Dive into Starfield’s “Burden of Proof,” a sprawling side quest that sends you across the galaxy to uncover hidden Evidence Slates tied to the Crimson Fleet’s darkest secrets. From shadowy bars on Mars to secretive corporate offices and derelict space stations, every piece of evidence you collect brings you closer to dismantling a dangerous conspiracy-if you can piece it all together before the factions catch on. Whether you’re navigating tense missions or exploring remote settlements, this guide reveals every crucial location and step you need to master the quest on PC and Xbox.
It’s fair to say UC Sysdef isn’t the coolest faction to join in the galaxy, especially when you consider all of the other cohorts vying for your attention – so it’s good to have a meaty quest that neatly complements your progression through the story.
In this Starfield guide, we’ll show you where to find all evidence locations in “Burden of Proof,” and explain the reward you get for doing so.
How to start the ’Burden of Proof’ quest and how it works
The “Burden of Proof” quest in Starfield begins shortly after joining the UC SysDef faction. To start the quest, players must interact with Lieutenant Jillian Toft aboard the UC Vigilance, who tasks them with collecting a series of Evidence Slates scattered across the galaxy. These pieces of evidence are found during Crimson Fleet missions, in locations such as The Key, various side quests, and random settlements. Players need to gather at least 15 of the 20 available pieces of evidence and return them to Toft, who will then use the information to imprison implicated individuals. The quest involves ongoing dialogue with Toft, revealing more about her story as evidence is turned in. Completing the quest grants experience, credits, and faction-related rewards, with some evidence being missable if not collected before certain mission completions.
To kick off the “Burden of Proof” questline, you need to catch the attention of UC Sysdef. There are two ways to go about this:
- The first and least morally questionable way would be to join the UC Vanguard by visiting the organization’s headquarters in the Mast District of New Atlantis and completing the piloting exam and subsequent probation mission. Once the Vanguard has allowed you into the fold, you will be given the option to dock with one of their ships and help out the cause.
- Alternatively, if you’re more of a mischievous player, you can simply commit some crimes and get yourself arrested in UC territory. Once you’re in jail, the UC Sysdef will offer you the chance to help wipe out the Crimson Fleet by going undercover.
Whichever you choose, you’ll find yourself headed for a ship called the UC Vigilance to talk to their head of operations, Commander Ikande. Here, you’ll also meet Lieutenant Toft, who will take the evidence off your hands as you find it. Every time you return some proof to the Toft, you’ll earn some cold hard credits and a few morsels of XP, which helps sweeten the deal.
One disclaimer before we get into the list is that some of the quest-based evidence is missable, as you won’t be able to return to certain areas after you depart, so be wary of this as you progress.
The Naeva Meetup evidence
The Naeva Meetup evidence is one of the earliest pieces of evidence players can acquire in the “Burden of Proof” questline in Starfield. It becomes available after proving yourself to Naeva Mora and the Crimson Fleet by dealing with a runaway fleet member. The evidence slate is located in Cydonia on Mars, specifically inside the Broken Spear bar. Players can find it on a table behind Adler Kemp, who remains present during this stage of the quest. This evidence is tied to the “Rook Meets King” mission and is essential for progressing through the Crimson Fleet storyline and the broader “Burden of Proof” quest.
Location: Cydonia / Mars / Sol System (during “Deep Cover”)
Before you begin your Crimson Fleet cosplay, you’ll be able to find the first piece of evidence sitting on a desk behind the contact in the “Deep Cover” mission, Adler Kemp. Right behind Kemp on a messy table in the Broken Spear bar on Cydonia, you can grab The Naeva Meetup (Evidence) and be on your way.
Carter’s Gig evidence
Carter’s Gig evidence is found during the Crimson Fleet mission “Echoes of the Past” on the abandoned UC prison facility called The Lock, located on Suvorov in the Kryx system. This piece of evidence is located in Carter’s locker in the showers of the D-Block section and is essential to pick up as part of the mission progression. Players cannot miss this evidence since it is required to complete the associated quest, making it a key collectible in the “Burden of Proof” questline.
