Nexus Reunion

ADDITIONAL SCENES II

 

AFTER END OF MAIN TRANSCRIPT

Scenes & Quests in Nexus Operations & Hyperion

 

[Ryder can have a longer conversation with Director Tann in his office.]

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

Ryder. You have my condolences for your father.

 

RYDER:

I appreciate it.

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

I didn't know him very well, although I understand he played a key role in planning the Initiative. I'm sure he'd be concerned that we still have several arks missing.

 

RYDER - dialogues options:

EMOTIONAL -I’ll find them.

LOGICAL -What happened to them?

 

RYDER:

Any idea where they went?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

Nothing certain. But tens of thousands of colonists are unaccounted for. It paints the Initiative in an unflattering light. Did you have some other business?

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Nexus troubles

-The Andromeda Initiative

-Tann's role

-Missing arks

-Planet viability

 

RYDER:

It sounds like the Nexus has had a rough time of it.

 

 

 

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

Publicly, I would say we're more than up for the challenge. Privately, I can tell you it's been a disaster. The Scourge killed hundreds—many of them our senior leadership. Even the founder of the Initiative, Jien Garson, is dead.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Jien Garson's death

-Scourge disaster

-Mysteries on Habitat 7

 

RYDER:

How did Jien Garson die?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

With the rest of the leadership. When the Nexus hit the Scourge, a large wing of stasis pods was destroyed. They were killed instantly. These people traveled for 600 years and died before they even woke up. Jien Garson never glimpsed Heleus. She never saw her vision realized.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Jien Garson's death

-Scourge disaster

-Mysteries on Habitat 7

 

RYDER:

Kandros mentioned something about hitting the Scourge. How did it play out?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

Criminal elements took advantage of the emergency and preyed on people's fears. An uprising followed. We had no choice but to turn to the krogan to deal with them. They crushed the mutiny and the criminals were banished. "Exiles," we call them. I doubt we've heard the last of them. They're led by an outlaw. Sloane Kelly. She used to be one of ours.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Sloane Kelly

-Where are the krogan?

 

RYDER:

Who is this Sloane Kelly?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

She was head of security on the Nexus. She opposed the uprising at first, but eventually turned traitor and joined them. Misguided sympathy for the plight of the common citizen. Nonsense. They posed a direct threat to our existence.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Sloane Kelly

-Where are the krogan?

 

RYDER:

There don't seem to be many krogan around.

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

Good riddance. The krogan demanded a greater say in political matters—the last place you want them involved. They're muscle, nothing more. Good for fighting and lifting heavy objects. When they didn't get what they wanted, they left.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Sloane Kelly

-Where are the krogan?

-Dislike for krogan

 

RYDER:

Why don't you like the krogan?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

It's common knowledge they're a violent, ignorant species. Long ago, they waged nuclear war on one another. Their planet was decimated. My people tried to uplift them, but the krogan could never tame their worst instincts. What if they bring their tempers to Andromeda? We'll all be dead.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Jien Garson's death

-Scourge disaster

-Mysteries on Habitat 7

 

RYDER:

We came across alien technology on Habitat 7. It seemed to affect the weather. Your people know anything about that?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

There have been reports. Failed scouting missions have mentioned advanced structures of unknown design. Whatever they are, they defy explanation. But with our resources stretched so tight, no one has had a chance to study them. And what if the answer was bad for morale? Suppose these things turn people into food? All we know is the kett are interested in them. I'd rather not stir things up.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Nexus troubles

-The Andromeda Initiative

-Tann's role

-Missing arks

-Planet viability

 

RYDER:

What more can you tell me about the Initiative?

