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.

3. Chapter 3

Water City Ditivios of Heleus

The trip from TOS-51 is long and exhausting since the kett made their grand return after two hundred years. Though everyone told their own story, none of the officers and leaders believe a single word from them. Chris pleads with the Syndicate bosses about how the kett ambushed them; Laura begs the Nexus officials to inform people that the enemy is back. All words fall on death ears from them until they leave the office. Chris and Laura walk out with appalling looks; they look at Johnson as he is called in to explain his side of the story. He steps into the room and sees two members from each side stand before him. They seem relaxed, but the room feels apprehensive. Johnson takes a seat and listens carefully to the questions they ask him.

One Nexus member named Rex says, "The purpose of this meeting is to inquire about TOS-51. Please, state your name, rank, and what type of skills you have. Once you do that, we will start with questions."

He answers, "Name: Johnson. Rank: Low Level. Title: Security Agent. Skills: Handgun expert, combat professional, and crowd handler. Citizen of the sovereign nation Advent. Local hero to the people."

A Syndicate member named Lisa says, "I heard of you and how you saved many lives that day. I hope your skills will be as impressive as your story. Now, tell us what happen on TOS-51."

A. Paragon Choice: Tell the truth.

B. Neutral Choice: Fabricate a story.

C. Renegade Choice: Make up a lie.

Johnson replies, "Everything was going fine until we came to TOS-51. Harmony came under attack by an unknown ship and before we knew it, kett fighters were on the ship. They made it hard for us to get off. Once we got off Harmony, we did everything we could to stay alive and rescued some survivors from the training sites. After we regrouped with…"

A second Nexus member named Tom interrupts, "So, you admit you broke protocol in the middle of a gun fight to abandon ship? That is unacceptable."

Johnson tries to explain, but Lisa says, "Based on what other reports, you and several others decided to use shuttles for raids on the training site to setup base. Is there any truth in this?"

The words and accusations leave Johnson amazed at how far the lies goes. He keeps himself ready for the next question.

A. Paragon Choice: Tell the truth.

B. Neutral Choice: Fabricate a story.

C. Renegade Choice: Make up a lie.

Johnson answers, "I was trying to save lives and setup a place for them to gather. If I didn't try anything, we all would have been dead."

Rex roars, "How can you sit here before us and say you did the right thing? The story we were told has you and others bringing people together as the ship was under attack. I am willing to believe anything, but your disregard for protocol can't be ignored."

Instead of answering, Johnson sits there in disbelief and ignores the questions.

The second Syndicate member named Andy says, "We can continue this discussion later. Right now, we must compile your notes and story together with the others. And forgive us for being rude. The day has been long for us all."

Johnson didn't care anymore; he sees where this is going and how it will end. The interview ends as fast as it begins. After he answers the next questions, Johnson leaves out with his mind confused on what happen.

He thought, "Is this what everyone went through, or did they just gather little details on what they want to believe is true?"

Laura and Chris see Johnson walking down the hall; they follow him and ask what happen. He tells them of how quick the interview went.

Chris says, "So, what was the point of the conversation? All they did was ask you a few questions and let you go. This is bullshit."

A. Paragon Choice: They are afraid.

B. Neutral Choice: They want it easy.

C. Renegade Choice: They're cowards.

Johnson sighs, "They don't want to believe the kett are back. They are compiling everything together right now before we continue with the interview."

Laura replies, "There isn't any more time for pointless talking. We need to tell everyone about this. The Nexus and Apex teams should alert all their stations."

Chris laughs sarcastically, "Good luck with that. We stand a better chance going with the Syndicate and Enforcer squads to keep everyone ready."

A. Paragon Choice: Everyone needs to know.

B. Neutral Choice: Nexus must be warned.

C. Renegade Choice: Syndicate should be informed.

Johnson answers, "Right now, everyone needs to know. The Syndicate and Nexus leadership needs everyone on board with this. Once we get to the water city Ditivios, I'll tell everything to the leaders; I'm sure they both will be ready and able to assist us."

Chris and Laura appear hopeful of the idea, but there is no telling what Rex, Lisa, and Tom will inform their leaders of. Everything rests on Johnson if he is to convince anyone about what is going to happen. They call Johnson back into the room to finish up the last portion of the interview; it leaves him mentally exhausted. After two hours of flying, the ship comes to the water world in the Nol system. High above the orbit, many spaceships from both superpowers standby and wait for orders. Originally, the planet was deemed unsafe for its dangerous weather and crazy thunderstorms. Now, it is a perfect place for people to live on. Though many thunderstorms are in the distant sea, the city Ditivios has endured the worse and thrived through everything. The people look from the windows and observe how beautiful the city looks. On top, towers of bright lights and wonderful buildings shine around the area. Underneath, there is twenty stories of structures made to brighten up the dark waters. It is amazing and awe inspiring to see that such a city was made within two hundred years.

