Codex Entry: Turians
Renowned as 'men of action', the turians have a militaristic culture revolving around public service. Turians earned their place in galactic society after their actions in ending the Krogan Rebellions. They subsequently served as the peacekeeping arm of the Citadel Council and commanded the largest fleet in the Milky Way.
Turian society once relied on client species like the Volus to build their economy and trade. In the Andromeda Initiative, the military training all turians undergo allows them to fill many vital civic and security roles, but many have also enrolled for entrepreneurial or diplomatic training to be better-rounded colonists.
Galactic events and their military doctrine have left lingering resentments between turians and some species. The turians were responsible for deploying the Genophage against the Krogans; and misunderstandings with humans led to the First Contact War, though humans and turians have since become cordial, if not close, allies.
Codex Entry: Turian Culture and Society
Turian culture is founded on public service and personal accountability. The turian military is the center of their society, functioning as a public works organization, as well as an armed defense force. Citizenship is conferred once turians have competed boot camp (begun on their fifteenth birthday) and promotion through the 27 citizenship tiers is judged on individual merit. At the top are the Primarchs, who lead colonization clusters.
Their inclination to military service and social trends mean few turians pursue entrepreneurial careers, making the turian economy more vulnerable than most. The support of the clients like the Volus makes up for this deficiency.
Turians in the Andromeda Initiative operate outside a comfortable hierarchy. Interviews with prospective turian colonists indicate some are seeking this very freedom to forge their own destiny. Other colonists believe turian selflessness and civic structures will be vital to the Initiative's success.
Chapter I – The Nexus
Scott went the ramp down, leaving his sister behind. He eavesdropped how a technician was communicating with one of his team via Com, sounding very friendly during that: "Melo, you already checked the consoles down here, right?", and after has been given an answer, "Huh. I think you forgot to hit confirm when you filled out the forms. They're not listed.", and after another answer, "Nah, it's fine. If you say you fixed them, you did. I'll just check those boxes for you."
Scott entered the area at the bottom of this section. It was dominated by huge trees in the middle, planted inside bigger containers. To both sides were open rooms, easy accessible, while at the end of the huge room, were several panels and screens.
He walked around, casting glances here and there and seeing many members of the Nexus crew working at some devices or scanning or cleaning up boxes. He reached the end of the longer room quickly and went the short stairs up to the section with the terminals and screens, where several people looking like scientists – similar to Dr. T'Perro, but instead of red lines, they had blue lines – seemed to work. "But the planet was toxic.", the conversation between a salarian, a turian and an asari scientist caught his attention, "What if they store oxygen in porous tissue, like in Quero's rockfish?", the dark-colored salarian said.
"I still reckon they had breather gear stowed in that armor.", the almost white-colored turian scientist, wearing an odd looking cap, fitting perfectly to his horn-skull, replied.
"Perhaps both.", the asari scientist, as blue as Dr. T'Perro, replied, sounding like the diplomatic one, "Life is infinitely adaptable, as our expedition proves."
The Salarian started to look at Scott, who has stopped close by to the three. "Can we help you?", he asked, almost politely.
The human shrugged. "Well I am from the Hyperion and wanted to ask, if you need-"
"You must be the Pathfinder!", the salarian exclaimed happily.
"Actually…", Scott wanted to correct him, but the scientist didn't listen.
"Wonderful!", he exclaimed, "You and your SAM are exactly what we need.", while the other scientists came closer to the conversation.
"Okay…", Scott sounded unsure, "And you are Mister…?"
"Professor Herik.", the Salarian corrected immediately and introduced himself, "My colleagues and I will work with your SAM and the data you gather to solve Andromeda's scientific mysteries."
That sounded intriguing. "What fields do you study?", Scott inquired.
"Herik's into life sciences.", the Turian replied instead, "I do planetary geology, oceanography – rocks and runoff. I am Chief Lucan. And Adirana's the space and math whiz."
"Not that we've had much to study, with everyone cooped up for fourteen months…", Professor Herik responded, sounding frustrated.
