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*The shuttle touches down on the colony landing pad. As the door opens, three Alliance soldiers step out, guns drawn and determined. A voice comes over the radio.*
''FISET (V.O.):'' About time you showed up. Come inside.
''CARUSO:'' All right, let's see what's going on.
[[Go inside.->Introduction]]
*Caruso and squad enter a large security room. Several people montior the security feeds on the many panels on the walls. Fiset waits for Caruso to approach.*
''FISET:'' Finally! Where the hell have you been?
''CARUSO:'' Excuse me?
''FISET:'' It's about time you Alliance people showed up. The vorcha are out of control!
''CARUSO:'' And you are?
''FISET:'' The name's Tony Fiset. I'm the chief security officer for the colony.
''CARUSO:'' Report says you have a vorcha problem.
''FISET:'' A group of them set up shop a few clicks east of here. They've been stealing food and supplies for months. More recently, they started stealing weapons as well, among other things. We know where they are, but we don't have the manpower to take them. Those bastards are vicious.
[[You were brave.->Brave]]
[[At least you're alive.->Alive]]
[[You're a failure.->Failure]]
Mission: ChascaAnnie Yamashita''CARUSO:'' Vorcha are a tough opponent, even for a trained soldier. You held out well.
''FISET:'' I did? Well, of course, yes. I'm just doing my job, as difficult as the Alliance tries to make it. They told me this would be a quiet assignment. So are you going to help us or not?
[[Let's get started.->Headed]]
[[Get out of my way.->Point]]
[[Investigate->Fiset Questions]]
''CARUSO:'' At least you've survived for this long. Vorcha can be a tough opponent.
''FISET:'' The Alliance should be embarrassed, not me. They told me this would be a quiet assignment. Now look at this mess. So are you goint to help us or not?
[[Let's get started.->Headed]]
[[Get out of my way.->Point]]
[[Investigate->Fiset Questions]]
''CARUSO:'' Your job is to protect this colony, and you can't even do that. No wonder the Alliance sent us in to clean up your mess.
''FISET:'' You think it's easy to defend a whole colony from those things? We're understaffed! They told me this planet would be a quiet assignment! It's the Alliance's fault for not giving us better resources. Now, are you going to help us or not?
[[Let's get started.->Headed]]
[[Get out of my way.->Point]]
[[Investigate->Fiset Questions]]''CARUSO:'' The sooner we deal with the vorcha, the sooner the colony will be safe. Where are we headed?
''FISET:'' It's not far, or so I've been told. Oh, and when you get there...don't touch anything.
''CARUSO:'' What's that supposed to mean?
''FISET:'' Just don't.
*He rubs the back of his neck and looks away.*
''SLATER: *(whispering)*'' He's hiding something, captain.
[[*(Persuade)* I need to know what's going on.->Blind]]
[[*(Intimidate)* Tell me what's going on.->CallOff]]''CARUSO:'' Point me in the right direction and then get out of my way. Let the real professionals handle this.
''FISET:'' Well, when you "real professionals" get there...don't touch anything.
''CARUSO:'' What's that supposed to mean?
''FISET:'' Just don't.
*He rubs the back of his neck and looks away.*
''SLATER: *(whispering)*'' He's hiding, captain.
[[*(Persuade)* I need to know what's going on.->Blind]]
[[*(Intimidate)* Tell me what's going on.->CallOff]]
''CARUSO:'' Before we go, I'd like to know more about what we're dealing with.
''FISET:'' Fine, fine, but make it quick.
[[What can you tell me about the colony?->Colony]]
[[How are the vorcha stealing supplies?->Stealing]]
[[Are there any patterns to the attacks?->Patterns]]
[[No more questions.->StartMission]]
''CARUSO:'' If we're going to succeed, I need to know everything about the situation. I can't go in blind.
''FISET:'' I can't, captain. Sorry.
''CARUSO:'' Yes, you can. We need to work together here.
''FISET:'' [[Okay, fine.->Device]]
''CARUSO:'' If you don't tell me what's going on, I'll call off this whole mission.
''FISET:'' You can't do that!
