Sometimes searching for the truth will only bring answers you don't want to hear. [[C-Sec Academy]] The C-Sec Academy is a hive of activity, the many officers that comprise the Citadel Security Service a hectic, constantly moving blur around you. You remain seated at your desk while you try to block out the noise and finish your latest report. Soon, your eyes wander from the screen to the picture you have lovingly placed besides your detective plaque. You smile warmly at the two faces beaming back at you. Your daughters are no longer children, but two, mature young women; Sam is finishing her studies, and Amanda...Amanda is distant, but you know she will find her way. She is like her mother, strong and determined. Yvonne might have passed, but you know she'd be proud of her daughters. A hand brushes your shoulder, interrupting you from your musings. You swivel around to see Ariella, a fresh faced Asari officer, hovering behind you. She clears her throat, and then informs you that the Captain wants to see you. Your smile transforms into a frown, but before you can gleam any details about the request, Ariella has sped off. Reluctantly you clamber out of your chair and head towards the [[Captain’s office]]. Captain Renko is sitting behind his desk scanning data files. There is a firm set to his jaw and the vein by his temple is throbbing; neither of which are good signs. Tentatively you approach his desk. Without acknowledging your presence, the man declares that you have a new assignment. There have been troubling reports from the Wards, chiefly rumours surrounding a new gang operating in the area. Evidence suggests there is some truth in the rumours; Red Sand abuse has grown tenfold in the past week, along with an increase in violent incidents. Civilians are becoming restless and accusing C-Sec of being incompetent, turning a blind eye to the criminal activity. The Council are now putting pressure on Renko to end the problems. Thus he needs you to investigate the reports and determine the truth. Who are the new thugs? How many in their ranks? Who is leading them? Renko needs answers. You accept your new mission and [[leave]] Renko’s office. Back at your desk you begin to plan your approach, only to be interrupted by an incoming transmission from Sam. Surprised that your youngest daughter is contacting you at work, you don't hesitate to answer. There is a long silence before Sam’s voice whispers into your ear. Her tone is panicky and frightened. A chill creeps up your spine as she tells you that she needs you. You ask her what’s wrong, but Sam doesn’t respond. There are noises in the background. Clattering, smashing. You cannot keep the fear out of your voice when you repeat Sam’s name. Your daughter mutters something about Amanda needing help…and then the transmission abruptly ends. You get to your feet immediately. You don’t wait or think it over. You sprint out of the Academy, praying you reach [[Sam's apartment]] in time. First bad sign: the door is open. Second bad sign: the apartment is a wreck. Third bad sign: Sam isn’t replying to your calls. Gun drawn, you move cautiously through the apartment. Each room reveals a new level of destruction. You have seen enough crime scenes to recognize that somebody was desperately searching for something. As your eyes drift across the devastation – smashed lamps, fish limping breathlessly underneath a shattered tank, furniture ripped to shreds – a sense of dread slithers further up your throat. You push past the paralysis and edge into [[Sam’s bedroom]]. The prone body takes your breath away. You utter a choked cry as you rush to Sam. It is too late. Her chest is scorched from gun wounds, the floor stained with her blood. You kneel over your baby girl, unable to do anything other than stare at her lifeless expression. You grab her cold hand, tears rolling down your cheek. Your beautiful girl is dead. For what seems like hours you sit there holding your daughter’s hand. It takes great effort to release her, but when you do, a switch is flicked. Your devastation transforms into anger, an incomprehensible rage. Nothing makes sense! Sam was just a student! Who would do this? Why would they take your girl from you? You have no answers, but you know what you must do. You need to find the culprit. You need to find them...and then kill them. You get to your feet and look around. With a deep breath, you try to piece together the scene. The crime must have occurred seconds after Sam’s call. All of her belongings are destroyed or dismantled yet nothing appears to be missing. What did they want? You glance down at Sam, instead noticing the datapad nearby. You pick up the device and explore the files. One is marked DAD. Inside are three journal entries. [[First entry]] //What is Amanda up to? She hasn’t contacted me in weeks. Even when she's on the ship, she keeps me updated. I know we haven't been close since mum died, but this isn’t like her at all. I even went by her apartment today. No answer. Where is she? What is she doing? I know she tells me not to, but I’m worried about her. Should I tell dad? Hmm. No, he’s busy and will only panic. Amanda won’t appreciate all of C-Sec looking for her. Maybe she has a new boyfriend or something. I’m just being silly…right?