DIRECTOR TANN:

It represents the greatest migration ever attempted. No one had ventured beyond the Milky Way before. We've all left home in search of freedom, fortune, perhaps a new beginning. We're the bravest souls each species has to offer. I hope the Nexus will serve as the seat of government for us all.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Initiative origins

-Motivations for coming

-Alien species on Nexus

 

RYDER:

What do you know about the early days of the Initiative?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

As most everyone knows, Jien Garson's vision made it happen. She was an entrepreneur on Earth. Wealthy. Young for a human. Garson had the idea for the Initiative in the early 2170s, I believe. Many thought leaving the Milky Way was impossible. But she persevered. And as with most great ideas, the doubters were wrong.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Initiative origins

-Motivations for coming

-Alien species on Nexus

 

RYDER:

Why do you think most people came?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

There are thousands of reasons, one for every colonist here. What does any pilgrim seek? Usually, happiness. Finding the thing that eludes them... the thing to fulfill them. While we can't promise they will find it, we can facilitate the search.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Initiative origins

-Motivations for coming

-Alien species on Nexus

 

RYDER:

It looks like a melting pot around here.

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

The Nexus is home to several Initiative species. Many came ahead of the arks. The hope is that this station will one day serve as the governing body in Andromeda. Though I'm not sure what they were thinking, lumping krogan into the mix. As a salarian, my kind tend to have a low opinion of them. Nothing I’ve seen here has changed that.

 

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Nexus troubles

-The Andromeda Initiative

-Tann's role

-Missing arks

-Planet viability

 

RYDER:

As Director of the Initiative, are you in charge around here or what?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

If the others would allow me. They don't see me as the right successor.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Gridlock?

-Why the doubt?

 

RYDER:

So how does anything get done?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

In theory, Kesh handles the Nexus' physical operations, Kandros runs the militia, and Addison manages Colonial Affairs. I oversee all of it. In practice, we argue, debate, and yell at each other until a decision is made... if we're lucky. it is maddening.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Gridlock?

-Why the doubt?

 

RYDER:

What's their problem with you?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

I'm not Jien Garson. Our founder was charismatic. Eccentric. Larger than life. Traits I can't hope to mimic. She and her inner circle perished in the Scourge. Some at the hands of the exiles. Some never made it out of stasis. I was Deputy Assistant for Revenue Management. Then all seven leaders above me died. I was next in line for the role.

 

RYDER:

So... you're an accountant?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

Don't let that fool you. We're all capable of more than we know. When I was young, I was fascinated by the idea of exploring space. Life had its detours and I went a different direction. Then I heard about the Initiative—and saw my chance to try the path not taken. While I may not be setting foot on new worlds, my authority can ensure that you do.

 

 

RYDER:

Right. Sorry.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Nexus troubles

-The Andromeda Initiative

-Tann's role

-Missing arks

-Planet viability

 

RYDER:

Any more information you can give me on the missing arks?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

No, and that's the distressing part. The asari, turian, and salarian arks are completely unaccounted for. If they had the same problems with the Scourge that we did, I fear the worst. Should you find any clues, please investigate. Without the other arks, the promise of the Initiative can never be fulfilled.

 

RYDER:

Are there any other arks we should expect?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

We'd hoped quarians would be part of the first wave. But before departure in 2185, we got word they had technical problems with their ship. It seems they're also bringing along drell, hanar, and other species as well. Managing all their biological needs caused complications. We won't see them for some time to come.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Nexus troubles

-The Andromeda Initiative

-Tann's role

-Missing arks

-Planet viability

 

RYDER:

What do I need to consider in making a planet viable?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

Assuming the planet supports life, an outpost is critical. People like a roof over their heads. And you'll want to eliminate any hostile threats. Whether that's the kett, or other terrors lurking in Heleus, colonists being murdered on sight can be discouraging. Also, scouting and mapping terrain is a priority for any Pathfinder. And don't forget forward stations. You'll want those.

 

RYDER:

What can you tell me about forward stations?

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

I was afraid you'd ask. It's mostly what the engineers tell me. "A forward station allows mining, equipment repairs, and re-supply for field teams." I mean, who wouldn't want that? But seeing as how every colonization effort has failed, it's just theory at the moment. You get to test it out, Ryder.

 

[Ryder can now ask him about the Nilken Rensus case.]

 

RYDER:

I'm looking into the Nilken Rensus murder charge.

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

And?