*He studies the captain for a moment before throwing his hands up.*
''FISET:'' [[Fine! It's on you if word of this gets out.->Device]]
''CARUSO:'' Tell me more about the colony. Seems like a small place.
''FISET:'' We're pretty new. The Alliance began their recruitment effort about a year and a half ago, after they drove Cerberus from the planet. There's almost 11,000 colonists now.
[[Could Cerberus be involved?->Cerberus]]
[[What do the colonists do here?->Jobs]]
[[How are the vorcha stealing supplies?->Stealing]]
[[Are there any patterns to the attacks?->Patterns]]
[[No more questions.->StartMission]]
''CARUSO:'' You said the vorcha are stealing supplies and weapons. Don't you keep those things locked?
''FISET:'' Of course we do! We enforce strict security policies on all weapon lockers and food warehouses, but every time we find the doors wide open and the locks intact. I suspect someone must be helping them.
''CARUSO:'' A mole? Why would someone help the vorcha steal from the colony?
''FISET:'' I don't know, but the sooner you do your job, the sooner that won't matter.
[[What can you tell me about the colony?->Colony]]
[[Are there any patterns to the attacks?->Patterns]]
[[No more questions.->StartMission]]
''CARUSO:'' The vorcha rarely act on their own like this. Have you noticed any patterns to their raids - time of day or tracks left behind?
''FISET:'' You make it sound like they plan these raids, captain. The vorcha don't plan, they just do.
''GARCIA:'' They couldn't have been this successful without some form of coordination.
''FISET:'' Do rats coordinate with each other? They've been successful for a long time too.
[[What can you tell me about the colony?->Colony]]
[[What do the colonists do here?->Jobs]]
[[How are the vorcha stealing supplies?->Stealing]]
[[No more questions.->StartMission]]
[[Let's get started.->Headed]]
[[Get out of my way.->Point]]
''FISET:'' About a week ago, the vorcha hit our storage center. We thought it was a normal raid until we realized the device was gone.
''CARUSO:'' What device?
''FISET:'' Our scientists were working on it. They're supposed to be testing it here, something about the atmosphere. In any case, the vorcha took it, and my guys need to get it back once the vorcha are taken care of.
''CARUSO:'' What makes it so important?
''FISET:'' Well...its power source could hypothetically be turned into a bomb.
''CARUSO:'' What?
''FISET:'' Hypothetically, I said. The vorcha aren't capable of something that sophisticated.
[[We need to move, now.->Salarian]]
[[Why hide this?->Hide]]
*Caruso sighs and rubs their forehead.*
''CARUSO:'' Okay, we don't have any time to waste.
*Fiset points at a salarian in the corner of the room.*
''FISET:'' See that salarian over there? Talk to him before you go. Name is Dr. Balor, he's part of the science team. He claims to have figured out where the vermin are hiding.
*The salarian stands with its thin arms crossed across its concave chest. Its large, black eyes study one of the monitors on the wall.*
''FISET:'' Good hunting out there.
[[Talk to Dr. Balor->Balor]]
''CARUSO:'' You didn't think I needed to know that?
''FISET:'' Hey, if the vorcha haven't figured it out by now, they never will. I'm actually surprised they haven't blown themselves up yet. Besides, if the Alliance didn't tell you in the first place, why should I?
*Fiset crosses his arms, obviously proud of his conclusion.*
[[We need to move, now.->Salarian]]
''CARUSO:'' Maybe Cerberus released the vorcha to sabotage the colony.
''FISET:'' That's unlikely. The planet was abandoned until construction began. I seriously doubt Cerberus would go through the trouble just to spite a small colony.
[[What do the colonists do here?->Jobs]]
[[How are the vorcha stealing supplies?->Stealing]]
[[Are there any patterns to the attacks?->Patterns]]
[[No more questions.->StartMission]]
''CARUSO:'' So what do all these colonists do?
''FISET:'' Most are farmers. Chasca is a good world for agriculture. There's a science team here too, but they don't do very much.
