Codex Entry: Mass Effect Fields
Element zero can increase or decrease the mass of a volume of space-time when subjected to an electrical current. With a positive current, mass is increased. With a negative current, mass is decreased. The stronger the current, the greater the magnitude of the dark energy mass effect.
In space, low-mass fields allow FTL travel and inexpensive surface-to-orbit transit. High-mass fields create artificial gravity and push debris away from vessels. In manufacturing, low-mass fields permit the creation of evenly blended alloys, while high mass compaction creates dense, sturdy construction materials.
The Andromeda Initiative's technology relies heavily on mass effect fields, from reduced-mass supply drops for outposts to the impressive long-range drive cores on the Arks.
Codex Entry: The Tempest
The Tempest is a survey ship designed for long-range, long-term exploration under a Pathfinder's command. Its light weight and efficient design allow it to operate with a small crew and minimal resources.
Built by the Andromeda Initiative, the Tempest makes use of several once-proprietary technologies, including an IES (Internal Emission Sink) Stealth system originally developed by the Systems Alliance. Many of these systems were permitted on the condition that the Tempest only operates in the Andromeda Galaxy.
The Tempest's engine is a variation on the Ark's ODSY drives that allow long-term operation, capturing a percentage of the static buildup in capacitors. The recycled electrical charge powers several of the Tempest's onboard systems.
Chapter I – The Crew
They entered the hangar bay of the Tempest, which was also its cargo bay. It was pretty huge and quite empty, beside few boxes close to its four walls. Some devices and cables were found here and there and opposite of the ramp an elevator was found, which could drive only in one direction: up, to a second floor, which expanded only along the walls and in this way allowing everyone to look down at the cargo bay.
"Everything's state-of-the-art.", Vetra explained, leading the three humans inside, while the ramp closed behind them, "Labs, sensors, exploration gear…", Scott looked up and saw a human carrying a box around on the second floor, "Plus her crew, of course. The best in their field.", Sara on the other hand looked forward, where a familiar face was driving down with the elevator: Dr. Lexi T'Perro, the Asari physician from the Cryo Bay of the Hyperion.
"Glad to see you're doing so well, Ryders.", the Asari greeted them, while passing the little group. Vetra led them towards the Elevator.
"The engine core's based on the Ark's ODSY Drive.", Vetra explained, while they drove the short path upwards.
"But runs a hell of a lot quieter.", a young, human man, with short red hair, a 3-day-beard and red-white engineer clothes said, while passing the group as well.
"That's Gil Brodie, Chief Engineer, mechanic, all-round wrench jockey.", Vetra explained, while leading them towards stairs, found at this section of the second floor. At the end of their path a door was seen, right on opposite side of the Elevator, leading outside of the Cargo Bay.
"We call this the Research Room.", Vetra explained, while passing the door. It had a round shape, with two circular stairs leading upwards on both sides of the door. In the middle was found a round Holo-Projector, as well like various devices and terminals, where crew members could work on. "There's space for upgrading equipment, gathering intel…", Vetra continued explained, while they passed the Holo-projector, moving to the other side of the round room. More terminals were found there, installed at the walls, but also two closed doors and one path leading forward – probably towards the bow of the ship.
"Router engaged.", SAM explained in the public channel, "Securing connection to Tempest."
The three looked at the projection of the Nexus found above the Holo-Projector, while another person came down one of the stairs. She was a human scientist, deducing from her red-white clothes, and was lightly tanned, while her ginger hair has grown to her neck. "Welcome aboard, SAM.", she said to nobody in particular, while passing the group, "And Ryders and Harper, of course!", she added, after looking at them, with a smile, before leaving them through the door, they came inside. Her voice had an exotic accent, reminding the humans of Scotland.
"All run by Suvi Anwar, our science officer.", Vetra introduced her, while they moved the stairs upwards. They reached an open room above the door they came through, identically round like the last one with a big table in the middle. Terminals were found on it, completing the appearance of a briefing room, while the walls were replaced by thick windows, allowing a great view outside. Here and there also some plants could be seen.
"The quarters of crew and pathfinder are at the bottom.", Vetra continued explaining, while leading them to a glass railing, from where they could look down to the Research Room, "Plenty of space up here to get everyone together.", she stopped there, looking at Cora, "It's all yours. She's light, stealthy, and the fastest ship in her class."
Overwhelmed by all this information the three humans needed a moment to grasp it. "Every plan the Initiative made is out the window.", Sara adapted the fastest, after exhaling for one moment, "Now it's on us to find the way."
"We all came here ready for a challenge.", Vetra replied, looking at the other human woman, before looking back towards Cora, "When you're ready to fly, head over to the Bridge.", she pointed towards the path leading away from the Research Room, "Our pilot should have everything good to go.", then she nodded, turned around and left the three alone.
The humans continued looking down for a while, seemingly thinking. It was Cora who ended the silence: "Well, let's head to the bridge better.", she explained, smirking, "Before Addison finds another way to stop us from leaving."
