John Tuala

"Meet new people, judge them on a series of diverse criteria, get them out there helping people who need it." ― John Tuala

Lieutenant John Tuala is an officer in the UC Vanguard.

Background[]

"Was a recon squad commander in a former life, so it wasn't too big a jump bossing around foreign pilots instead." ― John Tuala

Earlier in his life, John Tuala served as a reckon squad commander in the UC military. As a result of his experiences there, he felt moving to UC Vanguard leading foreign pilots was not too big of a jump. By the year 2330, Tuala was serving as a recruiting officer for UC Vanguard within the MAST headquarters on New Atlantis. There, he guided new applicants interested in joining Vanguard and offered advice on what the applicant could expect to face.

Tuala felt that Vanguard had been a quality assignment, noting that he got the opportunity to meet new people, judge them based on diverse sets of criteria, and get them out helping those in need.

Related quests[]

Supra et Ultra[]

John Tuala provides the means of signing on with the UC Vanguard.

Grunt Work[]

Investigate a lack of communication with the settlers on Tau Ceti II.

Delivering Devils[]

Begin the investigation of the Terrormorph threat.

Deep Cover[]

Assist UC SysDef against the Crimson Fleet.

Re-Re-Application[]

Get information for Bastien Graff on his request for a promotion.

Dialogue[]

Show: Default dialogue
"Had a question?" I'm curious. How long have you been with the Vanguard, Commander? "Me? Six, seven years now? Was a recon squad commander in a former life, so it wasn't too big a jump bossing around foreign pilots instead. But Vanguard's been a quality assignment. Meet new people, judge them on a series of diverse criteria, get them out there helping people who need it." This building is called MAST, right? What kind of a name is that? "MAST is short for "Military, Administrative, and Scientific Triumvirate." From here, the three co-equal divisions of the UC government work together to advance the cause of the Colonies. Be that through mutual defense, political and diplomatic strength, or scientific discovery. Now, serving any of the UC's division grants citizenship, but scientific and admin positions in the UC tend to be real competitive. Understandable most people would prefer to earn their citizenship behind a desk rather than in combat. Not something I'd ever choose for myself, but understandable." Why does the UC need foreign pilots to fly for them? "Military used to have a pretty narrow view of where the best pilots came from. In their eyes, it was UC or bust. The creation of the Vanguard was an acknowledgement by the brass that maybe not all the galaxy's greatest pilots went through a UC flight school. So it's the Vanguard's job to find them and get them to fly for us." Can you tell me more about this "United Colonies System Defense" group? "You can just call them "SysDef." Everyone else does. They're the division responsible for combating the Crimson Fleet. Fighting pirates. It's not a small job, keeping the galaxy's mercantile class safe from death and dismemberment, so they're constantly undermanned. They work out of the ship the "UC Vigilance," though the support request was a little vague on what your actual duties would be if you decided you wanted to lend a hand."

