[SAMUEL HYST] Our galaxy - humankind
colonized space so long ago
that no one remembers which came first - civilization
or the corporations.
But a centuries-old conflict between the Grotto corporation
and our mortal enemy - the mega corporation
known as Helion -
has led to endless wars and broken planets,
making life for most on Grotto planets, known as homeworlds,
a living hell of indentured servitude.
And I was no different.
My only way out was to join Grotto's army - the Reapers.
The Resource Exploration And Procurement Engineer Regiment.
Also known as the Salvage Marines.
Where the hazard pay is high
but the survival rate is low.
[THUNDER CLAP]
♪ ♪ ♪
I really believe that this salvage
is gonna be quite, quite lucrative.
And the squad leaders, they're staying loyal
to the corporation?
And I don't believe we have any on deck
with any pro-unionist leanings.
We still have a job to do, Reapers.
The tug will recover us if we clear this ship.
So fight, damn you! Fight!
Jada!
You're gonna be fine.
I can't catch my breath, Sam.
[TAGGART] Confirmation - it's a Class 9 power cell.
Bag it!
Sam!
And in case you're wondering, I authorized the procedure.
So you decided to have her incur more debt
that she can't pay off without signing up
for another term of service?
We all knew what we signed up for.
[IMAGO] It will be done.
You got a concussion, and you're all messed up inside.
We finish this fight. That's an order!
Better to shell it from space, Sir. It'll cost way too many
lives to purge.
We're still within our acceptable loss threshold.
[TYROL] Get it done.
There's a fortune waitin' for us down there.
Yes, Sir.
[DISTRAUGHT] Taggart!
[SAM] So you work down here? All alone?
[SAUL] I work up there in the forge with everyone else
on the assembly lines.
It's not a glorious job but it is an honorable way
to make a living.
Here. See?
[SAUL] Those pipes stretch out in every different direction
across the entire city.
Bone worms.
Unstoppable scavengers.
[STRAINING]
You know, some people say they can grow over
four meters in length,
and all from drinking the sludge from broken pipes.
[SIGHS] Things break down and need to be replaced.
I don't understand.
It's kinda like life, son.
Things break down.
Just like the human body.
That's why you gotta take care of yourself, Sam.
Remember...
[IN UNISON] The Grotto may grind you down,
they might even own your life
but they can never own you.
Attaboy.
[KELKIS] Samuel Hyst, when you provide a service
to the Grotto Corporation, you are providing a hope,
the light, you are the magic! You are the wheel.
You are providing a chance at life itself
for billions of civilians throughout the--
[WEARY GRUNT]
Hey, Sleeping Beauty? It's time to move.
[VOICE OVER P.A. SYSTEM] Tango Platoon, please report
to the terminal bay.
This doesn't get any easier, does it?
She was so close, Ty.
She was almost out.
She died saving me.
She was a leader, Sam...
and... [EMOTIONAL] that's what leaders do.
Sacrifice themselves for their squad, no matter what.
That's what we have to do -
we have to watch each other's backs.
We're our only family out here in the void.
I would sacrifice myself for anyone of you.
I'd do the same. Without hesitation.
Just like Maggie.
Enjoy freedom, Maggie.
You've earned it.
[MALE OFFICER] Reapers, salute!
Sam, Sam, Sam. How's my favorite reaper doing?
I'm doing fine, Turin, what do ya need?
I'm just touching base, that's all.
Oh, it's never just 'all' with you.
Well, if you really wanna know, I'm calling to discuss
that new piece of machinery you got running down your spine.
Yeah, what about it?
Now that's an expensive little piece of kit, isn't it?
Oh yeah, it is.
Huh. I thought I warned you not to go racking up debt
while serving as a Salvage Marine, didn't I?
No, I think you said "Don't die."
[SNICKERS] Yeah, that as well.
Get to the point.
My point is, that expensive piece of machinery
means you're gonna have to spend a lot longer
as a Salvage Marine
and I just wanted to make sure we was up to speed on all that?
Yeah, I'm up to speed.
Good, because I wouldn't want your [sarcastic] "poor family"
burdened with an insurmountable debt now, would I?
You die, and your wife would have to work
the hard labor camps.
Really appreciate your concern, Torin.
[SNICKERS] Okay, mate.
