The Spirit Star Crew of Heleus

Johnson looks at the advanced consoles in the front of the ship; he scans the computers and watches the outside view of the ship. It is a pilot's dream come true to fly an amazing ship combined with technology from the Milky Way and Remnant. After he walks from the front, Johnson looks at the sides of the ship. The doorway he sees leads outside, but the next few rows of consoles keep monitoring the communication track from all over Heleus. One console has HNS updates and news feeds from the HQ; the next console has reports coming from Nexus Apex teams around the cluster about their recent attacks from raiders. The third console has status reports about Enforcer squads making assault on outlaw zones. The view of it is all exhilarating and astonishing.

He comes to Chris and sees him issuing out orders. Despite the fact he is a member of the Syndicate, Johnson sees him working effectively with others. He isn't too hard on them, nor did he boss any of them around. Chris makes sure every task isn't too hard to follow. Once they are handled, Chris turns to Johnson.

Chris says, "I'm glad to be working with people but being their boss isn't what I had in mind. I didn't even deserve this."

A. Paragon Option: You are doing fine.

B. Neutral Option: It is fine.

C. Renegade Option: You are horrible.

Johnson replies, "You are doing what any person would do. I wasn't required to be the next person in charge of dangerous mission. Now, here I am leading us into Heleus to find the kett."

Chris smirks, "Yeah, you are right about that, but it is clear. Valisia made the right choice when it came to picking you. So, let me know if you need anything. Right now, I am still looking over reports from the Syndicate and the Enforcer."

Johnson asks, "Tell me more about yourself? What else was your life like?"

Chris answers, "There isn't much to tell. I was supposed to be a guard that breaks in the newcomers for the Syndicate. Other than that, my life before this organization was not a gentle one. I had it rough growing up on the streets of Eos before I was recruited. The sad part is that I was sold by my parents. Wait, let me rephrase that. I was given to the Syndicate to ensure their debt was paid off. In exchange for the payment, I was recruited by the Syndicate and trained with the Enforcers. Now, here I am going across the cluster with you to kill the kett. And I am here representing my leadership. This is a lot for me to take in."

Johnson asks, "What kind of debt your parents had for them to give you away?"

Chris replies, "It doesn't matter, Johnson. All I need to know is that their debt is clear, and I get to be trained with the best. The Nexus and Apex may oversee things, but if we get through this, I can see you making changes that will improve our standing with them."

A. Paragon Choice: We are trying to do right.

B. Neutral Choice: We will talk about it later.

C. Renegade Choice: We will ensure the Syndicate wins.

Johnson firmly says, "I am not here to let the Syndicate have their way. Once we stop the kett, there will be changes for both sides of leadership. Keep that in mind any time you want to try and advance the agenda of your leaders."

Chris laughs proudly, "I see it is safe to say you are here for an alliance, regardless of what happens. Anyway, I'll let you go and get back to it."

Johnson leaves Chris, but there are more questions in his mind. Is Chris here to help, or does he really have another plan for the Syndicate to be in charge? In any case, Johnson would remind him every time that they are here to do for everyone, not just one side of the conflict. Johnson walks around the next set of consoles that surround the Heleus cluster holographic map. He takes a moment to study it as it shows every planet that can be visit; there are a few sectors of the cluster people made a home on, but it is impossible to say if they are there now. Johnson watches everyone work diligently and keep track of any communication passing through. He takes a walk down the stairs by the rear of the ship and enters the second deck.

She slams the person hard on the floor, but the fight isn't over. Laura flexes her arms and urges the person to come at her. The man rushes at her only to be tripped by her leg and held down in a tight submission arm lock. Johnson watches and nearly wants to clap at her amazing display of skill, but this moment is serious for them. He leans against the wall and looks on at what comes next. Laura releases the man and picks him up.

Laura says, "I understand you believe muscles are good to have against any opponent; however, none of it won't save you if you don't have any skill. Keep practicing and working on hand-to-hand combat. I'm taking a break."

With a bottle of water given to her, Laura walks away and joins Johnson by the wall.

