ME:A Grand Prix

MASS EFFECT: ANDROMEDA - GRAND PRIX By D.J. Saltmarsh Mass Effect™ and Mass Effect: Andromeda™ are the © of BioWare, a division of EA Games. 2820 CE - The Archon has been defeated. The kett are on the run, and the quarian ark has been found. Tens of thousands of quarians, drell, hanar, and elcor have joined society in the Heleus Cluster. Pathfinder Ryder is making a routine visit to the planet Eos when SAM detects an explosion on the surface... [[TEMPEST BRIDGE->1. TEMPEST BRIDGE - DAY CYCLE.]]

The Tempest drops out of FTL and enters into orbit around the planet Eos. RYDER, KALLO and SUVI are at the controls. Suddenly warning alarms echo around the bridge. RYDER SAM? What’s going on? SAM We are receiving multiple distress signals from the planet, Pathfinder. Sensors have detected an explosion on the surface. RYDER Where is it? SAM Localizing. Explosion originated fifty kilometres west of Podromos. It came from a structure near an active volcano. I am reading several hundred colonists in the vicinity. [[TONE WHEEL: EMOTIONAL – The hell?->TONE WHEEL: EMOTIONAL - THE HELL?]] [[TONE WHEEL: LOGICAL - They must have good reason.->TONE WHEEL: LOGICAL - THEY MUST HAVE A GOOD REASON.]]

RYDER That many people couldn't have moved there on a whim. SAM Such a large population would require considerable logistical support. [[CONTACT EOS->2. TEMPEST BRIDGE.]]

RYDER (to SUVI) Any word from the surface? SUVI Comms are going berserk. I can't establish a clear link through all this chatter. RYDER They could be under attack. Kallo, put us down. KALLO Will do. RYDER Suit up, people. We're going in. KALLO steers the Tempest into the planet's atmosphere. [[EOS, THE PITS.->3. EXT. EOS, THE PITS - DAY.]]

RYDER Near a volcano? What the hell are they doing? SAM Insufficient data. [[CONTACT EOS->2. TEMPEST BRIDGE.]]

TACITA This event was supposed to build bridges. We're on neutral ground. No territorial disputes, no political crap getting in the way. Just speed freaks coming together to race. RYDER Through a volcano? TACITA It's only a mud volcano – hardly active at all. The sloping terrain makes it a perfect racetrack. And the gases venting through the road keeps things interesting for the spectators. [[TONE WHEEL: CASUAL – I'll bet.->TONE WHEEL: CASUAL – I'LL BET.]] [[TONE WHEEL: PROFESSIONAL – No safety concerns?->TONE WHEEL: PROFESSIONAL – NO SAFETY CONCERNS?]]

RYDER Who doesn't enjoy a searing hot steam bath? TACITA We factored that in. The temperature is much lower than igneous volcanoes. Our drivers are perfectly safe. My focus now is finding out what, or who, caused that blast. [[THE PITS->5. EOS, THE PITS.]]

RYDER For you, health and safety is just something that happens to other people, isn't it? TACITA We've considered every eventuality, I can assure you. The drivers have been out on the track multiple times without a single injury. The fact a driver was hurt off-track right before the final is, frankly, as suspicious as hell. [[THE PITS->5. EOS, THE PITS.]]

RYDER You think it was deliberate? TACITA Possibly. I can't be sure. Between fire control and crowd control we're stretched thin. If you can investigate that will be a big help. RYDER I'll do what I can. TACITA I'll contact you when it's safe to enter the garage. In the meantime, speak to the drivers. Prival, the angaran, is in no state to answer questions, but try the others. They may have some insight into what happened. RYDER Who are they? TACITA The asari is Astala. Her garage is on the far side of the pits. The garage closest to the fire belongs to Ehrlich – he's a human from Advent colony. And lastly there's Kiron. He's an elcor, you can't miss him. TACITA returns to the fire crews. RYDER is free to explore the area. [[EXPLORE THE PITS->Explore The Pits.]]

RYDER approaches EHRLICH, an anxious-looking human male standing outside his garage. EHRLICH So, you're the famous Pathfinder? RYDER Rumour has it. Could I ask you a few questions? EHRLICH Knock yourself out. [[QUESTION EHRLICH->Question EHRLICH.]]