Location: The Lock Prison / Suvorov / Kryx System (during “Echoes of the Past”)
You’ll find this piece of evidence as you progress through the “Echoes of the Past” mission in The Lock prison facility. Once you find Kryx’s cell and pry open the lamp, you’ll be directed to lockers located in the prison’s wing of showers. Open up Carter’s locker, and you’ll see the Carter’s Gig (Evidence) inside.
Warden’s Log evidence
The Warden’s Log is a crucial piece of evidence in the “Burden of Proof” quest in Starfield, located in the Warden’s Office on The Lock prison in the Kryx system. Players will find it on a desk within the warden’s room while progressing through the “Echoes of the Past” mission. This evidence is essential to collect during the mission, as it is missable if overlooked. Once obtained, the Warden’s Log must be delivered to Lieutenant Jillian Toft aboard the UC Vigilance to advance the quest and support the UC SysDef faction’s efforts against the Crimson Fleet.
Location: The Lock Prison / Survov / Kryx System (during “Echoes of the Past”)
Towards the end of the “Echoes of the Past” mission, after taking on some enemies in the prison’s barracks, you’ll find yourself in the Warden’s Office. The Warden’s Log (Evidence) is located on some filing cabinets next to the intercom you use to talk to Crimson Fleet Captain Delgado. Pick it up, and you’re good to board your exit vehicle and escape from The Lock.
Request Denied evidence
The “Request Denied” evidence in Starfield’s “Burden of Proof” quest is found during the “Breaking the Bank” mission. It is located in the Aranae system on Aranae IV, aboard the ship Siren of the Stars. Specifically, you can find it in Captain Evgeny Rokov’s room on a table next to his bed. This piece of evidence is missable, meaning it must be collected before completing the associated mission to ensure it can be turned in to Lieutenant Toft for quest progression and rewards.
Location: Siren of Stars Cruiseliner / Aranae system (During “Breaking the Bank”)
Right after talking to Rokov, you can head up through the crew’s portion of the ship, eventually making your way to their quarters. The Captain’s specific room is located next to the Boom Pop! Cherry drink machine, directly ahead of you as you come up the stairs from where you docked. Once in the room, head for the bedroom and look for a shelf to the left of the bed. Here, you’ll find the Request Denied (Evidence) text log.
GalBank Plan evidence
The GalBank Plan evidence is a key piece of the “Burden of Proof” quest in Starfield, obtained during the Crimson Fleet mission “Breaking the Bank.” It is found on the ship Siren of the Stars, orbiting Aranae IV in the Aranae system, specifically acquired from Gabriel Vera after disabling the life support systems and paying him 2,500 credits. This evidence is missable, meaning it must be collected before completing the associated mission to be used in the quest. Turning in this evidence to Lieutenant Jillian Toft aboard the UC Vigilance helps implicate suspects and advances the investigation against the Crimson Fleet, contributing to rewards and narrative progression within the UC SysDef faction storyline.
Location: Siren of Stars Cruiseliner / Aranae system (During “Breaking the Bank”)
During this mission, you’ll hear a lot of smack talk about Larry Dumbrosky, most notably from the keeper of our next piece of evidence, Gabriel Vera. You’ll first find Vera on the lower floor of the party zone, just outside the VIP section on the Siren of Stars. In your first meeting, he’ll essentially tell you to go away. Never fear, though, as progressing the mission gives you another opportunity to talk to Vera, this time in the privacy of his room.
It’s important here to avoid thinking with your gun and talk things through until he offers you information for 2,500 credits. There is no option to Persuade, so stomach the cost, and the Galbank Plan (Evidence) will be added to your inventory.
Huan’s Talk evidence
Huan’s Talk evidence can be found in the Alpha Centauri system on the planet Jemison, specifically in The Well district of New Atlantis. To locate it, players need to enter Kay’s House restaurant, proceed through to the kitchen, and find the evidence on a bench beside the beer fridge. This piece of evidence is tied to the Crimson Fleet faction quest “The Best There Is” and is not missable, making it an essential part of the Burden of Proof questline where players gather incriminating information against the Crimson Fleet.
Location: The Wel l/ New Atlantis / Alpha Centauri (During “The Best There Is”)
During “The Best There Is,” you’ll speak to Huan in the cafeteria area of The Well. Instead of going straight to their ship to progress the mission, make your way over to Kay’s House, a restaurant nearby. Head through the plastic doors on the bottom floor and into the kitchen. Located directly ahead of you on a bench is the Huan’s Plan (Evidence) audio log.