[[Could Cerberus be involved?->Cerberus]]
[[How are the vorcha stealing supplies?->Stealing]]
[[Are there any patterns to the attacks?->Patterns]]
[[No more questions.->StartMission]]
''CARUSO:'' Dr. Balor?
''BALOR:'' You must be Caruso. Good to meet you.
''CARUSO:'' It's Captain Caruso, actually.
''BALOR:'' No, no titles. Not until they're earned.
''CARUSO:'' Excuse me?
''BALOR:'' Well, I just met you. How do I know you are worthy of your rank? How do you know I am a qualified doctor, or that I am even of the medical kind? Until we know, I will be Balor, and you will be Caruso.
*The salarian speaks at a fast pace, his dark eyes seldom blinking.*
''CARUSO:'' Okay, Balor. Fiset says you know where the vorcha are hiding.
''BALOR:'' Yes. In the hills. I can show you the way.
''CARUSO:'' Can't you just tell us? I don't think it's a good idea for you to go out there.
''BALOR:'' Nonsense. I can take care of myself. *(lowers voice)* And if there is a bomb, I know how to defuse it.
[[Okay, lead the way.->VorchaAttack]]
[[I'd like to ask you some questions.->BalorQuestions]]
''CARUSO:'' Fine, let's--
*Red lights flash in the security room. The alarm sirens blare at a deafening volume. Fiset runs over to his command console*
''SECURITY OFFICER:'' Vorcha on the east gate!
''FISET:'' Give me eyes!
*The footage comes up on the main screen. There is an open swath of undeveloped meadow, and the tall peaks of Chasca's mountains in the distance. Steam rises from the mountaintops, indicating the boundary of the planet's habitable zone. A hideous face suddenly fills up the screen - its skin looks like it was burned and stretched too far behind its face, revealing the sinews and muscle underneath. Needle-sharp teeth grin at the camera.*
''VORCHA:'' RAAAA!
*The feed cuts out a moment later, replaced by static.*
''GARCIA:'' I hope they haven't figured out that bomb.
''FISET:'' Initiate lockdown of sectors 4, 5, and 8.
*The security officer hesitates at their console.*
''SECRUITY OFFICER:'' Sir, there are civilians in those sectors.
''FISET:'' I said lock it down.
''CARUSO:'' What are you doing?
''FISET:'' We need to take precautions. If you don't like it, then I suggest you do what you came here to do, captain.
*The holographic door lock light on the opposite side of the room changes from red to green. As Caruso nears the door:*
*(Ambient)*
''CARUSO:'' We need to get out there. Balor, wait here.
''FISET:'' Dammit, they've jammed our auto-targeting cannons.
''SLATER:'' Sounds like the vorcha know what they're doing.
''CARUSO:'' Yeah. Let's go.
[[Exit security room.->DefendColony]]
''CARUSO:'' Before we go, I'd like to ask you a few questions.
''BALOR:'' So you are inquisitive!
[[What do you do?->Role]]
[[How did you end up here?->Alien]]
[[What do you know of the vorcha?->VorchaKnowledge]]
[[That's all.->VorchaAttack]]
*The path leads to the eastern sector of the colony. The buildings, though new looking, show signs of previous gunfire.
In one of the buildings, a couple is huddled together behind their couch.*
*(Ambient)*
''CIVILIAN 1:'' We have to get out of here.
''CIVILIAN 2:'' You know Fiset. He's probably got us locked in already. Bastard.
''SLATER:'' Captain! Civilians.
*(Optional if player approaches)*
''CARUSO:'' I'm Captain Caruso of the Alliance. Stay calm and keep out of sight.
''CIVILIAN 1:'' Thank you.
*A number of vorcha enemies are positioned near the east gate. The player must defeat them all.*
*(Ambient)*
''CARUSO:'' Here we go!
[[Defend the Colony.->Slater]]
''CARUSO:'' Fiset mentioned you're part of the science team. What kind of research do you do?
''BALOR:'' I'm studying the planet's ring. It's artificial. Ancient. Some call it debris, others call it art. But who put it there? Why? This is what I seek to discover.
''CARUSO:'' Find anything?
''BALOR:'' Not yet. Will take months to collect samples, analyze. Conclusions, maybe several months more.
