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Effects Of A Gamer Chapter 9
🕑 Added 2025-08-18 20:23:50 +0000 UTCThe next morning brought a clarity to Arthur's thoughts that had been absent for weeks. As he stood before his bathroom mirror, the Stellar Cartographer's Core hummed quietly in his consciousness, overlaying his reflection with faint traces of mineral deposits in the apartment's walls. The technology was still integrating, still revealing new layers of information with each passing hour.
Arthur splashed cold water on his face, watching the droplets cascade down as he considered his position. Two major galactic powers wanted him, each offering resources and opportunities that would have seemed like fantasy just months ago. The Council dangled the promise of unlimited research funding and access to technologies from across Citadel space. The Alliance offered the chance to directly serve humanity's interests while advancing his own capabilities within their military structure.
Both offers had merit. Both would accelerate his preparations for the coming Reaper threat. But both would also chain him to their agendas, force him to work within their constraints, and ultimately limit his ability to act when the time came.
"Independence," Arthur said to his reflection, the word carrying weight as it hung in the air. "That's the only way this works."
The Stellar Cartographer's Core pulsed in response to his thoughts, displaying a three-dimensional map of nearby systems in his peripheral vision. Dozens of resource markers glowed like stars, each representing wealth beyond imagination. Element zero deposits that would make him richer than most planetary governments. Rare metals that could fund entire fleets. Hidden caches of ancient technology waiting to be discovered.
The path forward crystallized in his mind with sudden, brilliant clarity.
Arthur moved to his workstation, fingers dancing across the interface as he accessed the Citadel's commercial databases. Mining rights, shipping regulations, corporate formation procedures: all the mundane details that would transform his supernatural advantage into real-world power. His enhanced intelligence processed the information with mechanical efficiency, identifying opportunities and potential obstacles with equal precision.
Within an hour, he had outlined the framework for his independence. It would require careful timing, substantial initial investment, and a willingness to take risks that would terrify most rational beings. But the potential rewards were beyond calculation.
His omni-tool chimed with a message from Lieutenant Vakarian, requesting his presence for a morning briefing. Arthur smiled, recognizing the transparent excuse. Vakarian wanted to know about the Council meeting, and probably suspected that other parties had made contact as well.
Time to begin the delicate dance of managing expectations while building his own power base.
C-Sec headquarters bustled with its usual morning energy, but Arthur noticed subtle differences in how officers regarded him as he made his way through the corridors. Word of his high-level meetings had spread, despite attempts at secrecy. Conversations quieted as he passed, replaced by speculative glances and whispered discussions about the human who had caught the Council's attention.
Lieutenant Vakarian waited in his office, mandibles held in that particular configuration that Arthur had learned indicated intense curiosity poorly concealed behind professional neutrality. The turian's predatory eyes tracked Arthur's movement as he entered, cataloging every detail of his expression and posture.
"Officer Morrigan," Vakarian began, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. "I trust your meeting yesterday was... illuminating?"
Arthur settled into the chair, maintaining the careful balance of openness and discretion that the situation required. "You could say that. The Council made me an interesting offer."
"I assumed as much." Vakarian leaned back slightly, his mandibles flexing in what might have been amusement or concern. "The Council doesn't invite junior officers to lunch unless they want something significant. Are you going to accept?"
The question hung in the air between them, weighted with implications that extended far beyond simple curiosity. Arthur recognized that his answer would shape not only his relationship with Vakarian, but potentially his entire future within C-Sec.
"I'm still considering it," Arthur replied, choosing his words with deliberate care. "The opportunity is significant, but I have concerns about the oversight structure and my autonomy within the proposed division. I've learned to be cautious about situations where the benefits come with strings attached."
Vakarian's mandibles twitched in what Arthur had learned was the turian equivalent of a knowing smile. "Wise to be cautious. The Council gives with one hand and takes with the other. Still, the resources they could provide..." He trailed off, allowing the implication to settle.
"There's also another complication," Arthur added, watching Vakarian's reaction carefully. "The Alliance has expressed interest in my work as well."
The change in Vakarian's posture was subtle but unmistakable: a slight stiffening of his shoulders, a barely perceptible shift in the angle of his head. The turian's eyes narrowed slightly, processing this new information and its potential ramifications.
