Mass Effect: Andromeda Wars

by Big Boss Pugh

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

8. Chapter 8

Kett Attack on Biloun

Everywhere they look, the buildings and surrounding rocks are marked. Bullets and explosives were used here by someone; anyone that did this made sure the damage was extensive. There are no survivors here, but they didn't have to look for long. Covina, Johnson, and Groax duck down behind some more rocks and look over to see them. They are armed and ready for anyone to approach them; the kett are here and one kett organus stands armong them. It gives out orders and reports the progress. Johnson orders Groax and Covina to take positions around the area. Once they are set, they all open fire on the kett chosen. The fight is quick, but one kett console is still open for long range communication. Johnson comes to it and sees a kett he didn't recognize like the others. This kett has a different appearance with some human features. The kett looks at Johnson with firm eyes through the holo communication console.

It says, "I am Kett Lord Primosas, and you are now going to die for what you did."

A. Paragon Choice: Who are you?

B. Neutral Choice: What are you?

C. Renegade Choice: Why do you look like shit?

Johnson asks, "I want to know who you are, and why the kett have returned."

Primosas replies, "I told you my name, foolish human. You haven't told me yours; I would like to know who you are before you die soon."

Covina steps forward, "Listen here, you ugly sack of shit. All you need to know is that you and your kind are going to die here. We are the Spirit Star crew, and this is Johnson."

Groax and Johnson look at Covina with some concern, wondering why she told Primosas his name and for what.

Primosas grins and says, "So, you believe that you will make changes here? Well, I can promise you that death is awaiting you on the planet where you stand. Just like the others, they will kill you. Fall to darkness, Johnson human. You won't be remembered."

The communication ends as a beeping sound starts. They all quickly move from the kett console and see it explode; Johnson and the others hear more gun fire coming from the mountain. They search the area and find a lift. Upon pressing the button, several sparks shot out from the controls. Johnson and his teammates see another way up, but it is going to be a long run. The mountain is tall, but going up five stories is no cake walk at times. They take the first steps up to a new area, but they find the kett lurking around. They easily put them down and move on to the second level. There are more kett here with a kett organus leading them; it seems to be kett territory here as they go up. After fighting and rushing up several stairs, they come to the end of the trip.

They see her trying to hold her own against the kett anointed; she keeps her head low and continues to use her biotics to shield herself. It is easy; however, she is getting tired of the constant kett firing at her. Johnson and his team provide her support, gunning down any kett they see. Once the enemy is down, they approach the asari to see her finally relaxing her guard.

She says, "By the Goddess, thank you for coming here. I thought I was going to die."

A. Paragon Choice: Are you hurt?

B. Neutral Choice: You seem ok.

C. Renegade Choice: Stand up, now.

Johnson asks, "Are you injured?"

She replies, "No, I am fine. I just can't believe the kett are here. I thought they were dead and gone from the cluster. How is this possible? Oh, and I am Meika Lasbelina. I came here under orders of the Syndicate and Nexus to search the mountain for any resources. At least that is what I was told, but I didn't expect the kett to be here. This has been crazy for me."

Covina sarcastically agrees, "Yeah, I didn't think the kett would be interested in conversing with you about their guns and resources on Biloun."

A. Paragon Suggestion: We should search around the place.

B. Neutral Suggestion: Let's talk elsewhere.

C. Renegade Suggestion: Talk or leave. (Meika leaves)

Johnson says, "If possible, we need to search around here before we go. I am sure we will find something."

Before they do anything, Groax looks behind them to see a kett fighter holding a trigger. It presses the button before Groax kills it. The soft sound blinks gently as they hear the noise; there isn't much time as Meika grabs her bag near the dead kett organus as she urges everyone to run. The mountain slightly shakes as explosions go off; they all rush to the lift and see it slightly damaged. Covina rushes everyone on board and wires the lift. In seconds, she stops and shoots the device. The lift drops them down to the surface as the mountain slowly begins to crumble. They get up and rush away as fast as they can. The rocks and boulders come crashing down as they make it to safe ground. The situation was more than just a Biloun occupation.

Meika breathes heavy, "I… I can't believe they did that. We barely got out."