[[Who knows about this?->BigDeal]]
[[How did you end up here?->Alien]]
[[What do you know of the vorcha?->VorchaKnowledge]]
[[That's all.->VorchaAttack]]
''CARUSO:'' You're the only alien here. How did a salarian end up on a human colony?
''BALOR:'' That is incorrect. There is also an asari molecular geneticist. Colony actually co-funded by humans and asari. Your Alliance let me come here. Research grant.
[[What do you do?->Role]]
[[What do you know of the vorcha?->VorchaKnowledge]]
[[That's all.->VorchaAttack]]
''CARUSO:'' How did you find out where the vorcha are hiding?
''BALOR:'' I stumbled across their base while out collecting samples.
''CARUSO:'' And they didn't see you?
''BALOR:'' I wouldn't be salarian if they did. Still, fastest I have ever run to the field truck.
[[What do you do?->Role]]
[[How did you end up here?->Alien]]
[[That's all.->VorchaAttack]]
*The rest of the vorcha run off. One of the last vorcha fires at Slater, hitting her in the lower abdomen. Slater fires one last shot, sending the vorcha over the wall.*
''SLATER:'' Ugh!
''CARUSO:'' Slater! Go back and get that looked at.
''SLATER:'' I'm fine, captain. My shields took the brunt of it.
''CARUSO:'' That's an order, Slater. I don't want you collapsing on me.
''SLATER:'' Yes, sir/ma'am.
*An incoming radio message flashes on the captain's omni-tool.*
''FISET (V.O.):'' What's going on out there? Did you kill them?
''CARUSO:'' The vorcha are gone for now. What the hell was that, Fiset? You don't sacrifice civilians as soon as you're under attack!
''FISET (V.O.):'' I have the situation under control, captain. Risking a few sectors versus the entire colony was a necessary call.
[[I'll let this go for now.->Reporting]]
[[Hell no.->ShutUp]]
''CARUSO:'' An artificial planetary ring sounds like a big deal. Why isn't there more research being done on this?
''BALOR:'' Many mysteries in the galaxy. Few believe this to be interesting enough. I am not the first, however. A hanar team tried to prove the ring was put there by the Protheans.
''CARUSO:'' Did they?
''BALOR:'' No. They wandered too far and fried on the planet's nearside.
[[How did you end up here?->Alien]]
[[What do you know of the vorcha?->VorchaKnowledge]]
[[That's all.->VorchaAttack]]
''CARUSO:'' Don't even think I won't report this later, but right now we have bigger problems.
''FISET:'' I'm the one making the hard decisions day in and day out, captain.
[[Balor runs up to the squad.->AddBalor]]
''CARUSO:'' You're a disgrace to your post.
''FISET (V.O.):'' I'm the one making the hard decisions day in and day out, captain.
[[Balor runs up to the squad.->AddBalor]]
''BALOR:'' Good, it is over. We should be going, Caruso.
''CARUSO:'' Agreed.
''SLATER:'' Good luck out there.
*Slater leaves the squad.*
''BALOR:'' Actually, there is something you should know before we go, Caruso.
''CARUSO:'' What now?
''BALOR:'' Some of the colonists trade with the vorcha. Broken tech, parts. Vorcha are surprisingly fair traders.
''CARUSO:'' The vorcha are trading with the colonists? Why?
''BALOR:'' Survey teams carry items with them when they go out into the field. Meet vorcha and do business. Vorcha give back goods they stole. Fiset is unaware of these trades, but they are common.
''GARCIA:'' Captain, if we find something the vorcha would want, they might let us approach thinking we're there to trade.
''BALOR:'' Yes. There's a recycling center near the east gate. We could acquire some sort of salvage there.
[[Good idea.->GoodIdea]]
[[Might be worth it.->CheckOut]]
[[Let's not get distracted.->Distracted]]
''CARUSO:'' That's a good idea. Anything that can help is worth looking into.
''BALOR:'' Happy to help.
[[Leave Colony]]
''CARUSO:'' We shouldn't delay, but it might be worth checking out.