RYDER approaches the elcor driver. KIRON is standing outside his garage, his attention focused on the asari driver, ASTALA. RYDER Excuse me, Kiron? I'm Pathfinder Ryder. KIRON Dismissively, get lost. I'm in the zone. RYDER I'm working with Marshal Tacita. I need to ask… KIRON With anger, go away, human. You're distracting me! KIRON no longer responds to inquiries. RYDER moves away. RYDER Not very chatty for an elcor. [[IF PEEBEE IS IN THE SQUAD->IF PEEBEE IS IN THE SQUAD]] [[IF PEEBEE STAYED ON THE TEMPEST->IF PEEBEE STAYED ON THE TEMPEST]]

A series of prefab structures serve as pit garages. Three racing vehicles, similar to the Nomad, are parked inside. A fourth garage is ablaze. Medics tend to wounded staff as fire crews - directed by MARSHAL TACITA, a turian woman - fight the flames. Behind the structures are spectator stands filled with people. The Tempest lands and RYDER exits the ship. TACITA rushes over. TACITA Pathfinder. Thank the Spirits you're here. Marshal Tacita. We could use the help. RYDER What happened? TACITA A pit garage exploded. Some of my people were caught in the blast. Luckily, no-one was killed. RYDER Do you know what caused it? TACITA Not a clue. All I know is I have a wounded angaran driver, fires to fight, and 600 spectators threatening to riot. This is a diplomatic nightmare. RYDER Spectators? What's going on? TACITA (as if it was patently obvious) The Heleus Cup. The final race. The last four drivers battling it out. Well, three now. We've been sending out evites all over the Cluster. Please tell me you've heard about it? [[TONE WHEEL: CASUAL – Not a thing.->TONE WHEEL: CASUAL - NOT A THING.]] [[TONE WHEEL: PROFESSIONAL – Sounds exciting.->TONE WHEEL: PROFESSIONAL - SOUNDS EXCITING.]]

RYDER Maybe my invitation got lost in the Scourge? TACITA My publicists are so fired. [[EOS, THE PITS->4. EOS, THE PITS.]]

RYDER A cross-species motor race? That's ambitious. TACITA I had to call in a few favours to organise it. Can't believe you never got the invite. [[EOS, THE PITS->4. EOS, THE PITS.]]

RYDER approaches the asari driver who's busy tinkering with her vehicle. ASTALA What do you want? RYDER Pathfinder Ryder. I'm investigating the explosion. Would you mind answering a few questions? ASTALA Fine. Be quick. [[QUESTION ASTALA->QUESTION ASTALA]]

PEEBEE Did you see the way Kiron was eyeballing that asari driver? And hear that infrasound mating call? He's smitten. RYDER Can't say I noticed. Elcor are hard to read. PEEBEE It helps to have an elcor father. Kiron was sending the same vibes my dad would give mom just before they… got busy. RYDER Awkwaaard. PEEBEE And, trust me, when elcor are in the mood, they're not quiet. RYDER No less awkward. PEEBEE Some nights I had to wear noise-cancelling headphones. RYDER Alrighty then. Thanks for sharing, Peebee! [[EXPLORE THE PITS->Explore The Pits.]] [[IF KIRON WAS THE LAST DRIVER QUESTIONED->When all drivers are questioned.]]

PEEBEE contacts RYDER over the comm. PEEBEE [Comm] Hey, did anyone catch that infrasound rumble? It sounded like an elcor mating call. I think Kiron's sweet on someone. RYDER Didn't notice. I don't know elcor that well. PEEBEE [Comm] Guess having an elcor father has its advantages. Kiron was sending the same vibes my dad would give mom just before they… got busy. RYDER Yeah, probably didn't need to know that. PEEBEE [Comm] And FYI, elcor in the mood - not quiet. RYDER Please stop sharing. PEEBEE [Comm] Some nights I had to wear noise-cancelling headphones. RYDER And on that note, I think we're done! [[EXPLORE THE PITS->Explore The Pits.]] [[IF KIRON was the last driver to be questioned->When all drivers are questioned.]]

RYDER Not much call for a racing driver on Eos, I imagine? EHRLICH You'd be surprised. This environment is tough. It takes a skilled driver to handle the terrain. And, as it turns out, I am a very skilled driver. Funny, isn't it? I had to travel to a brand-new galaxy to find my calling. [[QUESTION EHRLICH->Question EHRLICH.]]