"Captain Anderson, I assume?" Vakarian asked, his tone carefully neutral despite the obvious interest in his subharmonics.
Arthur nodded. "He made it clear that the Alliance values my contributions and would like to see them directed toward humanity's interests specifically."
"Of course they would." Vakarian's mandibles clicked softly, a sound Arthur had learned indicated deep thought. "Two offers from two different power structures, each with their own agenda. That puts you in an interesting position, Morrigan."
"Interesting is one word for it," Arthur replied with a slight smile. "Complicated might be more accurate."
Vakarian stood and moved to the window, his gaze directed toward the Presidium in the distance. When he spoke again, his voice carried a note of something that might have been paternal concern.
"Can I offer you some advice, Officer Morrigan? From someone who's spent decades navigating the political currents of this station?"
"I'd welcome it, sir."
"Don't let them rush you into a decision." Vakarian turned back to face him, his expression serious. "Both the Council and the Alliance are used to getting what they want, when they want it. They'll apply pressure, make increasingly attractive offers, perhaps even subtle threats. But remember: your value to them is precisely because you're exceptional. That exceptionalism gives you leverage, if you're smart enough to use it."
Arthur felt a surge of genuine respect for the older turian. Beneath the rigid military bearing and by-the-book reputation, Vakarian possessed a shrewd understanding of power dynamics that had clearly served him well throughout his career.
"Thank you, sir. I'll keep that in mind."
"Good." Vakarian returned to his desk, his manner shifting back to professional efficiency. "Now, regarding your regular duties. Given the... attention you're receiving, I think it would be wise to maintain a lower profile for the next few weeks. Continue your investigative work, but perhaps avoid any high-visibility operations that might complicate your negotiations."
Arthur nodded, understanding the subtext. Vakarian was protecting him, giving him space to maneuver without the complications that would arise from being in the public eye during sensitive discussions.
"I appreciate that, Lieutenant. And sir? Whatever I decide, it won't affect my commitment to C-Sec while I'm here."
"I never doubted that, Morrigan." Vakarian's mandibles shifted in what was definitely approval. "You're dismissed. Try not to start any galactic incidents while you're considering your options."
Arthur spent the remainder of the morning in the C-Sec archives, ostensibly reviewing case files but actually researching the legal framework surrounding mining rights and resource extraction in Citadel space. The regulations were complex, designed to prevent any single entity from monopolizing the galaxy's mineral wealth while still providing incentives for exploration and development.
What he discovered was both encouraging and sobering. Independent prospectors and small mining operations were not only legal but actively encouraged by Citadel law, provided they followed proper procedures and paid appropriate taxes. The profit-sharing arrangements were standardized: whoever provided coordinates to a previously unknown resource deposit retained eighty-five percent ownership, with the mining company taking fifteen percent for extraction and processing.
The system was designed to reward discovery while ensuring that the actual work of extraction remained in the hands of established professionals. It was exactly what Arthur needed.
His research also revealed the names of several reputable mining companies that specialized in high-risk, high-reward operations in uncharted systems. Meridian Extraction, Kepler Mining Consortium, and Astral Dynamics all had solid reputations for discretion and efficiency. More importantly, they had the ships, equipment, and expertise necessary to handle the kind of operation Arthur was contemplating.
As he delved deeper into the financial structures, Arthur's enhanced intelligence began to see patterns and opportunities that others would miss. The tax implications of establishing a holding company in Citadel space, the benefits of incorporating in certain systems with favorable business laws, the ways to structure ownership to maintain control while minimizing exposure.
By lunch time, he had developed a comprehensive plan.
Arthur left C-Sec headquarters and made his way to the commercial district of Zakera Ward, where most of the galaxy's major mining companies maintained offices. The Stellar Cartographer's Core guided him to his destination with subtle directional indicators, while simultaneously displaying the mineral wealth hidden within the station's superstructure. The contrast was striking: surrounded by unimaginable riches that no one else could see, walking among beings who had no idea of the treasure beneath their feet.