A. Paragon Option: We got this.

B. Neutral Option: Training will help.

C. Renegade Option: They better be ready.

Johnson says, "We can do this; it may be a challenge, but we are going to be ready."

Laura sighs a little, "I hope we are ready too. The Syndicate and Nexus leadership is a handful enough; the kett are a completely different problem that just makes things harder. Ugh, I'm now glad Atrois did make you in charge than me. I barely know where to start at."

Johnson asks, "What was your life like before you were recruited by the Apex? What else did you do?"

Laura answers, "I was a desk clerk on Merdian for a few years. Later, I got bored and started talking to Apex members. After that, I applied for their positions like anyone else. I was good with weapons and went from there. As for the desk clerk job, I got sick of seeing reports on people losing their pets, property evictions, or even rightful claims. The sad part to this day is no one doesn't understand why the leaders did what they did two-hundred years ago. My family was the only few that managed to stay on Merdian because of who they were. You ever heard of the Lockwood family? If you haven't visit Merdian one day and you will find out why I wanted to fight."

Johnson says, "What does the Lockwood family line have to do with Merdian?"

She replies, "My family and the generations before me were always on Merdian since the leaders of old moved the Nexus Ark. Because of that move, each member made sure to either fight for Apex or stay in office to keep the family made known. I'll tell you more later after I make sure these grunts are properly trained."

As he tries to leave, Laura whispers to him, "I still hope you are ready to make the Nexus leaders will be the best choice for Heleus."

A. Paragon Option: An Alliance is better.

B. Neutral Option: They are ok.

C. Renegade Option: The Nexus will do what's best.

Johnson replies, "I understand you want the Nexus to be the leading force, but an alliance is better than this being one side. I didn't come this far to let those in charge decide how the future for us should go. But we can talk about it later."

Laura studies him for a while and says, "I can see you are dead set on the idea of there being an alliance between the Nexus and Syndicate. If things continue, I may have to nominate you for the next leader of Heleus or Andromeda."

They go their separate ways as Johnson looks around the second deck more. There is a kitchen for cooking, lockers are further to the rear for storing weapons, and behind his back pass the stairs are the crew quarters for everyone to rest up at. The ship is slightly larger than the Normandy and Tempest; however, Jacob and Bynisa both agreed at the time that more is better. Johnson goes to the back of the crew quarters to see the other members talking and working together. The strategize over plans, which weapons to use, and explosive to be provided. It fills him with pride and encourages his own thoughts to be the leader he needs to be with them. He was a hero to the people on Eos when it came to the raiders; now it is time to do something incredible for everyone in Heleus.

He goes down to the next level and sees many people looking at the commotion by the ramp of the ship. Someone yells for a punch to be thrown; a second wants them to keep going for as long as possible. Johnson moves through the group and sees a dangerous problem. Groax and Covina stand on opposite sides ready to throw a fist.

Groax shouts, "You sorry ass pyjak! I've seen varrens and fiends with large quads than what you can do! Your ancestors would be disappointed in you!"

Covina yells, "I'm glad my ancestors gave your people the problems you got now. The geophage was never a mistake!"

A. Paragon Interrupt: Stop it, both of you.

B. Neutral Interrupt: Only one of you stays.

C. Renegade Interrupt: (Watch them fight)

Johnson steps forward with his hands out, "Enough! Both of you! You're on my team and need to calm down! That is an order!"

Groax says, "This weak turian whore isn't worthy to be here. She can't even hit me hard enough."

Covina replies, "This krogan prick doesn't need to be on your team. I rather we leave him with the Apex."

A. Paragon Choice: We need to work together.

B. Neutral Choice: Only Covina stays. (Groax leaves later)

C. Renegade Choice: Groax belongs here. (Covina leaves later)

Johnson looks at both and answers, "I need all the help I can get to stop these kett. It is going to be a long time of us working together. So, you two need to deal with it."

Groax smirks at her while Covina scoffs at the brute; they walk to different sides of the ramp area, ignoring each other. The group of people return to their duties, but they still were hoping for the fight to continue. Johnson goes to Groax; the strong brute stretches his neck, hands, and arm muscles. He didn't mind the short brawl with Covina.