RYDER How well do you know the other drivers? EHRLICH I know Riv – um, Prival, quite well. (cough) She's the fastest driver by far. Maybe that's why she was targeted? Don't know much about the other two. I think the asari used to be a commando. Kiron isn't as good a driver as he thinks he is. Strange for an elcor to want to become a racer, don't you think? [[QUESTION EHRLICH->Question EHRLICH.]]

RYDER Where were you during the blast? EHRLICH In my garage. I was repairing a broken manifold when, whoosh! Flames. Screaming. I ran over and pulled Prival out of the fire. Her hands were burned but the medics took care of her. Hope she's okay. (sigh) I bet Tacita is drooling over this juicy publicity. The crowd loves explosions. RYDER You think the Marshal faked the blast for ratings? EHRLICH I wouldn't be surprised. [[QUESTION EHRLICH->Question EHRLICH.]]

RYDER What can you tell me about the explosion? ASTALA Only that it was a low-yield thermite detonator probably attached to the fuel line. That would account for the green tinge to the flames and slightly acidic scent. RYDER I was thinking more where you were at the time, but thanks for the observation. ASTALA Not at all. It's how I'd do it - just not as sloppily. That was all sound and fury. No real punch to it. My CO would have ripped me a new one if I'd done something that amateurish. [[QUESTION ASTALA->QUESTION ASTALA]]

RYDER What did you do before joining the Initiative? ASTALA I was a commando - served the Republics faithfully for over a century. But that life can grow stale. The same missions, the same merc groups to fight. I needed a fresh challenge. The Andromeda Initiative promised that. And it delivered. [[QUESTION ASTALA->QUESTION ASTALA]]

RYDER You certainly seem to be engrossed in your work. ASTALA I hate being sedentary. My mind won't quiet. Meditation doesn't help. Work does. Resting is torture. My last mandatory vacation caused more existential angst than all my previous commando missions combined. [[Introspective much?->Introspective much?]] [[QUESTION ASTALA->QUESTION ASTALA]]

RYDER Why did you start racing? ASTALA For the rush. I used to race back on Thessia, so when I heard about the Heleus Cup I jumped right on-board. I like to test myself – push my limits as far as they'll go and then go beyond. [[QUESTION ASTALA->QUESTION ASTALA]]

RYDER Had you met any of the drivers before the race? ASTALA No. RYDER Not even the elcor? He seems to like you. ASTALA Don't I know it. (sigh) I've told him I'm not interested but he won't take the hint. Goddess save me from needy men. [[QUESTION ASTALA->QUESTION ASTALA]]

[[? - Advent.->? - Advent.]] [[? - What brings you here?->? - What brings you here?.]] [[? – Racing.->? – Racing.]] [[? – Drivers.->? – Drivers.]] [[? – Explosion.->? – Explosion.]] [[I've nothing more. Thanks for your time.->Explore The Pits.]] [[If EHRLICH was the last driver to be questioned->When all drivers are questioned.]]

[[? – Explosive.->? – Explosive.]] [[? – Former life.->? – Former life.]] [[? – Motor Racing.->? – Motor Racing.]] [[? – Other Drivers.->? – Other Drivers.]] [[? – Always working.->? – Always working.]] [[Thank you. I'll let you go.->Explore The Pits.]] [[IF ASTALA WAS THE LAST DRIVER TO BE QUESTIONED->When all drivers are questioned.]]

RYDER receives a call via their omni-tool. TACITA [Comm] Pathfinder, the fire is out. The garage is safe to enter. RYDER On my way. RYDER walks to the angaran's pit garage - [[PRIVAL'S GARAGE->6. INT. PRIVAL'S GARAGE.]]

Inside are the burned out remains of Prival's racer, including a workstation, discarded datapad, footprints, toolboxes, and the remains of a motion sensor. RYDER is free to scan the garage. [[Scan vehicle->Scan vehicle.]] [[Scan workstation->Scan workstation.]] [[Scan toolbox->Scan toolbox.]] [[Scan prints->Scan prints.]] [[Scan datapad->Scan datapad.]] [[Scan motion sensor->Scan motion sensor.]]

RYDER You're from Advent? EHRLICH Yeah, from the capital, Aurora. I know what people say about us, but we're not like the exiles from Kadara Port. Advent is a peaceful colony. We just want to live on our terms - free agency. Isn't that why we came to Andromeda in the first place? [[QUESTION EHRLICH->Question EHRLICH.]]

