Investigate & Discovery In Solminae
The new location from the kett map has the Spirit Star crew going to the Solminae system. It is unusual to find the kett here if any are present, but the place has the team landing on the planet Avelosa. After two hundred years have went by, the radiation emissions have completely been erased and several outposts were made on here. Though the surface does remind people of a moon landscape, Avelosa has proven itself ready for any visitors or long-term residents. The Spirit Star lands at the port but everything is too quiet; there is no one present. Johnson leaves for the airlock with more soldiers to watch the ship from outside. At his side, Chris and Laura join him on the dangerous task.
It is quiet outside; the space port is silent with no one around. Chris orders some of the soldiers to take up positions and cover behind various spots. Laura starts scanning the place with her eyes. This is not good. They see the place has plenty of bullet holes and burnt areas. Johnson walks a little further before stopping in his tracks as gunfire strikes the ground. Everyone looks ahead to see several people come forward with weapons. The new faces stop at a minimum distance between them and Johnson's force. A man comes forward and introduces himself.
He says, "I am Duke Paul. You sit at the port of Avelosa and stand on holy ground. State your business and keep your hands visible."
A. Paragon Choice: We are here peacefully. (Keep your hands visible)
B. Neutral Choice: We will talk with our guns. (Guns aimed at the people)
C. Renegade Choice: We don't talk to dead people. (Shoot the others)
Johnson says, "I'll keep my weapons on me and come forward. Everyone else will stay where they are, but they won't lower their weapons."
Duke Paul watches Johnson come to him with his gun away. Paul does the same as both men stand in front of each other. Laura is ready to squeeze the trigger while Chris stands eager to fight the others. Everyone waits as the two speak together.
Duke Paul asks, "Why are you here? I hope you realize that neither superpower has any authority here on Avelosa."
A. Paragon Option: Tell the truth.
B. Neutral Option: Create a story.
C. Renegade Option: Classified Information.
Johnson answers, "I have been given the authority by the Syndicate and Nexus to search the cluster for kett sightings. They came back after two hundred years of being away from the cluster."
Duke Paul raises his eyebrow, "So, you trespass here because of the kett visiting our holy world? I have sources from above that tell me you are false. You speak words of fear to cause everyone panic than truth."
Before another word is spoken, one of Duke Paul's associates comes to his side with words. The whispering forces Duke Paul to change his tone as he speaks softly to Johnson.
He says, "You may walk among us here but keep to your word on Avelosa. Any false claims will results in punishment. Do you understand, Sir Johnson?"
A. Paragon Choice: I will keep the peace.
B. Neutral Choice: I'm here for business.
C. Renegade Choice: You had better watch yourself.
Johnson replies, "I will not interfere with your people and stay to myself. My soldiers will be at the ship while two others come with me."
Duke Paul nods his head and leaves them. Chris and Laura come forward with questions to ask about what was said. Johnson assures them that all is well minus the complaining.
Laura says, "I hope this place isn't one of those cults. It sounds like the man fancies himself a person of great powers."
Chris scoffs, "Men like him can die like anyone else. All we can do is put a bullet in him."
Johnson and his team walk through the first part of Avelosa. The city is not too large, but the people live comfortably in the cottages. All around them are signs of peace, hope, and freedom are visible; they didn't know what kind of place this is, but clearly, the view of it said enough. They see people praising Duke Paul too much. They walk by the people to hear them whisper the words of Duke Paul keeping them safe and damning Johnson. Suddenly, a surprise from the kett forces the people to run for cover and hide in their home. Chris, Laura, and Johnson take cover behind the wall as they fire at the kett. Though there are no kett organus or ascendants among them, the kett prove themselves worthy to fight. The damage is done, and everyone looks on the team as heroes. Johnson would've accepted the praise, but it leaves him uneasy. Duke Paul comes to them with open arms and smiles.
Duke Paul says, "Here they are. As I had foreseen, the kett came and didn't win. Thanks to our protectors, we have shall remain holy and untouched."