The offices of Meridian Extraction occupied three floors of a gleaming tower that spoke to the company's success and stability. The lobby was decorated with holographic displays showing their various operations across the galaxy: asteroid mining facilities, planetary extraction sites, deep-space processing ships. Everything Arthur would need to turn his supernatural knowledge into real-world wealth.
The receptionist, a professional looking and beautiful asari with the bearing of someone accustomed to dealing with high-stakes negotiations, looked up as Arthur approached.
"Good afternoon," she said, her voice carrying the melodious quality typical of her species. "How may Meridian Extraction assist you today?"
"I'd like to speak with someone about a potential mining contract," Arthur replied, maintaining the confident but not arrogant tone he'd practiced. "I have coordinates for what I believe may be a significant element zero deposit."
The asari's expression shifted subtly, professional interest replacing polite courtesy. Element zero was the most valuable substance in the galaxy, and even the possibility of a new deposit was worth serious attention.
"Of course, sir. May I have your name?"
"Arthur Morrigan. I'm with Citadel Security Services, but this is a personal matter."
The receptionist's fingers danced across her interface, and Arthur caught a brief glimpse of the background check being run on his name. His C-Sec credentials and recent high-profile cases would lend credibility to his claim, while his lack of previous mining experience might raise questions. The balance would determine whether he was taken seriously or dismissed as another hopeful amateur.
"Mr. Morrigan, I'm seeing some very impressive credentials here," the asari said, her tone shifting to one of genuine respect as she reviewed his file. "C-Sec, correct? And I see you've been involved in several high-profile cases recently." Her fingers continued to move across the holographic interface, pulling up additional details. "Chief Mining Engineer Korvak Jendal would be absolutely delighted to meet with you. He's just finished a conference call with our Thessia operations and has some time available in his schedule right now, if you're interested in proceeding immediately."
Arthur nodded, pleased at the quick response. "That would be excellent."
The asari gestured toward a bank of elevators. "Twenty-third floor, suite 2340. Engineer Jendal will meet you there."
As Arthur rode the elevator up, he reviewed his strategy one final time. The key was to appear knowledgeable without revealing too much, confident without seeming arrogant. He needed to convince a professional mining engineer that his coordinates were worth investigating while maintaining the fiction that he'd discovered them through conventional means.
The elevator opened onto a corridor lined with offices and conference rooms, the walls decorated with geological surveys and mineral composition charts. Arthur found suite 2340 and knocked on the frosted glass door.
"Enter," came a gruff voice from within.
Arthur stepped into an office that looked like it belonged to someone who had spent decades in the mining business. Charts and surveys covered every available wall space, while the desk was buried under stacks of geological reports and mineral samples. Behind the desk sat a krogan whose scarred hide and weathered appearance spoke to years of hard experience in dangerous environments.
"Korvak Jendal," the krogan rumbled, rising to his full imposing height and extending a massive, scarred hand. His voice carried the gravelly undertones typical of his species, but there was an educated precision to his words that spoke of years in professional environments. "You must be Morrigan. Heard you're C-Sec, but looking to get into the mining business."
Arthur shook the offered hand, immediately noting the crushing strength that the krogan was carefully restraining: a courtesy that spoke to Jendal's experience dealing with more fragile species. The grip was firm but controlled, lasting just long enough to convey respect without turning into a dominance display. "That's right. I've come across some information that I believe might be of significant interest to your company. I have to admit, I'm actually surprised to find a krogan working in..."
"Corporate mining?" Jendal finished with what might have been amusement, gesturing toward a chair positioned across from his cluttered desk. He settled back into his own reinforced seat with the careful, measured movements of someone whose body had endured decades of physical punishment in harsh environments. "Can't all be mercenaries and bounty hunters, Morrigan. Someone's got to know which end of a geological scanner to point at the rocks. At least to blow them up."
The krogan leaned back, fixing Arthur with an appraising stare that held surprising intelligence beneath the scarred brow ridges. "Now then: information, eh? Let me guess: you've stumbled across coordinates to the greatest element zero strike in galactic history, and you just need someone with the proper equipment and expertise to extract it for you."
The krogan's tone was skeptical but not dismissive. Arthur recognized it as the wariness of a professional who had heard countless wild claims from hopeful amateurs.