Groax roars, "Those kett bastards better hope I don't find out who their Primosas is. I want to have a nice, long chat while I skin them all alive."

Covina says, "We may get that chance soon."

A. Paragon Choice: Let's get back to Araponaz.

B. Neutral Choice: We will be fine.

C. Renegade Choice: We go when I say so.

Johnson says, "We should get back to Araponaz and talk with Lucy. They need to know about this too."

They all agree and contact the shuttle pilot; it is a surprise that no one knew of the kett being here on Biloun. The trip back to Araponaz has them questioning what else the kett are doing, but Meika surprises them with more information as they come back to the city. After a short time of flying, they land at the shuttle port while Meika explains to them what is going on.

Meika says, "I understand that you and your team didn't show up to search for me, but I may have accidently stumbled on to something incredible. And it would explain why the kett came there to ambush me and the others. Everyone who came with me was taken, and I was the only survivor. Before I report anything, let me show you what I have found."

They all leave the port and continue to the security HQ. She continues, "In this bag, I have found a kett device that they either left behind or want back. I tried to turn it on, but it didn't work. I think this is either a map, secret plans, or maybe a weapon. All I know is when we found it, the kett came here quickly and none got away. Not even a distress call was sent until I managed to get one out on my personal device."

A. Paragon Option: We need to use this somewhere safe.

B. Neutral Option: We should give it to the Nexus tech team.

C. Renegade Option: We will allow the Syndicate to handle it.

Johnson says, "If we are going to use this device in any way, let's turn it on in an open area and away from the population."

They present the task to Lucy, and she agrees that they need a proper area to test the new kett device. They are escorted out to an open area next to the cave where her private guards were training at. Meika does what she can to turn on the device; however, nothing works. Johnson radios the Spirit Star to send over Zor'Kin. To see a male quarian among them is a surprise to everyone, but the quarians are known for the technology skills. Zor'Kin scrutinizes the device carefully and sees it in wonderful condition. Upon activating it, the device flashes a red light. Everyone backs up as far as they can. The light turns green, and a small amount of gas is leaking out. There are questions and words slither around them as they all wonder what kind of gas is floating in the air.

Lucy, Johnson, Covina, Zor'Kin, Groax, and Meika are left puzzled. They didn't understand it at all; the device stops sending out gas, and Lucy orders her tech teams to look over the whole device with Zor'Kin providing them support. They all return to HQ and discuss what is going on. There are several theories about it as each teammate and person available states what they think happened.

Covina says, "Maybe the gas is to knock out anyone and make them easy for transporting."

Groax replies, "The gas can be used to kill people and harvest them on site."

Lucy interrupts, "For all we know, the device is used to make the area suitable for the kett to live in."

Meika suggests, "I think the gas might be used to do more than make us susceptible. I did notice how many kett where in the area."

A. Paragon Suggestion: They are converting us through science.

B. Neutral Suggestion: There are still too many variables.

C. Renegade Suggestion: This is a waste of time guessing.

Johnson says, "The device may be used to convert anyone next to it once they breathe in the gas. I believe they developed it to setup anyone close to it."

The idea seems too far off, but no one dismisses it from a possibility. After some time goes by, Zor'Kin returns to them with some shocking information.

Zor'Kin says, "Well, the device did prove one thing. The gas inside has traces of what appears to be kett material. It is like they made this device to alter and change anyone into a kett and leave no traces of them behind. I must admit this is both creative and dangerous to everyone."

The very idea of creating a device that can alter any being with gas sends a terrifying shiver down their back. The kett were a problem before, but now, they are more cunning than ever. It didn't take them long to sit around forever as the alarms went off. The innocent Araponaz citizens take shelter in their homes as security agents rush everywhere. A turian agent comes to everyone with disturbing news.

She says, "Capt. Lucy, we have kett sightings around Araponaz in the lower lands. We sent a force ahead to keep them busy, but we will need more reinforcements. What are your orders?"

Lucy answers, "Keep the backup here to safeguard the people. Johnson and I will get down there with who is there and stop the kett. We are not about to lose Biloun to those bastards."