RYDER Why did you join the Initiative? EHRLICH I was a pilot back in the Milky Way – hauling freight from colony to colony. It wasn't very rewarding. I wanted more. It's that simple. [[QUESTION EHRLICH->Question EHRLICH.]]

[[TALK TO EHRLICH->Talk to EHRLICH.]] [[TALK TO KIRON->Talk to KIRON.]] [[TALK TO ASTALA->Talk to ASTALA.]]

RYDER Not one for relaxing on a beach, then? ASTALA Vacations are the death of productivity. I need to keep my mind active, not mindlessly bluing myself in the sun. RYDER Bluing? ASTALA You humans call it tanning. [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: PEEBEE'S REACTION->PEEBEE DIALOGUE 1.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: LIAM'S REACTION->LIAM DIALOGUE 1.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: DRACK'S REACTION->DRACK DIALOGUE 1.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: CORA'S REACTION->CORA DIALOGUE 1.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: JAAL'S REACTION->JAAL DIALOGUE 1.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: VETRA'S REACTION->VETRA DIALOGUE 1.]]

PEEBEE She's not wrong. Vacations - so dull! [[Question ASTALA->QUESTION ASTALA]]

DRACK I'll lie in the sun when I'm dead. [[Question ASTALA->QUESTION ASTALA]]

The scanner reads: ND-2 “Liselle” DATA: All-terrain rover Tripartite E-Zero core Non-factory specs: Alloy-track tyres, counter-reactive hull plating, thermal barrier module Severe damage to servo-actuators and hull plating Foreign device attached to fuel line ANALYSIS: A modified vehicle optimised for racing. Lighter and more agile than the ND-1 Nomad. Currently inoperative. Sabotage suspected. SAM The vehicle was the epicentre of the explosion. A device is attached to the fuel line. RYDER Who planted it? SAM Unknown. The fire destroyed physical evidence. Further scans may reveal more clues. [[Scan workstation->Scan workstation.]] [[Scan toolbox->Scan toolbox.]] [[Scan datapad->Scan datapad.]] [[Scan prints->Scan prints.]] [[Scan motion sensor->Scan motion sensor.]]

Workstation DATA: Stainless steel frame Wood worktop Multiple genetic sources detected. 100% angara 100% human ANALYSIS: Organic fluids suggest cross-species relations took place here. SAM The driver's workstation. I am detecting trace amounts of angaran DNA… and human DNA. RYDER Human? SAM Yes. The nucleotide sequences match Ehrlich's genetic profile. RYDER What was he doing here? SAM The alignment of sebaceous gland secretions suggests the pair were engaged in amorous activities. RYDER Furthering interplanetary relations, huh? Ehrlich never mentioned that. SAM More scans are required. [[Scan vehicle->Scan vehicle.]] [[Scan prints->Scan prints.]] [[Scan toolbox->Scan toolbox.]] [[Scan datapad->Scan datapad.]] [[Scan motion sensor->Scan motion sensor.]]

Toolbox DATA: 89% Alloy shell 11% Plastic compounds ANALYSIS: Assorted tools stored inside. SAM No useful data. [[Scan vehicle->Scan vehicle.]] [[Scan workstation->Scan workstation.]] [[Scan prints->Scan prints.]] [[Scan datapad->Scan datapad.]] [[Scan motion sensor->Scan motion sensor.]]

ASTALA, EHRLICH and KIRON are all standing outside Prival's garage. RYDER advances on them. RYDER Kiron. Care to explain how we found your prints in Prival's garage? EHRLICH What? KIRON Feigned ignorance, I don't know what you're talking about. RYDER Cut the crap! Your footprints were in her garage and your DNA is all over the trigger. I also found a threatening letter ordering Prival to drop out of the race. It was signed with Ehrlich's name but written in elcor syntax. You were trying to frame Advent Colony for the blast. EHRLICH Kiron, you BASTARD! [[TONE WHEEL: EMOTIONAL – Well?->TONE WHEEL: EMOTIONAL – Well?.]] [[TONE WHEEL: LOGICAL – We're waiting.->TONE WHEEL: LOGICAL – We're waiting.]]

RYDER This better be good, Kiron. EHRLICH And for your sake, it better be the truth. [[THE PITS->8. EXT. THE PITS.]]