// [[Second entry]]//I called Archeron, Amanda's ship, but the captain hasn’t seen her for months. I then went by her apartment again. A Krogan answered the door. I asked about Amanda, he told me she'd gone. Before I could ask anything else, he shut the door in my face! But that's not all! Later I ended up at the market, and the Krogan was there! He was with some shady guys - they all had skulls on their armor - dealing out bags. I kept my distance but I think it was Red Sand. ...Is Amanda using again? She got hooked after mom died but she promised me she would stop. Was that a lie? I don't want to believe it...but where is she now? And who is the Krogan, and why was he in her apartment? Just what's going on? I want answers. I lost the Krogan's trail in the market. I won’t make the same mistake next time.// [[Third entry]]//What did I do? Seriously, what was I thinking? How could I be so stupid? And Amanda! What... Okay, okay, calm down. I did something risky but I now have evidence. Those gang rumours are right. Hunter, the Krogan, is just the beginning. I don’t know who else is involved, but I do know they have Amanda. Shit. I am way over my head but I can’t stop now. I need to figure out what this encryption is. It has to be something important. Once I crack it I can hand it to dad...then he can get [[Amanda]] back.// You drop the datapad, your shock overwhelmed by a fear that chills your veins. How could this have happened? What have your daughters got involved in? You stop speculating. You cannot waste any more time. Although you want to mourn Sam, your other daughter is in danger. You need to find Amanda before something bad happens to her. Unwilling to leave Sam alone, you contact C-Sec. Renko orders you to stay but you end the transmission. Then, with one last look to Sam, at a face which will never smile at you again, you start the search for her sister. Your first step? [[Amanda’s apartment]]. You hack into the locked door and run inside. There is no sign of Amanda or anybody else. The apartment looks abandoned, a stark contrast to Sam’s dwelling. There is no furniture, no indication that anyone lives there. The hairs on your neck rise, but you search each room anyway, desperate to find some clues towards your daughter’s whereabouts. In the bathroom, you find bags and bags of Red Sand hidden behind the walls. You stare at the drugs, dark thoughts terrorizing your mind. Too many questions, not enough answers. Where is Amanda? What has happened to her? Why is her apartment a drug den? Who is this Krogan? What was he doing here? Where do you go now? You close your eyes for a second and focus, painfully aware the trail is disappearing in front of you. You think back to Sam’s journal entries. Hunter, the Krogan. Sam followed him...but where is he? You check the only place you know: the [[market]]. The market is chaotic. You stop dead at the entrance, your chest pounding with adrenaline. Each vender is surrounded by crowds of customers fighting over their wares. You scan the masses suspiciously, and then begin to push through the cluster indiscriminately in search for Hunter, ignoring the protests and insults hurled your way. Pointless! You reach the opposite end without success. If the Krogan is there, he is well hidden. Nevertheless, you get the sensation that you are being watched. You look around. A young man is standing off to the side, studying you. Hand rested delicately on your gun, you approach the man. Silently you seize each other up. Even without your C-Sec uniform, the man knows who you are; likewise, you can see the knife tucked underneath the thug's t-shirt. Although wary, you have to ask him about Hunter. The man stares impassively at you. Slowly he gestures towards an alley leading off the market. You are reluctant to trust him, but what other choice do you have? With a nervous glance back at the thug,[[you step into the alley]] Despite the hustle of the market mere yards away, the alley is unerringly quiet. You move slowly, eyes scanning the corridor for any signs of movement. A shadow suddenly looms over you. You spin