Chris says, "We have made it to the city of water and thunder. I hope there is more to this than bright lights."

Laura replies, "At least Ditivios is bright and wonderful compared to what I have seem. Plus, we have visitors down here too."

Everyone looks around to see Syndicate and Nexus spaceships fly near the city. Though no one has fired a single shot, everyone is fully alert and aware of how sensitive this situation is. Johnson, Jim, Laura, and Chris come to the exit as the ship lands at the port; they didn't know what to expect, but it is safe to say that both leaders are aware of the TOS-51 problem. Everyone is escorted to the medical and leisure facility. Only Chris, Laura, and Johnson are directed to go see Clark Armstrong at the office. As they walk through Ditivios, the trio look around to see many guard posts and check points being reinforced. Everything is being checked by Syndicate Enforcers and Nexus Apex for illegal items; nothing is being overlook or not screen. A few people are handled badly by each group, but there is nothing anyone can do. As of right now, the only people in charge are those with guns and influential power. They arrive inside his office to hear him yelling about how horrible the treatment is.

Clark says, "This is outrageous! I demand that you put a tighter leash on your militant forces than let them run rapid!"

Bynisa of the Nexus says, "Mind your words, Clark. You don't get to make demands of us. We are here on business just like you."

Jacob agrees, "And right now, the situation of TOS-51 has forced us to take extra precaution since the details are sketchy."

Clark sighs heavily and ends the conversation. He turns to see Johnson, Laura, and Chris.

He asks, "I understand you are the three from TOS-51. I've been informed of the long day you all had getting there and coming here. Why don't you fill in the blanks for me?"

Laura coldly replies, "The answers are simple: The kett are back. They ambushed Harmony on TOS-51, and we barely got out of there alive."

Chris includes, "Our training op leaders, Valisia and Atrois, sacrificed their own life to save us and the kett believe we are dead. Right now, Johnson here believes we need to get both parties involved."

A. Paragon Choice: We need their support.

B. Neutral Choice: The Nexus can aid our problem.

C. Renegade Choice: The Syndicate has the resources.

Johnson says, "This isn't the time for us to stand on divided ground. The kett are back and will kill us all if we are not helping each other."

Clark answers, "I see. This is bad if the kett are back. I want to believe you, but the leaders don't think that what you say is possible. The kett are all dead, and it has been two hundred years since the last skirmish we had with them."

Laura asks, "Is there anything you can do to get us in front of them?"

Chris supports her, "She is right. All leaders need to hear it from us."

Clark replies, "I'll do what I can to support you, but right now, they want to hear it from Johnson since he was given the seals of command. I just wish Valisia and Atrois were here to back up your statements. For now, take a few moments to rest while I talk to them on the holo-communicator."

As they all wait, Clark uses his words carefully during his private chat. Bynisa and Jacob are wonderful to talk with about anything; however, the real challenge is getting Mayon and Urkin on board. It is very easy to persuade Datri and Angruo to hear just about anything if there is a threat coming. The private conversation lasts for about thirty minutes until Clark manages to invite all leaders to meet in public. He logs off his holo-communicator and informs the team of what is going on.

Clark says, "It wasn't easy to do it, but they all agreed to meet in person. For now, I must go and instruct the other security detail to provide additional protection. You all take the time you need to get ready and show up at the main hall."

After Clark leaves with his own escort, Johnson and the others take a few moments to breathe in the fact that they will stand before two types of leadership. Laura is excited and can barely hold it in; Chris is anxious and proud to see the warlords. All Johnson wants to do is make sure that they will do what they can to ensure the safety of everyone. After they leave the office, they encounter an angry man in the lobby wanting answers. He keeps shouting about how weak the Nexus and Syndicate is. Laura and Chris both want to beat the man down, but Johnson goes to him.

The man says, "My name is Indo. Indo Makhan. I demand answers; I want to know what is going on. Why are items being held by security?"

A. Paragon Choice: Tell me your story.

B. Neutral Choice: What's going on?

C. Renegade Choice: Spill it, chump.

Johnson asks, "Why is your stuff being held by security?"