RYDER Don't leave us hanging. EHRLICH If you did hurt Riv, Kiron, I swear to God… [[THE PITS->8. EXT. THE PITS.]]

KIRON Petulant antagonism, I do not answer to you, human. ASTALA steps in. ASTALA Then answer to me, Kiron. Did you plant the bomb? KIRON (long pause) Passionate declaration, it was all for you, Astala. ASTALA What do you mean? KIRON Effusively, I could not bear to see you lose. Neither the angaran or human deserve the trophy. With them gone you would win. You would be happy. I only want you to be happy. ASTALA Goddess, I don't… That's… Pathfinder, you have to believe me, I had no part in this. RYDER It's over, Kiron. You've lost. KIRON With scorn, you'll never take me alive! KIRON throws a flashbang grenade at RYDER's feet. The screen goes white. A second later the picture clears. KIRON is sprinting towards his racer. He clambers inside and starts the vehicle. RYDER is in hot pursuit. [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: PEEBEE'S REACTION->PEEBEE DIALOGUE 2.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: DRACK'S REACTION->DRACK DIALOGUE 2.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: LIAM'S REACTION->LIAM DIALOGUE 2.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: CORA'S REACTION->CORA DIALOGUE 2.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: JAAL'S REACTION->JAAL DIALOGUE 2.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: VETRA'S REACTION->VETRA DIALOGUE 2.]]

RYDER Not your decision to make, Kiron. RYDER shoots KIRON in the arm. The elcor drops his pistol and clasps the wound. ASTALA Nicely done. I would have shot him in the head! RYDER (to Squad Mates) Cuff him and call the Marshal. Tacita will want to hear the good news. RYDER walks back to the Nomad. [[RETURN TO THE PITS->13. EXT. PITS - DAY. KIRON LIVES.]]

RYDER Happy to oblige. RYDER shoots KIRON in the head. The elcor's body hits the ground with a thud. ASTALA He got what he deserved. RYDER I warned him. Come on. We're done here. Let's get back to the Pits. RYDER walks back to the Nomad. [[RETURN TO THE PITS->13. EXT. THE PITS - DAY. KIRON DIED.]]

The patches or quicksand and slurry clear and the Nomad continues after KIRON’s racer. The chase moves into another area of methane vents, triggering a cutscene: a third racing vehicle driven by ASTALA roars onto the track from a slip road. RYDER That’s Astala’s racer. ASTALA accelerates until her racer is alongside KIRON’s vehicle. Then ASTALA rams into the side of KIRON’s racer. The vehicles collide in a shower of sparks. ASTALA manages to force KIRON into the path of a boulder. KIRON’s racer flips up and tumbles across the track. After rolling several times the ruined racer comes to a halt. The Nomad pulls to a halt. KIRON crawls from the wreckage; his back leg is broken. He is carrying a heavy pistol in his hand. RYDER exits the Nomad. ASTALA, RYDER, and the squad approach KIRON with their weapons drawn. RYDER Give it up, Kiron. KIRON Weary sorrowfulness, why couldn’t you love me, Astala? ASTALA Get this through your thick skull: If we were the last two people left alive, I'd be trying to start a family with my racer! KIRON Wailing lament, this is all I can take. This is how a heart breaks. There is no way out. KIRON points his gun at RYDER. RYDER Don't do this. KIRON Holding sorrow, I don't want to live without you, Astala. [[BRANCHING ARROW: Wound him.->BRANCHING ARROW: WOUND KIRON.]] [[BRANCHING ARROW: Kill him.->BRANCHING ARROW: SHOOT KIRON.]]

RYDER approaches MARSHAL TACITA. TACITA Thank you, Pathfinder. It’s a shame you couldn’t bring Kiron in alive. I just got off a vid-link with the elcor authorities. The Courts of New Dekuuna weren’t happy you decided to execute Kiron rather than bring him in. RYDER How did the Courts find out? TACITA The chase was broadcast over the extranet. RYDER That was all going out live? TACITA Sure. We have automated cameras all over the track. The ratings are through the roof! I’ve already had calls from racers on Havarl and Kadara. Spirits, even the Nakmor clan from New Tuchanka. There’s a veritable host of people who want to race in the next Heleus Cup. RYDER (drolly) I’m happy I could help boost your viewership. TACITA If you ever want to race here again, the Mud Run is always open. And it won’t be long before we have racetracks set up on other worlds – plenty of opportunities to test your skills. RYDER Practice makes perfect. TACITA Well, better keep your hand in. There’s no shortage of racers who want to take you on, Road Ryder. Title: A new area has been unlocked: The Mud Run. FADE OUT: MISSION ENDS