No problem. Catch up soon, alright?
You think you're so smart with that little stunt you
pulled on Tetra Prime, don't ya?
Can I help you, Sir? Oh, stop playing games, Hyst!
You knew. There was nothing wrong
with going after those turbines as ordered.
We thought the turbines would be compromised.
Boss Marsters confirmed it.
Just don't forget who you work for.
Yes, Sir.
The Grotto salutes you.
[MARSTERS] Pipe down. Grotto corporation
has been on this rock for the last three months
evacuating most of the general population
with the exception of armed gangs and the militia clans.
So, as you can imagine, it's up to us to go down there
and clear everybody out,
demolish the city so we can liquidate the assets.
We cleared out most of the upspire so all we have to do
is dig deep
and push the Gangers out of the sewer and the subsection.
Great.
You ready to get down in muck and
get dirty, Hyst?
Our favorite.
Sam's, eh... never really had the spine for sewers
or damp, dark places.
Well, hopefully that expensive new implant you got
will give you the backbone you need, Prybar.
You two are hilarious. You guys write this
stuff together?
I dunno what grinds my gears more, Prybar,
goddamn refugees who are too lazy join the corp-sec
or the ones who do but turn on their own.
All these people want is food and water, Tak.
If the Grotto went under, the same thing could happen to us.
With everything we've done, who are we to judge?
I'm surprised Grotto cares enough
about the people down there to hold off on the detonations.
Get real, buddy, you really think Grotto
gives a shit about them?
If they could detonate it all right now over their heads,
you bet your ass they would.
He's right - the charges have to be at exact right place
on the pylons under the spire.
Man, that sounds complicated.
All right reapers, pipe down. Let's do this.
[TENSE MUSIC]
Reapers, prepare for touchdown. Good luck down there.
I look forward to spending that bonus hazard pay.
[CLAMORING AND PROTESTING VOICES]
Looks like they don't exactly appreciate a good old-fashioned
military occupation.
I hope to shit those cor-sec troops can keep that mob at bay.
This could get real ugly, real fast.
They look more like glorified security guards.
That's right, Hyst. That's exactly what they are -
you'd do well to keep that in mind. I don't want you
counting on them for shit when it hits the fan!
Uh-hum. And what about these guys?
[SMASHING GLASS]
[REAPER] Nice and easy! Nice and easy.
Are they who I think they are?
They call themselves the Carrion Kings -
they are Grotto informants. They're on our side.
They're gonna be our guides into the Deepspire and beyond.
[MARSTERS] Stick together, boys.
-This way! -[MARSTERS] Alright, Reapers.
[MARSTERS] Now, let's get up there. Head on a swivel!
Let's move it! Watch your step.
[MARSTERS] Okay, everyone. Check your comms.
Aiken, copy.
Hyst, copy.
[MARSTERS] Alright, stay frosty. Eyes front and back.
[AIKEN] Safety's off, Reapers.
Looks clear.
I don't like this. It's a choke point.
Doesn't matter how many troopers we have
if they pick us off one by one.
As far as I'm concerned, we're the assholes
wearing the body armor.
Understand? Plus I got your back.
After that turbine debacle on Tetra Prime,
this'll be a walk in the park.
Grenade!
[SAM] Got an ambush! We're being ambushed!
Hang in there, Sam! The blast has penetrated
your armor.
[TAKEDA] Sam, stick with us. You okay? Stay alive.
[HAROLD] That led us right into an ambush.
I say we kill that guy too. Thanks for having our backs,
Sam.
[TAKEDA] Don't worry. I got this, Sam.
You just sleep.
New plan. We need Bianca.
We gotta get a real medic over here.
What about the others? What about Yvonne?
Logan? Spencer?
They'll be fine. Just rest, Sam.
[WINCING IN PAIN]
[TAKEDA] Don't worry, Sam. I got this.
[JADA] Where's the medic?!
[CALM MUSIC]
This is the job.
Hey. Hey.
Where are we?
We got rotated to this FOB in the metro hub,
two levels up from where we were, for a few days of R&R.
That ganger nest dropped more Reapers than just you.
Now your back route is blocked. Marsters and Aiken are
trying to clear it now.
Command's trying to decide what pit of hell they want us
to clean up next.