Show: Supra et Ultra
"What've we got here? Another daring pilot, ready to join the UC Vanguard? Do some good for the people of the United Colonies while earning your citizenship... and credits to boot?" I think you have me confused with someone else. "Not possible. Vanguard's open to all comers. No matter where you were born, you can join - so long as you don't have a bounty on your head. If you've got a ship and the mettle needed to fly alongside the greatest Navy in the galaxy, you're exactly who we're looking for." [United Colonies Native] Wait. I was born in the UC. I'm not a citizen already? "Oh, well, no. UC citizenship is earned through service to the UC. Should've covered that in your civics classes. But if you're that interested, I'm happy to help get you started in applying to join the UC Vanguard right now." What's the Vanguard? "We're the United Colonies' volunteer fleet. Any captain can join, regardless of origin. Get to fly your own ship and earn credits as you help the people in the most distant reaches of the United Colonies. All while earning your way to UC citizenship. Put in the time and citizenship is guaranteed." Why would I want to become a UC citizen? "Well, other than becoming a member of the greatest faction in the galaxy, you'd get access to discounted services on any UC world, credits to help you get on your feet. You'd even be able to buy property right here in New Atlantis. Citizenship unlocks it all. And signing up for the Vanguard is the fastest way to earn it." Sounds interesting. Tell me more. "Glad to hear it. Signing up's simple." "All you've got to do is pass a flight exam and make it through one probationary mission and you're in. We'll have you working your way to UC citizenship in no time." Okay. I'm game. Just tell me what I need to do next. "Well all right. Take the elevator down to the Vanguard Orientation Hall. You can get started at any of the registration terminals. The system will walk you through the rest. And if you've got any questions, I'm happy to answer them." Not interested. "Sorry to hear it. If you decide you want to enlist, we've always got room for new applicants." What sort of work would I be doing if I enlisted? "Vanguard work is "as needed." When we've got jobs, we'll make 'em available to you. But the work itself, well, it runs the gamut. Sometimes you might be hunting down hostile ships on behalf of the UC Navy. Or you might be called up to help the Science Division clean up some invasive species. Hell, we've even been asked to help take on the occasional Terrormorph." What exactly is the Vanguard?/And what exactly is the Vanguard again? "We're the United Colonies' volunteer fleet. Any captain can join, regardless of origin. Get to fly your own ship and earn credits as you help the people in the most distant reaches of the United Colonies. All while earning your way to UC citizenship. Put in the time and citizenship is guaranteed." Why would I want to become a UC citizen?/Mind explaining to me what I'd get from becoming a UC citizen again? "Well, other than becoming a member of the greatest faction in the galaxy, you'd get access to discounted services on any UC world, credits to help you get on your feet. You'd even be able to buy property right here in New Atlantis. Citizenship unlocks it all. And signing up for the Vanguard is the fastest way to earn it." - After agreeing to join the Vanguard: - "First things first, head down to the Orientation Hall, and get signed up at the Registration Terminal. System will walk you through the rest. Oh, and if you've got a bounty, well, you're going to have to make things right with the UC before we'll let ya join. But if you've got any questions, I can get you sorted." I'm all set. "I'll keep an eye out for your results." [United Colonies Native] So I'm not a United Colonies citizen already? "No one's born a citizen of the United Colonies. It's earned through service to any of the UC's three branches - military, scientific, or adminstrative. Certain in-demand jobs get there faster than others, but if you enlist with us and put in your time, we guarantee to get you there." Where do I go to register again? "Just hop into the elevator. You want the button for "Vanguard Orientation Hall." Register yourself at the terminals in the lobby and the exam system will get you to where you need to go." What kind of work would I be doing for you guys? "Vanguard work is "as needed." When we've got jobs, we'll make 'em available to you. But the work itself, well, it runs the gamut. Sometimes you might be hunting down hostile ships on behalf of the UC Navy. Or you might be called up to help the Science Division clean up some invasive species. Hell, we've even been asked to help take on the occasional Terrormorph." Can you tell me about the exam and this "probationary mission?" "For the exam, we'll be putting you through a combat flight simulation. Let us see your piloting skills, evaluate how you behave under pressure, all without any risk of you inadvertently getting blown out an airlock. For the probationary mission, though, we'll be sending you out on a job all on your own. The specifics of the mission vary by what's available at the time, but we're not about to ask you to storm a Crimson Fleet base or whatever. At least, not on mission one. More likely you'll be making a drop-off to some UC citizens in an area that's outside normal naval patrols. They'll be a risk of hostile contacts, but that's far from guaranteed." "Sure. You'll be sent through a piloting simulation that'll allow us to evaluate your combat skills, how you behave under pressure. Just generally see if we think you can hack it up there. The better you do, the less time you'll have to serve to get your UC citizenship... and the better chance you'll have of earning a nice signing bonus." I'm not going to get hurt during this, am I? "The exam's just a simulation. Only way you'll be hurt there is if you trip on your way inside. Now, for the probationary mission, we select those specifically to ease you into the type of work you'll be doing here. Make sure you're capable of handling things on your own. But I can't promise it'll be risk-free. The UC sends us on jobs because there could be combat. This mission would be no different. Now if that's a dealbreaker, I won't be offended if you walk away... but this is the military. A chance of conflict is kind of in the job description." - After passing the exam while affiliated with the Crimson Fleet: - "Ah, there you are. Believe we've got some, uh, things to discuss, Applicant." I wrapped up my Piloting Exam and they told me to come back here. "About that... The Vanguard isn't about to turn you down just because of what happened with SysDef... so long as you can assure me that part of your life is in the past. An alert came up on your file. Said you were the one working with SysDef when they went belly up against the Crimson Fleet. Now, a person could draw a lot of conclusions from an outcome like that - you being one of the few who walked away from that battle. But in the Vanguard, we're serious about our "take all comers" policy. Regardless of their past. Hell, if we turned down every former pirate trying to get back on the straight and narrow, we'd be without some of our finest pilots. Not that I'm saying that applies here. I just need to know, if that were the case, then that part of your life is in the past." Nuts to this. Crimson Fleet forever! "... I'm going to let you take some time to rethink that answer, all right? Come back when you've had a change of heart." You've got my word. This is where I want to be. "That's good to hear. Just keep your nose clean and I'm sure