around, gun raised. A huge Krogan stands behind you, surprisingly silent despite his girth. A white skull is painted onto his chest plate. His beady eyes stare at your weapon, and a smirk crosses his face. He folds his arms across his chest, unimpressed by your badge and gun. He warns you that you are in Skulls territory, and they don't appreciate C-Sec intruding. You refuse to acknowledge the threat. Instead, you demand he tells you everything he knows about your daughters. Hunter shrugs. You ask about Amanda, warning the Krogan that he should think carefully about what he is doing. Hunter remains impassive. He orders you to leave the alley. You stare at each other, neither party willing to back down. You weigh up your options. [[Persuade him]] [[Shoot him]] The bullet strikes the Krogan between his eyes. Hunter falls backwards to the ground. Blood pools around his body. You glance around, praying nobody comes to investigate the scene, and then lean down to search the Krogan. You find a message. *** Another shipment tomorrow. You better sell the rest of the product before then. If not, Dmitri will have your head. The Skulls don't accept failure. *** Drugs? Your mind runs wild with thoughts. Hunter. The Skulls. Dmitri. Who are these people? Are the Skulls behind the recent crimewave? Does Dmitri have your daughter? Was he responsible for Amanda's abduction and Sam's murder? Frustratingly, you have none of the answers. All you know is that Amanda is in danger. You have to move quickly. [[leave the alley]] Ariella is surprised to hear from you. She immmediately asks for your location. You interrupt her, and order her to search the C-Sec database for Dmitri. Although hesitant, Ariella complies with your request. She provides details for several persons of interest, but one Dmitri in particular strikes your attention; he worked on the Archeron with Amanda and now owns a club near the market. This must be him. Ariella tries to ask more questions, but you plead with her to keep quiet. You thank her for the help and then end the tranmission. Although you feel guilty for using the young officer, cooperating with C-Sec doesn't cross your mind. All you can think about is finding Amanda. Waiting for backup would take too long. You need to do this alone. You head to [[Dmitri's club]] You offer Hunter immunity for answers; if he tells you where Amanda is, and who killed Sam, you'll let him go. The Krogan shakes his head disbelievingly. He will never betray the Skulls, and he certainly doesn't trust you. He pulls out a shotgun and orders you to leave the alley. This is your last chance. Hunter snarls as you raise your gun. He doesn't believe you will shoot. [[Prove him wrong]] Evidently words aren't working on the Krogan. You need stronger action. You bring up your gun. You don't hesitate. You press the trigger. Hunter grunts as his leg collapses underneath him. He reaches for his shotgun but you knock it aside. You then aim at the Krogan's uninjured leg. Once more, you demand he tells you Amanda's location. No answer. Did he kill Sam? Still no response. This time you fire. Hunter cries out, but you shout over him. Where is your daughter? Despite the pain coursing through his legs, the Krogan doesn't reply. You point your gun at his head. Hunter looks at the barrel, and then stares defiantly at you. You tell him he has one last chance to tell you everything. Hunter scoffs; he doesn't believe you will kill him. [[Prove him wrong]].Dmitri's security staff cautiously watch you approach the club entrance. Both men have the Skulls insignia on their chest. They are both armed. The older one steps to intercept you. He warns you that you do not have permission to enter the club. His colleague already looks edgy. You need to act quick. [[ask the men to leave]] [[shoot the guards]] The guards don't move. You try again, suggesting that they must not mean much to Dmitri if they have been entrusted with door duty. Are they really willing to die to protect him? The guards exchange a look. You repeat that this is their last chance to surrender; if they do not go now, they will suffer. The older guard mutters something to his colleague. Both men then lower their guns and leave. [[enter the club]]. When your order for the men to get out of your way fails, you accept that there is only one way to deal with the Skulls. You raise your gun and pull the trigger before either man can react. The first guard crumples instantly. His buddy grabs his gun but you incapacitate him before he can return fire. His body slumps against the door. Grim-faced, you nudge him out the way. The men left with you no other choice. You [[enter the club]]. Pounding music immediately