"But your data on the Scourge flows like poetry.", the Asari Adriana added, meaning the data from 'New Earth', "Now we can better advise on repairing the damage it caused."
"And maybe Addison will give us a real workspace.", Professor Herik added, sounding hopeful, "Who can think with all this racket?"
"Ok, I'll try my best.", Scott replied unsure, while thinking, Will need to tell Cora about that…
It seemed as if the scientists have said, what they have wanted to say and so they turned away and started talking with each other again. Scott shrugged about this and turned around himself. There was not much to see here anymore, so he went the stairs down again, seeing a familiar face to his left: Liam was standing there, beside something which looked like three offices crammed together at one steel, square pillar within the room section there. There were lockers, terminals, desks and seats and all kind of other stuff, which would fit perfectly to a small Security Station.
Liam was standing beside a female human with blond hair, looking better geared up than the scientists. They seem to talk about something, but when Scott approached them, they stopped immediately. "Ryder.", Liam turned to Scott, sounding stressed, "No time for our beer yet. This place is a mess. Security is…", he thought about that for a moment, "…let's call it strained."
Scott nodded. "I can believe it.", he replied, "The Nexus is running on empty."
"Not just that.", Liam informed him, sounding more certain now, "This is the Militia Office here. You don't see many faces, do you? The reason is simple: a lot of exiles were security.", he didn't sound very happy, "Everyone was trained and armed for a frontier. We know Kett are dangerous, and now we have to worry about our own people, too. No idea where they went, but they left mad."
Scott thought about this for a moment. "There're apparently no viable planets in range.", he explained what Tann had said, "Exile may have been a sanitized death sentence."
"What a shit-show.", Liam shook his head, "Ryder, we have to get this back on track or we don't survive.", before adding with a smirk, "No pressure, right?"
"This wasn't in the job description.", Scott replied, smirking as well, before adding a little bit more serious, "We have to find a world, then save it."
"Glad it's not just me feeling it.", Liam sounded relieved, "But it's not just you, either. We're a team, right?", and more determined, "It's what they need us to be.", he looked a little bit more stressed again, "Okay, let me look at this – perhaps I can help with this shit-show. We see us later, Ryder."
Scott nodded and left his team member. He went right, were a big table was found with all kind of terminals, folders and other devices, looking like an improvised version of a front desk of a police station. At both sides were people: a male turian on the side, where the police officer would sit normally, and a female one on the other side.
Turian women had a more slender physique than their male counterparts, although still most parts of their body were sealed within the carapace. The main difference was the missing horns on the top of their skulls, letting the head look softer. The turian woman here wore clothes similar to doctors and had rather green-grey skin. "It's not right.", the female woman said to the turian, who looked helpless, "It's not fair."
Scott passed the two, who seemed to argue about something. Need to check this out later…Scott made a mental note, while moving on. Ahead of him was a round table, with a holo-projector in the middle. Beside it the familiar Turian called Kandros was found, talking to somebody in his Omni-tool: "Lieutenant, based on the status report 16-C, it seems we're no closer to gaining a foothold in any sector.", he sounded annoyed, although Scott realized that he seemed to record an audio message right now, "Without decent recon and greater intel on this enemy, I'm starting to think our efforts are futile. The risks involved and continued loss of resources and lives makes it hard to justify.", he looked down, not happy about what he would need to say, "With morale this low, we need to scale down expectations again."
The Turian noticed the approaching Ryder. "Kandros.", he finished the recording and deactivated the tool, before looking at Scott, "I know that look. The others bent your ear, did they?"
Scott sighed. "Something like that.", he replied.
"You get used to it.", Kandros replied, sounding formal, "Just focus on getting the job done. Can't argue with results, though they'll try.", whereby this sounded as if he had experienced it himself, "Anyway, welcome to Militia HQ. Excuse the mess. This office fields militia work, Nexus Security and looking for the Turian Ark."
"What's the word on the turian ark?", Scott inquired.
