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Pick Your Path: Mass Effect

PARAGON +20

You watch the skeleton creature lift a large metal claw over Virgil's helpless body. "Nooo!" you yell, running toward him with your audio recorder held firmly in one hand. As the talon drops, you jump between it and your friend's chest, holding the recorder above you as a tiny shield.

You land harshly on the Turian's body, and watch as the skeleton creature's claw breaks through the center of your recording device. It's just enough resistance to stop the damaged creature from impaling you or your friend. You let go of what's left of the decimated recorder and roll to your side, grabbing Virgil by the arm as you go. Soon, he stumbles to her feet, breaking clear of the monster's grasp.

"But your recorder," he gasps. "What about-"

"It doesn't matter now," you say. "We need to find a way off this base." You turn an ear toward the hole in the ceiling. Silence. Shepard, and the Normandy, must have already left.

"There's a console over there," Virgil says quickly, pointing near the elevator. "Maybe I can use it to find the location of a docked collector fighter. We may be able to steal one for an escape."

"Good thinking. Do it," you say. He runs to the terminal and immediately begins interfacing it with his omni-tool.

Suddenly, the skeleton creature lifts it massive head and stares at you with multiple yellow eyes. "Uh, Virgil," you say nervously, reaching for your pistol, "how is it coming over there?"

"Good," he replies without looking back, "but there's this strange file being transmitted through all of the system protocols, like some sort of synthetic message or memo. I can't see all of it, but there are a few words that keep appearing on screen. 'INVASION,' 'EARTH,' 'PALAVEN,' TUCHANKA.' I think something big is coming; those are home worlds. I'm sure there's a specific date for the attack here, but I don't see it. I could download the file for us to decrypt in its entirety later, but that would probably delay us another sixty seconds."

Suddenly, you have an idea. With the date of a massive invasion, you could retool your business and begin stocking supplies people will need for the war. Things like heavy weapons, medical rations, and black market goods. Even without Shepard's endorsement, that might be enough to put you back in business.

The massive metal creature roars out. Its voice shakes the very room around you. You're not sure that you have another sixty seconds.

Risk the delay, and try to download the data. Knowing the date of this invasion could put you back on top.

The risk isn't worth it. Head straight for the ships, and leave with Virgil while there's still time.