Indo replies, "The security agents of Ditivios have my stuff on hold thanks to this Nexus-Syndicate setup. They refuse to let it go through and won't tell me why. I need my stuff to go to the stores I am running."

Johnson agrees to find out about the hold up before they attend the meeting. They walk over a bridge to the other side and locate a small security checkpoint. From there, they are directed to where Indo's supplies are. They see the captain of security marking the items as classified with Johnson approaching him. The captain turns to him.

He says, "Can I help you?"

A. Paragon Choice: Is this the supplies of Indo?

B. Neutral Choice: Why is this on hold?

C. Renegade Choice: Release this shipment.

Johnson asks, "I noticed you marking this. Does this belong to a person named Indo?"

The Capt. Answers, "Yes, it does. I have it on hold because we found out he is smuggling in supplies for the Syndicate. We can't let it go through, or the Apex teams will come down hard on us."

Laura scoffs, "Typical Syndicate smugglers. They try to bring in anything if it means breaking the laws."

Chris replies, "I suppose it should go to the Nexus Apex for them to abuse it?"

The Capt. adds, "I am more than willing to let it go, but he owes it to the people of Ditivios for what he has done. If he leaves the items here for us, then I'll let all his other stuff go."

Johnson and his partners take their leave of the captain; they return to Indo and inform him of his crime. Indo lowers his head and agrees to let the captain keep his illegal items. The task is over, and the trio head for the meeting. They take the shuttle bus from the main city and go to the private chambers; it is a massive and crowded as both sides of power stand ready. No one didn't speak a word unless it is absolutely required. Laura, Chris, and Johnson walk by the Apex and Enforcer teams with caution. They didn't want to slip, stumble, trip over, or accidently kick anyone. After they arrive at the entrance, Clark gets them inside to hear various voices shouting around the hall. Chris and Laura stop by the entrance to listen; they want to be beside Johnson, but Clark assures them that everything will be fine.

He comes to the stairs and climbs them up to see the leaders. Bynisa, Mayon, and Datri stand on his left side. Jacob, Urkin, and Angruo are present on the right side. The air is full of tension and anticipation. Clark stands just to the right of Johnson as he opens the chat with a few words.

Clark says, "I'm glad you all came here to listen to a survivor of TOS-51. Here is Johnson with the actual truth on what happens.

A. Paragon Answer: Tell them the truth.

B. Neutral Answer: Create a decent story.

C. Renegade Answer: Deceive and lie to them.

Johnson says, "I know this is not easy to believe, but what I say to you is the truth. The kett are back after two hundred years. They attacked us on TOS-51 and killed nearly everyone. Atrois of the Nexus and Valisia of the Syndicate died making sure we got out of there. They made me the next person in charge before we left them. And this is just the beginning. We need all the help you can offer."

Bynisa clears her throat, "I would like to believe you, but the reports from the representatives suggest otherwise; they claim a small fraction of raider like fighters attacked TOS-51 while the Syndicate enforcers provided them backup."

Jacob intervenes, "Funny to hear that from you, Bynisa. Our own reports say the exact same thing, but it is the Apex supporting the few raiders that they found. And Johnson uses the confusion to raid the TOS-51 sites."

Mayon replies, "Ah yes. The reports from people that have no honor let alone enough pride to admit when they are wrong. I wonder what else was told to you by your associates."

Urkin roars, "Watch it, turian pyjak. Those reports you have probably had more dirt in them than we know of. I bet you were the one to make up the story to make us as the bad guys."

As others from both sides agree and support their leaders, Datri and Angruo silence all voices with a wave of their hands.

Angruo states, "It is true we received reports from our investigators, but they are also including reports the other survivors."

Datri agrees, "And right now, the blame points to both parties. So, for now, we will keep the peace until more reports reveal the truth."

Johnson becomes highly annoyed and full of rage by what he just hears. The same story told to the officials on the ship was completely changed. Did they do it for political reasons, or did they just toss the story and call everyone crazy?

A. Paragon Interrupt: You need to hear me.

B. Neutral Interrupt: This is not right.

C. Renegade Interrupt: Shut up.

Johnson interrupts, "The story the officials told you are lies. It is the kett, and they are back."

Mayon turns to Johnson, "You can keep your mouth shut about the kett being back, boy. The reports here are enough to place blame on the Syndicate."

Jacob looks to Mayon, "You watch your own tongue, Mayon. The same reports you hold are also showing the Nexus is to blame."

Urkin chuckles and stands ready to declare war, and Bynisa didn't mind seeing the asari bodyguards leap into battle. Before any more words come from them, Clark calls to everyone.