Eubanks & Woods evidence
The Eubanks & Woods evidence is a key piece in the “Burden of Proof” questline, found during the mission “The Best There Is.” This evidence is located on the secret military base SY-920 in Luyten’s Star System, specifically in the Engineering Bay. To obtain it, players must infiltrate the base, preferably wearing a disguise, and enter Lab 4 where Dr. Gabriel Vogel works. Behind his lab, there is a back room containing a large console and a push cart on the right side that holds the evidence needed. This piece is easily missed, so careful exploration during the mission is advised to secure it for turning in to UC SysDef for rewards and progress in the quest.
Location: SY-920 Ship / Luyten Star / (During “The Best There Is”)
As you make your way through the SY-920, you’ll eventually find Dr. Gabriel Vogal in their lab. Instead of going right up to him, keep moving forward through the set of doors at the back of the lab. In this room, veer left and find the Eubanks & Woods (Evidence) sitting on a wheeled cart in the corner of the room.
The Big Score evidence
One key piece of evidence in the “Burden of Proof” quest is known as “The Big Score.” It is found during the mission “Absolute Power” on the planet Neon in the Volii Alpha system. Players can locate this evidence early in the mission at Madame Sauvage’s Place in Ebbside by entering the room behind the barfront, where the Evidence Slate rests on a bedside table in a small sleeping area. This evidence is integral to progressing in the quest and gathering proof against the Crimson Fleet for the UC SysDef faction.
Location: Neon / Volii Alpha / Volii System (During “Absolute Power”)
During the Absolute Power mission, you’ll be sent to meet with Estelle Vincent at Madame Sauvage’s Place in Ebbside on Neon. Once in the building, don’t go straight for the contact and instead make a beeline for the bar. Enter the doors to the left of the bar and take a right turn. The Big Score (Evidence) audio log sits on top of a cabinet between the two beds in the room.
Meeting with Bayu evidence
The “Meeting with Bayu” evidence in the Burden of Proof quest is located in Ayumi Komiko’s office at Generdyne Industries, situated in the Trade Tower on the planet Volii Alpha in the Volii system. To obtain this piece of evidence, players need to head to the Generdyne corporate office in Neon. Upon arrival, they can either persuade the receptionist to get a key to the safe containing the evidence or pick the lock if the persuasion check fails. This evidence is one of the 20 pieces players must collect and turn in to Lieutenant Jillian Toft aboard the UC Vigilance to progress and complete the quest.
Location: Neon / Volii Alpha / Volii System (During “Absolute Power”)
Right after your meeting with Estelle Vincent in the “Absolute Power” questline, you’ll be sent to a few locations. For this next piece of evidence, follow the optional objective called “Locate evidence to extort Ayumi Komiko.” This will not only give you an edge later in the mission but also reward you with another delicious morsel of legally incriminating information to give to the UC.
Go to the business block elevator located to the right of the Astral Lounge, and select Generdyne Industries, where you can talk to Ji Nashida at the front desk. There will be a persuasion check involved, so be sure to save before you begin talking. Ask about Ayumi Komiko, pass the check, and head to the private office further in the building. Inside, you’ll find a safe with the Meeting with Bayu (Evidence) inside. Crouch and make sure you’re hidden, then snag it while no one is looking.
Ayumi’s Offer evidence
Ayumi’s Offer evidence in Starfield’s “Burden of Proof” quest is located in the VIP section of Euphorika’s private lounge on Volii Alpha in the Volii system. Players need to access this exclusive area, which may require spending some credits, and then look behind the bartender to find the evidence on a shelf. This piece of evidence is part of the Absolute Power mission and contributes to the overall collection of evidence players must gather and return to Lieutenant Jillian Toft aboard the UC Vigilance to progress in the quest and unlock rewards.
Location: Neon / Volii Alpha / Volii System (During “Absolute Power”)
The next piece of evidence is located in Euphorika’s private lounge, which you’ll already need to gain access to for the “Absolute Power” mission. To get inside, talk to Myka the bartender and pay the 5,000 credit entrance fee. Once in the private lounge, get behind the bar. Sitting on a shelf next to a fancy ice bucket is the Ayumi’s Offer (Evidence) audio log.