Johnson and his team follow Lucy to the shuttle port; they fly down to the bottom of the mountain and gather with the other security agents. As they advance through the area, they put down any kett they find. The lower area of the mountains has a smooth and flat surface with some rocks around. It is easy for anyone to live down there but hard to deal with the lifeforms roaming around. They encounter a few critters and small creatures. Once they move through the rock formation, Johnson and Lucy take two separate paths. Groax, Covina, and Johnson take five security agents with them to the right side while Lucy leads the others left.

They keep their heads down and return fire as they blast away kett anointed and chosen; it is a dog fight between the kett and security forces. Humans, turians, salarians, and asari easily eliminate them, but progress seems too easy. There is no challenge until they are closer to their destination. Johnson and his forces come to a new site being held by the kett; Lucy contacts Johnson by communicator and flashes a small mirror in his direction.

Lucy says, "It looks like we found their base of operation, but they have hostages. We need to rescue them."

Though they all agree, they stand and witness a second kett device being placed near the hostages. Everyone looks on from safety and watches in horror. A kett organus and kett ascendant step to the device with the screaming hostages begging to be free.

The kett organus says, "You are the few that have been chosen to transcend. I am here to grant you the offering of power and embrace you as one of us."

The kett ascendant approaches the device and presses a button. Like before, the gas comes out from the device and spreads to the surrounding area. It goes further out as the hostages continue to scream for help. Everyone out of the area watches in shock as the gas causes abnormal changes to the victims. From bones expanding to voice altering and skin changing to muscles expansion, the hostages slowly go bright green then dark green with their body being completely different. The hostages change from their original form. They are now kett warriors; two of them changed into chosen while two have become anointed. The last three evolved into kett organus with less features. It is a terrifying sight to witness.

Johnson orders everyone to charge the enemy and eliminate any kett around the area. They rush from hiding and fire from above. Though the gas is gone, none of the kett would be allowed to leave alive. Every one of them is slaughtered along with the newly acquired ones. Once the damage is done, Lucy orders the place to be searched for ammo, information, and finally destroyed. Johnson looks at the body of the new kett warriors that were human. He is left speechless by how no human traces are left of them save only the face. The entire body is kett like the reports said ages ago when humanity and others studied them for the first time.

A. Paragon Choice: We better warn the leaders.

B. Neutral Choice: Nexus leadership needs to know of this.

C. Renegade Choice: Syndicate Warlords should be told.

Johnson turns to the others and says, "This whole thing just got worse. We need to let both leaders know what has happened here on Biloun."

Groax places his cannon away, "This is some messed up shit. The kett found a faster way to get anyone now if they can do this to humans."

Covina agrees, "Yeah. I see these kett have similar appearance between a human, turian, and krogan. What else is going to be next?"

Lucy calls to them, "Let's finish up here and get you on your way. I have the people to reassure and training methods in mind should the kett show up here again."

After the area is destroyed, they fly back to the shuttle port and bid each other farewell. The situation does require all leaders to be made aware of it. After they climb aboard the ship, Jim flies the Spirit Star up and away from Biloun. The flight is smooth and easy; however, Johnson must welcome Meika to the team and introduce them. They gather by the map of the ship as everyone stays focused on their duty. Chris and Laura read over the reports only to be enraged by the kett actions.

Chris says, "Those ugly ass kett found a way to make more of them huh? Well, the Syndicate will love this news when they hear about it. Hell, they may lend us more support now."

Laura disagrees, "I doubt your warlords are up for helping us. Plus, we can rely on the Nexus to send us the help we need."

A. Paragon Interrupt: Both sides will help.

B. Neutral Interrupt: The Nexus has our back.

C. Renegade Interrupt: The Syndicate can do it.

Johnson says, "Regardless of who is going to help, we will need all the support we can receive from them. Right now, let me introduce Meika to you. She helped us out on Biloun."

Meika cautiously says, "It is nice to see you all here. I didn't know the alliance on TOS-51 was successful."

Chris laughs and answers, "No, that alliance didn't work out. Three of us survived the problems on TOS-51, and the leaders decided to help us. Now, Johnson here is leading us on a hunt for the kett in Heleus."