Chris admires the women worshipers while Laura keeps her guard up; Duke Paul shakes hands with Johnson as he invites them to dine with them inside his large home. They accompany him to the colorful home of his where fine water and food is offered. Laura and Chris stuff their faces as Duke Paul and Johnson speak together in a private opening. They stand on top of the building and look at the people going about their day with the dunes in the distance. There are other places far in the landscape surrounded by sand that catch Johnson's eye.
A. Paragon Choice: Tell me about the other places.
B. Neutral Choice: What is really going on?
C. Renegade Choice: Cut the bullshit formalities.
Johnson asks, "What are those other settlements in the distance?"
Duke Paul looks on firmly, "As you know, this is main settlement of Avelosa. In the dune sea far away, there are two major settlements that exist if they haven't been broken down into small clans. We stay away from them since their lack of faith in me has caused them to be weak. Now, I tell my people that this is the way. And now, the kett have made things worse. You must save us from this threat. I will grant you access outside the walls and you may use our version of the nomad to get to the other places."
Johnson and Duke Paul talk a little longer before he leaves; the kett are up to something on Avelosa, but the people of Duke Paul seem a bit too eager and fanatical to support him. After they leave from the main home, Johnson and his team go to the main entrance of the settlement. Upon exiting, they turn to the right and see the ugly feature of a nomad. There are holes on the nomad and two-gun turrets on top. The appearance of the vehicle may be rough and barely covered, but it is still functioning. Johnson and his team climb aboard and drive out to the other settlements.
The drive is long and hard with the sand blowing by them. It is still a surprise to know that this horrible version of the nomad can move. Suddenly, an explosion goes off in front of the nomad. Laura slams on the brakes, and kett warriors come out. Johnson and Chris leap out of the nomad to engage the enemy as they rise out of the sand. Like small worms of old Tuchanka and remnant wyrm of Elaanden, the kett rise from the sand and open fire at them. Laura operates the turrets as best she can with her comrades battling on the sands of Avelosa. The chosen and anointed kett battle as hard as they can against the trio until one of the turrets goes out. The fight looks worse as two kett organus and ascendant join the fight; however, luck is on their side. From the distance landscape, a new group of warriors join them in the fight.
A wave of bullets slam into the kett and take down any more in the area. Johnson, Chris, and Laura stand together as a new group joins them by the nomad. A single person gives them orders as they help.
He says, "I need that nomad operational for travel and make sure the gun turrets are ready for anything. The rest of you get going and return to the settlement. We need all hands-on deck if the kett come to our home."
A. Paragon Option: Who are you?
B. Neutral Option: What is going on?
C. Renegade Option: I hope you can fight.
Johnson asks, "I know that time is short, but tell me your name?"
The man replies, "My name is Abel. We didn't expect anyone to travel out here, but we can use your help. Come with us to the settlement and load up. The kett may assault us."
Seeing they have little to no options, everyone hurries to the settlement. After an hour of travel, they arrive just in time to find kett warriors and kett commanders coming with their squads. It is slightly disorganized, but Abel makes sure the people hold to their courage and remain firm against the waves. Abel continues to see a few running from the enemy.
A. Paragon Interruption: Stand and Fight.
B. Neutral Interruption: Take cover and hide.
C. Renegade Interruption: Run for your life.
Johnson takes aim and puts down kett warrior, "Do not run from the enemy! Fight and drive them back! We are stronger than they are!"
Abel sees Johnson encouraging others to hold as he stands at the front. He shoots and guns down kett fighters, defying the odds against him. Laura and Chris join him as the trio stand in the open blasting down kett by the many; they fire their weapons and throw grenades to keep the kett off balance. Abel and others watch them face off with no fear of dying. As they continue to fire, everything blacks out for Johnson.
He remembers coming to the handgun on the ground, next to the dead raider. Once he picked it up, the first person coming to him was another raider with a knife. Johnson didn't hesitate to shoot the person despite the raider being a woman. With all the screams around his head, he didn't think of anything else and rushed to the next section. He sees them, holding down two people and bashing their faces with the guns. No mercy and no time to wait; Johnson fires the handgun and puts a bullet through their head. The memory is still there, but the courage is stronger. He has nothing but determination to stop the bad guys. As Chris and Laura take cover to reload, the kett number wither away as Johnson moves in at the last few. With quick hands, he switches from the assault rifle to handgun. The roar of his voice is powerful and loud as the last kett die.