"Something like that," Arthur replied with a slight smile. "Though I suspect my information might be more reliable than most."
"And why's that?" Jendal leaned forward, his small eyes studying Arthur with surprising intelligence. "What makes a C-Sec officer think he's found something that professional prospectors have missed?"
Arthur had prepared for this question, crafting a story that was technically true while concealing the supernatural source of his knowledge. "I've been investigating criminal activities involving illegal mining operations in uncharted systems. During that investigation, I came across survey data that was being used to identify potential targets. The criminals were shut down before they could act on the information, but the data itself appeared to be legitimate."
Jendal's expression shifted from skepticism to interest. "Survey data from criminals, eh? That's... actually not uncommon. Half the independent prospectors in the galaxy operate in legal gray areas, and some cross the line entirely. If they had good data before getting shut down..."
"Exactly," Arthur said, allowing a note of enthusiasm to enter his voice. "I've verified the coordinates against existing surveys, and the system in question has never been properly explored. It's in an area that most companies consider too remote to be profitable."
"Remote can be good," Jendal mused, his scarred features thoughtful. "Less competition, fewer complications. What kind of deposit are we talking about? Estimates on size and purity?"
This was where Arthur had to be careful. The Stellar Cartographer's Core had shown him a deposit that defied conventional understanding: a concentration of element zero so massive and pure that it would revolutionize the galactic economy. But claiming too much would trigger suspicion.
"The data suggests a significant deposit," Arthur said carefully. "Possibly one of the largest undiscovered sources in this region of the galaxy. But I want to be clear, this is based on long-range sensor data that may not be completely accurate. I'm not promising anything beyond coordinates that appear promising."
Jendal nodded approvingly. "Smart to manage expectations. Too many people come in here claiming they've found the mother lode based on wishful thinking and bad science." He activated his desk terminal, pulling up what appeared to be a standard contract template. "Here's how we work, Morrigan. You provide coordinates, we investigate. If there's nothing there, we're out the cost of a survey mission and you get nothing. If there is something there, standard Citadel law applies: eighty-five percent to you, fifteen percent to us."
"I understand the terms are actually eighty-five to the coordinate provider, fifteen to the extraction company," Arthur corrected gently.
The krogan's mandibles spread in what might have been a grin. "Testing to see if I'd try to cheat you. I like that. Shows you've done your homework." He made the adjustment on the contract. "Eighty-five to you, fifteen to us. We handle all extraction, processing, security, and shipping. You handle all taxes and legal complications on your end."
Arthur reviewed the contract terms as they appeared on the holographic display. The language was straightforward, the profit-sharing arrangement exactly as he'd researched. More importantly, there were clauses protecting the confidentiality of coordinate providers and establishing clear ownership rights.
"There's one additional requirement," Arthur said as he continued reading. "I need the mining operation to be conducted under the auspices of a company called Aeon Industries. The registration will be completed before mining begins."
Jendal raised an eyebrow ridge. "Your company?"
"It will be," Arthur replied. "For tax and legal purposes, it's better if the ownership is clearly established through a corporate entity."
"Fair enough. We deal with corporate clients all the time." Jendal made another notation on the contract. "Anything else?"
Arthur considered the question carefully. The coordinates he was about to provide would change everything: not just for him, but potentially for the entire galactic economy. The element zero deposit revealed by the Stellar Cartographer's Core was unlike anything that had ever been discovered. It would make him one of the wealthiest individuals in the galaxy, but it would also draw attention from every major power.
"I need absolute discretion regarding my personal involvement," Arthur said finally. "If anyone asks about the source of the coordinates, you know nothing about me. The discovery is credited to Aeon Industries and anonymous survey data. My name never appears in any public records or press releases."
Jendal studied him for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. "That kind of discretion usually costs extra. But given the potential scope of what we're discussing..." He shrugged, the gesture surprisingly graceful for someone of his size. "We can work with that. Meridian Extraction has built its reputation on protecting client confidentiality."
Arthur nodded, satisfied with the arrangement. He activated his omni-tool and transmitted the coordinates that the Stellar Cartographer's Core had identified as the most promising: a system seventeen light-years from the Citadel, in an area that appeared empty on all official star charts.