Meika is surprised and asked why. Laura adds, "The kett ambushed us on TOS-51. Because of their recent stunts, the leadership of the Nexus and Syndicate decided to give us a ship to do a dangerous mission. They may have other plans to deal with each other, but we don't have time to wait until they are ready."

A. Paragon Choice: We need everyone on board.

B. Neutral Choice: There is no room for mistakes.

C. Renegade Choice: I run the ship.

Johnson says, "I understand there is a lot for you to take in, but if you want, you can help us out and assist Zor'Kin with any kett tech we come across."

Meika replies, "Wow, I didn't think you all had it this rough. But I am anxious to join you on this mission and provide what I know."

Covina smirks, "We can use another person to hold a gun."

Groax chuckles softly, "Her biotic powers can be useful, but we need to make sure she will be ready if it comes down to it."

"We have a full team now," said Chris. He adds, "So, what else do we know about the kett device on Biloun? Plus, how many other plans do we need to visit?"

Laura answers, "Right now, all we know is a particular kett named Primosas has taken an interest to you, Johnson. Let's hope we get a chance to put it down when we encounter the kett again."

Meika looks to Laura, "I hope you are joking about meeting more kett again. I've seen enough of them on Biloun. Plus, I prefer to study kett tech, not fight against them."

Zor'Kin replies, "It is alright, Meika. I barely know how to use a handgun. And here I am with everyone else. We have the kett to stop and figure out how many planets they will deploy those devices on."

A. Paragon Choice: Inform the leaders.

B. Neutral Choice: Pick one group to speak with.

C. Renegade Choice: Say nothing to either side.

Johnson says, "All of you read over the reports on Biloun while I send this to the Syndicate and Nexus leaders. I'll speak to both sides and update them on what we discovered about the kett."

As everyone leaves for their spot on the Spirit Star, Johnson contacts Jim and asks him to open a communication line to both leaderships. The holo communicator flashes with all leaders from both sides present. Jacob opens the chat with Bynisa right along with him.

Jacob asks, "What news did you acquire about your first mission?"

Bynisa asks, "Is there any more kett running around the cluster?"

A. Paragon Choice: Tell the events of Biloun.

B. Neutral Choice: Create a wonderful lie.

C. Renegade Choice: Cut communication. (Ends the conversation)

Johnson answers, "Before we could begin our mission, we had to assist Security Capt. Lucy with the problems in Araponaz. There was a crime boss named Victor, and a smuggling ring lead by Jak. We managed to apprehend Victor, but Jak got away. Lucy is restoring order and managing security around there."

Urkin roars, "You damn human. Victor was one of my people. He owed me a ton of credits for his pointless profit plans and ideas."

Datri replies, "I'm surprised at you, Urkin. I thought you and your kind were never able to trust my people, given our old history."

Before the two can argue, Bynisa directs the chat by saying, "Regardless of the debt, this Victor salarian has been brought to justice and not supporting your organization anymore."

Angruo says, "This is a fair victory, but it doesn't explain the reports we are reading. What kind of device did the kett make to alter humans so quickly? They never used any of this before on any of us when our people came to Andromeda."

A. Paragon Choice: That was two hundred years ago.

B. Neutral Choice: First time for everything.

C. Renegade Choice: Cut Communication. (Ends the conversation)

Johnson calmly states, "Two hundred years ago, the kett were performing exaltation on the angaran with simple needles after they were in a mindless state. This time they have improved it by using a method that no one didn't anticipate."

Angruo lets the torture of his people bother him as he grinds his teeth in rage. He says, "You should tread softly with your word, human. My people have suffered enough when it comes the kett and recalling the past is not helping your report."

Bynisa and Jacob decide to conclude the conversation with promises of what is to come.

Jacob says, "Your findings are impressive, and the kett have proven themselves able to do more than ever. The next time you encounter the enemy, be sure you keep anything valuable for us to research in. Your actions only proved you can be reckless."

Bynisa agrees, "I see his words are true too. You have done a good job and won a fair victory against the kett. The only thing we all can urge you to do is be mindful of what comes next. We all will expect a report from you later."

