During the United Colonies Vanguard questline in Starfield, players face a pivotal narrative decision regarding Hadrian Sanon and the truth about her father, Vae Victis. Discovering that Francois Sanon is secretly alive and behind the Terrormorph attacks forces players to choose between full transparency or maintaining a classified secret. Understanding the exact consequences of telling Hadrian the truth helps players navigate this emotionally charged storyline while securing the best rewards.
What Happens When You Reveal the Truth to Hadrian
Choosing to reveal the truth causes Hadrian to experience profound shock and betrayal upon learning her father is alive. She struggles emotionally with the realization that Vae Victis orchestrated the catastrophic attacks for his own political survival. Despite her grief, she appreciates your honesty and respects your commitment to absolute transparency throughout the investigation.
This path leads to Hadrian confronting the Cabinet alongside you with full evidence of her father's involvement. The United Colonies leadership takes immediate action to permanently handle Vae Victis, preventing him from influencing future galactic affairs. While this choice eliminates future secret bounty missions from Vae Victis, it preserves Hadrian's trust in your character.
What Happens If You Keep the Secret
If you decide to conceal the truth from Hadrian, you lie to the Cabinet by framing Reginald Orlase as the sole culprit behind the outbreak. Hadrian remains unaware of her father's ongoing existence, believing he was executed years ago as official records state. This decision keeps her focused on rebuilding her scientific career without the added burden of family trauma.
Maintaining the lie unlocks Vae Victis as a secret quest giver hidden deep within the Sub 09 facility. He provides lucrative, covert assassination missions targeting former United Colonies war criminals across settled systems. However, living with the secret alters the moral tone of your playthrough, as you actively deceive one of your most loyal allies.
Comparing the Rewards and Long-Term Impact
Both narrative paths reward players with United Colonies citizenship, a penthouse apartment in New Atlantis, and substantial credits. Revealing the truth offers a morally clean resolution that aligns with heroic character concepts, ensuring Hadrian's complete trust. Keeping the secret provides ongoing gameplay content through repeatable covert contracts, appealing to players seeking extra action and rewards.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize ethical roleplay or additional gameplay missions. Hadrian remains a available companion regardless of your choice, though telling her the truth provides deeper emotional closure to the Vanguard storyline. Careful consideration of these outcomes allows players to tailor the narrative to their character's personal code.