 

RYDER:

I want to go to Eos and retrieve Chief Reynold's body.

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

That isn't usually Pathfinder business.

 

RYDER:

First murder in Andromeda. And I'm impartial—figured you'd want to get it right.

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

Settling an outpost comes first, but I suppose I have no objections. Physical evidence will only bolster the case.

 

RYDER - dialogues options:

EMOTIONAL -I’m not sure he did it.

LOGICAL -The body can reveal much.

 

RYDER:

The more certain we can be, the better.

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

All right, but let's keep it quiet. I don't want people thinking we're opening the case. I hope anything you find reaffirms what's been done. But if it sheds a different light, we'll deal with it. We'll send the coordinates of the murder scene. Good luck.

 

RYDER:

That's all. Thanks for your time.

 

DIRECTOR TANN:

I'm happy to help. You'll find our futures depend on each other's success. Good luck.

 

[Ryder leaves Tann’s office. In the Operations Center, directly in front of him and below the Colonial Affairs deck, a technician named Raj Patil is working on a panel.]

 

RAJ PATIL:

Yeah, looks fine so far...

 

[The panel short-circuits and smoke comes out of it. Raj Patil cries out in surprise and pain. Ryder walks toward him.]

 

RYDER:

Hey—you okay?

 

RAJ PATIL:

I'm fine. My arms got the brunt of it.

 

RYDER:

Stuff exploding like this happen often?

 

RAJ PATIL:

Back right after the mutiny, we had a lot of this happening, but not lately.

 

RYDER:

I wasn't there during the mutiny.

 

RAJ PATIL:

Lucky. I thought we were done with this, honestly. That maybe I was just being paranoid...

 

RYDER - dialogues options:

CASUAL -Is it paranoia?

PROFESSIONAL -Why paranoid?

 

RYDER:

What is there to be paranoid about?

 

RAJ PATIL:

We've had three malfunctions in the past week.

 

RYDER:

That's not good. Sorry, understatement.

 

RAJ PATIL:

Yeah. (Sighs.) And now I have more repairs.

 

RYDER - dialogues options:

EMOTIONAL -This has to stop.

LOGICAL -Did you report this?

 

RYDER:

Did you talk to security about this?

 

 

RAJ PATIL:

How can I? For all I know, someone in security is the one doing this! I've scanned all the potential sabotage areas I can think of, but I don't know who to trust anymore.

 

RYDER:

Sounds like a lot went down before the Hyperion docked.

 

RAJ PATIL:

Yeah, I guess. Wait—that's it. You can't possibly be involved in this. You weren't even here during the mutiny. Would you—if you have time, maybe you could help me? If they start hitting critical  systems...

 

RYDER:

Sure thing. What can I do?

 

RAJ PATIL:

If you could scan these other panels while I fix this one, that'd really help. I've sent the locations to your omni-tool. Just send me the data when you're done.

 

[Ryder has to investigate the panels in the Operations Center, Militia, and Pathfinder HQ sites.]

 

RAJ PATIL (COMM):

No, I'm fine. And I don't know—it just blew up.

 

KESH (COMM):

Find out why. Be careful.

 

[Ryder first scans the panel on Colonial Affairs’s deck.]

 

SAM:

Scanning power junction relays. The panel is malfunctioning. Without more data, I cannot determine if this is a normal malfunction or sabotage.

 

RYDER:

I'll just disable power to the panel until Raj can check it out.

 

[Ryder goes back to Operations Center, walks down the ramp, and scans the panel to its left.]

 

SAM:

Pathfinder, to cover their tracks, the saboteur is overloading power to this panel from another junction relay. You can scan and trace the connective wiring to locate the surrogate panel.

 

[Ryder can scan the panel in the Milita site, then proceed to scan the one in the Pathfinder HQ site (also known as Tann's office).]

 

 

SAM:

Scan and trace the wiring the locate the panel that the saboteur used.

 

[Ryder follows the wiring and scans a panel near Kesh’s office.]

 

RAJ PATIL (COMM):

Pathfinder, I received the data from SAM. It really is sabotage.

