“Defensive Measures” is a side mission in Starfield set in the Freestar Collective’s capital, Akila City. As you head past the city’s barracks, you find yourself amidst a heated debate concerning the city’s security against the menacing Ashta lurking outside the city walls (You encounter the Ashta during The Empty Nest and Charity of the Wolf).
The argument intensifies between Davis Wilson, a seasoned veteran responsible for Akila City’s safety, and Keoni Alpin, an innovative newcomer, regarding the best defensive strategy for the city. In this mission, you can assist Keoni Alpin, supporting her in demonstrating that her fresh, forward-thinking strategies can significantly benefit the people and safety of Akila City.
This Starfield walkthrough guide will provide comprehensive instructions to help you both start and complete the “Defensive Measures” side mission.
- Misc mission in Akila City
- Planet: Akila
- Rewards: 100 EXP and Credits proportional to your character level (10,800 Credits at level 68)
Listen to the Argument
To start the “Defensive Measures” side mission in Starfield, you must first complete the “Job Gone Wrong” quest you encountered during your initial visit to Akila City. After successfully rescuing the hostages in “Job Gone Wrong,” proceed to the main thoroughfare in front of The Rock, also known as Coe Plaza. From there, navigate the alley between Shepherd’s General Store and the distinctive yellow Akila City Infokiosk.
Ascending a short staircase, you will arrive at the front of Akila Guard Barracks. Here, Davis Wilson and Keoni Alpin are engaged in a heated debate. Take a moment to listen to their exchange, and after they part ways, approach Davis Wilson for a conversation.
Talk to Davis Wilson
This is a classic new vs. old case. Engaging with Davis Wilson, you’ll learn that their argument revolved around Keoni’s innovative strategy for bolstering Akila City’s defenses. Wilson, a seasoned guard with traditional views, is skeptical of change and believes the city’s existing security measures suffice. He expresses concern that Keoni’s fresh ideas might compromise the city’s safety. Meanwhile, Keoni believes that safety can be improved by implementing her ideas.
During your interaction with Wilson, you’ll encounter various dialogue choices. While these may influence Wilson’s reactions, they won’t significantly alter the course of the Side Mission. After discussing with Wilson, go south to find Keoni near the yellow Akila City Infokiosk for further dialogue.
Talk to Keoni Alpin
When you discuss with Keoni, she’ll articulate her perspective. Keoni acknowledges the commendable efforts of the Akila City Guards but is confident that her innovative ideas can enhance the existing defensive strategies of the FC’s capital. Eager to demonstrate the effectiveness of her plan (which she doesn’t explain beforehand), Keoni will entrust you with positioning four sensors across The Stretch to start collecting data. This task is aimed at validating the potential of her proposed security enhancements.
Place Keoni’s Sensors
To install Keoni’s sensors, your destination is The Stretch, located in the northeastern part of Akila City. Starting from your current position, head past the Akila Guard Barracks and take the stairs up to reach a balcony adjacent to The Stretch. Take a right turn, head past the yellow umbrella, then jump down to reach The Stretch. The objectives below are listed in order from this point of view.
The order is reversed if you pass the Coe Heritage Museum and descend the stairs leading to Earl Fulton’s Alien Extravaganza.
In The Stretch, Keoni’s sensors need to be strategically placed at specific points:
- To the left of the eastern entrance of Aggie’s, nestled between Aggie’s and the adjacent small living quarters.
- Directly in front of the outhouse, opposite Aggie’s west entrance.
- Near the heart-shaped “I heart” graffiti on the wall, just before the overpass.
- To the left of the staircase leading up near Honest Earl’s Alien Extravaganza.
After positioning all four sensors, your next step is to inform Keoni of your success. Keoni might be found in various locations depending on the time needed to complete the task. Therefore, activating the Defensive Measures under the “Misc” tab in your Missions log is advisable to track the objective marker and locate her.
Talk to Keoni Alpin
As you update Keoni on completing the task of placing the sensors, she’ll reveal that there’s an additional step to be taken. Keoni needs to access the nearby guard tower to make a few small modifications to the terminal inside. However, the Akila City Guards are not exactly flexible, so your new role involves distracting the guard to allow Keoni the necessary time to work on the terminal. To find the guard, head up the staircase opposite the “Deimos Court” sign, where you’ll encounter the guard you need to engage.
Get the Guard to Leave the Tower
Warning: Don’t attack the guard, even with a sneak attack. Not only is he unkillable, but your companion will leave you and everyone will turn hostile, so you will have to re-load your game. Among the options, below #2 and #4 are the best, especially if you are carrying stolen items or contraband.
Here are your realistic options to make the guard leave the tower:
- Create a Distraction by Stealing: Engage in a minor act of theft within the guard’s field of vision and then flee the scene. This action will draw the guard’s attention away from his post. Be mindful that if you choose to steal and remain stationary, the guard will reclaim the item and may confiscate any other stolen goods in your possession. If caught and arrested by Akila City Guards, you’ll have two choices:
- Pay a Fine to remove your bounty.
- Go to jail (this won’t affect the mission progress).
- Use Persuasion: Attempt to persuade the guard to leave his post. If your persuasion attempt fails, you’ll be faced with a fine of 1000 credits or the need to resort to theft.
- Bribe with 1000 Credits: Offering the guard 1000 credits is a surefire way to have him vacate his position.
- Leverage Freestar Ranger Status: If you have completed the “Deputized” Side Mission and become a Freestar Deputy, you’ll unlock a unique dialogue option that convinces the guard to step away without any fuss.
Talk to Keoni Alpin
Once you have successfully distracted the guard or persuaded him to vacate his post at the tower, return to the staircase’s bottom to reconnect with Keoni. You will receive 100 EXP and Credits proportional to your character level as rewards for your assistance. Additionally, she invites you to return the following day to discuss her findings, which will be a part of the subsequent “False Positives” Side Mission.
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