The Curious Case of a Cankered Chief is a side quest in The Outer Worlds 2, where you need to solve a murder case. Chief Cuddy has died under suspicious circumstances, and it’s up to you to find out what really happened. In this guide, we will walk you through The Curious Case Of A Cankered Chief Quest in Outer Worlds 2.
The Curious Case Of A Cankered Chief
In The Curious Case of a Cankered Chief quest in The Outer Worlds 2, you will first need to tell Officer Abner that Chief Cuddy probably died from eating crabble due to his allergies. Next, head back to the ship Incognito and retrieve the Acidic Dematerializer that’s stuck in a jammed lockbox. Once you have it, use the device to dissolve Chief Cuddy’s body so it looks like nothing ever happened. After that, report back to Officer Abner to let him know the case is closed, and finally, make sure Trooper Bardot, who was wrongly accused, has been released.
Meet Sibella Bardot in Fort Endurance


Go to Fort Endurance in the northern part of Golden Ridge and talk to Sibella Bardot, who’s locked in a cell. She will ask for your help, so start by asking if she killed Chief Cuddy. You will get a few dialogue choices here; no matter what you pick, she will deny it. Keep talking to her, and eventually, she will ask you to speak with Security Officer Abner.
Confront Security Officer Abner


Once you start The Curious Case of a Cankered Chief quest, your first step is to find Security Officer Abner. He’s standing near a Vending Machine and a Workbench, just to the left of Bardot’s cell. Talk to him, and he will ask what you’re doing inside the fort. You will get a few dialogue choices; pick either the first or second option to keep the conversation going.
- Your superior at Outpost Opportunity sent me to help with your murder investigation.
- I happened to speak with your prisoner and think we should talk about it.
- Just passing through and you looked interesting. Thought I’d say hi.
- That’s really none of your concern. [Leave Conversation]
If you tell him that Officer Durban sent you to help with the murder investigation, Abner will doubt your credentials and will tell you that you are not being certified. You will then get a few more responses to choose from, including special ones if you have the Lawbringer Background or a high Melee or Guns skill. No matter which dialogue you pick, continue the conversation until Abner admits he accidentally put crabble meat in the food, which caused Chief Cuddy’s death.
He will ask you to help cover it up in exchange for freeing Bardot and paying you some bits. Agree to help, and he will tell you to find an Acidic Dematerializer, or use your own on Chief Cuddy’s body, destroy the evidence, and then report back to Abner to finish things up.
How to Get the Acidic Dematerializer

The Acidic Dematerializer is located inside the Incognito ship. You can get it by opening a High Security Lockbox. You will need one Advanced Decryption Key to unlock the box. Once you have the Dematerializer, talk to Security Officer Abner and let him know. He will then tell you where to find Chief Cuddy’s body.
Dispose of Chief Cuddy’s Body


Chief Cuddy’s body is located near the entrance of Fort Endurance. To avoid getting caught, use a Distraction Device before entering the restricted door. After distracting the guard, head inside to a small room where Cuddy’s body is lying. Use Auntie’s Acidic Dematerializer on the body to melt it away.
Report Back to Officer Abner and Free Bardot
Return to Officer Abner. He will thank you for helping him cover up the situation. He will also confirm that Sibella Bardot has been freed and reward you with 500 Bits. Now, head back to Bardot’s cell, where you will find her free. Speak to her, and she will thank you for your help. After this final conversation, the quest ends, rewarding you with +1350 XP and +1 Reputation with Auntie’s Choice.
