Quick Links
In your quest to discoverTerrormorph’snatureand the reason behind their recent attacks across the Settled Systems, you must retrieveTerrormorph data from the Armistice Archives. Accessing the archives requires three individual access codes, each from theUC,Freestar Collective, andHouse Va’ruun.
RELATED:Starfield: Eyewitness Quest Walkthrough
In the"Friends Like These" quest, you play the role of a diplomat for the UC, tasked with convincing the other two factions to provide you with the archival codes from their end. Completing the quest demands a combination ofdiplomatic prowess,combat efficiency, andespionage skills. This guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive walkthrough of thisfaction questinStarfield, covering all possible ways to complete the objectives.
Starting The Quest
With President Abello’s validation to access the Armistice Archives, you are required to consult withElisabeth MacIntyreat theMAST. Speak to MacIntyre to learn about your contacts at theFreestar CollectiveandHouse Va’ruun embassies.
Your task is to convinceAmbassador Radcliffeof theFreestar CollectiveandAmbassador Bal’morofHouse Va’ruun. You are explicitly instructed to obtain the codes throughdiplomatic meansand toavoid resorting to threats or violence. However, she does not shy away from asking you to be creative when dealing with Radcliffe. MacIntyre will also mention that both the Freestar Collective and House Va’ruun have their reasons for not cooperating with the United Colonies, making it achallenging endeavorto secure their agreement in sharing the Armistice Archives code.
It is recommended that youexplore the available dialogueswith Elisabeth MacIntyre to learn more about these twofactionsbefore pursuing your next objective. MacIntyre will also suggest that you first approachAmbassador Radcliffebefore meeting withAmbassador Bal’mor.
Acquire The Freestar Collective Archival Code
Exit theMAST buildingand take the left path, leading you to theFreestar Collectiveembassy. InformAmbassador Radcliffeof theTerrormorph attackonNew Atlantis, indicating that you’re here to acquire theArmistice Archives codefrom the Freestar Collective.
Radcliffe will state that she is aware of the attack and does not want to be responsible for releasing the sensitive data, which could potentially lead to more such attacks. Her straightforward answer to your request is a resounding ‘No.’ This leaves you with the option of eitherpersuading the Ambassadororfinding a different way to access the code. Failing to persuade Radcliffe leaves you with only one approach -sneaking into Radcliffe’s living quartersand gathering viable evidence to blackmail her. There are two ways you can gain access to Radcliffe’s living quarters:
Stealing The Freestar Embassy Key
If you fail the persuasion attempt, you’re able to opt to steal theFreestar Embassy Keyfrom Radcliffeusing stealth. However, you’ll need to have the stealthskillunlocked to make this approach available. Use the key to unlock the door toRadcliffe’s living quarters, which is attached to the Ambassador’s office, conveniently located right behind her chair.
Once inside, approach the planter tagged with the quest marker. The planter has asecret voice recorder,previouslyinstalled by the UC, to spy on Radcliffe. Activate the voice recorder to learn that Radcliffe has beenplotting to overthrow someone in the “Council of Governors.”
Working With Cameron Long
Cameron Longis an NPC you’ll encounter inAmbassador Radcliffe’s officewhen you go to meet her. you’re able to cajole Cameron to provide details on how to sneak intoAmbassador Radcliffe’s living quarters. Cameron will inform you about theutility corridorthat leads straight to Ambassador Radcliffe’s quarters. He’ll also provide you with a key to access the utility corridor from the conference room.
Follow the quest marker to reach theconference room, then use theutility corridortosneakinto Radcliffe’s living quarters. Now, activate thesecret audio recorderon the planter to learn aboutRadcliffe’s plans to sabotage the current “Council of Governors.”
Confronting Radcliffe
Now armed with knowledge of Radcliffe’s motives, you can confront andblackmailher. A terrified Radcliffe will submit to the threat and provide you with theArmistice Archives codesfrom the Freestar Collective’s end. If you choose the “You call that a negotiation? Without even offering me a gift?” during the blackmailing sequence, Radcliffe will also reward you with a rare custom-made pistol called Laredo.
RELATED:Starfield: How To Join The Freestar Rangers
Acquire The House Va’Ruun Archival Code
With theFreestar Collective archival codecollected, head right from theMAST buildingand follow the path leading you to theHouse Va’ruun elevator. Take the elevator and follow the quest marker to reach theHouse Va’ruun embassy.
As you enter the embassy, you’ll notice that the place is in total shambles. Your objective will be updated to approach the intercom, which is deep within the embassy. As you navigate through the dirty and horrifying corridors, prepare yourself to be ambushed byattack robotsand automatic turrets.
Upon reaching the intercom, the quest will be updated to explore the basement. Again,eliminate theattack robotsbefore finding a lone individual namedQasrik Bal’mor- the ambassador of House Va’ruun.
Talk to Bal’mor and inform him that you’ve been sent by the United Colonies for the House Va’ruun archival code. Bal’mor will explain that the purpose of the archive is to preserve life across the Settled Systems. However, he’ll agree to share the Armistice Archives code upon one condition - to use the code for a good cause and ensure that House Va’ruun’s legacy is remembered for the good of humanity and not just for carnage.
Return To Deputy MacIntyre
After collecting both the archival codes, return toDeputy MacIntyreat theMAST. MacIntyre will suggest that you consult with theArchival Monitorto get instructions on properly deploying the codes. She will also provide you with theUC archival codeand thearchival access card.
Exit the MAST building and follow the quest marker to reach theArmistice Archives, which is located across the MAST plaza. Approach theUC Monitor, who will instruct you to deposit all three codes for verification. The UC Monitor will then state that the data you’re looking for resides inUnit 18.
There arethree archive access code receptacleswithin the UC monitor room. Insert each archival code into the three code receptacles tounlock the archives. Enter the archives and collect theTerrormorph data.
RELATED:Starfield: Freestar Rangers Quest List
Return The Data
Return to theMASTand take the elevator to theInterstellar Affairssection. You’ll findDeputy MacIntyreandHadriandiscussing the involvement of theFreestar CollectiveandHouse Va’ruunin the Terrormorph investigation. MacIntyre will suggest that you hand over the data to Hadrian so that she can begin her investigation as soon as possible.
After giving the data to Hadrian, consider exploring the available dialogues with her to learn how this data will benefit her investigation.
Hadrian will mention that she plans on carrying out the investigation at theRed Devil’s HQ on Mars. She states that the HQ has all the necessary equipment and safety measures, including independent observers ensuring the privacy of the HQ.
Becoming UC Citizen
To conclude the quest, followDeputy MacIntyreand take the oath to become a UC citizen. She will provide you with the official ID and citizenship dispensation.As a citizen of the United Colonies, you are now entitled topurchase property across New Atlantis.
In addition, MacIntyre will inform you that a high-ranking individual from the UC is seeking a meeting with you. While MacIntyre doesn’t reveal their name, she tells you that the person has important information on the Terrormorphs, which could prove valuable in Hadrian’s investigation. After you promise to ensure confidentiality, MacIntyre will ask you to head tosubsection sevenand meet this individual.