we'll get along just fine." [Lie] It's all in the past, Commander. "That's good to hear, but it's on you to prove it. Just keep your nose clean and we won't have any issues." "Now, that out of the way, you ready to take a look at those exam scores? See how you did?" - If one has no past affiliations - "Well, look who's back. Everything go all right with the exam? Or did you have some questions you needed answered first?" I wrapped up my Piloting Exam and they told me to come back here. "Ah, so these are your numbers that just came through, then. You ready to hear how you did?" [Soldier] I'm game. Cute test, by the way. Nothing like real combat, but cute. "I'll let the techs know you think so highly of their work. And make a note you've got prior combat experience." I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised. "Well, let's get to it then." I'm ready. "Then let's get to 'em." Sir, yes, sir! "I like the fire, Applicant. Let's get into it." Make it snappy. Time's wasting for me to be earning some credits. "Oh. Excuse me for keeping you waiting. Let's get to it." What else is there to cover? I did pass, didn't I? "You did. But your exam score - and how you got there - factor into how long you're going to have to serve to get your citizenship. So, you ready to review it?" "So, looking at the data..." "Skipped the murals all together, huh? I'll presume you're just an expert in UC history then." "Hit every mural in the Orientation Hall, huh? Attests to preparation and thoroughness. Two traits the Vanguard values highly." "Checked out a few of the murals. Good. Inquisitive folks tend to do well around here." "Not that they're required or anything, but naturally inquisitive folks tend to do well in this organization." "Your physiological results are... huh. That's odd. System couldn't get a read on you. You get your kicks flying too close to stars? Because you're putting out some... interesting radiation. Don't worry, though. It's not going to affect your score. It's just, uh, different, is all. But, uh, where were we..." "Your physiological results are... eerily calm. Not a vital spike to be seen. You really know how to keep your cool. Exactly what the Navy's looking for in our recruits." "Psychological results are all within expected levels. Navy doesn't have room for folks that'll fall apart the first time they're trying to outrun a homing missile." "Now, how'd you do against your foes..." "Tier... six. You... cleared Tier six. No one clears Tier six. Should be damn proud of yourself." "Cleared Tier five, huh? Damn impressive. I swear they start cheating at that level, but the techs claim it's fair. Either way, you've got the skills the Navy needs." "Tier four. Not too shabby. The techs make us test each level of the sim, too. I can tell you that wave are some real artificial bastards. Good job putting them away." "All right. Cleared Tier three. We try to set a high bar, so that's no small feat. Nice work." "Only cleared Tier two, huh? Not great. Not terrible. But not great." "Washed out after Tier one, huh? That, uh, doesn't bode well." "You got... none of them. Uh, that's... not going to look good for your results. At all." "So then, looking at your results as a whole, and presuming you're successful in completing your probationary mission, you could have your UC citizenship after only..." "Just three years. Guess a top 99th percentile piloting score will do that. Plus a hefty signing bonus to boot. Not going to get a better offer than that." "Only five years. You showed real potential in there. We want to make sure you're fighting on our side. Even authorized me to offer you a bonus in addition to your signing advance." "Just five years. We've been hounding for some recruits with experience. Says here I can even offer you a bonus along with your signing advance." "Ten years service. Pretty standard for combat assignments. But your performance in the simulator does mean I can offer a signing bonus. Help convince you to join the cause." "Ten years service. Pretty standard for combat assignments. But your performance in the simulator does mean I can offer a signing bonus. Help convince you to join the cause." "Ten years service. Better than your average lab rat or diplomat, but pretty standard for folks going out into combat." "T-twenty years of service. Huh. Looks like your overall scores were... well, it was pretty close. But just remember, Vanguard demands ebb and flow. You're not going to be doing a mission everyday. It's not going to be your whole life. All told it'll probably only feel like... a decade. Maybe only five depending on need." "So, sounds to me like we've got Vanguard material on our hands. If you're interested, we could bring you on as a provisional member today. Get you the credits you've earned, then send you out on your probationary mission. First, though, all UC servicepeople - provisional or otherwise - are required to swear an oath. So, you want to make this official? Commit yourself to the cause of the Colonies?" I'd be a Captain, just like that? Aren't there other ranks I'd have to go through first? "Captain's the general designation for the Vanguard's pilots. You do have full run of your ship, after all. Just, uh, don't try and boss around folks from the other branches any time soon. They don't think its funny. Now, should we get to administering that oath?" I need a little time first. "I understand. It's a big decision. Think about it, come back when you're ready." Can we do this under the table? I like to operate independently. "You're not in the Freestar Collective here. Vanguard keeps its work above board. You want in, you'll have to do the same as everyone else. And that starts with the oath." I'm ready. "Fantastic. Then just follow me." - In front of the MAST Building: - "Wouldn't be right doing this where we couldn't see the skies. Now... raise your right hand. The motto of the Vanguard is "Supra et Ultra" - above and beyond. That is where we serve - beyond the furthest reaches of the United Colonies military, and with honor and duty above reproach. Do you swear to protect and defend the citizens of the United Colonies, to the best of your abilities... ...and to uphold the values of the Vanguard - honor, loyalty, self-reliance - in all your actions as a member of the United Colonies Navy?" On second thought, let me think about it. "Uh, okay. Not usually the part people bail at, but, I guess it can wait." All my actions? That seems a bit much. "Just say "I do," funny guy." I'm not normally big into commitment but for you... fine. "I guess I'll take it." I do. "Then let me be the first to officially welcome you to the United Colonies Vanguard. Now, only thing left is getting you that probationary mission. And what I've got is... comms repair. Group trying to refurb an old Colony War processing plant on Tau Ceti II. Sounds like they'd barely gotten set up when their communications died. Place is as isolated as they come, so brass wants a Vanguard to deliver the repair suite and ensure anyone present is safe and secure. So, can the people of Tau Ceti II count on you?" You think I should I expect trouble? "No major settlements on Tau Ceti. No real active industry either. Doesn't make for a big target. It's got the potential to be a pretty quiet trip. But there's a reason they wrote "here be dragons" on the map edge, so if it were me, I'd hope for the best and arm for the worst." Let's do this. Hey, I'm getting paid right. Sure. "That's the spirit. Head down to the spaceport and talk to Crew Chief Herath. He'll get you the repair suite, plus your "new recruit" kit. Oh. And your advance. Give it your all out there. Supra et Ultra."