Message for Bog evidence
The “Message for Bog” evidence in Starfield’s “Burden of Proof” quest is obtained during the side mission “Reclaiming the Past.” This piece of evidence is found at the Deserted Ecliptic Garrison on Decaran VII-b moon in the Decaran system. To access it, players need to talk to Bog at The Last Nova bar on The Key and start the “Reclaiming the Past” quest before speaking to Delgado during the “Eye of the Storm” mission. Collecting this evidence contributes to the overall quest of gathering incriminating information against the Crimson Fleet for the UC SysDef faction.
Location: Abandoned Ecliptic Garrison / Groombridge VI-B/ Groombridge System (During “Reclaiming the Past” side quest)
During your time on board The Key you’ll find yourself in conversation with its bartender, Bog. Talk to him enough and he’ll send you on an optional adventure to collect a ring from his long-lost love, Maddie. This quest, “Reclaiming the Past,” has some precious evidence in it.
Follow the quest marker to an Abandoned Ecliptic Garrison and prepare to be the butt of the joke – as this garrison is very much not abandoned. Fight your way up to the building at the top of the hill and enter the main hub, which is the same location where you’ll likely fight the boss of the area. Look for a yellow military crate in the centre of the room. Inside, you’ll find Maddie’s Ring, a load of loot and the Message for Bog (Evidence) log.
Gennady Ayton evidence
The Gennady Ayton evidence in Starfield’s “Burden of Proof” quest is found in the Clinic located on the station called The Clinic, orbiting Deepala in the Narion system. This piece of evidence is part of the “Doctor’s Orders” side mission. To obtain it, players must first talk to Doctor Samina at the clinic to start the quest. Then, during the mission, they will find Gennady Ayton in his office, and the evidence is located in the corner of his office atop a stack of computer parts. This evidence is crucial for progressing in the “Burden of Proof” questline and contributes to uncovering illegal activities tied to the Crimson Fleet.
Location: The Clinic / orbiting Deepala / Narion System (During “Doctors Orders” side quest)
Onboard The Key, you can find Samina working in the medical bay. After a few conversations you’ll find out that they’re in need of some help sourcing their medical supplies. Much like Bog’s quest, Samina will send you on an optional mission that houses some evidence along the way.
Follow the quest marker and go to The Clinic, which orbits Deepala in the Narion System. Once there, use your scanner to lead you to Ayton’s office. On top of a stack of servers in the right hand corner of the room is the Gennady Ayton (Evidence) text log.
Kreet Offer evidence
The Kreet Offer evidence in Starfield’s “Burden of Proof” quest can be found at The Den, located in the Wolf system’s Chthonia orbit. This piece of evidence lies on a table overlooking the bar, making it easily accessible once you arrive at The Den. The Den is also a convenient location for selling contraband, so players might want to make it a regular stop during their travels. Collecting this evidence contributes to progressing the quest and unlocking rewards from the UC SysDef faction.
Location: The Den / Orbiting Chthonia / Wolf System
If, like me, you already find yourself frequenting The Den to sell your wares to the Trade Authority, you’ll be pleased to hear there is some evidence you can grab next time you swing by. Once you exit your ship, move directly forward to the tables overlooking the bar. On the central table, you can pick up the Kreet Offer (Evidence) text log.
HopeTown Raid evidence
The HopeTown Raid evidence for the Burden of Proof quest in Starfield is located in the Valo System on the planet Polvo, specifically in the settlement of Hopetown. To find it, players should land at Hopetown and head directly to the main building, where they will find a bar called the Pit Stop. Inside the Pit Stop, the evidence slate is placed on the front bar counter at the back of the room. This piece of evidence is one of several found on planets unrelated to the Crimson Fleet questline and can be collected without engaging in any specific mission there.
Location: Hopetown / Polvo / Valo System
This one is extremely straightforward. Once you land in HopeTown, you’ll see the Pit Stop directly ahead of your ship. Go inside and beeline for the bar. On the right hand corner of the bar you can find the HopeTown Raid (Evidence) audio log.
