Dossier: The Convict
The mission 'Dossier: The Convict' is one of the early recruitment missions in Mass Effect 2, tasking Commander Shepard with locating and recruiting the notorious mercenary, Zaeed Massani. This mission takes place on the lawless planet Zorya, within the Athena Nebula.
Your objective is to find Zaeed, who is currently involved in a violent standoff at a local bar called The Afterlife. Upon arriving at the bar, you'll discover that Zaeed is in a heated dispute with a group of Blue Suns mercenaries. They are after a bounty on Zaeed's head, and things quickly escalate into a full-blown firefight. You'll need to fight your way through the bar, taking down waves of Blue Suns soldiers. Utilize cover effectively and employ your squad's abilities to gain an advantage. Powers like Warp, Incinerate, and Overload are particularly useful against armored enemies.
After clearing the bar, you'll find Zaeed cornered. He will offer you a deal: help him eliminate the remaining Blue Suns forces, and he will join your crew. This is where a key choice presents itself. You can either:
- Help Zaeed eliminate the Blue Suns leader: This is the path that leads to Zaeed's loyalty. You'll have to fight your way through a more heavily fortified area to reach the leader. This will earn you Zaeed's respect and ensure he joins as a loyal squadmate.
- Abandon Zaeed: If you choose not to help him, he will be captured or killed by the Blue Suns. This means you will not recruit him, and you will miss out on a valuable squadmate and his loyalty mission.
Assuming you choose to help Zaeed, you will then proceed to a more intense combat sequence where you must confront the Blue Suns leader and his remaining men. This fight can be challenging, so make sure your squad is well-equipped and their abilities are ready. After the battle, Zaeed will formally agree to join Shepard's crew, offering his considerable combat expertise.
Mission Breakdown:
| Location | Objective | Key Encounter | Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Afterlife Bar, Zorya | Locate and recruit Zaeed Massani | Firefight against Blue Suns mercenaries | Help Zaeed fight the leader (Loyalty) or abandon him |
Remember to scan the environment for any useful items or ammo before engaging in major firefights. Zaeed is a powerful ally, especially with his sniper rifle, and his presence on the Normandy can be invaluable for future missions. His loyalty mission, 'Zaeed: The Price of Revenge,' further explores his grim past and offers another opportunity to influence his allegiance.