''BALOR:'' Up to you, Caruso.
[[Leave Colony]]
''CARUSO:'' Carrying broken tech with us will only slow us down. Let's go.
''BALOR:'' If you say so, Caruso.
[[Leave Colony]]
*The recycling center is a building near the exit. The player can explore this area or skip it.
(Ambient)*
''BALOR:'' That is the recycling center.
*The player can examine piles for salvage. Only one pile has useful salvage.
(Ambient, wrong pile)*
''BALOR:'' Mm, nothing useful here, Caruso.
''GARCIA:'' I don't think that will work, captain.
''BALOR:'' What? No!
*(Ambient, salvage found)*
''BALOR:'' Yes! Vorcha might be interested in that.
''CARUSO:'' Okay, let's get going.
*As the player approaches the colony exit, the gate automatically opens. The gate closes behind the player, cutting them off from the colony for the rest of the mission.*
*The vast expanse of undeveloped wilderness becomes visible - if not for the current crisis, this would be a pictureque moment.*
''CARUSO:'' [[Let's go.->Traverse]]
*Caruso and squad follow the weaving trail through the tall grass. The path eventually widens, and the body of a vorcha and a couple varren become visible further down the trail.
(Ambient)*
''BALOR:'' This way.
''GARCIA:'' We've got vorcha.
''CARUSO:'' And feral varren, too. Keep your guard up.
*Caruso and squad progress more before a faint snarling is heard. A pack of varren attack.*
*(Ambient)*
''CARUSO:'' Varren!
''GARCIA:'' Watch for the teeth!
*The player must defeat the varren before continuing.
(Ambient)*
''CARUSO:'' Balor, you okay?
''BALOR:'' Present, Caruso. Can handle myself.
''CARUSO:'' [[Let's keep going.->Vorcha]]
*The terrain changes from the open meadow to a rocky field. The smooth walls of a cement bunker peek out from the jagged rock. Several refurbished cameras are mounted near the bunker - equipment stolen from the colony. Caruso and squad kneel.*
''BALOR:'' Vorcha hideout is ahead. Old Cerberus base.
''CARUSO:'' Okay, we need to find--
''VORCHA:'' RAAAA!
*A vorcha appears on a nearby boulder, accompanied by several followers. Their weapons are drawn and pointed at Caruso.
[[If salvage acquired->Welcome]]
[[If salvage not acquired->Defend]]*
''MIRSK:'' What's this? Humans sneaking around?
*Caruso holds up his/her arms in a gesture of peace. The vorcha leader nods, and the others lower their weapons slightly.*
''CARUSO:'' We found some salvage at the colony. Thought you'd like to trade.
''MIRSK:'' Trade? Let us see...RAAA yes! What does human want?
[[Return the prototype device->Return Device]]
[[Leave the planet->Leave Planet]]
''MIRSK:'' Soldiers come to kill us! Open fire! Kill humans!
*The vorcha immediately begin shooting, forcing Caruso and squad to find cover behind nearby rocks. The player must defend themselves against the attack. As more vorcha fall, the leader throws his arms up.*
''MIRSK:'' RAAA! Stop! No more!
[[You don't have to die.->Don't Die]]
[[Do what I say or die->I Say]]
''CARUSO:'' You stole a prototype device from the colony. We'd like it back.
''MIRSK:'' RAAA! No deal! Generator more valuable than broken tech!
''GARCIA:'' A generator? I thought you said it was for research.
''BALOR:'' It is.
''MIRSK:'' Science, yes. But we use for power. We peaceful. No deal!
''CARUSO:'' [[Then you have to leave.->Leave Planet]]
''CARUSO:'' Your presence is endangering the colony here. If you won't cooperate, then we’ll have to forcibly remove you.
''MIRSK:'' RAAA! No! This our home! You leave!
''CARUSO:'' The Alliance has colonization rights to this planet. You're the ones trespassing.
*The vorcha frowns, distorting its already gruesome face.*
''MIRSK:'' No! Human think they can push us around, take everything from us! You leave!