"Scattered readings.", Kandros answered immediately, "Some indicate the Natanus was destroyed, others that people are alive – who knows?", whereby the last part sounded upset, so he tried to change the topic instantly, "If you need anything, come see me. Even if it's just to vent."
Scott stumbled about that. "You talk like you weren't part of the leadership.", he started his question, "How did you end up commanding the militia?"
"I was escorting a prospecting team on some moon, when those Kett found us.", he remembered loudly, "They penned us like cattle for experiments. I managed to get loose, snatched a gun, and freed the others.", he didn't sound proud at all, "By the time we killed the bastards and headed back to warn the Nexus, everyone looked at me like I was in charge."
"I know that from somewhere.", Scott replied, crossing his arms.
"The militia grew from there.", Kandros continued, "Funny: once the heat is on, all kinds of people rise to the top."
Scott nodded. "Are the other turians managing okay?", he asked.
"So-so.", Kandros replied, "We're not good at sitting around in a crisis. 'Service before self' gets drummed into us at boot camp.", he sighed, "That's probably why so many of us are in the militia. We like to earn our citizenship, whatever galaxy we're in.", he hesitated for a moment, "But it's hard to focus with our ark missing."
Scott considered this for a moment, before continuing to ask questions. "I know something about them as well, but you mentioned the Kett.", he began, "What do you know about them? Got some information we could use out there?"
Kandros thought about the answer first. "We usually see them on worlds with those alien structures.", he started to explain, "The Kett don't take kindly to anyone studying them. Not sure why.", he thought about something else, "They don't talk to us. Every time we cross paths, there's a fight or they take prisoners."
That surprised Scott. "Why?", he asked, sounding concerned, "What do they want?"
Kandros shrugged. "No one knows.", he said simply, "But I've seen their weaponry, and what they do to those prisoners.", and sounding very determined about the next thing, "I want them a long, long way from the Nexus."
"I get that.", Scott agreed, "I still hoped we could find a common ground somewhere – when fighting for survival, war isn't the best thing to start with."
"We didn't start it.", Kandros replied simply, "But carry a gun when you really want to look out for peace."
"Will keep that in mind.", Scott nodded, before adding, "See you later."
"You know where I am.", the turian replied, sounding a little bit sad about that.
Scott turned around and saw that the turian woman was still at the desks, but this time alone, thinking apparently – perhaps the turian militia officer was able to fob her off. She didn't look very happy, so Scott tried his luck: "What's wrong?", he asked, sounding curious, but also sympathetic.
She looked at him. "Oh my, you're…", she began, sounding amazed, "So it's true: a pathfinder has found us. There's hope at last.", she started to sound begging, "Maybe you could help – you're impartial. This whole thing has gotten so political.", she sniveled, "My husband…he's locked up and slated for exile – for a crime he didn't commit!"
Scott put his hand on the chin. "Exile, huh?", he asked, thinking about this, but also trying to be exhilarant, "Guess it wasn't for having a hand in the cookie jar."
"They say it's murder.", the female turian replied, sounding angry instead, "They're calling him the first murderer in Andromeda. But the dead man was his friend – he wouldn't have…", she sounded sniveling again, "There are witnesses and evidence, but it's all circumstantial. At worst it was an accident.", she tried to get her composure back, "His name is Nilken Rensus. He could give you the details, if you were willing to speak with him – please?", whereby the last part sounding like begging again.
Scott didn't need long to think about that. "I'd be happy to.", he replied, sounding determined.
"Oh thank you.", the female turian replied, sounding relieved, "I'm sure the jailer will allow you a visit.", and more emotional she added, "Please, tell Nilken I love him.", and then she turned around and left the Milita Office.
So something like this is found here in Andromeda as well…Scott thought, while looking at her leaving, So where are the cells…? He looked around for a moment, only to realize, that they were right ahead, on the other side of this lower section. He passed the tree to his right side and few moments later he entered the opened room: there were some desks, some terminals, benches, plants and even lockers and water dispensers, but the most striking feature were the detention cells, occupying the whole left side of the room. There were only two and only one of them was used right now, so that a turian militia officer was found at the desk close by.