deafens you as you open the door. Your eyes dart left and right as you survey the darkened club, but you cannot see anybody on the dancefloor, in the lounge area, or by the bars. No barmen, no dancers, no patrons...what is going on? Where is everybody? Despite your insticts begging you to turn back, you keep moving, aiming for the long cocktail bar directly ahead. You approach it carefully, eyes alert for any sign of movement. Suddenly the music cuts out. Powerful lights illuminate the room, blinding you with their dazzling whiteness. You shield your eyes, blinking rapidly to adjust to your bright surroundings. Aware of how exposed you are, you vault over the bar. Did anyone see you? You strain your ears, hearing nothing but your beating heart. [[A door opens]] Voices drift into the space. You peer over the bar to see armored Skulls set a perimeter around the dancefloor. A bearded gentleman - Dmitri - orders them to keep C-Sec out of the club while he arranges his escape. He disappears into the backrooms. C-Sec are coming? You grimace, realizing Ariella must have sounded the alarm. She has sent reinforcements but the Skulls know about it and your colleagues are heading into an ambush. You remain frozen behind the bar, unsure of what to do. None of the Skulls know you are there, but any attempt to contact Ariella will alert them to your presence. Do you support C-Sec and risk Dmitri escaping, or follow the man and hope Ariella is prepared for a trap? [[sneak after Dmitri]] [[surprise the guards]] The lights dim overhead. This is your chance. With one last glance to ensure the Skulls aren't looking in your direction, you vault silently back over the bar, and sprint from table to table towards the door Dmitri went through. You slip through unnoticed, and then quickly lock it behind you. Seconds later, the sounds of gunfire permeate through the walls. C-Sec is fighting the Skulls. You just hope Ariella was prepared for an ambush. There isn't anything you can do to help them now. You need to [[find Dmitri]].There is a noise ahead. The lights dim again. You look up to see figures approach from the lobby. You recognize Ariella on point. You then see one of the Skulls raise his rifle. You take aim, and his head disintegrates. The scene descends into chaos. You try to take down more of the Skulls but they have already taken cover. Bullets whizz overhead. Both you and C-Sec are contained. Screams and gunfire fill the air. You risk another look. The Skulls have now formed a defensive unit, and are slowly retreating back to the door. You need to get there first! Head ducked down, you sprint across the dancefloor. Bullets ricochet around you but you manage to reach the door unharmed. You lock it behind you, and then quickly try to get your breathing under control. Now you need to [[find Dmitri]].Crates litter the narrow corridor which leads deeper into the club. Ignoring the sounds of the firefight echoing through the walls, you edge forwards. A broken crate reveals bags of Red Sand hidden beneath bottles of alcohol, explaining Dmitri's smuggling ring but bringing you no closer to the answers you really seek. You check several doors, but you find no sign of Dmitri or Amanda. Nor are there any other Skulls; evidently Dmitri sent all his men to the club entrance. Finally you reach the last door. You wipe the sweat off your brow and access the panel. The door slides open. You tighten your grip on your gun, and enter [[Dmitri's office]]. Dmitri is too busy emptying the contents of a wallsafe to notice you. You creep closer until the barrel of your gun is shoved into the man's neck. Dmitri freezes. You demand he tells you where Amanda is. He asks who you are. You repeat your question. Dmitri slowly brings up his hand, pointing to a door to the left. Keeping your gun aimed at the man, you walk backwards and open the door. It's Dmitri's bathroom. It's empty. You swivel around to Dmitri but the man has already pulled a rifle from his desk. A spray of bullets crisscross your path as you roll behind a large sofa. Pain stings from a wound on your thigh but you don't stop. Dmitri hadn't taken cover; he didn't anticipate you to keep firing. Blood blooms out from his shoulder. He cries out in pain, and falls to the ground. [[Carefully approach the man.]] You spin around. There is a hidden elevator behind one of the walls. Amanda steps into the office. Your relief at seeing your daughter unharmed crumbles when you see the white skull painted on her chest and the gun in her hands. You are too stunned to speak. "So you're the one killing my men. Poor Dmitri," Amanda murmurs as she calmly studies the dead man. You stare at Amanda in disbelief. Somehow