When the Normandy is grounded at the Citadel in Mass Effect, Captain Anderson will offer to help override the lockdown holding it in the docking bay. To do so, he has two choices, either go to Udina’s office and hack his computer or break into the Citadel traffic control. Both options are high-risk for Anderson, but he puts the decision in Shepard’s hands. Here’s what happens with each choice and which is Paragon and Renegade.
Should Anderson break into the office or Citadel traffic control in Mass Effect?
After completing the assignments on Noveria, Feros, and Virmire in Mass Effect, Shepard and crew will return to the Citadel to present the evidence they’ve found to the Council. Unfortunately, the Council and Ambassador Udina have decided to block Shepard from continuing their investigation into the Conduit and the Geth on Ilos. They lock down the Normandy, preventing Shepard and his crew from leaving the Citadel.
Captain Anderson meets with Shepard and tells them he’s willing to help them lift the lockdown so they can continue their investigation. He has two plans: break into Udina’s office and hack his terminal or assault the Citadel traffic control.
If Shepard decides to leave the choice to Anderson, he’ll choose to break into the office.
Breaking into the Office (Paragon)
Picking this option will have Anderson marching into Udina’s office and wordlessly cold-cocking him. He then uses the Ambassador’s credentials to lift the lockdown, and the Normandy escapes.
Assaulting Citadel Control (Renegade)
This choice has Anderson barge into Citadel Control, headbutting a C-Sec officer into unconsciousness as he does so. He then lifts the lockdown from the traffic control terminal. He is shot by backup C-Sec officers, but manages to accomplish his mission, and the Normandy can depart.
Be careful after departing the Citadel. Ilos is the point of no return for this game, so players will want to tie up any loose ends before proceeding there.
The only difference mechanically between the two options is that one nets the player Paragon points and the other Renegade. However, even if Anderson is shot, there are no lasting effects, and the next time the player sees him, he’s fine.