RYDER moves behind the racer. There are footmarks on the floor. RYDER scans them. Footprints DATA: Partial footprints ANALYSIS: The shape of the footprints suggests they were made by a quadruped. SAM Footprints. The size and shape are consistent with a quadruped. RYDER An elcor? SAM 89 percent probability. Please continue scanning. [[Scan vehicle->Scan vehicle.]] [[Scan workstation->Scan workstation.]] [[Scan toolbox->Scan toolbox.]] [[Scan datapad->Scan datapad.]] [[Scan motion sensor->Scan motion sensor.]]

RYDER finds a small device behind a crate at the back of the room. RYDER scans it. Motion sensor DATA: Origin: Andromeda Initiative Function: Bomb trigger Genetic source detected 100% elcor ANALYSIS: Shard of a motion sensor. The fragment detached in the explosion and ricocheted off the wall to land behind the crate. A partial DNA profile matches that of driver Kiron. SAM A fragment of a motion sensor. There are traces of Kiron’s DNA. Pathfinder, this device triggered the bomb. RYDER I think it's time we had a chat with Kiron. [[Scan vehicle->Scan vehicle.]] [[Scan workstation->Scan workstation.]] [[Scan prints->Scan prints.]] [[Scan datapad->Scan datapad.]] [[Scan toolbox->Scan toolbox.]] [[Confront Kiron->7. EXT. THE PITS.]]

CORA Try to cut him off! [[THE PITS->9. EXT. THE PITS.]]

DRACK Hunt him down! [[CHASE KIRON->9. EXT. THE PITS.]]

LIAM He's getting away! [[THE PITS->9. EXT. THE PITS.]]

PEEBEE Whoa! He's no slouch! [[CHASE KIRON->9. EXT. THE PITS.]]

JAAL He's fast for a quadruped. [[THE PITS->9. EXT. THE PITS.]]

VETRA Light on his feet, isn't he? [[THE PITS->9. EXT. THE PITS.]]

RYDER Get to the Nomad. RYDER sprints towards the Nomad and climbs inside. RYDER assumes control of the Nomad and chases after KIRON as they enter: [[THE MUD VOLCANO->10. EXT. THE MUD RUN.]]

The Nomad pursues KIRON's racer through the mud volcano - a wide, sloping gully littered with shallow pools and mud domes exuding slurry. Other hazards include: speed-reducing quicksand, superheated geysers, and methane vents. These hazards make pursuing KIRON difficult. SAM alerts RYDER to the hazards. SAM Proximity alert: Methane vents ahead, Ryder. KIRON launches flares from his racer, igniting the pockets of methane in front of the Nomad. The Nomad swerves to avoid the explosions. RYDER He's lighting them! Pockets of explosive methane rock the Nomad, draining the vehicles armour-plating. KIRON drives through a cluster of geysers. The Nomad barrels through the geysers, taking damage from the blistering waters. RYDER Anyone fancy a steam? [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: PEEBEE'S REACTION->PEEBEE DIALOGUE 3]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: LIAM'S REACTION->LIAM DIALOGUE 3.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: DRACK'S REACTION->DRACK DIALOGUE 3]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: CORA'S REACTION->CORA DIALOGUE 3.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: JAAL'S REACTION->JAAL DIALOGUE 3.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: VETRA'S REACTION->VETRA DIALOGUE 3.]]

DRACK I've had worse. [[THE MUD RUN->11. EXT. THE MUD RUN.]]

CORA You wanna focus on the road? [[THE MUD RUN->11. EXT. THE MUD RUN.]]

JAAL Not funny, Ryder. [[THE MUD RUN->11. EXT. THE MUD RUN.]]

LIAM There goes the paintwork! [[THE MUD RUN->11. EXT. THE MUD RUN.]]

VETRA Jokes? Really? [[THE MUD RUN->11. EXT. THE MUD RUN.]]

PEEBEE Not a fan of broiling to death, Ryder. [[THE MUD RUN->11. EXT. THE MUD RUN.]]