The communication is over as the Spirit Star crew continue with their mission. Elsewhere on the planet Ditivios, he steps from a private communication room and takes the moment to wander around the city until he emerges from the depths of the lower levels. He orders for a private shuttle to take him to a private landing zone away from others. Like before, the shuttle brings him to the same landing zone where the Spirit Star was once at. There is a second shuttle here as he leaves his escort top side; there are five individuals for the Apex and five for the Enforcers. As they wait at the top, he goes down two levels and walks through a narrow corridor to a door. Upon opening the door, she waits quietly for him. The door is locked carefully as she looks for him to become comfortable. He feels a small amount of biotic energy circling his body. They look at each other with desire and crave for a taste.

He raises his communicator up to contact the Enforcers squad, "This is going to take some time, and I need you to behave. If you must, go to the city while this matter is talked over."

She raises her communicator up and speaks to the Apex team, "I will need some time to handle this matter. See to it that you take time for yourself…"

As fast as Bynisa ends her words, Jacob throws her down softly on the bed to embrace her version of eternity. They lock lips and twist around each other before she ends up on top of him. She looks into his eyes and opens her own thoughts to him with the asari mind melding method. In moments, the entire universe is blue and black with just them on a bed. Jacob can feel her every thought and emotion as his own mixes with hers; Bynisa can hear every feeling and thought of him as she lets her body tremble. They hold each other carefully as the Heleus cluster becomes absent to them.

They say, "We are one. There is nothing but us. No one shall tear down our affection."

The last words they whisper to each other are kept secret as time went on for them. It is an endless hour which stretches on for what appears to be forever. One hour and thirty minutes go by until they are laying beside each other, covered in sweat. The water has barely been used to replenish their body; Jacob and Bynisa have always kept their love well hidden from others for several reasons. They watch the water from the observation room and hold each other. It is beautiful to see fish swim by in their own element.

Jacob asks, "How long do you think we can keep these activities hidden from them? I do believe Datri is questioning your time spent in neutral territory a lot. Not to mention, Angruo is anxious to know who I meet in secret."

Bynisa answers, "I believe we have our own way of doing this. And as for time, we can do this for as long as we need to. The other Warlords and Council Members don't need to know of our love. They are anxious to start a war for nothing."

They kiss each other's hand as they see fish swim by. Bynisa takes a sip of water and passes the glass to Jacob.

She says, "I know we both have duties to our own governments, but this private time we share is always going to make me wish this is our eternity. Right now, Mayon is busy with the troops while Datri is checking in with the spies. They even have found maybe another planet that can be used for the Nexus; however, I told them that the planet should be neutral than for us."

He chuckles and replies, "I was told of the same thing by Urkin. Despite being a krogan, he made use of some resources to search the cluster for more worlds to be won by the Syndicate. It is amazing that he did listen to us, but like you, I want to find worlds that we all can share. Our governments have three sectors for recruits, training, and home."

Bynisa sits up and straddles Jacob with great enthusiasm. They both know what is next, and the time is short. They endure the next thirty minutes nonstop until it is time for them to return to their daily matters of leadership. As they figure, calls come to them from their officers, wondering about their progress. The 'progress' is over as they smile at each other and giggle at how much time went by this time. Most of their private sessions are only about an hour long; this time things are quite plentiful and exhilarating. They dress themselves, clean up, and take a moment to finish discussing details of what is to come. They exit the room together with Jacob keeping his hand on her hip, forcing her to smile.

Jacob says, "Right now, Johnson and the Spirit Star crew are on the way to their next objective. We should join the other leaders and ensure them that all is going well, if you don't walk that way."

Bynisa gropes his nether region, "Yes, he is. For now, we can look forward to what he will do for us and pray that all goes well. But we are going up the elevator. Please, don't touch where you shouldn't, and I'll behave with dignity in front of the others if I can."

As much as Jacob wants to remind her of how she behaves behind closed doors, they both drop the lustful method quickly and return to normal leaders on different sides of the conflict. They exit and show off their own annoyance.

Bynisa states an obvious fact loudly, "How can I help smooth things over when you only wish to slake your position as warlord? This is why you can't keep things up."

Jacob coldly replies, "And this is why you invite me out here? You want to see your Nexus be in a place that allows your authority to be in charge?"