Clark says, "If the reports are speaking of raiders being support by both sides, then it is safe to say that everyone needs to separate from Ditivios and leave the discussion for later. I believe that is the best plan for us all."

Bynisa and her close councilors leave the chamber; Jacob and his warlord buddies walk out as well. The situation leaves Johnson confused and wondering why the original reports were replaced. Chris, Laura, Clark, and Johnson exit the room to talk privately; they see both sides of the superpowers leave for their ships. The matter on who did what is both interesting and critical.

Clark says, "I am truly sorry for how they did things. Most of the meetings never go smoothly and end too soon."

A. Paragon Choice: They are foolish.

B. Neutral Choice: What are they thinking?

C. Renegade Choice: To hell with them.

Johnson says, "They are all fools. I can't believe none of our stories got through to them. And the reports were changed."

Chris angrily replies, "I was hoping it would not go like that. I guess I made a terrible choice too."

Laura sighs heavily, "Don't feel bad about it. We knew coming here and getting them in a room was going to be hard."

Clark says, "Don't any of you feel bad. I'll go and speak to both parties separately before they leave. Right now, the best thing you can do is enjoy your time here and take in the sights."

After Clark leaves, they go to the medical and leisure zone. They find it nearly empty and only one person is left at the bar. It is Jim Godspell, and he invites them over for a drink. Chris and Laura order a drink.

Jim asks, "So, how did it go with the leaders of the Syndicate and Nexus? Are they on our side yet?"

Chris and Laura don't speak a word, but the mumbling gives Jim a hint.

A. Paragon Choice: It was horrible.

B. Neutral Choice: They argue like kids.

C. Renegade Choice: All of them are stupid.

Johnson answers, "I told them the truth, but they went by their own reports from their investigators. They claim the kett didn't attack TOS-51."

Jim's eyes widen with rage as he says, "Are you shitting me?! After losing so many people and watching them die, they didn't believe you. I need to go talk to them myself."

Jim nearly slams down his glass, but he maintains his composure. Johnson tells him it is ok despite how they treated them. As they all sit in silence, Johnson takes a moment to reflect on what will happen next. Would the Nexus and Syndicate continue to push for peace? Will they end up going to war again? The decision is hard to see.

After some time goes by, Johnson and the others take a moment to explore the city of Ditivios and see what it offers. Jim bids them farewell as they leave for the water shuttle transport. The topside is great and wonderful; however, they hear that things are quite spicy and fun in the underwater region. They find a shuttle bus that goes underwater and take it down. They look at the marvelous water and admire the fish swimming. The shuttle arrives at the port, and they step out to find quite a mess. There are shops selling drinks, food, and other lovely items that are fortunate to pass through security checkpoints; they walk through the underwater streets and see a few homeless people begging for credits. Chris and Laura keep their hands close to the pockets. Johnson surprises them as he tosses his last few credits to random people.

He gives a man ten for some food and thirty to a woman for clothes; in fact, he gives seventy to a little girl to pay the meager rent cost for her family. It didn't take long for others to approach Johnson with their hands out, but a set of guns aim at them. Johnson looks at Laura and Chris aiming their weapons at people. They only lower their guns when Johnson tells them to do so. They walk through the area more and come across a small situation; they see a man being held up for the money he owes them.

One thug says, "You have been behind since last week. It is about time you pay us."

The man replies, "I was about to get your money, and here it is. This person and his friends have the credits you want."

As fast as he finishes his words, the man points at Johnson. The two thugs turn to him with steady hands.

The second thug asks, "So, you got our money? How about you pay us right now before you give you a nice cut?"

A. Paragon Choice: We can talk about it.

B. Neutral Choice: How much is it?

C. Renegade Choice: You don't want this.

Johnson relaxes his guard, "We can talk this out. Why does this man owe you money?"

The first thug lowers his hands, "This man has been paying for our service after a certain person sent his goons to trash his store. Now, he hasn't been paying us. To continue our business agreement, he needs to pay us before we provide him any more protection."

The second thug adds, "He owes us exactly two hundred credits for this month."

Chris steps forward and surprises the second thug by twisting his hand. Laura aims her gun at the first thug. Everyone watches and waits to see what is going to happen.

A. Paragon Interruption: Don't do it. (Save the thugs)

B. Neutral Interruption: Negotiate with them.

C. Renegade Interruption: Kill them. (Kill the thugs)

Johnson pleads to Chris, "You don't need to kill them. Let them go."