Show: Grunt Work
"Look who's back. All set with that probationary mission? We can do your debrief - and formally welcome you into the Vanguard - whenever you're ready." I need your permission to deliver a Terrormorph tissue sample to Mars. "A Terror... what? How'd you walk away with a Terrormorph tissue sample running comms repairs? What happened to the settlers?" The thing that ate the settlers - and nearly ate me - wasn't really interested in the repairs. "It... what? That... that's a hell of a probationary mission. Takes some serious grit to make it through an experience like that." No survivors, sir. All lost to a Terrormorph. Which I killed. "You killed... a Terrormorph. On your first mission. If I could be frank for a moment, holy shit." "Above and beyond doesn't really begin to describe it, now does it? Earned yourself some serious hazard pay on this one. But, uh, if none of the settlers made it, who's got you delivering this sample?" There was a researcher investigating the place. She gave me this genetag to show you. "A researcher? Let me see that." Her name was Hadrian. Here. Said I should show you this. "Hadrian..." You know some crazy alien scientist? Because she said you might recognize her name. "Did she now?" Things didn't go as advertised. Only one alive was a researcher who gave me a sample and a genetag. "A genetag? Let me see that." "Sanon. I know that name. Let me check the database. Huh. A lot of this data's been classified... Here we go. Service record. Wow. That's a lot of commendations. Seems like she served with distinction as... Co-head of a UC Xenoweapons division. Faced tribunal at the end of the Colony War... and was dismissed from duty. Guess that's where I'd heard the name before. If she's former Xenowarfare, though, well, we can at least be sure she knows her aliens." Wait, can we even be helping this woman? "Notation says that Sanon already faced punishment for her actions during the war - dismissal from the UC military. And her sending you to me first makes me thinks she's actually trying to do this above board. Considering her history, reaching out to the UC probably wasn't the easiest decision.... which means that must be a pretty important sample." What the heck is "Xenowarfare"? "In the run up to the Colony War, the UC started a program with a singular goal... Find the deadliest, most terrifying aliens in the galaxy, and have them fight on the side of the UC. Never saw any of the deployments myself but the program was clearly enough of a "success" that, when the war came to an end 20 years ago, both sides agreed to have the practice banned. At which point, I presume, this tribunal decided to cut Sanon loose." Doesn't seem like the type of person we should be working with. "Given the subject matter, I think we might want to at least explore the possibility." "Xenowarfare" doesn't sound good. "I'm sure she doesn't list it at the top of her resume. But considering her service record - and her area of expertise - I'm not seeing a reason to think this request is anything other than genuine." So this might actually be an urgent mission then. "Certainly seems that way." "Did your survivor, Hadrian, did she mention why she thinks this sample's so special?" She's afraid there could be more attacks like the one that wiped out the people of Tau Ceti. "She thinks... there could be more of these? Wants to keep this an isolated incident. Makes sense..." There were some credits in it for me. All the reason I needed. "I doubt that's the take-away she was hoping for. But if Sanon's got herself involved, it's got to be serious." She's not sure what it means. She wants a "Dr. Walker" on Mars to analyze it, confirm it's a threat. "I... see. This, uh, has been one of the more surprising debriefs I've ever been a part of. I did actually have another mission lined up for you, supporting UC System Defense against the Crimson Fleet. But now I guess you have two options on how to proceed - head to the UC Vigilance and help out SysDef or deliver that sample. I'll make sure you've got the proper clearances for either path. Consider these your first official orders. And here. So everyone knows you're working with the Vanguard. Welcome to the Navy, Captain. Vanguard's also got some custom ship modifications. You'll be cleared for access to 'em next time you're down at the spaceport. Talk to Ship Services. Now, if there wasn't anything else, I suggest you move out."