He says, "Ha ha ha. That turian did give me two good hits to the head, but someone should remind her that punches to a krogan head doesn't mean nothing to us. I'm glad she got her tension off her back, but her skills are lacking.

Johnson asks, "Tell me about yourself? What krogan clan are you from?"

Groax answers, "I'm like any other krogan you probably encountered. Before I came here, I was on New Tuchanka for a time helping my clan. The Thax clan is the business type for the krogan, but I wanted more out of life than what I was doing. My people love to get credits just as much as any greedy person does, but we still must go through the krogan ritual like all the others. Once I done with it, I went and did some mercenary work. I didn't mind doing it since I knew money was always going to be at home. But that's enough talking for now. I got my weapon to load up for the next planet we drop on."

Johnson leaves him to it, but Groax shouts, "Maybe you should talk to the female turian and get her sorted out. I don't want to keep looking over my shoulder at her."

A. Paragon Option: You can trust her.

B. Neutral Option: Follow your orders.

C. Renegade Option: Do what I tell you.

Johnson turns to Groax, "If I can trust you to watch my back against the kett, then you can trust her as well. Be her ally than her enemy."

Groax nods his head, and Johnson leaves to speak with Covina.

She leans against the counter and examines her own weapon carefully; Johnson walks in and watches her switch out a clip of bullets for a new pack. Covina sees him but pays Johnson no mind.

Johnson asks, "Are you ok? Things seem tense with you and Groax."

Covina turns around and comes to Johnson, looking down at him due to height, "Why did you bring him on this ship? He is a mercenary and should not be here."

A. Paragon Answer: We need help.

B. Neutral Answer: I asked him.

C. Renegade Answer: It is my right.

Johnson answers, "If I am going to fight the kett, then I will need all the help I can get. This mission is dangerous, and it will take all of us to complete it."

Covina looks at him and sighs, realizing the situation. Despite not liking the krogan, she does know the enemy is in Heleus with new surprises for them.

She says, "I'll work with you, but I don't trust him to do the job right. What if we need backup, you think he will provide it because you say so? I'm sorry… I didn't mean to sound harsh, but it is just… I lost my status as an Apex member. Now, here I am with you, taking your orders, and going on a mission that can end with us getting killed. I need time to accept this."

Johnson asks, "Tell me about yourself? What did you do before joining Apex?"

Covina replies, "I was just in boot camp for the Apex team and anxious to prove myself when I joined up. I was going to a captain of Apex, but since I was too hot headed, the journey proved impossible to do as I was told by others. Before that, I was like any turian; I was anxious to earn what is mine and be the best. After hearing so many Apex stories from other squads, I knew where I wanted to be at in the next ten years. Now, because of my recklessness on Eos, that door is closed to me. I'm not in the mood to chat much, so can we talk later after we get to the next planet. I want to fight the kett."

Johnson agrees to talk later, but Covina reminds him to not trust Groax.

She says, "I got your back but don't expect me to trust Groax so easily."

A. Paragon Interrupt: You can trust him.

B. Neutral Interrupt: Believe in the mission.

C. Renegade Interrupt: Do as you are told.

Johnson replies, "If I can let a krogan mercenary follow me into hell, then I need you to do the same even if things look bad."

Covina keeps what he said in mind as Johnson leaves for the last part of the ship. Johnson walks by the armored vehicle they will use for hard drops on the surface. In the far back of the ship, the core is stable and humming. Two engineers, two technicians, and two repair agents monitor the massive object as Zor'Kin Vas Neela guides them over what needs to be carefully watched if they over abuse the core. The attention to detail is perfect as Johnson comes over to hear the chat.

Zor'Kin says, "This part of the core was always going to be at a risk since it was exposed; however, thanks to the heavy reinforcement and shield generator plates being added, nothing won't get through here now. The next part to remember is always vent the core after we do a serious jump from one side of Heleus to another. Every time we do this the core will replenish its fuel because we added the remnant device to it."

A. Paragon Option: This sounds fun.

B. Neutral Option: Too much to handle.

C. Renegade Option: Enough of the science shit.

Johnson says, "The science of this ship sounds impressive and interesting. I wonder how long it took to build this."