Chris says, "They deserve to die. All they are going to do is continue this until they get more money. I say kill them all and let God sort it out."

Laura softly squeezes the trigger but waits. Chris thinks about it and lets the thug go; the two men run off in fear. The frighten man gets up and thanks them constantly for driving off the bad men. He feels at peace. The commotion causes a small stir among the locals as Johnson starts remembering when other people in Prodromos gave him the title: Defender of the People. They finish exploring the lower parts of Ditivios before heading back up top. The journey is worth visiting until they are summoned to see Clark Armstrong. They return to his office and see him looking out at Ditivios. It fills his heart with happiness until he faces them.

Clark says, "I spoke with the leaders. For now, peace will continue, but they have assigned you all to go to Eos. They said that your report is the last thing needed to cause any more disharmony and unrest. I told them it is bullshit, and even now, I still see it as bullshit."

A. Paragon Choice: I should've seen it.

B. Neutral Choice: I'm glad for that.

C. Renegade Choice: They can go to hell.

Johnson says, "I figure they would go for peace, but they wish to keep this quiet as much as possible."

Chris throws his hands up, "Well, that is just great. They send us to a place for a new task than let us be rewarded for our efforts."

Laura folds her arms, "At least we will be away from the politics and political leaders. I'm ready to go now."

Clarks agrees, "Trust me, I don't like this either. And I believe you saw something on TOS-51 that is worth letting everyone be informed of. For now, keep your heads down and focus on what you can do."

Johnson and his team accept the new orders. In their own head, they see all leaders are wrong for what they are doing. Despite all the words spoken and reports given, there is nothing they can do. For now, they would go to Eos and hope for a new opportunity to come to them.

They come to the space port and gather up their supplies for the flight; the trip to Eos is a quiet one as the trio now sit among others, lost in thought. Not once did the leaders of the Syndicate and Nexus consider the words of Johnson to be the truth. Urkin and Mayon are on edge to fight with Angruo and Datri ready to lend support; however, Bynisa and Jacob may be persuaded to see reason if the evidence is there. For now, the time on Eos will help them relax away their frustration. After three hours of flying, the shuttle sets down at the landing zone in Prodromos. They step out to view how wonderful it is. Two hundred years ago, the place was small and dusty; this was nothing more than an outpost that was created thanks to the Path-Finder team. Now, it is a fully developed town expanding all around to the massive lake and the old kett facility. Laura takes in the beautiful sunshine and trees; Chris is happy to see a new landscape. Johnson looks at his home world and admires it. He softly whispers: "This never gets old to see."

Over three years ago, Johnson earned his title: Defender of the People. It happened on a typical day as raiders from the outlands assault Prodromos from within the city. At the time, Johnson was untrained with a handgun but learned quickly as he saved the lives of various people. Despite being in a stressful situation and from Advent, he did what no one else would do; he lost many friends and saw the raiders gun down people with no hesitation. Although his own family was safe and elsewhere from the commotion, Johnson knew at any moment he could die. After gunning down six raiders and assisting the local militia against them, the raiders left while recovery was underway. Johnson was looked upon by those that he saved as a defender. The news of his acts spread like fire all around Prodromos as he was uplifted as the local hero. His own family loved what he did and still couldn't believe he saved lives. For him to be back on his home planet, it is a welcome sight to see.

When they leave from the landing zone, they are met by Wagner of the Prodromos administration team. He welcomes them with open arms and listens to the grumbling they express. He didn't know much until he asks Johnson what happen.

A. Paragon Choice: The kett are back.

B. Neutral Choice: The leaders are foolish.

C. Renegade Choice: None of your business.

Johnson answers, "The kett are back, and the leaders of the two superpowers refuse to acknowledge that we need to work together. They set us here as punishment to keep the truth from getting out."

Wagner replies, "I didn't expect that answer from you. Across the HNS, the Nexus leadership is saying that the attack on TOS-51 was done by raiders from a random planet. The Syndicate is also claiming the same thing with their own news team."

Laura sighs and says, "Well, it looks like neither side cares to accept the truth. They tell the people of Heleus what they want to hear. This is a disgrace to every civilian of the Nexus and Apex teams."

Chris scoffs and adds, "You mean that both sides are masking the truth about what is really going on. I never thought the Syndicate would sink this low to protect their own reputation. I wonder how the Enforcers are handling this."

Wagner nods his head, "This may be the first time for them doing this, but it won't surprise me if they have other things covered up with plastic. Anyway, you three get in here and read over your tasks for today. I'm told by certain people to make sure you get the best detail work."

