Zaeed and Vido
The mission 'Zaeed - The Price of Revenge' is a pivotal loyalty mission that delves into the dark past of the mercenary Zaeed Massani. This mission forces Shepard to confront a dangerous bounty hunter named Vido Santiago, who is responsible for the massacre of a mining colony and holds a personal vendetta against Zaeed. The choices made during this mission have significant implications for Zaeed's loyalty and his future.
The mission begins with Zaeed requesting Shepard's assistance in hunting down Vido Santiago. Vido has taken refuge on the planet Thorne, specifically within a mining facility that he previously destroyed. Zaeed's motivation is twofold: to collect the bounty on Vido and to exact personal revenge for the atrocities Vido committed.
Mission Walkthrough:
- Arrival on Thorne: Shepard and their squad, accompanied by Zaeed, arrive on Thorne. The environment is desolate and scarred from Vido's attack.
- Infiltrating the Facility: You'll need to make your way through the mining facility, which is heavily guarded by Vido's mercenaries. Expect intense firefights and the use of cover.
- Confronting Vido's Forces: As you progress, you'll encounter waves of enemies. Zaeed will be a valuable asset, providing heavy firepower and often engaging targets with his signature assault rifle.
- The Choice: The climax of the mission occurs when you finally corner Vido Santiago. At this point, Zaeed will present Shepard with a choice:
Option 1: Let Zaeed Kill Vido (Zaeed's Loyalty)
If Shepard allows Zaeed to personally confront and kill Vido, Zaeed will achieve his revenge. This action will earn Zaeed's loyalty. He will feel that Shepard understood and respected his need for vengeance. This is often the preferred choice for players who want to ensure Zaeed remains a loyal squadmate and to see his personal arc resolved through his own actions.
Option 2: Kill Vido Yourself (Vido's Bounty)
Alternatively, Shepard can choose to kill Vido themselves. This will allow Shepard to collect the bounty offered for Vido's capture or death. However, this choice will result in Zaeed losing his loyalty. He will feel that Shepard denied him his rightful vengeance and that his personal mission was undermined. This can lead to Zaeed becoming disloyal, which will negatively impact his performance in the Suicide Mission.
Consequences of the Choice:
- Zaeed's Loyalty: The most direct consequence is Zaeed's loyalty. Allowing him to kill Vido grants his loyalty. Killing Vido yourself results in his disloyalty.
- Bounty Reward: If Shepard kills Vido, they receive the bounty, which provides a small amount of credits.
- Zaeed's Dialogue and Behavior: A loyal Zaeed will be more cooperative and less cynical. A disloyal Zaeed will be more bitter and his dialogue will reflect his disappointment.
- Suicide Mission Performance: A disloyal Zaeed is a liability during the Suicide Mission. He is more likely to die or cause other squadmates to die if not properly managed.
Strategic Considerations:
When facing Vido, it's important to remember that Zaeed is a powerful combatant. Utilize his strengths during the firefights leading up to the confrontation. For the final choice, consider the overall impact on your squad. If you need Zaeed's loyalty for the Suicide Mission, allowing him to kill Vido is the pragmatic choice. If you are less concerned with his loyalty or are playing a more Renegade-leaning Shepard who prioritizes immediate rewards, killing Vido yourself is an option, but be prepared for the repercussions.