How'd we do?
Kade did just fine.
Tak got clipped early but Tango Platoon held their own.
Others weren't so lucky.
Here.
Cor-sec got chewed to pieces - 60% casualty.
Between you and me, they had no business being down here.
Agreed. Crowd control is extending their usefulness.
Yeah, they're sending even more down here to fortify the area.
So, we'll just be moving down the line.
You are not moving anywhere. At least not for a few days.
You're safe here. Plus, your wounds
are superficial.
A few days of R&R, and I'm gonna be stuck in this damn bed?
Could be worse.
[COMPUTERIZED VOICE] Calling Sura.
[COMPUTERIZED VOICE] I'm sorry.
There is no connection at this time.
Great. [EXHAUSTED SIGH]
[TYROL] Feeling better, Hyst?
After what you pulled on Tetra Prime,
I'll be keeping my eye on you
Enjoy your drink.
As far as you're concerned, I am Grotto Corporation.
The next time you wonder
why Tango Platoon are always put on sewer duty,
don't you forget those turbines.
Hey Prybar, you've got resting murder face!
That's the effect Tyrol and Grotto have.
Gears and stars, that guy still creeps me out!
Feeling home sick?
No, no, no, no, no. Prybar here ain't Tyrol's pet. He's mine!
Uh, Bartender, can I get a round of drinks for my friends and I?
This is Downspire, boy, you barter by the drink -
I don't care if you're Lord Vorhold himself.
[CHUCKLES] Ooh-hoo! [HISSES]
I didn't come empty-handed.
This here contains two beta charge bricks,
and a whole toiletry kit.
Ooh!
I reckon... that will get me a full bottle of booze?
Where'd you get the extra toiletry kit?
Don't worry about it, Prybar. Plausible deniability!
[WINCES] Damn! That moonshine could
double as fuel for the fleet!
Don't forget: one for the Stalker in the dark.
Come on now!
That's just a waste of booze! Sludge or not.
She's not the only one doing it.
The people here... they even leave food behind.
It keeps... "them" from getting too hungry.
Did she say "them"?
It's bad luck to talk about it. Drink up and shut up!
Well, you heard the lady.
[ALL COUGHING AND WINCING]
[COMPUTERIZED VOICE] Objective:
continue Reaper advance
through Downspire tunnels.
Vacate all sediments and colonies.
Beware hostile engagements and malign forces.
In the center hub,
place charges at the base of pylons for remote detonation.
Did he say 'anything' or 'any THING'?
We've all read the mission briefs.
We know what the risks are. Let's just do this thing.
Them Reekers is hard meat. We best step light
and bang it for keeps.
What he's saying is, go in hot and hard.
[MARSTERS] Takeda, you two take Vol down and tie off the line.
I want it set in case of a hasty retreat
Copy that. Move it!
[MALE REAPER] Incoming!
[MARSTERS] Alright, Reapers. Stay frosty!
-[MARSTERS] Don't rush it. -[PANTING]
[MARSTERS] Nice and easy. Nice and easy.
Check your corners!
[MALE REAPER] Eyes open.
Are we sure this ganger knows where we're going?
I think we've been going in circles.
I don't know. I think at this point,
you'll never find your way out.
We in Spectre territory now.
What is that - blood? Shit?
Both.
Okay, listen up. Cor-sec is drilling down from the front
so, with some luck, we can get there before them.
Everybody, rendezvous around to the front and we'll beat them
there. Let's go.
Marsters, I'm gonna take Vol, and need a fire team
to flank their positions.
Alright. Take one, two, three,
four, five.
You're with me. Everybody else
with Vol and Aiken.
They'll circle around and rendezvous at the
pylon chamber.
Let's move it. We'll see you in the front.
Copy that! Copy that.
[TENSE MUSIC]
Alright, people, listen up! I want you to find a base,
patch and secure it.
Everybody else, pair off. Engage at will.
Let's do this, old pal.
It's a goddam shooting gallery.
Poor bastards were dropped right in the middle of it.
With no support.
-Ugly sons of bitches. -You can say that again!
Hey...
let's try cut through the shanties.
Rest of Tango?
They'll catch up with us on the other side.
I thought you were the adventurous one!
Okay, eyes open.