 

RYDER:

Any idea as to who it might be?

 

RAJ PATIL (COMM):

Yeah. All these panels were worked on by Zarah. I just can't believe it.

 

SAM:

Security video logs confirm that Zarah Kellus worked on these panels, as well as the one Raj Patil encountered.

 

RYDER:

Well, shit. Any idea where she is now?

 

SAM:

Kellus is currently working on a panel on the Hyperion main deck.

 

[As Ryder leaves, he hears Melo—the salarian technician on the main bridge—talking.]

 

MELO:

Kesh, this is Melo. The console for the secondary management system is mixed. Everything checks out. It should sync up with the Hyperion's remote consoles. Moving on to the next thing on my list.

 

[Cora is found near the tram, using her omni-tool. She stops what she’s doing when Ryder comes to talk to her.]

 

RYDER:

Hey, there.

 

CORA:

You okay? Those guys really grilled you. And Addison. First Pathfinder they've seen in over a year, all she can do is question your competence?

 

RYDER - dialogues options:

EMOTIONAL -Addison wasn't my favorite.

LOGICAL -Her reaction's understandable.

CASUAL -Which one was Addison?

PROFESSIONAL -Nothing I couldn't handle.

 

 

RYDER:

I expected something like that. I can handle the pressure.

 

CORA:

I worked out logistics with Director Tann. They're giving us a ship and crew. He said their best is taking care of it.

 

RYDER:

I still need to head back to the ark and check in with SAM.

 

CORA:

Sounds good. While you're there, maybe see how your sister is doing.

 

[Ryder takes the tram leading to the Hyperion Habitation Deck. He arrives in the Atrium, where several crew members are talking.]

 

CREW 1:

What's the latest about waking people up?

 

CREW 2:

We're in a holding pattern. Word is that the Nexus doesn't have enough room.

 

CREW 1:

But they've been here for like a year, haven't they?

 

CREW 2:

Yeah. I guess it didn't go so well.

 

[Ryder finds Zarah Kellus near a panel.]

 

RYDER:

Zarah Kellus?

 

ZARAH KELLUS:

Yes?

 

RYDER:

I have evidence you've been sabotaging the Nexus.

 

ZARAH KELLUS:

What? No! I'd never—I've been looking into this myself. I have the scans to prove it! Here—I'll transfer the scans I took to your omni-tool.

 

RYDER:

Funny. Raj was investigating the same thing—and it led us to you.

 

 

 

ZARAH KELLUS:

My scans point at Raj as the one... so unless someone was setting us both up, I just don't understand.

 

SAM (PRIVATE):

The data Miss Kellus has accumulated is strangely similar to Mr Patil's. A third party seems likely.

 

RYDER - dialogues options:

CASUAL -You’ve been set up.

PROFESSIONAL -Decoy tactic?

 

RYDER:

The real saboteur could be setting you both up.

 

ZARAH KELLUS:

Because we both figured out something was going on? That would make sense. It's better than thinking Raj could have done this. But it means all the data I have is useless. Wish I had access to the security cams. I bet we could find something there.

 

RYDER:

You stay put, so whoever did this doesn't realize we're on to them. I'll check out the security cams.

 

[Ryder contacts Raj.]

 

RYDER:

Raj, you there?

 

RAJ PATIL (COMM):

Yes. How did it go? Is it-is it really her?

 

RYDER:

Wasn't her. She had "proof" pointing at you. I figure someone's been messing with you both. Just keep a low profile and don't talk to anyone. I'm on it.

 

[Ryder goes back to the Nexus’s Operations Center to check the security footage. The first footage shows a grey static-filled screen.]

 

RYDER:

The file is useless. Let's check another.

 

[Ryder checks another file. The result is the same.]

 

RYDER:

And another scrambled file.

 

 

SAM:

Coincidence seems unlikely.

 

RYDER:

Let's check another.

 

[This time the screen shows images, but they’re blurry.]