Scott approached the desk, looking at the cell, where another turian was found, wearing civilian clothes. "Can I help you?", the turian militia officer asked, standing up to the human and so towering over him.
"Lieutenant Ryder, from the Pathfinder team.", Scott replied, sounding formal, "Here to see Nilken Rensus."
"Ah, our murderer.", the turian replied, "Sergeant Aker, at your service. His wife's here all the time. Guess she told you her sob story.", although he didn't sound very compassionate, before looking at the prisoners, "Nilken, you're moving up in the world. There's somebody from the pathfinder's team wanting to chat with you.", whereby the last sentences sounded, as if he would mock him.
Scott turned around to the cell, to which both, he and the sergeant, went now. The Turian behind the glass-like cell door wore completely white clothes and his face was equally white. "Pathfinder, huh?", he replied, not sounding impressed, "They called in the big guns to exile Andromeda's First Murderer.", he crossed his arms.
"I'm not here to exile you.", Scott disagreed, shaking his head, "Told your wife I'd look into things."
The Turian moved his mandibles. "At this point, it's too late.", he replied, "They found me guilty.", while the sergeant turned away and went back to his desk.
"Why don't you tell me what happened?", Scott inquired, trying to sound objective.
The Turian sighed. "I was part of the futile effort to set up a colony on Eos.", he explained finally, "We were on our last legs, overrun by hostiles, our leader dead.", and more vigorous he added, "The security chief, Reynolds – my friend – he refused to call for evacuation. I argued with him. Everyone saw.", he sounded sad now.
"So when he was killed, people assumed you did it?", Scott concluded.
"For good reason.", the turian agreed, before reporting, "He ordered us to regroup and counter attack. We were moving through a sandstorm.", he thought for a moment, "I saw movement, thought it was the Kett, and I…I guess I panicked and fired…", he sighed, "A witness saw the Chief's chest explode."
Scott put his hand on the chin. "Sounds like an accident.", he spoke his mind.
"That's what I told them.", Rensus replied, nodding, "But I was enraged when we argued. There's a recording. It's ugly.", he shook his head, "Everyone's certain I did it on purpose, so we could evacuate. Only my word otherwise."
Scott thought about this for a while, before deciding. "I'll check out the evidence.", he replied, "Maybe something doesn't add up."
The following words didn't sound as happy as they should. "It would be nice to have someone with an open mind looking at it.", the Turian replied, "You're with the pathfinder – I'm sure Kandros would give you access.", and little bit quieter, "Maybe there's still hope."
Scott nodded, said his goodbye and turned around. He returned to the Militia HQ, approaching Kandros. "Already back?", the turian asked, rather curious than mocking.
"I spoke with Nilken Rensus.", Scott explained, "The man found guilty of the murder on Eos."
Kandros nodded. "Yes, our first murder here in Andromeda.", he responded, before adding a little bit more sad, "I wish it had been our last.", before starting to explain without being asked, "When the colony attempts failed, it didn't help spirits that a high-ranking officer was killed by one of our own.", he sounded angry about that, "The mutiny here on the Nexus was probably inevitable, but this acted as a spark."
"So there was a trial and he was found guilty?", Scott inquired.
"It was short and decisive.", Kandros replied directly, "Despite the lack of physical evidence, everything added up. And his only defense was: 'Trust me, I didn't mean to do it.'"
Scott shook his head. "That is the difference between murder and accidental death.", he pointed out.
Kandros shook his head as well. "In this case, motive plus opportunity plus eyewitness account equals murder.", he replied strictly, but added a little bit more compassionate, "Look, knock yourself out. A key witness, Cassidy Shaw, works in Operations. Go ahead and talk to her.", pointing towards the section, "And there's a recording of the perpetrator threatening the victim. I'll let you cue it up on the console there.", before shrugging, "As far as I'm concerned, this case is closed."
Scott nodded. "Thanks for the help.", he replied, "I'll check these things out." He turned around and moved to a terminal on the wall, where the recording was cued up.
