Binary Helix

From Mass Effect Wiki

Binary Helix (BH) is a leader in the fields of genetic engineering and biotechnology. They currently have a significant presence on Noveria, which provides them security from Luddites, organic base-liners, and fundamentalist groups who are opposed to their work. They also do some research in the field of biotic implants. The Nautilus Facility beneath the ice sheet of Europa in the Sol system is owned and operated by Binary Helix.

Spoiler warning: plot and / or ending details follow.

In 2183, BH was renting a lab facility on Peak 15, which was being used to breed the rachni after they found an ancient egg on a derelict ship. BH also began developing a biotoxin called Thoros-B, intended to kill an exotic lifeform (possibly on Saren Arterius' orders), but ordered Dr. Zev Cohen to make it affect more species so they could market it later.

Saren and Matriarch Benezia were key investors in Binary Helix; Benezia was actually an 'executive secretary' with the company, and Saren's official executor. Saren's status as an investor allowed him a degree of control over BH's activities; he was able to plant Alestia Iallis at Rift Station in case Commander Shepard made it that far. Using her influence with the company, Benezia intended to groom the reborn rachni to form a large part of Saren's forces.

Mallene Calis was also interested in Binary Helix's activities, hoping to persuade Shepard to help her spy on a BH rep at Port Hanshan named Rafael Vargas. Vargas can talk to Shepard about the military genetic modification packages BH have available, but is quick to insist that Binary Helix obey all the Citadel Council's genetic mod regulations.

Shepard can hear a news story about Binary Helix on the Citadel. BH have recently settled out of court with a group of krogan investors. The krogan wanted Binary Helix to investigate a possible cure for the genophage, but they got angry when the study showed no results and sued the company. Given Saren's connections to Binary Helix, this may be related to the genophage cure that Saren was using on Virmire.

[edit] Notable Employees

• Alestia Iallis (molecular geneticist)
• Han Olar (assigned to hot labs)
• Dr. Palon (toxicologist)
• Rafael Vargas (sales)
• Captain Ventralis (security detail)
• Yaroslev Tartakovsky (operations director)
• Dr. Zev Cohen (microbiologist)