you manage to say the words you wish were wrong but, from the sinking feeling in your gut, know are completely true. [["You're one of them."]]Dmitri's eyes widen as you stand over him. He claws for his gun but you kick it out of his grasp. You demand he tells you where Amanda is. Dmitri shakes his head. He coughs up blood, but refuses to speak. You press your boot into his injured shoulder. Where's your daughter? Dmitri stops screaming. His expression changes. Despite the pain, he laughs at you. You push harder but Dmitri continues to laugh. Before you know what you've done, you've executed the man. A door then opens behind you. Someone speaks. You recognize her voice immediately. [[“Hello dad.”]]Amanda turns her attention to you. She rolls her eyes. "Of course I am. The Skulls were my creation." 1-(Upset) [["I thought you were in danger!"]] 2-(Confused) [["You started this? Why?"]] 3-(Angry) [["What have you done?"]]Amanda folds her arms over her chest. She shrugs. "Who knows? Maybe it was my calling in life." You can't hide your incredulity. "Smuggling in Red Sand? Killing people? How could-?" Amanda cuts you off. "What does it matter? Why do you care?" she snaps. [["Sam died because of you!"]] [["I need to know."]] [["I thought you were in danger!"]]"Well I wasn't," Amanda states coldly. "I didn't ask for you to save me. I stopped asking for your help years ago." [["Sam thought you needed us."]] [["What do you mean?"]] [["Why are you like this?"]]"Smuggling in Red Sand? What were you thinking?" Amanda sighs exasperatedly. "Money, power...what does it matter?" "People have gotten hurt, Amanda!" Amanda doesn't blink. "They made their choices. It isn't my fault." [["You killed your sister"]] [["I thought you were in danger!"]] [["Why are you like this?"]] "Well that was her mistake, wasn't it?" "She was worried about you, Amanda! She came after you because she was scared. She thought you needed help." "Why would I need you? I have...well had, the Skulls." [["What about Sam?"]] [["They were bad people."]] "When mom died, you threw yourself into your work. You left me to grieve alone. Dmitri and Hunter stepped in. They were there for me. They were my real family." [["Sam and I were there."]] [["They were bad people."]] Amanda glares at you. "Like what?" she yells. "What do you expect from me?" You fall silent. "Your mother would be heartbroken," you murmur. "Good thing she's dead then." You stare at her, shocked. "And Sam?" "Her too. You both mean nothing to me." [["Sam and I were there."]] [["Have you no remorse?"]] [["Sam didn't deserve to die!"]] "Your sister called me, Amanda. She needed my help...but I was too late. Your men got there first." You struggle to finish your sentence. "I...I was the one who found her." Amanda lowers her head. "I ordered Hunter to kill whoever stole our file. Had I known it was Sam..." She trails off. [["I believe you."]] [["That's not good enough."]]"Know what? Are answers really going to change anything?" Amanda argues. "You've killed Dmitri, Hunter. Well done. You've ruined my life again." [["What do you mean?"]] [["What about Sam?"]] "She stole vital information from me." "So you murdered her?" "Sam knew what she was doing," Amanda counters. She gives you a dark look. "Why didn't you stop her? If you were a better father, she'd still be alive." [["No. You're to blame."]] [["Have you no remorse?"]] [["Sam didn't deserve to die!"]] "Why would I? I can't change the past." "Your sister died, Amanda!" "She shouldn't have got involved!" Amanda screams. "She chose to follow Hunter." (interrupt) [["Sam didn't deserve to die!"]] Amanda sighs. "What does it matter? Neither of you have been my family for a long time." [["You're still my daughter."]] [["What do you mean?"]] Amanda can't disguise her relief. But she shakes her head. "You shouldn't, dad. It was my fault. I don't deserve sympathy." [["You can still make amends."]]Amanda slowly meets your gaze, sees the hurt in your eyes. She sighs. "No it isn't. I don't expect you to forgive me." [["You can still make amends."]] [["You've gone too far."]] Amanda doesn't meet your gaze. "She took information from me and was killed by the recovery team. I can't take it back." [["You can still make amends."]] [["You've gone too far."]]"So? They had done more for me than you ever have." "Amanda." "No. Maybe you should realize that I'm not a good person either." [["You're still my daughter."]] [["You've gone too far."]] "Always. We...I didn't realize. But we both risked our lives to save you." Amanda explodes with anger. "Am I supposed to be grateful? You were too late!" she shouts. "Amanda-." "No. I've already made my choices." [["You can still make