 

RYDER:

This file is also corrupted. Definitely not a coincidence. You'd need pretty high clearance to mess with the security camera files. Someone working for Kandros, maybe.

 

SAM:

That is the most probable scenario.

 

RYDER:

Think you can get enough out of the files to find a match using biometric scans, SAM?

 

SAM:

The files were badly scrambled, but if I combine all the available identifiers, it might work. Based on the limited information available, we are looking for a human male assigned either to the Nexus or Hyperion. You will need to conduct scans from close proximity.

 

RYDER:

Got it.

 

[Ryder goes to the Militia site, scans a man working for Nexus security.]

 

SAM:

Inaccurate match.

 

[Ryder goes below the Colonial Affairs deck and scans another man working for Nexus security.]

 

SAM:

Negative match.

 

[Ryder goes to the Hyperion Habitation Deck to scan members of Nexus security transferred to the Hyperion. He begins by scanning a man standing guard outside of the tram.]

 

SAM:

Inaccurate match.

 

[As he makes his way to the Hyperion's Atrium, he sees a man kneeling near a panel. Ryder scans him. It's a match.]

 

SAM:

Scan results show a partial positive. Target is most likely suspect.

 

RYDER:

Who is he?

 

SAM:

Dale Atkins. Reports to Kandros' department. Assigned to station security.

 

[Ryder approaches Atkins, who remains kneeling with his back turned.]

 

RYDER:

Dale Atkins, right? We need to talk.

 

DALE ATKINS:

Look, not to be rude, but I have work to do...

 

RYDER - dialogues options:

CASUAL -Is that what you call it?

PROFESSIONAL -I don’t think so.

 

RYDER:

We know what you've been up to. You're done here.

 

DALE ATKINS:

I-I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just doing my job, that's all!

 

RYDER:

Proof says you've been up to no good.

 

DALE ATKINS:

Figures. Screw this. Screw all you hypocrites on this station. You weren't here when they kicked out our loved ones. Mutiny? We just wanted answers. My sister is out there! I don't even know if she's alive or...

 

RYDER - dialogues options:

EMOTIONAL -I sympathize, but...

LOGICAL -Your actions are unforgivable.

 

RYDER:

I'm sorry for what happened, but setting explosives isn't the answer.

 

DALE ATKINS:

Neither was sending people into exile because they didn't agree with policy. (Sighs.) I don't care what you think. The mutiny leaders were right to demand to know what was going on.

 

RYDER:

You could have hurt people. Killed them.

 

 

DALE ATKINS:

Like those who got killed when the leadership had the krogan stomp on my friends? I'm done talking. I confess: it was me. Do whatever you want.

 

RYDER - dialogues options:

EMOTIONAL -You need to go.

LOGICAL -Not up to me.

 

RYDER:

Not my call. The Nexus leaders will make that decision.

 

DALE ATKINS:

That lot, make a decision? That'll be the day.

 

[With that finished, Ryder continues to the Hyperion Atrium. There he spots the Hyperion pilot (Lani) and captain (Dunn). He first approaches Lani, who is standing by a panel close to the one Zarah Kellus was inspecting.]

 

LANI:

Pathfinder. It's good to see you. Word is there's been trouble on the station...

 

RYDER - dialogues options:

CASUAL -It’ll get better.

PROFESSIONAL -Where’d you hear that?

 

RYDER:

We're here now. It'll get better.

 

LANI:

That's what I've been telling people. You're here now! As soon as we establish outposts, everything will even out. I'm sure of it.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-And your family?

-Why are you here?

-What's it like here?

 

RYDER:

What about your family?

 

LANI:

I'm an orphan. My parents died on the Mindoir colony when it was attacked years ago. No siblings. I left friends and some distant relatives behind, but I have friends here, too. I love piloting, but I like the idea of going back to my roots and farming like my parents did. Someday.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-And your family?

-Why are you here?

-What's it like here?

 

RYDER:

Why did you join the Initiative?

 

LANI:

Ah, the most popular question on the station. Honestly, I wouldn't have known about this project if Nozomi hadn't reached out to me.