"Wait.", Scott stopped her, while she wanted to turn around, "We would like to tell you something first.", he casted a glance towards Sara.
"What?", Cora inquired, sounding curious, but also confused, while looking at Sara.
"We discussed it, Scott.", Sara directed at her brother, "And I am still not sure, if this information will change anything."
"She has the right to know it.", Scott simply replied, crossing his arms.
"About what are you talking?", Cora interrupted further chatting, sounding wary now as well, "What information?"
Sara sighed, before looking at the other woman. "We know why I survived…well you know Habitat 7.", she started to explain, but got only a confused look in return.
"Why dad is still alive as well.", Scott added, looking at his sister.
"You know what SAM did?", Cora asked, sounding curious now. The twins nodded, but didn't continue to explain. "So spit it out.", Cora added, more impatient, "What has SAM done and how?"
"He is an AI.", Scott said first, getting a surprised face in return.
"Not any AI.", Sara added, "Father developed him and…connected with him."
"The implants we all have…", Scott continued after seeing Cora's confused face, "…well they are only the minimum of connection dad has. SAM is able to temper with his whole physiology."
Now horror was seen on Harper's face. "You don't mean that SAM controls him, do you?", she asked with real fear in her voice.
"No, no…", Sara continued, shaking her head, "Well technically yes, but no mind control or something like this. It's kinda…symbiotic relationship between dad and SAM."
That calmed Cora a little bit. "So he…saved the pathfinder…", she started thinking aloud, "But still isn't able to get him out of this pod?"
"Even my knowledge is limited.", SAM joined the conversation now, in the public channel of the three, "Wherever Alec went, I went with him. When Alec learned something, I learned something. I can't treat something, I know nothing about. I don't want to harm him."
The three humans had lifted their glances up, while listening to the AI. "Thanks for the explanation, SAM.", Cora replied, sounding uncertain, before looking towards Sara, "And you…", she looked at Scott, "…you are connected to him now as well?"
"He assures that we aren't.", Scott replied, "And I believe him."
"But our connection is stronger now.", Sara added, "SAM is able to do more things…with us around now. Something similar to what dad did in this tower on Habitat 7."
Cora put a hand at her chin. "I see…", she started walking back and forth, "That's…much to process."
"Now you know how we felt, when we heard it.", Scott said with a grin.
"How long do you know about this?", Cora asked, sounding rather curious, instead of judgemental.
"Since I woke up.", Sara replied, "But we learned about the details, after docking on the Nexus."
"And nobody else knows about this?", Cora inquired, sounding professional now.
The twins bandied looks. "We haven't told this anybody yet.", Scott replied, "Except for you."
"That doesn't mean that nobody could have found out.", Sara added, "We don't know if it is…visible on scans."
"I see…", Cora replied only, nodding lightly.
"But we don't want to keep it a secret anymore.", Scott continued, sounding agitated, "At least I don't want to. Dad kept it a secret, even from us. I don't think this was the right call. It doesn't help building trust towards SAM – and we will need him out there."
"He is an AI, Scott.", Sara countered, sounding similar to him, "Two years ago…at least two years before we left the Milky Way there was an attack of AIs on the Citadel. People died. Don't you think that there will people among the Initiative who lost some loved ones? There is a reason why AIs are not trusted among all species."
"So you don't trust SAM?", Scott responded, sounding annoyed.
Sara sighed. "I want to.", she admitted, "But…there is simply too much we don't know yet…", she looked up again, "Sorry SAM."
"You don't need to apologize.", SAM replied, "I am fully aware, why Alec kept me secret, even when I wish this wouldn't be necessary. I hope that I will gain your trust throughout the continuation of our relationship."
Sara's smile was sad, but she said nothing else. "I agree with Sara.", Cora added to the conversation, attracting the twins attention, "For now at least.", she said after seeing Scott's shocked face, "There is still too much we don't know and…", she sighed, "Can we solve one problem after another?" she touched her temple, "Being Pathfinder isn't the easiest job in this galaxy, you know?"
Scott calmed down immediately and looked guilty. "Sorry.", he apologized, "I didn't want to give you even more burdens you need to shoulder.", he looked up, "What you think, SAM – let's wait better?"
"Okay.", the AI replied simply, "One of my jobs was to help the pathfinder solve problems. Even when my connection to you isn't the same like to Alec, I would like to try to help you as well."
"Thanks SAM.", Cora replied, before sighing, "So…let's move on to the bridge."
They nodded and then started moving down the stairs. The Research Room was quite empty right now, except for Liam, who was standing close to the middle projector, holding a pad. When he looked up, he grinned towards the small group and started pointing at the pad. "Hey guys, check this toy.", he explained.
"What toy?", Scott asked, sounding curious and he stepped towards him.
"A useful one.", Liam explained, pointing again at the pad, while Scott looked at the data and pictures presented there, "This makes use of old ones. Like anything you grabbed on Habitat 7.", he thought a moment, before continuing, "Like raw minerals. Tech. Doesn't matter. The research station will strip that stuff down, give you options."