The cheering of the survivors calms him down as he comes back to his friends; everyone is safe with a handful of dead people. Abel issues orders for the ammo and weapons to be taken from the dead kett. It is a moment to celebrate, but business must be taken care of.
Abel comes to them and says, "That was the most insane feat I have ever seen anyone do. I didn't believe or think anybody was that crazy. You are highly fortunate to be alive."
A. Paragon Option: I did what was right.
B. Neutral Option: I wanted to stop them.
C. Renegade Option: I don't fear dying.
Johnson says, "I did the right thing by standing my ground, even if I can die. Next time, I'll be better. But tell us more about this settlement, please."
Laura walks over to the others, "I'll check the wounded out and help them bolster the defense."
Chris adds, "I'm going to go check the system around here and make sure they have turrets working."
Abel smiles at what he hears and replies, "This settlement, like others, was made after we left from Duke Paul and his crazy thinking. He believes that the light from above shall grant him wisdom and the power to keep us safe. I think he is just crazy and can't be a leader anymore."
They walk over to the handmade command center as Abel provides more details of the place.
He continues, "Since we left from Duke Paul's settlement, we have been surviving out here by the supplies we still manage to get from other traders and the occasional visitors from various planets. I can assure you that the kett does attack us, but we make sure they don't leave this place alive. Our major concern has been Duke since he has a well-fortified place that can be used to provide us all protection, but he is on something that has him, believing that he is chosen to save us."
A. Paragon Choice: I came from there.
B. Neutral Choice: I met with him.
C. Renegade Choice: I talked with the nut job.
Johnson says, "I came from his settlement. He does have a lot of room, but many places are empty. And he let us use this nomad to travel. You both should talk."
Abel scoffs at the idea, "I tried to talk to him. All he does is proclaim I am the bad person that brough the kett here. Now, because his settlement has some people devoted to him, everyone else is a threat and kett bringer. Anyway, that is enough about him. Why are you here?"
Johnson tells him of the events from TOS-51 to the current mission of the kett sightings. Abel is glad to know that the Nexus and Syndicate leaders did give him a ship to do what he must do to stop them. Chris and Laura come to them, informing everyone that the place is secure; they discuss how the next wave will be dealt with, but Abel gives them a new idea.
He says, "Right now, the kett has been coming from here a lot. We don't know why. It is like something is guiding them to us because we have not seen any go to Duke Paul's settlement. Everywhere else they have come to seem to be their target. If you can destroy the kett camps around the area, things will be easier to live out here."
They lock and load their guns; the people fix on the nomad as best as they can. It takes them two hours to get it working again, but the efforts pay off. The nomad is slightly better. Johnson and his team drive off into the distance lands to search for more kett camps. They manage to locate one camp stocking up on equipment and setting up turrets. With their spirit high on morale, they easily eliminate the camp and move on to the next one. The team manages to eliminate and destroy several camps before coming back to the settlement of Abel. Every successful assault on the kett gives them hope, and they are praised as heroes.
Abel welcomes them with a proud smile, "Those kett camps are gone. We can all breathe easily, but there is something else going on. I hope you are willing to provide additional help for the problem to be solved."
A. Paragon Choice: What do you need?
B. Neutral Choice: How are things?
C. Renegade Choice: Swallow or spit?
Johnson asks, "What do you need help with? Is it the kett again?"
Abel replies, "This new issue comes from the same settlement where Duke Paul is at. Several of the people have come from the place with bad news, but they are asking for us to help. I rather we don't get involved with anything from that horrid place, but the people insist we help them."
Laura says, "Let me and Johnson talk to them. If we can, the Nexus will offer them and others safety when this place comes under Apex support.
Chris interrupts, "Oh no, Johnson and I will talk with these people. Only the Syndicate and Enforcers have what they want.