 

RYDER:

Nozomi?

 

LANI:

Captain Dunn. Of all the captains I've piloted for, she's the best. I've always been a wanderer at heart. When she asked me to be her pilot... how could I say no to the adventure of a lifetime?

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-And your family?

-Why are you here?

-What's it like here?

 

RYDER:

How do you feel about all this now that we're here?

 

LANI:

Hopeful. I know, it's a rose-colored outlook, but... Someone's gotta keep the positivity coming, right?

 

RYDER:

Have to go now. See you later.

 

LANI:

Take care.

 

[Captain Dunn is standing on the far side of the Atrium. Ryder now walks toward her.]

 

CAPTAIN DUNN:

Ryder.

 

RYDER:

You're not on the bridge, Captain?

 

CAPTAIN DUNN:

We powered it down. Can't afford to waste energy. Though cryo bay and SAM Node are exempt. And I told them to keep their hands off Alec's quarters. You have access now.

 

RYDER:

Thanks.

 

CAPTAIN DUNN:

Hey—sorry about your father. He was really good at what he did. Just not so good at working with people. He was right about going planetside, though.

 

RYDER - dialogues options:

EMOTIONAL -I'll miss him.

LOGICAL -I didn't really know him.

CASUAL -He was difficult.

PROFESSIONAL -Only work mattered to him.

 

RYDER:

I wish he were still here. There's so much he would have taught me.

 

CAPTAIN DUNN:

You'll do fine. You're off to a good start. If there's anything else I can help with, let me know.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Your role

-Expectations

-Joining the Initiative

 

RYDER:

Now that the Hyperion is docked, what will you do?

 

CAPTAIN DUNN:

Normally I'd supervise thawing out the colonists, but that's been put on hold. I hear you're the one helping resolve the issue. Good luck with that.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Your role

-Expectations

-Joining the Initiative

 

RYDER:

If someone had told you that you'd be in the Andromeda cluster, even five years ago...

 

CAPTAIN DUNN:

Are you kidding me? I'd have laughed them out of the quadrant. Although the way things are now isn't exactly what I was hoping for, either. We all knew there was a possibility on arrival of less than ideal circumstances. When you sign up, you hope for the best and plan for the worst.

 

 

 

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-Your role

-Expectations

-Joining the Initiative

 

RYDER:

Why did you join the Initiative? We're a long way from home...

 

CAPTAIN DUNN:

How could I not? I love my job. Coming here, all this... it was just a logical extension of what I already do. Sailing through new stars, discovering new worlds... what self-respecting explorer could pass that up?

 

RYDER:

Thanks for the talk.

 

CAPTAIN DUNN:

All right. I have requests to submit, administrators to harass, and people to wake up. I'd better get to it. Good luck out there.

 

[Ryder leaves the Atrium, passes by SAM Node to arrive at Alec’s quarters. It’s guarded by a man who nods at Ryder. In Alec’s quarters, directly to the right of the entrance is a wall of shelves displaying weapons. Ryder examines Alec’s sidearm.]

 

SAM:

Your father's first sidearm. A memento of his early Alliance service.

 

RYDER:

I bet that saw plenty of action.

 

SAM:

Alec’s first kill occured in combat during the First Contact War.

 

RYDER:

Back when turians were the enemy. Crazy times.

 

[There is a shelf above the bed in the corner across from the entrance. Ryder can pick up a model of the Normandy SR-2. A partition to the left of the entrance doubles as a library. Ryder examines the books.]

 

RYDER:

Printed books?

 

SAM:

Reproductions of Lewis and Clark’s journals, detailing their expedition in the 19th century.

 

RYDER:

Explains Dad’s interest. They were pathfinders, too.

 

[Behind the partition-library is the kitchen, where Ryder notices a coffee machine.]

 

RYDER:

(Laughs.) The coffee machine Mom got for Dad. He was so busy designing you—needed the caffeine.

 

SAM:

I did not realize I owed my existence to a bean.

 

RYDER:

And now you know what humility feels like.