"We'll take any advantage we can get.", Cora joined the conversation, "Even if it's exploring junk."
Liam grinned even more. "Hey, with tech like this, it won't be junk for long.", he explained, "Not after we're through."
"Certainly.", Cora replied and the three moved on. They needed to go through a tube, whose walls were filled with terminal screens. The path towards the other side of the tube – where a closed door was waiting – was a transparent bridge, so that there were gaps, allowing to look to the lower floor of the ship. To both sides of the closed door were ladders, allowing to go down there at any moment, but the three simply moved forward towards the door and opened it.
The bridge was spacious. There were terminals to both sides, but also the doors leading to the docking devices, as well like to an escape capsule – one of the many found throughout the ship. The front was a window, allowing each person on the Bridge a great view. Close to it, left and right, were terminals, panels and controls, while the section in between was left empty, allowing the people to go as close to the window as possible.
"Wow…", Sara said, after seeing the great view throughout the interior of the Nexus, while the three moved inside.
"Departure trajectory locked, Nexus Control.", a voice from the right interrupted any further conversation and they looked at this direction – the seat in front of these controls was occupied. It turned around partially and a brown Salarian appeared on it. "Ah, time for introductions!", he said with a smile and a happy sounding voice, before standing up quickly, "Who from you is Harper?"
"That's me.", Cora replied, even lifting a hand for this.
"Welcome onboard, Pathfinder!", the Salarian replied happily, while coming closer quickly, "Then you must be the Ryders.", he stopped in front of the three, "Kallo Jath. A pleasure to be here.", he almost grabbed Cora's hand, then Scott's and last but not least Sara's, to shake it, "And to meet you, of course.", he relaxed visibly after that, "I'll be piloting the Tempest at your word.", these words were directed at Cora, "Quite the ship! But it'll take a Pathfinder's guidance to see us through Heleus."
The humans exchanged glances. "I'm new to this.", Cora admitted, sounding even nervous, "Being a Pathfinder, running a ship…"
"You'll be fine.", Kallo replied enthusiastically, "As for the ship, I can help: I knew the Tempest when she was a blueprint.", and after seeing the confused glances, he added, while indicating with his hand to follow him, "I was the test pilot for the Tempest's early prototypes.", he led them to the free spot in between the control panels, "I admit, I'm itching to see how she performs out here."
A railing drove up, when they reached the end of a platform, seemingly. On the railing were controls, making this spot to a panel as well. Kallo directed his head towards it, indicating that Cora should use the panel. "Hmm…", she first said, not stepping forward, "So how do I…?"
"The console syncs with your implant.", Kallo explained, "Just swipe, touch a destination here, and the Nav System calculates everything. Very efficient."
"It was optimized for a Pathfinder.", Vetra added from behind. When the three looked back, they saw that beside her, also Liam and Suvi have entered the Bridge, whereby Suvi went already towards the other station on the left side.
"Everything's secure.", Liam added, grinning again, "If you're ready…"
"Is anyone ready for something this big?", Scott asked, crossing his arms.
"I guess we have to be.", Sara added, more serious.
"Alright…", Kallo added, sounding perplexed, before leaving his spot, going towards the others, "Excuse me…Excuse me…", he added, while trying to pass them, going to his station.
"Command access is transferring successfully.", Vetra added, after having typed around on her Omni-tool.
"Um…", Suvi attracted their attention, "…science and monitoring stations look fine. Lexi is reporting in…"
"Helm is green.", Kallo added, "Gil reports the drive core is online."
"This is it, Harper.", Scott added, stepping back like his sister, "The Tempest is yours. Unless you've got something to say, for the log?"
Cora thought about this for a moment. She sighed first, before starting to say: "Things seem bad, but we've already beaten the odds.", first she sounded unsure, but the more she said, the more confident she started to sound, "And we'll beat them again.", she casted a glance towards her crew members, "You know it, I know it.", she turned back, "So let's show them what we've got."
The Ryders nodded, but the others looked satisfied as well. "Nexus Control, this is the Tempest.", Kallo started talking into the radio, "Ident two-five, two-seven, prepping to depart.", and not sooner he has said it, they started to feel vibrations throughout the ship.
When looked from outside, one would see a rising ship, whose main thrusters started to flare, while the ramp closed. They would see the Tempest leaving the landing platform, before reaching a gate, which opened for it. The ship didn't even need to wait for the closing of the gate behind itself, because it went so quick and the second gate in front of it opened one moment later. The Tempest reached the space in between the Wards of the Nexus and started to leave it, flying forward.
"Departure vector verified, Tempest.", Nexus Control replied, "Godspeed, Pathfinder."
And one moment later the Tempest accelerated, disappearing in the darkness of space.
"Mass Effect Andromeda", all copyrights reserved for Bioware and Electronic Arts
But the changes are mine.
Author's comment:
And with this we conclude the Main Mission called "Nexus Reunion" – so Chapter One is almost over. ^^ But I've written another chapter, which you will probably see already – I decided to upload both of them at the same day, because I wanted to have all of them uploaded before December.