Zor'Kin replies, "The construction of the Spirit Star was done three years ago. Since many other species didn't understand the remnant like quarians did, they asked for our assistance and the angaran were more than eager to help us. We created many blueprints from how big it was going to be to how little it should be. The setup of the front was a serious topic for us; we argued over if it should resemble the old Normandy SR-1 or the Tempest. In the end, we made it fat around the front. After that, the middle was going to be heavy no matter what. Jacob told us that having more people is needed for fast deployments, and Bynisa convinced him that having the spaceship too heavy would make it into a heavy frigate ship. Oh, and not to mention, the fire power had to be decided on which is effective. My team leader said more guns is better than having stopping power; the angaran leader proposed that stopping power is a must than having a bunch of guns. It took us forever to…oh, did I say something wrong?"

A. Paragon Choice: You said a mouthful.

B. Neutral Choice: Too much to learn.

C. Renegade Choice: Too much God damn information.

Johnson laughs and answers, "You said a lot about the ship than yourself. I want to know more about you than the Spirit Star."

Zor'Kin answers, "Ah, I can easily tell you about that. I was one of many quarians to step out on their own to begin my pilgrimage across Heleus. It was scary at the time, but the day our ark landed on the new home world, we were overjoyed to see anything new. The best part of our new home world, the gravity is light. Ever since we came to Dovar, we have been able to live comfortable without out suits if we stay on the planet. We call the world Dovarannoch since we had plenty of time to claim it for our own. But I won't say much about Dovarannoch to you. You may our history boring."

Johnson asks, "Tell me about your world? Dovarannoch sounds like a good name the quarians picked."

Zor'Kin replies, "The name Dovarannoch came from our home world Rannoch. We chose the name to honor those that we left behind and kept many old names to remember the people we love. Since we got here, there are too many things that remind us of the Milky Way. Even now, the Syndicate and Nexus are two superpowers that resemble the Citadel Council back home. This is why we made sure to not associate with either side; however, it is kind of funny how both leaderships come to us with pieces of remnant and other technology to repair or make new. I can tell you more later when we have time. Right now, we need to find the next planet the kett are on."

They end their wonderful conversation, and Johnson heads up top to check in with Jim. The only other people missing from his crew are Peter and Claire. It is understandable that they didn't come with him since the TOS-51 incident. Not many can deal with any more traveling after witnessing the death of an entire ship. Johnson's view of the Spirit Star keeps him starstruck; the amount of credits and time spent to make this ship must have cost more than just a to rebuild half of the Nexus headquarters. Jim looks over the monitor of where they can go until Johnson calls to him.

Jim says, "I am still checking things over here, but we can fly out to any location you have in mind."

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

Jim replies, "Oh, that is easy. I was supposed to be the one flying the Harmony ship with the other operators, but they bust me down to shuttle pilot. I guess no one likes it when you talk too much, or as they called me: The Mouthful Pilot. I'm originally from Kadara, but like anyone else, my family and I wanted to live better. So, we went from being a small obvious bunch to the best. My dad owns several farms while my mom runs a small store. My brother and sister went out to be their own businesspeople, but I took up flying. I was glad the angaran let fly their small shuttles before I got the chance to fly something large. And that is how I was recruited for the TOS-51 operation."

Johnson nearly laughs, but he says, "I got what you said, but why did they call you the Mouthful Pilot?"

Jim sighs a little, "They call me the Mouthful Pilot because I could run the entire Harmony ship by myself. I went from looking at the status of any ship to the condition it is in and checked out the armor plating. Even before coming to TOS-51, I was running circles around people when it came to shuttles and anything else that flies. So, you see where I got the name. Many people loved me for my ability to quickly detect problems on any ship, but I speak too fast for them to keep up. I can tell you more later after we set a course to the next destination."

The people on the Spirit Star keep to their station and wait for the first task to start. Johnson comes to the head of the ship, looking over the Heleus map. Thanks to Zor'Kin adding the kett map, the first destination brings to them a barren world.