 

[In the center of the far wall past the kitchen area is the Archive System: a desk with multiple screens on top.]

 

RYDER:

What’s on here, SAM?

 

SAM:

Your father’s personal logs. Several of them are encrypted.

 

RYDER - Investigate dialogues options:

-General Logs

-Encrypted Log #1

-Encrypted Log #2

-Encrypted Log #3

-Encrypted Log #4

 

[Ryder selects General Logs.]

 

GENERAL LOGS OPTIONS:

-Milky Way departure

-Asari archaeologist

-Final entry

 

ALEC RYDER:

The day is finally here. We’re pushing off from Earth. We’ll jump through a few relays first, then we hunker down for the long trip across dark space. It’s daunting, thinking about all the hopes and dreams aboard the Hyperion. I certainly have my own. I wasn’t the husband or father I should’ve been. Here’s hoping 600 years can change a man.

 

GENERAL LOGS OPTIONS:

-Milky Way departure

-Asari archaeologist: Dr. Liara T’Soni

-Final entry

 

 

ALEC RYDER:

Sam, this is a reminder about Dr. Liara T’Soni—she’s an asari archeologist I corresponded with a few years back. She’s got experience studying ancient cultures. Make sure the team gets her research. Could be useful in Andromeda.

 

RYDER:

Pretty sure my sister mentioned Dr. T’Soni. An expert on Protheans, I think?

 

SAM:

I have loaded Dr. T’Soni’s research onto datapads.

 

[Ryder listens to Dr. T’Soni Message #1.]

 

DR. T’SONI:

Hello, Alec—this is Dr. T’Soni. I’m flattered you contacted me. Most scientists dismiss my work. But I’m young and asari, and they’re getting older, so we’ll see who has the final word. (Laughs.) In the meantime, I’m happy to pass along my research. I hope your team finds it useful.

 

[Ryder listens to Dr. T’Soni Message #2.]

 

DR. T’SONI:

Hello, Alec. I received your message. I must say, the thought of exploring another galaxy has my head spinning. I’m honestly not sure how people could survive a trip like that. And anyway, I couldn’t bear to leave the Milky Way behind. There’s so much about the Protheans I still hope to learn here, so much potential wisdom to tap. I wish you much good luck and future success.

 

GENERAL LOGS OPTIONS:

-Milky Way departure

-Asari archaeologist: Dr. Liara T’Soni

-Final entry

 

ALEC RYDER:

Dunn’s agreed to a scouting mission on Habitat 7. I’m gearing up now. I’m worried about Sara. Dr. T’Perro says she’ll be fine, but… she’s my daughter. How can I not worry? I hate to leave her like this. It’s these moments when you wish you’d told your children you loved them more often. Or ever. Which brings me to the tough part. Kids, if anything happens to me, there are… things you’re going to find out. I hope you’ll understand.

 

[Ryder tries to listen to one of the encrypted logs.]

 

SAM:

That log is inaccessible at this time.

 

[There is an audio excerpt on the Archive Systems desk. Ryder can listen to it.]

 

 

DR. T’SONI:

When studying a dead race, the most obvious problem is the lack of an observable population. This raises the question: When is a species truly extinct? The Prothean civilization spanned the galaxy, and it took centuries to confirm that all members of the species really had died out. While it's possible that living Protheans may be found in a hidden pocket of the galaxy one day, the chances are statistically trivial. Once an extinction is confirmed, the study's nature moves from sociology to exo-archeology.

 

[Ryder steps away. Back on a table between the Archive Systems and the bed is an audio excerpt. Ryder can listen to it.]

 

DR. T’SONI:

I’m Dr. Liara T’Soni, and I’ve spent several decades researching ancient Protheans. It’s common knowledge that the Protheans were an advanced race that flourished in the Milky Way about 50 000 years ago, then went extinct. Even at the time of this writing—the year 2182–their culture remains a mystery. During my studies, I’ve developed some practices that can be used when analyzing any ancient culture. I hope they may prove useful for the research community.

 

[Ryder leaves the room to go to SAM Node.]

 

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