First the voice of Kandros was heard: "The Nexus vs. colonist Nilken, evidence 7a.", sounding quite monotonous.
The next time Rensus' voice was heard: "Hiram? Hiram! They've seized the compound! Call for evacuation!"
Another male voice, probably Chief Reynolds, replied, sounding stubbornly: "We're not giving up, Nilken! We're taking it back!"
"No!", Rensus replied, sounding angry, "I'm not letting your ego get us killed, even if I have to…!", angry grunting was heard, as well like noises looking like a brawl.
"No!", Reynolds replied, sounding grunting as well, "Get him off me – get him off me!", and here the recording ended. Not a promising start…Scott thought and turned around, Hope that Shaw's statement is more promising…He looked at his Omni-tool, where a Navpoint was shown, leading him to the witness. He went left, up the ramp again, then up to the first platform and then took the stairs to the topmost platform – the Operations Center of the Nexus. He saw some of the staff working her, but his Navpoint pointed to a dark-skinned human woman with short, silver hair, looking still young. She was reading a pad, when Scott approached her. "Cassidy Shaw?", he asked, and she started to look up, "I'm Scott Ryder. I'm looking into the Nilken murder case."
The woman didn't look very pleased. "Oh, man.", her first reaction was, "I thought that was over with.", she sighed, before inquiring, "Have you heard the audio recording of their fight?"
Scott nodded.
"I helped pull him off Chief Reynolds.", she explained, "You could see it in his eyes: he was going to kill him.", before remembering, "Then in the sandstorm…I had a pretty clear view of the Chief. He looked right at Nilken and shouted 'No!'", she shook her head, sounding sad, "Then his chest burst open. I'll never forget it: the look on his face was pure…shock."
Still not promising…Scott thought, but still tried, asking: "Did you see any Kett in the vicinity?"
She replied cagily: "Nilken said so, but not that I could see.", she thought about it, "Still, the sandstorm was severe. Visibility wasn't great."
"Hmm…", Scott thought aloud, "Did Nilken seem remorseful?"
She shook her head. "I lost sight of Nilken in the turmoil.", she admitted, "When we found him, he seemed in shock. He couldn't speak – he looked nauseated.", she considered this, before adding, "Could have been guilt – the reality of the act sinking in."
Something crossed Scott's mind. "If they'd fought and Nilken threatened to kill him, why was Reynolds surprised?", he asked about the shocked face.
She shrugged. "Friends fight.", she explained, "Say things, they don't mean, maybe even hurt each other…", she started to sound more confident, "But you don't expect your best friend to shoot you.", before adding with a sigh and a sad voice, "To me, that's the saddest part. The Chief's heart was broken right before it exploded."
Scott could think about only one question more. "Reynolds was leading you back to retake the compound.", he asked, remembering the recording, "Did you agree with that?"
She replied cagily again. "It wasn't my place to agree or disagree.", was her answer, "He was the ranking officer.", before sounding more honest, "In retrospect, it is ironic. If he hadn't been killed, we all probably would have died."
Scott nodded to the said things. "I appreciate the information.", trying to turn around already.
"Of course.", the woman replied, stopping him in his tracks, "It kills me we had to leave him behind. He deserved a proper funeral."
That aroused Scott's interest. "So the body was never examined?", he asked, "Important piece of a murder investigation."
"Tann wouldn't allow a mission to go back for him.", Shaw replied, "Said it was too dangerous."
That shouldn't be a problem – we are going to Eos anyway…Scott thought, before replying: "Thank you for the information.", and turned around and leaving the operations center, I need to tell Sara and Cora about that – while we try to establish a proper outpost on Eos we could retrieve the body.
Without much more to do, Scott decided that now was the best time to return to the Hyperion and SAM.
"Mass Effect Andromeda", all copyrights reserved for Bioware and Electronic Arts
But the changes are mine.
Author's comment:
And here you could read the first assignment, or Side Quest, of Mass Effect: Andromeda. I hope I implemented it properly and you enjoyed reading it.