Jendal's eyes widened as he reviewed the coordinates. "That's... quite remote. Almost at the edge of explored space. What makes you think there's anything worth finding out there?"
"The sensor data suggested significant subsurface anomalies consistent with heavy element deposits," Arthur replied, sticking to his cover story. "The criminals who compiled this information were specifically targeting remote systems to avoid Citadel oversight."
"Makes sense." Jendal saved the coordinates to a secure server, then looked up with an expression that mixed professional excitement with cautious skepticism. "I'll be honest with you, Morrigan. Most coordinate tips turn out to be worthless. But there's something about your approach that suggests you know more than you're saying. That could be very good for both of us."
"When can you begin the survey?" Arthur asked.
"I can have a team ready to depart within seventy-two hours," Jendal replied. "Survey mission will take about a week, depending on what we find. If the initial results are promising, we can have full extraction equipment on-site within a month."
Arthur stood and extended his hand. "Then I believe we have an agreement."
Jendal rose and clasped Arthur's hand with surprising gentleness. "That we do. And Morrigan? I hope for both our sakes that your information is as good as you think it is."
The next ten days passed with agonizing slowness. Arthur maintained his routine at C-Sec, handling cases and continuing his technological innovations, but his mind was constantly focused on the mining survey taking place seventeen light-years away. The Stellar Cartographer's Core provided periodic updates on the survey team's progress, showing their ship's approach to the target system and the beginning of preliminary scans.
He had used the time productively, establishing Aeon Industries as a legitimate corporate entity registered in Citadel space. The paperwork was complex but manageable with his enhanced intelligence and understanding of galactic commercial law. He had also begun the delicate process of managing expectations with both the Council and the Alliance, providing just enough communication to maintain their interest while avoiding any commitments.
Councilor Tevos had sent two follow-up messages, each more insistent than the last, requesting a meeting to discuss his decision regarding their research position. The second message had arrived with the formal seal of the Asari Republics, indicating that this was no longer merely a professional opportunity but a matter of diplomatic interest. Arthur had responded politely but vaguely, citing the need for additional time to consider the implications of such a significant career change and the complex nature of transitioning between organizations of such different scope and authority.
Captain Anderson had been more direct, scheduling a second meeting where he had outlined specific positions within the Alliance military structure that would be available to Arthur upon completion of his C-Sec tour. The offers were generous: immediate promotion to Lieutenant Commander, assignment to a classified research facility on Arcturus Station, access to Alliance black projects that most officers never knew existed, and a research budget that would make most universities envious. Anderson had even hinted at potential Spectre candidacy evaluation, though he'd been careful not to make any promises about outcomes beyond Alliance control.
Both sets of offers were tempting, representing the kind of opportunities that most humans in Citadel space could only dream of. Arthur had been careful to express appropriate interest while maintaining his position that such decisions required careful consideration and consultation with his current superiors. The truth was that his plans had moved far beyond what either organization could offer, no matter how prestigious or well-funded. If the mining survey confirmed what the Stellar Cartographer's Core had shown him, he would soon have resources that dwarfed anything the Council or Alliance could provide: the kind of wealth that could reshape galactic politics entirely.
On the tenth day, as Arthur was reviewing technical specifications for an improved drone design in his apartment, his omni-tool began ringing with the insistent tone reserved for priority communications. He activated the device, and Korvak Jendal's scarred features appeared in the holographic display.
Behind the krogan, Arthur could hear the sounds of celebration: voices raised in excitement, the clink of glasses, and what sounded like several different species singing drinking songs in their native languages. Jendal's expression was a mixture of disbelief and euphoria that spoke volumes before he said a single word.
"Morrigan!" Jendal's voice boomed through the speakers, barely audible over the celebration in the background. "By the ancestors, you magnificent bastard, you've done it!"
Arthur felt his heart rate spike, though his expression remained carefully controlled. "I take it the survey was successful?"
"The deposit runs through the whole rock, Morrigan. Veins of pure eezo threading kilometers of stone, a latticework so dense our scanners can't even map the full extent. It's not just a pocket; the entire asteroid is practically one massive eezo crystal wrapped in rock." Jendal's voice carried an edge of disbelief, as if he couldn't quite accept what his own equipment was telling him.