Show: Post-A Legacy Forged
"Well, well. I've got to say, this is a first. I've never had a "Class One Citizen" in my ranks before. Congratulations, Captain." Can you tell me about what a "Class One Citizen" is? "It's a high honor. Have to do something big for the Colonies to earn that sort of designation. Only ever met a couple myself. And certainly never given one orders. You should be real proud." I'm just here to collect whatever it is this "Class One" thing pays. "Luckily, I'm one step ahead of you." Thank you, Commander. It's an honor. "No need to thank me. You brought this all on yourself." "I've already gone ahead and processed your "Class One" benefits. All UC goods and services should now have a "thanks for protecting the Colonies" discount. And the credits should be in your account... now. But to get into your penthouse, you'll have to pay a visit to the Aphelion Realty office. They should be able to grant you access." Where's this realty office? "Just out the front door and across the plaza, by the Embassies. Look for the Aphelion sign." Rather drink engine oil than live in New Atlantis, but at least the price is right. "City life's not for everyone, I guess, but a lot of folks would kill for that kind of real estate." Glad to see the UC give credit where credit's due. "Higher-ups wanted to make sure you know how much they appreciate what you've done." That's incredibly generous. "Higher-ups wanted to make sure you know how much they appreciate what you've done." "But, with all that squared, it's time to get you a new assignment. With the Terrormorph Management Division coming online, you've got plenty to choose from. There are your standard Vanguard missions - putting those pilot skills to use defending UC space. Or you could help the TMD in cleaning up Terrormorphs. Oh, and I got a request from Doctor Walker. Wanted your help collecting biological samples to keep an eye out for any, uh, "new alien threats on the horizon." All three are long-term projects, so we should have action available to you for the foreseeable future. Any of those missions call to you?" I've done my duty, Commander. I think I'm going to take some time off from aliens. "Of course. You've earned some R&R. Once you're rested up and ready to head out there again, you come see me." Actually, I'd like to start by helping out Percival with these "new alien threats." "Sure. He'll have all the specifics. If you find yourself looking for more work, you know where to find me." I'm ready to take on some Terrormorphs. "Any chance to bag some bugs, right? Well, I can provide. Let me just check my logs." I'd like to run a Vanguard mission. Only ever really done the one. "Suppose that's true. Well, we can remedy that right now."

