ME:A Grand Prix

The Tempest drops out of FTL and approaches the planet Eos. [[TEMPEST BRIDGE->2. TEMPEST BRIDGE - DAY CYCLE.]]

RYDER, KALLO and SUVI are at the controls. Suddenly warning alarms echo around the bridge. SAM alerts RYDER. SAM Registering explosion on the surface, Pathfinder. RYDER Where is it? SAM Localising. 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: EMOTINAL - The hell?]] [[TONE WHEEL: LOGICAL - They must have good reason.->TONE WHEEL: LOGICAL - They must have good reason.]]

RYDER That many people couldn't have moved there on a whim. SAM Such a large population would require considerable logistical support. [[TEMPEST BRIDGE->3. 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 towards Eos. [[EOS, THE PITS – DAY.->4. EXT. EOS, THE PITS - DAY.]]

RYDER Near a volcano? What the hell are they doing? SAM Insufficient data. [[TEMPEST BRIDGE->3. 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 danger is negligible. 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->6. 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 race is frankly as suspicious as hell. [[THE PITS->6. 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. Adjacent to the fire is 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. The player character 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 Kiron, the elcor driver standing outside his garage, gazing at the asari driver. 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 - 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, none of their injuries are life-threatening. RYDER Do you know what caused it? TACITA Not a clue. All I know is I have a wounded angaran driver, fires to put out, and 600 spectators threatening to riot. This is a diplomatic nightmare. RYDER Spectators? What's going on? TACITA 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->5. 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->5. 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 for a 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 [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. 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 omni-tool. TACITA [Comm] Pathfinder, the fire is out. The garage is safe to enter. RYDER On my way. RYDER approaches the angaran's pit garage - [[PRIVAL'S GARAGE->7. INT. PRIVAL'S GARAGE]]

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

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 active, not mindlessly bluing my skin in the sun. RYDER Bluing? ASTALA You humans call it tanning. [[IF PEEBEE IS SQUADMATE #1->Peebee Dialogue]] [[IF LIAM IS SQUADMATE #1->Liam Dialogue]] [[IF DRACK IS SQUADMATE #1->Drack Dialogue]] [[IF CORA IS SQUADMATE #1->Cora Dialogue]] [[IF JAAL IS SQUADMATE #1->Jaal Dialogue]] [[IF VETRA IS SQUADMATE #1->Vetra Dialogue]]

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

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

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

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]]

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 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 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 motion sensor->Scan motion sensor]]

ASTALA, EHRLICH and KIRON are standing in a group. RYDER approaches them. RYDER Kiron. Care to explain how your prints ended up in Prival's garage? EHRLICH What? KIRON Feigned ignorance, I don't know what you're talking about. RYDER Cut the crap! We found elcor footprints in the garage and your DNA is all over the trigger. 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->9. EXT. THE PITS]]

RYDER Don't leave us hanging. EHRLICH If you hurt Riv, Kiron, I swear to God… [[THE PITS->9. EXT. THE PITS]]

KIRON Petulant antagonism, I do not answer to you, human. ASTALA steps forward. ASTALA Then answer to me, Kiron. Did you plant the bomb? KIRON (pause) Passionate declaration, it was all for you, Astala. ASTALA What do you mean? KIRON Effusively, I could not bear to see you lose. The angaran doesn't deserve the trophy. With her gone you could 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 idea. 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. [[If Peebee is squadmate #2->Peebee Dialogue 2]] [[If Liam is squadmate #2->Liam dialogue 2]] [[If Drack is squadmate #2->Drack dialogue 2]] [[If Cora is squadmate #2->Cora dialogue 2]] [[If Jaal is squadmate #2->Jaal dialogue 2]] [[If Vetra is squadmate #2->Vetra dialogue 2]]

RYDER Sure, you can. RYDER shoots KIRON in the arm. The elcor drops his pistol and clasps the wound. SQUAD MATE #1 Nicely done. RYDER Cuff him and call the Marshal. Tacita will want to hear the good news. [[RETURN TO THE NOMAD->14. EXT. CRASH SITE]]

RYDER I warned you. RYDER shoots KIRON in the head. The elcor's body hits the ground with a thud. SQUAD MATE #2 Was that necessary? RYDER It was either him or us. Come on. We're done here. Let's get back to the Pits. [[RETURN TO THE NOMAD->14. EXT. CRASH SITE]]

The Nomad pulls to a halt. RYDER exits the Nomad and the squad approach the crashed vehicle with their weapons drawn. KIRON crawls from the wreckage, a heavy pistol in his hand. RYDER Give it up, Kiron. KIRON Weary resignation, Astala will never love me now. This is the only way. KIRON raises his gun and levels it at RYDER. RYDER Don't do this. KIRON Holding sorrow, I can't live without her. [[BRANCHING ARROW: Wound him.->BRANCHING ARROW: Wound him]] [[BRANCHING ARROW: Kill him.->BRANCHING ARROW: Kill him]]

RYDER walks back to the Nomad. RYDER has unlocked a new area: The Mud Run. 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 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 we need to have a chat with Kiron. [[Scan vehicle->Scan vehicle]] [[Scan workstation->Scan workstation]] [[Scan prints->Scan prints]] [[Scan toolbox->Scan toolbox]] [[Exit the Garage->8. EXT. THE PITS]]

CORA Try to cut him off! [[THE PITS->10. EXT. THE PITS]]

DRACK Hunt him down! [[THE PITS->10. EXT. THE PITS]]

LIAM He's getting away! [[THE PITS->10. EXT. THE PITS]]

PEEBEE Whoa! He's no slouch! [[THE PITS->10. EXT. THE PITS]]

JAAL He's fast for a quadruped. [[THE PITS->10. EXT. THE PITS]]

VETRA Light on his feet, isn't he? [[THE PITS->10. 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->11. 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. 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! KIRON drives through a cluster of geysers. The Nomad follows him and takes damage from the blistering waters. RYDER Anyone order a sauna? [[If PEEBEE is squadmate #1->Peebee dialogue 3]] [[If LIAM is squadmate #1->Liam dialogue 3]] [[If DRACK is squadmate #1->Drack dialogue 3]] [[If CORA is squadmate #1->Cora dialogue 3]] [[If JAAL is squadmate #1->Jaal dialogue 3]] [[If VETRA is squadmate #1->Vetra dialogue 3]]

DRACK I've had worse. [[THE MUD RUN->12. EXT. THE MUD RUN]]

CORA You wanna focus on the road? [[THE MUD RUN->12. EXT. THE MUD RUN]]

JAAL Not funny, Ryder. [[THE MUD RUN->12. EXT. THE MUD RUN]]

LIAM There goes the paintwork! [[THE MUD RUN->12. EXT. THE MUD RUN]]

VETRA Jokes? Really? [[THE MUD RUN->12. EXT. THE MUD RUN]]

PEEBEE Not a fan of broiling to death, Ryder. [[THE MUD RUN->12. EXT. THE MUD RUN]]

The Nomad clears the geysers. Patches of quicksand appear on the track. RYDER steers the Nomad between them. SQUAD MATE #2 Can't you steer straight? RYDER If you think you can do better, you drive. The chase continues until a real time cutscene triggers showing KIRON crashing his racer by accidentally igniting a pocket of methane. The racer tumbles across the track, coming to a rest in a crumpled heap. [[THE CRASH SITE->13. EXT. CRASH SITE]]