amends."]] [["You're still my daughter."]] [["You've gone too far."]] Amanda works her throat. "Maybe not. But I can't bring her back. It's too late for me too." [["You're still my daughter."]] [["You've gone too far."]] "I still care about you." Amanda shakes her head. "I don't believe that anymore." "I do. But you've hurt people." "People die. People get hurt. It happens." "Like Sam?" "She's gone, dad. There isn't anything I can do about it." [["You can still make amends."]] [["You've gone too far."]] "She was worried about you and you killed her. That isn't my fault, it's yours." Amanda laughs humorlessly. "Of course it is. Why am I not surprised?" [["You've gone too far."]] Amanda wipes her eyes. She shakes her head. "No dad. It's too late for me." Amanda sighs. She puts her gun down. "This is it then. Now you need to make your [[decision]]." Amanda nods. "Maybe. Probably." "I can't forgive you for what you've done." Amanda swallows. She drops her gun. "Well this it then. Now you need to make your [[decision]].Amanda rubs her neck. She points to your gun. "So be it," she says quietly. "I won't fight you." [[Pull out your gun]] [[Arrest her instead]]Amanda doesn't react. You throw Dmitri's bag at her. Surprised, she stumbles. You help her to her feet, and then push her towards the elevator. "Dad?" She looks at you. "Why?" "Consider this a second chance, daughter. Don't ruin it." The elevator closes. Amanda has gone. [[Epilogue C]] Amanda kneels down in front of you. She bows her head. "I'm sorry." You shoot. Amanda collapses to the ground. (Carry her body) (Leave without her) [[Epilogue A]]Amanda doesn't resist as you handcuff her, but her eyes meet yours. "Why?" she asks quietly. "I'm not losing both my daughters." With a heavy heart, you lead Amanda out the room. [[Epilogue B]]The park is peaceful yet you find no solace in the quiet. You look down at the vase carrying Sam's ashes. She spent hours playing in the park when she was a child. This is what she would have wanted. Yet you cannot release her. She shouldn't be dead. It isn't right. It isn't fair. The sadness is overwhelming. How could this have happened? Why did it happen? Amanda stands off to your side, a guard closely behind her. She tries to meet your gaze, but you cannot do it. Instead, you do the only thing you can. With shaking hands, you release Sam's ashes into the water, and then watch as they slowly disappear. The park is peaceful yet you find no solace in the quiet. You look down at the vase carrying Sam's ashes. She spent hours playing in the park when she was a child. This is what she would have wanted. Yet you cannot release her. She shouldn't be dead. It isn't right. It isn't fair. The sadness is overwhelming. How could this have happened? Why did it happen? No answer satisfies you. You cannot change the past. Instead, you do the only thing you can. With shaking hands, you release Sam's ashes into the water, and then watch as they slowly disappear. Eventually, you glance up from the water. A distant figure is watching you. You blink and she is gone. You are alone again.The park is peaceful yet you find no solace in the quiet. You look down at the two vases at your feet. Your girls spent hours playing in the park when they were children. This is what they would have wanted. Yet you cannot release them. They shouldn't be dead. It isn't right. It isn't fair. The sadness is overwhelming. Both of your girls gone. How could this have happened? Why did it happen? No answer satisfies you. You cannot change the past. Instead, you do the only thing you can. With shaking hands, you release the ashes into the water, and then watch as they slowly disappear. "Decision?" Amanda indicates the elevator. "Your choice." She pauses. "Either I go...or you stop me." Amanda falls silent, waiting for your decision. Your daughter. Your blood. But she has betrayed you. Betrayed her sister. [["I can't let you go."]] [["Go. And never come back."]]You slip hastily back through the market before someone discovers Hunter's body. You can explain his death later; right now, you need to find Dmitri. The citizen database in the C-Sec Academy will have his information...but you won't be able to use it without alerting Captain Renko to your presence, and he will inevitably detain you while he investigates Sam's death. Can you really afford to follow procedure when Amanda's life is at risk? No. There must be a way to bypass Captain Renko. Instantly, you think about Ariella. The young Asari officer could search the database for you...but can you trust her? You grimace, realizing you must take that risk. You need to locate Dmitri now. Time is ticking. Ariella is your only [[hope]].