The Nomad clears the geysers. Patches of quicksand lie on the track ahead. RYDER steers the Nomad between them. The sand severely affects the Nomad’s handling. The Nomad spins out as RYDER tries to navigate through the minefield of shifting sands. [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: PEEBEE'S REACTION->PEEBEE DIALOGUE 4.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: DRACK'S REACTION->DRACK DIALOGUE 4.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: LIAM'S REACTION->LIAM DIALOGUE 4.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: CORA'S REACTION->CORA DIALOGUE 4.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: JAAL'S REACTION->JAAL DIALOGUE 4.]] [[UNIQUE DIALOGUE: VETRA'S REACTION->VETRA DIALOGUE 4.]]

RYDER approaches MARSHAL TACITA. TACITA Well done, Pathfinder. The elcor authorities have just contacted us. The Courts of New Dekuuna want to try Kiron for his crimes. I imagine they’ll want to thank you personally. RYDER Sorry for spoiling your final race. TACITA Are you kidding? The audience loved it – especially that crash at the end. The extranet ratings are through the roof! RYDER Wait. That was being broadcast? TACITA Sure. We have automated cameras all over the track. I’ve already had calls from racers on Havarl and Kadara. Spirits, even the Nakmor clan from New Tuchanka. There’s a veritable host of people who want to race in the next Heleus Cup. RYDER (drolly) I’m happy I could help. TACITA If you ever want to race here again, the Mud Run is always open. And it won’t be long before we have racetracks set up on other worlds – plenty of opportunities to test your skills. RYDER Why not? I could always use the practice. TACITA Well, better keep your hand in. There’s no shortage of racers who want to take on the Road Ryder. Title: A new area has been unlocked: The Mud Run. FADE OUT: MISSION ENDS

Datapad DATA: Datapad with threatening message. ANALYSIS: A letter apparently signed by Ehrlich demanding Prival drop out from the race or suffer the consequences. SAM A letter with Ehrlich’s signature. He is insistent that Prival withdraw from the race. He threatens that Advent colony will ‘make her pay’ if she doesn’t comply. RYDER This is incriminating. SAM Indeed. However, the composition of this message is not consistent with human syntax. The morphology is more commonly found in hanar and elcor grammar rules. RYDER Why would a human write a threatening letter using alien grammar? SAM They wouldn’t. [[Scan workstation->Scan workstation.]] [[Scan vehicle->Scan vehicle.]] [[Scan prints->Scan prints.]] [[Scan motion sensor->Scan motion sensor.]] [[Scan toolbox->Scan toolbox.]]

CORA Give me a book to read and lots of greenery and I'm good. [[QUESTION ASTALA->QUESTION ASTALA]]

JAAL That… would be heaven. If it's clothing optional, even better. [[QUESTION ASTALA->QUESTION ASTALA]]

VETRA Mmm, tempting. I might even wear my bikini. [[QUESTION ASTALA->QUESTION ASTALA]]

LIAM Couldn't agree less. Who doesn't love a holiday? [[QUESTION ASTALA->QUESTION ASTALA]]

VETRA You spin me right round, Ryder. Right round. RYDER I'm surprised you know that song. VETRA What song? [[THE CRASH->12. EXT. CRASH SITE.]]

JAAL Your style of driving is… interesting. RYDER Never had any complaints before. JAAL There's a first time for everything. [[THE CRASH->12. EXT. CRASH SITE.]]

DRACK Never thought I’d regret riding shotgun. RYDER You chose to sit there. DRACK We all make mistakes! [[THE CRASH->12. EXT. CRASH SITE.]]

PEEBEE Ryder, stop spinning! I’m gonna hurl! (heaving sounds) RYDER No! Seriously, keep it down. PEEBEE I can't! It's coming up! (more heaving sounds) RYDER Oh no! On the console? You are cleaning that up. PEEBEE When did I have corn? [[THE CRASH->12. EXT. CRASH SITE.]]

CORA Can't you keep it in a straight line? RYDER If you think you can do any better, you drive. CORA I would, but I'm busy hanging on for dear life! [[THE CRASH->12. EXT. CRASH SITE.]]

LIAM Need driving lessons? I could teach you. RYDER Thanks, but my driving style is fine. LIAM That's not how I'd describe it! [[THE CRASH->12. EXT. CRASH SITE.]]