefer to make deals before we kill or headbutt anyone that gets in our way. Our clan is known for selling the best weapons, gear, and gifts that you won't find in a regular store. If you want to know more about me, then it is best you don't ask. I am not here to share too many stories with you about the business of my clan or my raider days."

Jackson continues to pressure Groxis for more information about his clan and activities as a raider. It ends with Groxis revealing a little. With nothing else to gain from him, Jackson goes to look for Covina. He finds her standing by a desk with her weapon resting on it. She is angry and annoyed. She yells and crushes her fist into the desk only to hear Jackson call to her. Covina turns to him with rage in her eyes and she calms herself down.

Covina crosses her arms, "That Groxis is a complete jackass. He doesn't belong with us. I demand you get rid of once."

Jackson tries to calm her only to hear, "That krogan is not what this alliance needs. We already got enough members of the Syndicate here with us. He is not what we need."

A. Paragon Interrupt: Calm down.

B. Neutral Interrupt: Stow it, soldier.

C. Renegade Interrupt: Knock that shit off.

Jackson calmly says, "Covina, we don't need to get rid of Groxis. I understand he is annoying to you, but he has skills we will need. Try and work with him."

Covina is shocked yet disappointed, "Why would you want to keep him around? He is not a standard member of the Nexus or even the Syndicate. Hell, he should be in a holding cell right now than among us."

Jackson reminds Covina that this isn't a Nexus or Syndicate standard operation. She turns away from Jackson with her rage disappearing.

Jackson says, "Don't worry, we are going to work together regardless of how we each do things. He may be able to teach you things."

Covina nearly laughs at the statement and replies, "And what can a krogan raider teach us about fighting? He can easily train everyone here and get them up to APEX status...umm sorry about that. It is still taking time for me to accept that I'm not apart of APEX militia any more."

Jackson crosses his arms and says, "Tell me about yourself. Why is APEX so important to you?"

Covina sighs and answers, "All I ever wanted to do was join up and be a member of the APEX strike teams when I was little. And look at me now. I have been kicked off the team and reduce to this. I take orders from a human that barely finished his basic pistol training. On top of that, we are going after kett sightings on various planets to try and stop them. I am now the laughing joke of the Andromeda galaxy. No one is going to take me serious when they hear about this. My own family is going to hate what I have become."

Covina realizes her words and quickly replies, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to call you a human like that. It is just too much for me. I wanted to prove to my family that I had what it takes to be a proper APEX member. Our whole family has been nothing but firm followers of APEX. When they learn that I am not apart of the team and can never join them ever again, they will be disappointed."

A. Paragon Option: They will understand.

B. Neutral Option: There are other choices.

C. Renegade Option: Stop your complaining.

Jackson replies, "If your family loves you, then what you do won't matter. Make them proud of what you do."

Covina tries to hide her smile about what Jackson said. She says, "You make it sound easy, but it won't be. I suppose I will try to see it your way, but it will take some time."

As they continue to chat, a radio com comes to Jackson. They both return to the Hammer of Fate and hear what Dali has to say. Chris, Groxis, and Laura make their way to the ship as well. It turns out they finally have a ping from the next planet they would visit. As they leave everyone on the new planet to get setup, the teams pile on the ship and get ready for the next journey. The ship takes off and Dali calls Jackson to the bridge. Jackson arrives at the bridge of the ship to find Dali excited.

Dali pulls up the next planet by screen and says, "I hope you are ready for this surprise that just ping. We are going to one of the planets claimed by my people. I haven't been there in a while, but you are going to love how Lesina looks."

Laura walks up and adds, "I heard about what the asari did to the planet. I am looking forward to seeing it. I can't believe the new asari home world has a kett device on it. I hope they are willing to give us what we need. VOX-21 didn't have anything."

As the crew goes about their daily route, Jackson finds himself lost in thought. Despite the mission they have to do, the only one that comes to mind is Covina. He can't take his thoughts off of her. Her attitude is trong, firm, and straight to the point. Instead of going over the obvious reports, he goes to look for Covina. Jackson heads to the lower half of the ship where the Nomad is. There she is by the vehicle. Her arms are reaching for the weapon and checking over it. She is a bit tall, but Jackson didn't mind. Her mandibles are interesting to him yet he sees only her beauty. Jackson comes over to her and calls to her. Covina looks up to see Jackson has something to say.

Jackson asks, "Are you ok, Covina?"

She ignores him until the assault rifle falls to the floor. She goes to pick it up, but the weapon slips from her hands. She growls and comes face to face with Jackson.

Covina replies, "I am ok, but I can't stand the fact that I am here. I am here on this ship and not taking orders from a member of APEX. Sure, there is Laura and she is apart of the Nexus teams, but that is only because she worked her way up to their standards. I just want to matter, Jackson. I really do. I hope to make you...umm my family proud."