Show: Re-Re-Application
"Captain. Something up?" Bastien Graff wanted me to talk to you. "....Huh. Okay, didn't see that one coming. No need to say any more. I know what it's about. He's convinced he deserves a promotion, which to him means a transfer, a command post, maybe a new ship and a big office... Do you know him well? What do you think of him?" Oh I can't stand him. I'm just in this for the credits. "That degree of honesty is always refreshing, if nothing else." He comes off as a little arrogant. "Not the first time I've heard that." I'm sure he's a great guy. "Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but good to know." We just met, and he asked me to do him a favor. "Fair enough." "Clearly patience isn't his strong suit. I thought the constant stream of messages was a bit much, but if he's going to be sending people here... All right. I received some good advice from someone in the Vanguard recently, and I'm going to run with it. I'd like you to deliver this message to Bastien on my behalf, with the full authority of Vanguard leadership. He's going to be the first and only recipient of a new commendation. Quite an honor. I hope he appreciates it. Please give him my regards."

Quotes[]

"Welcome back. Here to finally take your shot at joining the Vanguard?"
"If it isn't the Vanguard's next great recruit. You ready to sign up, help the people of the UC?"
"Hey, Sarah's friend. You come to enlist at long last? Start earning your stripes with the Vanguard?"
"Supra et Ultra, Captain." -After joining the UC Vanguard
"Captain. Something up?" -After joining the UC Vanguard

Supra et Ultra[]

"Everything squared away? Vanguard still has a place for you if you're interested."
"Ah, just the person I was hoping to see. Back to discuss enlisting, I hope."
"The process starts with registration down in the Orientation Hall. Or did you have a question?"
"The displays in the Orientation Hall are all optional, but encouraged if you're not all that familiar with UC history."
"Once you've wrapped up the exam, come back and we'll go over your results. Or did you need some information from me first?"
"Still interested in enlisting? Just one last piece of business we need to take care of first."
"Something wrong with the exam?"
"Have some questions?"
"What can I do for you, Applicant?"
"Was just about to start going through your numbers. You ready to hear how you did?"
"Right. Your exam results. You ready to hear how you stacked up?"
"Of course."
"Well, let's get to it, then."
"Welcome back, Applicant. Just got your scores in. Should we start going through them?"

Delivering Devils[]

"That Terrormorph doesn't have a prayer. Now, what can I do for you?"
"Captain. Admiral Logan informed me of your part in halting the attacks. Whole damn city owes you. Now, do you need?"