[GUNFIRE IN THE DISTANCE]
Easy does it, Sam.
[GUNFIRE CONTINUES]
[WINCING IN PAIN]
Sam!
[PAINED GROAN]
He got you real good, didn't he?
I gotta tell you something, Sam. If we don't make it outta here--
Hey, don't talk like that. Hang on.
I blame all this on you. You know that?
We should be on Baen 6 right now,
relaxing in a bar!
So much for a surprise blanky maneuver.
Got a whole lot more of them coming in too!
Brace yourself! This is our cue to move.
You still shoot? Absolutely.
I'll bracket him. You grab the heavy
and drill him!
[WINCING]
[ROARING]
Come on!
You lot look like you were handed your
first firearms yesterday.
Sir... we were.
Where's the rest of your unit?
Your commander?
Killed in descent, sir. We never stood a chance.
We've just been hanging on as best we can.
It's just the three of us now.
You three join with us.
We'll move as a unit. All in.
Hey kid, keep your muzzle pointed down
or at least off of me. And your finger off the trigger.
[TENSE MUSIC]
That's our target.
[TAKEDA] That's a whole load of salvage.
[SAM] What do you see, Tak?
Some kind of, uh, sewage channel?
Hate to be takin' a dip through that sludge!
Yeah. Alright so.
Now what?
Guess we settle in.
wait for the rest of Tango with those charges.
Roger that. Cor-sec, find cover.
[SAM] Keep your eyes peeled.
Let's dig in over here.
Tango, Tango.
This is Aiken squad - Hyst and Takeda.
We're at the rendezvous.
Awaiting further instructions, over.
[SAM] Tango, this is Hyst and Takeda.
Do you copy? Over.
Tango, do you copy? Over.
[SAM] Steady.
Hold your fire! It's Tango platoon.
I'm glad to see you guys.
Still all in one piece, I see.
Barely!
Good job, Reapers. Hope you didn't have
too much trouble.
Nothing Tango Platoon couldn't handle.
Right! The four of
you, go stand point. We're gonna set the charges.
Yes, Sir.
Boss? What do we do about the Cor-Sec troops?
The more eyes we have looking out the better.
Move it.
[MARSTERS] Alright, Reapers, let's set up those charges now.
Move it!
I dunno about you guys but I feel like
a sitting duck.
Keep it cool, man.
[JADA] What was that?
I got movement.
Roger, we might have company.
[MARSTERS] Hold the line, Hyst, we need some more time
setting the charges.
Yes, Sir.
This is bullshit. Grotto was supposed to update our helmets
with battle-grade night vision. I can't see my own feet in this.
Kid, for once, why the hell don't we have night vision
in our so-called advance buckets, huh?
Don't you get it, boys? we just ain't worth
the spend.
Sec is right. Grotto's not gonna upgrade our stuff
unless it affects the bottom line.
Maybe if we all die, they'll replace the stuff.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. What ain't broke
they won't fix.
Stand back! Fire at will!
[KELKIS] Mr Gaius?
Sir.
[INTERFERENCE] What is our status
on the mission in the wormhole?
Making progress, Sir.
Reaper casualties are still within our acceptable range.
Oh, that's good.
And the Reapers have just now reached the pylon chamber.
Interesting. 'Cos I've just learned that Helion
HAS received salvage rights to the sector.
So make no mistake about this - if we're not successful
with this campaign,
they're gonna rein it in. They're gonna finish
what WE started,
and you will become casualties.
I will not let that happen. You know me.
I'm glad you said that because if we fail,
it's not gonna be good.
For you.
[MARSTERS] Fire at will!
That qualifies you for extinction!
[BEAST ROARING]
> What is that?
Hold on tight, Reapers. Spoke too soon.
We got a second bone worm back here.
I repeat: we have a second bone worm!
Die, sons of bitches!
Go back!
Take cover!
We need to go back. There's too many of them!
Hyst, what's the status?
We're gonna have to fight our way out of here.
We'll wait here for the rest, then punch our way out.
Copy that Sir!
[KELKIS] ..to protect ourselves
and our assets.
Especially the ones we try to take power from -
sacrificed years of blood, sweat and bone for.
Understood.
Hang on, that's strange.
What's strange?
Well, there's an unusual spike in Reaper casualties.