Arthur felt a surge of genuine astonishment ripple through his carefully maintained composure. He had anticipated a significant deposit; his calculations and the Stellar Cartographer's Core had suggested as much. But the magnitude Jendal was describing exceeded even his most optimistic projections. His luck stat must have been working overtime.
He let out a sharp laugh, rough with amazement and tinged with the kind of awe that came from witnessing something unprecedented. "Spirits, I've got geologists saying this thing makes the fabled Ymir finds look like scrap metal. The purity readings are so high, it's as if the ancestors themselves carved it from the void. We're talking about enough eezo to fuel entire fleets, to keep the Citadel's relays humming for centuries without so much as a fluctuation."
The krogan's breathing was audible over the comm, heavy and deliberate as he tried to process the magnitude of their discovery. Arthur could hear him steadying himself against something, probably the survey equipment or a nearby bulkhead, while the sounds of celebration continued unabated in the background. His crew had clearly abandoned any pretense of professional restraint.
When Jendal spoke again, his voice carried an almost reverent quality that Arthur had never heard from the battle-hardened mercenary: the kind of tone usually reserved for discussing legendary figures or sacred sites. "Morrigan, in forty years of mining operations across three different galactic sectors, I've never seen anything even remotely approaching this scale. This isn't just a find; this is the kind of discovery that reshapes economies, that makes empires rise and fall."
"That's... excellent news," Arthur said, maintaining his composure despite the magnitude of what he was hearing. "What's the next step?"
"Next step?" Jendal's laughter echoed through the comm. "The next step is we're all going to be richer than Councilors! But first, we need to bring in additional crews, massive security details, and probably half the mining equipment in the galaxy. This isn't just a mining operation anymore, Morrigan. This is going to be the most valuable extraction site in known space."
The krogan paused, and Arthur could hear him taking a deep breath to calm himself. When he spoke again, his voice carried the weight of professional responsibility alongside his obvious excitement.
"We're going to need to be very careful about how we handle this. A discovery of this magnitude will attract attention from every major power in the galaxy. The Council will want oversight, the Alliance will demand access, and every criminal organization from here to the Terminus Systems will try to muscle in. We need security, we need discretion, and we need to move fast."
"What about the media?" Arthur asked, already knowing the answer but needing to establish the narrative. "How do we handle the inevitable press attention?"
"That's actually why I'm calling," Jendal replied, his tone becoming more serious. "Word is already starting to leak. My crew is trying to keep quiet, but something this big... it's impossible to hide completely. We're going to need a story for the press, something that explains the discovery without revealing too much about the source."
Arthur had prepared for this moment, crafting a narrative that would protect his identity while establishing the corporate structure he needed. "Tell them the discovery was made by Aeon Industries, a human-owned exploration company. The coordinates came from proprietary survey data acquired through legitimate commercial channels. Keep my name out of it entirely."
"Aeon Industries," Jendal repeated, making notes. "Human-owned. Got it. What about when they start digging deeper? Reporters are going to want to know who's behind the company, especially when they realize how much money is involved."
"Let them dig," Arthur replied with confidence he didn't entirely feel. "Aeon Industries is properly registered with legitimate ownership records. The corporate structure will withstand scrutiny, and the source of the survey data is protected by commercial confidentiality agreements."
What Arthur didn't mention was that the corporate ownership records led to a maze of shell companies and proxy holdings that would take even the most dedicated investigative reporter months to unravel. By the time anyone got close to his actual identity, he would have had time to establish additional layers of protection.
"You've thought this through," Jendal observed, his tone carrying a note of respect. "I'm starting to think there's more to you than just a lucky C-Sec officer who stumbled onto good coordinates."
"I prefer to be prepared," Arthur replied simply. "How long before full extraction operations can begin?"
"Given the scope of what we're dealing with? At least six weeks to bring in the necessary equipment and personnel. Maybe longer if we run into political complications." Jendal's expression grew more serious. "And we will run into political complications, Morrigan. A discovery this big doesn't stay secret, and every major power is going to want a piece of it."