Before they finish their next words, they order the others to make the shuttles ready. Yet, out of the corner of their eye, they still see the urge to embrace one more time. As they leave to join the others, more serious and sinister plans are being formulated by Urkin.

On the krogan home world Elaaden, Urkin speaks to the others about the recent work done to destroy their enemies. Rather than use the obvious ways, the Kormer clan spent years in secret trying to not only cure the genophage but creating something for the salarians. The plans for this project have been kept hidden from others way out in the desert. After Urkin concludes his business with them, he checks in with Kesh and Morda at the colony to make sure they are doing well. Though both women have ideas to keep the colony going, they bump heads at times behind old issues that manage to come with them to Andromeda. Overall, the krogan continue to thrive during their difficult times and manage to show the other leaders that they are meant to do more than cause destruction.

Angruo spends his time on Aya discussing the new ways the kett has improved. The news has everyone on edge and ready to expect any trouble; however, they wait patiently and strengthen their defensive on their Angaran worlds. Despite the changes the other species have caused in Heleus, the angara have not allowed any of them to dictate how they will live under these new regulations and policies. Though the angaran are preparing, the salarians carefully heed the words of Datri as they keep their spies ready to strike when it is time. On the mining world Fen Odam of the Shojaon system, the salarians mine the resources while living comfortable among their people. Despite being everywhere else in Heleus, any salarian knows that Fen Odam is the best home for them after two hundreds have changed the surface.

With everyone preparing to meet up soon, Mayon makes sure the turian world Tijrana of Nalesh is always ready to challenge anyone that comes near. He orders the generals to make sure all weapons are ready and loaded should the time come for them to assault the krogan home world and occupy any angaran world if needed. The activity of all leaders is intense, and during this moment of calm, the Spirit Star journeys to the next sector to search for more kett locations. Johnson takes a moment to remove himself from the desk and goes to check on his new ally. He finds Meika inside the medical room with Dr. Laskey. Meika received a full checkup and decided to set up her work inside the medical room further to the back. Johnson watches them move material around while she shows off the latest tech that she took from the kett.

Meika looks to Johnson, "Oh hello. I am glad you came here. You'll have to forgive me for the mess here with us. I picked the room back here since I didn't want anything to be in Dr. Laskey's way. I can't believe how much stuff Zor'Kin knows about the kett equipment."

A. Paragon Choice: He's good at kett technology.

B. Neutral Choice: He is alright.

C. Renegade Choice: He isn't that great.

Johnson says, "Zor'Kin has helped us out a lot with the kett device and the technology. If it wasn't for him, we would still be on either Eos or Ditivios doing some security."

Meika smiles, "I am glad to hear that. But I hope this mission of yours is not going to be too dangerous. I try to avoid those situations."

Johnson asks, "Can you tell me about yourself? What did you do before this?"

Meika answers, "Well, I am a proud citizen on the asari home world Ronhadin. I spent most of my life studying the asari and how well we get along with other species. It was quite wonderful to know that we came out here with the belief of a new home thanks to the initiative of many others. At least that is what I was told about history two hundred years ago when I was still young. After I learned about the incident with the Leusinia ark and Sarissa Theris, it made me want to see other species; I left home to know of other flaws, failures, history, and mistakes everyone made. There really isn't much to talk about me other than I am a studier of life. Right now, the kett have my interest piqued. I just don't want to encounter them anymore."

Johnson keeps the chat short with her and returns to his own duties to make sure the reports are up to date. So far, the kett problem has become critical. The task of hunting them down is at an all-time high. Johnson comes to his desk and looks over the information about each kett; however, he looks over the new details provided to him by what they know of the kett organus. Based on what Lucy's doctors and staff learned, the kett organus has DNA and genes spliced together with two others. Each structure of each one is krogan DNA to have tough bones; the turian features are highly visible due to heigh increase and deformity. The most obvious detail is the human genes being the dominate form for the kett organus. The weapons they used are upgraded and combined with the assault rifles used by the humans kett chosen. The more Johnson reads about the kett and the gene altering device, the more his blood boils with rage. Instead of letting rage blind him, Johnson gets up and spends some time with his crew. He heads to the head of the ship and speaks with Jim to see where his thoughts are.