A. Paragon Option: We all speak with them.
B. Neutral Option: Laura and Johnson go.
C. Renegade Option: Chris and Johnson go.
Johnson answers, "We all will speak with these people and hear of the problem they have going on. After that, they can decide if they want the Nexus or Syndicate to send their troops here."
Abel adds, "And in return, they can be lead in the path they wish to pick."
Johnson, Chris, and Laura go into a small building not too far from the HQ. Abel orders the guards to step out as they come to four people; the four are nervous and speak among each other. Three of them sit in the corner and one stands before Johnson.
He says, "My name is Brian. I speak for the others to keep them and their family safe."
Laura and Chris introduce themselves as Johnson folds his arms, listening closely to Brian.
Brian explains to them, "Ever since you left from our place of safety, something feels off about it. Duke Paul and his private group have sealed themselves away from the others inside his home. There are only a few of us wandering the settlement while it seems the majority are elsewhere. We believe the kett have them, but there is nothing to prove it. We need you to help us find out what else is going on."
A. Paragon Choice: What else can you tell us?
B. Neutral Choice: When did this happen?
C. Renegade Choice: Why didn't' you talk sooner?
Johnson asks, "What more can you provide us?"
Brian replies, "The main home of Duke Paul has guards outside of it; they won't let anyone inside."
Laura rubs her chin, "It sounds like Mr. Paul knows something that he won't tell others. I say we pay him a visit and drag him out in the opening."
Chris smirks, "I suggest we just kill the people there and sort out the rest. There is no need for them to live if they are kett associates."
A. Paragon Option: We investigate carefully. (Raise suspicion)
B. Neutral Option: We find and confront Duke Paul. (Cause a riot)
C. Renegade Option: We kill them all. (Eliminate everyone)
Johnson answers, "We will investigate the people in Duke Paul's settlement and get people interested in what is going on. If all goes well, the people of this settlement and anywhere else will come to the place and provide aid."
Abel walks in and announces, "I hope you have an idea of what we should do. I am ready to help you guys out."
Laura informs Abel of their plan as Chris and Johnson get ready. The people from the settlement are provided with protection if they stay with them. As Chris and Laura climb aboard the nomad, a single person bumps into Johnson. She whispers some words to him that didn't make any sense, but the last words she mentions left him suspicious.
The mysterious lady whispers, "Trust not in power of those but in the eyes of your vision."
Johnson tries to question the woman, but she leaves as his friends call him. Johnson climbs aboard the shuttle and returns to the first settlement. Along the way, Johnson decides to break his silence.
A. Paragon Choice: We need to trust ourselves.
B. Neutral Choice: We can rely on Abel.
C. Renegade Choice: We will help Duke Paul.
Johnson says, "Duke Paul is up to something that everyone is blind to; Abel is being a good man. I see that there is something else going on, but I want your opinions."
Chris replies, "I see Duke Paul as an honest yet highly religious man devoted to his people. He didn't mind giving us an armed nomad for our mission. We can trust him for the resources he has."
Laura answers, "I say we rely on Abel and the settlements out there. They are holding strong against the kett with little to no ammo. They deserve our support."
The thoughts and words are understandable, but Johnson still recalls the strange woman's words. "Trust not in power of those but in the eyes of your vision" she told him. There must be a real good reason for it. The arrival at the large settlement sent the people into a panic but not what they expected. The people run to Johnson and his friends, begging for retribution to be delivered. One cries that a son is taken. A man yells his brother is stolen. The women whimper for the loss of their sisters. Each story tells of the horror being unleashed on them for no reason; the trio rush to the home of Duke Paul to find no one outside. Johnson takes point and slowly advances on the home until the kett wraith tackles Johnson to the ground.
A single bullet flies from Chris and smashes into the kett. They have no doubts that the kett are trying to make more warriors with their machine. Upon kicking the door open, there is several kett chosen and one kett organus standing by. Johnson and his friends gun them down; they search the area only to find one woman frighten in the corner. Laura comes to her and asks what happens.
She says, "They took them. They have Duke Paul and several others; they took them."