Mira’s Demise evidence
The evidence titled “Mira’s Demise” in Starfield’s “Burden of Proof” quest can be found on the Crimson Fleet base known as The Key, located in the Kryx system. Specifically, this evidence slate is hidden in the bunk area of The Key’s crew quarters. To locate it, players need to navigate past the bar and gym area, head to the southwesternmost room in the bunks section, which contains a barbell, and find the evidence resting on top of a green box or a black object on a small table near the entrance of that room. This room is also marked by a large weight and a skull drawing on the wall. The evidence is one of three slates found on The Key and is accessible after the initial tour of the station.
Location: The Key / orbiting Survorov / Kryx System
Once again, on board The Key, find your way to the bunks by following the handwritten signs on the walls. At the entrance, keep moving forward until you see a room on your left with a barbell inside. On the left side of that room, next to the bed, is the Mira’s Demise (Evidence) audio log.
Request A17 evidence
The “Request A17” evidence in Starfield’s “Burden of Proof” quest is located on The Key, a station orbiting Subrov in the Kryx system. You can find this piece of evidence in the Ship Services room, on a desk next to Jasmine Durand. It is inside a white object positioned above a grey tub, to the right as you enter the room from the docking area. Collecting this evidence contributes to the overall quest progress and helps in building the case against the Crimson Fleet for Lieutenant Toft aboard the UC Vigilance.
Location: The Key / orbiting Survorov / Kryx System
In the main trade area of The Key, go into Jasmine Durand’s office. In the right corner, next to some duffels in a toaster-like piece of hardware, you can find the Request A17 (Evidence) log.
Voss’s Parts evidence
Voss’s Parts is one of the three evidence slates found on The Key during the “Burden of Proof” quest in Starfield. To locate this evidence, players must reach the Command Center of The Key and ascend to the second level where Delgado’s room and headquarters are situated. In Delgado’s main room, look to the back left section near his personal terminal; there, a slate holder contains the Voss’s Parts evidence. This piece is positioned atop a large computer console in a small room accessed by stairs within the operations area, making it a key collectible for advancing the quest and gaining rewards.
Location: The Key / orbiting Survorov / Kryx System
Above the Command Centre on The Key is Delgado’s office. Enter the door, turn left, and head toward his computer in the corner of the room. Sitting in a holder to the left of Delgado’s computer is the Voss’s Parts (Evidence).
Chunks Heist evidence
The Chunks Heist evidence in Starfield’s “Burden of Proof” quest can be found on the bar in Red Mile on Porrima III, within the Porrima system. This piece of evidence is one of the many you need to collect throughout the galaxy to help Lieutenant Jillian Toft build a case against the Crimson Fleet. Returning this evidence to Toft aboard the UC Vigilance will contribute to the quest’s progression and help bring implicated individuals to justice.
Location: Red Mile / Porrima III / Porrima System
For this piece of evidence you’ll need to make your way to Porrima III and search across the planet for a landing location called the Red Mile. Exiting your ship, it will be the only building in sight so head in the front door. Veer left into the main gambling area, and on the left corner of the bar, you’ll find Chunks Heist (Evidence).
Chiroptera evidence
The Chiroptera evidence in Starfield’s “Burden of Proof” quest can be found at Gagarin Landing on the planet Gagarin in the Alpha Centauri System. After landing, head straight into the town and follow the walkway past the Centauri Mills building until you reach a large outdoor tavern. The evidence slate is located on the right side of the barfront, tended by a woman named Lizzy. This piece of evidence is one of several that appear on planets unrelated to the Crimson Fleet questline and can be collected to help complete the overarching side quest for UC SysDef.
Location: Gagarin’s Landing / Gagarin / Alpha Centauri
Our next piece of evidence is conveniently located in the Alpha Centauri system, a stone’s throw from New Atlantis. Land at the Gagargin’s Landing marker on the planet Gagarin and move towards the built-up complex. Keep going straight until you find some stairs and go down them. Walk straight past the Centauri Mills building to a red-hued bar run by a character named Lizzy Ajello. On the right corner of the bar, you can pick up the Chiroptera (Evidence) audio log.