*The vorcha beside it raise their weapons. Caruso and Garcia raise theirs as well.*
''Garcia:'' *(whispers)* Just give the word, captain.
*Several moments pass in this lull as both sides stare each other down.*
''BALOR:'' Mirsk, stop this!
*Balor steps between Caruso and the vorcha leader.*
''GARCIA:'' What's going on?
''CARUSO:'' Balor, you know this vorcha?
*The salarian looks between both parties before taking a deep breath.*
''BALOR:'' ...Yes. I've been helping them.
[[Help me understand.->Understand]]
[[Explain yourself.->Explain]]
[[You're a traitor.->Traitor]]
''CARUSO:'' This doesn't have to end in violence. Just give us back the device and leave the planet.
''MIRSK:'' RAAA! No! This our home! You leave!
''CARUSO:'' The Alliance has colonization rights to this planet. Either you leave or we force you to.
*The vorcha frowns, distorting its already gruesome face.*
''MIRSK:'' No! Human think they can push us around, take everything from us! You leave!
*The remaining vorcha raise their weapons.
[[Caruso and Garcia instinctually raise theirs as well.->Betrayal]]*
''CARUSO:'' If you and your buddies want to live, you better stand down. You're leaving this planet.
''MIRSK:'' RAAA! No! This our home! You leave!
*Caruso points their gun at the vorcha leader.*
''CARUSO:'' I won't say it again, vorcha. Stand down!
[[*The vorcha frowns, distorting its already gruesome face.->Betrayal]]
''CARUSO:'' Why do this, Balor? Why would a scientist ally with vorcha?
[[*Balor shakes his head slowly.*->VorchaTruth]]
*Caruso turns their gun on Balor.*
''CARUSO:'' You better give me answers quick.
[[*Balor shakes his head slowly.*->VorchaTruth]]
*Caruso turns their gun on Balor.*
''CARUSO:'' You're responsible for all this. Give me a reason not to shoot you.
[[*Balor shakes his head slowly.*->VorchaTruth]]
''GARCIA:'' Just give the order, captain.
*Several moments pass in this lull as both sides stare each other down. There's a cocking sound, and suddenly Balor points his pistol at the captain's head. Garcia immediately aims for the salarian.*
''CARUSO:'' What the hell?
''BALOR:'' I'm sorry, Caruso. I won't let you kill Mirsk or his people.
''CARUSO:'' You've been helping them?
''BALOR:'' ...Yes.
[[Help me understand.->Understand]]
[[Explain yourself.->Explain]]
[[You're a traitor.->Traitor]]
''BALOR:'' It's not as simple as your Alliance would like you to believe, Caruso. The vorcha are doing some good here.
''CARUSO:'' Like stealing and attacking the colony?
''BALOR:'' An unfortunate byproduct of their evolutionary nature. The vorcha are establishing a true civilization.
*The captain turns to Mirsk.*
''CARUSO:'' Is this true?
''MIRSK:'' Yes. Too long galaxy ignores us, think us only mercs or vermin. Nobody fear us, nobody respect us. But we unite! Gain place on Citadel.
''GARCIA:'' I doubt it's that easy.
''BALOR:'' Doesn't mean it should not be attempted.
[[This could have been prevented.->Prevented]]
[[What a mess.->Mess]]
[[There's only one solution here.->Solution]]
[[Investigate->Mirsk Questions]]
''CARUSO:'' It didn’t have to come to this. If the vorcha were serious about establishing a place in the galaxy they wouldn’t be using violence.
[[*Mirsk eyes Caruso carefully.->VorchaReasoning]]
''CARUSO:'' So the colony has an idiot running security and the vorcha are using violence so they can have peace. What the hell.
[[*Mirsk eyes Caruso carefully.->VorchaReasoning]]
''CARUSO:'' The vorcha are a threat. This can't be allowed to continue.
*If the player did not fight the vorcha and Balor did not draw his gun on Caruso, he does so now.*
''BALOR:'' Don't do this.
''MIRSK:'' It difficult, human. We like violence. We try, but it hard not to shoot everything.
''BALOR:'' Do you blame them, Caruso, when it’s all they’ve ever known?
