When you reach the end of Absolute Power in Starfield, your character is blocked off by CEO Benjamin Bayu. Unfortunately, he finds out you were the rat.
You need to decide if you want to tell Benjamin who gave you the virus. There are three options: lie that it was you, Breyson Bayu, or Estelle Vincent.
How to Start Absolute Power in Starfield
This quest is part of the Crimson Fleet Faction questline, and is the sixth mission you do for them. You’ll get this quest after doing The Best There Is mission. Naeva will tell you to head for Volii Alpha of the Volii System to meet with a mysterious contact named Bayu.
The rewards for this quest include credits, experience, and a conduction ship module.
What Happens When You Blame Yourself for the Virus in Starfield?
Although surprised to learn it was you, Benjamin will believe that your Starfield character was the one who created the virus. As a consequence of learning this, Benjamin shares with you that the authorities on Neon are about to discover your prints on the body of a dead person somewhere in the city. When that happens, a sizeable bounty is placed on your character’s head, and you’ll need to leave the city. This is something you’ll have to clear outside of the mission, and it could be problematic if your character is not equipped to deal with Bounty Hunters.
What Happens When You Blame Breyson Bayu for the Virus in Starfield?
If you reveal to Benjamin that it was his brother, Breyson, he’ll be surprised. He always took his brother as a coward, and never expected this turn from him. Benjamin promises to deal with his brother quickly, allowing your Starfield character to leave the city. Because you’re working with the Crimson Fleet, this might be the best outcome, as your character can walk away free, and Estelle is never brought up whatsoever.
This was not a choice I made, though. Despite it being much easier for my character, I felt that it was easier for me to endure the consequences of accepting blame for the virus and handling the aftermath following the mission’s conclusion.
What Happens When You Blame Estelle Vincent for The Virus in Starfield?
If you reveal that Estelle Vincent was behind the virus, Benjamin is surprised your character was willing to give up one of the Crimson Fleet for this. Regardless, he promises to deal with her, saying she won’t join us for the rest of her life, likely killing her. You’re free to go and can return to The Key after this conversation.
Who Is the Best Choice to Blame for the Virus in Starfield?
Of the three outcomes, having your Starfield character accept the blame for the virus is the best outcome. Although they endure the hardest punishment, it’s much lighter than if Breyson or Estelle are blamed for this outcome. Breyson and Estelle are likely the worst choices, but if you want to keep everything away from the Crimson Fleet, blaming Breyson is also a good choice.
So, if you choose to accept the blame for the virus, you’ll face immediate consequences in the form of a bounty placed on your character. This bounty means that you’ll be a target for bounty hunters and possibly even law enforcement, which adds an element of constant threat and urgency to your gameplay.
However, it also opens up unique dialogues and interaction opportunities with certain characters and factions who may respect your decision to take responsibility. This choice could lead to potential alliances or support from unexpected quarters, adding depth to your character’s narrative arc in the game.
If you choose not to take the blame for the virus, your character maintains a lower profile, potentially making future missions and interactions within the game less hostile and more manageable. Completing the quest will grant you 12,400 credits and 350 XP.
Who is Estelle Vincent in Starfield?
Estelle Vincent is affiliated with the Crimson Fleet in Starfield, having previously been a part of the Disciples gang. In the Absolute Power mission, she collaborates with the player to break into Generdyne and steal crucial conduction grid technology. During this mission, she’s the one who directs the player to implant a virus in Generdyne’s systems.
Who is Breyson Bayu in Starfield?
Breyson Bayu is the half-brother of Benjamin Bayu. He can be found at Generdyne Industries in Neon. Breyson is critical to the mission as he possesses the decryption key needed for the plans.
The Crimson Fleet Faction questline is full of missions that’ll keep the space pirate in you alive. Check out our guide on how to join the Crimson Fleet.