Arthur nodded, having anticipated this challenge. "Handle the extraction and security. I'll manage the political aspects."
"You sure about that?" Jendal asked skeptically. "We're talking about the kind of pressure that can topple governments. The Council alone..."
"I'm sure," Arthur interrupted, his voice carrying a quiet confidence that seemed to convince the krogan. "Focus on getting the eezo out of the ground safely and efficiently. Everything else is my responsibility."
Jendal studied him through the holographic display for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright, Morrigan. You're the boss. But I hope you know what you're getting into."
"I do," Arthur replied, and for the first time in the conversation, he was being completely honest.
The call ended, leaving Arthur alone in his apartment with the magnitude of what had just occurred. The celebration sounds from Jendal's crew still echoed in his memory, a reminder of how dramatically his situation had just changed. In a matter of weeks, he would transition from a promising C-Sec officer to one of the wealthiest individuals in the galaxy.
But wealth was just the beginning. The real prize was independence: the freedom to prepare for the Reapers without constraint, to build the resources and alliances that would be necessary for the coming war. The Council and Alliance could make their offers, but Arthur Morrigan now had something far more valuable than their patronage.
He had the means to change the course of galactic history.
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Arthur Morrigan's Traits and Levels
Core Attributes
Strength: 15/50 Above-average physical power. You can wield heavier weapons, strike harder in melee, and shrug off recoil. Carry weight is increased.
Dexterity: 15/50 Reflexes and agility are sharp. You react faster in firefights, land precise shots, and navigate obstacles or cover with ease.
Endurance: 15/50 Stamina and resilience are high. You can fight, run, and endure harsh conditions longer. Resistance to fatigue, poison, and environmental hazards.
Intelligence: 15/50 Mental acuity is advanced. You process data quickly, spot patterns, and interface with alien systems. Unlocks higher-tier tech creation and analysis.
Willpower: 15/50 Mental resilience is strong. Resistant to fear, manipulation, indoctrination, and psychic attacks. Biotic focus stabilizes under pressure.
Charisma: 15/50 Magnetic and convincing. You can sway groups, negotiate, or win trust where others fail. Unlocks diplomatic and leadership perks.
Luck: 15/50 Fortune favors you. You encounter rare drops, survive impossible situations, and land critical hits more often. Hidden opportunities draw to you.
Traits
Gamer’s Mind (MAX) – Immunity to mental interference. Perfect clarity under stress.
Gamer’s Body (MAX) – Wounds heal instantly upon rest. Debuffs clear with sleep.
Interface HUD (MAX) – Full RPG overlay. Tracks stats, XP, quests, items.
Class System (MAX) – Allows class selection and hybrid builds.
Choice Echo (MAX) – Branching consequences visible. Paths leave lingering effects.
Singularity Core (MAX) – Unique combat trait. Unlocks devastating energy manipulation.
Mixed Martial Arts (5/10) – Proficiency in multiple fighting styles. Improves steadily with level.
Knowledge Traits (All Max, 1/10 growth unless noted)
Extensive lore knowledge: Galactic history, politics, technology.
Tactical planning, engineering theory, and alien languages.
Scientific frameworks for future starship and megastructure construction.
Engineering & Crafting Skills
Armsmith: 30/30 (MAX) Legendary Expertise. Arthur can forge, modify, and perfect all weapon types (guns, bladed, blunt, laser). His modifications rival prototype or alien designs.
Galactic Engineer – Level 12/30
You can draft, prototype, and construct advanced starships, habitats, and orbital systems. You now build stealth vessels, modular cruisers, and deployable stations from observation or blueprint analysis.
Drive Architect – Level 12/30
Your mastery of FTL systems has matured. You can now construct Warp Drives and non-eezo-based propulsion systems with high reliability, breaking away from Citadel dependency entirely.
Macro-Structural Vision – Level 12/30
You design planetary megastructures, orbital cities, and Dyson-class infrastructure. At this level, you can begin creating artificial planetary ecosystems and building integrated celestial habitats.
Planetary Defense Architect – Level 12/30
You build full planetary shield networks and kinetic grids. You can now create defensive architectures that automatically respond to threats using orbital AI-linked platforms.