A. Paragon Choice: Where did they go?
B. Neutral Choice: What else do you know?
C. Renegade Choice: How come you are still here?
Johnson asks, "Do you know which way they went?"
The woman answers, "No, I don't know. All I kept hearing about is the summit in the dune sea far away. I don't know where that is."
They are left with a puzzle and hardly any clues. This is the time to question everyone about the summit. Johnson and his team walk out to find many people coming out to understand what is going on. The people come to the trio and question what is going on.
A. Paragon Choice: We need your help.
B. Neutral Choice: We need answers.
C. Renegade Choice: We need your obedience. (Fires gun)
Johnson says, "We need your help. The kett was here and took Duke Paul. You help us find out about the summit and we can save your friends."
Everyone provides what they can of the place known as the summit, but nothing tells them where the place is. After some time goes by and to their surprise, Abel shows up with his people. It didn't take them long to start thinking that this is awkward. Duke Paul is missing, and Abel shows up. The problems are looking more and more as the woman told him. Abel calls Johnson and his friends over to a table next to a house.
He says, "Look at this here. One of the locals had this hidden from Duke Paul. This data pad has the exact location on here for the summit location. You can take this road, but it will be longer for you to rescue any survivors out there. Now, if you take this path, the kett will be alerted to your presence but you should save a lot of people. It is your call."
A. Paragon Choice: Take the kett territory. (Save more lives)
B. Neutral Choice: Ask for other options.
C. Renegade Choice: Take the safe road. (Lose more lives)
Johnson examines the map closely, "We can deal with the kett and save more people before they end up changed. The kett roadblocks can tell whoever they want, but we will stop them."
The trio piles into the nomad and dashes out to the location; the open sand sea has a few rocks, trees, and small ponds all over the areas they drive by. The more Johnson thinks about the woman's words, the more things keep his mind on edge. Chris and Laura break the silence as they regale each other on the original mission that died on TOS-51.
Laura says, "I still can't believe the kett have been in the cluster hiding without any warnings or detections all this time. I wish the Nexus lent us more support than just send one ship; they are making a mistake and TOS-51 should've opened their eyes."
Chris agrees, "Hey, you don't have to make them the bad leaders alone. The Syndicate warlords have disappointed me too. They know they have more numbers and different styles of combat to help us against the kett. I was hoping they use their resources to give us an edge."
A. Paragon Option: We can expect help from them.
B. Neutral Option: We will get Nexus support.
C. Renegade Option: We can expect Syndicate aid.
Johnson boasts, "The dream from TOS-51 is still alive so long as we keep to it. The kett may shatter our morale, but they haven't broken our will. I promise you both that I will make sure that the enemy is completely gone even if it is the last thing I do."
Laura and Chris smile and give respect to Johnson for his determination; he seems invincible and driven to stop the kett by any means necessary. As they continue the drive to the summit, they stop a few times to deal with any kett patrols or encampments along the way. With each group eliminated, they continue to press on through the sand sea. Johnson feels rejuvenated each time; Chris and Laura are thrilled by their success. For every kett they put down, the cluster is safer and no one would be harmed by them.
They stop far away from the entrance of the summit. Johnson looks through the scope of the nomad and sees the kett escort their new victims inside. It is frustrating to see them haul away innocent people. Laura suggests they sneak in from the side if there are any other ways inside; however, Chris prefers the bold approach.
A. Paragon Suggestion: Wait and watch.
B. Neutral Suggestion: Sneak inside.
C. Renegade Suggestion: Knock on the door.
Johnson answers, "We wait for now and see what they will do. All we know is they took them inside."
Despite waiting, they look and see the kett anointed bring out two machines. They place them on the left and right side of the ground. Johnson and his team watch eagerly until they see the unthinkable. Out from the building of the summit, Duke Paul comes with his followers; they stand next to the kett and bow their heads. Duke Paul smiles and turns to a kett organus. The two shake hands as they bring out ten people, strapped onto a large board of metal. The innocent cry out for help, but no one moves to save them. At the nomad, Johnson grinds his teeth and tightens his fists. Before they move on the enemy, a second shock comes to them. Out from the side, Abel and his team come to shake hands with Duke Paul.