''GARCIA:'' What do we do now, captain?
[[The vorcha must leave.->Leave]]
[[Kill them.->Kill]]
[[Become allies with the colony.->Allies]]
''CARUSO:'' I have questions.
''MIRSK:'' No questions!
''BALOR:'' It might help Caruso understand.
''MIRSK:'' RAAAA! Fine! What does human want to know?
[[What's your plan?->Plan]]
[[Why here?->Location]]
[[What was Balor's involvement?->Involvement]]
[[No more questions.->Choose]]
''MIRSK:'' It difficult, human. We like violence. We try, but it hard not to shoot everything.
''BALOR:'' Do you blame them, Caruso, when it’s all they’ve ever known?
''GARCIA:'' What do we do now, captain?
[[The vorcha must leave.->Leave]]
[[Kill them.->Kill]]
[[Become allies with the colony.->Allies]]
''CARUSO:'' We came here to do a job and that's what we have to do. The vorcha can’t stay.
''MIRSK:'' RAAAA! You no make us leave!
''CARUSO:'' Even if we let you stay, there's no way the colony will leave you in peace. You'll be hunted as long as you stay here, and the only thing your new government will accomplish is getting all your followers killed. Do you want that on your head?
*Mirsk looks at his people before putting down his weapon.*
''MIRSK:'' You made your point, human. We leave.
[[*If Balor was pointing his gun at Caruso, he lowers it now.*->Disappointed]]
''CARUSO:'' The vorcha threat ends here.
''MIRSK:'' RAAA! Kill them!
[[*The vorcha and Balor open fire. The player must kill all the vorcha and Balor before continuing.*->Aftermath]]
''CARUSO:'' The vorcha have the chance to redefine how the galaxy sees them, and I won't get in the way of that.
''MIRSK:'' We no leave?
*The captain holsters their weapon. If Balor was pointing his gun at Caruso, he lowers it now.*
''CARUSO:'' Yes. Prove to the colonists that you're more than what they believe. Maybe establish a trading business.
''MIRSK:'' Yes! Colony have little defense. We trade goods for protection!
''BALOR:'' That is an excellent idea, Caruso. I can assist with liaison between the two groups, as well.
''MIRSK:'' As sign of good will, we give generator back. Tell colonists we steal no more!
[[*Caruso nods in acknowledgement.*->Optimistic]]
''CARUSO:'' Tell me more about what you're planning to do here. Are you the clan leader?
''MIRSK:'' No, not clan leader, but leading vorcha for now. We use old human hideout as new city center. Encourage other vorcha to come here, build city. In time we vote for who will lead, and then we apply for embassy on Citadel!
''CARUSO:'' What if others don't agree with who's in charge?
''MIRSK:'' RAAA! Then we shoot them! No. Then we kick them off planet. Arrest them. Do what humans do.
[[Why here?->Location]]
[[What was Balor’s involvement?->Involvement]]
[[No more questions.->Choose]]
''CARUSO:'' Why here? What about your homeworld?
''MIRSK:'' RAAA! Tried on Heshtok. Clans only want to fight, no listen. Gathered vorcha who supported idea. Came here.
''GARCIA:'' Must have snuck on an Alliance ship. There can't be that many of them.
''MIRSK:'' RAAA! More will come!
[[What's your plan?->Plan]]
[[What's Balor's involvement?->Involvement]]
[[No more questions.->Choose]]
''CARUSO:'' How did you get tied up in this, Balor? Why did you lie?
''BALOR:'' Apologies for deception, Caruso, but did not lie. Stumbled across vorcha base. Studied them for awhile. Later came back and spoke with Mirsk. Have been helping them ever since. They can do this, Caruso.
''CARUSO:'' You still have a lot to answer for.
[[What's your plan?->Plan]]
[[Why here?->Location]]
[[No more questions.->Choose]]
[[This could have been prevented.->Prevented]]
[[What a mess.->Mess]]
[[There’s only one solution here.->Solution]]
*When the fighting is over, Caruso and Garcia survey the scene.*
''GARCIA:'' I'm sure there are more, captain.