Johnson, Chris, and Laura go with Wagner to see what their assignment is, but there is some commotion going on not too far from them. They look over to see a group of turians standing around as one receives a scolding lecture on discipline and procedure. They all stop and take a moment to hear it.

He shouts, "Your reckless acts are more than enough to kick you from the APEX teams. Is that what you want, Covina?"

She replies, "But sir. I have reports and locations on where the raiders are attacking from. If you just give me more time Rulmis..."

Rulmis interrupts, "I don't care about the damn raiders unless they are attacking the supplies depos we are assigned to protect. You can toss your information into the nearest water hole. Now, report back to your station."

Covina turns from Rulmis and stomps off, annoyed at his words. She passes by Johnson and his team, ignoring them.

Wagner says, "Well, that is nothing new. Covina doesn't know when to slow down. But, anyway, let's get you started."

As they step inside the building, they see several angaran, asari, and salarian assistants handle paperwork and documents. From recent raider attacks to domestic problems, the office of Wagner is busy and slightly noisy. Wagner hands them an assignment, and Chris is already complaining about the details.

Chris says, "Oh, great. They are giving us some guard duty. And here I was hoping for action or hunting down some raiders."

Laura replies, "Don't whine about it. We may get hit even if we are guarding a simple outpost. Plus, this one does get a few raiders from what I am reading."

Johnson acknowledges the order, and Wagner directs them to the shop for equipment. They only have five thousand credits to spend on weapons and gear. The armor is only light gear with a few upgrades for their guns; however, Johnson was ready for any surprises. He did it once when the raiders attacked Prodromos. With only a handgun and no armor, Johnson was able to gun down six raiders and move people to safety before reinforcements came to provide aid. Once they have what they need, the trio jumps aboard a shuttle car that takes them out to the Presson Dunes. The outpost they are sent to is guarded by the Nexus security and Advent guards. After the mining setup was complete, the Sovereign nation Advent agreed to trade with Nexus after Path Finder Ryder used the mining tool to dig for natural gas; in fact, Advent was allowed to stay on Eos long after the planet became fully safe to live. They arrive at the outpost and find the people full of energy to trade water and food. There are guards from Advent and Apex standing around watching for trouble.

Laura says, "This place is quite busy today. I am glad they stopped drilling for gas years ago once they had enough water to support the people."

Chris laughs, "I find it funny that that the Path Finder did go for the gas and nearly messed up the environment than take the water."

A. Paragon Choice: It was the right call.

B. Neutral Choice: It was nothing really.

C. Renegade Choice: Who cares about the gas.

Johnson says, "The Path Finder team wanted to make a difference. Instead of making things hard, they went for gas so Advent Nation could support itself."

After Johnson and his team get set up, there is a sudden surprise on the way. The alarms go off and many security agents scramble for cover. The innocent traders and civilians take shelter inside the outpost as the drop ships stop outside of range of gunfire. It didn't take long before the raiders start attacking; the raiders outnumber the outpost twenty to five; however, they didn't expect Chris, Laura, and Johnson to tip the scale of success. After they stop the first group, a second drop ship flies by with more raiders. They are easily defeated, but there would be more coming. They step inside the outpost, and Chris has an idea.

Chris suggests, "The raiders have to be nearby or have a small base. We need to go there and eliminate them all to stop these attacks."

Laura interrupts, "As much as I agree with you, we have our orders. We can't abandon them to go chasing down raiders."

Chris turns to her, "I thought you were all about protecting innocent people. Isn't that what APEX does for the Nexus?"

She squeezes her fists, "And what of the Enforcers? I do believe you had the same policy that the Syndicate uses."

A. Paragon Choice: We have duty to Eos.

B. Neutral Choice: The Nexus has the best way.

C. Renegade Choice: The Syndicate has it right.

Johnson replies, "Our duty is to protect this outpost from raider attacks. Right now, we have a chance to end their assaults if we know where to strike."

As the trio continue their conversation, a quarian tech operative approaches them. He is nervous and anxious to show them something.

He says, "Hello, I couldn't help but hear your conversation. My name is Zor'Kin Vas Neela, and I can help you."

They come with him to the observation map. He shows three possible locations of where the raiders may be at. The data is accurate, given how each assault was back-to-back. One location is on the Black Rock Tande and a second location shows in the Outland Spire. The last location is over by an old kett facility that Drack met the Path Finder at. With the locations confirmed, the only choice left is do they inform Wagner.