Jackson comes to her, "You will help us against the kett and do some amazing things. I know what you are capable of."

Covina gives him a smile, "I am glad you see that. I just want to be good at this."

Jackson goes off subject and asks, "So, do you have anyone special you are doing this for?"

She thinks about it before giving him an answer, "Special? Oh...you mean as in a life mate? No, don't have time for it. What about you?"

Jackson replies, "I am still searching, but for now, I don't mind waiting and looking to see who is out there for me. We can talk later after we get this next mission over with. I hope you like the new home world for the asari."

Jackson leaves her, but Covina wonders why he asked about her love life. Covina clears her mind and goes back to the task at hand. The ship goes to the solar system of Lesina. Upon their approach to the asari home world, Dali contacts its HQ and informs them of what is going on. As the ship passes through orbit, they witness a marvel of a world. The towers stretch to the sky with blue lights. Many others are close in size and have beautiful windows; all around them they look on with great surprise. Many asari proclaim that Lesina surpasses the original home world of the asari. The Hammer of Fate comes to the landing pad. After it lands, many men are anxious to stand among the blue asari; however, Path Enforcer Jackson reminds them that they are on mission and can not be swept up by what desires await them.

Jackson and his crew step off the ship. Instead of taking his usual team, he brings Zor and Covina with him. They come to a rail and look over into the distance. They see the towers, the streets, and the people. Many asari are happy to welcome new faces to their planet, but they prefer to treat the world like their old asari world is in the Milky Way. Zor looks at the design on the buldings and comments about how they should have made them better. Covina looks at a shopping district and compalins about how crowded it is. Jackson and his team move through from the landing zone to the entrance of the city. Before they get further in, an armed unit comes to them and questions their reason for coming.

Capt Paltha says, "Who are you and why are you armed?"

A. Paragon Option: I am the Path Enforcer.

B. Neutral Option: I go where I want.

C. Renegade Option: Back off or else.

Jackson answers, "I am the Path Enforcer for the Syndicate and Nexus leaders. I was sent here to recover a kett device that appeared on our scannner."

Paltha replies, "That has got to be the biggest lie I ever heard about. There is no such thing as a Path Enforcer. And last I checked, the Nexus has its own way of policing the Heleus Cluster. The Syndicate doesn't care about anything unless it turns to a profit. So, you can just return back to your ship and leave."

Before anything goes down, a squad mate of Capt Paltha comes to her with news. She whispers some words to her. Paltha is slightly annoyed, but she gives access to Jackson. They are to report to the High Officials of Lesina. As they walk by, many asari look at them with eyes of wonder, annoyance, hate, and disgust. Many asari hate the idea of allowing any new comers on their world and prefer that the asari keep the planet only for them. There are others that like the idea of having more species on their world for gene exchange, when it comes time for their numbers to increase. The majority are full of wonder for what kind of future the others will have with the asari if they mingle. In a short time, Jackson and his team stand before the officials that answer to Bynisa. The lead asari dismiss the others to speak with Jackson, Zor, and Covina about their mission.

She says, "Bynisa has told me of your mission here on Lesina. I can't stress enough about your need to keep your business here short, easy, and quiet. Bynisa has given you full access to question and ask who you wish, but I ask that you do not use your fire-arms unless you are attacked."

Covina steps forward and says, "If Bynisa is aware of us being here, then we don't have time to play this by your rules. We just want the kett device and we will go."

She firmly says, "Do what you must, but I assure you that no kett device is here. You will be allowed forty-eight hours. After your time expires, you are to leave or security will escort you out by force."

The lead official takes her leave of them. Zor is still scanning to locate where the device is at, but it keeps showing up in the outer edges of the city.

Zor calls to them and says, "I am picking up the same signal the Hammer of Fate found on Lesina. It keeps showing up, but the location is outside the city. we need to to the outer area and find the device."

Jackson agrees, "Good, we will need the nomad to be ready out at the nearest gate."

Capt Paltha radios Jackson and his team. They are told of their progress and clear the nomad for use outside the city. Jackson looks at a notice at one of the stores. It reads:

"Asari commando Glarina lost out in the field."

Jackson keeps it in mind as they make their way to the location of their nomad. Capt Paltha is standing by with her team. She ignores Covina and Zor to speak with Jackson.

She says, "I don't know why you and the others are here, but hurry up with your mission and get off our planet. The last time we mingled with your kind is when things changed on Meridian. We don't need any repeats."

A. Paragon Option: Let us do our job.

B. Neutral Option: We won't be around here for long.

C. Fuck off.

Jackson answers, "You let us just do what we came here to do, and we will be out of each other's hair."

Capt Paltha nods her head and gives Jackson a pass. Though Lesina is nice within the city, the outer areas are a mystery to them. There is no telling what they will find out there and what awaits them. Jackson, Zor, and Covina climb inside the nomad and drive out to face the unknown with their weapons loaded.