Like always, Jim is checking the ship out and the areas they fly through. The sections of the ship are under a little stress, but he sends the next task over to the operators. They can easily relieve some spots by venting any systems into space. He takes a moment to rest his hands and look over the details once again. The kett device has annoyed him as he reads over the transformation it causes. The hostages easily changed in mere minutes like the angara did over two hundred years ago. Johnson calls Jim as he places down the data pad.

Johnson asks, "What do you think of the kett gene altering device?"

Jim replies, "The device they made is clever, ingenious, and amazing. I would like to know which kett genius created this so we can let doctors and surgeons dissect the mind. Then, we can learn how to reverse the procedure or cancel it out with one of our own. I don't know, Johnson. This device is only the beginning of what I see as a problem. They probably have more of them hidden on many planets. And they might be larger than the last two we have seen."

They both agree about what the kett can be doing and how large the devices will be. As Jim returns to his duties, Johnson goes to speak with others about what they thought. He goes to Chris and gets his attention.

Chris tosses the data pad to the table nearby, "I knew the kett are critters, but now, they are worse than the bugs on the planets. This device makes it easy for them to have reinforcements when they need them. And with the Syndicate not lifting a finger to help us is harder than ever. Laura is right about those warlord dogs. I hope we destroy every single one of those devices we find."

A. Paragon Option: We will make sure of it.

B. Neutral Option: They may be useful for us.

C. Renegade Option: It is wise to keep some for ourselves.

Johnson says, "I can promise you that each device we find will be destroyed and broken down into pieces to be melted."

Chris smiles, "That is what I want to hear. We need these things to be gone and non-existent. And every time we see the kett, those bastards will regret crossing us. And the Syndicate Warlords can all go to hell for not getting on our side."

Johnson didn't need to ask Chris any more questions until much later when he can. He goes to the next floor and sees Laura leaning against the wall, watching the recruits train. Johnson calls her over as she orders the fighters to keep their skills sharp.

Laura says, "I had hoped the Nexus leaders would help us, but they only call this victory a fair win. They don't realize that the kett are close to changing us al into them if they enhance this gas weapon. I hate to say it, but Chris has the right idea about them. They are the masters, and we are the puppets."

A. Paragon Option: We will stop them.

B. Neutral Option: We need some help.

C. Renegade Option: We should keep one device.

Johnson replies, "Even without any help from the Nexus leaders, we can do this and stop the kett. I won't stop until they are all dead."

Laura is glad to hear those words, "At least we will be the ones to put an end to the kett and make sure Heleus is safe. I won't stop either until I know they are destroyed and extint."

Johnson is happy with the promise of Laura's support and leaves her to train the recruits some more. He goes to the rear of the ship. He sees Covina and Groax talking for once than throwing hands at each other; Johnson didn't know if this was a dream or is this a surprise everyone. He comes to them and asks what is going on.

Groax checks the ammo and answers, "We both figured it is time to share our skills with others and make them more efficient in any fight."

Covina cleans a rifle chamber and says, "After what we saw on Biloun in the city Araponaz, we don't have time to pick a fight with each other. We can talk later."

He agrees with the pair and goes to find Zor'Kin. In the rear next to the core, Zor'Kin finishes up the regular checks. Everything is fine as he looks up to see Johnson.

Zor'Kin says, "That was an unpleasant thing to see. The kett gene altering devices made this too easy for them to take over. I would like to study more of them, but I don't want to see what this will do to us. It is safe to just destroy them than keep them intact. I can always look at the pieces."

A. Paragon Option: All of it will be destroyed.

B. Neutral Option: We will save the scrap.

C. Renegade Option: I think we can save a few.

Johnson answers, "You can believe that each one will be nothing more than scrap for melting than keeping."

Zor'Kin joyfully replies, "I am glad to hear that. The scrap is better than having the device intact. After we destroy them, I'll pick up the pieces after the gas is completely out of it. Let's talk later about what we can do to make them worthless to have or use."

As everyone is of the same thought, Johnson smiles and knows what is going to be the next destination they are looking at. He returns to the holo map of Heleus and looks at the second planet they must visit.