Weaponsmith of the Void – Level 12/30
Your capital ship weapons are devastating and precise. You now deploy multi-layered systems: torpedo racks, EMP net cannons, gravity pulse lances, and breach-core accelerators.
Integrated Systems Mastery – Level 12/30
You design ships as living ecosystems. You can create fully integrated AI-governed vessels with predictive repair, dynamic energy balance, and life-support that evolves with crew behavior.
Reverse-Engineer – Level 12/30
You can now understand and repurpose complex alien tech, including Prothean, Geth, and advanced Reaper hardware. You can fabricate new blueprints simply from data scans or wreckage remnants.
Nanotechnology: 5/10 Ability to design nanite systems for repair, augmentation, or manufacturing.
Drone Crafting: 1/10 Beginning skill in designing and deploying autonomous drones.
Administration: 1/10 Training in leadership, logistics, and large-scale project management.
Artifact
[Stellar Cartographer’s Core]
Type: Legendary Artifact | Unique Utility Implant
Access: Bound to Arthur Only – No other user or AI can interface with or replicate its function
Status: Installed and synchronized with Gamer System HUD
Origin: Unknown hybrid of Prothean AI lattice and an ancient Galactic Surveyor’s beacon, enhanced by the Gamer System
Primary Features:
Reveals high-density deposits of Element Zero, Platinum, Iridium, Palladium, and other critical minerals
Displays uncharted asteroid fields and ancient mining sites
User-locked neural interface bound only to Arthur
Automatic updates: reveals new resources as planets are discovered or as valuable deposits appear on asteroids, meteorites, or celestial bodies
Hidden Prothean cache markers (currently dormant, may unlock with upgrades)
Equipment
Predator Mk. X (Custom M-3 Predator Heavy Pistol)
Semi-automatic heavy pistol, standard model massively overhauled by Arthur.
Enhanced with ultra-dense alloy frame, recoil stabilizers, increased magazine capacity, and heat-sink optimization.
Accuracy boosted with smart-targeting optics.
Damage output exceeds most stock SMGs and pistols.
Comments
Big ToFu
Nice, now the question is are you picking this up as your main fic after celestial Smith? I would like to vote on it. Also maybe slide the crew another 5% for loyalty and security. Still surprised his house doesn't have a secured armory or a armor shop he tinker in for side projects. Fun story would like to read more of his cop adventures
travis btmb
Tftc
Connor
As Gage mentioned already, you’ve got the percentage negotiation doubled up with 85% to Arthur and 15% to the mining company twice. Also, the introduction to the Asari receptionist is pretty redundant, you have Arthur introducing himself and mentioning he’s C-Sec and has been involved in some big cases, only for the Asari to then repeat that after looking at the background check she ran like he hadn’t said anything but his name.
Stanley Seymour
Thank you for the new chapter Dragonrise. You really put in a lot of effort and hard work and we appreciate you for it. An excellent step for Morgan and his future plans of prepping for the eventual conflict with the Reapers. Everything flowed and read buttery smooth.
Gabriel Nobriga
Fucking amazing chapter!! The interactions between everyone keep me on the edge of my seat!! Absolutely love your stories!!! Keep it up!
Darth Vance
Damn, now the question comes in how he's going to be able to keep the Council and Alliance off his back till the credits start coming in though, I guess he could just take a high profile case but that would go against what Vakarian told him to do. Anyway, once the credits come, the real work is going to start. I wonder what he'll work on first?
SanMarco Geddes
Absolutely love it! Thanks for the great read
Gage Scott
As always, you write some of my favorite stories. When Arthur and Jendal are talking about the profits, you've written it as 85% to Arthur both times, I assume that first time is meant to read as 85% to Jendal and his people. Also, will you change character ages and stuff? If you just say that Anderson was born 5-10 years earlier & doesn't become a spectre candidate, and the Sheperd he mentions is the commanders mother, you should be fine.
Thomas Hearne
Urdnot Wrex and Zaeed Massani, get!
Kayden High
I need more!! Love mass effect stories
asdo
Hell yeah. time to buy up every merc contract in the galaxy to secure his assets