Well, that's a sign.
That's a sign perhaps certain protocols
should now be implemented.
We gotta do what's just, for the greater good.
Can I trust you to action such protocols?
You know I will.
[WINCING IN PAIN]
Takeda, Sek, let's get our platoon leader back on his feet.
Copy that!
Hyst, come on. Let's cobble a way out of here.
[WINCES IN PAIN]
Hang in there, Mar!
[TO HIMSELF] What the hell is going on down there?
Someone, patch me in to boss Marsters now!
Yes, sir.
Marsters, we're losing Reapers too fast!
Now, what the hell is going on down there?!
We're looking at a level 7 retention.
An invertebrate Phyla, about 30 feet tall.
This is comin' trough the sewage channel.
I don't have time for this, Reaper! In English!
It's a bone worm! A giant bone worm!
I don't care what it is! But whatever it is,
it's compromising our mission.
If there's no Reapers left, then who will detonate
the charges remotely?
We're in trouble. What are you saying, guys?
I need you to send a Reaper to detonate those charges manually
to be sure.
Come again?
I need you
to send in a member of Tango Platoon
to detonate the charges manually!
Now, do you copy?
Yeah, I copy that! Ain't gonna happen!
They're gonna be killed down here.
Start the evac,
and send some lucky individual to the task.
But, sir, there's no reason to waste a highly-trained
soldier to push a button.
The ore in those pylons are too valuable to risk losing.
[ROARING] Take that!
That is a direct order, Marsters.
I'll take full accountability but I am not going to send
one of my platoon members on a suicide mission!
Are you refusing a direct order?
If that's my only option, then yes I am.
I see.
Command, activate Protocol 1138
and send a cor-sec trooper immediately to detonate
those charges.
All his debts will be expunged, as well as his family's.
Oh, Marsters?
Good luck.
Everyone, back away! Back away from the pylon!
Right now, back away!
[COUGHING]
We need to get back to the surface right now before this
whole thing comes down on us.
That's a direct order - we need to leave immediately
-Where's Tak and Jada? -They are unaccounted for.
You and Mar were the last to leave the tunnel.
Hyst, what are you doing?
I'm going back in.
It's a suicide mission, Reaper. You'll die from falling debris.
-So will my friends. -Your friends are already dead!
Then I'll join them!
Hyst!
You gonna leave him, Sir?
[TENSE MUSIC]
Tak...
Do you think anything could survive that,
down in the Deepspire?
What happened down there, Jada?
It was the bottom of the world, Sam.
Long after we run out of scrap to salvage,
there'll still be things running around
in the shadows down there.
Reaper Tug, this is Tango V-toll, I'm requesting
docking authorization.
I have some wounded marines who need medical attention ASAP.
I didn't even see Logan die.
But I could hear him.
He was roaring louder than his flamer before they killed him.
I saw what happened to Yvonne.
There was nothing I could do.
What about Virginia?
They started with her first.
"A life of adventure" she said.
Remember?
But what they don't tell you
is there's nothing out there you could ever want to see.
Jada...
Excuse me.
Your friend is still unconscious but stable.
You can see him now but...
you should know he's been outfitted with extensive
jawbone replacements
which should assimilate in just a few weeks.
But the trauma may have caused
psychological damage.
Just keep in mind it's a minor miracle the Reaper
health plan even covers it.
Thank you.
Oh, Tak.
[NURSE] He should be off the ventilator in a couple of days.
There's a strong chance he'll need long-term treatment
to rebalance his mental state but, rest assured,
he's in the right hands.
And, he's still alive.
Thank you.
Marsters said we're scheduled for shore leave.
That's good, Sam.
It's been far too long since you've seen Sura, or your son.
What about you?
You're down in Baen 6 or... you're gonna hop off
some place else?
Tak may not feel like going down to planet
or seeing anyone just yet.
So, I might just stay here with him.
I have a debriefing with Aiken right now.
Sounds fun.
Yeah.
If he wakes up before I get back--
I got this, Prybar. Don't worry.
I'll ease him into it.
This is the job, right?
Sure... the job.
[COMPUTERIZED VOICE OVER P.A] Transport to Homeworld,
Veya Nash and Baen 6
will depart in one hour.
[SOLEMN MUSIC SWELLS]