Citadel: Negotiator’s Request Guide—When It Unlocks and How to Finish Fast

Mass Effect’s Citadel has plenty of side work to handle, but the “Citadel: Negotiator’s Request” assignment is one of the most time-sensitive quests in the area. It only becomes available after you finish every one of the four Mission Worlds—and then your next visit to the Citadel effectively marks the end of your opportunity to take it.

Background: When the quest appears

This assignment is tied to the Citadel, the main galactic hub found in the Serpent Nebula. The Citadel is the only cluster in the western portion of the Milky Way, and it’s also the setting for the “Citadel: Expose Saren” mission. In terms of systems and exploration, it has a single system—Widow—and zero Discoveries.

Important timing: “Citadel: Negotiator’s Request” has a very narrow window to start. You can only begin it after completing the four Mission Worlds: Therum, Feros, Noveria, and Virmire. Once you’ve done that, your next stop at the Citadel will be your last, so take the chance to run the assignment as soon as it’s available.

Essential stats you’ll want ready

• Persuasion requirements: 8 Charm / 7 Intimidate
• Minimum Decryption: N/A
• Minimum Electronics: N/A

Travel route: Getting to Widow and the Upper Wards

• Prerequisite: Finish all four Mission Worlds.
• Location: Serpent Nebula – Widow – The Citadel – Upper Wards

The assignment itself is on the Citadel, so once you’re in Widow and inside the station, you’ll be navigating to the Upper Wards area to find the person who needs help.

Meet Elias Keeler (and what he’s really asking for)

The NPC you’re looking for is Elias Keeler. He can be found standing beside the stairs that lead up to the Flux casino and bar. If you’ve already been through this part of the Citadel before, you’ll likely run into him naturally while making your way toward Captain Anderson during the main story.

If you’re revisiting and want the quickest route, the easiest approach is to use a Rapid Transit to Flux. From there, Keeler should be straight ahead.

Keeler is described as a negotiator who has already burned through his legal supply of mental stimulant. He’s requesting more because an upcoming negotiation is close at hand. The situation isn’t subtle—his urgency suggests he’s dealing with a much more desperate dependence than he’s willing to admit.

What to do: Side-quest outcomes and dialogue options

There are multiple ways to conclude the side quest, largely depending on which dialogue choices you make and whether you have the needed Charm or Intimidate persuasion thresholds.

1. When speaking to Keeler, choose either “If you say so” or “No promises” to move forward with the option to leave and then obtain the relevant items from Dr. Michel’s Med Clinic for 77 Credits each.

2. Alternatively, if you select “You’re an addict”, you can unlock additional follow-up actions by meeting one of these persuasion checks:

   • If you have 8 Charm, pick “You need help” for +8 Paragon Points.

   • If you have 7 Intimidate, pick “No, you’ll go now” for +2 Renegade Points.

   • Even if you don’t take either of the above persuasion routes, you can still choose “If you say so” or “Then the game is wrong” to get him something from Dr. Michel’s Med Clinic.

3. If you already chose “If you say so” or “No promises”, go to Dr. Michel’s Med Clinic and buy either a Stimulant or a Depressant for 77 Credits each.

   • If you select “(Give him the stimulant)”, you’ll receive a large amount of Credits. If earlier you chose either the Charm option “Then the game is wrong” or the Intimidate option “Don’t be an idiot”, you’ll also gain +2 Paragon Points.

   • If you select “(Give him the depressant)”, you’ll receive a large amount of Credits and gain +9 Renegade Points.

Note: The quest’s dialogue and item approach can overlap—some options let you go straight to Dr. Michel’s, while others add extra actions if you have the required Charm or Intimidate values. Regardless of the path, the core idea is the same: Keeler’s request is driven by substance dependence, and your choices determine whether you lean Paragon, Renegade, and what bonuses you pick up.

More Mass Effect help

If you’re looking to keep pushing through the series, the guide page also points readers toward additional topics, including:

• Legendary Edition Changes
• How-To Guides
• Key Choices and Consequences
• Romance Options
• Walkthrough
• Side Quests

Up Next: Our Own Worst Enemy

Top Guide Sections

• Legendary Edition Changes
• Basics
• Tips and Tricks
• How-To Guides

Was this guide helpful?

In This Guide