''CARUSO:'' With their informant and leader dead, the rest will probably scatter. They won't be a threat anymore.
''GARCIA:'' They still have the device, though.
''CARUSO:'' That's something for Fiset to deal with. We've taken care of the main problem. [[Let's head back.->Return 3]]
''CARUSO:'' You will leave everything behind and surrender at the colony gates. Is that clear?
''MIRSK:'' Yes, we surrender at colony. Give us hour to gather.
*As the vorcha leave to round up their people, Balor approaches Caruso and Garcia. He shakes his head.*
''BALOR:'' Vorcha have nowhere to go. Most will probably revert back to mercenary and smuggling groups.
*Caruso joins Balor in watching the vorcha leave.*
''CARUSO:'' Yeah, well, it's better than being killed. If they're really serious, they'll find another place.
''BALOR:'' I hope you’re right, Caruso.
''CARUSO:'' And I hope this is the last time you deviate from your research, Balor. [[Come on, let's head back.->Return 1]]
*As the vorcha return to their bunker, Balor approaches Caruso and Garcia. He offers his hand to the captain.*
''BALOR:'' Thank you for what you've done. I believe the vorcha have a very good chance of success. I'm glad the Alliance sent you, Captain Caruso.
*Caruso's eyes widen in surprise at the salarian's use of their title. He/she shakes Balor's hand.*
''CARUSO:'' With your help, I think so, Dr. Balor. [[Let's head back to the colony.->Return 4]]
*The security headquarter's door opens as Caruso and Garcia enter. Fiset runs up to them.*
''FISET:'' Is it done? Where's the salarian?
[[*(Lie) The vorcha killed Balor.->Killed Balor]]
[[I killed them all.->Killed All]]
*The security headquarter's door opens as Caruso, Garcia, and Balor enter. Balor heads back to the labs without a goodbye. Fiset runs up to Caruso and Garcia.*
''FISET:'' Is it done?
''CARUSO:'' Yes. The vorcha have agreed to leave.
*Fiset shakes the captain’s hand.*
''FISET:'' Then this mess is finally over with. Thank you, captain. I'll make sure those vermin are rounded up and shipped out of here.
*Caruso nods in acknowledgement before heading to the shuttle.
End Mission*
*The security headquarter's door opens as Caruso, Garcia, and Balor enter. Balor nods to Caruso before heading back to the labs. Fiset runs up to Caruso and Garcia.*
''FISET:'' Is it done?
''CARUSO:'' The vorcha are staying. They're building a new way of life here.
''FISET:'' What? You were supposed to take care of the problem!
[[*(Persuade)* This is good for the colony.->Good]]
[[*(Intimidate)* Too bad.->No Choice]]
''CARUSO:'' The vorcha opened fire as soon as we got there. Balor didn't make it. We had no choice but to kill them.
''FISET:'' I see. Can’t say I'm sad to see the salarian go — guy was so rude — but at least this mess is finally over with. Thank you, captain.
*Caruso nods in acknowledgement before heading back to the shuttle.*
*End Mission*
''CARUSO:'' Balor was helping the vorcha all along. We killed him for his betrayal and then took care of the vorcha. You can go get that device back now.
''FISET:'' I always knew there was something off about him. Good riddance. Thank you, captain.
*Caruso nods in acknowledgement before heading back to the shuttle.*
*End Mission*
''CARUSO:'' The vorcha are voluntarily returning the device, and want to set up a trading post. The colony can benefit from their protection and promote their friendship with the vorcha as a unique asset.
''FISET:'' I suppose that would look good... “Colony Civilizes Vorcha”. That could work. Thanks for your help, captain, though I hope we don't meet again.
''CARUSO:'' That makes two of us.
*Caruso heads back to the shuttle.*
*End Mission*
''CARUSO:'' I have. The vorcha are returning the device and want to set up a trading post. If the colony rejects them, that will be on you, not me. You better get used to your new neighbors.
''FISET:'' Fine! We'll trade with the vermin. Just go and leave us alone.
*Caruso heads back to the shuttle, a smirk on his/her face.*
*End Mission*