A. Paragon Interrupt: We attack them.
B. Neutral Interrupt: We watch them.
C. Renegade Interrupt: We do nothing.
Johnson shouts, "We don't wait anymore! Charge!"
Chris takes the wheel as the others get ready for combat. The foot presses hard on the pedal as the slightly armored nomad drives at the summit. The single kett chosen looks out into the open and hears gunfire from a turret; a group of stray bullets fly from the turret with missiles following close behind them. The kett chosen jumps from the tower after setting off the alarm. Other kett die from the bullets and missiles as the nomad comes charging at the first defensive line.
Johnson climbs out of the nomad first with his handgun ready. Laura climbs on top of the nomad, shooting at various kett fighters; she takes cover behind the turret as the enemy shoots in her direction. Chris operates the turrets and aims them carefully. Every missile causes an explosion and bullet cracks through the body, arm, leg, and face of every kett. With the turrets on auto fire, Chris and Laura join Johnson as they move on the kett. They move up their assault as they blast away kett of every kind. Not too far from them, Johnson sees way around behind the enemy. He orders Chris and Laura to keep the enemy distracted as he moves around them. The tactic works nicely as Johnson takes cover behind the barricade, opening fire at the kett. The chosen and destined are easily eliminated, but a kett ascendant appears before them with two kett organus. The ascendant is strong and uses its shield to fight against them. Laura takes down the kett organus warriors with ease, but Chris and Johnson struggle to handle the last kett. Chris nearly gets captured by the ascendant, but Johnson uses a grenade on it. The method works as the shield disappears, and they fire as many rounds as possible into the kett creature.
The ascendant tries to rise, but Laura finishes the creature off. The battle is over, but there is one more problem to deal with. All the ammo and missiles are depleted from the nomad. They advance inside the summit to see Duke Paul and Abel standing side by side as if they were never enemies. Chris tightens his hands, aiming at their head; Laura wants to fire, but she has questions for them. Johnson didn't waste any time waiting to press them for answers.
A. Paragon Choice: Why are you doing this?
B. Neutral Choice: What is all of this about?
C. Renegade Choice: How about I kill you both?
Johnson asks, "What the hell is this? When did you both start working with the kett?"
Duke Paul steps slightly back, "This is the beginning of a union like no other. We are doing this to survive the coming storm. Can you hear it? Do you see it? Will you understand it? The kett have been here for over two hundred years, perfecting the great warriors we shall become one day. I am their supplier. In return, they allow me to live. You just disturb two hundred of planning that will come."
Chris shouts, "You must be as stupid as you look! There is nothing about this that shows any kind of union. The kett are killing us and you allow them to make more in hopes of being spared? You need to die for this."
Abel comes forward with his arms open for an embrace, "You all don't see the future as we do and fighting is unless. The kett are going to be win this time, and it is best we join their cause than let ourselves be taken. Duke Paul and I know what is going to happen soon. You need to give up and surrender to the coming fire."
Laura yells, "You both are damn fools! The kett are going to kill us and you believe this is the best way to live."
A. Paragon Choice: You can stop this madness.
B. Neutral Choice: Why turn against your own?
C. Renegade Choice: You need to die. (Shoots Duke Paul & Abel)
Johnson expresses reason, "This has gone on for too long. You both need to stop this. Submit yourself to justice and save everyone else. There is still time."
Abel proudly beats his chest, "No! There is no tomorrow! The kett shall be here soon!"
Duke raises his arms up to the sky, "And we must be the light that guides others into paradise. Join us now or fall forever."
The moment leaves everyone confused. The few loyal followers stand with Duke Paul and Abel; the innocent prisoners look to Johnson and the others for help. It didn't take long for Johnson to decide what comes next.