GBLR013: Mortem Orbire evidence
The GBLR013: Mortem Orbire evidence is a crucial piece in the “Burden of Proof” questline in Starfield, found during the Crimson Fleet mission “Eye of the Storm.” This evidence is located aboard the Legacy ship in the Bannoc system, specifically in the GalBank Vault at the very end near the body of Jasper Kryx. Players must look on the floor among the Credstiks to find the Evidence Slate, which reveals the fate of Jasper Kryx and is mandatory to complete the quest. It is the final main piece of evidence in the Crimson Fleet storyline and must be collected before transferring the GalBank credits if siding with the fleet, as it becomes unavailable afterward.
Location: The Legacy Ship / orbiting Bannoc IV / Bannoc (During “Eye of the Storm”)
Disclaimer: During the events of “Eye of the Storm,” you will be asked to make a choice that will limit your access to certain quests after the fact. We recommend collecting the extra pieces of evidence before taking on this final mission if you are a completionist who wants to hand them all in.
Once you’ve landed on The Legacy, you’ll face an onslaught of robotic enemies as you make your way through the vault. The final piece of evidence is found in the vault’s control room, next to the body of Jasper Kryx. On the floor (next to a stash of tasty credstiks), you can collect the GBLR013: Mortem Orbire (Evidence) log and complete your collection.
Burden of Proof reward, quest ending explained
The “Burden of Proof” quest in Starfield involves collecting up to 20 pieces of evidence scattered across various locations to expose the Crimson Fleet’s illegal activities. To complete the quest, you need to return at least 15 pieces of evidence to Lieutenant Jillian Toft aboard the UC Vigilance. Each piece of evidence handed in results in the arrest of a Crimson Fleet member, impacting the faction’s strength in later missions. Completing the quest unlocks experience points, credits, and a unique reward, and it also influences the difficulty of the final Crimson Fleet faction battle depending on your choices. The quest ends once you exhaust all dialogue options with Toft after submitting the necessary evidence.
Once you’ve nabbed all the evidence, you can return to the UC Vigilance to talk to Lieutenant Toft one final time. Before you throw everything you have at them and gain your reward, you’ll first need to exhaust their dialogue options (if you haven’t already).
Where are the most hidden Evidence Slates in Starfield’s galaxy
The most hidden Evidence Slates in Starfield’s galaxy are scattered across secretive and hard-to-reach locations, often requiring infiltration or careful exploration. Key hidden spots include:
-
The SY-920 space station in Luten’s Star System, specifically in the Research Labs area behind Dr. Gabriel Vogel’s lab, where you must infiltrate the base and access a backroom with a push cart holding the evidence.
-
The planet Gagarin in the Alpha Centauri System, at Lizzy’s Bar in Gagarin Landing, which is off the main Crimson Fleet questline and easy to overlook.
-
The Den, a remote space station orbiting Chthonia in the Wolf system, where the evidence is found on a bar table by the balcony in plain sight but in a location unrelated to the main questline.
-
The Key space station orbiting Subrov in the Kryx system, with several pieces of evidence hidden in areas like the Operations Room near Delgado’s computer and the Bunks section.
-
The Broken Spear bar on Mars (Cydonia, Sol System), where the first evidence log is found behind Adler Kemp’s desk during the Deep Cover mission.
These locations are often tucked away in labs, bars, or upper levels of stations, requiring stealth, disguise, or thorough searching to uncover all 20 Evidence Slates essential for completing the “Burden of Proof” quest fully.
Which Evidence Slates are hardest to find in the SY-920 space station
The hardest Evidence Slates to find in the SY-920 space station are:
-
Eubanks and Woods Evidence: Located in the Research Labs area during the “The Best There Is” mission, this evidence is in a back room behind Dr. Gabriel Vogel’s lab in Lab 4. You need to infiltrate the base, preferably wearing a disguise, and find a push cart on the right side of the large console area where the evidence is placed. This location is easy to miss if you don’t explore the back rooms thoroughly.
-
Huan’s Talk Evidence: Although technically found on New Atlantis, it is closely tied to the SY-920 infiltration mission. After meeting Huan Daiyu, you must head to The Well and enter the kitchen area of Kay’s Place restaurant to find the evidence slate hidden in the back room. This is often overlooked because it is off the main path during the initial meeting.
These slates require careful exploration and timing during the mission to avoid missing them, making them the most challenging to locate within or related to SY-920 operations.