A. Paragon Interrupt: Shoot the leg and arm. (Duke Paul and Abel live)
B. Neutral Interrupt: Kill one and arrest the other.
C. Renegade Interrupt: Leave them to their fate. (Abel and Duke Paul live)
Johnson fires a bullet at Abel, hitting his leg. He shoots again and hits Duke Paul in his arm. It is enough to slow them down as they deal with the loyal guards. To their surprise, the guards weren't so loyal as they stopped them from leaving and turned the guns at them. Duke Paul and Abel are left dumbstruck as they find themselves caught than fleeing the summit. A single guard comes to Johnson and asks what should happen to them.
A. Paragon Choice: Arrest them for justice.
B. Neutral Choice: Send them to Nexus.
C. Renegade Choice: Offer them to the Syndicate.
Johnson smirks a little, "See to it that they are arrested and destroy the kett machines around here. After that, all settlements must work together and ensure they are protected. No more kett on Avelosa ever again."
The command pleases everyone as they tie up Duke Paul and Able. The two corrupt leaders yelled in defiance as they hauled off to the other transport vehicles. Johnson and his team search the summit for any clues. They manage to find a similar device like the kett map they discovered on Eos. Everything in the summit is collected for weapons, ammo, tech, and research. The accomplishment fills them with pride and achievement; the kett has lost two areas. First, they lost their devices on Biloun and helped security maintain order. Now, the situation on Avelosa is secure for future developments with Abel and Duke Paul in custody. Johnson and his team return to the large settlement as the people look at them. The news of the arrest causes the people to be unsure and worried; they don't know what is going to come next. Before they can get far, the questions come to Chris, Laura, and Johnson.
One person asks, "What is going on?"
A second person says, "Duke Paul is arrested?"
A third person shouts, "Why is Abel's people here?"
A man begs, "Will the kett return here?'
A woman cries, "Who will lead us?"
The people surround them and say, "Who is our leader? What will happen? Why are you leaving us?"
A. Paragon Option: You all have to believe. (Further explanation)
B. Neutral Option: You should support the Nexus. (Nexus acquirement)
C. Renegade Option: You need the Syndicate. (Syndicate Recruitment)
Johnson calls to everyone and answers, "People of Avelosa, hear me now! Duke Paul and Abel were working with the kett. They took people from their homes and allowed the kett to change them into the enemy we fight today. The summit they used was a kett creation building; everyone there was being changed into a kett warrior, chosen, or anointed. The place is no longer occupied; we arrested Abel and Duke Paul for their involvement. They are no longer in charge, and you all want to know what comes next. I will tell you what is next. Everyone settlement all over Avelosa needs to join and secure themselves. No more shall you be divided by foolish words of mad men. You all must come together and believe that this world will be not only your home, but a fortress against any foe. Stand together, support each other, and make your words a rallying call to anyone left alive. Avelosa is strong! The kett will fall! No more victims!"
The words touch their heart and mind; the people do what they can to lend each other support as they scramble around the settlement. Johnson smiles as his friends come to him and question his choice.
Laura annoying asks, "Why didn't you convince the people to contact the Nexus for support? I don't like this, Johnson."
Chris angrily says, "This world should belong to the Syndicate. Is there a reason for you not including them?"
A. Paragon Option: They can support themselves.
B. Neutral Option: Nexus leaders can help them.
C. Renegade Option: Syndicate warlords should assist.
Johnson answers, "Not every world we visit needs guidance from the Syndicate warlords or the Nexus council. These people, like the citizens of Araponaz, can manage themselves. If they want help from them, then they will ask. I believe in people. Why don't you two believe in them?"
The words sting Laura's pride and scratch Chris's loyalty. They didn't expect Johnson to be a firm believer of self-independence for worlds not of the Nexus or Syndicate. They return to the Spirit Star and get ready to leave. Johnson turns around and looks at the people; they have good leaders, good advisors, and good support. It didn't take long for them to find ways to help each other and call out to other settlements. With Abel and Duke Paul out of the way, Johnson smiles at the results. This reminds him of Advent Nation and how well they support themselves with no assistance from the two superpowers. Johnson climbs aboard the Spirit Star, smiling and knowing that Avelosa is thriving now more than ever. The ship takes off as they get set to leave the Solminae system.